Top of the Pandas

Tian Tian Wins Gold in Top International Panda Awards

Edinburgh Zoo’s female giant panda Tian Tian, also known as Sweetie, has been voted the favourite panda outside of China, scooping gold in the panda version of the Oscars. Capturing 19% of the category votes, Edinburgh’s feisty female shot into the lead to claim gold.

Panda fans and enthusiasts from all over the world have been voting in great numbers in the Giant Panda Zoo Awards 2013. Launched last year, this is the second time the panda awards have been held. Results were announced at 10am Eastern Standard Time (3pm GMT) at special ceremony at the panda enclosure in Zoo Atlanta.

However, Yang Guang (Sunshine), fans need not feel sorry for the big male, as last year in its inaugural year Edinburgh’s male proudly took silver place in the very same award category.

This is Tian Tian’s second award, as controversially the black and white bear appeared in the 2011 BBC’s Women of the Year List alongside names like Pippa Middleton and Adele. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16203296

Alison Maclean, Team Leader for Giant Pandas, said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to accept the award on behalf of Tian Tian for Favourite Panda Outside of China. Of course, she is now on equal par with Yang Guang as he got silver last year for Favourite Panda Outside of China! We think it’s absolutely amazing that everybody feels the same way about our female panda as we do; it’s just great and thank you to everyone for voting for us.”