Where to see pandas around the world

Chinese visitors get a look at their national treasure at a reserve in Chengdu, Sichuan.  (Barbara Demick / Los Angeles Times)

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Spotting a panda in the wild is very rare. Here are some places one can see them without a mountain trek.

Chengdu, Sichuan

Panda sightings in the wild are rare because they live like hermits and so dislike humans that they would rather starve than cross an inhabited area.  (Barbara Demick / Los Angeles Times)

Edinburgh is gaining a very un-Scottish phenom: two giant pandas from China. The 8-year-old breeding pair touched down Sunday on a special flight and were transported to what will be their new home at the Edinburgh Zoo. Yang Guang (Sunshine) and Tian Tian (Sweetie, who is pictured) will go on display Dec. 16 and will remain at the zoo for 10 years. The zoo will pay $1 million a year for the privilege of hosting the pandas raised at the Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center in Ya'an, China, a Reuters article says.

Edinburgh is gaining a very un-Scottish phenom: two giant pandas from China. The 8-year-old breeding pair touched down Sunday on a special flight and were transported to what will be their new home at the Edinburgh Zoo. Yang Guang (Sunshine) and Tian Tian (Sweetie, who is pictured) will go on display Dec. 16 and will remain at the zoo for 10 years. The zoo will pay $1 million a year for the privilege of hosting the pandas raised at the Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center in Ya’an, China, a Reuters article says.  (Jeff J. Mitchell / Getty Images)

Getting ready

A worker finishes welcoming posters for the pandas at the Edinburgh Zoo.  (Jeff J. Mitchell / Getty Images)

Panda statue

A sculpture of a panda near the new exhibit at the zoo.  (Jeff J. Mitchell / Getty Images)

Panda gifts

Panda-themed memorabilia at the Edinburgh Zoo’s gift shop.  (Jeff J. Mitchell / Getty Images)