Panda health fears as building works noise leaves bears feeling ill
Zoo bosses fear one of Edinburgh’s giant pandas has already been made ill by the noise of building work on a nearby site.
The Scottish Government has notified the city council that ministers may call in the planning application to convert the former Corstorphine Hospital into new homes, amid fears work on the site could affect the pandas’ health.
Giant pandas like Tian Tian and Yang Guang, on loan from China since 2011, have ultrasonic hearing and can pick up noises at very high frequencies, sparking concerns about prolonged construction work just yards from their enclosure. The Scotsman also understands male panda Yang Guang had a bout of colic in November, shortly after initial works had been carried out on the hospital site. Zoo bosses cannot prove noise from the site was linked to the illness, but they are said to believe it may have been the cause.
The zoo is in talks with the developers, Sundial Dundas Corstorphine, to try to find a solution to the problem. One suggestion is the panda enclosure could be relocated – at the developer’s expense – to the other side of the zoo.
Hopes that Tian Tian might give birth to cubs during her stay in Edinburgh have so far been disappointed.
Academic research suggests noise disturbance and any associated stress is a particular concern during the breeding season.
The planning proposal is to create 76 apartments at the old hospital, including 44 newbuild homes, along with car parking and landscaping.
The government letter to the council says ministers could decidetotakeoverthedecision on the application in view of concerns. Corstorphine Tory councillor Scott Douglas said: “There is no doubt the health and wellbeing of the pandas must come first in this situation. I understand any significant noise from work on the site might harm the pandas and deprive Edinburgh of one of its greatest attractions.”
Edinburgh Western Liberal Democrat MSP Alex Colehamilton said: “West Edinburgh has seen a proliferation of new housing over the past ten years ... so I always have a sceptical view when it comes to new plans. However, Corstorphine residents will be anxious the hospital site does not fall into a state of disrepair and go unused.”
A spokesman for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said: “We would be concerned by any development which may disturb animals in our care, particularly sensitive species such as our giant pandas.”