How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?

Two giant pandas have been flown from China to Scotland. How do you go about transporting rare creatures such a distance?

The arrival follows years of diplomacy and consultation. But first came the not inconsiderable task of moving the creatures 5,000 miles (8,050km) from the Ya'an reserve in Chengdu, China.

Dave Lange, managing director of aircraft charters for FedEx Express, which transported the pandas, said the nine-hour flight required 21 months of co-ordination with three teams of specialists in three countries.

Previously, his team has transported polar bears, white tigers, elephants, a rhinoceros, lions, gorillas and a 13ft (4m) tiger shark.

According to Mr Lange, plotting the mission began as far back as in March 2010. The plan involved three crews - one in China, one in Edinburgh and one in the US.

The 777 aircraft which carried the pandas was prepared and loaded with containers full of bamboo and drinking water in the US city of Memphis. It then flew to Chengdu via Anchorage, Alaska.

The enclosures in which the bears were carried were flown out from Memphis to China in advance of the trip and the animals were gradually introduced to them in the lead-up to their departure.

Enclosures were specially constructed to specifications set by the zoo and panda sanctuary. They're steel and Plexiglas, with shutters that can be held off or on if the panda wants to see or wants privacy. They are very spacious for the animals.

Once inside their enclosure, the pandas were driven by lorry to Chengdu airport where they were inspected by wildlife authorities. Detailed export documentation had to be prepared long in advance.

The enclosures were lifted onto the 777 using a standard cargo-loader. On-board, in addition to the flight crew, there was a load master - who had responsibility for ensuring the animals were safe and secure - two attendants and a veterinarian to monitor the animals during the flight.

Mr Lange said the pilot was asked to do his best to avoid turbulence. 

Panda's were selected on the basis that they can travel that sort of distance without too much stress. 

Once in Edinburgh, the pandas were accompanied by Lothian and Borders Police as they were driven to their £250,000 new home at the zoo.

Panda habits and habitats

Eat up to 20kg of bamboo each day

Extra digit on front paws helps tear bamboo

Digestive system lined with thick layer of mucus to protect against splinters