CCTV is in widespread use around the UK and in many other countries around the world. Generally, it is utilised to bolster security and to catch people in the act of committing illegal or antisocial acts. However, new CCTV cameras are set to be used at Edinburgh Zoo in a somewhat unusual way.
Managers at the visitor attraction, which opened in 1913 and is set in 82 acres of sloping parkland, have decided to install CCTV in the panda enclosure, the Edinburgh Evening News reports. The so-called ‘panda-cams’ will beam images to fans live online. The animals set to be filmed are Tian Tian and Yang Guang.
Only the outdoor areas of their enclosures will be covered by the cameras, ensuring that the furry mammals have some privacy.
Bosses at the zoo note that they will review the camera locations after six months.
Once the bears have settled into their new environments, the live feeds will appear over the web during daylight hours. Everyone will be able to watch the male panda. However, the female will only be on view to members of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland via a special portal.
Chief executive of the zoo Hugh Roberts remarked: “Our panda-cams will provide an easily accessible medium for people across the world to watch, in close-up, one of the world’s most endearing creatures.
“Education is at the forefront of Edinburgh Zoo’s role in supporting giant panda conservation, and our panda-cams will allow a wider, global audience to learn more about these elusive animals. It means that, wherever you are, you will have the chance to be part of Edinburgh Zoo’s panda experience.”
Meanwhile, plenty of people may well see the creatures in person as many individuals make the trip to the visitor hotspot, which makes use of CCTV cameras in a range of locations, to see what it has to offer. Indeed, around 600,000 consumers head to the zoo each year, making it Scotland’s second most popular attraction after Edinburgh Castle.