One year on from Tian Tian and Yang Guang's arrival at Edinburgh Zoo staff hope to hear the patter of panda feet

By SIMON MURPHY

Party: Tian Tian tucks in to panda cake to mark one year in Scotland Their private jet landed in a blaze of publicity befitting their status as international celebrities. And now, one year arriving at Edinburgh Zoo, they have made more than half a million new friends. But as Tian Tian and Yang Guang mark the anniversary of their arrival tomorrow, staff hope 2013 will be the year they finally hear the patter of tiny panda feet.

Star attraction: The animals jetted in from China on December 4 last year and have become the zoo's biggest stars, attracting more than 500,000 visitors The animals jetted in from China on December 4 last year and have become the zoo's biggest stars, attracting more than 500,000 visitors. Some 70,000 cuddly toy pandas have been sold at the zoo's giftshop, while it is thought their A-list status has generated an extra £3million revenue. The animals will stay in Edinburgh for at least another nine years.

Big eater: Panda Yang Guang needs 44lb of bamboo shoots every day However, Cupid's arrow has yet to strike for the pair, as Tian Tian, whose name means 'Sweetie' and male Yang Guang, meaning 'sunshine', have failed to mate. The animals have a very limited breeding season, and experts believe Yang Guang came in to season two weeks after Tian Tian. Next year, keepers are set to enforce a strict 'lights out' policy in an attempt to synchronise the animals' breeding cycles.

Arrival: The freight aircraft that transported giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang at Edinburgh Airport last year

Welcome: Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrived under police escort at their new home at Edinburgh Zoo last year source: dailymail