After eight years of residence at a zoo in rural Finland, two pandas are set to return to China earlier than expected. The decision comes as a result of lower-than-anticipated visitor numbers at Ähtäri Zoo, where the pandas have been staying since their arrival in 2018.
Additionally, the pair of pandas, named Hua Bao and Jin Baobao, have not been able to produce a cub during their time at the zoo. This was a major factor in the decision to send them back to China, as breeding and conservation efforts are key priorities when housing pandas in foreign zoos.
The pandas’ return to China is a bittersweet moment for both the zoo and the Finnish public, who have grown fond of the iconic animals during their time in Finland. The pandas have been a major attraction at Ähtäri Zoo, drawing in visitors from near and far who were eager to catch a glimpse of the rare and beloved creatures.
Despite the disappointment of their early departure, the zoo remains grateful for the opportunity to have hosted the pandas and for the support they received from the public during their stay. The pandas will be missed by many, but the hope is that they will continue to thrive and contribute to the conservation efforts in China.
As the pandas prepare to make their journey back to their homeland, the zoo is planning a farewell celebration to send them off in style. This event will give visitors one last chance to say goodbye to the beloved animals and reflect on the impact they have had during their time in Finland.
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