Finnish zoo to return pandas to China amid financial woes
Ahtari Zoo in Finland has announced its decision to return two giant pandas, Lumi and Pyry, to China due to escalating inflation and maintenance costs. This move comes over eight years earlier than initially planned. The pandas were brought to Finland in January 2018 following a joint agreement on animal protection signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to the Nordic country.
Pandas's early return due to financial strain
The agreement stipulated a 15-year stay for the pandas in Finland. However, they will now undergo a month-long quarantine before being transported back to China, as stated by Ahtari Zoo. The zoo has invested over €8 million ($8.92 million) in the pandas' habitat and incurs annual expenses of €1.5 million for their care, including a conservation fee paid to China, according to Ahtari chair Risto Sivonen.
Pandas's return marks end of lengthy negotiations
The zoo had initially hoped that the presence of the pandas would boost visitor numbers to its central Finland location. However, it reported increasing debts as the pandemic restricted travel and initiated discussions about their return. "Now we reached a point where the Chinese said it could be done," Sivonen said. The Finnish government in 2023 rejected pleas for state funding, and negotiations to return the animals lasted three years.
Pandas's return will not affect Finland-China relations
The decision to return the pandas was made solely by the zoo and does not involve the Finnish government. A spokesperson for Finland's foreign ministry stated that this should not impact relations between Finland and China. The Chinese embassy in Helsinki also confirmed that after friendly consultations, both countries jointly decided to return the pandas. The pandas are set to return to China in November, as confirmed by the chair of the zoo's board.
