A zoo in Finland has announced its decision to return two giant pandas to China more than eight years ahead of schedule due to rising inflation and maintenance costs. The pandas, Lumi and Pyry, were brought to Finland in 2018 after an agreement was signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Nordic country. The initial agreement was for a 15-year stay, but the pandas will now be returning to China after a month-long quarantine.
The Ahtari Zoo, where the pandas currently reside, cited annual upkeep costs of 1.5 million euros, in addition to an 8 million euro investment in their facility, as reasons for the decision. The zoo had hoped the pandas would attract visitors to the location, but financial difficulties arose due to the pandemic and rising inflation. Negotiations to return the pandas began three years ago, and the decision was ultimately reached with the assistance of the Chinese government.
The return of the pandas is seen as a business decision made by the zoo and does not involve the Finnish government. Both Finland’s foreign ministry and the Chinese embassy in Helsinki emphasized that the decision should not impact relations between the two countries. The practice of sending pandas to foreign zoos has been a way for China to strengthen ties, cement foreign relations, and boost its international image since 1949. Despite the setback, the zoo and the government of Finland remain committed to maintaining positive relations with China.
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