In a surprising decision, two pandas are being sent back to China from a zoo in rural Finland eight years earlier than planned. The pandas, Hua Bao and Jin BaoBao, were brought to Ähtäri Zoo in 2018 as part of a giant panda research program. The goal was for the pandas to remain at the zoo for 15 years and potentially produce a cub.
However, the zoo has decided to return the pandas to China due to lower-than-anticipated visitor numbers and the fact that they did not produce a cub during their time in Finland. The lack of a cub was disappointing for both the zoo and the Chinese authorities, as breeding pandas is a key aspect of conservation efforts for the endangered species.
The decision to send the pandas back to China has received mixed reactions from the public. Some are sad to see the pandas leave and had hoped to see a cub born during their time at the zoo. Others understand the financial implications for the zoo and the importance of panda breeding programs for the species’ survival.
Despite the early return of the pandas, both Ähtäri Zoo and Chinese officials remain committed to the conservation efforts for the beloved bears. The zoo plans to focus on other conservation programs and hopes to potentially bring pandas back in the future. In the meantime, Hua Bao and Jin BaoBao will return to China, where they will continue to be ambassadors for their species and contribute to efforts to ensure the survival of the giant panda.
Source
Photo credit www.nytimes.com
