Finland zoo returns giant pandas to China in November due to costs

In November, two giant pandas named Lumi and Pyry will be returned to China from Ahtari Zoo in Finland, more than eight years earlier than planned. The pandas were brought to Finland in January 2018 following a joint agreement between Finland and China aimed at enhancing relations and promoting wildlife conservation. The zoo, a private entity, had invested over 8 million euros in their habitat but faced annual upkeep costs of 1.5 million euros, which included a preservation fee to China. The financial strain on the zoo intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly reduced visitor numbers and led to mounting debts. Despite efforts to attract tourists, the zoo's situation worsened, prompting discussions about returning the pandas. In 2023, the Finnish government declined requests for state funding, further complicating the zoo's financial viability. After three years of negotiations, the zoo and Chinese authorities reached a mutual agreement to repatriate the pandas. The decision was characterized as a business choice by the zoo, independent of the Finnish government, and was not expected to negatively affect diplomatic relations between Finland and China. The Chinese embassy in Helsinki confirmed that the return was concluded after friendly consultations. The pandas will undergo a month-long quarantine before their return to China, marking the end of their stay in Finland, which was originally intended to last 15 years. This situation highlights the challenges faced by zoos in maintaining exotic animals amid rising costs and economic pressures.