Finland: Ähtäri Zoo, Finland’s oldest organic animal park, is returning two giant pandas to China eight years early, due to their high maintenance cost. Lumi and Pyry were brought to Finland in 2018, after the two countries signed an agreement to protect the animals.
The pandas were supposed to stay in the Nordic country for 15 years, but they will be sent home in November. Ähtäri Zoo said that the announcement of pandas’ eviction was influenced by inflation and debt linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Zoo pointed out that it had spent €1.5 million (£1.2 million) a year on the pandas upkeep, as well as more than €8 million (£6.6 million) on their enclosure. According to the zoo’s chairman, a preservation fee to China was included in the yearly expense.
Another factor in the decision to return the pandas was the Finnish government rejecting pleas for state funding last year. It was hoped the bears would bring in visitors, but the zoo revealed last year that it was discussing their return.
Lumi and Pyry will soon go into a month-long quarantine before they are shipped back to China. Finland’s foreign ministry stated that the pandas’ return was solely a business decision that did not involve the government, and that it should not impact relations between Finland and China.
China sends pandas to foreign zoos to strengthen its trading ties, relationships and image abroad – termed ‘panda diplomacy’.
The pandas can be seen on October 20, until and panda house will close on October 21. For almost seven years, the panda couple has been bringing joy to zoo visitors. ushtäri Zoo and China have worked together to protect this unique species and both countries are proud of the results of the conservation program in research and training programs, officials stated.
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