Finland to Return Giant Pandas to China Due to Financial Strain

Finland will return two giant pandas, Lumi and Pyry, to China in November, cutting short a 15-year agreement due to financial difficulties at Ahtari Zoo. The zoo faced high upkeep costs and decreased visitors due to the pandemic, leading to rising debts and eventual negotiations for the pandas' return.

Finland is set to return two giant pandas to China this November, ending a 15-year agreement prematurely due to financial strains, Ahtari Zoo's board chair revealed to Reuters on Tuesday.

The pandas, named Lumi and Pyry, arrived in Finland in January 2018 following a joint agreement signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at protecting the animals and strengthening bilateral ties. The People's Republic of China has historically sent pandas to foreign zoos to foster international relations.

Despite a significant investment of over 8 million euros in panda facilities and annual upkeep costs of 1.5 million euros, Ahtari Zoo found itself in mounting debt, exacerbated by the pandemic and rising inflation. Finland's government rejected state funding requests, leading to three years of negotiations culminating in the pandas' upcoming return.

(With inputs from agencies.)