Finland to Return Pandas to China Amid Financial Struggles

Finland's Ahtari Zoo will return two giant pandas, Lumi and Pyry, to China in November, eight years ahead of schedule due to financial difficulties. The zoo had hoped the pandas would boost tourism but faced mounting debts and rising costs. The return was a business decision to alleviate financial pressures.

Finland's Ahtari Zoo will return two giant pandas to China in November, citing financial struggles with maintaining the animals' upkeep. Lumi and Pyry, the pandas, were brought to Finland in January 2018 following an agreement signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The initial agreement planned a 15-year stay for the pandas, but this will end eight years early, as the zoo can no longer afford their care costs.

The zoo had invested over 8 million euros in facilities for the pandas, and faced annual upkeep costs of 1.5 million euros, including a preservation fee paid to China. Financial difficulties deepened with the pandemic, leading the zoo to discuss returning the pandas. Although both the Finnish government and China engaged in discussions, they ultimately jointly decided to return the animals after three years of negotiations.

A spokesperson from Finland's foreign ministry confirmed that this decision was purely financial and should not affect Finland-China relations. Despite efforts by China to help, rising inflation and lack of state funds forced the decision. The pandas will enter a month-long quarantine before being shipped back to China.

(With inputs from agencies.)