After just over two years of hosting two giant pandas, Finland’s Ähtäri Zoo has announced that it will be returning the animals to China. The decision to send back the pandas, named Lumi and Pyry, is due to the rising costs of caring for the animals, particularly as a result of inflation. The zoo has cited financial reasons as the main factor in their return, as they struggle to cover the costs associated with the pandas’ care.
The pandas were loaned to the zoo by China in January 2018, in a deal that was hailed as a diplomatic success for Finland. However, the agreement was only for a temporary period, with the pandas due to return to China after a few years. The decision to return the animals earlier than expected has sparked disappointment among visitors and staff at the zoo.
The pandas quickly became a popular attraction at Ähtäri Zoo, drawing in large crowds and boosting tourism to the area. However, the financial burden of maintaining the pandas has become unsustainable for the zoo, leading to the difficult decision to return them to China. The costs of caring for pandas, which include housing, food, and medical care, have continued to rise, putting a strain on the zoo’s resources.
The zoo has assured the public that it will continue to provide the best care for the pandas until their return to China. The decision to send back Lumi and Pyry is a difficult one, but ultimately necessary in order to ensure the financial stability of the zoo. The pandas are expected to return to China in the coming months, bringing an end to their time in Finland.
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