Giant pandas cherished in Japan scheduled to head back to China in September
The metropolitan government announced on Friday that beloved giant pandas Ri Ri and Shin Shin, who are currently living at Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens, will be returning to China in September.
TroibNews 
Ri Ri and Shin Shin, the cherished giant pandas residing at Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo, are scheduled to return to China this September, as per a statement from the metropolitan government on Friday.
Both pandas, originally from Sichuan Province in southwest China, were loaned to Ueno Zoo in February 2011. Ri Ri, the male, and Shin Shin, the female, have been a popular attraction, especially after the birth of their offspring: Xiang Xiang in 2017, who was sent back to China last year, and twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei in 2021. These births drew numerous visitors from around the world, captivated by the pandas born at the facility.
Ueno Zoo revealed that Ri Ri and Shin Shin, now aged 19, are experiencing health issues like high blood pressure, attributable to their age.
Ongoing cooperation between Japanese and Chinese specialists has resulted in continuous joint efforts to manage their healthcare effectively.
Currently, both pandas maintain regular eating habits and levels of activity. However, after discussions with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, it was determined that their return to China would ensure they receive the best possible care.
The pandas are scheduled to depart for China on September 29, making September 28 the final opportunity for visitors to see them at Ueno Zoo.
Post-departure, Ueno Zoo will only house the twin pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei.
In recognition of the happiness Ri Ri and Shin Shin have brought to visitors and their contributions to panda conservation efforts, Ueno Zoo plans to organize a farewell event next month.
(Cover image: A panda leisurely strolling in Japan's Ueno Zoo. /CFP)
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
Both pandas, originally from Sichuan Province in southwest China, were loaned to Ueno Zoo in February 2011. Ri Ri, the male, and Shin Shin, the female, have been a popular attraction, especially after the birth of their offspring: Xiang Xiang in 2017, who was sent back to China last year, and twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei in 2021. These births drew numerous visitors from around the world, captivated by the pandas born at the facility.
Ueno Zoo revealed that Ri Ri and Shin Shin, now aged 19, are experiencing health issues like high blood pressure, attributable to their age.
Ongoing cooperation between Japanese and Chinese specialists has resulted in continuous joint efforts to manage their healthcare effectively.
Currently, both pandas maintain regular eating habits and levels of activity. However, after discussions with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, it was determined that their return to China would ensure they receive the best possible care.
The pandas are scheduled to depart for China on September 29, making September 28 the final opportunity for visitors to see them at Ueno Zoo.
Post-departure, Ueno Zoo will only house the twin pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei.
In recognition of the happiness Ri Ri and Shin Shin have brought to visitors and their contributions to panda conservation efforts, Ueno Zoo plans to organize a farewell event next month.
(Cover image: A panda leisurely strolling in Japan's Ueno Zoo. /CFP)
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
