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Diplomatic pandas in Finland are being sent back to China

The giant pandas Pyry (Snowdrift) and Lumi (Snow), who have lived in Ähtäri in Finland for seven years, will be sent home to China before the end of the year, the zoo announces.

» Updated: 04 October 2024, 20:22

» Published: 25 September 2024

Diplomatic pandas in Finland are being sent back to China
Photo: Roni Rekomaa/AP/TT

The pandas came to Finland in 2017 as a "gift" in connection with the country celebrating 100 years. The idea was that they would be leased from China for 15 years within the framework of an international program to protect the species.

But Etseri Zoo has been hit by economic problems and is planning for debt restructuring, partly due to fewer tourists after the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine, reports Svenska Yle. Inflation and rising interest rates have also affected the economy.

"The most important thing for us is the well-being of the animals and protecting the species," says Chairman of the Board Risto Sivonen in a press release.

The giant panda is no longer endangered, but is classified as vulnerable.

Corrected: An earlier version of the text contained incorrect information about the cost of having the pandas.

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By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

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