Japan bids farewell to final pandas due to strained relations with China

Two pandas depart from Tokyo Zoo

A farewell ceremony was held at the Tokyo Zoo on [date] as thousands of people gathered to bid goodbye to Japan’s last two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei. The pandas are set to return to China, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

The departure marks the end of an era for Japan, which has not had any pandas in residence since 2011. This is the first time in over half a century that Japan will be without its panda population.

The Tokyo Zoo was home to Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei from 2009 until now. The pandas were loaned to Japan as part of an agreement between the two countries aimed at promoting cultural exchange and cooperation.

According to reports, the pandas’ departure is part of their scheduled return to China, where they will be cared for by the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas. The center is responsible for breeding and rearing giant pandas in captivity.

The exact date of the pandas’ arrival in China has not been confirmed. However, officials from both countries have confirmed that the pandas are expected to arrive soon.

Source: Al Jazeera