Finland has made the decision to return two giant pandas to China in November 2024, significantly earlier than the originally planned 15-year agreement. This move comes as a result of financial difficulties faced by Ahtari Zoo, where the pandas, named Lumi and Pyry, have resided since January 2018.
The pandas' arrival in Finland was part of a diplomatic gesture following Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the Nordic country. This practice, known as "panda diplomacy," has been a cornerstone of China's international relations since the 1950s. The giant panda, considered a national treasure in China, has been sent to various countries to strengthen trade ties and enhance China's global image.
Ahtari Zoo, a private entity, invested over 8 million euros in creating a suitable habitat for the pandas. However, the anticipated increase in visitors to central Finland did not materialize as expected. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation by curbing travel, leading to mounting debts for the zoo.
The annual upkeep costs for the pandas, including a preservation fee paid to China, amounted to 1.5 million euros. This financial burden, coupled with rising inflation, became unsustainable for the zoo. Despite pleas for assistance, the Finnish government declined to provide state funding in 2023.
It's worth noting that giant pandas, while no longer classified as endangered since 2016, remain vulnerable. With only about 1,864 pandas left in the wild, conservation efforts are crucial. These fascinating creatures have unique characteristics, such as a "pseudo-thumb" that aids in gripping bamboo, their primary food source. Adult pandas can consume 12-38 kg of bamboo daily, dedicating 10-16 hours to feeding.
The decision to return the pandas was reached after three years of negotiations. Risto Sivonen, the chair of Ahtari Zoo's board, stated, "Now we reached a point where the Chinese said it could be done." The pandas will undergo a month-long quarantine before their journey back to China.
A spokesperson for Finland's foreign ministry emphasized that this was a business decision made by the zoo and should not impact bilateral relations between Finland and China. The Chinese embassy in Helsinki has not commented on the matter.
This situation highlights the complexities of international wildlife conservation efforts and the financial challenges faced by zoos. While pandas can live up to 30 years in captivity, their care requires significant resources. The panda's unique biology, including their poor eyesight and limited fertility window of 24-36 hours per year, makes their conservation particularly challenging.
As Finland prepares to bid farewell to Lumi and Pyry, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing global efforts to protect these beloved creatures and the delicate balance between diplomacy, conservation, and economic realities.