Ähtäri Zoo cites rising costs, pandemic-related debt, and lack of government support as reasons for sending pandas back to China
Why Are the Pandas Being Returned Early?
Declared to be unable to pay to care for the costly creatures, a Finnish zoo has decided to send two giant pandas back to China eight years earlier than scheduled. Initially transported to Finland in 2018 by an arrangement between China and Finland to assist panda conservation, Lumi and Pyry, the two pandas, were originally from China.
Originally supposed to remain in the Nordic nation for 15 years, Ähtäri Zoo has now booked their return for November. The zoo links the choice to inflation and growing debt connected to the epidemic of COVID-19.
How Much Does It Cost to Care for the Pandas?
For the zoo, keeping the pandas proved to be unaffordable. The organization paid €1.5 million (£1.2 million) yearly only for the care of the pandas.
“That sum was far more than all the other species taken together,” the zoo said. Further financial burden was added by the zoo’s investments in constructing the pandas’ enclosure, more than €8 million.
Other costs included paying a preservation fee to China and importing bamboo, their primary food source. The hefty upkeep cost included round-the-clock care for the pandas; a keeper must always be with them.
Why Was This Decision Difficult for the Zoo?
Notwithstanding the financial load, the zoo grieved the pandas’ leaving.
“They’re nice to work with,” a spokesman remarked. “It’s a good thing for the zoo since they were so expensive, but it’s sad since the pandas were doing rather well here.”
Another important consideration in their decision to return was the Finnish government’s denial of public financing to assist with Lumi and Pyry’s care.
Reflecting on the original notion that the pandas would increase zoo attendance and income, the spokesman said, “They thought the pandas would bring more visitors and that it was a good investment.” As it happens, it wasn’t entirely.
Due to financial problems, the zoo disclosed last year that it was negotiating about maybe bringing the pandas back to China.
What Are the Next Steps for Lumi and Pyry?
Lumi and Pyry will be quarantined for one month as part of their departure preparations before returning to China. A spokesman from Finland’s foreign ministry said the pandas’ homecoming was “a business decision” devoid of government involvement. The government further underlined that the action should not affect relations between Finland and China.
A Finnish-Chinese embassy official observed concurrently that although several initiatives had been undertaken to help the zoo, a collective decision had finally been taken to bring the pandas back.
What Role Does Panda Diplomacy Play in China's International Relations?
As part of its “panda diplomacy,” China often sends giant pandas to foreign zoos to improve international ties and advance conservation initiatives. Pandas are symbols of cooperation and friendliness, but their upkeep represents a significant financial outlay for hosting nations.
But in Finland’s Ähtäri Zoo, the financial demands of tending to Lumi and Pyry finally exceeded the symbolic worth of doing so. The zoo discusses the difficulties of keeping such unique and beloved creatures as the pandas prepare for their return trip.
