After just three years at the Ähtäri Zoo in Finland, the two giant pandas, Lumi and Pyry, will be returning to China earlier than expected. The decision to send the pandas back was made due to lower-than-expected visitor numbers as well as the pandas’ inability to produce any offspring during their time at the zoo. The zoo had hoped that the presence of the pandas would attract more visitors and boost tourism in the rural region, but unfortunately, this did not materialize as planned.
The pandas arrived in Finland in January 2018 as part of a 15-year agreement between the zoo and China, with the hope that they would breed and contribute to the global conservation efforts for the endangered species. However, the pandas did not mate successfully during their time in Finland, and efforts to artificially inseminate Lumi were also unsuccessful. This, combined with the disappointing visitor numbers, led to the decision to return the pandas to China.
While the pandas’ early departure may come as a disappointment to some, the zoo has stated that it was a difficult decision but ultimately the best choice for the animals. The pandas will be transferred to a conservation and breeding facility in China where they will hopefully have better luck in producing offspring. The zoo has also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for allowing the pandas to come to Finland and for their support during their time at the zoo.
Overall, the decision to send the pandas back to China highlights the challenges and uncertainties that come with breeding giant pandas outside of their natural habitat. Despite the disappointing outcome, the zoo remains committed to conservation efforts and will continue to work towards protecting and preserving endangered species in the future.
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