Finland to Send Pandas Back to China Due to Financial Strain

In a significant shift, Ähtäri Zoo in Finland has announced that it will return two giant pandas, Lumi and Pyry, to China earlier than planned. Originally intended to stay in Finland for 15 years, the pandas will be repatriated in November, marking an end to their eight-year tenure in the Nordic country. The decision has been attributed to rising costs, particularly related to inflation and financial challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandas were brought to Finland in 2018 following an agreement between Finland and China aimed at their conservation. However, the zoo has faced escalating expenses, reportedly spending €1.5 million (£1.2 million) annually on their care. This figure is notably higher than the combined upkeep costs for all other species at the zoo. Moreover, the establishment of the pandas’ habitat itself required over €8 million in investment.

Mahrko Haekosky, the curator at Ähtäri Zoo, expressed regret over the decision but acknowledged the financial realities at play. “It’s a good thing for the zoo because they were so expensive,” he noted. Despite the high costs, he mentioned that Lumi and Pyry had been thriving during their stay, making the situation all the more disappointing. “They’re really nice to work with,” he added, highlighting the positive experience of caring for the animals.

Another critical factor influencing the zoo’s decision was the Finnish government’s refusal to provide additional funding last year. The zoo had initially hoped that the pandas would attract more visitors and generate sufficient revenue to justify their expenses. “They thought the pandas would bring more visitors, and that it was a good investment—turns out it wasn’t so,” Mr. Haekosky explained.

Last year, Ähtäri Zoo hinted at the possibility of returning the pandas, and now the plans are in motion. Before their journey back to China, Lumi and Pyry will undergo a month-long quarantine to ensure they are fit for travel.

The return of the pandas has sparked discussions about the financial implications of such animal conservation efforts. While many zoos worldwide engage in similar programs, the costs can be daunting, especially when relying on fluctuating visitor numbers for support. The situation raises questions about the sustainability of such partnerships and the expectations set around them.

A spokesperson for Finland’s foreign ministry emphasized that the decision to return the pandas was purely a business choice made by the zoo and did not involve government intervention. This indicates that, despite the pandas’ return, diplomatic relations between Finland and China should remain unaffected. In fact, the Chinese embassy in Finland acknowledged the zoo’s financial difficulties, confirming that discussions had taken place in an effort to assist. However, both parties ultimately agreed on the necessity of sending the pandas back.

Panda diplomacy has been a strategic tool for China, fostering international relationships through the loan of these beloved animals. By sending pandas to foreign zoos, China aims to bolster its image and trade ties abroad. The practice not only promotes conservation but also enhances cultural exchange and mutual understanding between nations.

As the date for Lumi and Pyry’s return approaches, their legacy in Finland will be remembered not just for the joy they brought to visitors, but also for the complex interplay of wildlife conservation, financial sustainability, and international diplomacy. The decision to repatriate the pandas underscores the ongoing challenges that many zoos face in balancing the costs of caring for exotic animals with their broader mission of education and conservation.

In conclusion, while the return of Lumi and Pyry may be a setback for Ähtäri Zoo, it also serves as a reminder of the intricate and sometimes precarious nature of wildlife management and international collaboration.