What's happened
Ri Ri and Shan Shan, two beloved pandas at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, are set to return to China for medical treatment. Thousands of fans gathered to say goodbye, reflecting the deep emotional connection between the animals and the public. Their departure highlights the ongoing conservation efforts for this endangered species.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, 'More than 2,000 panda lovers formed long queues outside the zoo,' highlighting the emotional connection between the public and the pandas. The New York Times notes that the pandas' return is due to health issues, stating, 'Japan and China agreed to their return home as the aging couple need treatment for high blood pressure.' This reflects the ongoing challenges in panda conservation and the delicate balance of international wildlife diplomacy.
How we got here
The pandas, aged 19, have been at Ueno Zoo since 2011. Their return to China was agreed upon due to health concerns, despite their lease extending until 2026. This event underscores the significance of pandas in international diplomacy and conservation.
More on these topics
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Sichuan is a landlocked province in Southwest China occupying most of the Sichuan Basin and the easternmost part of the Tibetan Plateau between the Jinsha River on the west, the Daba Mountains in the north, and the Yungui Plateau to the south.
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Ri Ri is a male giant panda born in 2006 in China and settled in Ueno Zoo of Tokyo. After the devastating earthquake and tsunami, he and his partner Shin Shin traveled from China to Tokyo in February 2011 to lift the mood of the Japanese public.