After nearly 13 years at Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens, beloved giant pandas Ri Ri and Shin Shin are set to return to China this September, the metropolitan government announced on Friday.
The male panda Ri Ri and the female panda Shin Shin, both hailing from Sichuan Province in southwest China, arrived at Ueno Zoo in February 2011 under a leasing agreement. Throughout their stay, they became cherished figures, drawing panda enthusiasts from around the globe.
The duo welcomed several panda cubs during their time in Japan. In 2017, they gave birth to the popular Xiang Xiang, who was returned to China last year. In 2021, they welcomed twin cubs, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, who also captured the hearts of visitors at the zoo.
Now 19 years old, both Ri Ri and Shin Shin are facing health challenges common in aging pandas, including high blood pressure. The decision to return them to China comes as part of plans to ensure they receive the best possible care in their later years.
The Ueno Zoo expressed gratitude to the public for their unwavering support and affection towards the pandas over the years. The return of Ri Ri and Shin Shin marks the end of a significant chapter in the zoo's history and the continuation of their legacy in their native habitat.
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Beloved giant pandas in Japan to return to China in September
cgtn.com
