Zoo cites mounting expenses and failed funding appeals as reasons for the early return of Lumi and Pry

Ahtari Zoo in Finland has announced its decision to return two giant pandas, Lumi and Pyry, to China, attributing the move to rising inflation and escalating upkeep costs. Initially brought to Finland in January 2018 under a 15-year agreement following a visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, the pandas were intended to enhance cultural ties and attract tourists to the central Finnish zoo.

Despite investing over 8 million euros (approximately $8.92 million) in a specialized facility for the pandas, Ahtari Zoo has faced annual costs of 1.5 million euros for their care, which includes a preservation fee paid to China. Ahtari chair Risto Sivonen explained that the zoo had accumulated significant debts during the pandemic due to decreased travel and visitor numbers, ultimately prompting discussions about returning the pandas.

Negotiations for the return have spanned three years, culminating in a decision that was not influenced by Finland’s government. While the zoo had hoped the pandas would boost its profile and visitor numbers, the economic realities led to this difficult conclusion. The Finnish foreign ministry has emphasized that the return should not impact diplomatic relations between Finland and China.

The pandas will undergo a month-long quarantine before their repatriation to China, reflecting a broader trend where China lends giant pandas to international zoos to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance its global image. The return of Lumi and Pyry, however, underscores the challenges faced by smaller zoos during economic downturns.

Analysis

Political: The decision to return the pandas highlights the interconnectedness of international relations and economic realities. While the Finnish government has distanced itself from the zoo’s decision, the return may still be perceived as a setback in Finland-China relations, which have been nurtured through cultural exchanges such as the panda loan.

Social: The return of Lumi and Pyry raises questions about the sustainability of animal loans in light of economic pressures. It reflects the broader challenges faced by zoos to maintain animal welfare and visitor engagement amidst fluctuating tourism patterns, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Racial: While the article does not delve into racial issues, the significance of pandas in Chinese culture and their role as diplomatic gifts speaks to a form of soft power that transcends racial boundaries, aiming to foster goodwill and mutual understanding.

Gender: The announcement does not directly address gender dynamics; however, the zoo’s management decisions and the public’s response may reveal underlying gender biases in leadership roles within the zoo industry and animal conservation sectors.

Economic: Ahtari Zoo’s predicament exemplifies the financial strain that many institutions face in maintaining exotic animal exhibits. With rising costs due to inflation and a lack of government support, the zoo’s choice to return the pandas underscores the need for sustainable funding models in wildlife conservation efforts.

The return of Lumi and Pyry serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in international animal loans, particularly when external factors like economic conditions and global pandemics come into play.