Finland will return Lumi and Pyry, two giant pandas to China in November, more than eight years ahead of time because the zoo where they live can no longer afford their upkeep, says Risto Sivonen, the chairman of the Ähtäri Zoo’s board.
The pandas were brought to Finland in January 2018, after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the the country and signed a joint agreement on protecting the animals.
China has been sending pandas to foreign zoos to strengthen trading ties, cement foreign relations and boost its international image.
Ähtäri Zoo had invested more than €8 million (S$11.5 million) in the facility where the animals live. It also faced annual costs of €1.5 million for their upkeep, including a preservation fee paid to China.
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