The Ähtäri Zoo in Finland has announced that it will be returning its two giant pandas, Lumi and Pyry, to China due to financial reasons. The zoo cited inflation as a major factor in their decision, as the cost of caring for the pandas has become too expensive.
The pandas, who were on loan from China, arrived at the zoo in 2018 as part of a research and conservation program. The zoo had hoped that the pandas would attract more visitors and boost revenue, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for the zoo to cover the costs of caring for the pandas.
Inflation has also played a significant role in the zoo’s decision to return the pandas, as the cost of bamboo, the main food source for the bears, has increased in recent years. The zoo estimates that it spends around 225,000 euros ($255,000) per month on the pandas, and with inflation on the rise, this cost has become unsustainable.
The decision to return the pandas has sparked outrage among animal rights activists, who argue that the pandas should not be treated as commodities and shuffled around for financial reasons. Critics also point out that the pandas were brought to Finland to be part of a breeding program, and their removal will have negative implications for conservation efforts.
Despite the controversy, the zoo remains firm in its decision to return the pandas, stating that they are working closely with Chinese authorities to ensure a smooth transition for Lumi and Pyry. The pandas are expected to return to China in the coming months, where they will be placed in a new facility.
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