All four giant pandas residing at Wakayama Prefecture's Adventure World theme park will return to the Chinese mainland in late June, the park's operator confirmed Thursday. The decision aligns with the expiration of their loan agreement, marking the end of a beloved chapter in Japan's wildlife conservation partnership with China.
The pandas—Eimei, Rauhin, Ryuhin, and Shouhinn—have been popular attractions since their arrival under China's conservation-focused panda diplomacy program. Three of the pandas were born in Japan, reflecting successful breeding collaboration between institutions in the two countries.
The return coincides with ongoing efforts to balance international wildlife exchanges with domestic conservation priorities. China has long utilized panda loans to strengthen diplomatic and scientific ties, with agreements typically spanning 10–15 years. Wakayama's pandas have drawn over 20 million visitors since 1994, symbolizing Japan-China cultural connectivity.
While no immediate replacements have been announced, wildlife experts emphasize that such exchanges remain crucial for global biodiversity research. The pandas will undergo quarantine before their transfer, monitored by specialists from both countries.
