Tokyo (TDI): In an emotional farewell, four giant pandas from Wakayama Prefecture’s Adventure World amusement park departed Japan on Saturday, heading to their new home at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan, China.
The pandas, 24-year-old Rauhin and her daughters Yuihin (8), Saihin (6), and Fuhin (4), were transported early in the morning, as zoo staff and fans lined the route to say goodbye.
Supporters wearing T-shirts printed with the pandas’ images gathered at the roadside, waving flags and cheering as the truck carrying the animals rolled past.
Park director Koji Imazu said that although the pandas are leaving, their legacy will remain a central part of the park’s identity.
Read More: What is Panda Diplomacy and How China Uses Pandas as a Soft Power Currency?
“We hope to continue highlighting the importance of giant pandas and wish for their health and happiness as they settle back in China,” he said.
The panda caretakers at Adventure World worked closely with their counterparts in Chengdu to ensure a smooth transition, providing detailed updates on each panda’s health, temperament, and behavior.
Read More: China to sent new Giant Pandas to United States San Diego Zoo
Adventure World has had a long-standing partnership with China on panda conservation since 1994.
The joint breeding program is set to conclude this August. To avoid putting stress on the animals during travel in the summer heat, both parties agreed to carry out the transfer earlier, while temperatures are still relatively mild.
Rauhin, now in her senior years, will benefit from more advanced veterinary care in China, while her daughters are expected to contribute to future breeding efforts.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
