In a move that highlights the challenges faced by zoos in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and global inflation, Ähtäri Zoo in Finland has announced that it will be returning its two beloved giant pandas, Lumi and Pyry, to China this November.
The decision comes eight years earlier than planned, with the zoo citing unsustainable financial pressures as the primary reason for cutting short the pandas’ stay.
The pandas were originally brought to Finland in 2018 as part of a 15-year agreement between Finland and China aimed at the protection and conservation of the endangered species.
However, the zoo’s escalating costs, compounded by debt incurred during the pandemic and inflationary pressures, have forced the early conclusion of what was once seen as a symbol of strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
A Costly Commitment
Housing and caring for giant pandas is an expensive and complex undertaking. According to Marko Haapakoski, curator of Ähtäri Zoo, the annual cost of maintaining Lumi and Pyry amounted to approximately €1.5 million (£1.2 million), a figure far exceeding the expenses for all other species combined.
This substantial cost covered several aspects of the pandas’ care, including the presence of a full-time keeper, who was required to remain with the pandas at all times, as well as a preservation fee paid to China.
One of the most significant expenses, however, was the cost of importing bamboo, the pandas’ primary diet.
Since Finland does not have a natural supply of bamboo, it had to be sourced from abroad, adding a substantial logistical and financial burden to the zoo’s budget.
The zoo also invested more than €8 million into creating a specialized enclosure to meet the pandas’ unique needs. Despite these efforts, the financial strain has become untenable. “It’s a good thing for the zoo because they were so expensive,” Haapakoski remarked, reflecting on the decision.
“But the pandas had been doing really well, so it’s a pity. They’re really nice to work with.” While Haapakoski expressed regret over the decision, he acknowledged that it was a necessary step for the zoo’s financial survival.
Impact of the Pandemic and Inflation
The decision to return the pandas early is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by zoos globally, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Like many other cultural institutions, Ähtäri Zoo experienced a sharp decline in visitors during the pandemic lockdowns, which severely impacted its revenue.
Even after reopening, visitor numbers have struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels, leaving the zoo with mounting debts.
The global rise in inflation has further exacerbated the zoo’s financial woes, driving up the cost of goods and services, including the import of bamboo and the maintenance of the pandas’ specialized habitat.
Despite efforts to offset these costs through ticket sales and donations, the zoo found itself in an increasingly precarious financial position.
In a bid to secure additional funding, Ähtäri Zoo made repeated pleas to the Finnish government for financial support. However, these requests were ultimately rejected, leaving the zoo with few viable options other than to send the pandas back to China.
“They thought the pandas would bring more visitors, and that it was a good investment—turns out it wasn’t so,” Haapakoski explained.
Panda Diplomacy: A Symbol of International Relations
Lumi and Pyry’s arrival in Finland in 2018 was widely seen as a symbol of diplomatic cooperation between Finland and China. The loan of giant pandas to foreign zoos is part of China’s broader strategy of “panda diplomacy,” a practice that dates back to the 1950s.
By sending pandas to zoos in countries with which China seeks to strengthen diplomatic or trade ties, the Chinese government hopes to foster goodwill and enhance its global image.
The panda pair’s arrival in Finland was met with much fanfare, with both countries hailing the exchange as a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. However, the financial challenges facing Ähtäri Zoo have cast a shadow over this once-celebrated arrangement.
Despite the decision to return the pandas, both Finnish and Chinese officials have emphasized that the move is purely a business decision and should not affect relations between the two countries.
A spokesperson for Finland’s foreign ministry confirmed that the Finnish government had not been involved in the decision, which was made by the zoo in consultation with its Chinese counterparts.
Similarly, a statement from the Chinese embassy in Finland noted that efforts had been made to find a solution to the zoo’s financial difficulties but that a mutual decision was eventually reached to send the pandas back.
“The pandas’ return is the result of joint discussions, and we believe this will not impact the strong ties between our nations,” the embassy said.
A Difficult Goodbye for the Zoo and Visitors
For Ähtäri Zoo and its visitors, the impending departure of Lumi and Pyry marks the end of an era.
The pandas quickly became one of the zoo’s star attractions, drawing visitors from across Finland and beyond. Their playful antics and unique presence helped to elevate the zoo’s profile both locally and internationally.
The pandas’ return to China will involve a month-long quarantine period before they are transported back to their homeland. While the exact details of their relocation have yet to be finalized, preparations are already underway to ensure their safe journey.
The zoo has expressed mixed emotions about the pandas’ departure. “It’s bittersweet,” Haapakoski admitted. “We’re sad to see them go because they’ve become part of our family here, but financially, it’s the right thing to do.”
Broader Implications for Zoos Worldwide
Ähtäri Zoo’s decision to return Lumi and Pyry is not an isolated case. Zoos around the world are grappling with similar financial challenges as they face declining visitor numbers, rising operational costs, and the lingering effects of the pandemic.
The situation has raised important questions about the sustainability of housing expensive and high-maintenance species, particularly when financial conditions become strained.
Many zoos rely on ticket sales, donations, and government subsidies to stay afloat, and the prolonged pandemic has highlighted the fragility of these funding models.
As a result, some zoos are being forced to reconsider their long-term strategies, with some opting to downsize their collections or focus on less expensive species.
The return of the pandas also underscores the complexities of international wildlife conservation agreements, which often involve significant financial commitments.
While panda diplomacy is intended to foster goodwill between nations, it also comes with considerable costs that may not always align with the financial realities of the institutions involved.
Looking Ahead
As Lumi and Pyry prepare to embark on their journey back to China, Ähtäri Zoo is left to reflect on the lessons learned from their time in Finland.
While the pandas brought joy to countless visitors and helped to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation, their stay ultimately proved too costly for the zoo to sustain.
Looking forward, the zoo will need to adapt to its new financial reality and explore ways to remain a popular destination without the draw of its famous pandas.
For Finland and China, the return of Lumi and Pyry signals the conclusion of one chapter in their diplomatic relationship, but both nations have expressed confidence that their ties will remain strong.
In the meantime, the pandas’ departure serves as a reminder of the financial and logistical challenges involved in international wildlife conservation—a challenge that will continue to shape the future of zoos around the world.