Japan’s last remaining giant pandas, twin siblings Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, will return to China in late January, marking the end of an era that spans nearly 50 years of panda presence in the country. Born at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoological Gardens, the pair will be sent back under a bilateral lease agreement, following the earlier return of four pandas from Wakayama Prefecture.

Since the announcement, crowds of devoted panda fans have flocked to Ueno Zoo to say farewell. The park estimates that about 178,000 visitors will pass through the panda hall between mid-December and late January, with many purchasing themed souvenirs as keepsakes.

Reflecting on their impact, Ueno Zoo’s animal care chief Hitoshi Suzuki thanked the twins for the “immense joy” and “countless touching moments” they brought to visitors. While many fans admit they “really don’t want them to go”, there is broad hope that Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei will enjoy a healthy, happy life after returning to China.

Source: China Central Television