Visitors from across Japan have been flocking to Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens, lining up for a final glimpse of giant panda twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, who are set to return to China in late January.
Since the announcement of their departure, thousands have made their way to the zoo for one last look at the beloved pair. Interest has been so great that the zoo had to start a viewing lottery, with winners only able to observe the bears for just one minute per visit.
Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were born at the zoo in June 2021, and many fans have watched them grow from cubs into adulthood. Some devoted visitors came as often as once a week.
"Pandas are such a comfort, so it's truly heartbreaking that they're leaving. But since Xiang Xiang is out there playing energetically in the mountains, I hope the twins will live happily like that too," said one panda lover.
Another family made three trips to the zoo specifically to see the pandas. "I saw it eating bamboo the whole time. That was really cute," said a young boy wearing a panda-themed jacket.
Over the past 53 years, Ueno Zoo has hosted 15 giant pandas in total, earning its reputation as Japan's panda destination.
"It's sad to see them go. They're going back to China right? I wish they could have stayed longer," said a Tokyo resident outside the habitat.
Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei are scheduled to depart the zoo on January 27 and will be flown back to China. This Sunday marks their final day open to the public.
The twins are the offspring of Shin Shin and her mate, Ri Ri, which were returned to China in September 2024. Their elder sister, celebrity giant panda Xiang Xiang, returned to China in February 2023.
Once the twins leave, Japan will be without giant pandas for the first time since 1972, the year the two countries normalized diplomatic relations. Their departure leaves many fans wondering when, or if, pandas will ever return to Japanese zoos.
Fans bid farewell to Japan's last pandas before they return to China
Fans bid farewell to Japan's last pandas before they return to China
Fans bid farewell to Japan's last pandas before they return to China
