Thousands of visitors have recently gathered at Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo to see the giant panda twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei before the scheduled return to China in late January. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced that public viewing will end on January 25, 2026, marking an important moment for the zoo and its visitors. The twins were born at the zoo in June 2021 and quickly became a major attraction, drawing large crowds and increasing public interest in wildlife conservation. Giant pandas are native to southwestern China and are loaned to overseas zoos under international agreements, making the return of the twins an inevitable part of the program. Japan has hosted pandas continuously since 1972, and the upcoming departure highlights the importance of the animals in cultural exchange and public education.

Zoo officials explained that caring for the twins required careful planning, daily health monitoring, and specialized feeding systems to support growth and development. Veterinary experts noted that raising panda cubs outside their native environment presents challenges, including maintaining suitable habitats and managing stress levels, but these efforts help preserve global knowledge about the species. Visitor management systems, including timed entry and online reservations, were introduced to alleviate overcrowding during peak periods. The panda program also helped commemorate long-standing cooperation in animal research and breeding. While the absence of pandas may reduce visitor numbers in the short term, zoo representatives stated that other exhibits will be promoted and the panda area will remain ready for future use. Experts added that continued international cooperation is essential to build a sustainable approach to wildlife conservation and public engagement.