Thousands of visitors have gathered at Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo to see the giant panda twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei before their scheduled return to China in late January 2026. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced that the final day of public viewing will be January 25, 2026. 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 sent to overseas zoos under international loan agreements, which require pandas to be returned after a fixed period. Japan has hosted pandas continuously since 1972, making the departure of the twins a significant moment for the zoo and its visitors.

Zoo officials stated that caring for the twins required detailed planning, daily health monitoring, and controlled feeding systems to support proper growth. Veterinary experts explained that raising pandas outside their natural environment can be challenging, but such programs contribute valuable information to international conservation efforts. To manage the large number of visitors, the zoo introduced online reservations and limited viewing times. Officials noted that visitor numbers may decrease after the pandas leave, but other exhibits will be promoted to maintain public interest. The panda enclosure will remain in place and ready for possible future use, while cooperation in panda conservation and education continues to be valued.