Finland will return an expensive gift from Xi Jinping to China.

Ukrainian zoo in Ähtäri will return two pandas to China. This was reported by Yle, citing the zoo's press service. The reason for this decision is the decrease in the number of tourists due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandas Lumi and Pyry will remain at the zoo until the end of autumn, after which they will be placed in quarantine. This is necessary to prepare for their return to China. The chairman of the park's board, Risto Siivonen, highly appreciated China's support in the panda protection program, but the zoo can no longer maintain these animals.

The story about the pandas:

The pandas were brought to Finland in January 2018, shortly after the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. At that Time, an agreement on the protection of pandas was signed. Now, due to the difficulties associated with the pandemic, these animals will return home by the end of the year.

In response to the restriction of global connectivity, many zoos are facing problems. Now Ähtäri reports debts and plans to apply for debt restructuring.