The four-year-old twin pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, are expected to leave Tokyo and head to China at the end of January, a month earlier than the planned date of February 20. This move has become a significant event for the country, considering the deterioration of Chinese-Japanese relations amid geopolitical issues, and holds symbolic meaning for Tokyo.
Thousands of animal lovers have already begun flocking to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo to see these adorable twins one last time. Television cameras captured numerous visitors wearing panda hats and carrying bamboo bears on their bags, lining up in long queues since morning.
Due to the increased flow of visitors, the zoo has decided to limit the viewing time for the pandas to one minute. This rule will be in effect until January 25, the last day of Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei's stay in Ueno. Additionally, starting next week, advance online reservations will be required for visits. Over the last 12 days, the zoo will hold a lottery for those wishing to obtain tickets for special sessions.
Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were born at the zoo in June 2021 and became real stars after their parents left Tokyo last year. After their departure, Japan will be without pandas for the first time since 1972, when diplomatic relations with China were restored.
