The last two pandas in Japan are leaving for China as ties are strained

Source Chicago Tribune
Original Load Date Jan. 24, 2026, 6 p.m.
Last Updated Jan. 24, 2026, 6 p.m.
Original URL https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/24/last-two-pandas-japan-china/

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TOKYO — Japanese panda fans are gathering Sunday for the final public viewing at Tokyo’s Ueno zoo before twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei return to China. Their departure Tuesday will leave Japan with no pandas for the first time in half a century, and the chances of getting a replacement are poor, with...