HOME > NATION > Article

Text Size

small

medium

large


People Flock to Ueno Zoo ahead of Pandas' Return to China

People Flock to Ueno Zoo ahead of Pandas' Return to China

   Tokyo, Aug. 31 (Jiji Press)--People flocked to Tokyo's Ueno Zoo to see giant pandas Ri Ri and Shin Shin on Saturday, a day after their return to China in late September was announced, with many visitors saying that they will miss the cute animals.
   "I came (to see Ri Ri and Shin Shin) because I heard they will leave (for China)," Shutaro Saito, 11, an elementary school sixth grader from Tokyo who visited the zoo with his family, said. "I waited for about an hour, but I'm happy to be able to see them up close," he said.
   "(The announcement was) too sudden, so I'll miss them," said Toshie Akiyama, 57, who visits the zoo at least three times a week.
   Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said Friday that Ri Ri, a male, and Shin Shin, a female, will be returned to China on Sept. 29, and that Sept. 28 will be the final public viewing day for the pair.
   After the return, the two giant pandas, both 19 years old, will receive treatment for their hypertension.

To read a full story, please click here to find out how to subscribe.

NATION

HEADLINES

POLITICS
Japan, China, S. Korea Culture Ministers Agree to Promote Exchanges among Youth
ECONOMY
Niigata Starts Shipments of 2024 Koshihikari Rice amid Shortage in Stores
SPORTS
Sumo: Sekiwake Onosato Remains Undefeated on 5th Day of Autumn Grand Tournament
OTHER
China Stops Foreign Adoptions of Its Children in Late August after 3 Decades

AFP-JIJI PRESS NEWS JOURNAL


Photos