On April 24, 2025, Adventure World, a popular leisure facility located in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, announced that all four of its giant pandas will be sent back to China. This decision comes as the protection project contract between Japan and China is set to expire in August 2025, prompting the return of the pandas around the end of June.
The pandas affected by this change are Rauhin, aged 24, Yuihin, 8, Saihin, 6, and Fuhin, 4. All four are female, and their departure marks a significant moment for Adventure World, as it will leave only two giant pandas remaining in Japan, both of which are housed at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo.
Adventure World has been a key player in the conservation efforts for giant pandas, having hosted these animals since 1994. Rauhin, Yuihin, Saihin, and Fuhin are all offspring of Eimei, a male panda who had fathered a total of 16 cubs during his time at the facility. Eimei returned to China in February 2023 and passed away in January 2025 at the age of 32, leading to a shift in the panda population at Adventure World, which has since consisted solely of females.
The decision to return the pandas was influenced by the need for Rauhin to receive appropriate medical care in her advanced age. Chinese experts have recommended that she live in facilities equipped to provide her with the necessary support during her retirement. Meanwhile, Yuihin, Saihin, and Fuhin will be considered for future breeding opportunities in China.
As part of the preparations for their return, the pandas will undergo a quarantine period approximately one month before their departure, during which they will be visible to the public through glass enclosures. Adventure World expressed its hope that the pandas will thrive in their new environment, stating, “We send them off with the expectation that they will live healthy and happy lives, and that each will play a role in connecting new lives.”
Shirahama Town, with a population of around 20,000, attracts approximately 3 million tourists annually, significantly benefiting from the presence of the pandas at Adventure World. The pandas have long served as a major draw for visitors, contributing to the local economy and tourism sector.
The return of these pandas highlights the ongoing collaboration between Japan and China in wildlife conservation. The joint project has focused on breeding research and protection of the species, which is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures.
As the pandas prepare to leave, local officials and residents reflect on the impact these animals have had on the community. The excitement of visitors who have come to see the pandas over the years is palpable, as many have formed a deep connection with these beloved creatures.
In conclusion, the departure of Rauhin, Yuihin, Saihin, and Fuhin marks the end of an era for Adventure World and the local community. The facility's commitment to conservation will continue, but the absence of these pandas will undoubtedly be felt by many.
