Adventure World, a leisure facility in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, announced on April 24, 2025, that all four giant pandas it raises will be returned to China around the end of June 2025. The four female pandas, Rauhin (24 years old), Yuihin (8 years old), Saihin (6 years old), and Fuhin (4 years old), will be sent back to the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. This decision follows the expiration of the joint panda protection project contract between Japan and China, which has been in effect since 1994 and is set to end in August 2025.
Currently, only two giant pandas will remain in Japan, both housed at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo. The return of the pandas marks a significant moment for Adventure World, which has been a key player in panda conservation and breeding efforts over the past three decades. The park has successfully bred a total of 17 pandas since its inception, with Rauhin being the first panda born at the facility.
Park Director Koju Imazu expressed gratitude for Rauhin's contributions, stating, "Rauhin has given birth to 10 cubs, and I think that's great. I hope she can live comfortably with the excellent staff on the Chinese side." He also noted that the other three pandas are young and expressed hope that they would find partners in China to contribute to breeding efforts.
The decision to return the pandas in June, rather than waiting until the contract expiration in August, was made to avoid the intense summer heat. This careful planning reflects the park's commitment to the well-being of the animals. The return of the pandas has generated a mix of emotions among the local community, as they have become a symbol of Shirahama Town and Wakayama Prefecture.
Residents have shared their sadness over the pandas' departure. A woman in her 20s from Gobo City remarked, "Pandas are a symbolic presence for Wakayama Prefecture and Shirahama Town, so I'm sad. I want to go see them before they are returned." Similarly, a woman in her 70s from Wakayama City expressed, "I'm very lonely that the pandas will be gone. I feel empty." A 5th-grade girl from Wakayama City also shared her feelings, saying, "I used to go see them often. I'm sad that they'll be gone from the theme park, but I have plans to go there soon, so I want to see them properly then."
The pandas have played a significant role in attracting tourists to Shirahama, with approximately 3 million visitors coming to Adventure World annually. Mayor Yasuhiro Okawa of Shirahama Town expressed surprise at the announcement and emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to bring new pandas to the facility. He stated, "I was very surprised. I hear that the theme park wants to continue the breeding project in the future. Shirahama Town will also work together to bring new pandas."
Wakayama Prefecture's Vice Governor Izumi Miyazaki, who is serving as acting governor, commented on the pandas' impact on tourism and regional revitalization. He noted, "The giant pandas have been a bridge of friendship between Japan and China, and I am deeply grateful for their great contribution to attracting tourists and revitalizing the region from both inside and outside the country. I strongly look forward to the continuation of the joint project."
The pandas at Adventure World have a storied history, beginning with the arrival of the male panda Eimei in 1994. Eimei became a successful breeding male, fathering 16 cubs during his time at the park. He returned to China in February 2023 and passed away in January 2024 at the age of 32. Since Eimei's departure, Adventure World has been home to only female pandas, making breeding efforts challenging.
As the pandas prepare for their return to China, Adventure World has expressed a strong desire to continue the joint project with China, which has been a successful collaboration for both nations. The facility has stated, "We strongly hope to continue the joint project and will continue discussions with the Chinese side." This commitment to panda conservation and breeding is crucial not only for the future of these beloved animals but also for maintaining the cultural and diplomatic ties between Japan and China.
In conclusion, the return of the pandas from Adventure World marks a significant transition for both the facility and the local community. As the only remaining pandas in Japan will soon be the two at Ueno Zoo, the future of panda conservation in the country hangs in the balance. The hope remains that new pandas will come to Shirahama, allowing the legacy of these remarkable creatures to continue in the hearts of the people.
