Fans bid teary farewell to four giant pandas at a zoo in Japan before their return to China
Thousands of fans bid a teary farewell Friday to a family of four giant pandas at a zoo in Japan's coastal town of Shirahama as the animals made their last public appearance before their return to China.
Around 3,000 visitors flocked to the Adventure World theme park to get a last glimpse of the beloved animals. Many rushed straight to the panda exhibit zone, calling out the names of their favorites.
Although the 24-year-old mother Rauhin and her three daughters — Yuihin, Saihin and Fuhin — were all born and raised at the park, they remain on loan from China and must now be returned.
Once they return to China, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo will be the only pandas left in Japan.
More than 1,000 people, many wearing panda-themed attire, queued outside the entrance of the theme park hours before it opened while some camped outside the night before.
Junko Ikeda, who came from the neighboring prefecture of Nara, slept in her camper van Thursday night to secure a parking spot for the pandas' send-off.
'I still can't believe they are all leaving,' Ikeda said.
Giant pandas are native to southwestern China and serve as an unofficial national mascot. Beijing lends them to other countries as a sign of goodwill but maintains ownership over them and any cubs they produce.
Born in 2000, Rauhin had seven other cubs with Eimei, a male panda sent from China in 1994. Eimei returned home two years ago.
Despite strained political ties between Japan and China, giant pandas are hugely popular in Japan.
'We feel comforted just by looking at pandas,' said zoo director Koji Imazu.
Imazu said the departure of the four pandas marks the end of the zoo's 30-year joint project with China. He thanked Chinese specialists for sharing their expertise with the Japanese staff and said the zoo will be ready for a new arrival at any time.
'Of course we all miss them, but I hope you could wish them good health when they go to China,' Imazu said.
In Beijing, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said giant pandas are 'friendly ambassadors" conveying the goodwill of the Chinese people.
Guo said that China and Japan have collaborated on panda conservation and research since 2000, and that China is ready to further strengthen international cooperation, including with Japan.
Rauhin and her daughters will be flown to China on Saturday where they will join other pandas at a facility in Sichuan province near their original habitat. There, the three young ones will find partners.
___
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. 6 6 6 In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 6 6 The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. It'll only cost you £1, after all.
The Review Geek
2 hours ago
- The Review Geek
Lazarus Episode 13 Preview: Release Date, Time & Where To Watch
Lazarus Lazarus takes place in the utopian year of 2052. A genius neuroscientist by the name of Dr. Skinner has discovered a miracle analgesic drug known as Hapna, completely relieving the user of any pain. After inexplicably disappearing, we cut forward three years later, where Dr Skinner resurfaces to the public in an online video. He announce that the drug has a three-year half-life and soon everyone who has taken it will die. As a result of this, a task force of five agents is assembled to locate Skinner and create a vaccine. Its name? Lazarus. If you've been following this anime, you may be curious to find out when the next episode will be released. Well, wonder no more! Here is everything you need to know about episode 13 of Lazarus, including the release date, time, and where you can watch this. Where Can I Watch Lazarus? Lazarus is airing in Japan on TXN (TV Tokyo) and Animax. It is also available to stream on Adultswim and HBO Max for those in the US and other territories, along with airing for free on Channel 4 for those in the UK! Lazarus Episode 13 Release Date Lazarus Episode 13 will debut on Sunday 28th June at approximately 9pm (ET)/ 12am (ET) and 5am (GMT). Episodes will then drop every week at the same time each week. Of course, it's really dependent on how quickly the platform uploads new episodes. Expect this to be pretty close to the release time though. Lazarus is airing in the West with a pretty strange licencing agreement here. Warner Bros. Discovery have decided that the series will first premiere in English on Adult Swim, with a next-day upload on Max. Then, the Japanese with English subtitle version of the anime will debut in the United States on Adult Swim and Max 30 days after the English-language premiere. It's likely the same thing will occur in the UK too. How Many Episodes Will Lazarus Have? It has been announced that Lazarus will have 13 episodes in total, with one episode releasing a week. With all of that in mind, we're now onto the finale for this one! Is There A Trailer For Lazarus? Yes! You can find a trailer for Lazarus below. What do you hope to see as the series progresses? What's been your favorite moment of Lazarus so far? Let us know in the comments below!
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Cristiano Ronaldo's former Man United team-mate pokes fun at his staggering new '£492MILLION Al-Nassr deal' with hilarious four-word message
One of Cristiano Ronaldo 's former Manchester United team-mates took to social media to poke fun at his staggering new contract with Al-Nassr. Football's all-time leading goalscorer put pen to paper on a two-year deal, which is reportedly the most lucrative in sporting history, worth a basic £492million over its duration. The new terms, which will take him past his 42nd birthday, reportedly include an eye-watering basic salary of £488,000-a-day. Additionally, he is reportedly pocketing a signing bonus of £24.5m which increases to £38m if he triggers the second year of his contract. It is understood that he has also been given a 15 per cent ownership stake in the club worth £33m. In light of these eye-watering numbers, ex-Man United goalkeeper David De Gea could not help but share his reaction online. Under Ronaldo's post on X announcing his new contract, the Spaniard wrote ironically: 'And playing for free,' followed by a laughing emoji and an eyes emoji. De Gea and Ronaldo's were team-mates during the latter's second spell at Old Trafford. Both men have since left United in acrimonious circumstances. Ronaldo fell out of favour under former manager Erik ten Hag and orchestrated his own exit through a bombshell interview. On the other hand, De Gea departed as a free agent in the summer of 2023, and was replaced by Andre Onana. Ronaldo and De Gea are understood to have a good relationship off the field, with both players following each other on social media, and the latter seen commenting on many of Ronaldo's posts over the years. De Gea now suits up for Fiorentina, with whom he signed a new contract last month, keeping him in Italy until 2028. The shot-stopper made 545 appearances over 12 years at United - the seventh-most in club history. Meanwhile, Ronaldo scored 35 goals in 41 matches in all competitions last term and was the Saudi Pro League's top scorer for the second season running. In all, he has netted 99 times in 111 appearances for Al-Nassr and is inching closer to his dream of reaching 1,000 senior career goals. His current tally stands at 938. In addition to the ludicrous sums involved in Ronaldo's deal, The Sun claim that Ronaldo and his family will have 16 people working full-time for them. These include three drivers, four housekeepers, two chefs, three gardeners and four security people - who will be paid for by Al-Nassr at a cost of around £1.4m. Furthermore, there is £4m for use of a private jet, as well as the promise of sponsorship deals with Saudi companies which could reach £60m.
