Tokyo Zoo Bids Tearful Farewell to Beloved Pandas Returning to China

Thousands of fans gathered to say goodbye to Ri Ri and Shin Shin, who are returning to China due to age-related health issues.

Over 2,000 fans queued up from early morning, some camping overnight, to see the pandas one last time at Ueno Zoological Gardens.
Ri Ri and Shin Shin, both 19 years old, were sent back to China for medical treatment, including high blood pressure management.
The pandas arrived at Ueno Zoo in 2011 and have since become a major attraction, giving birth to three cubs during their stay.
Visitors were allowed only a few minutes to view the pandas, with strict crowd control measures in place.
China's 'panda diplomacy' program, which loans pandas to foreign zoos, aims to foster international goodwill while maintaining ownership of the animals.