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Japan Zoo Returns Last Pandas After 31 Years

1/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A zoo in Japan ended its 31-year panda history after returning its last four bears to China in June 2025, while staff mimic pandas to engage visitors.
Rauhin, the first panda born in Japan, was among the pandas returned in June 2025.
It remains uncertain whether the park will acquire new pandas due to tensions between China and Japan.

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Story summary

A zoo in Japan ended its 31-year panda history after returning its last four bears to China in June 2025, while staff mimic pandas to engage visitors.
Rauhin, the first panda born in Japan, was among the pandas returned in June 2025.
It remains uncertain whether the park will acquire new pandas due to tensions between China and Japan.