Xiang Shan eats bamboo as food at the Ueno Zoo in Taito Ward, Tokyo (Photographed on February 13, provided by the Tokyo Zoological Association)
The giant panda “Xianxiang” (female, 5 years old) at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, which will be returned to China, will have its final day of viewing on the 19th. The staff are preparing for their departure from Japan on the 21st, regretting the loss. (Yosuke Hamasaki)
The viewing lottery has already ended. Shang Shang is currently in a room that shuts off the outside air at Panda House, which is packed with fans who won the prize every day. This is due to the quarantine period, which prevents animals from carrying diseases to other countries. Keepers are wearing protective clothing and taking care of them. It is said that training to enter and exit from the cage for transportation is also being carried out. A keeper will also be on board the plane to get to the site.
Naoya Ohashi, 48, head of the school’s education and promotion division, said, “Every day, we receive many comments saying that they should not go home, and that they wanted their sons-in-law to come because they are treasures of Ueno.” He says he receives dozens of emails and phone calls a day, and there are voices of concern about his life in China.
Manager Naoya Ohashi of Ueno Zoo
It is the first time since Yu Yu in 1988 that he was born at the park and grew up smoothly, and due to the birth effect, the number of visitors in 2017 exceeded 4 million for the first time in six years. Originally, it was supposed to be returned at the age of two, but it was postponed five times due to the corona disaster.
According to Mr. Ohashi, he hardly ever got sick and was easy to care for because of his calm personality. “I had a hard time finding food because I had a strong preference for bamboo. I liked apples and hated carrots,” he said.
In China you will meet a breeding partner. “I hope I can find a suitable partner and have a child,” Ohashi hopes.
This paper is holding the “Thank You Shan Shan Exhibition” at the first floor lobby of the head office in Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda Ward until March 6th. 21 photos taken by the photographer of this paper and panels of articles will be exhibited. A video is also shown. Free admission. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except Sundays and holidays)
