Giant Panda "Xiang Xiang" (female), born at Ueno Zoo on June 12, 2017, was to be returned to China, which holds ownership, by mid-February to early March 2023, according to an agreement between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Notices are available here. We would like to inform you that the return date has now been decided as follows.

Giant Panda to be returned
Name: Xiang Xiang
Gender: Female
Age 5
Date of birth: June 12, 2017, born Ueno Zoo

return date
Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Current status of animal care at our zoo (as of December 23, 2022)
5 pups (2 males, 3 females) *This includes Xiang Xiang, who will be moving this time.

transportation process
Departing Ueno Zoo before opening hours
(Approximately 2 hours by land transport to Narita International Airport)
Departure from Narita International Airport at 12:45 PM (SF Express Air)
Arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 17:25 (18:25 Japan time).
Time TBD: Arrive at Ya'an Bifengxia Base, China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.

*Quarantine will be conducted at the Ya'an Bifengxia base. The subsequent rearing facility is yet to be determined.

others

• Starting January 21, 2023 (Saturday), the animals will undergo quarantine in preparation for transport to China. During the quarantine period, they will be on display indoors all day.
• Please refrain from lining the streets to see off the participants.
• In order to ensure safe transportation routes, traffic restrictions, including those for pedestrians, may be implemented around Ueno Zoo.

Xiang Xiang
(Date of photo: December 19, 2022)
(December 23, 2022)
(February 13, 2023: Added "Transportation Route" and updated "Other")