Added on March 27, 2023:
We were able to obtain information about Xiang Xiang from the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.

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On February 21, 2023, we were able to successfully return Giant Panda "Xiang Xiang" (female) to the Ya'an Bifengxia Base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.

I will provide more details about the quarantine and transportation that Xiang Xiang experienced on another occasion, but for now, I will briefly report on the circumstances of her return.

The return of Xiang Xiang was carried out based on an agreement between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the China Wildlife Conservation Association ("Agreement on Cooperation between the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government of Japan for the Implementation of Giant Panda Conservation Research"). Initially, the deadline for Xiang Xiang's return was supposed to be the end of December 2020, but due to the global spread of COVID-19, experts were unable to travel, and there were no means of transportation as flights were suspended, making the return difficult. For about two years thereafter, the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government continued discussions toward the return, but as a result, a total of five postponements were unavoidable before the return finally took place.

Xiang Xiang, who was supposed to be returned to Giant Panda at the age of three, is now five years old and of breeding age. From now on, Xiang Xiang will be cared for and managed in accordance with China's breeding plan as one of the next generation of Giant Panda. I believe that the next time I see Xiang Xiang, she will have grown into a magnificent and strong Giant Panda, and for now I would like to support her.


Xiang Xiang during transport
The Ya'an Bifengxia Base, where Xiang Xiang is currently quarantined, is a naturally rich area nestled in the mountains of Ya'an City, Sichuan Province. Within its vast grounds (approximately 70 hectares), there are numerous enclosures built into the slopes of the mountains, where 64 Giant Panda live freely. Xiang Xiang will gradually become accustomed to the Chinese food and living environment here.


A breeding space surrounded by nature
Regarding Xiang Xiang's return, I've heard some people express concerns about whether she'll be able to live well in China.

But please rest assured. The two people who accompanied us to China have thoroughly shared information about Xiang Xiang's personality, diet, and other care details with the staff at the Ya'an Bifengxia base. We also received reassuring words from the base staff that they will take responsibility for Xiang Xiang's care and management.


Meeting with staff at Ya'an Bifengxia Base
We will continue to keep in contact with the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center to monitor Xiang Xiang's growth, and we hope to apply the experience gained from caring for Xiang Xiao and Lei Lei, as well as to future generations of cubs.

[Keishi Saito, Animal Care and Exhibition Staff, Ueno Zoo West Garden]

Update on March 19, 2023: An update on Xiang Xiang's current condition.

On March 15th, we were able to obtain information about Xiang Xiang from the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.

Xiang Xiang's appetite is recovering, and there are no major problems. She is eating 5-6 kg of bamboo, 8 kg of bamboo shoots, 800 g of dumplings, and 2 apples every day, and has also started using the outdoor exercise area within the quarantine facility. I'm sure she's enjoying the mountain air of Ya'an.

The timing of the end of quarantine and the subsequent location for keeping the animal have not yet been determined. It may be living in Ya'an for a while.

[Ueno Zoo Education and Outreach Section]

Update on March 27, 2023: An update on Xiang Xiang's current condition.

On March 21st, an update was posted on the official Weibo account of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.

When I checked with the local staff, they said, "The quarantine will end on March 22nd, but they will stay at the quarantine site at Ya'an Air Base for a little while longer until they are fully accustomed to their surroundings."

We received photos of Xiang Xiang spending time in the outdoor exercise area at the quarantine site. Please take a look at how Xiang Xiang is doing and living happily.


Xiang Xiang at the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.
(All three photos provided by the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center)
[Ueno Zoo Education and Outreach Section]

◎Related News
・ The deadline for Xiang Xiang's return has been set for December 31, 2020. (May 31, 2019)
・ Regarding the extension of the cooperation agreement for the implementation of Giant Panda conservation research and the postponement of the deadline for the return of Xiang Xiang (December 11, 2020)
・ The deadline for the return of Giant Panda "Xiang Xiang" has been extended to December 31, 2021. (March 26, 2021)
・ The deadline for the return of Giant Panda "Xiang Xiang" has been extended to June 30, 2022. (December 7, 2021)
・ The deadline for the return of Giant Panda "Xiang Xiang" has been extended to December 31, 2022. (May 13, 2022)
・ Regarding the return of Giant Panda "Xiang Xiang" (November 18, 2022)
・ Endless Challenges [11] Regarding Xiang Xiang's Trip to China (November 25, 2022)
・ The return date for Giant Panda "Xiang Xiang" has been decided. (December 23, 2022)

(March 6, 2023)
(March 19, 2023: Updated with current status)
(March 27, 2023: Updated with current status)