A zoo in Japan is struggling to manage overwhelming crowds as visitors line up to see the country’s last remaining giant pandas before they leave the country.
Ueno Zoo in Tokyo confirmed earlier this week that twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei will be returned to China in late January, triggering an immediate surge in visitors hoping to catch one final glimpse. The pair are the final pandas in Japan, and their departure will leave the country without any for the first time in more than 50 years.
Since the announcement, visitors have queued for over four hours on regular weekdays, and with the zoo closing at 5 p.m, staff have been forced to stop accepting new visitors to the line early in the afternoon.
Zoo has four hour queue to see pandas
As noted on the official website, the viewing areas for both Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei have been divided into multiple sections. Visitors then have a brief window (approximately one minute) to see the pandas, take a quick picture, and then make room for the next person.
As for why the pandas are leaving, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were born in Japan but remain the property of China under a long-standing panda loan and breeding agreement. Under the terms of that arrangement, all cubs must eventually be transferred back to China once they reach maturity.
Their final day of public viewing is scheduled for January 25. Until then, long queues are expected to continue as fans line up for a last chance to say goodbye.
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