Finnish pandas Lumi and Pyry settle into new Chinese habitat

Finnish pandas Lumi and Pyry, who spent over six years at Ähtäri Zoo, appear to be thriving in their new home at China’s Mianyang Panda Center, according to the zoo’s curator, Marko Haapakoski.

Yle, Finland’s national broadcaster, obtained video footage of the pandas in Sichuan Province, where they were returned in early 2023. Though Chinese authorities denied media access to the facility, the footage—filmed from a visitor’s perspective—shows the pandas adapting well.

Haapakoski, who oversaw their care in Finland, confirmed the pandas’ contentment. “Pyry is clearly enjoying his food, and Lumi is lounging just as she used to in Ähtäri,” he said, noting their relaxed behavior in the spacious, tree-filled enclosures. The center, still in its early phases, currently houses around 20 pandas but has capacity for over 50 across 120 hectares.

While the pair failed to produce offspring in Finland, Haapakoski hopes their genes—valued for their rarity—will contribute to breeding efforts in China. “Their genetic lineage could be crucial for the species’ diversity,” he said. He added that competition among potential mates in China might improve breeding success.

The pandas, known locally as Huabao (Pyry) and Jinbaobao (Lumi), remain national symbols in China, where their care is prioritized. Haapakoski expressed confidence in their treatment, though he admitted occasional curiosity about their well-being.