A zoo in Finland has agreed with Chinese authorities to return two loaned giant pandas to China more than eight years ahead of schedule because they have become too expensive for the facility to maintain amid declining visitors.

China has strategically loaned giant pandas to foreign zoos to foster trade ties, strengthen diplomatic relations, and enhance its global image.

HELSINKI - A zoo in Finland has agreed with Chinese authorities to return two loaned giant pandas to China more than eight years ahead of schedule becau

Ahtari Zoo, Finland's second-largest privately owned zoo, is set to return two giant pandas, Lumi and Pyry, to China due to <a target=_blank href=

Thousands of Japanese fans have bid farewell to their beloved panda couple that made their final public appearance at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo before returning to China for medical treatment

Thousands of thankful, sobbing fans flocked to a Tokyo zoo Saturday to bid an emotional farewell to a pair of beloved pandas before their imminent return to China.

Thousands of Japanese fans bid tearful farewell to their beloved panda couple that made their final public appearance at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo on Saturday before returning to China for medical treatment.

Just like pandas, I hope Japan and China can be friends,' said a visitor, who came to admire Ri Ri and Shin Shin at Ueno zoo Thousands of thankful, sobbing fans flocked to a Tokyo zoo on Saturday to bid an emotional farewell to a pair of beloved pandas before their imminent return to China.

Due to the excessive costs associated with their care, two giant pandas leased from China and kept at a Finnish zoo were returned.

Shutterstock / Elena Sirotkina A zoo in Finland has agreed to send to loaned pandas back to China after the costs of keeping the critters have become too much. According to the NY Post, declining visitors to the zoo have made the pandas unaffordable.