In a surprising turn of events, Japanese zookeepers have started dressing up as pandas to entertain zoo visitors. This move comes amid China’s decision to backtrack on one of its long-standing diplomatic agreements with Japan.
Japanese workers are dressing as pandas due to this reason
For decades, pandas have been more than just zoo attractions in Japan. Now, for the first time since the early 1970s, Japan is preparing to say goodbye to the last remaining pandas in the country (via The Times).
At Adventure World in Wakayama Prefecture, the farewell has already happened. Last summer, the park returned its final four pandas, Rauhin, Yuihin, Saihin, and Fuhin, to China, marking the end of a 31-year agreement between the two countries.
Rather than letting those spaces sit unused, the park chose an unusual path. Staff members stepped into the pandas’ place—literally. Public relations officer Manami Wakabayashi initiated a 90-minute program called the Panda Love Club. Through the program, visitors can now participate in a role-playing experience within the former panda habitats.
In place of pandas, employees will be in the enclosure, wearing panda hats or costumes, and even mimicking the behavior of pandas. Visitors can care for them through preparing food, observing routines, and even feeding them apples. Other zoos across the country have adopted similar ways to remember and educate visitors about the beloved animal.
“This special attraction will allow visitors to learn about the relationship between pandas and care staff … and experience the significance of passing on the lives of giant pandas to the future,” a representative of the park shared.
Since 1972, China has sent over 30 pandas to Japan. However, recently, China has begun calling back all the surviving pandas in batches. By the end of January, Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo will return its two remaining pandas—Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei. Earlier, the plan was to house them till February 2026, but the date was moved up.
