Twin pandas Xiaoxiao and Leilei begin public appearances in Sichuan

Twin giant pandas Xiaoxiao and Leilei, born at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo, have begun public appearances at a panda conservation center in Sichuan Province, China. The twins were returned to China in January 2026.

Following their repatriation, the pandas have been seen eating bamboo and relaxing at the facility in Ya'an. Local visitors and fans have gathered to see the pandas, with staff welcoming those traveling to visit them.

The return of these pandas leaves Ueno Zoo without any giant pandas for the first time in 54 years. Due to strained relations between Japan and China, there is currently no outlook for the loan of new pandas to Japanese zoos.