The pandas came to Finland in 2017 as a "gift" in connection with the country celebrating 100 years. The idea was that they would be leased from China for 15 years within the framework of an international program to protect the species.
But Etseri Zoo has been hit by economic problems and is planning for debt restructuring, partly due to fewer tourists after the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine, reports Svenska Yle. Inflation and rising interest rates have also affected the economy.
"The most important thing for us is the well-being of the animals and protecting the species," says Chairman of the Board Risto Sivonen in a press release.
The giant panda is no longer endangered, but is classified as vulnerable.
Corrected: An earlier version of the text contained incorrect information about the cost of having the pandas.
