Core Viewpoint - The giant pandas "Xiaoxiao" and "Leilei" at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo will return to China on January 27, 2026, marking the end of their four-and-a-half-year stay in Japan and leading to a "panda gap" for the country [1]. Group 1 - The farewell season for the pandas began on December 16, 2025, with visitor limits implemented in the panda viewing area, allowing only one minute of viewing time per group [3]. - An estimated 178,000 visitors are expected to visit the zoo from December 16, 2025, to January 25, 2026, to bid farewell to the pandas [3]. - The pandas were born in 2021 and are the offspring of "Bili" and "Xian Nu," who are scheduled to return to China in September 2024 [3]. Group 2 - The names "Xiaoxiao" and "Leilei" were chosen from 190,000 public submissions, symbolizing hope and beauty respectively [3]. - The emotional connection between the Japanese public and the pandas has been highlighted, with many expressing feelings of loss and nostalgia as the pandas prepare to leave [6]. - The return of the pandas is part of a regular international cooperation mechanism for panda conservation, balancing cultural sentiments with scientific responsibilities [6]. Group 3 - The bond between the Chinese and Japanese people regarding giant pandas remains strong, with many Japanese fans previously traveling to China to see pandas [8]. - The birthday celebration for the returning panda "Minghan" in Guangxi on December 23, 2025, will see fans from both countries gather to celebrate, showcasing the ongoing affection for pandas [8].

Core Points - The Dandong Yalu River Estuary Wetland National Nature Reserve and the New Zealand Pūkorokoro Miranda Naturalists' Trust have officially updated their Memorandum of Understanding, continuing a 20-year cross-national ecological cooperation [1] - The Yalu River Estuary Wetland is a critical node on the East Asia-Australasia Flyway, hosting up to 60,000 migratory shorebirds, particularly the bar-tailed godwit, during their northward migration [1] - The new Memorandum emphasizes the protection of wetland habitats and shorebird species, focusing on information sharing, joint scientific research, and educational projects [1] Summary by Sections Ecological Significance - The Yalu River Estuary Wetland serves as an essential "energy supply station" for 70% of the bar-tailed godwit population migrating from New Zealand and Australia [1] - The Pūkorokoro Miranda Reserve is recognized as an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention, providing a wintering habitat for these migratory birds [1] Cooperation Framework - The updated Memorandum outlines core goals, including enhancing the protection of wetland habitats and shorebird species [1] - Collaboration will focus on monitoring and protecting migratory waterbird populations, particularly the bar-tailed godwit [1] Future Developments - In 2024, the "Dandong Yalu River Estuary Migratory Bird Habitat" is set to be included in the World Natural Heritage list [1] - Dandong City plans to leverage the new Memorandum to promote a synergistic development model combining ecology, events, and culture [1]