Munich zoo to receive two pandas from China
A zoo in Munich is set to receive two giant pandas from China in what is commonly known as panda diplomacy, Bavarian State Premier Markus Söder confirmed on Wednesday.
The animals are set to arrive at Munich's Hellabrunn zoo by 2028 at the latest, Söder, a known panda fan, said at the signing of the contract at the facility.
The zoo is set to build a new section for the pandas as it looks to become the second facility in Germany to receive pandas on loan from China after Berlin.
China has been engaging in panda diplomacy for more than 50 years, lending the bears to other countries as a gesture of goodwill. Currently, some 60 Chinese giant pandas, which are considered an endangered species, are on loan abroad.
Animal rights activists have long criticized the practice, with Pro Wildlife noting that Beijing charges up to €1 million ($1.17 million) for two pandas in loan fees.
"Keeping and breeding pandas in Western zoos isn't a contribution to species conservation, but a financial and political transaction at the expense of the animals," the organization said.
According to the Berlin zoo, China also retains ownership of any potential offspring.