Japan's Ueno Park is preparing for the return of its last panda resident to China, marking the end of a beloved tradition. The zoo has been housing and breeding giant pandas as part of a multi-decade international efforts of preservation and research. It is yet unclear when exactly this final panda will be transported, but the move suggests a shift in Japan's animal conservation focus.

In Japan, pandas are a major attraction at Ueno Zoo and have been an iconic part of Japanese culture for years. The decision to return the last panda to China would probably evoke sadness in many Japanese citizens. Yet, Japanese society also highly respects positive animal welfare and conservation decisions. So, this move may gain public acceptance if it is perceived as beneficial for the panda population and their natural habitats.

The U.S. and E.U., much like Japan, also have a strong commitment to conservation of endangered species. However, they differ in their approach towards this issue. While most Western zoos are moving towards environments mimicking the natural habitats of the animals and working towards re-introduction programs, the tradition of zoos in Japan is based more around viewing and interaction.