Farewell and final farewell to the pandas Xio Lei and Lei Lei, symbols of Ueno: endless lines for unforgettable photos.
Panda twins Xio Lei and Lei Lei are ready to say goodbye..The cubs, known as Xiao Xiao (“little smile”) and Lei Lei (“double thunder”), born in 2021 at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, will bid farewell to Japan with their last public appearance scheduled for January 25, 2026. The offspring of Shin Shin and Ri Ri (who returned to China in 2024), these cubs have attracted crowds of thousands and families eagerly awaiting exclusive photos in front of their enclosure.
Panda twins Xio Lei and Lei Lei at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, their final farewell on January 25, 2026: their story and birth
The panda twins were born on June 25, 2021. Xio Lei is the first cub born at Ueno Zoo, heir to Xiang Xiang (who returned in 2023 after generating 60 billion yen in tourism). Their popularity has boosted panda souvenirs and visits, generating an estimated $210 million in consumption for Tokyo. Today, at 4 and a half years old, they eat bamboo before the eyes of ecstatic fans, with posters and merchandise everywhere in the park.
Why the early return of panda cubs? Politics and conservation
The transfer of the panda cubs, scheduled for January 27th, to China, concludes 50 years of "panda diplomacy," which began in 1972 with Kang Kang and Lan Lan. Beijing is about to take back its iconic ambassadors amid diplomatic tensions, leaving Japan without giant pandas for the first time since the war. Ueno Zoo hopes for further loans, but the economic and emotional impact is enormous: lines stretch for hours for a last glimpse.
Where and how to see them: the latest practical information for Ueno Zoo
The last day to see the giant pandas Xio Lei and Lei Lei is January 25th. Entrance to the Asia Trail is via free passes available online. Be prepared for long lines and the opening hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can follow the live streams on Ueno Zoo's cameras or on social media for real-time updates. These pandas not only entertain, but also promote conservation. Their return strengthens WWF's global programs against extinction.
Furthermore, during a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that Japanese citizens are warmly invited to visit China to see the pandas. This statement came in response to a question from reporters regarding the upcoming return of the panda twins.