Video footage has been released showing the arrival of two giant pandas in China that were returned from Tokyo’s Ueno Zoological Gardens.
The footage released by the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda on Monday shows an aircraft carrying male Ri Ri and female Shin Shin landing at an airport in Sichuan the day before.
It also shows Chinese staff members carefully looking into their cages upon their arrival at the airport. When the pair arrived at the center amid rain, they were warmly welcomed by facility staff.
The two pandas were seen looking around and sniffing as they came out of their cages.
Officials at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo said Ri Ri and Shin Shin will be kept at the facility, which also houses their child, Xiang Xiang.
It was decided that they should return to China because they have reached the advanced age of 19 and need to be treated for high blood pressure.
According to Ueno Zoo, which has sent officials to China, the two pandas are in stable condition. They will be quarantined for one month within the center.