Stop the import of 2 giant pandas for Sendai City, Japan

Sendai City plans to import 2 giant pandas from China for the Yagiyama Zoological Park in the hope of boosting the region’s economy and lifting the spirits of children.( The  City was heavily damaged by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake.)

We are strongly opposed to this importation.

We visited the zoo several times and found a number of the enclosures require significant improvement. For example, the polar bear enclosures fail to meet the minimum enclosure design requirements stated in the Province Manitoba (Canada) Polar Bear Protection Act 2003.

We believe that improving the welfare of animals which are currently kept in captivity at the zoo should be promoted rather than importing highly endangered animals as temporary attractions to boost the morale of children.