The loan of two giant pandas to Dublin Zoo almost 40 years ago was hailed as a great success until one of the pandas died some time after returning home to China. There were elements of panda-monium back among staff in Dublin Zoo after a report that suggested the death of the male panda two years later was a consequence of his visit to Ireland. Other files show the Chinese authorities expressed “considerable reluctance” about a proposal to have the two pandas make a guest appearance on the Late Late Show on RTÉ during their visit to Ireland. A condition of the visit was that Dublin Zoo would make a significant contribution to the Chinese Wildlife Preservation Fund estimated at $75,000 with the money subsequently being funded by sponsor, West Coast Cooler. The visit followed months of planning between Irish and Chinese officials, although correspondence showed there was confusion about the total costs involved and what the Irish side had agreed to pay.

Source: Irish Examiner December 28, 2025 10:04 UTC