The news about the U.S. pandas Lele and Yaya has attracted international attention in recent years, especially after several protests by the World Organization for Animal Protection, which pushed the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee into the limelight for suspected abuse of the pandas.
According to Reuters, the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee announced on Dec. 21 that it would return the pandas Yaya and Lele to China, ending their 20-year lease.
On January 20, 2021, a netizen reported that the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, U.S., was suspected of not taking good care of the pandas Yaya and Lele. Both pandas are underweight, eat very little, and show obvious signs of stereotypic behavior, which is a physical manifestation of mental suffering, otherwise known as zoochosis.
According to animal protection groups, one of the main issues appears to be the low quality, and small amount, of bamboo they are provided. Another issue is excessive caging. In one documented period, YaYa was only allowed outdoors four times in a four-week period. Unsurprisingly, both pandas demonstrate repetitive stereotypical behaviors, including self-harm.
In response, the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens said that Yaya is over 20 years old and has been suffering from a skin disease, leading to its bad condition.
According to the Association, there is no problem with the supply of bamboo and housing for the pandas and the communication with the Memphis Zoo will continue.
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