Saying Goodbye to Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei
As Ueno Zoological Gardens’ beloved twin giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei prepare to return to China later this month, Atré Ueno will host a send-off party with the Panda Carnival running until February 28.
Atre Ueno, Ueno Zoological Gardens and artist Yu Nagaba will be collaborating for the event. The carnival will feature an exhibition, photo booths, panda-themed products and special menu items.
Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at 82 days old, photographed in 2021 | One of the photos featured in the event’s exhibition
Exhibition
During the event period, a Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei photo exhibition will take place at the second floor corridor of Atré Ueno East. The exhibition will look back on the growth of the animals over the past four years of their lives in Japan through official photographs from Ueno Zoo. The gallery will also exhibit interviews with the zoo director and zookeepers, and guests will have the opportunity to leave their own special memories and well wishes on the message board.
Photo Booth
Available only during the Panda Carnival, guests can create original stickers at the event photo booth. The machine has special frame designs with Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei. The photo booth will also be available at the second floor corridor by the exhibition, from 10:00 to 22:00, for ¥500 per session.
Panda Products and Event Menu
A wide selection of limited-time panda-themed food and merchandise will be available during the event. Products include a tote bag and charm from Champ de Herbes, a panda pin from Hard Rock Cafe, cookies from The Garden Jiyugaoka, almond tofu from Kaldi Coffee Farm and more. For a full list of goods and participating stores, please check the event website.
Many shops and restaurants will also offer gourmet food and sweets inspired by pandas. Menu items include a panda slider and milkshake from Hard Rock Cafe, cream buns from Andersen, sea bream salt ramen from Touka, a strawberry parfait from Azabu Sabo, Chinese chimaki (zongzi) with braised pork from Maika Yoneka. For a full list of participating restaurants, please check the event website.
