Giant pandas Huabao and Jinbaobao leave the Dujiangyan Base of the China Giant Panda Protection Research Center in Southwest China's Sichuan Province on January 17. The pair is expected to stay in Finland for a 15-year research mission. Pictured is staff from the Dujiangyan base loading 4-year-old male Huabao on a truck. Photo: Chinanews.com

Staff transports the 3-year-old female Jinbaobao to a truck. Photo: Chinanews.com

The Finnish ambassador to China Jarno Syrjälä issues “visas” for the pair. Photo: Chinanews.com

Visitors bid farewell to the pandas at the Dujiangyan base in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province on Jan 17. Photo: Chinanews.com