We know about Elephant diplomacy relates to using elephants as a sign of diplomatic gestures. It is prevalent in South and Southeast Asia. For example, Thai monarchs, particularly King Bhumibol Adulyadej, have been known to present elephants as gifts to other nations, such as in 1960 when two white elephants were gifted to Japan.
Panda diplomacy (Chinese: 熊猫外交) is the practice of sending giant pandas from China to other countries as a tool of diplomacy and wildlife conservation. ..has deep historical roots in China. The earliest recorded instance dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) [sent to ?]. ..(in modern days) the Soviet Union, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom (have received giant pandas) ..Australia (Adelaide Zoo) recently received two pandas. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240226-a-brief-history-of-panda-diplomacy—with-new-additions-to-global-zoos
Other animals (Chimpanzee, Kangaroo, Koala, …) are also sent in diplomatic missions.
Finland to return pandas to China early due to cost https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd0z289ervmo –It also said the zoo spent €1.5m (£1.2m) a year on the pandas’ upkeep, as well as more than €8m on their enclosure. [Other reasons, the only natural habitat for giant pandas in the world is located in southwestern China. Combined with the requirement that all cubs must return to China this creates the sense that pandas belong in and to China, and a country can only receive them if they have good relations with the People’s Republic. ]
