Oldest Panda In Captivity, Jia Jia Dies At 38

Jia Jia, the world’s oldest captive panda, died on Sunday at Hong Kong theme park. She was 38, Jia Jia’s age was equivalent to more than one hundred human years. According to BBC, the giant panda had lost appetite and been spending less time awake in the last two weeks. She had lost a considerable amount of weight, for her food intake had significantly dropped. From more than 10 kg per day, she only consumed less than three kg. She showed no interest in food or fluids; hence she lost weight.

On Sunday, the condition of Jia Jia worsened. She spent the day lying down and she had difficulties walking. For this reason, Hong Kong theme park vets decided to put her down with the aim of preventing further suffering.

According to NBC News, Jia Jia lived almost twice as long as a typical captive panda would. Normally captive pandas live for 25 years, while those in the wild usually live for 20 years.

Ocean Park had been the oldest captive panda’s home for 17 years. There, she had become one of the popular attractions. Her stay in the park helped a lot in promoting awareness about the importance of protecting her species and their natural habitat.

Jia Jia was born in 1978 in the wild in Sichuan, China and was given to Hong Kong in 1999. In July last year, Ocean Park held a grand celebration for her birthday. She turned 37, which made her the oldest captive panda. Before her, Dudu was the oldest panda in captivity. She lived for 36 years, Live Science reported.

Being an animal ambassador for her species, Jia Jia had become an important part of the Ocean Park’s family. The Hong Kong government was saddened by her passing and thanked the theme park for the support and care it provided her.