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Ocean Park Hong Kong announced the death of the female giant panda named Jia Jia at 38 who's more than 100 years old in human terms
"This is a day we knew would eventually come, but it is nevertheless a sad day for everyone at the Park, especially for the Park's keepers who took care of her over the years."
"Since Jia Jia arrived Hong Kong with An An in 1999, **she has been educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and she was loved by visitors from around the world**," [said] (https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/press-release/ocean-park-honours-life-of-giant-panda-jia-jia) Ocean Park chairman, Leo Kung.
Image via YouTube
Jia Jia arrived in Ocean Park, Hong Kong at 20 years old and has been seen by 29 million guests ever since
"**Jia Jia was a member of our family who had spent 17 wonderful years with Hong Kong people, and she will be deeply missed.**"
"We also want to thank Jia Jia for all of the wonderful things she brought the people of Hong Kong and our visitors from around the world, as she was a true ambassador of conservation and educational messaging," added Kung.
Image via EKD
Her advanced age is a testament to the care and attention she received from the keepers and veterinary staff of the zoo. The species normally live 20 years in the wild or 25 years in captivity.
Image via China Daily Asia
"**Jia Jia's longevity is a result of Ocean Park's ongoing efforts in providing best-practice of care to the giant pandas.** We hope that Ocean Park's team will soon recover from their grief. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Park and people of Hong Kong during their grief at the passing of Jia Jia," said Dr. Wang Chengdong, Director of Veterinary Service of Wolong.
Jia Jia was euthanized since its health has been deteriorating since the last two weeks
Image via Silver Kris
"With the passing of Jia Jia, we are deeply saddened but appreciate the time we have been privileged with her. Her advanced age was a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the dedicated care and attention she received from the keepers and veterinary staff," said Ocean Park Zoological Operations and Education executive director Suzanne Gendron.
Her food consumption had extremely declined from over 10kg to less than three kg per day. Her weight dropped from 71kg to around 67kg.
Ocean Park was her home since 1999. The park in Hong Kong held a high-profile celebration for Jia Jia's 37th birthday at her enclosure in July 2015.
Image via The Economic Times
Born in the wild, the Jia Jia was rescued in Sichuan Qingchuan in 1980 and resided at the Giant Panda Breeding Centre at Wolong Nature Reserve. Jia Jia was given to Hong Kong in 1999 to mark the semi-autonomous city's handover by Britain two years earlier.
Jia Jia was known for being calm and gentle by nature
Image via Guiness World Records
Image via Channel News Asia
Image via AP/China
Image via Kenny Teo / Flick
Enjoy the unlimited bamboo leaves, stems, and shoots in heaven, Jia Jia!
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