The world’s Oldest Panda in Captivity Celebrates 37th Birthday in Hong Kong Park.
The Giant Panda, Jia Jia has recognized by Guinness World Records for setting two records as the “oldest panda ever in captivity” and the “oldest panda living in captivity.” She has had six cubs but only four are still alive.
The previous record holder was a male panda called Du Du, who died in July 1999 at the age of 36 in a zoo in China.
July 28, Jia Jia,born in 1978 celebrated her 37th birthday or about 111 years old in panda years at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park with a bamboo and vegetable ice cake.
The second oldest giant panda, An An, is also approaching his 29th birthday at the Hong Kong Ocean Park.
Jia Jia and An An was given to Hong Kong in 1999 to celebrate the second anniversary of Britain handing over control of the city to China.
“Given their advanced years, An An and Jia Jia are both in satisfactory health. Jia Jia takes regular medication for various conditions such as high blood pressure and arthritic pain, whereas An An has high blood pressure, which is common for giant pandas around his age. His condition has been successfully kept under control through medication,” Suzanne Gendron, Executive Director of Zoological Operations and Education of Ocean Park said in a statement in the Ocean Park website.
“Our keepers are doing their utmost to ensure the highest quality of life for the giant pandas. Despite her poor eye sight caused by cataracts, Jia Jia can recognize the familiar voices of her carers, some of whom have been with her for as many as 15 years. This gives her a strong sense of security.” she added.
Blythe Fitzwiliam, an adjudicator at Guinness World Records, said, “Giant pandas are undoubtedly one of the Earth’s most endangered and well-known species. Thanks to the attentive care of the Park for the past 16 years, Jia Jia has set a new longevity record.”
Hong Kong residents born in the month of August can enjoy free admission on any one day during their birthday month to celebrate their birthdays with the giant pandas, and up to four companions can receive 30% off on regular admission tickets, according to a statement posted in the ocean park website.IMAGE AP/Google
