Giant Panda Shuangshuang Photo: VCG

Shuang Shuang, a female giant panda at Japan’s Kobe Oji Zoo, died on Sunday after suffering from severe heart disease for many years, the China Wildlife Conservation Association’s WeChat account announced on Monday.

According to the statement, Shuangshuang’s condition has continued to deteriorate and since March he has started refusing food, even water, and was suffering from convulsions and other symptoms. Chinese and Japanese experts continued to take all necessary rescue measures, but were unable to save the animal.

According to the announcement, Shuangshuang was born in 1995 and arrived at Japan’s Kobe Oji Zoo in 2000 for the purpose of joint Japan-China research on the international conservation of giant pandas. Experts said a 29-year-old giant panda is equivalent to a nearly 100-year-old human.

Shuang Shuang was diagnosed with geriatric heart disease during a routine checkup in 2021. The Chinese and Japanese sides quickly assembled a team of experts and provided joint diagnosis, treatment, and careful care, and at that point, Ms. Shuangshuang’s condition had been alleviated to some extent.

According to the announcement, China and Japan have also formulated a strict treatment plan. After the expiration of the Giant Panda Cooperation Agreement in 2020, both sides have repeatedly postponed the deadline for Shuangshuang’s return to China to prevent long-distance transportation and deterioration of his condition due to the global pandemic.

The Chinese and Japanese sides will properly dispose of Shuang Shuang’s body in accordance with the provisions of the cooperation agreement. After receiving professional treatment, Shuangshuang plans to return to China at an appropriate time.

Global Times