Sad news in this bad year.
Xin Xing, the world’s oldest panda that was kept in captivity, has passed away.
The giant panda was only 38 years old and 4 months.
Xin Xing helped save her own species by giving birth to 36 cubs, yes 36 cubs.
Xin Xing, a giant panda, was born in 1982. She was brought to the Chongqing Zoo in China when she was 1.
She spent the rest of her life at the zoo.
On December 8, 2020, the sad news was shared on social media.
The zoo officials said that the giant panda passed away due to multiple organ failures.
A statement about her death was shared on social media.
The statement reads:
On 21 October 21 2020, the giant panda Xin Xing was lethargic and unwilling to eat. Difficulty breathing, coughing, and unsteady standing occurred the next day. Abdominal distension began to appear on the 23rd, and bowel movements were difficult. During the period, our park invited experts from medical units such as the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre and the First Affiliated Hospital of the Heavy Medical School for consultations. After all-out treatment failed, she died at 1.25pm on 8 December. Recently, our garden has organised multiple experts to conduct anatomical and pathological sections of Xin Xing. Comprehensive analysis concluded that: due to advanced age and multiple organ failure, the giant panda Xin Xing experienced digestive dysfunction, hypoproteinemia, and secondary digestive tract. Respiratory tract infection eventually led to death. The departure of the giant panda Xin Xing makes us feel heartache, and we hereby inform friends from all walks of life who care about Xin Xing.
Xin Xing lived for 38 years and 4 months.
Pandas are capable of living for up to 20 years in the wild and in captivity with proper care, those numbers could be extended to 30.
Rest easy Xing, you did your part in helping out your own kind to survive.