An An, the world's oldest male giant panda, dies - equivalent to 105 years old in human years

Hong Kong Ocean Park announced on July 21 that An An, the world's oldest male giant panda under human care, passed away on July 21, 2022 at the age of 35, which is equivalent to 105 years old in human terms. The park expressed great sorrow over this.

Ocean Park said that An An's health condition has gradually deteriorated over the past few weeks. His appetite has gradually decreased. On July 17, he stopped eating solid food and only drank water and electrolyte drinks. At the same time, his activity level has been greatly reduced, and his rest time has also increased. For the elderly An An, the only treatment options available are to relieve his discomfort or tension.

Unfortunately, An An's physical condition became very weak and from a humane point of view, his life had come to an end. After consulting with the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Ocean Park and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department veterinarians reluctantly allowed An An to be euthanized to spare him pain. At 8:40 am on July 21, Ocean Park's Chief Veterinarian, Mark Marlborough, performed the relevant procedure on An An at his residence in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Museum.

It is understood that An An and the female giant panda Jia Jia arrived in Hong Kong together on March 11, 1999. Jia Jia passed away in 2016 at the age of 38. She was the longest-lived female giant panda under human care in the world.

Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation, Mr. Pang Kin-yee, said: "We are grateful for the opportunity to care for An-An and Jia-Jia over the years, which has enabled Ocean Park to develop into an important base for giant panda conservation. Since An-An and Jia-Jia were brought to Ocean Park in 1999, they have served as conservation ambassadors, helping the park promote knowledge about natural ecology and conservation."

Pang Jianyi continued that An An grew up with the Park. As an indispensable member of the Ocean Park family, he has established a deep friendship with the general public and visitors from all over the world. Over the years, An An has brought countless happy memories to everyone, and Hong Kong citizens will always miss his clever and mischievous figure. He thanked the park's animal and veterinary teams for guarding An An day and night, and believed that the park's visitors would join the park in paying their final respects to An An. "An An lived longer than the average giant panda. His life demonstrated Ocean Park's commitment to providing the best care and medical care for giant pandas, as well as the achievements of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda as an important partner of the park over the past years. In the future, Ying Ying Le Le, who lives in the 'Giant Panda Journey', will continue An An Jia Jia's mission."

Hong Kong Ocean Park will set up a condolence book at the "Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Rare Treasures Gallery" and the park's social media platform page for visitors to mourn this beloved animal ambassador.

Source: People's Daily

Reporter: Chen Ran, Feng Xuezhi