The world's oldest captive giant panda is set to challenge the record for the world's longest living animal, comparable to a centenarian human.
Giant Panda Jia Jia Set to Equal World Record
The giant panda in Hong Kong, named Jia Jia, meaning "good" in Chinese, lives in the city's Ocean Park. This summer, she will celebrate her 37th birthday, equaling the record for the longest living artificially bred giant panda, previously held by a panda named Du Du who passed away in 1997 at the age of 37.
Giant Panda Jia Jia Comparable to a Centenarian
"It is rare for a panda to live such a long life," said the director of the park's animal care office. "A panda that lives this long is equivalent to a centenarian in human terms."
Giant Panda Jia Jia Set to Break New Guinness World Record
Jia Jia's keepers mentioned that they will consider applying for a Guinness World Record after her 37th birthday, which will likely be this summer. However, the exact date is still uncertain as Jia Jia was captured from the wild.
Giant Panda Jia Jia Gifted by Mainland Chinese Government
Jia Jia was born in mainland China in 1978. In 1999, the mainland Chinese government gifted Jia Jia and another giant panda to Hong Kong to commemorate the second anniversary of Hong Kong's return.
Weighing 80 kilograms, Jia Jia maintains good health for her age, although her vision has severely deteriorated and her hearing has also declined, according to the park's chief veterinarian.
