Situation of giant panda Ya Ya at U.S. zoo draws concern among Chinese public

Photo shows giant panda Ya Ya at the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, the U.S. (Photo from Weibo)

(ECNS) -- The health condition of the giant panda Ya Ya at the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, the U.S., has triggered concern among Chinese netizens who hope the panda returns to the motherland as soon as possible.

According to the photos published on the internet, skinny and dirty Ya Ya lives in poor conditions. The giant panda has displayed stereotyped behavior except for extensive skin diseases, suspected malnutrition and diarrhea, a volunteer in America told Top App, a media outlet in central China’s Henan Province.

The Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens (CAZG) said that it attaches great importance to Ya Ya’s condition and will communicate with the Memphis Zoo after sorting out information from Ya Ya’s fans and netizens.

Photo shows Ya Ya at the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, the U.S. (Photo from Weibo)

Insiders said that Chinese experts have been sent to the Memphis Zoo to check Ya Ya’s health condition and will give suggestions on feeding the panda.

Female giant panda Ya Ya, together with male giant panda Le Le, was sent to the Memphis Zoo in 2003 and Le Le died in early February 2023.

The Memphis Zoo's giant panda loan agreement with the CAZG comes to an end in April, but the Chinese public hopes Ya Ya can return to China ahead of schedule.