According to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, giant panda “Yong Ming” passed away on January 25, 2025, due to multiple organ failure, at the age of 32.5 years, which is roughly equivalent to 100 human years.
“Yong Ming,” male, with lineage number 390, was born on September 14, 1992. At the age of two, he traveled overseas with the female panda “Mei Mei (梅梅)” to the Shirahama Wildlife Park in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, marking the beginning of a new chapter in international giant panda conservation cooperation.
At the Shirahama Wildlife Park, “Yong Ming” successfully paired with three female pandas – “Rong Bang (蓉浜),” “Mei Mei,” and “Liang Bang (良浜)” – and fathered 16 cubs. He created the largest overseas giant panda family, known as the “Bang Family,” and earned the title of “Panda Legend” and “Super Dad.” Over his lifetime, he received numerous honors, including the “Japan Animal Grand Prize” and the title of “Special Envoy for Sino-Japanese Friendship.”
In February 2023, “Yong Ming” returned to his homeland with his twin daughters, “Ying Bang (樱浜)” and “Tao Bang (桃浜),” and settled at the Hero Farm of the Chengdu Panda Base. To honor him, the Shirahama Wildlife Park presented a commemorative monument to the Chengdu Panda Base, depicting “Yong Ming,” “Mei Mei,” and their offspring. Additionally, the park produced a photo album of “Yong Ming” and created an online memorial hall to celebrate his life in Japan.
In January 2025, “Yong Ming” began showing signs of lethargy, decreased appetite, and prolonged periods of rest. Despite the dedicated care and constant attention of his veterinary team and keepers, his condition worsened, and he became unable to eat or breathe without difficulty. Ultimately, he passed away due to multiple organ failure. Surrounded by familiar bamboo fragrance and the presence of his caregivers, “Yong Ming” peacefully returned to the lush mountains forever.