Ya Ya (丫丫), a beloved giant panda, has captured the hearts of many during her long journey from China to the United States and back again. Born on August 3, 2000, in the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center, Ya Ya represents not just the incredible resilience of her species, but also the complex relationship between wildlife conservation efforts and international cooperation. Her story is one of challenges, triumphs, and a commitment to preserving the future of giant pandas. Over the years, she has been the focus of significant media attention, especially regarding her health and living conditions during her time in the U.S.
Basic Information
- Name: Ya Ya (丫丫)
- Date of Birth: August 3, 2000
- Place of Birth: Qinling Giant Panda Research Center (Shaanxi Province Rare Wildlife Rescue Base)
- Genealogy Number: 507
- Mother: Zhu Zhu (珠珠)
- Father: San San (三三)
- Offspring: Qi Ji (奇迹), Xi Qing (喜庆), Xiao Yuan Qi (小元气)
Life in the United States
In April 2003, Ya Ya, along with a male giant panda named Le Le (乐乐) (genealogy number 466), traveled to the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, marking the beginning of a decade-long stay in the United States. To welcome Ya Ya and Le Le, the Memphis Zoo invested $16 million to build a state-of-the-art panda habitat designed to reflect traditional Chinese culture. This facility featured a dedicated breeding and veterinary team, along with 10 acres of land for bamboo cultivation. A specialized team was responsible for daily bamboo collection, providing a balanced diet that included panda cakes, grapes, and sugar cane.
In January 2007, after Ya Ya and Le Le’s natural breeding attempts failed, the Memphis Zoo opted for artificial insemination to help Ya Ya conceive. On May 23, the zoo announced that ultrasound tests confirmed Ya Ya was pregnant. However, on June 13, the zoo reported that the six-year-old panda had suffered a miscarriage due to low levels of progesterone.
Ya Ya and Le Le’s initial ten-year lease period ended in 2013, but the Memphis Zoo extended their stay for another decade by signing an agreement with the China Zoo Association. This decision underscored the zoo’s commitment to the conservation of giant pandas and their role in fostering goodwill between the U.S. and China.
On December 21, 2022, the Memphis Zoo announced that it would return Ya Ya to China, concluding her two-decade stay in the United States.
Health Concerns
In January 2021, concerns were raised on social media regarding the welfare of Ya Ya and Le Le at the Memphis Zoo. Reports described Ya Ya as emaciated and displaying signs of stereotypic behavior, with allegations of inadequate care and a poor living environment lacking fresh bamboo. These revelations led to widespread public concern about their health and living conditions.
In response, the China Zoo Association stated that Ya Ya, being over 20 years old, was considered elderly and had been suffering from a skin condition, contributing to her poor condition. After investigations, it was confirmed that the bamboo supply and living conditions at the zoo were not problematic. The American Zoo and Aquarium Association conducted a thorough assessment, finding that Ya Ya, apart from experiencing seasonal fur thinning, showed no signs of malnutrition or other medical issues. Both pandas were reported to be in good health overall.
Journey Back to China
The passing of Le Le in February 2023 raised alarm about Ya Ya’s well-being. The China Zoo Association quickly communicated with the Memphis Zoo and made the decision to terminate the lease agreement early, facilitating Ya Ya’s return to China. On April 27, 2023, Ya Ya arrived in Shanghai aboard a cargo flight, followed by a period of quarantine at the Shanghai Zoo. After completing her quarantine, she moved to the Beijing Zoo to continue her rehabilitation.
As of January 12, 2024, Ya Ya had been living at the Beijing Zoo for nine months. During her time there, significant improvements in her physical condition and demeanor were noted, attributed to the zoo’s extensive renovations and enhancements made to her habitat.
