Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park has announced the passing of giant panda Jiahe following an illness, while another giant panda, Tingzai, is currently in a relatively stable condition after receiving intensive medical treatment and nursing care.
Giant panda Jiahe
Giant panda Tingzai
According to a statement released by the park on May 16, both pandas recently developed symptoms including loss of appetite, lethargy, coughing and fever. In response, the park and the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda promptly launched emergency treatment and organized multidisciplinary consultations involving experts from several leading institutions, including the College of Veterinary Medicine of China Agricultural University, the College of Veterinary Medicine of South China Agricultural University , and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.
The statement noted that both pandas initially showed signs of improvement during treatment. However, on May 9, Jiahe's condition suddenly worsened after it developed heart failure secondary to a pulmonary chlamydia infection. Despite extensive rescue efforts, Jiahe passed away at 12:46 p.m.
Veterinary experts and medical staff continue to closely monitor and treat Tingzai, whose vital signs are now described as relatively stable.
To protect animal health, animal disease prevention authorities and the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda have conducted comprehensive health screenings of all giant pandas and their caretakers at the park, along with environmental sampling and testing. No other abnormal conditions have been detected so far.
As a precautionary measure and to further eliminate potential health risks, the Giant Panda Center at Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park has been temporarily closed to the public with immediate effect.
Author | Liu Lingzhi
Photo | Global Times
