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Jia Jia, World's Oldest Captive Panda, Dies at 38 in Hong Kong

Jia Jia, who lived nearly twice as long as the typical captive giant panda, was euthanized after the rapid decline of her health. She was 38.
Image: Giant panda Jia Jia
Giant panda Jia Jia eats bamboo next to her birthday cake at Ocean Park in Hong Kong, as she celebrates her 37th birthday on July 28, 2015.PHILIPPE LOPEZ / AFP - Getty Images

Jia Jia, the world’s oldest captive giant panda, died Sunday at the age of 38 at Ocean Park in Hong Kong, the zoo said in a statement.

Image: Giant panda Jia Jia
Giant panda Jia Jia eats bamboo next to her birthday cake at Ocean Park in Hong Kong, as she celebrates her 37th birthday on July 28, 2015.PHILIPPE LOPEZ / AFP - Getty Images

Jia Jia lived nearly twice as long as the typical captive panda, the statement said, though in recent weeks her health declined rapidly. She was no longer eating or sleeping, the statement said, and she could no longer move on her own.

“Her state became so debilitated that based on ethical reasons and in order to prevent suffering,” park and government veterinarians euthanized her, the statement said.

During Jia Jia’s 17 years at Ocean Park she had become one of its popular attractions, “successfully [raising] awareness of the importance of protecting this precious species and their natural habitat.”

The statement added: “Jia Jia, thank you for being with us throughout the years! RIP!”