Ya Ya - giant panda
History
Born on August 3, 2000 in Beijing YaYa is a female giant panda on loan for 20 years from the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens to Memphis Zoo, USA. China has sent pandas overseas as a diplomatic tool to strengthen international ties since 1972 after US president Richard Nixon met Chinese leader Mao Zedong. After this meeting China gave pandas Ling Ling and Xing Xing to the United States.
A second giant panda, named LeLe, was also under the same loan agreement with Memphis Zoo but LeLe died suddenly on February 1 2023. The loan expires in April 2023 when YaYa is due to be returned to China.
Panda Voices and In Defense of Animals, who campaign for the release of LeLe and YaYa, raised concerns over the wellbeing of both pandas including:
- Insufficient bamboo
- Malnourishment
- Excessive Caging Time (10+hours)
- Stereotypical Behavior
- Distressed Mental Health
- Skin Mite Disease
- Dental Problems
YaYa is waiting to be returned to China and in a press conference held on Apr 11, 2023 authorities stated that YaYa is in a relatively stable condition except for hair loss caused by a skin disease.
See also
External links
Panda Voices with Tom & Sarah All About Animals Radio Podcast
Fate of ‘sick’ Chinese panda in US zoo exposes political tensions
Chinese Anger Rises over 'Malnourished' Pandas in U.S. Zoo Newsweek