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The World's Oldest Captive Panda Has Died

Farewell Jia Jia.
Beautiful Jia Jia.
Tyrone Siu / Reuters
Beautiful Jia Jia.

The world's oldest captive panda has died at aged 38, in the Hong Kong theme park where she's lived happily for the last 17 years.

The giant panda's condition deteriorated rapidly, she was no longer eating or sleeping and couldn't move on her own, according to a statement from Hong Kong's Ocean Park.

The park said for ethical reasons Jia Jia was euthanised to prevent further suffering to the loveable creature.

"This is a day we knew would eventually come, but it is nevertheless a sad day for everyone at the Park, especially for the Park's keepers who took care of her over the years," Ocean Park Chairman Leo Kung said.

"Jia Jia was a member of our family who had spent 17 wonderful years with Hong Kong people, and she will be deeply missed."

Jia Jia made headlines in 2015 when she set two Guinness World Records for the 'oldest panda living in captivity' and the 'oldest panda ever in captivity' on her 37th birthday.

According to the Guinness World Records giant pandas have an average lifespan of between 18-20 years and 30 in captivity, so Jia Jia had an amazingly good innings for the species.

There's one thing for sure, the world will miss you Jia Jia.

Bobby Yip / Reuters
Bobby Yip / Reuters
AFP/Getty Images
Tyrone Siu / Reuters
Bobby Yip / Reuters
Bobby Yip / Reuters
Bobby Yip / Reuters
Tyrone Siu / Reuters
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