Ailing Giant Panda Ya Ya’s Health at Memphis Zoo Highlights Poor Condition of Captive Animals
Chinese netizens are concerned about the poor condition of Ya Ya, a female giant panda at the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, USA.
Two Beijing Zoo specialists have arrived in the US to take care of Ya Ya and investigate her condition.
The specialists are experienced veterinarians who specialize in panda breeding and have experience in raising and treating giant pandas in captivity.
The Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens has also sent experts to the US to work with US partners to prepare for Ya Ya's return to China.
Ya Ya has been in captivity at the Memphis Zoo for about 20 years and was initially born at the Beijing Zoo.
Animal welfare organization, in Defense of Animals, believes that Ya Ya is malnourished and shows signs of diarrhea, skin disease, and zoochosis.
The organization has petitioned for better quality bamboo and bamboo shoots for Ya Ya, but the zoo has not responded yet.
Ya Ya's contract ends on April 7, after which she will return to China, first to Shanghai for quarantine and then to a new habitat being constructed for her by the Beijing Zoo.
Ya Ya's health has sparked a campaign for a thorough checkup of all pandas in overseas zoos, highlighting the challenges of keeping giant pandas and other species in captivity and the need for special care and attention to their physical and mental health.
More Stories