An An, a symbol of friendship between China and Hong Kong, lived 105 human-equivalent years: her story of vitality and legacy for the protection of giant pandas.
An An, the world's longest-lived panda, dies at age 35 at Hong Kong's Ocean Park.
It was July 21, 2022, at 8:40 a.m. In the weeks preceding her death, An An had shown signs of deterioration: progressively decreasing appetite, refusal of solid food since July 17, intake of only water and electrolytes, reduced activity, and prolonged rest. Veterinarians from Ocean Park and the Department of Fisheries and Conservation monitored her situation, providing palliative care to alleviate her geriatric distress, and then performed humane euthanasia after consulting with the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. The decision was described as "difficult but necessary" for animal welfare reasons, avoiding unnecessary suffering in a terminal stage. An An, whose average lifespan in the wild is 20 years and in captivity up to 30-40 years, broke all records for a male, demonstrating the success of modern breeding.
An An's story: from Sichuan to Hong Kong star
An An, the panda, was born in the wild in August 1986 in Sichuan Province. He was captured as a juvenile and donated by Beijing to Hong Kong on March 11, 1999, along with Jia Jia, the longest-lived female (who died in 2016 at age 38). The pair arrived as a symbol of friendship from the central government, strengthening ties with the Special Administrative Region during a period of transition. At Ocean Park, An An stood out for his intelligence and playfulness, becoming "an indispensable member of the family," according to president Paulo Pong. In 2021, he celebrated his 35th birthday with a fruit and bamboo cake, hailed as a world record.
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Jia Jia and An An: Ocean Park's Iconic Couple
An An shared 17 years with Jia Jia, the longest-lived female panda in history (38 years). Together, the two embodied panda diplomacy, a symbol of peace and conservation. Jia Jia passed away in 2016, leaving An An alone in The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures pavilion, but he continued to entertain audiences until the end. Their presence has generated a strong emotional bond. Visitors, fans on social media, and a book of condolences opened after An An's death to honor her memory. This couple has elevated Ocean Park to a must-see destination for panda lovers, promoting education and sustainable tourism.
An An's legacy for panda conservation
An An's longevity highlights the progress made in caring for giant pandas, which have been classified as "endangered" to "vulnerable" thanks to breeding and habitat restoration programs. Her death prompts reflection on the geriatric well-being of captive animals and the importance of centers like Ocean Park in raising public awareness. Today, Ocean Park continues to raise new pandas, but An An remains an icon. Her record inspires research into longevity and health.