Giant panda Gao Gao, also known affectionately as "Takataka," died on November 24, 2025, at 2:30 PM at the age of approximately 33, from a serious, incurable disease that affected his lungs and several internal organs. His age corresponds to that of a human over 100 years old, making him one of the longest-lived pandas ever known.
Giant Panda Gao Gao Dies: Who Was the Panda "Takataka"?“
Gao Gao was born in the wild in 1993 in Baoxing County, Sichuan Province, a key area for giant panda conservation. At a young age, he suffered an attack that left him injured and half his ear missing. He was subsequently rescued and cared for by villagers and keeper Yang, a story later recounted in the documentary "The Road Home.".
After several attempts at reintroduction into the wild, Gao Gao finally chose to stay at the China Giant Panda Conservation Research Center, where he began his journey as a panda ambassador for the species' protection. His sweet, resilient, and curious nature immediately made him beloved by staff and visitors.
From China to the San Diego Zoo
In 2003, Gao Gao was transferred to the San Diego Zoo in the United States, where he won the affection of thousands of people in just a few years. There, he became a true celebrity, helping to create a large community of giant panda fans in China and America, thanks to his endearing appearance and affable nature.
During his time in San Diego, Gao Gao participated in important conservation and breeding programs, becoming one of the most well-known founders of international giant panda projects. His story helped raise public awareness of the importance of research centers and breeding programs to save the species from extinction.
The return to Sichuan and the last years
In 2018, Gao Gao returned to Sichuan with his partner Bai Yun to peacefully spend the final part of his life at the China Giant Panda Conservation Research Center. In this new phase, "Grandpa" Gao Gao enjoyed a well-deserved "retirement," surrounded by the care of his veterinary team and the affection of his many fans around the world.
Her union with Bai Yun produced five cubs and numerous grandchildren, cementing her pivotal role in the captive giant panda genealogy. Her lineage today represents a valuable genetic resource for conservation programs, which continue to work to safeguard the species.
Illness and causes of death
On November 22, 2025, Gao Gao began to exhibit loss of appetite and abdominal swelling, signs that immediately raised concerns among the Center's medical team. Despite treatment, diagnostic tests revealed a severe lung infection associated with multiple organ failure, a particularly critical condition for such an elderly panda.
On the morning of November 24th, around 11:40 a.m., his condition rapidly deteriorated: his hind legs became unresponsive and his breathing became increasingly labored. Despite every effort to stabilize him, Gao Gao passed away at 2:30 p.m., leaving a huge void among the keepers and fans who had followed him for decades.
The Legacy of “Grandpa” Gao Gao
The death of Gao Gao, often described as "grandfather" due to his extraordinary age, breaks the hearts of a global community that loved and supported him for over thirty years. His long journey, from the mountains of Sichuan to the San Diego Zoo and then back to China, tells a story of resilience, care, and international cooperation for the protection of giant pandas.
Today, Gao Gao is remembered as a symbol of hope and successful conservation programs: thanks to him, five cubs were born and numerous descendants will continue to carry on his precious genetic heritage. In the memory of his fans, Gao Gao will forever be the kind-hearted panda who brought love, sweetness, and beauty to the world, and who now rests on "Planet of the Pandas," free from all suffering.