The end of an era: Tan Tan, japan’s beloved panda, passes away

Tan Tan, the oldest panda in the Land of the Rising Sun, left us. Keepers, Japanese citizens and tourists remember him by saying goodbye to the animal for the last time. A long life, but always in captivity

In a solemn announcement, Japan has said goodbye to its oldest panda, Tan Tan. This beloved female panda closed her eyes for the last time at the end of March, passing away due to cardiopulmonary arrest brought on by her advanced age.

A cherished life comes to an end

Tan Tan was 28 years old, a venerable age that made her an inspirational figure for many in Japan, despite having spent her entire life within the confines of an enclosure.

Her story began in 1995 in China, where she was born and named Tan Tan by her caregivers. Five years later, in 2000, she made her journey to Japan, finding a new home at the Kobe Oji Zoo. There, she was celebrated as a symbol of rebirth, embodying resilience after the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the western part of the country in January of 1995.

Originally, Tan Tan was supposed to return to China in 2020 at the end of a contract between China and Japan. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed her departure. Subsequent health issues further postponed her journey.

Battling health issues

In March 2021, during a routine check-up, Tan Tan was diagnosed with a heart condition. Since then, Chinese and Japanese veterinarians collaborated to provide her with the best possible care. Considering her health and age, which was equivalent to about 80-100 human years, specialists decided against putting her through additional stress.

Tan Tan remained in Japan for the rest of her days, under constant monitoring from March 15, when her condition significantly worsened. She was declared dead at 23:56 on March 31st, despite attempts at resuscitation.

The Kobe Zoo expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in caring for Tan Tan, commemorating her valuable contribution to the breeding and reproduction of captive pandas. Beyond praise and flowers, Tan Tan was remembered as a “special” animal in captivity.

Source: Kobe Oji Zoo