Ya Ya, the giant panda who spent 20 years at Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, has stunned the public with a visibly healthier appearance in a recent video released by Beijing Zoo.
Returned to China in 2024, Ya Ya now resides at Beijing Zoo and looks noticeably plumper and healthier compared to her time in the U.S., where she had appeared thin and patchy.
The panda’s remarkable transformation has become a trending topic on Chinese social media. According to the zoo, Ya Ya weighed just 75kg upon her return, but over two years later, her weight has increased to 95kg. Her body condition score has also improved, rising from two out of five to four out of five, with veterinarians confirming that her weight and overall health are now within the ideal range for an elderly giant panda.
Concerns about Ya Ya’s welfare were previously raised by animal rights activists, who questioned her health at Memphis Zoo. The zoo, however, denied any mistreatment, attributing her size to “familial genetics” and noting that a chronic skin and fur condition—related to her immune system and hormonal fluctuations—affected her coat but not her quality of life.
Activists also blamed the zoo for the death of Ya Ya’s mate, Le Le, in February 2023, claims that were refuted by both the Memphis Zoo and Chinese officials. The two organisations stated that prior to Le Le’s passing, neither panda was mistreated, and a health exchange mechanism, including monthly updates and annual check-ups, was in place to monitor the animals’ wellbeing.
Ya Ya’s recovery has been celebrated as a success story, highlighting the improvements in care since her return to China.
