Memphis, Tennessee – A giant panda named Ya Ya departed the United States for China on Wednesday, after spending two decades at the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee. Ya Ya arrived in the U.S. in 2003 under a 20-year loan agreement with the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens. Ya Ya shared the zoo with another giant panda named Le Le, who passed away in February at the age of 25. Memphis Zoo CEO Matt Thompson previously mentioned that Le Le and Ya Ya were “two of the most spoiled animals on the planet.”“After 20 years, Ya Ya has become like family, and she will be sorely missed by the Memphis Zoo staff and the local community,” Memphis Zoo said in a statement on Wednesday. “We wish her the best of luck in her new home.”Earlier this month, the Memphis Zoo held a farewell party for Ya Ya.

Source: ABC News April 27, 2023 16:37 UTC