Ocean Park's giant panda passed away

An An, a giant panda of Ocean Park, passed away this morning (July 21).

According to Ocean Park on its social media platforms today, An An was 35 years old, the equivalent of a human at 105 years old, and was the longest-lived male giant panda in human care worldwide. An An's health had been slowly deteriorating over the past few weeks, with a significant drop in his food and activity levels, and he had become very weak.

After consulting with the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Ocean Park and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department veterinarians have decided to euthanise An An for animal welfare reasons and will perform the procedure at 8.40am today at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures.

A book of condolence will be set up at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures today. For those who are unable to visit in person, messages of condolence can be left on social media platforms to pay tribute to this much-loved animal ambassador.