Legendary giant panda Yong Ming dies at 32.5 in Chengdu

(ECNS) -- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding announced on Friday that male panda Yong Ming, which had made contributions to China-Japan joint study on panda reproduction, died at 32.5 on Jan. 25 in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

Yong Ming, born on Sept. 14, 1992, was the backbone of China’s largest overseas panda family, the renowned “Bang family” in Japan.

In January 2025, the giant panda began to show symptoms of lethargy, reduced appetite, and prolonged inactivity. As its condition continued to deteriorate, it grew increasingly weak and ultimately passed away due to multiple organ failure.

Yong Ming was sent to the Adventure World in Shirahama town, Wakayama prefecture, Japan, in 1994 and had reproduced a total of 16 cubs. It was appointed as a special envoy for Sino-Japan friendship.

In 2023, the giant panda, together with its twin daughters Ying Bang and Tao Bang, were sent back to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to enjoy its old age.

Yong Ming is equivalent to the advanced age of human beings close to 100 years old.