Taotao (giant panda)
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Taotao (? - April 2, 2008) was a Chinese giant panda. Taotao was China's oldest living giant panda at the time of her death at the age of at 36.[1]
Taotao was born in the wild in Gansu province in Northwesten China.[1] She was first brought to Jinan Zoo, which is located in Shandong province, in October 1994.[1] Taotao never gave birth in captivity, despite the efforts of researchers and zoo keepers.[1]
Taotao was considered to be one of the Jinan Zoo's star attractions and was seen by millions of visitors from 1994 to 2008.[1] The Jinan Zoo reportedly bestowed the title of "ambassador of harmonious zoology" on Taotao.[1]
Taotao died from brain thrombus and a cerebral hemorrhage on April 2, 2008, at the Jinan Zoo, at the age of 36.[1] She had been in declining health since the brain thrombus disease was discovered in February 2008.[1] Taotao lived far beyond the average life expectancy of a giant panda, who usually live to the age of 25 years old.[1] Taotao's remains will reportedly be returned to Gansu province.[1]
Over 200 giant pandas, which are native to China, currently live in captivity around the world, as of 2008.[1]
