Autopsy finds panda died of heart attack

The death of the male giant panda Xuang Xuang at Chiang Mai Zoo on Sept 16 was a result of heart failure, the zoo announced yesterday.

The finding was delivered after Thai and Chinese veterinarians performed an autopsy on Xuang Xuang, who died at the age of 19.

The joint veterinary team confirmed Xuang Xuang had not suffered nutrition-related problems or breathing difficulties prior to death. The panda was also found to be free of any physical injuries.

Xuang Xuang and his mate, Lin Hui, were loaned to Thailand by the Chinese government.

The pair arrived in Thailand in October 2003 and became instant favourites, featuring briefly in live broadcasts on their own TV channel and even attracting their own fan club.

The zoo said Thailand would compensate China for the death of the giant panda as soon as possible.

Both Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui, who is still alive, were on loan until 2023 and were being housed in a 6,250-square-metre air-conditioned enclosure.

Beijing loaned the two pandas under an agreement that Thailand cooperate with China to conduct research on the life and breeding habits of the animals.

Both were given Thai names, “Thewan” for Xuang Xuang and “Kham Eouy” for Lin Hui.

The pair produced one cub, Lin Ping, as a result of artificial insemination. The cub has already been sent back to China. A panda’s average life span in the wild is 14 to 20 years, but they can live up to 30 years in captivity.