Farewell to oldest giant panda, Basi

The world’s oldest captive giant panda has died at 37 – more than 100 in human years – its handlers in China said yesterday as they gave “Basi” an emotional send-off.

The Straits Giant Panda Research and Exchange Center in southeastern China, where Basi has lived for 33 years, held a memorial service which included white roses laid at the bear’s favourite tree.