Beijing – A giant panda whose emaciated condition sparked concern among animal lovers and fueled diplomatic tensions has made a remarkable recovery after returning to China from the United States. Ya Ya, a 25-year-old female panda, had resided at the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee since 2003, but her health deteriorated significantly in recent years, prompting widespread online criticism and questions about her care.
Images of a visibly underweight Ya Ya circulated widely on Chinese social media in the months leading up to her repatriation in April 2023. Concerns centered on alleged malnutrition and inadequate treatment, with many expressing outrage over her condition. The situation unfolded against a backdrop of broader geopolitical friction between the US and China, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Upon her arrival in China, Ya Ya weighed just 75 kilograms (approximately 165 pounds), according to the Beijing Zoo, and was also suffering from skin issues. This confirmed the concerns raised by online observers who had documented her declining health. The zoo’s initial assessment painted a stark picture of a panda in need of significant rehabilitation.
However, in a recent update shared on Friday, January 30, 2026, the Beijing Zoo revealed a dramatic turnaround. Ya Ya now weighs 95 kilograms (approximately 209 pounds), and her coat has regained its luster. A video released by the zoo showcased a healthier, more vibrant panda adapting well to her new environment. The footage showed Ya Ya basking in the sunlight and enjoying her meals, offering a reassuring sign of her recovery.
The positive developments have elicited a wave of joy and relief among Chinese netizens. Online comments expressed gratitude to the Beijing Zoo staff for their dedicated care and celebrated Ya Ya’s improved well-being. “Ya Ya has changed a lot since returning to China. She has gained weight and is much healthier,” one user commented. Another wrote, “Thank you to all the staff at Beijing Zoo for allowing us to see Ya Ya, who is now so healthy and plump.”
The case of Ya Ya also prompted scrutiny of the Memphis Zoo’s practices. While zoo officials maintained that Ya Ya’s size was consistent with her genetic lineage, the stark contrast between her condition in the US and her subsequent recovery in China fueled accusations of mistreatment. The timing of the situation, coinciding with heightened US-China tensions, further amplified the controversy.
Ya Ya’s return was part of a broader pattern of “panda diplomacy,” a long-standing practice where China loans giant pandas to other countries as a gesture of goodwill and a symbol of international friendship. The loan agreements typically involve collaborative conservation efforts and research opportunities. However, the circumstances surrounding Ya Ya’s case, particularly the sudden death of her companion, Le Le, in February 2023 due to heart disease, raised further questions about the welfare of pandas in foreign zoos.
Le Le’s unexpected passing, occurring shortly before the scheduled return of both pandas, intensified suspicions of inadequate care and contributed to the growing public outcry. The dual incidents prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability in the management of panda loan programs.
The successful rehabilitation of Ya Ya serves as a powerful testament to the dedication of the Beijing Zoo’s veterinary team and the importance of providing pandas with a suitable environment and specialized care. It also underscores the deep cultural significance of pandas in China, where they are considered national treasures and symbols of peace and harmony.
As Ya Ya continues to thrive in her homeland, the case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with international wildlife conservation efforts and the need for unwavering commitment to animal welfare. The hope now is that pandas loaned to other countries will receive the same level of care and attention, ensuring their health and well-being for years to come.
