This week the news of Ireland’s youngest granny hit the headlines, and now the world’s OLDEST granny is breaking records.
Yesterday, 28th July, Jia Jia a panda at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park turned 37-years-old and entered the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest captive panda in the world. If 37 years seems young, don’t forget that 37 in panda years is actually around 111 years in human terms.
Jia Jia’s birthday was celebrated with a lavish cake made of ice and vegetables. Perhaps not surprisingly, Jia Jia steered well clear of the concoction and instead feasted on her usual bamboo shoots.
The average lifespan of a giant panda is around 20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in captivity. The previous record holder, Dudu, died in 1999 at the age of 36.
So what’s the secret of Jia Jia’s longevity?
Apparently like most average grannies, Jia Jia spends her days solving small puzzles, climbing up and down a hill, and rolling around with toys… oh wait.
Ocean Park chief veterinarian Paolo Martelli told CNN that her activities are quite advanced compared to other ageing pandas.
Park workers say they strive to keep Jia Jia mentally stimulated so she continues to be interested in her surroundings.
Happy Birthday Jia Jia!
