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Ya Ya, the giant panda who spent two decades on loan at the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, is now capturing attention in China with her impressive health turnaround. Recent footage from the Beijing Zoo shows the 25-year-old female looking dramatically different—healthier, fuller, and more vibrant—since her return in April 2023. Upon arrival back in China, Ya Ya weighed just 75 kg and was dealing with a chronic skin condition that left her coat thin and patchy. Over the past two-plus years under specialized veterinary care, including targeted nutrition, native bamboo diets, and medical treatment for her skin, she has gained more than 20 kg, reaching a stable 95 kg. Her body condition score—a standard veterinary measure of overall health and fat reserves—has climbed from a worrisome 2 out of 5 to a solid 4 out of 5, placing her comfortably in the ideal range for her advanced age. Beijing Zoo veterinarians confirm that her weight is now optimal, her fur has thickened and glossed up, and her general physical functions have markedly improved. Officials have consistently attributed her earlier appearance to age-related factors, genetics, and the longstanding skin issue rather than any neglect. Even after losing her longtime companion Le Le shortly before departure, Ya Ya is thriving in retirement. She receives tailored senior care in a quiet, enriched environment at the Beijing Zoo, where she's no longer on public exhibit but is monitored closely to ensure her golden years are as comfortable and healthy as possible.










