Two Giant Pandas in Hangzhou Die in Succession

According to China News Service, two giant pandas succumbed to illness despite intensive medical treatment: “Banban” from Hangzhou Wildlife World passed away on February 9, 2026, followed by “Xiangguo” from Hangzhou Zoo on February 10.

Immediately after the incidents, relevant authorities established an expert working group to investigate the causes of death. Autopsy and laboratory analyses confirmed that the pandas died of multiple organ failure triggered by intestinal obstruction and mesenteric torsion, respectively. Both conditions are acute digestive tract disorders in giant pandas, with mortality rates as high as 60% and 100%, respectively, and are recognized as critical causes of mortality among captive giant pandas.

Authorities have launched further investigations into the two facilities and ordered the panda enclosures at Hangzhou Wildlife World and Hangzhou Zoo to close immediately for comprehensive rectification. To ensure the health and safety of two other giant pandas, “Yiyi” and “Chunsheng”, they have been relocated to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, respectively.