Shuang Shuang, a beloved giant panda formerly known as Tantan in Japan, passed away at the age of 28 in Kobe Oji Zoo, Japan. Despite efforts by experts from both China and Japan to treat her acute heart failure, she unfortunately did not recover and passed away on Sunday evening.

Born in September 1995, Shuang Shuang had been living in Japan since July 2000 under a giant panda cooperation agreement between China and Japan. Her recent deteriorating health condition, diagnosed with age-related heart disease during a routine check-up three years ago, led to delays in her scheduled return to China in 2020, which were further prolonged due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The joint efforts of experts from both countries in treating her condition aimed to stabilize her health and minimize the risks associated with long-distance transportation.

The China Wildlife Conservation Association's announcement emphasized the importance of properly preserving Shuang Shuang's remains in adherence to the cooperation agreement between China and Japan. Giant pandas, considered national treasures in China and a first-class protected wildlife species, are symbols of international conservation efforts with collaborative projects spanning multiple countries since the 1990s. The news of Shuang Shuang's passing has sparked sadness among people worldwide who cherished this iconic animal.