Gao Gao

Basic Profile

Gao Gao (Chinese: 高高, “Tall and Strong”), studbook number 415, was a male giant panda rescued from the wild in Baoxing County, Sichuan Province on April 6, 1993. Found at approximately 1 year of age in Fengtongzhai Nature Reserve (蜂桶寨自然保护区), he was separated from his mother and had been attacked by wild animals, resulting in the loss of one ear. He was treated by reserve keepers, nursed back to health, and named “Gao Gao” — a wish for him to grow “tall and strong.”

Life Journey

Rescue and Early Life (1993-2003)

After his rescue, Gao Gao was transferred to the Wolong China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas (卧龙大熊猫研究中心). He grew into a good-natured, handsome panda with a distinctive single-ear silhouette that made him instantly recognizable.

Gao Gao’s early life was documented in the film 《回家》(“Home”) , a documentary nominated for the 1995 Golden Horse Award (金马奖). The film captured the touching bond between Gao Gao and his keepers, chronicling his journey from a wounded orphan to a healthy young panda.

Life at San Diego Zoo (2003-2018)

On January 15, 2003, Gao Gao departed for the San Diego Zoo as part of the Sino-US “12-Year Giant Panda Cooperative Breeding Program” (中美”12年大熊猫繁殖计划”). He joined female Bai Yun (白云, studbook 371), who had been at the zoo since 1996 and had already produced a cub (Hua Mei) with her previous mate Shi Shi.

Gao Gao’s departure was a major event in China. A Nissan van was arranged for his transport to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport. Keepers prepared a special breakfast of corn flour, soybean flour, and nutrient wotou. The iron transport cage was too tall for the airport security scanner, so a “green channel” exemption was granted. Two专职饲养员 (dedicated keepers) accompanied him, along with a supply of Wolong bamboo, apples, and compressed biscuits to last four days.

At San Diego Zoo, Gao Gao moved into a newly renovated “luxury villa” — a private room with automatic water dispenser and an independent exercise yard. A health management plan was tailored for him, and his breeding schedule was pre-arranged to match Bai Yun’s April estrus cycle.

Gao Gao made his public debut at San Diego Zoo on March 13, 2003.

Offspring with Bai Yun

Gao Gao and Bai Yun became one of the most successful breeding pairs in panda conservation history:

Cub	Name	Born	Notes
1st	Mei Sheng (美生)	2003-08-19	First cub, male
2nd	Su Lin (苏琳)	2005-08-02	Female
3rd	Zhen Zhen (珍珍)	2007-08-03	Female
4th	Yun Zi (云子)	2009-08-05	Male
5th	Xiao Li Wu (小礼物)	2012-07-29	Male, youngest

All five cubs survived and were later returned to China as part of the breeding exchange program. Through his offspring, Gao Gao’s descendants include grandchildren Xing An (兴安) and Yun Chuan (云川).

Return to China (2018)

On November 1, 2018, at age 28 (approximately 98 in human years), Gao Gao returned to Sichuan after 15 years in the US. He underwent a month-long quarantine at the Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas.

On December 3, 2018, Gao Gao completed quarantine and made his first public appearance for the Chinese media. He was the first panda to return to China after the conclusion of a Sino-US cooperative research agreement.

Later Years and Health Decline

In his later years, Gao Gao developed age-related conditions. He underwent testicular cancer surgery and required specialized geriatric care. His distinctive missing ear and gentle demeanor earned him the affectionate nickname “Gao Laoye” (高姥爷, “Grandpa Gao”) among fans.

Final Days

On November 22, 2025, keepers noticed Gao Gao had decreased appetite and energy, with visible abdominal bloating. Medication provided some improvement.

On November 23, his condition remained poor. A CT scan at a joint tertiary hospital revealed:

• Shrunken right lung with patchy high-density shadows and blurred margins
• Right pleural thickening and pleural effusion
• Significant inflammation
• Various degrees of lesions in other organs

Treatment was administered, and Gao Gao maintained stable vital signs afterward, accepting liquid food. The panda center implemented 24-hour intensive care.

On November 24 at 11:40 AM, Gao Gao suddenly developed hind limb weakness, became unable to stand, and experienced respiratory distress. Despite all rescue efforts, he passed away at 2:30 PM at approximately 33 years of age.

Legacy

Gao Gao was one of the most beloved and well-documented wild-born giant pandas in managed care. His life story — from a wounded, one-eared orphan in the mountains of Baoxing to a globally recognized conservation ambassador — embodied the success of China’s panda rescue and international cooperation programs. His five surviving cubs with Bai Yun constituted one of the most productive breeding pairs in overseas facilities, and his distinctive face remains an icon of San Diego Zoo’s panda program.