Wu Gang

Basic Profile

Wu Gang (Chinese: 武岗) was a male giant panda rescued from the wild in Baoxing County, Sichuan. He held the global studbook number 502 and was known throughout his life for his distinctive pink nose, which made him instantly recognizable to panda fans.

Rescue Story

On May 1, 2001, a villager named Wu Huajun discovered a young panda cub in Chujugou, Yongfu Township (now merged into Longdong Town), Baoxing County. The cub was weak and abandoned, and was immediately transported to the Fengtongzhai National Nature Reserve for emergency care. He was later transferred to the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas, where he was given the name Wu Gang (武岗).

Relocation History

• 2001: Transferred to the China Conservation and Research Center
• Moved to Chengdu Wildlife Zoo
• Transferred to Wolong Hetaoping Base
• 2008-07-21: Moved to Ya’an Bifengxia Base (permanent residence)

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Historic Natural Mating

April 3, 2016: At the Bifengxia Base’s new breeding facility, Wu Gang successfully completed natural mating with the female panda Cui Cui (翠翠). The first mating session lasted 4 minutes and 33 seconds. That same evening, the pair mated a second time, lasting 8 minutes and 50 seconds — setting a record for the China Conservation and Research Center that year. The entire process was broadcast live globally through the iPanda channel.

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Offspring

Wu Gang fathered several offspring, including:

• Kai Kai (凯凯): Son who was sent to Singapore
• Wu Wen (武雯): Daughter
• Hua Yan (华妍): Daughter
• Xiao Bai Tu (小白兔): Daughter

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Battle with Cancer

Early 2023: Diagnosis

In early 2023, keepers noticed a growth in Wu Gang’s oral cavity accompanied by bleeding while eating. An expert team was assembled, including specialists from West China Hospital of Sichuan University (Head and Neck Tumor Surgery Department). Wu Gang was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (malignant bone cancer) of the oral cavity — a condition never before treated in giant pandas, with no established clinical protocols.

Treatment Attempts

The expert team performed two tumor reduction surgeries, but the results were unsatisfactory. As the tumor grew rapidly, Wu Gang’s eating became increasingly difficult. He could only manage small pieces of bamboo shoots, concentrated feed, fruits, and vegetables to maintain his energy.

By June 2023, the team decided that interventional radiology (localized treatment) was the best remaining option. Preparations were underway for this novel procedure.

Final Days

Despite all medical efforts, Wu Gang’s condition continued to deteriorate. In the final months, he was moved to the Dujiangyan Base isolation area for end-of-life care. On October 29, 2023, in the early morning hours, Wu Gang passed away peacefully due to complications from the malignant tumor.

His battle with osteosarcoma remains a significant case in giant panda veterinary medicine, highlighting the challenges of treating rare cancers in this vulnerable species.