1 of 2 Giant Pandas in London Zoo Dies
Ching-Ching, one of two giant pandas at the London Zoo, died of peritonitis at the zoo hospital after a long bout with the stomach disorder, zoo officials announced Monday. She was 12.
“She really was a personality,” said zoo spokeswoman Joan Crammond. “You can’t lose your stars without a great feeling of sadness.”
Crammond said that Chia-Chia, Ching-Ching’s male companion, will probably feel “little grief.”
The shy pandas never mated. Their last unsuccessful attempt was in 1982, Crammond said.
The Chinese government presented the panda couple to Prime Minister Edward Heath during his visit to Peking in 1974.
Crammond said Ching-Ching’s death leaves 15 giant pandas in captivity in the West.
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