Remembering the past 20 years
Memphis Zoo was home to giant pandas Ya Ya and Le Le for over 20 years.
Memphis Zoo will forever be grateful for the 20 years we got to spend caring for giant panda, Ya Ya
Our female giant panda, Ya Ya, left for China in April of 2023
In Memory of Le Le
Our male giant panda, Le Le, was a laid back and relaxed bear.
Le Le enjoyed his morning pre-breakfast snack of sugar cane, enjoyed training for his second favorite treat, apples, then settled back to enjoy grazing on his bamboo for the day. He loved his hand-fed biscuit treats and having keepers bring him fresh bamboo whenever he was hungry. His favorite enrichment was the scents we would leave him. When keepers gave him blankets or sheets with strong scents, he rubbed his face on the fabric and rolled around in them. Le Le's laid-back personality greatly contrasted Ya Ya's outgoing nature.
Panda Research
Over the last 20 years, there have been 21 areas of research focused on pandas. The Memphis Zoo has collaborated with over 45 scientists and conservationists, including over a dozen colleagues in China representing nine Chinese academic or governmental departments.
More Info
Our Partners
