Photo of panda Ya Ya
Photo of Ya Ya
Photo of Le Le

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

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

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

Pandas Eating
Ya Ya
Panda on Tree

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

Pandas
12.21.2022

Memphis Zoo Loan Agreement With China Ending

Pandas
02.09.2022

Memphis Zoo Responds to Misinformation About Pandas

Pandas
08.25.2021

Checking In With Our Giant Pandas!

Pandas
01.06.2021

Saving A Species: Giant Panda

Pandas
09.21.2020

Memphis Zoo Bamboo Crew

Pandas
04.08.2018

3 Ways the Memphis Zoo Contributes to Conservation

Pandas
01.31.2017

Le Le Predicts the Super Bowl Winner!

Pandas
03.16.2016

Today is National Panda Day!

Pandas
05.21.2014

Bear Awareness Week: Meet our Giant Panda Bears

Pandas
10.30.2013

Memphis Zoo Will Continue to House Giant Pandas

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