Oldest male giant panda in captivity dies at 35 after being gifted in 1999

The oldest giant panda to ever live in captivity has died aged 35, which park officials say is 105 human years

The world's oldest giant panda in captivity has died (

Image: Vernon Yuen/REX/Shutterstock)

The oldest giant panda to ever live in captivity has died aged 35 after being shot.

An An, a male panda, lived at the Ocean Park complex in Hong Kong after being donated by the Chinese government in 1999 alongside a female.

He was euthanized on Thursday (July 21) after showing consistent signs of deterioration over the past few weeks, with his appetite declining until he finally stopped eating, according to the theme park.

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The panda was famous in Hong Kong for the long life it spent with female panda Jia Jia, with the pair being chosen to mate but never succeeding.

An An was shot dead Thursday at the age of 35 after he stopped eating (

Picture:

REUTERS)

She was the oldest panda to have lived in captivity at the time of her death, this record being later surpassed by An An.

Adult pandas usually live up to about 20 years in the wild and can live up to 25 years in captivity.

A statement from Ocean Park read, "Ocean Park is deeply saddened to announce the loss of An An"

"An An is an indispensable member of our family and grew up with the park.

"He also forged strong friendships with locals and tourists alike."