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'Not fit to care for animals': Reactions pour in as Memphis Zoo's giant panda Le Le dies at 24

The zoo has not revealed the cause of death as a team of panda experts and veterinarians are yet to determine the cause through a medical examination

MEMPHIS ZOO, TENNESSEE: Giant panda Le Le died at the Memphis Zoo on Wednesday, February 1, according to zoo officials. Memphis Zoo president and CEO Matt Thompson, during a press conference on Friday, February 3, said that the panda died “peacefully in his sleep.”

Calling him a "happy bear," the zoo explained that his name Le Le translates to "happy happy." He "enjoyed apples, engaging with enrichment and relaxing while covering himself with freshly shredded bamboo. He had an easy-going personality and was a favorite of all who met and worked with him over the years,” read the zoo's statement. The zoo has not revealed the cause of death as a team of panda experts and veterinarians are yet to determine the cause through a medical examination. Though Thompson stated that there were no prior signs of the panda being sick, social media rushed to grieve the death of their beloved panda and demanded the reason behind Le Le's death.

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Le Le's life in US and Memphis Zoo allegations

In 2003, Le Le arrived at the Memphis zoo on loan from China. A few weeks after his arrival, Ya Ya, his female counterpart also joined him at the zoo. As the loan agreement of the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens with the zoo ended in April 2023, both pandas were scheduled for their return to China.

Talking about the zoo's Chinese partners, Thompson said, “They have been very supportive of us and are working with us very closely on this.  They are, of course, very sad about this news. They’ve been very understanding.” Expressing their sadness over the death of Lel Le, the US-Chinese Embassy stated, “We are saddened by the passing of giant panda Le Le. The Chinese Embassy in the US will assist relevant parties in handling the aftermath,” and in their statement on Saturday, February 4, the embassy added that they would send an expert team to assist with the postmortem.

However, the In Defense of Animals and Panda Voices, an animal protections organizations revealed that the Memphis Zoo allegedly lacked in providing sustenance and medical care to the pandas. "Memphis Zoo blatantly failed him. His health was clearly suffering, yet no recommended changes were made to help him or YaYa. Memphis Zoo has demonstrated its inability to properly care for the pandas, and must not be allowed to exhibit them in the future," stated Brittany Michelson, Captive Animals Campaigner for In Defense of Animals, according to People.

'A wonderful bear and a delight to visit with him'

After the news of Le Le's death broke out, social media grieved at the loss of the zoo's 'happy bear'. One Twitter user wrote, "My heart goes out to all of you- such a wonderful bear and a delight to visit with him," and another wrote, "I don’t know why this tears me up a little RIP"

"I’m so sorry. You all have loved Le Le and Ya Ya so much and been so devoted to them," a user tweeted while someone wrote, I'm so sorry for your loss. Panda fans have lost a wonderful guy. RIP Le Le you will always be remembered." 

'This should not have happened'

As many mourned the death of Le Le, many others doubted the actual cause of death based on previous allegations against the zoo. "Awful zoo, neglected and killed the poor panda before he could return home. Not fit to care for animals," a Twitter user wrote, and another opined, "During the 20 years at your zoo, you know best what you have done. What's the use of doing superficial things when you're alive and lacking food and care? Doesn't the conscience of your zoo hurt?"

"My God! Are you really fit to take care of the world's megafauna???? Shocking! Sadly it's too late for Le Le," a user wrote and someone remarked, "LeLe was not fine…people raised the alarm about his condition and you did nothing. This should not have happened. #Shameful"

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