On October 30, 2018, SDZG waved a fond farewell to one of its most iconic animals: Gao Gao the giant panda. Gao Gao was the father of five of the cubs born at the Zoo and contributed significantly to the knowledge our conservation researchers gained about this much-loved species.

On his journey, Gao Gao was accompanied by familiar members of his animal care team, including a veterinarian and keeper staff, who also stayed on to help him get acclimated to his new surroundings. He settled in well and adapted readily to his new home.