According to a statement from Chiang Mai Zoo, Lin Hui, a giant panda on loan to Thailand, passed away at 1:10 AM local time on April 19, 2023. Lin Hui began showing signs of illness on April 18. Chiang Mai Zoo closely monitored her condition and, under the guidance of experts from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, actively provided treatment, but Lin Hui ultimately succumbed to her illness. During the rescue efforts, personnel from the Chinese Consulate General in Chiang Mai were dispatched to the site to coordinate and follow up on related matters. It is understood that experts from both China and Thailand will launch a joint investigation into the cause of Lin Hui's death as soon as possible and will make every effort to handle the aftermath.
Lin Hui is a female giant panda, born in September 2001 at the Wolong China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Her parents are Panpan and Tangtang. Her twin brother, Lin Yang, was born at the same time. In October 2003, Lin Hui and another male giant panda, Chuang Chuang, were loaned to Chiang Mai Zoo in Thailand for a 10-year period. In November 2005, the zoo held a "wedding" ceremony for them. In 2007, the zoo attempted artificial insemination on her, but it was unsuccessful. During her 20 years in Thailand, Lin Hui has won the deep affection of the Thai people and has become an ambassador for friendly exchanges between the people of China and Thailand.
In October 2003, Lin Hui and another male giant panda, Chuang Chuang, were loaned to Chiang Mai Zoo in Thailand for a 10-year period. In November 2005, the zoo held a "wedding" ceremony for them. In 2007, the zoo attempted artificial insemination on them, but it was unsuccessful.
On September 16, 2019, Chuang Chuang died at Chiang Mai Zoo.
According to China News Service, a tourist spotted giant panda Lin Hui at Chiang Mai Zoo during a live stream, noting that she appeared to have a wound on her neck, along with vomiting and bleeding. The video, posted on social media, garnered widespread attention.
