Chapultepec Zoo's Oldest Residents: Panda Xin Xin and Giraffe Fortunata Thrive Past Lifespan Expectations

Xin Xin, the last giant panda in Latin America, is living well beyond her years at Chapultepec Zoo. At 35, she has surpassed the typical lifespan for her species, which is 20-25 years in the wild and up to 30 years under professional care. She remains a beloved ambassador for the park, drawing crowds to her bamboo-filled habitat.

Another popular resident, Fortunata the giraffe, also defies expectations. At 36 years old, she has lived more than a decade past the average lifespan of 20-25 years in the wild. Under professional care, giraffes typically live around 30 years, but Fortunata thrives on special forages provided by her keepers.

Javier Ojeda Chávez, deputy technical director of the Chapultepec Zoo's Wildlife Conservation Center, described the longevity of these animals as both a joy and a responsibility. He emphasized that having such old animals allows visitors to witness and respect all stages of life. "We all generally get excited when we see a puppy, but we should also get excited when we see an old one," he stated.

Ojeda Chávez noted that while older animals may be less active or appear less striking, it is crucial for the public to understand this is a natural part of their development. He explained that some older primates, like humans, may lose hair, but this does not indicate neglect or mistreatment. It is simply a natural process.