The world's oldest captive giant panda died at age 37 on Wednesday, more than 100 in human years. Her handlers gave "Basi" an emotional send-off befitting a minor celebrity. Pandas in the wild have an average lifespan of about 20 years, but those in captivity generally live longer. She was something of a beloved star in China and her birthdays were often celebrated with gusto. State television reported live on Thursday from the zoo where Basi lived in southeastern China, which held a memorial in her honor.
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