TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Zoo has given a clean bill of health to its 12-year-old female giant panda Yuanzai (圓仔) following a comprehensive biennial medical examination conducted on Saturday, according to a zoo press release.
The full-body health check was led by the zoo’s veterinary team with assistance from National Taiwan University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as National Taiwan University Hospital’s departments of anesthesiology and dentistry.
The examination included blood tests, X-ray imaging, abdominal and organ ultrasounds, a computed tomography scan, a comprehensive dental examination and cleaning, and an eye exam. The checkup provided zookeepers with a detailed assessment of Yuanzai, who was born at Taipei Zoo.
Results showed the panda is in good overall health, with all major organ functions and blood test values within ideal ranges, the zoo said. Her teeth showed natural wear from long-term chewing, which veterinarians described as a normal physiological condition.
Periodontal tissue and tooth structure were generally healthy, with no pathological changes observed.
The medical team credited zookeepers for consistent oral care and behavioral management, which they said played a key role in maintaining Yuanzai’s dental health.
Imaging also revealed minor bone spurs in Yuanzai’s spine, a common age-related change associated with long-term activity. The zoo said the bone spurs do not currently affect her mobility or daily behavior and will be monitored as part of a long-term follow-up program.
The zoo said regular health checks allow for early detection of physical changes before clinical symptoms appear, forming a crucial part of medical management for large protected species.
Yuanzai completed the examination smoothly without abnormal reactions and has returned to her normal routine under continued care from the zoo’s conservation and veterinary teams.
