CHIBA, (Japan): Futa, a popular male red panda kept at a zoo in Chiba City, will be certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living red panda in captivity at 23 years old, according to an announcement by the Chiba municipal government on Tuesday (Nov 20). A certification ceremony will be held at Chiba Zoological Park on Nov 17.
Futa, who won hearts with his ability to stand on his hind legs, was born on July 5, 2003, at Nihondaira Zoo in Shizuoka and transferred to the Chiba zoo the following year.
In 2005, his adorable standing habit captured public attention and made him instantly popular.
The ceremony will start at 1pm, with a zoo official to receive the certificate on Futa’s behalf.
A commemorative photo session with Futa is also scheduled, though it may not take place out of concern for his health, given his age puts him at an equivalent of older than 80 in human years. - The Yomiuri Shimbun/ANN
