Autopsy, evaluation carried out in wake of panda's passing

The 22-year-old female giant panda Lin Hui, who resided at a zoo in Chiang Mai, Thailand, passed away on April 19 due to organ failure caused by atherosclerosis and embolism, according to an announcement released by the China Wildlife Conservation Association on Tuesday.

The panda had been experiencing nosebleeds caused by vascular tumors. Chinese and Thai experts conducted an autopsy, and the Chinese team assessed the facility, medical personnel, hygiene, and diet management in Thailand, concluding all conditions met requirements for the care of giant pandas. China and Thailand begun their joint giant panda conservation and breeding initiative 20 years ago.

The project made significant progress in protecting and caring for the species, the association said.