Oldest panda Jia Jia celebrates 37th birthday

The oldest giant panda to ever live in captivity has celebrated her 37th birthday.

Jia Jia, who resides in Hong Kong's Ocean Park, was recognised in the Guinness World Records book today.

Born in 1978, she has lived in the park since 1999.

The Guinness World Record is presented to the park's owners. Credit: RTV

Paolo Martelli, the park's veterinary service director, says typical panda life expectancy is about 20 years and only eight of about 400 living in captivity today are older than 30.

He added: "It's quite exceptional to reach such an old age for a panda."

Jia Jia's age is equal to about 111 for humans. She suffers from high blood pressure and arthritic pain, though her health is stable.

Watch Jia Jia celebrate with a fruit ice cake: