Lin Wang was born in 1917 and served with the Chinese Expeditionary force during the Second Sino-Japanese War (between Japan and China during WWII). After that, he was moved to Taiwan and lived a great life at the Taipei Zoo, becoming the most famous animal in the country. Nicknamed “Grandpa Lin,” he started getting arthritis in his hind legs in 2003, and passed away shortly after.

His memorial services lasted several weeks, and was a national affair.