Hong Kong’s Ocean Park recently announced the birth of twin panda cubs, the first for the city, by the world’s oldest first-time panda mother, Ying Ying. The cubs, one male and one female, were born the day before Ying Ying turned 19, equivalent to 57 human years. Due to her age, the cubs are fragile and require intensive care before making their public debut in a few months.
Ying Ying’s pregnancy was a surprise and her labor lasted over five hours. The successful conception was a result of Ying Ying and her partner Le Le mating naturally at the park in March, after previous failed attempts. The cubs were born with the female weighing 122 grams and the male weighing 112 grams.
Giant pandas are notoriously difficult to breed, especially as they get older. The successful reproduction in Hong Kong has been met with gratitude towards the Chinese government, which sent Ying Ying and Le Le to the city. This demonstrates the government’s support for Hong Kong, as seen in their plans to send another pair of pandas, expected to arrive this year.
The birth of twin pandas has also been reported at the Berlin Zoo, with Meng Meng expecting her second set of twins by the end of the month. Other giant pandas have been making international journeys, such as a pair that recently arrived in the U.S. and two more expected to arrive at the National Zoo in Washington. These panda exchanges are part of China’s efforts to revive “panda diplomacy” as a means to foster friendly relations with other countries.
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