A giant panda has given birth to twins after more than a decade of trying to mate successfully, becoming the oldest known first-time panda mother. Ying Ying delivered the cubs in the early hours of Thursday on the eve of her 19th birthday - equivalent to age 57 in human years, a spokesperson for Hong Kong’s Ocean Park said.
Photos released by the theme park showed Ying Ying just before she went into five hours of labor, and her palm-sized, pink-colored twins - the first giant pandas born in Hong Kong. The cubs, a female weighing 122 grams (4.2 ounces) and a male at 112 grams (nearly 4 ounces), finally arrived following years of unsuccessful efforts by Ying Ying to mate with her partner Le Le after they were gifted to the city in 2007 by the Chinese government.
“This birth is a true rarity, especially considering Ying Ying is the oldest giant panda on record to have successfully given birth for the first time,” said Paulo Pong, chairman of Ocean Park, in a statement. But visitors will have to wait a few months for the cubs’ official debut as the newborns receive round-the-clock intensive care.
“Both cubs are currently very fragile and need time to stabilize, especially the female cub who has a lower body temperature, weaker cries, and lower food intake after birth,” the park said. Ying Ying had previously suffered a series of miscarriages - and her five-month pregnancy wasn’t easy, the park added. “Giant pandas have a notoriously difficult time reproducing, especially as they age,” the statement said. “As a first-time mother, Ying Ying was understandably nervous throughout the process. She spent much of her time lying on the ground and twisting.”
Giant pandas have one fertile period throughout the year, lasting just one to three days, and their preference to live alone in their natural habitats means they rarely mate. Native to southwest China, Beijing has spent decades attempting to boost the population of the iconic bears, creating sprawling reserves across mountain ranges in an effort to save them from extinction.
Giant pandas are infamously hard to breed in captivity, but after years of decline, their numbers in the wild have increased in recent years. In 2017, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) upgraded the species from “endangered” to “vulnerable” after their population grew nearly 17% over the previous decade.
It is estimated that around 1,800 pandas remain in the wild, mostly in the mountains of Sichuan, western China. There are around 600 pandas in captivity and Beijing loans some of them to about 20 countries.
A Rare and Historic Birth
The birth of Ying Ying's twins is a significant milestone, especially considering she is the world's oldest first-time panda mother. This is a rare achievement, highlighting the successful conservation efforts and the dedication of the Ocean Park team in caring for these endangered animals. The twins' arrival signifies a ray of hope for the future of the panda population, both in captivity and in the wild.
The Road to Parenthood
Ying Ying and Le Le have been housed at Ocean Park since 2007, when they were gifted to Hong Kong by the Chinese government. Over the years, the park has tried to successfully breed the pandas, but it was a challenging endeavor. Giant panda females only ovulate once per year, making the birth of these twins even more special. This successful breeding attempt underscores the importance of patience and perseverance in conservation efforts. It also highlights the complex reproductive biology of pandas and the dedication of the park's staff in ensuring their well-being.
The Future of the Cubs
The twins, a male and a female, are currently under 24-hour intensive care, as they are very fragile. The female cub, in particular, requires extra attention due to her lower body temperature, weaker cries, and lower food intake. While the public eagerly awaits the cubs' debut, they will have to wait a few months for the twins to stabilize and grow stronger. This period of observation and care will be crucial for their development and future well-being.
A Symbol of Hope for the Future
The birth of Ying Ying's twins is a heartwarming event that brings a sense of hope for the future of giant pandas. Their arrival underscores the importance of conservation efforts and the dedicated work of organizations like Ocean Park. As these cubs grow and thrive, they will serve as ambassadors for their species, raising awareness about the importance of protecting these magnificent animals and ensuring their survival for generations to come. The story of Ying Ying's twins is a testament to the resilience of pandas and the power of human dedication in helping endangered species.
A Touch of Cutness
One of Hong Kong's giant panda cubs has captured the hearts of social media users with just a wiggle of the one-week-old’s tiny tummy after Ocean Park shared the latest clip to feature one of the twins. The park uploaded the 44-second video to the giant pandas’ dedicated social media accounts on Wednesday, with the clip showing the eldest cub nestling under her blankets before her pinkish-red body can be seen popping out.
“Isn’t the little tummy of the older sister just adorable?” the park wrote on its Instagram account. “Shh … Let’s stay quiet and not disturb the cub.” The video garnered about 5,000 likes within three hours and prompted delighted reactions from social media users.
“How adorable is that tiny pink paw! Some black fur is beginning to emerge too!” one wrote. “I look forward to seeing their dark circles!” another user said.
The birth of the twins is a joyous occasion, not just for Ocean Park, but for the entire city of Hong Kong. It is a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of conservation efforts. The cubs, with their adorable antics and heartwarming journey, are already captivating the hearts of many, reminding us of the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
