Hong Kong, August 17 — In a remarkable turn of events, a giant panda named Ying Ying has made history as the oldest known panda mother to successfully give birth to twins. The cubs arrived on the eve of Ying Ying’s 19th birthday, marking a significant milestone for both the animal and the conservation efforts aimed at preserving this endangered species.
Ying Ying, who is approaching what would be her 57th human equivalent year, gave birth to the twins early on Thursday, as reported by CNN. The cubs are the first giant pandas to be born at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, where Ying Ying and her companion, Le Le, were sent by the Chinese government in 2007.
The birth of these twins is particularly noteworthy given Ying Ying’s long history of unsuccessful mating attempts. For nearly a decade, the giant panda had struggled to conceive despite numerous efforts with Le Le. The park has reported that Ying Ying had previously suffered several miscarriages, adding to the significance of this successful birth.
The newborn cubs, one female and one male, were born at a size comparable to the palm of a hand and were pink in appearance. The female cub weighed approximately 122 grams (4.2 ounces), while her brother weighed around 112 grams (almost 4 ounces). Both cubs are currently in a fragile state and require special care to stabilize, especially the female, who has exhibited lower body temperature, weaker cries, and lower food intake.
Giant pandas are notoriously difficult to reproduce, particularly as they age. Their natural reproduction is hindered by a limited mating period each year, which lasts only one to three days. This difficulty is compounded by their solitary nature, which affects their ability to mate in the wild.
China has long been at the forefront of efforts to conserve the giant panda population. The country has established extensive reserves in the Sichuan Mountains, which are crucial for protecting and increasing the number of these iconic bears. Despite these challenges, there has been a recent rebound in their numbers in the wild. It is estimated that approximately 1,800 pandas remain in their natural habitat.
In addition to efforts in China, Beijing lends some of its 600 captive pandas to around 20 countries worldwide. These international collaborations are part of broader conservation strategies aimed at ensuring the survival of this beloved species.
Paulo Pong, Chairman of Ocean Park, expressed the significance of Ying Ying’s achievement, stating, “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.” The park has promised to provide ongoing updates on the health and development of the cubs as they continue to grow.
The successful birth of these twins not only represents a breakthrough in panda conservation but also offers hope for the continued efforts to support and expand the population of giant pandas, both in captivity and in the wild.