Excitement in Hong Kong as rare giant panda twins born
Hong Kong is rejoicing over the birth of twin giant pandas, a unique event in the city's history. The mother, Ying Ying, is now the oldest giant panda on record to give birth for the first time. The cubs were born on Thursday, just one day before Ying Ying's 19th birthday - an age equivalent to a 57-year-old human. This remarkable occurrence has been described as a "true rarity."
Panda cubs receive overwhelming public support
A photo of the newborn pandas, a male and a female, has garnered significant public attention. The image has received over a thousand congratulatory comments on Facebook, indicating widespread excitement for the rare birth. However, the cubs are currently "very fragile and need time to stabilize," according to their caretakers. They are under 24-hour intensive care to ensure their health and survival.
Ocean Park anticipates panda cubs' public debut
Ocean Park Hong Kong, the home of the panda twins, has asked the public to "wait a few months patiently" before they can officially meet the cubs. The park operator noted that the female cub appears more fragile than her brother due to her lower body temperature and weaker cries. Weighing just 122g, she requires extra care and attention. During birth, Ying Ying was "understandably nervous," spending most of her time lying and twisting on the ground.
Giant pandas' mating success amid conservation efforts
Giant pandas are known for their reluctance to mate, making the birth of Ying Ying's twins even more significant. The cubs' father, Le Le, has been housed with Ying Ying at Ocean Park since 2007 after being gifted to Hong Kong by Beijing. Their successful mating occurred in March. This event aligns with China's long-term conservation efforts that have successfully reversed the population decline of giant pandas, now considered a vulnerable species and no longer endangered.
Pandas play a key role in China's diplomatic efforts
Beyond being theme park attractions, pandas have also played a significant role in China's diplomatic efforts. Ying Ying and Le Le are the second pair of pandas gifted by China to Hong Kong since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The first pair, An An and Jia Jia, arrived in 1999. Jia Jia, who passed away at age 38 in 2016, holds the record as the world's oldest panda to have lived in captivity.
Hong Kong to receive third pair of pandas from China
Hong Kong leader John Lee expressed gratitude to the central government for gifting pandas to the city in 2007, stating it demonstrated Beijing's care and support. In July, Lee announced that Hong Kong would receive a third pair of pandas from China, further strengthening the bond between the two regions. The new pair is expected to arrive later this year, adding another chapter to the ongoing story of panda diplomacy.
