Hong Kong — In a groundbreaking event for wildlife conservation, Ying Ying, a giant panda at Ocean Park in Hong Kong, has given birth to twins, making her the world’s oldest first-time panda mother. The remarkable birth occurred just one day before her 19th birthday, equivalent to 57 human years.
Ying Ying delivered a female cub first, weighing 122 grams (4.3 ounces), followed by a male cub over an hour later, weighing 112 grams (3.95 ounces). Both cubs are currently receiving round-the-clock care and will not be introduced to the public for several months.
“This birth is a rare achievement, especially given that Ying Ying is the oldest giant panda on record to give birth for the first time,” said Paulo Pong, Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation.
The pregnancy, which was confirmed only on Sunday, was a surprise to many. Panda pregnancies are notoriously difficult to detect, and Ying Ying’s advanced age further complicated the situation. Her labor lasted over five hours, and as a first-time mother, Ying Ying showed signs of nervousness during the process.
Ying Ying and her partner Le Le successfully mated in March, leading to this natural conception. The pair had previously struggled with conception despite multiple attempts at natural mating and artificial insemination.
Hong Kong’s top leader, John Lee, expressed gratitude to the Chinese central government for sending Ying Ying and Le Le to the city. This gesture underscores China’s ongoing “panda diplomacy,” using giant pandas to foster international relations.
This news comes as Beijing prepares to send another pair of pandas to Hong Kong later this year. The pandas will join a tradition of diplomatic gifts that include the recent arrival of pandas in the U.S. and an upcoming pair at the National Zoo in Washington.
Meanwhile, in Berlin, another panda, Meng Meng, is expected to give birth to her second set of twins by the end of the month.
A Historic Birth
Ying Ying delivered a female cub first, weighing 122 grams (4.3 ounces), followed by a male cub, born more than an hour later, weighing 112 grams (3.95 ounces). The birth of these twins is being hailed as a significant achievement due to Ying Ying’s advanced age and the rarity of giant panda births.
“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 Corporation, in a statement released late Thursday.
Care and Conservation Efforts
Currently, the cubs are under intensive 24-hour care as they are very fragile and need time to stabilize. The female cub, in particular, is facing challenges with a lower body temperature, weaker cries, and lower food intake. The park has emphasized that the cubs will not make their public debut for a few months as they continue to receive specialized care.
Ying Ying’s pregnancy was confirmed only recently, which added to the excitement and surprise surrounding the birth. Giant panda pregnancies are notoriously difficult to detect, and the chances of a successful delivery decrease significantly as pandas age.
Background and Significance
Ying Ying and her partner Le Le have been residents of Ocean Park since 2007. The pair successfully mated naturally in March, leading to this extraordinary pregnancy. Prior to this, the couple had struggled with conception despite multiple attempts at both natural mating and artificial insemination.
Giant pandas are known for their low reproductive rates, and successful pregnancies are a rare achievement in panda conservation. The birth of these twins marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to ensure the survival and well-being of this endangered species.
Panda Diplomacy
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, expressed gratitude to the Chinese central government for sending Ying Ying and Le Le to the city. The arrival of these pandas is part of China’s broader “panda diplomacy” strategy, which uses giant pandas as diplomatic gifts to strengthen international relationships.
This event also aligns with recent developments in panda conservation efforts worldwide. Beijing has announced plans to send another pair of pandas to Hong Kong later this year, continuing the tradition of gifting pandas to international destinations.
In addition to Hong Kong’s new arrivals, a pair of giant pandas recently arrived in the U.S. in June, and two more are expected at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. by the end of the year.
Global Panda Conservation
The global panda population has seen improvements, with giant pandas being reclassified from “endangered” to “vulnerable” due to successful conservation programs. However, challenges remain, and the birth of these twins brings renewed hope for the species.
Meanwhile, in Berlin, another giant panda, Meng Meng, is pregnant with twins, expected to give birth by the end of the month. This development further highlights the ongoing efforts and successes in giant panda breeding programs worldwide.