In a remarkable event for wildlife conservation, Ying Ying, a giant panda at Ocean Park Hong Kong, has given birth to twins, making her the oldest panda on record to become a first-time mother. The cubs were born on August 15, 2024, just one day before Ying Ying’s 19th birthday, which is equivalent to 57 in human years.
This momentous occasion follows over a decade of unsuccessful mating attempts with her partner, Le Le, who were gifted to Hong Kong by the Chinese government in 2007. The twins—a female weighing 122 grams and a male at 112 grams—are the first giant pandas born in the city. Paulo Pong, chairman of Ocean Park, celebrated the event, stating, "This birth is a true rarity, especially considering Ying Ying's age."
Ying Ying's journey to motherhood was fraught with challenges. Panda pregnancies are notoriously difficult to detect, but symptoms began appearing in late July. Her pregnancy was confirmed through ultrasound on August 11, and she displayed labor signs on August 14. After five hours of labor, the cubs arrived early in the morning.
Both cubs are currently receiving intensive care, as they are fragile and need time to stabilize. The female cub requires special attention due to her lower body temperature and weaker cries. Visitors will have to wait a few months before they can meet the adorable twins.
This birth not only brings joy to Ocean Park but also signifies a hopeful development in panda conservation efforts. As giant pandas face reproduction challenges, successful breeding programs are crucial for the species, which has recently been classified as "vulnerable" rather than "endangered."
Ying Ying's successful delivery highlights the dedication of the animal care teams and experts involved in her care, and the ongoing commitment to conserving this beloved species.