Zoo Celebrates Birth of Giant Panda Twins to World’s Oldest First-Time Panda Mom

Ocean Park in Hong Kong is celebrating the birth of twin Giant Pandas and the world's oldest first-time Panda mom.

On August 15, 2024, Ocean Park shared an update on social media, including some cute photos of the little cubs and details on why this birth is such a big one to celebrate. Take a look!

View the original article to see embedded media.

On Instagram, the zoo shared details about the babies' birth and the proud mama now caring for two babies.

Related: Giant Pandas Safely Arrive at San Diego Zoo From China

The post shared that "Ocean Park Hong Kong is thrilled to welcome the birth of the first-ever Giant Panda twins in Hong Kong." The mama, Ying Ying, gave birth to a male and female cub at Ocean Park just one day before her 19th birthday.

"The babies' arrival, adding to the new Giant Pandas soon to arrive in Hong Kong, thrilling news for Ocean Park and all of Hong Kong," Paulo Pong, Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation, said in a press release.

Adding, "We would like to express our gratitude for the continued support and generosity of the Central Government, whose unwavering commitment to Hong Kong has made this possible. The HKSAR Government's decision to entrust the Pandas to Ocean Park also allows us to play an active role in the conservation of this precious species."

In addition to the twin birth, the fact that Ying Ying was able to give birth at 19 is also worthy of celebration. "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," Pong shared.

View the original article to see embedded media.

Giant Pandas Have a 'Notoriously Difficult Time Reproducing'

In the press release, Ocean Park explained why this birth is such a big deal and how the babies are currently doing. "Giant Pandas have a notoriously difficult time reproducing, especially as they age," the park explains. "However, Ying Ying's perseverance and expert care from the Ocean Park team have resulted in the arrival of the twin cubs."

It sounds like the pregnancy and labor were pretty quick after the park discovered Ying Ying was expecting.

"Ying Ying started showing pregnancy or pseudopregnancy symptoms, including decreased appetite, increased rest time, and changes in hormonal levels at the end of July," Ocean Park shared.

"Panda pregnancy is not readily detectable. The Park's veterinarians and China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) experts confirmed her pregnancy via ultrasound scanning on 11 August.

Then, on August 14, Ying Ying showed increased irritability and activity, which were signs of labor. And later that day, her water broke.

The park explained, "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. The Park's team and CCRCGP experts provided comfort, allowing Ying Ying to safely deliver the twin cubs at 2:05 am and 3:27 am, respectively, on 15 August, following over five hours of labor."

The female cub was a little smaller than the male cub at birth, and both are currently receiving specialized care. "Both cubs are currently very fragile and need time to stabilize, especially the female cub which has a lower body temperature, weaker cries, and lower food intake after birth. Currently, both babies are under 24-hour intensive care by the Park's animal care and veterinary team, as well as experts from CCRCGP," the park shares.

We're so excited to hear more updates on these cuties!