One day before reaching her 19th birthday, giant panda Ying Ying gave birth to twins at Ocean Park, marking a significant milestone for both the park and the species. This momentous occasion not only set Ying Ying apart as the world’s oldest first-time panda mom but also brought joy to the Hong Kong community, which celebrated the arrival of its first locally born panda cubs.
According to the press release from Ocean Park, Ying Ying and her mate, Le Le, welcomed one female and one male cub on August 15. The twins were born just before Ying Ying’s birthday, making this moment all the more special.
Paulo Pong, chairman of Ocean Park Corporation, praised the animal care and veterinary team for their expertise and dedication. He emphasized the rarity of this birth, noting it came at the advanced age of nearly 19 for Ying Ying, which is about 55 years old in human terms.
The two pandas were gifted to Hong Kong by China back in 2007 and have been a key attraction at the theme park since. For many, panda births hold significant cultural meaning, as giant pandas are seen as symbols of China's wildlife conservation efforts.
Shortly before the birth, Ying Ying displayed several pregnancy signs including decreased appetite and increased rest. Her pregnancy was confirmed via ultrasound on August 11 after her care team noticed changes indicating she might be expecting.
On the evening of August 14, as labor approached, the veterinary staff noted increased activity from Ying Ying, anxiously preparing for the big moment. Her amniotic fluid broke around 10 p.m. on the same day, signaling the start of her labor.
After experiencing over five hours of labor, Ying Ying successfully delivered the female cub at 2:05 a.m. It was followed shortly by her male twin at 3:27 a.m., with the female cub weighing 122 grams (about 4.3 ounces) and the male twin at 112 grams (around 3.95 ounces).
Ocean Park has expressed concern for the health of the newborns, especially the female cub, who is considered particularly fragile. Visitors will have to wait several months to see the cubs publicly, as both remain under intensive care to stabilize their health.
Social media accounts associated with Ocean Park are keeping the public updated through photos and videos of the cubs. One post highlighted the miraculous moment of their births, capturing the public's interest and excitement.
The birth of ginger Ying Ying’s twins could also bring opportunities for local businesses. Lawmakers noted the potential for increased tourism and community engagement through panda-themed events and merchandise.
Lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok suggested capitalizing on the panda phenomenon by featuring panda-themed products and experiences to encourage local and tourist interaction. He mentioned the success of existing mainland websites which livestream panda activities, drawing the attention of wildlife enthusiasts across the globe.
The Hong Kong leader, John Lee, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host these pandas, emphasizing the symbolic value they hold for the city. He noted the significance of giant pandas as they contribute to Hong Kong’s unique identity within China.
With the arrival of these twins, analysts and lawmakers alike are optimistic about the economic benefits they could bring to the city. Local businesses anticipate creating panda-centered marketing strategies to engage both residents and visitors.
There’s also buzz around designing panda-themed aircraft or hotel packages to promote the event's significance. This grassroots enthusiasm has encouraged discussions about enhancing the visibility of cultural icons through strategic branding.
Overall, the birth of these cubs has sparked joy and hope within the community, and plans for the future of these young pandas will be exciting to follow. The success of Ying Ying’s twins may pave the way for more panda births, ensuring their conservation efforts are honored and celebrated.
For now, the public will focus on supporting the cubs' health and well-being as they take their first steps toward becoming valuable assets to panda conservation. Ocean Park is committed to sharing the cubs’ developmental milestones, capturing hearts worldwide and fostering appreciation for wildlife conservation.
