In an unexpected turn of events, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding announced on Wednesday that He Ye, previously thought to be the younger brother of the star panda twins, is actually female.
He Ye and her twin sister He Hua were born at the Chengdu base in 2018. The twins became instant celebrities due to their playful antics and adorable appearances. For years, the staff and panda enthusiasts believed that the twins were a brother and sister duo.
\”During a recent routine health check, we discovered that He Ye is female,\” a spokesperson for the base stated. \”This is a rare but delightful surprise for all of us.\”
The misidentification occurred due to the difficulty in determining the sex of young pandas, especially when they are cubs. Physical differences are minimal until they reach maturity, making early identification challenging even for experts.
The revelation has sparked excitement among the staff and visitors. \”Knowing that we have twin girls makes their story even more special,\” said one of the caretakers.
The Chengdu Research Base continues to be a leading institution in panda conservation and research, contributing significantly to the understanding of these beloved animals. The base invites panda lovers from around the world to visit and meet He Ye and He Hua, the twin sisters who continue to charm everyone with their unique story.
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Star panda He Hua's younger 'brother' He Ye turns out to be female
cgtn.com
