The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government announced on Thursday the joyful arrival of panda twins at Ocean Park. Born to resident giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le, the twin cubs—a female and a male—made their debut early Thursday morning, marking a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s conservation efforts.
After a five-month gestation period, Ying Ying gave birth to the twins at 2:05 a.m. and 3:27 a.m. respectively. This rare twin birth is a testament to the dedication of Ocean Park’s animal care team and the collaborative efforts with experts from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. The team is providing round-the-clock care to ensure the health and well-being of Ying Ying and her newborn cubs.
Ying Ying and Le Le, both born in 2005, were gifted to Hong Kong by the central government in 2007 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China. The pair successfully completed natural mating in March, leading to this week’s exciting development.
John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the central government for their ongoing support. “The birth of the panda twins symbolizes the strong relationship and collaboration between Hong Kong and the mainland in wildlife conservation,” Lee stated. He also commended the professionalism and dedication of the Ocean Park team and the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.
The birth of the twins not only brings joy to Hong Kong residents but also highlights the importance of conservation efforts for this endangered species. Visitors and panda enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting updates on the cubs’ progress as they begin their journey in Ocean Park.
Ying Ying and Le Le are the second pair of giant pandas presented to Hong Kong. The first pair, An An and Jia Jia, were gifted in 1999. Jia Jia, once recognized as the world’s oldest living panda in captivity, passed away at the age of 38 in 2016. An An lived until 2022, reaching the age of 35.
The arrival of the twin cubs continues the legacy of these beloved animals in Hong Kong, fostering awareness and appreciation for wildlife conservation among visitors and residents alike.
