A 19-year-old giant panda named Ying Ying has given birth to twins, becoming the oldest known panda mother to give birth for the first time, according to Ocean Park Hong Kong, where Ying Ying resides.
“This birth is a true rarity, especially as Ying Ying is the oldest giant panda on record to successfully give birth for the first time,” the animal theme park posted on social media.
Hong Kong Ocean Park
“As a new mother, Ying Ying was understandably nervous throughout the process. She spent most of her time lying on the floor and writhing,” Ocean Park said.
Giant pandas are a vulnerable species and are notoriously difficult for their human keepers to breed in captivity for a number of reasons, including the fact that female pandas only ovulate once a year.
There are an estimated 1,800 wild pandas, mostly in western China. About 600 pandas live in captivity.
Ying Ying’s two cubs “are currently very fragile” and are receiving round-the-clock care, Ocean Park said.
The female calf requires special attention because she “has a lower body temperature, lower cries and lower food consumption after birth.”
