A 19-year-old giant panda named Ying Ying has given birth to twins, becoming the oldest known panda mother for the first time, according to Ocean Park Hong Kong, where Ying Ying lives.
“This birth is a true rarity, especially given that Ying Ying is the oldest giant panda to ever give birth for the first time,” the zoo said published on social media.
Ocean Park Hong Kong
“As a first-time mother, Ying Ying was understandably nervous throughout the process. She spent a lot of her time lying on the ground and writhing,” Ocean Park said.
Giant pandas are a vulnerable species and it is notoriously difficult for their human caretakers to get them to mate in captivity for a number of reasons, including the fact that female pandas only ovulate once a year.
There are an estimated 1,800 pandas in the wild, mostly in western China. There are about 600 pandas living in captivity.
Both of Ying Ying’s cubs “are currently very fragile” and receive around-the-clock care, Ocean Park said.
The honey requires special attention, as she “has lower body temperature, weaker crying and lower food intake after birth.”