Panda Ying Ying births twins at 19.

Giant panda gives birth, shattering records

A giant panda in Hong Kong's Ocean Park gave birth to twins, becoming the oldest first-time panda mother on record. At 19, Ying Ying delivered a female cub at 2:05 a.m. and a male cub at 3:27 a.m. on Thursday.

This birth is a true rarity. – Paulo Pong, Ocean Park Corporation Chairman

Ying Ying and male partner Le Le's journey to parenthood began in 2007 when they arrived in Hong Kong. Despite years of attempts, it was only in 2020, when the park was closed due to the pandemic, that they mated naturally. Conception, however, remained elusive until recently.

Determining panda pregnancies is challenging, with confirmation possible only 14-17 days prior. Ocean Park confirmed Ying Ying's pregnancy via ultrasound just four days before her labor. The birth, lasting over five hours, was a tense but thrilling moment for staff.

...as a first-time mother, Ying Ying was nervous...She spent time lying down and twisting. – Ocean Park Statement

The twin cubs, fragile and unnamed, are under 24-hour intensive care. Ying Ying's female cub is cause for particular concern due to lower body temperature and food intake. The proud parents have shattered records, and their cubs will bring joy to many once they are stable and ready to meet the public in a few months.