The giant panda gives birth to twins in South Korea
A giant panda gave birth to twins at a South Korean zoo on Friday. The facility said this is the first time twins of this species have been born in the country.
Both puppies are female. The first giant panda was born weighing only 180 grams. Her sister was born almost two hours later, weighing 140 grams.
“This seems like a great opportunity to call for better protection and conservation of pandas, which have become a symbol of endangered species,” said Donghee Chung, director of the zoo.
1 of 2 giant panda twins born in South Korea zoo Photo: Samsung C&T/Yonhap via Portal Giant panda twins born in South Korea zoo Photo: Samsung C&T/Yonhap via Portal
About 40 to 50% of giant panda births are twins. Still, this was the first time such a birth took place in South Korea.
The first giant panda born in the country was born three years ago and was named “Fu Bao”. Among other things, the “pioneer” is the brother of the recently born twins.
“Compared to Fu Bao’s birth, this time there are two. I think the parents must be twice as lucky,” joked zoo keeper Cherwon Kang.
The zoo reported that the twins’ birth went smoother than the first pregnancy. Caretaker Kang said he was touched by the panda mother’s love for her cubs.
With the birth of two new pandas, the first animal of the species born in the country, Fu Bao, is set to be sent to China, according to the zoo.
China, whose symbol is the giant panda, has been sending animals of this species to friendly countries as a sign of goodwill since the 1950s. This practice became known as “panda diplomacy.”
2 of 2 Mother carries panda cub at South Korea zoo Photo: Samsung C&T/Yonhap via Portal Mother carries panda cub at South Korea zoo Photo: Samsung C&T/Yonhap via Portal