19-year-old big panda provides delivery to twins, changing into the oldest recognized first-time panda mother

“This delivery is a real rarity, particularly contemplating Ying Ying is the oldest big panda on report to have efficiently given delivery for the primary time,” the animal theme park posted on social media.

“As a first-time mom, Ying Ying was understandably nervous all through the method. She spent a lot of her time mendacity on the bottom and twisting,” Ocean Park mentioned.

Giant pandas are a weak species and it’s notoriously tough for his or her human caregivers to get them to mate in captivity for a variety of causes, together with the truth that feminine pandas solely ovulate one time a 12 months.

There are an estimated 1,800 pandas within the wild, principally in western China. There are round 600 pandas residing in captivity.

Both of Ying Ying’s cubs “are at present very fragile” and receiving round the clock care, Ocean Park mentioned.

The feminine cub requires particular consideration, as a result of she “has a decrease physique temperature, weaker cries, and decrease meals consumption after delivery.”