Update, January 24:
The date for our giant panda cubs’ first public appearance has finally been confirmed! Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee announced recently that the twins will be ready to meet the public at their Ocean Park home on February 16.
The baby pandas’ debut comes just one day after they turn half a year old. There will be a ceremony to unveil the twins and officially welcome them into joining the four other giant pandas who are currently homed in Ocean Park. According to the theme park and animal sanctuary, the two cubs have recently started playing in their enclosure, crawling around in the grass and climbing up onto rocks – hopefully they’ll be equally lively when meeting Hong Kong citizens for the first time!
Ever since our giant panda Ying Ying gave birth to her twin cubs last August, the city has been inundated with panda decorations and everyone has been waiting to catch a glimpse of the baby bears for themselves. Chief executive John Lee announced on Tuesday, January 14, that the two young pandas will be making their public debut next month.
So far, the cubs have been living quietly with their mother in Ocean Park. The Hong Kong public has only been able to catch glimpses of them on social media, and during a previous livestream of the pair being fed during their 100-day celebration last September – but we’ll soon be able to view the twins in person.
Both cubs are now just under six months old, weighing approximately seven kilograms each, and their teeth are already out – in other words, strong enough to finally meet the world. The twins are still unnamed and are commonly referred to as ‘elder sister’ and ‘younger brother’ so far, so we’re looking forward to seeing what they’ll officially be called – just no more boring double-syllabled names, please!
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