A pair of rare panda twins born in China last month was named ‘Ping Ping’ and ‘An An’, which translates to ‘Safe’ and ‘Sound’ in English.
Born on March 17 at the Chengdu Research and Breeding Base of Giant Panda, these one-month-old babies were expected to bring a sense of hope to the world at these trying times.
Born to a 16-year-old giant panda named ‘Fuwa’ which means ‘Lucky Doll’, Safe and Sound are the first-ever set of panda twins born in captivity this year anywhere in the globe.
According to news outlets, these sweet cubs weighed a respective 159.8 grams (0.35 pounds) and 119.5g (0.26lb) at birth.
As of today, they weigh over 1kg (2.2lb) and 800g (1.76lb) respectively and are said to be healthy and doing well.
New footage shared by state broadcaster CCTV, revealed the siblings which are now even bigger and furrier than before, being showered with security and affection by their proud mama.
Researcher Wu Kongju said in a statement:
“This is the fifth time Fuwa has become a mother. It is very rare for pandas to give birth in spring. She is turning 17 this year and now has eight babies.”
“It is also rare for Fuwa to show this much affection towards her babies. We are very glad.:
Authorities agree that the names ‘Safe’ and ‘Sound’ are definitely likable and excellent choices than some of the more unusual names which have emerged and suggested in the wake of the outbreak.
According to a report by Sky News, a set of human twins born in Chhattisgarh, India, has been given the name ‘Covid’ and ‘Corona’, with the parents hoping this would serve as a reminder of the hardships they faced during the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The mother said in a statement from news agency Press Trust of India:
“The delivery happened after facing several difficulties and therefore, my husband and I wanted to make the day memorable.”
Well, I guess names are every parent’s big decision to make after all. And with this, we just can’t help but be glad that these pandas are well taken care of and were blessed to be given a name that guarantees peace and security.
Welcome to the world, Ping Ping and An An!