Japanese Zoo Welcomes First Newborn Panda Cub in 2 Years
By Maina Chen
Adventure World, a zoo in Wakayama, Japan, welcomed the birth of their 17th panda cub last Sunday before noon.
Growing family: The new male cub is born to the pandas Eimei and Rauhin, who also grew up in captivity, according to Soranews24.
- Rauhin, the mother, lived in the Wakayama zoo for 20 years, whereas Eimei, the father, was born in Beijing and celebrated his 28th birthday in September, according to Japan Times.
- Eimei is recognized as “the world’s oldest giant panda in captivity to produce offspring through natural breeding.” His age is similar to being 80 in human years.
- The cub is the youngest of nine siblings born from Eimei and Rauhin and six half-siblings from Eimei and a different mate.
- He is the Rauhin’s “first delivery in two years,” according to Xinhua.
About the cub: The newborn hasn’t been named yet and was delivered safely and in good health, according to zookeepers.
- Chinese researchers from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding were supposed to come and assist Rauhin’s birthing, but could not due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
- This meant the cub’s birth is also the first to be entirely under Japanese staff supervision.
- “Although we had worries, we’re relieved to be able to announce the happy news,” Koji Imazu, Adventure World’s zoo director, said. “I’d like the cub to grow into a panda that can brighten up the hearts of many people.”
- The cub weighs only 157 grams (5.5 ounces) and is 20.5 centimeters (8.1 inches) long.
All Images via PR Times
Share this Article
Share this Article