ATLANTA - Zoo Atlanta has revealed the genders of their newest twin panda cubs—they’re girls!
Born on September 3, 2016 to their mother Lun Lun and father Yang Yan, the twins are nearly two-months-old. Weighing more than 4 pounds each, the twins are the second set of twin girls to be born to their 19-year-old mother.
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Scientists at the Center for Conservation Genomics at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute used DNA testing to confirm the genders of the twins.
“This is always exciting news to be able to share, but what we’re most excited about is that we have two healthy, thriving giant panda twins who have almost reached the two-month mark. Our giant panda care team and Lun Lun have done a terrific job helping the cubs reach this point,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. “We’re grateful to our colleagues at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute for their expertise in assisting Zoo Atlanta with the DNA results.”
The panda cubs are expected to be named on December 12th in accordance with ancient Chinese “100 day” tradition. The pair will make their official debut in December 2016 or January 2017.
Catch a glimpse of the cubs via the PandaCam on the zoo’s website.