As of October 26, 2024, Hong Kong's panda cubs, now nearly 70 days old, are showing significant physical changes as they grow. Their tails, which initially made up one-fifth of their body length at birth, are becoming rounder and starting to 'disappear' as they mature, now comprising only one-tenth of their length [3c66c829]. Zookeeper Elke Wu has noted distinct personality traits between the two cubs: the 'Elder Sister' is described as gentler and quieter, with fuzzier fur, while the 'Little Brother' is more vocal, often letting out loud shrieks [3c66c829].
Currently, the Elder Sister weighs 2.7 kg, while the Little Brother is slightly lighter at 2.54 kg. The cubs are expected to meet the public around the Lunar New Year in 2025, contingent on their health and development [3c66c829]. This timeline aligns with the typical practices observed in other zoos, where panda cubs have been introduced to the public at varying ages, as seen in Berlin, Singapore, and Tokyo [3c66c829].
In a related context, two new pandas, An An and Ke Ke, arrived in Hong Kong on September 26, 2024, as a gift from Beijing to celebrate the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule. After completing a 30-day quarantine, they are now exploring their home at Ocean Park [005beac6]. Both bears are reported to be in good health, but they will need at least another 30 days to adapt to their enclosure before they can meet the public [005beac6]. An An has been described as more adventurous, while Ke Ke is more cautious in her exploration [005beac6].
Additionally, a panda-themed painting competition is currently open until November 8, and a naming contest for the new pandas is also underway, with entries closing on Sunday [005beac6]. Both the Hong Kong cubs and the new arrivals at Ocean Park highlight the global interest in panda conservation and the efforts being made to ensure their survival in the wild, with approximately 1,860 giant pandas remaining [60ea38dc].