Berlin Zoo Optimistic Both New Pandas Will Survive

Germany's newest panda twins are flourishing at Berlin Zoo—during a critical period. Panda cub mortality is highest within the first two weeks due to their undeveloped immune systems. But so far so good for the cubs, who were born to 11-year-old mother Meng Meng last Thursday and have spent their initial days cuddling and feeding.

The zoo, with assistance from experts from China's Chengdu Research Base, is cautiously optimistic. Normally, only one twin survives without human intervention, but Berlin Zoo has provided extensive care, including time in an incubator for one cub while the other stays with the mother. Zoo director Andreas Knieriem stated, "Without protective measures, the giant panda would most likely already be extinct," emphasizing the importance of each healthy cub.

Originally arriving in Berlin from China in 2017, Meng Meng and 14-year-old Jiao Qing are again parents following their 2019 birth of twins Pit and Paule, who now reside in China. The father does not partake in rearing the new twins, whose sex remains undetermined. The newborns, now 180 and 145 grams, have regained and surpassed their birth weights. As they grow, they will develop the iconic black-and-white markings characteristic of giant pandas. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)