Japanese Zoo Welcomes First Newborn Panda Cub in 2 Years

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

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