Ocean Park's Ying Ying Is the World’s Oldest First-Time Giant Panda Mother

On August 15, 2024, Ocean Park announced the birth of a female and a male giant panda cub, the first panda cubs born in Hong Kong. They weighed 122 grams (4.2 ounces) and 112 grams (4 ounces), respectively. The cubs received intensive care from the park’s veterinarians to ensure their well-being.

The announcement came after years of failed attempts and miscarriages, making the unexpected news all the more remarkable, as Ying Ying’s pregnancy was confirmed on August 11—only four days before the birth of the cubs.

Donated to Hong Kong’s Ocean Park by Beijing in 2007, Le Le, the father, and Ying Ying, the mother, waited seventeen years to welcome their first offspring. In doing so, Ying Ying became the world’s oldest first-time giant panda mother, giving birth just one day before her 19th birthday, which corresponds to 57 years in human terms.

On February 16, 2025, the panda cubs made their first public appearance at Ocean Park, and a competition was launched to name the twins. Ultimately, on May 27, 2025, the female cub was officially named Jia Jia, and the male cub De De.