AssetID: 53025131
Headline: Madrid's Playful Twin Pandas Celebrate 2nd Birthday
Caption: Madrid Zoo’s adorable giant panda twins, You You and Jiu Jiu, celebrated their second birthday alongside their proud mother Hua Zui Ba on Wednesday (06September2023). Born on September 6, 2021, the twins have captured the hearts of visitors, and the celebrations will continue on the following two Saturdays, 9 and 16 September. Keepers also staged their own private party for the terrific twosome, creating a ‘cake’ out of bamboo and other treats. These celebrations promise to be both fun and educational, offering insights into the world of giant pandas, a species classified as Vulnerable. In a significant year that commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Spain and China, the China Cultural Center in Madrid will join the festivities. The twins, who have grown remarkably in their first two years, now weigh approximately 70 kilograms each, a substantial increase from their birth weight of 137-171 grams. While You You displays more independence and playfulness, Jiu Jiu is known for being more affectionate and closely attached to their mother. Both have already transitioned to consuming around 30 kilograms of bamboo daily. Although they are gradually weaning, they still receive special milk for breakfast and breastfeed less frequently. Interestingly, all giant panda births in Madrid have occurred between the end of August and the first half of September. The timing of these births is influenced by climatic conditions, as female pandas carefully choose the moment for embryo implantation that is most conducive to the survival and development of their offspring. This process, known as delayed implantation, results in a highly variable gestation period, which can range from 85 to 185 days.
Keywords: panda,animals,nature,feature video,photo,madrid,zoo,spain,china,bear,giant panda
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