Hong Kong Debuts Twin Panda Cubs, Names Expected Soon

Hong Kong's Ocean Park celebrated the public debut of its first locally-born giant panda cubs, nicknamed 'Elder Sister' and 'Little Brother,' on Sunday, drawing large crowds eager to see the six-month-old twins. Born on August 15, the cubs are part of a group that includes their parents and two other pandas from mainland China, contributing to Hong Kong now housing the largest number of pandas in captivity outside of China. Visitors can view the cubs for five hours daily, and a naming competition was launched for the public to suggest names, with the official names expected to be announced later this year. The cubs' mother, Ying Ying, is noted for being the oldest giant panda on record to give birth. A range of panda-themed souvenirs was available for fans at the event. Special private viewing sessions are also offered for a fee before the park opens.