Birth of panda cubs boosts China's population of the endangered giant panda species
Last updated 22/08/2008 13:18:52
It's amazing the difference a few hours can make. In China, its population of the endangered giant panda species has been boosted by the birth of four giant panda cubs within 14 hours.
The eagerly awaited new arrivals were born at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre in south-west Sichuan province.
A pair of female twins was born to proud mother, nine-year-old Qiyuan late on Saturday.
About an hour later, fellow mother, eight-year-old panda Chenggong gave birth to another cub - and not to be outdone, the fourth parent in this happy event, Zhuzhu, gave birth on Sunday.
The destruction of its forest habitat and lack of contact between isolated populations has been blamed for maing the giant panda one of the world's most endangered species.
Experts believe only about 1,600 pandas remain in the wild. Another 180 pandas are being protected in captivity in China.