Singapore’s newest pride and joy was confirmed to be a boy today by national zoo operator Wildlife Reserves Singapore.
It’s more great news for the panda-loving nation, whose first giant panda cub is nearing a month after panda-mom Jia Jia gave birth following successful artificial insemination by panda-dad Kai Kai on their seventh try in six years.
Kai Kai did the honor of sharing his firstborn’s gender at his 14th birthday party where a gender reveal showered blue confetti, and a bunch of snack carrots inside his enclosure decorated with 14 blue and pink candles.
The cub’s gender was confirmed with experts from China’s panda conservation center.
While the cub has yet to have a full health checkup because of gus close bond with mama Jia Jia, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, or WRS, said that he is “doing well and steadily growing day by day.” Black markings around his eyes, ears and body have already started to form.
As for the recovery of his mother, WRS said Jia Jia is slowly regaining her appetite and often seen multitasking by chomping on her favorite bamboo leaves and cradling the cub.
But we still need names! The zoo called on the public to suggest “catchy” and “easy to remember” names by Sept. 19. One will be selected in time for the cub’s 100-day milestone on Nov. 21.
It’s all serious business because prospective names will be judged by WRS, the deputy chairman of its parent company, Singapore’s Chinese Embassy, and government agencies. A winner will be chosen by public acclaim from those nominated.
Kai Kai and Jia Jia this month are nine years into their decade-long loan from China.
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