The first two panda cubs to be born into Canada are gearing up for their first Canadian winter.
The tiny pink cubs, which were almost hairless when they were born nearly one week ago, are growing fuzzier white hair and showing hints of black pigment that can now be noticed on their skin over their ears. In other words, they’re looking more like their mother.
Er Shun, a female giant panda on loan from China, gave birth to her cubs early last Tuesday at the Toronto Zoo.
Cynthia Shipley, of the Toronto Zoo, said the twin cubs are still in a critical stage of growth and the Zoo remains cautious because of their immaturity.
But Shipley said Er Shun gives them confidence in the cubs’ survival. “She’s an amazing mother, she is doing everything right,” she said.
While their eyes remain closed, the twin babies are wiggling and becoming more vocal and active with their mother. Both cubs are receiving proper nursing and suckling from Er Shun, who continues to show strong maternal instincts through cradling and other forms of bonding.
Pandas are notoriously difficult to mate, which lead the Toronto Zoo to artificially inseminate Er Shun on May 13. The successful birth is considered a major triumph because pandas are considered one of the most difficult animals to breed.
The Zoo said it will be four to five months before the twin cubs will be on display for the public. You can follow their growth on the Toronto Zoo’s website.