Korean baby twin pandas named Rui Bao, Hui Bao

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Korean baby twin pandas named Rui Bao, Hui Bao

Published: 12 Oct. 2023, 16:12 Updated: 13 Oct. 2023, 15:33

KIM JU-YEON
[email protected]

Giant pandas Rui Bao and Hui Bao sit for their naming ceremony at Everland theme park on Thursday. [NEWS1]

The twin giant pandas born at Everland theme park have been named Rui Bao and Hui Bao, the park announced Thursday.

Rui Bao means “wise treasure” and Hui Bao, “shining treasure.”

Born on July 7, first-born Rui Bao and second-born Hui Bao will be celebrating their 100th day since birth this Sunday. Their names were bestowed in anticipation of the traditional celebration, as giant pandas have a low survival rate.

First-born Rui Bao (right) and second-born Hui Bao 15 days after their birth [SAMSUNG C&T]

The twin girls’ names were chosen through a public selection process that lasted 43 days. Around 40,000 proposals were made through Everland’s social media channels, and after being shortlisted by a team of employees, the names were ultimately decided on through two public voting procedures.

First-born Rui Bao (left) and second-born Hui Bao, 90 days after the twin sisters' birth [SAMSUNG C&T]

The sisters are at a healthy weight of over 5 kilograms (11 pounds) and now show the characteristic qualities of pandas, with black tufts of hair growing around their eyes, ears and legs and their bodies growing more plump, Everland said.

The panda twins are expected to be available for public viewing early next year, after an evaluation of their physical growth and level of adaptation to external environments.

Twin pandas Rui Bao and Hui Bao with their mother Ai Bao, right after their birth. [SAMSUNG C&T]

Born to male Le Bao and female Ai Bao, the twins are siblings with panda star Fu Bao, the first giant panda naturally bred in Korea. All family members share the Chinese character “Bao” in their name, which means treasure.

Well-wishing comments flooded social media after the name announcement, including “As their names imply, I hope the babies will grow up wise and bright,” and “I wish their names will be called fondly and remembered by many.”

BY KIM JU-YEON [[email protected]]