Singapore鈥檚 newest pride and joy was confirmed to be a boy today by national zoo operator Wildlife Reserves Singapore.
It鈥檚 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.聽
Kai Kai did the honor of sharing his firstborn鈥檚 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鈥檚 gender was confirmed with experts from China鈥檚 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 鈥渄oing well and steadily growing day by day.鈥 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 鈥渃atchy鈥 and 鈥渆asy to remember鈥 names by Sept. 19. One will be selected in time for the cub鈥檚 100-day milestone on Nov. 21.
It鈥檚 all serious business because prospective names will be judged by WRS, the deputy chairman of its parent company, Singapore鈥檚 Chinese Embassy, and government agencies. A winner will be chosen by public acclaim from those nominated.聽
Kai Kai and Jia Jia this month are nine years into their decade-long loan from China.
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