Public invited to propose names for HK-born giant panda twins

The locally-born giant panda cubs at Ocean Park are set to meet Hongkongers and tourists on Sunday (Feb 16), and residents are encouraged to propose names for the cuddly twins.

Speaking at the debut ceremony on Saturday (Feb 15), Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu noted the twins have turned six months old today, and all Hong Kong residents are welcome to exercise creativity and suggest meaningful names for the panda cubs to highlight their characteristics.

Lee said the final decision on the new names for the twins will be announced in the first half of this year.

The competition is open to all Hong Kong residents starting today and will run until March 7.

Putonghua pinyin of the selected Chinese names will be adopted as the English names of the twin cubs.

The giant panda Ying Ying gifted by Beijing in 2007 gave birth to the twin cubs on August 15 last year and were nicknamed “Elder Sister” and “Little Brother” afterward.