It’s an important milestone in the history of pandas, zoology, and over-the-top cuteness.
A trio of giant panda cubs opened their eyes for the first time today at at China’s Guangzhou’s Chimelong Safari Park, making them the first set of panda triplets to ever survive infancy together.
The cubs are the fourth set of panda triplets known to have been born in the last four decades. In 1967, when the first set of triplets were born, none survived. In 1999 and 2003, only one survived from each birth.
Proud panda mom Ju Xiao gave birth to the adorable threesome, one girl and two boys, this past July after four hours of labour.
Keepers at the Chimelong Safari Park say the three are in good health, although special care must be taken to avoid damaging their eyes.
“We need to take extra care of their eyes, to watch the panda cubs, and try not to touch their eyes. We will stick to our routines,” said Dong Guixin, general manager of the Chimelong Safari Park.
According to zoo officials, the park has already received over 600,000 suggestions for names for the panda triplets from all over the world.
Their names are expected to be announced next month.
-With files from the Associated Press
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