The Naming Ceremony of the Panda Twins in Germany, 2024

On the morning of December 6, 2024, the Berlin Zoo in Germany held an official naming ceremony for a pair of panda twins who had turned 100 days old. The event marked a significant milestone in the lives of the two female cubs, who were named "Menghao" and "Mengtian" respectively.

The naming ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including China's Ambassador to Germany, Deng Hongbo, and Berlin's Mayor, Franziska Giffey. The event was covered extensively by media outlets from both China and Germany, drawing attention to the adorable new additions to Berlin Zoo's panda family.

The panda twins, Menghao and Mengtian, were born on August 22, 2024, to parents Jiaoqing and Mengmeng, who arrived in Berlin in June 2017 for a 15-year residency. This was the second litter of pandas born at Berlin Zoo, following the arrival of male twins Mengxiang and Mengyuan in August 2019. Mengxiang and Mengyuan returned to China in December 2023, but their legacy continues to inspire visitors at Berlin Zoo.

The naming of Menghao and Mengtian carried special significance. According to reports, the names were chosen to reflect the warm wishes for the pandas' future and the close relationship between China and Germany. Menghao means "good dreams," while Mengtian translates to "sweet dreams," symbolizing the hope for a bright and happy future for the twins.

During the naming ceremony, Ambassador Deng Hongbo expressed his delight at the successful birth of the panda twins, stating that it was a testament to the close and friendly relations between China and Germany. He added that the panda cooperation story was a vivid embodiment of the mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples, and he looked forward to continued cooperation and prosperity between the two countries.

Berlin's Mayor, Franziska Giffey, also spoke at the ceremony, expressing her pride in Berlin Zoo's status as the only zoo in Germany to host pandas. She thanked the Chinese side for giving Berlin the opportunity to showcase the pandas, which she described as a symbol of Berlin's cultural diversity and unique charm.

The naming ceremony was not just about celebrating the pandas' new names; it was also an opportunity to showcase the dedication and hard work of the zoo staff who have been caring for the pandas. Menghao and Mengtian's dedicated veterinarian, Franziska Sutter, spoke to reporters about the twins' daily routine and development. She revealed that the cubs were thriving, with a weight of around 5.8 kilograms each and a daily intake of 1.25 liters of milk. One of the twins had already started growing teeth and was learning to crawl.

The twins have distinct personalities. Menghao, the older sister, is described as bold and adventurous, while Mengtian is a bit shy and needs more time to feel secure around people. However, both cubs are full of curiosity and have a strong desire to explore the world.

Since their debut in October, Menghao and Mengtian have been a hit with visitors at Berlin Zoo. The twins have attracted a surge of tourists to the zoo, eager to catch a glimpse of the adorable pandas. The twins' popularity has also helped to raise awareness about the conservation of endangered species and the importance of international cooperation in wildlife protection.

In conclusion, the naming ceremony of Menghao and Mengtian was a joyous occasion that celebrated the arrival of two new members to Berlin Zoo's panda family. The event underscored the close relationship between China and Germany and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in wildlife conservation. As Menghao and Mengtian continue to grow and thrive, they will undoubtedly continue to inspire and delight visitors at Berlin Zoo for many years to come.