Indonesia welcomes first giant panda cub: Video
Indonesia has marked a milestone in wildlife conservation with the birth of its first giant panda cub at Taman Safari Indonesia in Bogor, West Java.
The male cub, named Satrio Wiratama, or Rio, was born on November 27 through assisted reproductive technology, following years of collaboration under a joint conservation programme with China. His name was selected by President Prabowo Subianto, reflecting the national significance attached to the rare birth.
Although born late last year, Rio has drawn renewed attention in recent days after the park and authorities released new images and updates on his development, bringing the conservation success into the international spotlight. The cub is being closely monitored by veterinarians and remains under the care of his mother, Hu Chun, as he is still blind and deaf in his early development.
Officials say Rio’s birth highlights advances in panda conservation as well as strengthening diplomatic ties between Indonesia and China. With this success, Indonesia becomes the fourth country in Asia outside China to breed a giant panda in captivity, joining Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
