Everland's twin baby pandas, named Rui Bao and Hui Bao, respectively, are disclosed to the media at the theme park in Yongin, South Korea, October 12, 2023. /CFP
Names of twin giant panda cubs born in South Korean theme park Everland were disclosed to the public on Thursday, three days ahead of their 100-day celebration.
One is named Rui Bao, which means "wise treasure," and the other Hui Bao, means "shining treasure."
What to name the twin sisters was widely discussed among netizens in the country after they were born on July 7.
About 20,000 people proposed some 40,000 names for the pandas in a public competition held from August 24 to October 6, and 10 shortlisted names were put up for online and offline voting that drew about 700,000 responses, according to local media.
A close-up of the newly born giant panda cubs in the theme park Everland in Yongin, South Korea, July 7, 2023. /Everland via CCTVNEWS
The twins, which weighed 180 grams and 140 grams, respectively, at birth, have gained more than 30 times their weight in about 100 days, both exceeding 5 kilograms, according to the Everland. They have been growing well according to the panda's growth stages, it added.
They have been cared for in South Korea by zookeepers and veterinarians at Everland as well as panda experts from China's Panda Conservation Research Center.
Everland plans to consider opening the twin baby pandas to the public early next year.