Three pandas born during final weekend of Olympics: reports

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — Three giant pandas have been born in southwest China, bringing the total number of new arrivals of the endangered species this year to at least 19, state media reported.

The three were born at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre in Sichuan province, the reports said.

Eight-year-old Chengji, whose name means "achievement" in Chinese, on Saturday gave birth to twins, the Beijing Morning Post said.

They were named Yingying and Nini, according to scol.com.cn, an official Sichuan news website.

Another 18-year-old panda gave birth to her 12th baby on Sunday, the website reported.

Giant pandas, one of the most endangered species in the world, are notoriously difficult breeders.

Chinese experts say there are nearly...