On August 15, the central government gifted Hong Kong a giant panda named “Ying Ying,” who gave birth to a pair of twins. As of yesterday (August 22), the two panda cubs have completed their first week. Photos shared by Ocean Park Hong Kong show that the panda cubs have developed fine, soft fur, and their signature “black eye circles” and “black shoulder bands” are gradually becoming visible.
Ocean Park Hong Kong shared a “growth record” on social media yesterday. Under the 24-hour care of a professional animal care team from Ocean Park and the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, the two panda cubs are currently eating six meals a day, and both their diet and bowel movements are normal. The weights of the panda sister and brother have increased to approximately 172 grams and 168 grams, respectively.
Many netizens commented that the two cubs are adorable and expressed hopes for their healthy growth. Some attentive viewers even noted the appearance of the black eye circles in the photos!

It is understood that the black eye circles of giant pandas serve three main functions: protection, deterrence, and mutual recognition. Similar to human teeth, the black eye circles of pandas gradually develop as they age.
Newborn panda cubs are entirely pink and have no black eye circles for the first three days. It is only on the fourth day that a faint mark appears around their eyes. Over the next eleven days, the black eye circles will gradually enlarge and darken. By the fifteenth day, the black eye circles are nearly formed. As the panda cubs continue to grow, the black eye circles will gradually extend, and by the fifty-seventh day, they will be indistinguishable from those of adult pandas.
It is reported that each giant panda has a unique contour for its black eye circles, similar to human fingerprints. Scientists believe that pandas can recognize each other through their black eye circles.