Zoo Berlin has delighted visitors by revealing the names of its adorable baby panda twins: Meng Hao, meaning “beautiful dreams,” and Meng Tian, “sweet dreams.” The twin sisters, born on August 22, carry names that honor their mother, Meng Meng, continuing a cherished tradition.
In addition to their Chinese names, the cubs have been given German nicknames—Leni and Lotti—that resonate with Berlin’s rich cultural heritage. Leni pays homage to Marlene Dietrich, the legendary actress born in the city’s Schoeneberg district, while Lotti playfully references Charlottenburg, a beloved nearby neighborhood.
“We wanted names that forge a connection between the pandas and the people of Berlin,” explained Zoo and Tierpark Director Andreas Knieriem. “After countless suggestions, Leni and Lotti stood out as names that Berliners can instantly relate to.”
The naming of the twins symbolizes more than just personal identities; it represents the strengthening ties between Berlin and Chengdu, China. “Our panda twins have roots in both Chengdu and Berlin,” Knieriem added. “They are living symbols of the cultural bridges we build through joint conservation efforts.”
Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner echoed this sentiment, highlighting the pandas’ role in international relations. “The giant panda is not just a symbol of China-Germany relations but also a bridge for fostering deeper cooperation and exchange,” he said. “We’re proud that Zoo Berlin is the only German zoo housing these incredible animals.”
The twin cubs’ arrival was the result of a carefully planned artificial insemination procedure carried out on March 26 by an international team of experts. Their mother, Meng Meng, who arrived in Berlin from China in 2017, previously made history in August 2019 by giving birth to Germany’s first-ever panda twins, Meng Xiang and Meng Yuan.
The birth and naming of Meng Hao and Meng Tian mark another milestone in panda conservation and the special relationship between Germany and China. Visitors eagerly await the day they can see the playful duo exploring their enclosure.
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Meng Hao, Meng Tian: Names of baby panda twins at Zoo Berlin revealed
cgtn.com
