Zoo Berlin's second pair of panda twins was named
Berlin has two new stars – and they now officially have their names: the panda twins, born on August 22, 2024, at Zoo Berlin, are named Meng Hao (“Beautiful Dreams”) and Meng Tian (“Sweet Dreams”). Following a Chinese tradition, the twins’ names incorporate elements from their parents’ names. Their German nicknames carry a special connection to Berlin: Leni is a tribute to the legendary Marlene Dietrich, born in Schöneberg, while Lotti lovingly references the neighboring district of Charlottenburg.
“The twins’ names symbolize how joint conservation efforts can build bridges between two cultures, showing that our panda twins have roots in both Chengdu and Berlin,” explained Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr. Andreas Knieriem.
The ceremonial naming took place on December 6, 2024 at the Panda Plaza of Zoo Berlin, attended by Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner, and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Germany, H.E. Deng Hongbo, both of whom are symbolic godparents to one of the panda cubs.
“The panda twins, Leni and Lotti, are not only symbols of endangered wildlife but also represent Berlin’s unique charm and cultural diversity. I am deeply honored to be the godfather of Panda Leni, celebrating this special connection between Berlin and the world,” emphasized Kai Wegner.
H.E. Deng Hongbo echoed these sentiments: “The panda twins in Berlin are a living testament to the close and friendly relationship between China and Germany. These wonderful animals uniquely unite our cultures and nations. I am delighted to celebrate their naming today with the Governing Mayor here at the Panda Garden. And, of course, I warmly invite everyone to visit their siblings in Chengdu as well.”
Following a warm welcome by Zoo Director Dr. Andreas Knieriem, the names of the panda twins were unveiled, accompanied by speeches from the distinguished guests. Leni and Lotti quickly won the hearts of attendees, who marveled at the cubs nestled in their cozy, blanket-lined bed on the Panda Plaza.
Those wishing to watch Leni and Lotti grow up can visit them at Zoo Berlin. One of the twins is currently on display daily for an hour between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM in the Panda Garden. The cubs take turns, with one staying behind the scenes with mother Meng Meng while the other snuggles in the panda bed in the indoor exhibit. Starting in late January 2025, both cubs will be on view together with their 11-year-old mother, Meng Meng.
Background
Without conservation efforts, the giant panda would likely already be extinct. A highly specialized species with unique needs, the giant panda has seen some recovery thanks to intensive anti-poaching measures and the establishment of protected areas and habitat corridors. However, with just under 2,000 individuals in the wild, the giant panda remains classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
Female giant pandas are only fertile for about 72 hours each year, and habitat fragmentation makes it difficult for pandas to find mates during this brief window.
Facts and Figures
Birthdates: August 22, 2024, at 1:03 PM (Leni) and 2:09 PM (Lotti)
Firstborn’s name: 梦好 Meng Hao (Leni)
Second-born’s name: 梦甜 Meng Tian (Lotti)
Click here to see more pictures.
Source: Zoo Berlin
