Beijing - A giant panda has given birth to three cubs following artificial insemination in south-western China, the official Xinhua news agency reported yesterday. It said it was the first such triplet birth ever.
The director of the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre, Mr Zhang Hemin, said the 15-year-old mother and the cubs - each weighing just 140 grams - were in good condition.
China began successful experiments with artificial insemination in 1963 and recently began refining the use of hormone supplements to induce pregnancy.