Toronto

Toronto zoo's 2 giant panda cubs growing fast

The Toronto Zoo has released new photos of the giant panda cubs born to Er Shun about three weeks ago.

Both cubs are starting to look more like giant pandas as their fur comes in

The two giant panda cubs born at the Toronto Zoo just weeks ago have tripled in size, zookeepers say.

The cubs have developed more white fuzz over their bodies, while their black markings and thicker fur is also starting to come in. And the cubs are developing thumb pads on their paws which will help them hold bamboo when they are older. 

The smaller panda of the two is now 20 centimetres long and weighs 422 grams. The larger cub is 23 centimetres and weighs 672 grams. 

Er Shun is one of two pandas on loan to the zoo from China. Along with the cubs, she has been under constant observation by experts from Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China since their birth. 

The zoo says she continues to be a great mother to the cubs.