U.S. zoo invites world fans to choose names for twin panda cubs

A U.S. zoo is inviting fans around the world to choose names for their newest panda cubs.

The names of the 11-week-old twin girls, now referred to as "Cub A" and "Cub B," will be finalized on their 100th day of life on Dec. 12, 2016, Zoo Atlanta announced on its website on Monday.

Voting opens on seven sets of names on Monday and will continue until 11 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. The names will be revealed at the twins' 100 Day Naming Celebration on Dec. 12.

"There's much more to this milestone than just two names. The permanence of names gives us a celebration of the achievements of the giant panda program at Zoo Atlanta and a continuation of the bright future of one of our longest-lived and most successful conservation partnerships," said Raymond B. King, the zoo's President and CEO.

"It's also a tribute to our giant panda care team, who have done a tremendous and tireless job in helping Lun Lun raise two healthy, thriving young cubs," He said.

The twins were born on Sept. 3 to their mother Lun Lun and father Yang Yang in Atlanta.

The seven sets of names, each of which has a special meaning or association with the cubs or their parents, were supplied by Zoo Atlanta's partners in giant panda conservation in Chengdu, China.

Expected to make their debut at Zoo Atlanta in December 2016 or January 2017, the pair, who are the second set of female twins for 19-year-old Lun Lun, follow in the footsteps of their older brothers and sisters in receiving their names on their 100th day.

The 100 Day Celebration follows an ancient Chinese tradition that holds that when a child reaches the 100th day of life, he or she has survived the fragility of infancy and may be considered on track for a successful future.

The names in the running and their meanings are as follows, in alphabetical order:

1. Ba Lun and Shu Lun: Ba Shu are ancient names of the Sichuan area and are still widely used in China, including Sichuan Province and Chongqing. Ba Shu also means "land of abundance."

2. Jiu Jiu and Yuan Yuan: Jiu means "longevity" or "long time." Yuan means "far distance" or "far away." Together, they mean "longevity and permanence."

3. Lun Jia and Jia Lun: The first Jia means "addition." The second Jia means "good," "fine" or "praise." Lun references daughters of Lun Lun.

4. Lun Li and Lun Yu: Lun Li means "ethic" or "ethics." Lun Yu is Confucian Analects, a collection of sayings of Confucius and one of the pillars of Chinese culture, widely read across centuries.

5. Ya Lun and Xi Lun: Ya means "elegant;" Xi means "happy;" "Lun" references daughters of Lun Lun -- "Lun Lun's elegant and happy daughters."

6. Ya Lun and Xin Lun: Similar in origin to Ya Lun and Xi Lun, with Xin meaning "fragrant."

7. Yang Hai and Yang Gui: Yang is a reference to the twins' father, Yang Yang, and means "ocean." Hai means "sea." Gui has many meanings, including "laurel." Emdit