CCTV9英语新闻12月：美华盛顿国家动物园新生熊猫满百天 取名宝宝

By CCTV reporter Cui Lingnan

After waiting 100 days, the new baby panda at the U.S. National Zoo In Washington finally has her new name---Baobao. She is also the first baby panda to be blessed by both of the first ladies of China and the US.

 

After waiting 100 days, the new baby panda at the U.S. National Zoo In Washington finally has her new name---Baobao.

 

She was pretty loud at birth, and got louder as she grew.

Following Chinese tradition, when the cub¹ reaches 100 days old, a name is given. She charmed both the first ladies of China and the United States, who sent her birthday wishes.

"Happy 100 days to the baby panda. May the friendship between the Chinese and American people grow even stronger." Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan said.

"We are thrilled to welcome this little cub, a cub who exemplifies both the common bond between our nations and the bright future of this magnificent species. It’s a little too much for a little bear, but I think she’s ready for it." US first lady Michelle Obama said.

Chinese ambassador to the U.S. Cui Tiankai explains why 100 days is so important in Chinese culture.

"It symbolizes² that the baby will grow up in happiness and good health and will live over 100 years. So it is the time when a baby is officially named." Cui said.

The name "Baobao" was chosen after receiving more than 123,000 votes online from the public. Baobao is the second successful birth of mother Meixiang at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Many panda lovers gathered for the special day.

Reporter: "We are going to wait a couple of months for Baobao’s debut³ to the public. By then, people can have the chance to greet her with her new name. Meanwhile, we can watch her grow through live cameras."

 

1 cub   

n.幼兽，年轻无经验的人

参考例句：

• The lion cub's mother was hunting for what she needs. 这只幼师的母亲正在捕猎。
• The cub licked the milk from its mother's breast. 这头幼兽吸吮着它妈妈的奶水。

2 symbolizes   

v.象征，作为…的象征( symbolize的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• The use of light and dark symbolizes good and evil. 用光明与黑暗来象征善与恶。
• She likes olive because It'symbolizes peace. 她喜欢橄榄色因为它象征着和平。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 debut   

n.首次演出，初次露面

参考例句：

• That same year he made his Broadway debut, playing a suave radio journalist.在那同一年里，他初次在百老汇登台，扮演一个温文而雅的电台记者。
• The actress made her debut in the new comedy.这位演员在那出新喜剧中首次登台演出。