Pictured: The adorable twin panda cubs bred in captivity just months after killer earthquake



As these adorable twin giant panda cubs playfully roll around on the floor, they seem worlds away from the devastating earthquake that destroyed much of their habitat in south west China.

They are one of the first twins delivered this year at the Bifengcia base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in Yaan, in the Sichuan Province.

The cubs are said to be in good health just five months after an earthquake left an important panda habitat, the Wolong Nature Reserve, largely destroyed.

Peek-a-boo: A carer looks after one of the giant panda cub twins in an incubator

Cuddly: The twins celebrated their 100 day birthday in keeping with traditional Chinese tradition

But there was cause for celebration for the endangered species as the centre prepared a naming ceremony for the twin cubs 100 days days after their birth - in keeping with traditional Chinese custom.

Thirteen giant panda have been born this year at the centre.

Scientists at the research base hope to increase the captive population of giant pandas and ultimately reintroduce the distinctive black and white animals to the wild, with the help of artificial breeding.

Affectionate: A researcher cuddles one of the twins

Breeding success: The twins are among the thirteen giant pandas that have been born this year at the research base

Before the earthquake - which hit on May 12 killing 70,000 people - there were 63 pandas kept at Wolong.

After the quake hit, 53 of them were transferred to breeding bases in other areas. The rest were kept in safe places at Wolong.

Among the panda casualties were one killed, one missing and another became sick and died.

Time out: One of the twins spreads out while the other enjoys a snack



There are only around 1,590 pandas living in China, mostly in the Sichuan area and the northwestern provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu.

Last year, the number of captive bred giant pandas was 239.

Giant pandas are known for being sexually inactive. Their numbers have been dwindling because of of their shrinking habitat.