via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Exciting news! When giant panda Mei Xiang left the den yesterday to eat some bamboo, the panda team was able to retrieve her 3-week-old cub for its first neonatal exam.
During the quick checkup, keepers weighed the active and responsive newborn. (more…)
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Our giant panda cub is growing! As our newborn packs on the grams, it is becoming a bit easier to spot on the Panda Cam. Now that the cub’s markings have come in, we have a few weeks to go before the next big milestone. Generally, newborn giant pandas open their eyes between 6 and 8 weeks of age. We can see that its eyes are still sealed when we zoom in with the Panda Cam. Many viewers have noticed that the cub’s tail appears smaller as it grows. At birth, a giant panda’s tail measures about 5 centimeters in length–roughly a quarter of its body size. In time, cubs grow into their tails. Over the next few weeks, we will also see our cub’s fur transform from soft and wispy to wooly and thick.”
Closeup and video: (more…)
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Giant panda Mei Xiang continues to be a wonderful mother to her newborn. Last night, she gently set the cub down on the floor of their den and walked into her main indoor enclosure to drink some water. Once again, we were able to get a good look at it via the Panda Cam. At almost two weeks old, the cub is able to lift itself off of the ground for a few moments. It is exciting to see the iconic black markings around its eyes and on its ears, legs and saddle (back) become more visible every day.”
Closeups and video: (more…)
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Over the weekend, giant panda Mei Xiang continued to take excellent care of her newborn cub. (more…)
Oh my goodness.
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Big news! Last night, our Panda Team observed giant panda Mei Xiang approach the doorway of her den several times, “testing” her cub’s reaction to being placed on the floor. Then, early this morning, she twice left the den to get a drink of water–once at 4:27 a.m. and once at 5:59 a.m. Each time, she only spent about one minute away. Her brief reprieve offered Panda Cam viewers a great look at the growing cub! Upon her return, Mei Xiang immediately picked up her cub and cradled it.”
Ed. Note: There is even a flip to the belly and this CAN NOT be missed: (more…)
and behold!!
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Giant panda Mei Xiang continues to exhibit excellent maternal care and is attentive to her cub. Regular, loud cub vocalizations are signs of good health and music to the panda team’s ears! (more…)
From the National Zoo yesterday:
“Mei Xiang, our 22-year-old giant panda, continues to be a devoted mother. Our newborn cub has little fur and cannot regulate its own body temperature, so Mei Xiang cradles the cub to keep it warm.
We’re keeping an eye out for the cub’s black markings, which become visible after it turns 1 week old.”
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Our panda team observed Mei Xiang and her cub overnight and were happy with the behaviors they saw. As expected, Mei Xiang is being an excellent and attentive mother. She has already established positions for nursing and sleeping. Via the Panda Cam, the team watches Mei Xiang nurse her cub while sitting at the back of the den–often with her knee propped up on the wall–and sleep with it tucked in between her arms. (more…)
It wasn’t a dream.
From the National Zoo:
“Keepers report that giant panda Mei Xiang and her newborn had a successful first night. Between bouts of good rest, Mei Xiang appeared to nurse her cub and was very attentive to its vocalizations. WATCH THE PANDA CAM” (more…)
