Zoo

Photo: Abby Wood, Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the National Zoo:

“Bao Bao had a busy day Friday! She was very active and spent the entire day in one of Mei Xiang’s large indoor enclosures. That was the first time she has spent an entire day outside of the den!

Keepers also weighed Bao Bao early Friday morning. She is now up to 13.2 pounds (6.26 kilos).

As Bao Bao’s teeth are starting to come in, she also occasionally bites down on bamboo. But she’s still nursing and won’t start to sample bamboo for another few months.

The keepers are laying the groundwork for training with Bao Bao. They reward her for moving or looking toward them when they interact with her. Right now her reward is a tiny evergreen branch or a tiny piece of bamboo to play with, but when she gets older she will get small treats for choosing to participate.”

From the National Zoo:

“We have the safety report on the Nov. 18 incident when a zebra seriously injured a veteran keeper. Gates were left unlocked (which is against protocol), allowing the zebra Gumu to enter the same space with the keeper. There were no engineering or mechanical failures, and the facility meets AZA standards.

Thanks to the heroic and quick-minded responses of staff and a volunteer keeper aide, the zebra was distracted and contained and the keeper was rescued from further injury. Gumu is fine. We continue to keep our colleague in our thoughts and wish him a speedy recovery.”

More details here.

Photo by Abby Wood, Smithsonian’s National Zoo

National Zoo got some great shots yesterday:

Photo by Abby Wood, Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Couple more after the jump. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.

Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.

Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99

Photo courtesy of the National Zoo

From the National Zoo:

“Today was another weigh-in day! The cub now weighs 10.8 pounds (4.9 kilos). And keepers have noticed that she is responding to the noises she hears. When the keepers enter the den to take her for weights and measurements, she orients herself toward them. They also have been talking more when they are around her, which they hope will make her more familiar with their voices. So far they have just been referring to her as “cub” or “baby,” but soon the cub will have a name!

Today is the last day to rock the vote for the cub’s name! Add your vote to the more than 115,000 votes that have already been cast. The cub’s name will be revealed at a ceremony on December 1, which will be open to the public.”

Ed. Note: I recommend jumping to the first minute :)

Photo by Mara Strock, Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the National Zoo:

“Damai and the cubs will have access to the yard at around 10 a.m. They will likely be outside for one to two hours. As always, all decisions depend on both the weather and the animals themselves.”

Photo courtesy of National Zoo

From the National Zoo:

“The panda cub was weighed and measured again this morning! She now weighs 9.68 pounds (4.4 kilos). She is still very round measuring 18.11 inches (46 centimeters) around her belly. But her nose is starting to lose it’s pink color and turn black like an adult panda nose. She is also crawling with a lot more control now. Mei Xiang hasn’t ventured out of the den with her again, but she does periodically move the cub to the doorway of the den.

Don’t forget to cast your vote to name our giant panda cub! More than 85,000 people have voted so far! The poll is open until November 22. On December 1, when the cub is 100 days old, we will announce the winning name.”

Photo courtesy of National Zoo

From the National Zoo:

“Our panda cub is growing bigger and bigger! She now weighs a hefty 8.14 pounds, and her tail is starting to shrink relative to the size of her body. And keepers report that they are starting to see ridges where her teeth will erupt. The cub devotes a lot of energy to scooting and crawling around the den, and keepers predict that it won’t be much longer before she’s ready to take her first steps.

On November 3, the cub caught her first glimpse of the world outside her den. Mei brought the cub into her larger indoor exhibit area for about 30 seconds, before carrying the cub back inside. Since then, Mei has taken the cub on several more brief excursions into the outside world.

Although she won’t be ready for her public debut for a while, the cub is now old enough for keepers to start her training! Keepers are getting the cub accustomed to their presence and noise.
We’re asking for your help to name our panda cub! Be sure to vote for your favorite name on Smithsonian.com. The voting page has exclusive photos of the cub and a brand new video with memorable moments from the panda cams, sponsored by the Ford Motor Company Fund.

Vote for your favorite name ”