via the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Tomorrow, our giant panda cub will be eight weeks old! Mei Xiang has always been a devoted mother to her cubs, and this little guy is no exception. She still spends the majority of her time in the den with him. Lately, he’s been practicing crawling in the area where there is no bedding. An ever-watchful mom, Mei Xiang allows her son to let out some of his energy but doesn’t let him venture too far. (more…)
via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Good boy.
via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“He was quiet and sleepy while we took his measurements. This week, he seemed to experience a growth spurt. He weighed 2.07 kilograms (4.5 pounds)–nearly a pound more than last week–and measured 15 inches from nose to tail tip. Our plump panda added an entire inch around his midsection! His abdominal girth measured 12.5 inches Sept. 30. Yesterday, that increased to 13.7 inches. All in all, we are happy that our cub is making good gains, and his growth and development are right on track.”
Photo by Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s 6-week-old giant panda cub is a male, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) scientists confirmed.
Zoo veterinarians say that the cub appears to be healthy and strong. During a brief exam conducted by the panda team Oct. 1, keepers took the cub’s measurements. He weighed 3.6 pounds and measured 14 inches from nose to tail tip. His abdominal girth was 12.5 inches. Both of the cub’s eyes are starting to open. Keepers are encouraged by his progress.” (more…)
via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Yesterday morning, giant panda Mei Xiang stepped out of the den, and the panda team retrieved her 6-week-old cub for another quick checkup. During last week’s exam, the cub largely napped through the process. That was not the case with this exam–the cub was wide awake, alert and very vocal while we took its measurements! It weighed 1.66 kilograms (3.6 pounds) and measured 14 inches from nose to tail tip. Its abdominal girth remained steady at 12.5 inches.
One new and exciting development is that the cub’s eyes are beginning to open! They will be fully open around 8 weeks of age. (more…)
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo: “Cub on the move! Our giant panda team caught a glimpse of our 5-week-old cub crawling under the watchful eye of mother Mei Xiang.”
To the video: (more…)
via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“As of this morning, the cub weighed 1,337 grams, or just under three pounds. From nose to tail tip, it measured 35.5 centimeters, or 13.9 inches (its tail accounts for two of those inches). For the first time, we had a chance to measure the cub’s abdominal girth as well. It’s back and belly measured 32 centimeters, or 12.5 inches in circumference. Our plump panda cub is almost as round as it is long!
we should know definitively in a week or two whether it is a male or female.”
Photo from the before times by Gabriele Stonyte courtesy FONZ
From an email:
“Start your engines and prepare for some spooky family fun during Boo Drive Thru, sponsored by Mars Wrigley, a special edition of our children’s trick-or-treating event!
Hosted by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), Boo Drive Thru will be held October 24 and 25 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Pack your car full of ghouls, ghosts, princesses and superheroes and cruise down the Zoo’s North Road, all in support of FONZ’s mission. (more…)
via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Our giant panda cub has reached a big milestone–today marks one month since its birth Aug. 21! (more…)
via Smithosonian’s National Zoo
Update from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“It’s hard to believe that our giant panda cub is four weeks old! We are encouraged that the newborn appears to be growing well. This is a sign that it is getting good nutrition from mother Mei Xiang’s milk.” (more…)