giant panda

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…)

Photo by angela n.

Huge Giant Panda cub potential update from the National Zoo:

“Keep your paws crossed! This morning, Zoo veterinarians saw some exciting movement during giant panda Mei Xiang’s ultrasound. Her fetus was kicking and swimming in the amniotic fluid. Its spine and blood flow were also clearly visible. We hope to have a healthy cub in the coming days!” (more…)

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“Veterinarians at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo detected tissue consistent with fetal development during giant panda Mei Xiang’s ultrasound this morning, Aug. 14. It is too early to determine if the tissue is a completely viable developing fetus as there is the potential that the fetus could be resorbed. If the fetal tissue continues to develop, veterinarians estimate that Mei Xiang could give birth within the next few days.”

STAY TUNED.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Victoria Pickering

From the National Zoo:

“Bei Bei, the 4-year-old giant panda, began his journey to China this morning. He departed the Smithsonian’s National Zoo at 9:30 a.m. for Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia where he boarded a dedicated FedEx 777F plane bound for Chengdu, China. The non-stop flight will take about 16 hours. Bei Bei’s departure from the Zoo was broadcast via Facebook Live, as was his departure from Dulles International Airport. (more…)