Title: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 23-Apr-10, 07:44:47 PM
Without commentary, today's message from the National Zoo...
April 23, 2010
We are closely observing Mei Xiang, our female giant panda, for signs of pregnancy. We have not confirmed that she is pregnant, but are happy to announce that if she gives birth, our web cams will live stream the event. Beginning tonight, Friends of the National Zoo volunteer behavior watchers will be observing Mei 24 hours a day to monitor her behavior, and our scientists will continue analyzing her hormones so we can better estimate when she might give birth.
We remain hopeful that Mei is pregnant and invite you to stay tuned to our panda cams for the latest news. Please be aware that we are limiting viewing sessions to five minutes, which will allow for more people to view the pandas via the cam. After five minutes, you can refresh the page to reconnect. If you are unable to connect, try the other cam or try again later. Read our panda updates and follow our Twitter feed.
Thanks for your continued interest and for supporting wildlife conservation around the world.
Sincerely,
Bob Lamb
Executive Director
Friends of the National Zoo
April 23, 2010
We are closely observing Mei Xiang, our female giant panda, for signs of pregnancy. We have not confirmed that she is pregnant, but are happy to announce that if she gives birth, our web cams will live stream the event. Beginning tonight, Friends of the National Zoo volunteer behavior watchers will be observing Mei 24 hours a day to monitor her behavior, and our scientists will continue analyzing her hormones so we can better estimate when she might give birth.
We remain hopeful that Mei is pregnant and invite you to stay tuned to our panda cams for the latest news. Please be aware that we are limiting viewing sessions to five minutes, which will allow for more people to view the pandas via the cam. After five minutes, you can refresh the page to reconnect. If you are unable to connect, try the other cam or try again later. Read our panda updates and follow our Twitter feed.
Thanks for your continued interest and for supporting wildlife conservation around the world.
Sincerely,
Bob Lamb
Executive Director
Friends of the National Zoo
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 26-Jul-13, 12:19:30 PM
Posted on FB:
JULY 26
Scientists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo have confirmed a secondary rise in urinary progesterone in Mei Xiang. The rise indicates that she will experience the end of a pseudopregnancy or give birth to a cub in 40 to 55 days. Mei Xiang was artificially inseminated twice March 30 after natural breeding attempts with the Zoo’s male panda, Tian Tian, were unsuccessful.
During the first procedure she was artificially inseminated with fresh as well as frozen sperm collected from Tian Tian in 2003. During the second procedure she was artificially inseminated with frozen sperm collected from Tian Tian in 2003 and frozen sperm from the San Diego Zoo’s male giant panda, Gao Gao. Tang Chunxiang, chief veterinarian of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, performed the artificial inseminations alongside a team of Zoo scientists, veterinarians and keepers.
Since the artificial inseminations the Zoo’s panda team has monitored Mei Xiang closely. Zoo scientists will continue to monitor her hormone levels through daily hormone analyses. Veterinarians are conducting ultrasounds regularly as Mei Xiang chooses to participate in them, to monitor changes in her reproductive tract and evaluate for evidence of a fetus. Giant panda fetuses do not start developing until the final weeks of gestation, making it difficult to definitively determine if there is a pregnancy. It may be too early to detect a fetus.
Keepers are also monitoring Mei Xiang’s behavior closely. She has begun nest building which is consistent with a rise in urinary progesterone. The area of the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat closest to her den will close any day to provide quiet for Mei Xiang, who shows extra sensitivity to noise during the final weeks of a pseudopregnancy or pregnancy. Panda fans can watch Mei Xiang on the upgraded panda cams, sponsored by the Ford Motor Company Fund. The cams in Mei Xiang’s den, where she will be spending much of her time over the next month, have also been replaced with high-definition cameras. Visitors to the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat will see Tian Tian in his yard and inside the panda house as usual and Mei Xiang when she chooses to go into her outdoor exhibit.
JULY 26
Scientists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo have confirmed a secondary rise in urinary progesterone in Mei Xiang. The rise indicates that she will experience the end of a pseudopregnancy or give birth to a cub in 40 to 55 days. Mei Xiang was artificially inseminated twice March 30 after natural breeding attempts with the Zoo’s male panda, Tian Tian, were unsuccessful.
During the first procedure she was artificially inseminated with fresh as well as frozen sperm collected from Tian Tian in 2003. During the second procedure she was artificially inseminated with frozen sperm collected from Tian Tian in 2003 and frozen sperm from the San Diego Zoo’s male giant panda, Gao Gao. Tang Chunxiang, chief veterinarian of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, performed the artificial inseminations alongside a team of Zoo scientists, veterinarians and keepers.
Since the artificial inseminations the Zoo’s panda team has monitored Mei Xiang closely. Zoo scientists will continue to monitor her hormone levels through daily hormone analyses. Veterinarians are conducting ultrasounds regularly as Mei Xiang chooses to participate in them, to monitor changes in her reproductive tract and evaluate for evidence of a fetus. Giant panda fetuses do not start developing until the final weeks of gestation, making it difficult to definitively determine if there is a pregnancy. It may be too early to detect a fetus.
Keepers are also monitoring Mei Xiang’s behavior closely. She has begun nest building which is consistent with a rise in urinary progesterone. The area of the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat closest to her den will close any day to provide quiet for Mei Xiang, who shows extra sensitivity to noise during the final weeks of a pseudopregnancy or pregnancy. Panda fans can watch Mei Xiang on the upgraded panda cams, sponsored by the Ford Motor Company Fund. The cams in Mei Xiang’s den, where she will be spending much of her time over the next month, have also been replaced with high-definition cameras. Visitors to the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat will see Tian Tian in his yard and inside the panda house as usual and Mei Xiang when she chooses to go into her outdoor exhibit.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 06-Aug-13, 12:36:41 PM
Today's update on Mei Xiang:
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update)
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 23-Aug-13, 04:34:58 PM
Just tweeted (4:14 PM) at the National Zoo!
National Zoo @NationalZoo 18m
Watch the panda cams now! Mei's water broke a short time ago and she's having contractions. She may give birth in a few hours
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm)
National Zoo @NationalZoo 18m
Watch the panda cams now! Mei's water broke a short time ago and she's having contractions. She may give birth in a few hours
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 23-Aug-13, 05:26:15 PM
Just tweeted (4:14 PM) at the National Zoo!
National Zoo @NationalZoo 18m
Watch the panda cams now! Mei's water broke a short time ago and she's having contractions. She may give birth in a few hours
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm)
National Zoo @NationalZoo 18m
Watch the panda cams now! Mei's water broke a short time ago and she's having contractions. She may give birth in a few hours
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm)
Wonderful! I hope things go well for her this year!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 23-Aug-13, 05:45:59 PM
National Zoo @NationalZoo 10m
WE HAVE A CUB!! Born at 5:32 p.m. this evening. More details to follow.
WE HAVE A CUB!! Born at 5:32 p.m. this evening. More details to follow.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 23-Aug-13, 05:51:08 PM
Posted by Spidder Musstanng on FB
by Freetaishanfreesulin
by me
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 23-Aug-13, 06:02:46 PM
And the official announcement!
Giant panda Mei Xiang gave birth to a cub at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo 5:32 p.m. The panda team heard the cub vocalize and glimpsed the cub for the first time briefly immediately after the birth. Mei Xiang picked the cub up immediately and began cradling and caring for it. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update)
Behavior watchers have been monitoring her 24 hours a day since Aug. 7 via the panda cams. The panda team began preparing for a birth when they saw her water break around 3:36 p.m. and she began having contractions. Mei Xiang started spending extended amounts of time body licking and cradling her toys Aug. 11, all signs that she could give birth.
For the first time this year scientists used another test developed by the Memphis Zoo which analyzed Mei Xiang’s levels of prostaglandin metabolite (a fatty acid) to narrow the window when she would give birth or experience a pseudopregnancy. Scientists at the Memphis Zoo performed the analysis and determined that if Mei Xiang were pregnant she would likely give birth during the last week of August. If she were not, her pseudopregnancy would have likely ended in early September.
“I’m glued to the new panda cams and thrilled to hear the squeals, which appear healthy, of our newborn cub,” said Dennis Kelly, director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. “Our expansive panda team has worked tirelessly analyzing hormones and behavior since March, and as a result of their expertise and our collaboration with scientists from around the world we are celebrating this birth.”
Keepers and veterinarians will perform a preliminary health exam on the cub within the next 48 hours. Li Guo, lead giant panda keeper at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, is at the National Zoo supporting the giant panda keepers. Li and the Zoo’s panda team will perform health checks every few days during the next week. The panda cams will be briefly turned off when the team performs the health checks.
Giant panda Mei Xiang gave birth to a cub at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo 5:32 p.m. The panda team heard the cub vocalize and glimpsed the cub for the first time briefly immediately after the birth. Mei Xiang picked the cub up immediately and began cradling and caring for it. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update)
Behavior watchers have been monitoring her 24 hours a day since Aug. 7 via the panda cams. The panda team began preparing for a birth when they saw her water break around 3:36 p.m. and she began having contractions. Mei Xiang started spending extended amounts of time body licking and cradling her toys Aug. 11, all signs that she could give birth.
For the first time this year scientists used another test developed by the Memphis Zoo which analyzed Mei Xiang’s levels of prostaglandin metabolite (a fatty acid) to narrow the window when she would give birth or experience a pseudopregnancy. Scientists at the Memphis Zoo performed the analysis and determined that if Mei Xiang were pregnant she would likely give birth during the last week of August. If she were not, her pseudopregnancy would have likely ended in early September.
“I’m glued to the new panda cams and thrilled to hear the squeals, which appear healthy, of our newborn cub,” said Dennis Kelly, director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. “Our expansive panda team has worked tirelessly analyzing hormones and behavior since March, and as a result of their expertise and our collaboration with scientists from around the world we are celebrating this birth.”
Keepers and veterinarians will perform a preliminary health exam on the cub within the next 48 hours. Li Guo, lead giant panda keeper at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, is at the National Zoo supporting the giant panda keepers. Li and the Zoo’s panda team will perform health checks every few days during the next week. The panda cams will be briefly turned off when the team performs the health checks.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 23-Aug-13, 06:08:47 PM
I've got my paws crossed for her!! :bow:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 23-Aug-13, 07:09:53 PM
http://youtu.be/43lCHjR4npk (http://youtu.be/43lCHjR4npk)
:panda:
:panda:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 25-Aug-13, 07:39:30 AM
Mei gave birth to a second still born cub last night. Just woke up to that news. Cub one continues to do well ... paws crossed for her big time!
Smithsonian's National Zoo
At 7:29 p.m. this evening, Mei Xiang gave birth to a second, stillborn cub. Keepers watching Mei on the panda cam saw her groom it for 17 minutes. When she stopped grooming, it fell from Mei’s body onto the floor of the den. It lay motionless and made no sound. Throughout, staff could see it visually and hear the first cub squealing, and Mei never set it down. Staff retrieved the motionless cub with a grabbing device. It was immediately evident that the cub had developmental abnormalities and wasn’t fully formed. It was never alive. A necropsy is underway, and the Zoo will provide additional information tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. Mei's first cub continues to do well.
Smithsonian's National Zoo
At 7:29 p.m. this evening, Mei Xiang gave birth to a second, stillborn cub. Keepers watching Mei on the panda cam saw her groom it for 17 minutes. When she stopped grooming, it fell from Mei’s body onto the floor of the den. It lay motionless and made no sound. Throughout, staff could see it visually and hear the first cub squealing, and Mei never set it down. Staff retrieved the motionless cub with a grabbing device. It was immediately evident that the cub had developmental abnormalities and wasn’t fully formed. It was never alive. A necropsy is underway, and the Zoo will provide additional information tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. Mei's first cub continues to do well.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 25-Aug-13, 08:45:13 AM
Mei gave birth to a second still born cub last night. Just woke up to that news. Cub one continues to do well ... paws crossed for her big time!
Smithsonian's National Zoo
At 7:29 p.m. this evening, Mei Xiang gave birth to a second, stillborn cub. Keepers watching Mei on the panda cam saw her groom it for 17 minutes. When she stopped grooming, it fell from Mei’s body onto the floor of the den. It lay motionless and made no sound. Throughout, staff could see it visually and hear the first cub squealing, and Mei never set it down. Staff retrieved the motionless cub with a grabbing device. It was immediately evident that the cub had developmental abnormalities and wasn’t fully formed. It was never alive. A necropsy is underway, and the Zoo will provide additional information tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. Mei's first cub continues to do well.
Smithsonian's National Zoo
At 7:29 p.m. this evening, Mei Xiang gave birth to a second, stillborn cub. Keepers watching Mei on the panda cam saw her groom it for 17 minutes. When she stopped grooming, it fell from Mei’s body onto the floor of the den. It lay motionless and made no sound. Throughout, staff could see it visually and hear the first cub squealing, and Mei never set it down. Staff retrieved the motionless cub with a grabbing device. It was immediately evident that the cub had developmental abnormalities and wasn’t fully formed. It was never alive. A necropsy is underway, and the Zoo will provide additional information tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. Mei's first cub continues to do well.
I hope things will continue to go well for Mei and her baby. Sad about the other one.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 25-Aug-13, 10:51:50 AM
This morning, the panda team was able to get the first cub for its neonatal exam. The cub is robust, fully formed and is a bright, healthy shade of pink. It weighs 137 grams, which is about 4.8 ounces. Its heart rate is steady, and vets were able to hear breathing sounds from both lungs. It's belly was nice and full, it's mouth was normal, and it was obvious that the cub is both eating and digesting food. All signs are that we have a very healthy cub.
The next exam on the cub will be on Tuesday. We won't know the cub's sex or its paternity for two or three weeks.
Photo by Courtney Janney, Smithsonian's National Zoo.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 25-Aug-13, 10:54:41 AM
This morning, the panda team was able to get the first cub for its neonatal exam. The cub is robust, fully formed and is a bright, healthy shade of pink. It weighs 137 grams, which is about 4.8 ounces. Its heart rate is steady, and vets were able to hear breathing sounds from both lungs. It's belly was nice and full, it's mouth was normal, and it was obvious that the cub is both eating and digesting food. All signs are that we have a very healthy cub.
The next exam on the cub will be on Tuesday. We won't know the cub's sex or its paternity for two or three weeks.
Photo by Courtney Janney, Smithsonian's National Zoo.
Great news! :thankyou:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 25-Aug-13, 11:02:43 AM
:bow: :bow: :bow:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 26-Aug-13, 07:59:19 PM
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50153703n (http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50153703n)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 29-Aug-13, 04:28:52 PM
August 29
In the early morning hours, Mei Xiang gently placed her cub on the floor of her den. Vigilant panda cam observers were watching at 3:37 a.m., and we’re delighted to share the video! You’ll see the tiny cub has a round belly which indicates to the panda team that it is nursing well. Also, the cub has a great set of lungs. There is a lot of squawking until Mei carefully picks the cub up again and cradles it.
http://youtu.be/MVK3XZBajLw (http://youtu.be/MVK3XZBajLw)
Mei is much more aware of the keepers when they enter her den space to offer her food. Today Mei drank 56 ounces, which is a good sign that she is doing well. Keepers and veterinarians continue to monitor the mother and cub visually and, so as not to upset Mei or endanger the staff, will allow Mei Xiang's behaviors to direct how they access the cub. Inside the den, they are very close to the bears and all visual and audible indications tell us that both are doing well.
We invite you to keep watching them on the panda cam but due to the volume of viewers, we have set the viewing period to 15 minutes. If you’d like to watch for a longer amount of time, you simply refresh the panda cam or you can watch for an unlimited amount of time on the Zoo’s App. Keep watching!
In the early morning hours, Mei Xiang gently placed her cub on the floor of her den. Vigilant panda cam observers were watching at 3:37 a.m., and we’re delighted to share the video! You’ll see the tiny cub has a round belly which indicates to the panda team that it is nursing well. Also, the cub has a great set of lungs. There is a lot of squawking until Mei carefully picks the cub up again and cradles it.
http://youtu.be/MVK3XZBajLw (http://youtu.be/MVK3XZBajLw)
Mei is much more aware of the keepers when they enter her den space to offer her food. Today Mei drank 56 ounces, which is a good sign that she is doing well. Keepers and veterinarians continue to monitor the mother and cub visually and, so as not to upset Mei or endanger the staff, will allow Mei Xiang's behaviors to direct how they access the cub. Inside the den, they are very close to the bears and all visual and audible indications tell us that both are doing well.
We invite you to keep watching them on the panda cam but due to the volume of viewers, we have set the viewing period to 15 minutes. If you’d like to watch for a longer amount of time, you simply refresh the panda cam or you can watch for an unlimited amount of time on the Zoo’s App. Keep watching!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 02-Sep-13, 09:27:44 AM
http://youtu.be/FK4dvVCicuk (http://youtu.be/FK4dvVCicuk)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 03-Sep-13, 12:17:42 PM
From FB:
Smithsonian's National Zoo
Last night at 6:15 p.m., Mei Xiang left her den. She climbed up the rockwork mountain in her adjoining exhibit, urinated, and returned to the den at 6:18. It's normal for bears not to eat, drink, urinate, or defecate much in the early days of raising a cub. This morning, she drank a little diluted apple juice the panda team offered her, though she wasn't interested in bamboo. The panda team got an excellent close-up of the cub while Mei was out! It looks good, and is within the normal size for a cub its age.
Thanks to Flickr user susan.schultheis
Smithsonian's National Zoo
Last night at 6:15 p.m., Mei Xiang left her den. She climbed up the rockwork mountain in her adjoining exhibit, urinated, and returned to the den at 6:18. It's normal for bears not to eat, drink, urinate, or defecate much in the early days of raising a cub. This morning, she drank a little diluted apple juice the panda team offered her, though she wasn't interested in bamboo. The panda team got an excellent close-up of the cub while Mei was out! It looks good, and is within the normal size for a cub its age.
Thanks to Flickr user susan.schultheis
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 05-Sep-13, 09:14:06 AM
Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics confirmed that our giant panda cub is female! A paternity analysis showed that the Zoo’s panda Tian Tian is the cub’s father. Scientists also confirmed the second, stillborn cub Mei Xiang delivered on August 24 was a female and also sired by Tian Tian. The cubs were fraternal twins.
Zoo scientists used two tests to confirm the sex of both cubs. The first test was developed by scientists in China and analyzes a fragment of the zinc finger protein gene. The second test, also using a shorter fragment of the same zinc finger protein gene, was developed by SCBI scientists and veterinarians. They used the second test to verify the results of the initial test.
Read more about the giant panda cub and the science behind the tests (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update)
Zoo scientists used two tests to confirm the sex of both cubs. The first test was developed by scientists in China and analyzes a fragment of the zinc finger protein gene. The second test, also using a shorter fragment of the same zinc finger protein gene, was developed by SCBI scientists and veterinarians. They used the second test to verify the results of the initial test.
Read more about the giant panda cub and the science behind the tests (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 07-Sep-13, 07:20:32 PM
http://youtu.be/35Qt8D-wTVo (http://youtu.be/35Qt8D-wTVo)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 11-Sep-13, 07:47:28 PM
Mei Xiang and her cub are still doing well! Keepers and veterinarians expect that Mei will begin leaving her den for longer periods of time soon. When she does leave the den for longer periods of time keepers and veterinarians hope to be able to perform another health check on the cub. In the meantime, keepers are continuing to do short training sessions with Mei in her den, and offer her small snack-sized treats for participating.
http://youtu.be/SEZnI04ej4Y (http://youtu.be/SEZnI04ej4Y)
http://youtu.be/SEZnI04ej4Y (http://youtu.be/SEZnI04ej4Y)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 12-Sep-13, 06:55:36 PM
http://youtu.be/d4jcoA7YQM0 (http://youtu.be/d4jcoA7YQM0)
:wub: :wub:
:wub: :wub:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 17-Sep-13, 03:44:27 PM
September 17
The giant panda cub born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Aug. 23 received her first veterinary exam late yesterday afternoon and was given a clean bill of health. Mei Xiang, who has spent much of the past three and a half weeks cradling her cub, put her down and left her den at 4:11 p.m. The panda team, which has been preparing for an opportunity to perform a full veterinary exam, seized the opportunity and retrieved the cub from the den while Mei Xiang ate bamboo and drank some water in the adjacent enclosure. The exam was completed by 4:31 p.m.
"It’s amazing to see how much she has grown in less than one month," said Brandie Smith, senior curator of mammals and giant pandas. "Mei Xiang continues to be a great mom, as she was with Tai Shan, and it shows."
Since her preliminary health check Aug. 25 the cub has more than doubled her weight. She now weighs slightly less than two pounds and has the signature black markings of a giant panda. Veterinarians also listened to her heart and lungs. Her heart rate was 130 beats per minute, and her respiratory rate was 42. From nose to tail she is 10.6 inches long and 9.8 inches wide around her belly. Her eyes have not opened yet.
After the exam was completed Mei Xiang returned to her den and immediately picked up her cub and began grooming her.
The giant panda cub born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Aug. 23 received her first veterinary exam late yesterday afternoon and was given a clean bill of health. Mei Xiang, who has spent much of the past three and a half weeks cradling her cub, put her down and left her den at 4:11 p.m. The panda team, which has been preparing for an opportunity to perform a full veterinary exam, seized the opportunity and retrieved the cub from the den while Mei Xiang ate bamboo and drank some water in the adjacent enclosure. The exam was completed by 4:31 p.m.
"It’s amazing to see how much she has grown in less than one month," said Brandie Smith, senior curator of mammals and giant pandas. "Mei Xiang continues to be a great mom, as she was with Tai Shan, and it shows."
Since her preliminary health check Aug. 25 the cub has more than doubled her weight. She now weighs slightly less than two pounds and has the signature black markings of a giant panda. Veterinarians also listened to her heart and lungs. Her heart rate was 130 beats per minute, and her respiratory rate was 42. From nose to tail she is 10.6 inches long and 9.8 inches wide around her belly. Her eyes have not opened yet.
After the exam was completed Mei Xiang returned to her den and immediately picked up her cub and began grooming her.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 17-Sep-13, 06:10:56 PM
September 17
The giant panda cub born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Aug. 23 received her first veterinary exam late yesterday afternoon and was given a clean bill of health. Mei Xiang, who has spent much of the past three and a half weeks cradling her cub, put her down and left her den at 4:11 p.m. The panda team, which has been preparing for an opportunity to perform a full veterinary exam, seized the opportunity and retrieved the cub from the den while Mei Xiang ate bamboo and drank some water in the adjacent enclosure. The exam was completed by 4:31 p.m.
"It’s amazing to see how much she has grown in less than one month," said Brandie Smith, senior curator of mammals and giant pandas. "Mei Xiang continues to be a great mom, as she was with Tai Shan, and it shows."
Since her preliminary health check Aug. 25 the cub has more than doubled her weight. She now weighs slightly less than two pounds and has the signature black markings of a giant panda. Veterinarians also listened to her heart and lungs. Her heart rate was 130 beats per minute, and her respiratory rate was 42. From nose to tail she is 10.6 inches long and 9.8 inches wide around her belly. Her eyes have not opened yet.
After the exam was completed Mei Xiang returned to her den and immediately picked up her cub and began grooming her.
The giant panda cub born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Aug. 23 received her first veterinary exam late yesterday afternoon and was given a clean bill of health. Mei Xiang, who has spent much of the past three and a half weeks cradling her cub, put her down and left her den at 4:11 p.m. The panda team, which has been preparing for an opportunity to perform a full veterinary exam, seized the opportunity and retrieved the cub from the den while Mei Xiang ate bamboo and drank some water in the adjacent enclosure. The exam was completed by 4:31 p.m.
"It’s amazing to see how much she has grown in less than one month," said Brandie Smith, senior curator of mammals and giant pandas. "Mei Xiang continues to be a great mom, as she was with Tai Shan, and it shows."
Since her preliminary health check Aug. 25 the cub has more than doubled her weight. She now weighs slightly less than two pounds and has the signature black markings of a giant panda. Veterinarians also listened to her heart and lungs. Her heart rate was 130 beats per minute, and her respiratory rate was 42. From nose to tail she is 10.6 inches long and 9.8 inches wide around her belly. Her eyes have not opened yet.
After the exam was completed Mei Xiang returned to her den and immediately picked up her cub and began grooming her.
I'm so happy for Mei Xiang that this baby is doing so well! A real cutie!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 20-Sep-13, 02:05:25 PM
Baby update with new video!
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update)
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 23-Sep-13, 07:37:30 PM
Mei Xiang has started putting the cub down for longer periods of time! Over the weekend and this morning when the keepers entered her den to continue their den training routine, Mei placed the cub on the ground and focused on the keepers the entire time. She drank all the diluted apple juice keepers offered her in exchange for participating in the training session – and even seemed to want more after she had finished it. Mei also feels comfortable leaving the cub several times each day to eat and drink in her adjacent indoor enclosure.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 25-Sep-13, 03:59:52 PM
Cute video of baby!
https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=888680734697 (https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=888680734697)
https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=888680734697 (https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=888680734697)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 26-Sep-13, 04:43:22 PM
Sept. 26th Vet exam report with lots of pics!
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update)
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm#update)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: MAK on 26-Sep-13, 10:37:40 PM
:panda: That's a lot of Panda pics! :panda:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 26-Sep-13, 11:04:04 PM
From FB-
Write your congressional rep to save the Baby Panda Cam
Never mind about that FHA loan you're waiting on going into limbo, or that gun permit you applied for getting shot down. The federal government shuttering that's looming on Oct. 1 unless Democrats and Republicans get it together could have a far more dreadful impact: Baby Panda Cam is on the chopping block. If you can't get through the day without a peek at Butterstick II's progress at the National Zoo, you may have to find an alternate source of cuteness. The camera operation is run by volunteers, and it's still up in the air whether they'll be allowed to carry on in the event Congress grinds the government to a halt. Don't plan a trip to D.C. for a live fix, either. "The panda house will definitely be closed," said a zoo spokeswoman. [Source]
Write your congressional rep to save the Baby Panda Cam
Never mind about that FHA loan you're waiting on going into limbo, or that gun permit you applied for getting shot down. The federal government shuttering that's looming on Oct. 1 unless Democrats and Republicans get it together could have a far more dreadful impact: Baby Panda Cam is on the chopping block. If you can't get through the day without a peek at Butterstick II's progress at the National Zoo, you may have to find an alternate source of cuteness. The camera operation is run by volunteers, and it's still up in the air whether they'll be allowed to carry on in the event Congress grinds the government to a halt. Don't plan a trip to D.C. for a live fix, either. "The panda house will definitely be closed," said a zoo spokeswoman. [Source]
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 17-Oct-13, 12:36:45 PM
http://youtu.be/ArSn8Jq5hkA (http://youtu.be/ArSn8Jq5hkA)
:wub:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Annette on 17-Oct-13, 01:14:13 PM
Cute panda baby! (http://www.picgifs.com/mini-graphics/mini-graphics/bears/mini-graphics-bears-871282.gif) (http://www.picgifs.com/mini-graphics/)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: MAK on 17-Oct-13, 04:39:49 PM
Noisy little one! :HappyJackOLantern:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 13-Nov-13, 01:35:03 PM
The cub turns 100 days old soon and people can now vote everyday for a new name. Link at bottom of video:
http://youtu.be/WGQTnnJ5OTQ (http://youtu.be/WGQTnnJ5OTQ)
http://youtu.be/WGQTnnJ5OTQ (http://youtu.be/WGQTnnJ5OTQ)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 06-Jan-14, 12:54:42 PM
Bao Bao was just play-eating her 'boo...she's growing up!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 06-Jan-14, 01:21:18 PM
Bao Bao was just play-eating her 'boo...she's growing up!
What a sweet picture! All the Panda babies are growing too fast!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 26-Feb-14, 11:06:55 PM
Bao Bao cuddling with Mommie! By DoxieMom
2014-02-26 Awww, Bao Bao Hugs and Rubs her Mommie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew7zZhs3KmE#ws)
2014-02-26 Awww, Bao Bao Hugs and Rubs her Mommie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew7zZhs3KmE#ws)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 18-Jun-14, 11:17:53 AM
Bill and I went to the National Zoo in April to see the Panda family and all Bao Bao did was sleep! Look at her now!
2014-06-17 "Tub Cub" Bao Bao "Helps" Mei with her Fruitcicle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5kZbVg2ThQ#ws)
2014-06-17 "Tub Cub" Bao Bao "Helps" Mei with her Fruitcicle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5kZbVg2ThQ#ws)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 27-Apr-15, 12:46:45 PM
Last night and this AM, Mei Xiang was artificially inseminated with sperm from her mate, Tian Tian, and Hui Hui, resident at the Wolong Panda Research Center in China!
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/giantpandas/ (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/giantpandas/)
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/giantpandas/ (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/giantpandas/)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 27-Apr-15, 01:14:02 PM
Last night and this AM, Mei Xiang was artificially inseminated with sperm from her mate, Tian Tian, and Hui Hui, resident at the Wolong Panda Research Center in China!
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/giantpandas/ (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/giantpandas/)
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/giantpandas/ (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/giantpandas/)
Wow! I can't believe it's been 2 years since Bao Bao was born!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 19-Aug-15, 06:21:13 PM
Paws crossed! :panda:
http://dcist.com/2015/08/panda_baby_alert_mei_xiang_appears.php (http://dcist.com/2015/08/panda_baby_alert_mei_xiang_appears.php)
http://dcist.com/2015/08/panda_baby_alert_mei_xiang_appears.php (http://dcist.com/2015/08/panda_baby_alert_mei_xiang_appears.php)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 19-Aug-15, 06:29:21 PM
Paws crossed! :panda:
http://dcist.com/2015/08/panda_baby_alert_mei_xiang_appears.php (http://dcist.com/2015/08/panda_baby_alert_mei_xiang_appears.php)
http://dcist.com/2015/08/panda_baby_alert_mei_xiang_appears.php (http://dcist.com/2015/08/panda_baby_alert_mei_xiang_appears.php)
Amazing!
National Zoo press release
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/publications/pressmaterials/pressreleases/press-release.cfm?id=2705 (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/publications/pressmaterials/pressreleases/press-release.cfm?id=2705)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 22-Aug-15, 02:53:57 PM
From the National Zoo:
Our panda team believes Mei Xiang is in labor! She is restless, having contractions, body licking and remains in her den—all behaviors consistent with an imminent birth. We are monitoring Mei very closely through the web cams and are hoping for a healthy cub. It could take several hours or longer for Mei to give birth. If you tune in to the panda cams you can watch along with our panda team.
Our panda team believes Mei Xiang is in labor! She is restless, having contractions, body licking and remains in her den—all behaviors consistent with an imminent birth. We are monitoring Mei very closely through the web cams and are hoping for a healthy cub. It could take several hours or longer for Mei to give birth. If you tune in to the panda cams you can watch along with our panda team.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 22-Aug-15, 03:30:28 PM
From the National Zoo:
Our panda team believes Mei Xiang is in labor! She is restless, having contractions, body licking and remains in her den—all behaviors consistent with an imminent birth. We are monitoring Mei very closely through the web cams and are hoping for a healthy cub. It could take several hours or longer for Mei to give birth. If you tune in to the panda cams you can watch along with our panda team.
Our panda team believes Mei Xiang is in labor! She is restless, having contractions, body licking and remains in her den—all behaviors consistent with an imminent birth. We are monitoring Mei very closely through the web cams and are hoping for a healthy cub. It could take several hours or longer for Mei to give birth. If you tune in to the panda cams you can watch along with our panda team.
Hope everything goes OK for Mei!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 22-Aug-15, 04:37:26 PM
Panda team has confirmed that Mei Xiang's water broke. Hoping for healthy cub. May take a few hours. Keep watching our panda cam. If you're having trouble connecting, download National Zoo app. #PandaStory #WeSaveSpecies
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 22-Aug-15, 04:48:05 PM
I actually managed to connect long enough to see her water break! So exciting...praying for a heathly cub!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 22-Aug-15, 05:38:08 PM
WE HAVE A CUB!!!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 22-Aug-15, 05:47:56 PM
WE HAVE A CUB!!!
Pooh..went swimming and missed it! Yay for Mei! :yahoo: :panda:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 22-Aug-15, 07:13:18 PM
Birth video!
http://youtu.be/JnXDXjcfllQ (http://youtu.be/JnXDXjcfllQ)
http://youtu.be/JnXDXjcfllQ (http://youtu.be/JnXDXjcfllQ)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 23-Aug-15, 05:39:21 AM
I went to bed too early, TWINS!!!!
We can confirm a second giant panda cub was born at 10:07 pm. The panda team retrieved one of the cubs per "twin hand rearing" protocol and has placed it in an incubator. It appears to be in good health."
We can confirm a second giant panda cub was born at 10:07 pm. The panda team retrieved one of the cubs per "twin hand rearing" protocol and has placed it in an incubator. It appears to be in good health."
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Bobbie Ireland on 23-Aug-15, 06:04:07 AM
I went to bed too early, TWINS!!!!
We can confirm a second giant panda cub was born at 10:07 pm. The panda team retrieved one of the cubs per "twin hand rearing" protocol and has placed it in an incubator. It appears to be in good health."
We can confirm a second giant panda cub was born at 10:07 pm. The panda team retrieved one of the cubs per "twin hand rearing" protocol and has placed it in an incubator. It appears to be in good health."
Hurrah! Little things!! Live long and prosper.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 23-Aug-15, 06:14:38 AM
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Donna on 23-Aug-15, 06:45:28 AM
Just saw that!! Cute little pink baby!! :heart:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 23-Aug-15, 08:11:16 AM
https://m.facebook.com/nationalzoo?ref=tn_tnmn
Second cub birth video on Facebook! I think I finally reconnected after #2 was born and I had no idea what had happened. :yahoo:
Second cub birth video on Facebook! I think I finally reconnected after #2 was born and I had no idea what had happened. :yahoo:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 23-Aug-15, 09:15:03 AM
https://m.facebook.com/nationalzoo?ref=tn_tnmn
Second cub birth video on Facebook! I think I finally reconnected after #2 was born and I had no idea what had happened. :yahoo:
Second cub birth video on Facebook! I think I finally reconnected after #2 was born and I had no idea what had happened. :yahoo:
Oh my gosh! :o Twins! We might be making another Panda visit next year! :yahoo:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 23-Aug-15, 09:19:15 AM
They just had a live presser online, both cubs doing well. Here is the link to watch it on replay:
https://www.periscope.tv/w/aKm0kDEyNjJ8NjgwMDQ3MzWpqEM_hgEDXwV73kgkiGAsJmMNjBabMnMD_zMsqEP5vg== (https://www.periscope.tv/w/aKm0kDEyNjJ8NjgwMDQ3MzWpqEM_hgEDXwV73kgkiGAsJmMNjBabMnMD_zMsqEP5vg==)
Cub 1 that we saw born was only 86 grams - he/she spent 10 hours with mom until they did a swap at 6.30 am and now he/she is in the incubator.
Cub 2 is a hefty 138 grams - he was born second and that was the one they retrieved and he is now with mom after the swap.
https://www.periscope.tv/w/aKm0kDEyNjJ8NjgwMDQ3MzWpqEM_hgEDXwV73kgkiGAsJmMNjBabMnMD_zMsqEP5vg== (https://www.periscope.tv/w/aKm0kDEyNjJ8NjgwMDQ3MzWpqEM_hgEDXwV73kgkiGAsJmMNjBabMnMD_zMsqEP5vg==)
Cub 1 that we saw born was only 86 grams - he/she spent 10 hours with mom until they did a swap at 6.30 am and now he/she is in the incubator.
Cub 2 is a hefty 138 grams - he was born second and that was the one they retrieved and he is now with mom after the swap.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 23-Aug-15, 11:02:08 AM
https://www.facebook.com/nationalzoo?fref=nf (https://www.facebook.com/nationalzoo?fref=nf)
First-born cub exam
First-born cub exam
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Bobbie Ireland on 23-Aug-15, 12:24:17 PM
https://www.facebook.com/nationalzoo?fref=nf (https://www.facebook.com/nationalzoo?fref=nf)
First-born cub exam
First-born cub exam
Isn't this amazing!!! How easy it is to feel truly involved. Thanks, Ei!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 25-Aug-15, 02:41:51 PM
I can't copy the picture from instagram, but this update was posted there...
Mei Xiang has not been a willing participant in the panda team’s efforts to switch the cubs since 2 p.m. yesterday afternoon. She has the larger cub in her possession. The panda team is caring for the smaller cub and will continue efforts to swap the cubs about every four hours. However, because the smaller cub has been away from Mei, the panda team is now managing it more intensely. The little cub’s behaviors are good. The team is concerned about its fluctuating weight since the cub is now more than 48 hours old. The most important thing for the panda team is to help the cub get enough fluids and nutrients. To accomplish this, they are bottle and tube feeding the cub. The cub has shown some signs of regurgitation which can lead to aspiration in such a tiny creature. To be prudent, the veterinarians are administering antibiotics to prevent possible infection. It’s very important to keep the cub hydrated so they are alternating an infant electrolyte solution with formula and administering fluids under the skin. The cub is urinating and defecating well. The veterinarians have not seen any sign of respiratory distress.
Our observations of the larger cub from yesterday indicate it is doing well and we’re confident Mei Xiang is taking very good care of it. We remain in a high-risk period.
We’ve received a lot of questions about the tiny size of the panda cubs. Bear cubs have the smallest infant-to-mother size ratio of any placental mammal at approx. 1 to 700. Mei Xiang currently weighs about 238 pounds. One of the cubs weighed 86 grams at birth, a 1 to 1,256 ratio of cub to mom. The larger cub weighed 138 grams at birth, a 1 to 783 ratio of cub to mom.
Asia Trail keepers (who successfully hand-reared a sloth bear named Remi last year), additional veterinarian staff and a panda keeper from Zoo Atlanta have been well integrated into the panda team. The entire Zoo community appreciates the outpouring of well-wishes from around the world.
Mei Xiang has not been a willing participant in the panda team’s efforts to switch the cubs since 2 p.m. yesterday afternoon. She has the larger cub in her possession. The panda team is caring for the smaller cub and will continue efforts to swap the cubs about every four hours. However, because the smaller cub has been away from Mei, the panda team is now managing it more intensely. The little cub’s behaviors are good. The team is concerned about its fluctuating weight since the cub is now more than 48 hours old. The most important thing for the panda team is to help the cub get enough fluids and nutrients. To accomplish this, they are bottle and tube feeding the cub. The cub has shown some signs of regurgitation which can lead to aspiration in such a tiny creature. To be prudent, the veterinarians are administering antibiotics to prevent possible infection. It’s very important to keep the cub hydrated so they are alternating an infant electrolyte solution with formula and administering fluids under the skin. The cub is urinating and defecating well. The veterinarians have not seen any sign of respiratory distress.
Our observations of the larger cub from yesterday indicate it is doing well and we’re confident Mei Xiang is taking very good care of it. We remain in a high-risk period.
We’ve received a lot of questions about the tiny size of the panda cubs. Bear cubs have the smallest infant-to-mother size ratio of any placental mammal at approx. 1 to 700. Mei Xiang currently weighs about 238 pounds. One of the cubs weighed 86 grams at birth, a 1 to 1,256 ratio of cub to mom. The larger cub weighed 138 grams at birth, a 1 to 783 ratio of cub to mom.
Asia Trail keepers (who successfully hand-reared a sloth bear named Remi last year), additional veterinarian staff and a panda keeper from Zoo Atlanta have been well integrated into the panda team. The entire Zoo community appreciates the outpouring of well-wishes from around the world.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 25-Aug-15, 04:02:13 PM
I can't copy the picture from instagram, but this update was posted there...
Mei Xiang has not been a willing participant in the panda team’s efforts to switch the cubs since 2 p.m. yesterday afternoon. She has the larger cub in her possession. The panda team is caring for the smaller cub and will continue efforts to swap the cubs about every four hours. However, because the smaller cub has been away from Mei, the panda team is now managing it more intensely. The little cub’s behaviors are good. The team is concerned about its fluctuating weight since the cub is now more than 48 hours old. The most important thing for the panda team is to help the cub get enough fluids and nutrients. To accomplish this, they are bottle and tube feeding the cub. The cub has shown some signs of regurgitation which can lead to aspiration in such a tiny creature. To be prudent, the veterinarians are administering antibiotics to prevent possible infection. It’s very important to keep the cub hydrated so they are alternating an infant electrolyte solution with formula and administering fluids under the skin. The cub is urinating and defecating well. The veterinarians have not seen any sign of respiratory distress.
Our observations of the larger cub from yesterday indicate it is doing well and we’re confident Mei Xiang is taking very good care of it. We remain in a high-risk period.
We’ve received a lot of questions about the tiny size of the panda cubs. Bear cubs have the smallest infant-to-mother size ratio of any placental mammal at approx. 1 to 700. Mei Xiang currently weighs about 238 pounds. One of the cubs weighed 86 grams at birth, a 1 to 1,256 ratio of cub to mom. The larger cub weighed 138 grams at birth, a 1 to 783 ratio of cub to mom.
Asia Trail keepers (who successfully hand-reared a sloth bear named Remi last year), additional veterinarian staff and a panda keeper from Zoo Atlanta have been well integrated into the panda team. The entire Zoo community appreciates the outpouring of well-wishes from around the world.
Mei Xiang has not been a willing participant in the panda team’s efforts to switch the cubs since 2 p.m. yesterday afternoon. She has the larger cub in her possession. The panda team is caring for the smaller cub and will continue efforts to swap the cubs about every four hours. However, because the smaller cub has been away from Mei, the panda team is now managing it more intensely. The little cub’s behaviors are good. The team is concerned about its fluctuating weight since the cub is now more than 48 hours old. The most important thing for the panda team is to help the cub get enough fluids and nutrients. To accomplish this, they are bottle and tube feeding the cub. The cub has shown some signs of regurgitation which can lead to aspiration in such a tiny creature. To be prudent, the veterinarians are administering antibiotics to prevent possible infection. It’s very important to keep the cub hydrated so they are alternating an infant electrolyte solution with formula and administering fluids under the skin. The cub is urinating and defecating well. The veterinarians have not seen any sign of respiratory distress.
Our observations of the larger cub from yesterday indicate it is doing well and we’re confident Mei Xiang is taking very good care of it. We remain in a high-risk period.
We’ve received a lot of questions about the tiny size of the panda cubs. Bear cubs have the smallest infant-to-mother size ratio of any placental mammal at approx. 1 to 700. Mei Xiang currently weighs about 238 pounds. One of the cubs weighed 86 grams at birth, a 1 to 1,256 ratio of cub to mom. The larger cub weighed 138 grams at birth, a 1 to 783 ratio of cub to mom.
Asia Trail keepers (who successfully hand-reared a sloth bear named Remi last year), additional veterinarian staff and a panda keeper from Zoo Atlanta have been well integrated into the panda team. The entire Zoo community appreciates the outpouring of well-wishes from around the world.
Not going as smoothly as it did with Lun and the twins..paws crossed both survive.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 25-Aug-15, 04:08:42 PM
Not going as smoothly as it did with Lun and the twins..paws crossed both survive.
I'm thinking it may actually turn out to be better this way. The first born is so much smaller than the other one...I wonder if it isn't premature. It may be the one that they saw on the ultrasound and expected it to be born 8/28 or so based on its size.
I personally have always thought that the one who didn't survive a few years ago was premature. It seemed to me at the time that it's birth took everyone by surprise.
They'll be better able to intervene if they have the cub in hand.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 25-Aug-15, 06:15:24 PM
Found the picture on Twitter...
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 25-Aug-15, 06:43:41 PM
Not going as smoothly as it did with Lun and the twins..paws crossed both survive.
I'm thinking it may actually turn out to be better this way. The first born is so much smaller than the other one...I wonder if it isn't premature. It may be the one that they saw on the ultrasound and expected it to be born 8/28 or so based on its size.
I personally have always thought that the one who didn't survive a few years ago was premature. It seemed to me at the time that it's birth took everyone by surprise.
They'll be better able to intervene if they have the cub in hand.
I had the same thought, especially if they suspect regurgitation..better to have hands on the more fragile of the two, just in case. I wonder if Mei doesn't know the difference between Cubs and feels the larger has a better survival chance thus not allowing a switch. That widget is so darn cute! :wub:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 26-Aug-15, 03:08:28 PM
From NZ just now:
We are sad to announce that the smaller of the two panda cubs has died. The panda team continues to monitor Mei Xiang and the larger cub. They are encouraged that this cub appears to be strong and behaving normally.
:crying: :crying: :crying:
We are sad to announce that the smaller of the two panda cubs has died. The panda team continues to monitor Mei Xiang and the larger cub. They are encouraged that this cub appears to be strong and behaving normally.
:crying: :crying: :crying:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 26-Aug-15, 04:13:42 PM
From NZ just now:
We are sad to announce that the smaller of the two panda cubs has died. The panda team continues to monitor Mei Xiang and the larger cub. They are encouraged that this cub appears to be strong and behaving normally.
:crying: :crying: :crying:
We are sad to announce that the smaller of the two panda cubs has died. The panda team continues to monitor Mei Xiang and the larger cub. They are encouraged that this cub appears to be strong and behaving normally.
:crying: :crying: :crying:
Just read that on FB..so sad that the little one didn't make it. :(
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 26-Aug-15, 04:35:11 PM
sigh...hope the other cub continues to do well...
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 26-Aug-15, 05:14:31 PM
From the National Zoo Website:
August 26
The smaller of the two giant panda cubs born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo Aug. 22, died shortly after 2 p.m. today, Aug. 26. The panda team rotated both cubs in the past 24 hours allowing each to benefit from spending time with their mother, Mei Xiang. The smaller cub was with Mei Xiang from about 2 p.m. yesterday, Aug. 25, until this morning. When the panda team swapped the cubs this morning, they assessed the little cub and had concerns because it had not increased in weight, appeared weaker and exhibited possible respiratory issues.
The panda team immediately began taking actions to improve the condition of the smaller cub. They administered antibiotics, respiratory support, formula and fluids.
The Zoo's pathologists will perform a necropsy (animal autopsy) on the 4-day-old giant cub. A final pathology report will provide more information in the next few weeks. The veterinary and pathology team will continue to work closely during the ongoing histological evaluation.
At the time of death, the cub weighed 79.8 grams, about 2.8 ounces. The mortality rate for panda cubs in their first year in human care is 26 percent for males and 20 percent for females. Note that some early mortality rates may be underestimated.
Giant pandas give birth to twins approximately 50 percent of the time. This is only the third time a giant panda living in the United States has given birth to twins. At the birth of the second cub, Mei Xiang demonstrated that she was challenged to care for both cubs, but she did not indicate a preference for one cub over the other. The collective scientific knowledge about giant panda mothers is that they are best able to care for one cub at a time.
Per the Giant Panda Twin Hand-Rearing protocol, the panda team alternately swapped the cubs, allowing one to nurse and spend time with Mei Xiang while the other was bottle fed and kept warm in an incubator. The primary goal for the panda team was for both cubs to have the benefit of nursing and spending time with their mother. The cub-swapping approach the panda team used to care for the twin cubs was developed by Chinese colleagues during the past 15 years.
The panda team continues to monitor Mei Xiang and the larger cub via the Panda Cams. They are encouraged that this cub appears to be strong and robust, and that it is behaving normally, urinating and defecating. At last weigh-in, the cub weighed 137.7 grams. Despite these encouraging signs, the team continues to closely monitor both Mei Xiang and her cub around the clock, as the cub is still vulnerable and the risk remains high.
The Zoo will continue to provide daily updates on Mei Xiang and the cub.
August 26
The smaller of the two giant panda cubs born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo Aug. 22, died shortly after 2 p.m. today, Aug. 26. The panda team rotated both cubs in the past 24 hours allowing each to benefit from spending time with their mother, Mei Xiang. The smaller cub was with Mei Xiang from about 2 p.m. yesterday, Aug. 25, until this morning. When the panda team swapped the cubs this morning, they assessed the little cub and had concerns because it had not increased in weight, appeared weaker and exhibited possible respiratory issues.
The panda team immediately began taking actions to improve the condition of the smaller cub. They administered antibiotics, respiratory support, formula and fluids.
The Zoo's pathologists will perform a necropsy (animal autopsy) on the 4-day-old giant cub. A final pathology report will provide more information in the next few weeks. The veterinary and pathology team will continue to work closely during the ongoing histological evaluation.
At the time of death, the cub weighed 79.8 grams, about 2.8 ounces. The mortality rate for panda cubs in their first year in human care is 26 percent for males and 20 percent for females. Note that some early mortality rates may be underestimated.
Giant pandas give birth to twins approximately 50 percent of the time. This is only the third time a giant panda living in the United States has given birth to twins. At the birth of the second cub, Mei Xiang demonstrated that she was challenged to care for both cubs, but she did not indicate a preference for one cub over the other. The collective scientific knowledge about giant panda mothers is that they are best able to care for one cub at a time.
Per the Giant Panda Twin Hand-Rearing protocol, the panda team alternately swapped the cubs, allowing one to nurse and spend time with Mei Xiang while the other was bottle fed and kept warm in an incubator. The primary goal for the panda team was for both cubs to have the benefit of nursing and spending time with their mother. The cub-swapping approach the panda team used to care for the twin cubs was developed by Chinese colleagues during the past 15 years.
The panda team continues to monitor Mei Xiang and the larger cub via the Panda Cams. They are encouraged that this cub appears to be strong and robust, and that it is behaving normally, urinating and defecating. At last weigh-in, the cub weighed 137.7 grams. Despite these encouraging signs, the team continues to closely monitor both Mei Xiang and her cub around the clock, as the cub is still vulnerable and the risk remains high.
The Zoo will continue to provide daily updates on Mei Xiang and the cub.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: MAK on 26-Aug-15, 07:31:22 PM
:sorrow: :panda:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Donna on 26-Aug-15, 08:32:07 PM
:crying: How sad! :(
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 28-Aug-15, 11:20:23 AM
It's a boy and Tian Tian..you ARE the father! :clap:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/surviving-national-zoo-panda-cub-male/story?id=33379739 (http://abcnews.go.com/US/surviving-national-zoo-panda-cub-male/story?id=33379739)
http://abcnews.go.com/US/surviving-national-zoo-panda-cub-male/story?id=33379739 (http://abcnews.go.com/US/surviving-national-zoo-panda-cub-male/story?id=33379739)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: patsy6 on 28-Aug-15, 11:22:11 AM
I was just about to post this, Kris! Anyway, congratulations Tian Tian! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 28-Aug-15, 06:30:12 PM
Great lungs! :panda:
http://youtu.be/dT6TCcFzkk8 (http://youtu.be/dT6TCcFzkk8)
http://youtu.be/dT6TCcFzkk8 (http://youtu.be/dT6TCcFzkk8)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 29-Aug-15, 06:13:10 PM
Video by Doxie M. Panda
http://youtu.be/DTXUerJqF4Y (http://youtu.be/DTXUerJqF4Y)
http://youtu.be/DTXUerJqF4Y (http://youtu.be/DTXUerJqF4Y)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 05-Sep-15, 09:56:57 PM
Cub is growing..too cute!
http://youtu.be/hWR5QM9zd30 (http://youtu.be/hWR5QM9zd30)
http://youtu.be/hWR5QM9zd30 (http://youtu.be/hWR5QM9zd30)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 09-Sep-15, 03:43:56 PM
I am totally obsessed with those tiny little toes!And that little face!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 09-Sep-15, 09:23:37 PM
I am totally obsessed with those tiny little toes!And that little face!
:wub:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 09-Sep-15, 09:24:15 PM
http://youtu.be/VujqwP4uaBA (http://youtu.be/VujqwP4uaBA)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Donna on 15-Sep-15, 09:57:26 PM
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/9-15%20Panda_zps989cwack.jpg) (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/djweeds/media/9-15%20Panda_zps989cwack.jpg.html)
Our cub is starting to look like a little giant panda! His black markings have come in, and his back saddle looks just like his dad, Tian Tian’s. Keepers have also seen him sleeping with his paw over his eye—which is something both Tian Tian and his big sister Bao Bao do—even though his eyes won’t open until he’s between 6 and 8 weeks old. He’s a whopping 1.9 pounds (881.5 grams) and appears to be doing very well. Mei Xiang has felt comfortable during the last week leaving him on his own in the den several times a day for short periods. She is eating more and even ate one of her favorite food items—a pear—over the weekend
From FB :heart:
Our cub is starting to look like a little giant panda! His black markings have come in, and his back saddle looks just like his dad, Tian Tian’s. Keepers have also seen him sleeping with his paw over his eye—which is something both Tian Tian and his big sister Bao Bao do—even though his eyes won’t open until he’s between 6 and 8 weeks old. He’s a whopping 1.9 pounds (881.5 grams) and appears to be doing very well. Mei Xiang has felt comfortable during the last week leaving him on his own in the den several times a day for short periods. She is eating more and even ate one of her favorite food items—a pear—over the weekend
From FB :heart:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 21-Sep-15, 08:49:55 PM
Cub being quite vocal!
http://youtu.be/KZQKgSgEFJ0 (http://youtu.be/KZQKgSgEFJ0)
http://youtu.be/KZQKgSgEFJ0 (http://youtu.be/KZQKgSgEFJ0)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Donna on 22-Sep-15, 06:36:45 PM
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/9-22%20Panda_zpsxtui2yaj.jpg) (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/djweeds/media/9-22%20Panda_zpsxtui2yaj.jpg.html)
Look!!! :wub: :heart:
Look!!! :wub: :heart:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: MAK on 22-Sep-15, 07:48:46 PM
That's sweet! :yes:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 25-Sep-15, 01:49:53 PM
The baby received his name today..Bei Bei (pronounced Bay Bay)! :heart: :panda:
http://youtu.be/t2uUwCGnlN8 (http://youtu.be/t2uUwCGnlN8)
http://youtu.be/t2uUwCGnlN8 (http://youtu.be/t2uUwCGnlN8)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 28-Sep-15, 06:00:41 PM
Cute video!
http://youtu.be/A4EKHcmu138 (http://youtu.be/A4EKHcmu138)
http://youtu.be/A4EKHcmu138 (http://youtu.be/A4EKHcmu138)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Tapper Gal on 02-Oct-15, 10:36:26 PM
I l`ike your name Bei Bei.Have enjoyed seeing you with your mother. :wave:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 02-Oct-15, 10:45:43 PM
I l`ike your name Bei Bei.Have enjoyed seeing you with your mother. :wave:
Aren't they sweet together..me and mini me!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 12-Nov-15, 04:05:33 PM
Bei Bei's first steps!
http://youtu.be/X-Isg_pJy2c
http://youtu.be/X-Isg_pJy2c
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Tapper Gal on 12-Nov-15, 11:58:21 PM
Bei Bei's first steps!
http://youtu.be/X-Isg_pJy2c (http://youtu.be/X-Isg_pJy2c)
:clap:http://youtu.be/X-Isg_pJy2c (http://youtu.be/X-Isg_pJy2c)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 29-Nov-15, 11:43:27 AM
Learning to walk is hard work! :wub:
http://youtu.be/oqk7IdcFoc0 (http://youtu.be/oqk7IdcFoc0)
http://youtu.be/oqk7IdcFoc0 (http://youtu.be/oqk7IdcFoc0)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 12-Jan-16, 11:12:55 PM
Tai Shan, DC's other star Panda:Where is he now?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/tai-shan-dcs-other-star-panda-where-is-he-now/2016/01/12/400b6144-b3c4-11e5-a842-0feb51d1d124_story.html?postshare=2221452657264914&tid=ss_mail (https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/tai-shan-dcs-other-star-panda-where-is-he-now/2016/01/12/400b6144-b3c4-11e5-a842-0feb51d1d124_story.html?postshare=2221452657264914&tid=ss_mail)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/tai-shan-dcs-other-star-panda-where-is-he-now/2016/01/12/400b6144-b3c4-11e5-a842-0feb51d1d124_story.html?postshare=2221452657264914&tid=ss_mail (https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/tai-shan-dcs-other-star-panda-where-is-he-now/2016/01/12/400b6144-b3c4-11e5-a842-0feb51d1d124_story.html?postshare=2221452657264914&tid=ss_mail)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Penelope99 on 24-Jan-16, 09:46:01 AM
Tian Tian is happy!!
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35392623 (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35392623)
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35392623 (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35392623)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 24-Jan-16, 02:17:54 PM
Tian Tian is happy!!
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35392623 (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35392623)
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35392623 (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35392623)
I love watching Pandas in the snow! :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 08-Feb-16, 01:53:30 PM
Bei Bei has recently been given access to the outdoor enclosures and loves climbing the trees. He got into a little trouble this AM and momma came to the rescue or maybe she just wanted him down from the high tree!
http://youtu.be/5OK5OCk34fM (http://youtu.be/5OK5OCk34fM)
http://youtu.be/5OK5OCk34fM (http://youtu.be/5OK5OCk34fM)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Tapper Gal on 09-Feb-16, 08:30:41 PM
OH, OH!! He has gone for that tree before but this is first time I saw his attempt at climbing.He is going to be a challenge for his mama. Thanks for the post. :yahoo:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 27-Feb-16, 10:34:14 PM
Playtime with mom!
http://youtu.be/Xe58kqxDgGAb (http://youtu.be/Xe58kqxDgGAb)
http://youtu.be/Xe58kqxDgGAb (http://youtu.be/Xe58kqxDgGAb)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 15-Apr-16, 10:05:25 PM
CHENGDU -- Tai Shan, 11, a celebrity panda born and raised in the United States, on Friday attempted mating for the first time since his return to China in 2010.
He mated with Wen Yu, two years his junior, on Friday morning at the Ya'an base of the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in southwestern Sichuan province.
Observers said Tai Shan performed excellently in the 2-minute-6-second mating after nearly 90 minutes of "affective interaction" with his partner.
:panda: :panda:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 15-Apr-16, 10:15:40 PM
CHENGDU -- Tai Shan, 11, a celebrity panda born and raised in the United States, on Friday attempted mating for the first time since his return to China in 2010.
He mated with Wen Yu, two years his junior, on Friday morning at the Ya'an base of the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in southwestern Sichuan province.
Observers said Tai Shan performed excellently in the 2-minute-6-second mating after nearly 90 minutes of "affective interaction" with his partner.
:panda: :panda:
I saw the video this AM. :happy:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Bobbie Ireland on 16-Apr-16, 07:01:23 AM
Is there NO chance of privacy around here!!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 25-Nov-16, 08:30:21 PM
Panda cub, Bei Bei, is recovering from successful emergency bowel surgery today!
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-cub-bei-bei-recovering-successful-bowel-surgery
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-cub-bei-bei-recovering-successful-bowel-surgery
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Tapper Gal on 26-Nov-16, 12:51:58 AM
Wishing Bei Bei a speedy and safe recovery. :sick:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 28-Nov-16, 02:32:04 PM
Bei Bei update. :clap:
#BeiBei is bright, alert and responsive to animal care staff. Turns out sweet potato is a great way to deliver his medications which include antibiotics and antacid. Bei Bei is successfully nursing and eating apple and softened biscuits in addition to the sweet potatoes. Keepers continue to shift Mei Xiang away from Bei Bei for her meals as bamboo is still too hard for him to digest. During this period of recovery, nursing provides some extra comfort. However, it’s important to note that Bei Bei relies very little on milk from Mei Xiang and gets most of his nutrition from solid foods. The panda house remains closed to give Mei Xiang and Bei Bei peace and quiet during treatment and recovery. Tune into the panda cams to see Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Bao Bao explore their outdoor yards. Thank you for your support and well wishes!
#BeiBei is bright, alert and responsive to animal care staff. Turns out sweet potato is a great way to deliver his medications which include antibiotics and antacid. Bei Bei is successfully nursing and eating apple and softened biscuits in addition to the sweet potatoes. Keepers continue to shift Mei Xiang away from Bei Bei for her meals as bamboo is still too hard for him to digest. During this period of recovery, nursing provides some extra comfort. However, it’s important to note that Bei Bei relies very little on milk from Mei Xiang and gets most of his nutrition from solid foods. The panda house remains closed to give Mei Xiang and Bei Bei peace and quiet during treatment and recovery. Tune into the panda cams to see Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Bao Bao explore their outdoor yards. Thank you for your support and well wishes!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: AlisonL on 29-Nov-16, 11:46:23 AM
This morning's update:
#BeiBei continues to recover and gobbled up his medicine this morning cleverly hidden in sweet potato. He has a bare bear belly but his fur is already growing back where his abdomen was shaved for the surgery. During the day Mei Xiang spends large blocks of time in the yard eating bamboo while Bei Bei rests and sleeps inside—very important for the healing process.
Very glad he is doing so well!
#BeiBei continues to recover and gobbled up his medicine this morning cleverly hidden in sweet potato. He has a bare bear belly but his fur is already growing back where his abdomen was shaved for the surgery. During the day Mei Xiang spends large blocks of time in the yard eating bamboo while Bei Bei rests and sleeps inside—very important for the healing process.
Very glad he is doing so well!
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 11-Feb-17, 06:13:01 PM
Bao Bao leaves for China on Feb. 21st. :heart:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/local/saying-bye-bye-to-bao-bao-the-panda/2017/02/10/31bbb0fc-efb0-11e6-a100-fdaaf400369a_video.html (https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/local/saying-bye-bye-to-bao-bao-the-panda/2017/02/10/31bbb0fc-efb0-11e6-a100-fdaaf400369a_video.html)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/local/saying-bye-bye-to-bao-bao-the-panda/2017/02/10/31bbb0fc-efb0-11e6-a100-fdaaf400369a_video.html (https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/local/saying-bye-bye-to-bao-bao-the-panda/2017/02/10/31bbb0fc-efb0-11e6-a100-fdaaf400369a_video.html)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Tapper Gal on 12-Feb-17, 11:00:22 PM
Happy Travels Home,Bao Bao. You will be missed!!! :kleenex:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 22-Feb-17, 09:02:52 AM
Bao Bao has arrived at Chengdu via a FedEx jet. Long video of her arrival including an interview with her Vet and Keeper who accompanied her on her journey to her new home.
http://youtu.be/T7J5Q8il3bo (http://youtu.be/T7J5Q8il3bo)
Here's a pic we took of Bao Bao when she was just months old..all she did was sleep while we were at the Zoo! :wub:
http://youtu.be/T7J5Q8il3bo (http://youtu.be/T7J5Q8il3bo)
Here's a pic we took of Bao Bao when she was just months old..all she did was sleep while we were at the Zoo! :wub:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Carol P. on 22-Feb-17, 09:24:59 AM
Glad she arrived safely. :heart:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 09-Mar-17, 06:53:43 PM
Update on Bao Bao!
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/bao-bao-settling-her-new-home?utm_source=Giant+Panda+Bulletin+March+9%2C+2017+&utm_campaign=Giant+Panda+Update%3A+March+9%2C+2017&utm_medium=email
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/bao-bao-settling-her-new-home?utm_source=Giant+Panda+Bulletin+March+9%2C+2017+&utm_campaign=Giant+Panda+Update%3A+March+9%2C+2017&utm_medium=email
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 24-Mar-17, 09:58:58 AM
With her quarantine period being over, Bao Bao made her debut in China last night and her area is next to her brother's enclosure!
http://youtu.be/YR5sgUVOC-0
http://youtu.be/YR5sgUVOC-0
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 26-May-17, 09:24:30 AM
Mei Xiang has been artificially inseminated after she and Tian Tian failed to mate..hopefully another Panda baby in the future!
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute-scientists-artificially-inseminate
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute-scientists-artificially-inseminate
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 14-Sep-17, 06:11:49 PM
MeiXiang will not give birth this year. The giant panda team has been monitoring her hormones and behavior very closely during the past several weeks. Her hormones returned to baseline levels today, but she did not give birth, indicating that she was either experiencing a pseudopregnancy or did conceive but resorbed the embryo. #PandaStory http://s.si.edu/2eXRpvL (http://s.si.edu/2eXRpvL)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 01-Mar-18, 06:03:20 PM
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
A team of our reproductive scientists, veterinarians and panda keepers performed an artificial insemination on giant panda Mei Xiang today, March. 1. Scientists and keepers had been closely monitoring Mei Xiang’s behavior and hormones since she began displaying behavioral changes Feb. 17, indicating she was almost ready to breed. Daily hormone reports showed Mei Xiang’s estrogen levels peaked Feb. 28, which means she was ovulating and able to become pregnant. Female giant pandas are only in estrus or able to become pregnant, for 24 to 72 hours each year. Paws-crossed!
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-mei-xiang-artificially-inseminated-smithsonians-national-zoo (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-mei-xiang-artificially-inseminated-smithsonians-national-zoo)
A team of our reproductive scientists, veterinarians and panda keepers performed an artificial insemination on giant panda Mei Xiang today, March. 1. Scientists and keepers had been closely monitoring Mei Xiang’s behavior and hormones since she began displaying behavioral changes Feb. 17, indicating she was almost ready to breed. Daily hormone reports showed Mei Xiang’s estrogen levels peaked Feb. 28, which means she was ovulating and able to become pregnant. Female giant pandas are only in estrus or able to become pregnant, for 24 to 72 hours each year. Paws-crossed!
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-mei-xiang-artificially-inseminated-smithsonians-national-zoo (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-mei-xiang-artificially-inseminated-smithsonians-national-zoo)
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 01-Mar-18, 06:14:41 PM
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
A team of our reproductive scientists, veterinarians and panda keepers performed an artificial insemination on giant panda Mei Xiang today, March. 1. Scientists and keepers had been closely monitoring Mei Xiang’s behavior and hormones since she began displaying behavioral changes Feb. 17, indicating she was almost ready to breed. Daily hormone reports showed Mei Xiang’s estrogen levels peaked Feb. 28, which means she was ovulating and able to become pregnant. Female giant pandas are only in estrus or able to become pregnant, for 24 to 72 hours each year. Paws-crossed!
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-mei-xiang-artificially-inseminated-smithsonians-national-zoo (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-mei-xiang-artificially-inseminated-smithsonians-national-zoo)
A team of our reproductive scientists, veterinarians and panda keepers performed an artificial insemination on giant panda Mei Xiang today, March. 1. Scientists and keepers had been closely monitoring Mei Xiang’s behavior and hormones since she began displaying behavioral changes Feb. 17, indicating she was almost ready to breed. Daily hormone reports showed Mei Xiang’s estrogen levels peaked Feb. 28, which means she was ovulating and able to become pregnant. Female giant pandas are only in estrus or able to become pregnant, for 24 to 72 hours each year. Paws-crossed!
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-mei-xiang-artificially-inseminated-smithsonians-national-zoo (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-mei-xiang-artificially-inseminated-smithsonians-national-zoo)
I had read that she was exhibiting estrus behavior recently..hopefully it takes this time! Thanks for posting! :panda:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Kris G. on 01-Mar-18, 06:23:22 PM
Insemination video of Mei Xiang today
http://youtu.be/99OSjc6HYqE
http://youtu.be/3uOihvzUP3k
http://youtu.be/99OSjc6HYqE
http://youtu.be/3uOihvzUP3k
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Tapper Gal on 14-Mar-18, 06:31:09 PM
I am hoping for the best and will be watching. :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 14-Aug-20, 01:29:34 PM
Oh boy...just got this in my email!!! Don't want to get too excited but this would be amazing if it happens!
Veterinarians Detect Fetal Tissue
on Mei Xiang's Ultrasound
Veterinarians at the Smithsonian?s National Zoo detected tissue consistent with fetal development during giant panda Mei Xiang?s (may-SHONG) 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. Veterinarians first detected fetal tissue last week, and they have since noted developing skeletal structure and strong blood flow within Mei Xiang?s uterus. If the fetal tissue resorbs, her hormones will return to baseline levels and her behavior will return to normal.
There is a substantial possibility that Mei Xiang could resorb or miscarry a fetus. Scientists do not fully understand why some mammals resorb fetuses.
Veterinarians Detect Fetal Tissue
on Mei Xiang's Ultrasound
Veterinarians at the Smithsonian?s National Zoo detected tissue consistent with fetal development during giant panda Mei Xiang?s (may-SHONG) 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. Veterinarians first detected fetal tissue last week, and they have since noted developing skeletal structure and strong blood flow within Mei Xiang?s uterus. If the fetal tissue resorbs, her hormones will return to baseline levels and her behavior will return to normal.
There is a substantial possibility that Mei Xiang could resorb or miscarry a fetus. Scientists do not fully understand why some mammals resorb fetuses.
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: carly on 21-Aug-20, 07:29:54 PM
We have a cub!!!
"Joyous news: a precious giant panda cub has arrived! Mei Xiang gave birth at 6:35 p.m. and is caring for her newborn attentively. Keepers are watching Mei Xiang?s behavior and hope to see her nurse the cub and cradle it close to keep him/her warm. They?re also listening for loud squeals, which are signs of a healthy cub."
"Joyous news: a precious giant panda cub has arrived! Mei Xiang gave birth at 6:35 p.m. and is caring for her newborn attentively. Keepers are watching Mei Xiang?s behavior and hope to see her nurse the cub and cradle it close to keep him/her warm. They?re also listening for loud squeals, which are signs of a healthy cub."
Title: Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 24-Aug-20, 06:55:22 PM
We have a cub!!!
"Joyous news: a precious giant panda cub has arrived! Mei Xiang gave birth at 6:35 p.m. and is caring for her newborn attentively. Keepers are watching Mei Xiang?s behavior and hope to see her nurse the cub and cradle it close to keep him/her warm. They?re also listening for loud squeals, which are signs of a healthy cub."
"Joyous news: a precious giant panda cub has arrived! Mei Xiang gave birth at 6:35 p.m. and is caring for her newborn attentively. Keepers are watching Mei Xiang?s behavior and hope to see her nurse the cub and cradle it close to keep him/her warm. They?re also listening for loud squeals, which are signs of a healthy cub."
I am SOOOO thrilled Mei Xiang was able to carry and deliver a cub! So many disappointments these past few years. I'm pretty sure they will have to extend her lease...hopefully Tian Tian too!
:panda: