Panda news from the National Zoo

[jeanne]

It's been reported that Mei and Tian Tian have a new cubby!  The first since Tai Shan!

[Dumpsterkitty]

It's been reported that Mei and Tian Tian have a new cubby!  The first since Tai Shan!

OMG!  I've been afraid to watch...so many years of disappointment...most excellent news!

[carly]

Oh Happy Day...tears of joy this morning!!!!

       

[valhalla]

You guys should be in the DC market - this is a top news story

[Dumpsterkitty]

You guys should be in the DC market - this is a top news story

You say that like it's a bad thing LOL!  I saw Jeanne's note then I got it on FB.  NY news had NOTHING!

 

[Kris G.]

Wonderful news!!

[jeanne]

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/National-Zoos-Giant-Panda-Gives-Birth-to-Cub-169997016.html



Also, Good Morning America just interviewed the head vet at the National Zoo (a phenomenal place, I might add) and she said Mei is the perfect panda parent!  The cub is loud and vocal! Mei tries to sleep but the cubby vocalizes and she immediately cradles him (or her)!

[annieinelkhart]

  Giddy with happiness but now can't get the player to work with this MAC!  Bummer!!  So will have to rely on other ways of getting to see this new little one!  Watched alot the last time!!

[Dumpsterkitty]

Giddy with happiness but now can't get the player to work with this MAC!  Bummer!!  So will have to rely on other ways of getting to see this new little one!  Watched alot the last time!!

I don't know if this will help, but I usually watch on Daniel's multi cam page...

http://home.comcast.net/~dreidel/pandacams/index.html

you can see both National Zoo cams & it auto-refreshes

[Dumpsterkitty]

30 minutes long, but worth it!

http://youtu.be/Erlts7n64W0

[valhalla]

You guys should be in the DC market - this is a top news story

You say that like it's a bad thing LOL!  I saw Jeanne's note then I got it on FB.  NY news had NOTHING!

 

Sadly, with everything going on, it should be a bit further down the feed, of course this is the same market that believes the Deadskins are bound for the Superbowl with 1 win.

[Dumpsterkitty]

September 18

Glimpse of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Panda Cub
Smithsonian’s National Zoo staff and Panda Cam watchers have gotten several quick glimpses of female giant panda Mei Xiang’s cub. In this video, Sept. 17. at about 8:35 p.m. EST, Mei Xiang cradles the newborn and gently picks it up in her mouth as she shifts position. This is normal behavior and another sign that Mei Xiang is being an excellent mother to her new cub. By using her mouth, Mei Xiang can very gently and dexterously position her cub on her body so that she is able to nurse and groom it.

The cub actively squirms and vocalizes loudly in response—two good signs that the cub is healthy! Keepers report that Mei Xiang is exhibiting excellent maternal behaviors. She is prompt to cradle and groom the cub, and there is evidence that it is successfully nursing. The Zoo will continue to diligently monitor both bears over the Panda Cam and minimize disturbances around their den.

http://youtu.be/ltjs_-ULuA0

[Kris G.]

Very cute!  Thanks for posting!

[Dumpsterkitty]

http://youtu.be/vuC4gvzcUZY


At about 7:54 a.m. Sept. 20, Mei Xiang gently picked the squealing cub up in her mouth before placing it on the ground to groom it.

Keepers continue to be encouraged by the cub’s activity and vocalizations—two signs that it is healthy. Mei Xiang is able to sleep for brief periods but promptly cradles, grooms and nurses her cub when it vocalizes. Zoo staff and volunteers are diligently monitoring both bears over the Panda Cam, minimizing disturbances around their den.

[carly]

Last night Mei left the den for the first time.  We noticed she seemed awfully restless and was up and down from the platform and then I went to bed and this morning I find she left the den for about 3 minutes.  She drank some water, did her business and came back!

A panda fan video taped some of it and you can clearly see the cub is healthy and chubby.  The most amazing part is towards the end, when she is coming back - she vocalizes and bleats to the cubbie that she's on her way and cubbie answers back!  Here is a link to the video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDtD7yDMZao#