#PandaStory: Cub Day 4
Giant panda Mei Xiang and her newborn cub continue to do well. As Mei Xiang shifts from a resting position (laying down) to a nursing position (sitting up) and vice-versa, she occasionally holds the cub delicately in her mouth.
This morning around 7 a.m., she placed the cub on the floor of the den briefly. Over the next several days, we expect to see Mei Xiang “test” the cub’s tolerance to resting on the floor. Eventually, she will briefly leave the den to get a drink of water and urinate. If the cub vocalizes, Mei Xiang will quickly return to care for it.
Next door, the cub’s father Tian Tian is getting ready to celebrate a big milestone. He turns 23 years old Aug. 27! We’ll celebrate with a panda-friendly fruitsicle cake made by the Zoo’s amazing Nutrition team and some enrichment boxes filled with his favorite treats. Tune in to the Panda Cam around 9:30 a.m. Thursday to watch the festivities!
This story appears in the Aug. 25 issue of the Giant Panda Bulletin. Got a question about newborn panda care? Check out our Giant Panda Cub FAQ.
Related Species:
Continue Exploring
Amazing Animal Stories of 2024
This year was filled with incredible and heartwarming stories about the animals and the people who care for them. Enjoy a look back at some of the amazing things that happened this year.
The Secrets Behind Panda Feeding
Take a look behind the scenes as animal care teams provide an endless bamboo buffet to the Zoo's new giant pandas.
Helping Giant Pandas Feel at Home
A few weeks after their arrival, staff are helping giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao settle into their new home at Asia Trail.