The Smithsonian's National Zoo's female giant panda Mei Xiang gave Panda Cam viewers another sneak peek of her cub, born Sunday Sept. 16. 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. The behavior studies are an integral part of the Zoo's research effort to better understand the species' reproductive physiology. We will continue to send media alerts about cub developments.

To follow the panda cub's progress, read the updates from the Zoo's panda keepers and check for news on the Zoo's Twitter feed and Facebook page.

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