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.

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[slywlf]

Wonderful! I love the little sounds - somewhere between monkey chitter and cat purr ;-)

[mascendera]

RIP little one. Made me cry to think Mei knew  when her baby was gone.She had a mothers love for her baby. Hope she will be breed again with a happy outcome

[Kristen Linkinhoker]

So sad that the little cub didn't survive. Poor Mei Xing. Her baby didnt even survive to be named. :(

[ChepeHMB]

Did that panda just eat its baby?!???

[MyAnimalAddiction]

So sorry for this loss -- was so hoping we'd get to watch the new little one grow up, just as we watched Tai Shan in 2005. My condolences to Mei Xiang and the zoo staff.

[Neicy signs]

Awwww RIP baby

[Twiggypoo3069]

R.I.P baby panda.

[Diana McCoy]

I feel very badly about this - and especially sad for Mei.

[JANET TAPPENDORF]

R.I.P baby panda. I'm so sorry for Mei Xiang's loss her first baby was taken from her at age 5 and shipped to china and she will never see him again and now this she is so good with her baby's and loved her first son and i know it about killed her for him to go. Well i hope she can have one more with him the coming years. My heart goes out to the panda's and the staff at the zoo what a bad loss :-(

[Adam Williams]

Is this the cub that died today? Poor thing.

[Rapprochement123]

Congrats to Mei and Tian for being parents once again!

Congrats to Smithsonian Zoo, all ur hard work finally pays off!

Congrats to all of us for having another little Tai to watch! <3