New panda cub born at National Zoo

[Omaha Steve]

Source: WUSA9

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Mei Xiang, the giant female panda, gave birth to a new panda cub Saturday at the National Zoo.

According to the zoo, the new panda cub was born at 5:34 p.m. The zoo did not announce the sex or any other information about the cub. ​

The birthing took about three hours after the zoo announced Mei Xiang entered labor at around 2:42 p.m. Her water broke about two hours later.

The zoo shared a link to its panda cam for spectators to watch the event, but the live video appeared to be down due to the high volume of panda lovers! If you're having problems watching the camera, the zoo recommends downloading their app.

FULL story at link.



Mei Xiang appears to be in labor
(Photo: Smithsonian)

Read more: http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/local/dc/2015/08/22/national-zoo-panda-mei-xiang-appears----labor/32202007/

[BlueJazz]

1. I want to hold the little panda.

[Moonwalk]

2. That'd be a little difficult at the moment as it's very, very small. Only about 4 ounces....

...hairless, and not much longer than the palm of your hand. Funny how such a relatively big animal gives birth to a baby small as a newborn kitten. Give infant panda a couple of weeks to grow and get that cute black-and-white pattern. Then it'll be more hold-able.

[BlueJazz]

3. In 4 weeks I want to hold the little panda.

[Moonwalk]

4. Yay!

[BlueJazz]

5. Tarzan learn fast

[Judi Lynn]

6. Mei Xiang is wonderful. What a treasure she is to people who respect animals.

She has been such an excellent mother, teacher, guardian to Tai Shan and Bao Bao. Hoping persistent good health and well being to this beautiful Giant Panda national visitor.

[central scrutinizer]

7. Another anchor baby!

Deport these freeloaders!

[NV Whino]

8. Wow, three hours to birth such a tiny critter.

[KinMd]

9. Twins!!!! Mama gave birth to a 2nd healthy cub later on this evening

[Judi Lynn]

10. Amazing! Hope both these little ones can make it. Thank you, KinMd. Had no idea. n/t