Mother's bear hug • Mei Xiang, the older US panda bear gave birth after days of anticipation • The zoo tweeted: "She treats her offspring very carefully" • View documentation
After days of stress and anticipation in the U.S., Mae Xiang, a giant panda bear, gave birth to a puppy on Friday at Smithson National Zoo in the capital, Washington.
Exciting day at the zoo: The panda gave birth at the age of 22 // Photo: Smithson National Zoo, Washington
22-year-old Mae's advanced age gave her a minimal one percent chance of a successful litter. Mae is the oldest bear in the U.S. to give birth to a child. According to reports, the puppy is in good condition.
The National Zoo tweeted that "we are happy to share that Mei Xiang gave birth at 18:35 and that she treats her offspring attentively. Positive maternal behaviors include breastfeeding her puppy and his tight hug."
Giant panda Mei Xiang has become increasingly restless and began body licking — both signs that labor has probably started! Our giant panda team is closely monitoring her via the Panda Cam for a cub's arrival. Watch with us! TUNE IN: https://t.co/99lBTV2w92. #PandaStory
- National Zoo (@NationalZoo) August 21, 2020
Half of the births of pandas are of twins, so the zoo was on alert for the first 24 hours after birth. The deputy director of the zoo explained that over the next week Mae will stay in her den without eating or drinking to care for the puppy. The zoo staff will check on the puppy as soon as May comes out to freshen up