Eating, Playing and More Fun with Xiao Qi Ji This Week

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: February 14, 2021 9:45 pm

Xiao Qi Ji the giant panda cub tries out some new foods

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

In our weekly check-in with Xiao Qi Ji the giant panda cub it is all about the snacks. The little cub is now five months old.

On February 8th he had his first taste of a new treat. As seen in the above image keepers gave him a large, nutrient-rich biscuit to nibble. These are regularly enjoyed by his parents Mei Xiang and Tian Tian.

All three make use of their pseudo thumb which is an elongated and enlarged wrist bone covered by fleshy skin to help grip. This is used by giant pandas to feed on bamboo.

Xiao Qi Ji the giant panda cub tries out some new foods

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Xiao Qi Ji’s main source of nutrition remain mom’s milk but he seems to enjoy regular samplings of bamboo, sweet potato and biscuits which he has been introduced to in recent weeks.

His appetite is incredibly healthy and in the last week he has gained nearly two pounds. At his most recent weigh-in he tipped the scales at 11.29kg (24.8lbs).He has recently been very active and has started to perfect his running skills.

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Keepers are awaiting the chance to let Xiao Qi Ji explore the outdoor yard with his mother Mei Xiang for the first time. This week’s wintery weather prevented this occurring.

Staff used the opportunity to add a new hammock to their climbing structure which the pair will get to explore when weather permits. This is addition to the tree guards added recently.