He Climbs: Xiao Qi Ji the Giant Panda Goes Outside

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: February 28, 2021 12:30 am

Xiao Qi Ji the giant panda cub on his climbing frame at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Xiao Qi Ji the giant panda cub at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo has explored outside more this week as he ventured further in to the outdoor yard. On most of his laps he was alone with mother Mei Xiang choosing to eat bamboo and check on her son from time to time.

He also had a go at climbing along the log structures and a new hammock in his enclosure. The hammock has been his favorite hang out spot.

On his first trip to the top of the climbing structure he struggled to work out the way down but with some help from Mei Xiang he worked it out. Since then he has been moving up and down on his own with ease.

Xiao Qi Ji the giant panda cub hides in the grass in his outside enclosure

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Another new experience for the cub who turned 6 months old on Sunday February 21st was trying out homemade applesauce. Keepers place some on one of his enrichment toys and he quickly lapped it up.

Unlike when he tried sweet potato his reaction to applesauce was a little more apprehensive. Keepers report that he seemed unsure if he liked it.

Keepers also introduced a new toy to the cub. A small rubbed toy was covered with sweet potato which helped to raise his interest. At first he was cautious as he was flipping it when he put his paws on the edge. Soon though he had climbed inside and after sitting for a while he dragged it back to the den where he could play more.

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Xiao Qi Ji continues to grow and at his weekly weigh-in he tipped the scales at 12.49kg (27.5lbs) a 2.7lbs increase on his weigh on February 10th 2021.

Next on his adventures, keepers expect Xiao will turn his attention from the climbing frame and hammock to some of the trees in the yard. He will continue to be given access to explore outside whenever the weather is relatively warm and keepers are available to monitor him.