Smithsonian’s Giant Panda Cub Goes on an Adventure

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 29, 2020 6:40 pm

Xiao Qi Ji the giant panda cub at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo during a health check

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Xiao Qi Ji the giant panda cub at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo has gone on an outing with his mother Mei Xiang.

Mei Xiang took her cub on his first outing to the outdoor patio of their enclosure. Here the cub was able to get a glimpse of the keepers working.

A video of Xiao Qi Ji being taken outside by his mom, Mei Xiang

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

It was also from here that Xiao Qi Ji will be able to get his glimpse of dad, Tian Tian. On this outing Tian Tian was in a position that would allow him to view the cub but was too focused on finding out if his keepers had food to notice his son.

From this are the cub was able to see the larger outdoor yard but he is yet to be given access to explore this space.

Xiao Qi Ji is measured during a health check at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Following on from the last update Xiao Qi Ji continues to work on his walking skills. The patio floor is not as smooth of the floor in their indoor area. He is progressing well and can now get his back legs underneath his body.

This week keepers have observed him ‘catapult’ himself forward on his own. This progress is giving them confidence that within the next couple of weeks he will be walking on his own.

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You can continue to watch Xiao Qi Ji watch up on the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Panda Cam which can be viewed here – Smithsonian’s National Zoo Panda Cam. If you are lucky you may see some of the cubs play behaviors.

Xiao Qi Ji during a health check with his keeper

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Learn more about giant pandas here – Giant Panda Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Smithsonian’s National Zoo on their website – Smithsonian’s National Zoo