Smithsonian’s Giant Panda Cub Reaches 11 Weeks Old

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 8, 2020 9:40 pm

Throughout the exam Nov. 4, the giant panda cub was mostly quiet and sleepy.

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Another week means it’s time for another update on the panda cub at Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Everyone’s favorite little cub is 11 weeks old this week.

As he grows the cub is being left alone for more time in the den as mom Mei Xiang goes out to explore and enjoy the morning sun. This provides the perfect opportunity for keepers to give the cub his weekly health check.

During this week’s exam the cub was quiet and sleepy. He rose his head and barked at his keepers laughter before falling asleep.

Throughout the exam Nov. 4, the giant panda cub was mostly quiet and sleepy.

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

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At this week’s weigh in he weighed 3.84kg (8.4lbs) which is a pound of growth in the last week. His total length is now 52cm (20.4in) long with a tail that now measures 6cm (2.3in) long. At birth this accounted for a quarter of his length which has now decreased to one eight of his body length.

Following this exam he was returned to the exhibit. Mei Xiang was let back in to the enclosure but chose to ate more bamboo before tending to the cub. He soon started to fuss at which point she gave him some attention. He quickly settled once mom moved him back to the den.

Mei Xiangs appetite has now returned to normal. She is receiving 31.8kg (70lbs) of bamboo each day. This is in addition to carrot, apple, cooked sweet potato and leaf-eater biscuits.

Throughout the exam Nov. 4, the giant panda cub was mostly quiet and sleepy.

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 – Smithsonian’s National Zoo