Smithsonian’s National Zoo Panda Cub is Now Teething

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 15, 2020 7:15 pm

The giant panda cub during his weekly check-up

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

As the giant panda cub at the Smithsonian National Zoo celebrates another week of his #pandastory he has started teething. At the most recent check up keepers noticed that his incisors are erupting from the gumline.

While tooth development is starting now he will likely not eat till 6 months old and he will drink milk until 18 months old.

This week the cub will turn 3 months old. He was born on August 21st 2020. As he works towards this milestone mom, Mei Xiang is starting to work on getting him ready to spend more time outside.

Last Sunday morning she sat at the doorway to her den. The cub moved around the den and moved toward mom. She then picked up the cub rolled him over and placed him in the large indoor enclosure. He rested here for the next hour while mom enjoyed some bamboo.

The giant panda cub during his weekly check-up

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Meanwhile the cub is continuing to work on his walking skills. His actions have become more deliberate and most of the time he now seems to move in his intended direction.

The cub has also been making attempts to stand. His recent successes have seen him get three legs under his body at the same time but he is yet to balance on all four feet. Practice continues and keepers are confident he will be walking soon.

His most recent check occurred on Monday, November 9th. While the cub was checked Mei Xiang stepped outside to enjoy the sunshine.

The cub’s length reached 42cm (21.2in) and his weight is now 4.21kg (9.2lbs).

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

Learn more about the Smithsonian’s National Zoo – Smithsonian’s National Zoo

The giant panda cub during his weekly check-up

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo