Xiao Qi JI has a Splashing Good Time

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 26, 2021 1:25 am

Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji turned 13 months old Sept. 21, 2021. He is seen climbing the structure in his enclosure.

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Having just turned 13 months old giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo has been busy showing off his personality. He’s also discovered a new favorite game.

Recently as keepers hosed down his outdoor patio area he came over to supervise their work before jumping right in to the spray. It seems the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with the cubs parents Tian Tian and Mei Xiang both loving water too.

Xiao Qi Ji the giant panda cub splashes around in hose spray in this adorable video released by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Video Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

While he may take after his parents and older brother Bei Bei in loving water he’s also shown off a unique trait. On September 16th he was observed to lick the spray while playing in it.

Recently the cub has been growing increasingly confident and has been seen spending less time with mother Mei Xiang. Keepers have noted that he is not going to her as often for comfort.

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Now he has passed his first birthday he is mostly feeding on bamboo and other solid foods. Occasionally he returns to mother Mei Xiang for some milk and this could continue up until 18 months old.

Lastly keepers have discovered the first of his deciduous (baby) teeth to have fallen out. A keeper spotted the tooth while cleaning the outdoor habitat. Based on the attached crumbs it would appear it came loose while he snacked on leafeater biscuits.