Xiao Qi Ji Meets a Snowman For the First Time

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: February 7, 2021 12:05 am

Xiao Qi Ji the giant panda cub with the snowman built by his keepers

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Giant Panda cub, Xiao Qi Ji got his first taste of snow on January 31st 2021 as Washington DC was turned in to a winter wonderland. Keepers brought the cub out to a snow-covered patio in one of the behind the scenes areas where he could experience the snow.

Xiao Qi Ji seemed unsure about snow during his first few moments outside. It took a few moments for him to take it all in. This included a special snowman made by keeper, Stacey Tabellario. He sniffed this before taking a frosty bite.

Xiao Qi Ji’s parents Mei Xiang and Tian Tian play in the snow.

Video Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

He was given five minutes to explore outside in the snow before keepers brought him back inside. Despite it being a short trip he seemed to have a great time.

Xiao Qi Ji had a much more relaxed attitude towards snow than his older brother Bei Bei. When Bei Bei first experienced snow he barked at it and ran away. Eventually he grew to like snow and could be seen sliding and tumbling around.

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At this weeks weigh-in Xiao Qi Ji tipped the scales at 10.62kg (23lbs) which is an increase of a pound on last week.

To round out the week keepers have been preparing the outside yard ready for the cub to explore outside in the coming weeks. This has included installing tree guards which will allow him to test his climbing trees without climbing too high until he is more confident.