Xiao Qi Ji Starts His Education at Panda Preschool

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: May 16, 2021 3:10 am

Giant panda cub, Xiao Qi Ji holds a slice of apple he is eating

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Xiao Qi Ji has taken the first steps in assisting with his own health care as he begins to learn voluntary husbandry behaviors. His first target is to learn to ‘target.’ This behavior involves touching his nose to a buoy on a stick which earns a reward from keepers such as apple or sweet potato.

Currently the young cub is often too sleepy each morning to participate. Keepers are focused on familiarizing him with the objects involved and are going at his own pace.

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May 9th saw Xiao Qi Ji climb a tree while mom, Mei Xiang sat at the base. While in the tree he dropped some small branches and twigs on mom who seemed to enjoy the opportunity to play with her cub.

Be sure to check out this adorable activity in the video below.

Xiao Qi Ji is getting more comfortable outside and mastering the transition between inside and out aided by treats from keepers.

Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji explores the outside world

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Finally in this update he had the chance to explore a tub with a small amount of water in it. He climbed in, drank some water, sat down and then quickly jumped out.

Albeit it a brief adventure keepers will wait to see if he takes on his dad, Tian Tian’s fondness for playing in pools and with hoses.

Giant panda cub, Xiao Qi Ji holds a slice of apple he is eating

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

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

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