Xiao Qi Ji Tries Out Bamboo for the First Time

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: April 17, 2021 4:59 pm

Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji plays with an enrichment item during his weigh-in

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Xiao Qi Ji the giant panda cub at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is continuing to grow but this week he showed he is still bonded to mom.

This week two of Mei Xiang’s favorite things collided. Along with her latest baby Xiao Qi Ji, Mei Xiang loves her food.

Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji hangs out among some bamboo

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

In recent weeks bamboo shoot season has begun. These fresh, tasty shoots are a favorite food of the giant panda.

While Xiao Qi Ji still relies on mom’s milk for most of his nutritional needs keepers gave him the opportunity to try out some bamboo but he seemed a little unsure about the food which will soon became his main food source.

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While bamboo may not of passed the test as a food item, Xiao Qi Ji was still able to find a use for it as a play item.

While mom Mei Xiang tried to enjoy her dinner in peace Xiao Qi Ji latched on to the stalk and began a friendly game of tug-of-war. After a short play time she pushed him away and finished her dinner in peace.

Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji tries out some tug of war with his mother Mei Xiang

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

While bamboo may not have ticked Xiao Qi Ji’s boxes he has been enjoying some fruitsicles as the weather warmed up this week. These are a mixture of half water and half apple juice. Xiao Ji has proven to be a big fan of apples and this has carried through to these fruitsicles.