Page 11 of 14

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 7:37 pm
by queenie
#PandaStory: Xiao Qi Ji vs. The Rock Wall
Jan. 01, 2021
:vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news ... -rock-wall 1 min
<^
2021-01-31_214332.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji continues to explore and take on new challenges—like climbing up rockwork in the indoor habitat he shares with mother Mei Xiang. As shown in this clip of “Xiao Qi Ji vs. the Rock Wall,” he’s getting stronger, more coordinated and is still an adorable little nugget.
2021-01-31_215818.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
2021-01-31_215800.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 8:06 pm
by queenie
:vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news ... s-and-toys 56 sec
^<
2021-01-31_215857.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
#PandaStory: Tumbles and Toys
Jan. 11, 2021
This update was written by assistant curator of giant pandas Laurie Thompson.
Over the past few weeks, our giant panda team has observed cub Xiao Qi Ji spend more time exploring the large indoor enclosures he shares with his mother, Mei Xiang, and less time in their den. Mei Xiang seems to encourage this curiosity. The other day, she called to him while he was resting in the den, and he soon emerged and approached her.
Lately, he has been very interested in Mei Xiang’s activities. While she eats, he is often right by her side. As she discards bamboo, he gathers the pieces in his arms, rolls around and playfully gnaws on them. He tends to be more active and playful in the evenings, so tune into the Giant Panda Cam at night to see some adorable moments as they happen in real time.
Spending more time out of the den presents our cub with more opportunities to explore—and play! While we have presented Xiao Qi Ji with enrichment items before—most notably a pumpkin for Halloween—we have seen his interest in them grow exponentially since the beginning of January. These items encourage our giant pandas to keep physically active and mentally sharp; they also give the bears an opportunity to use their natural behaviors and choose how to spend their time.With Xiao Qi Ji becoming more aware of and interested in his surroundings, keepers gave him two toys to investigate: a small red Jolly Egg (perfectly sized for a panda cub) and an empty PVC puzzle feeder. When Xiao Qi Ji is exploring the habitat and happens upon them, he usually stops for a few minutes to paw at them, pick them up and give them a nibble. If you would like to help us replenish some of our worn but well-loved toys, you can do so by making a donation to the Enrichment Trunk.
2021-01-31_215848.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
Some toys built for cubs are made from softer materials to help the animals grasp or chomp on them. Our team is very careful to watch Xiao Qi Ji as he plays during the day, since Mei Xiang’s more powerful teeth and jaws could damage the toys. Before we leave for the day, we remove these toys from the enclosure. Neither Mei Xiang nor Xiao Qi Ji seem to mind, content to eat or play with their bamboo overnight.
Personality-wise, Xiao Qi Ji seems to take after his mother. Like Mei Xiang, he is careful and cautious when it comes to exploring his environment. Now that he has mastered walking, he has started to practice his climbing skills. He is very deliberate about the paths he takes when traveling up or down the rockwork—more so than siblings Tai Shan, Bao Bao or Bei Bei were. He has taken a few tumbles here and there, but not nearly as many as his brothers and sister did at this age. Luckily, these bears are built to be robust and have thick, wooly fur to cushion their fall.
2021-01-31_215834.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
Now that Xiao Qi Ji is more mobile, we weigh our cub in a tub. He sits patiently for a moment or two, then starts climbing out, eager to explore again. Our “little” cub is growing larger by the day and weighed 18.4 pounds (8.39 kilograms) as of Jan. 6. That’s up four pounds from his Dec. 16 checkup.
Now that he has received his rabies vaccine, the next big milestone on the horizon will be exploring his outdoor habitat in the coming weeks. Meantime, we enjoy watching our little explorer practice (and perfect) his climbing skills indoors!

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 8:39 pm
by queenie
#1 :vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news ... panda-cub 51sec
^<#PandaStory: A Playful Panda Cub
2021-01-31_222141.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

#2 :vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news ... -panda-cub 31 sec
^<Giant Hockey Puck
2021-01-31_222641.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

Jan. 15, 2021

This update was written by assistant curator of giant pandas Laurie Thompson.

Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s word of the week seems to be: play! Our 4.5-month-old cub’s interest in his surroundings really took off this week. He seems to explore the world with his mouth. He nibbles on everything from his paws and enrichment toys to mother Mei Xiang’s ears. While she is eating bamboo, we often see Xiao Qi Ji try to initiate a play session with a few not-so-ferocious bites. After Mei Xiang shifts outside in the morning, he often emerges from the den to “supervise” the keepers as they clean and get the habitat ready for Mei Xiang’s return.
Xiao Qi Ji is very deliberate about the paths he takes when traveling up or down the rockwork.
As I mentioned in my last update, Xiao Qi Ji received his first enrichment toys a few weeks ago and plays with them whenever they catch his attention. Those who have followed his sibling’ stories have asked when Xiao Qi Ji will get a rubber tub. With the adults, we often put leaf-eater biscuits or sensory enrichment (like bubbles) into these tubs. Cubs, though, seem to enjoy the exercise of climbing in-and-out or just sitting in this cub-sized space.
We weigh Xiao Qi Ji in one such tub. This week, he tipped the scales at 19.8 pounds (9.04 kilograms). He also receives tubs to play in during the day. He is not quite big enough to get out from underneath a tub if it were to overturn on top of him, so he only receives this enrichment during the day when we can keep an eye on him.
Slapshot straight to the heart. Xiao Qi Ji showed his hometown pride, playing with a giant hockey puck to kick off the Washington Capitals opening game Jan. 14!
Even though Mei Xiang will not go into estrus this year since she is caring for a cub, Xiao Qi Ji’s father, Tian Tian, is in the middle of rut (male breeding season). He has been very active lately climbing trees, marking his territory and splashing around in pools and hose water while we’re cleaning his enclosure.
For years, we have been adding spices to the pandas’ toys or sprinkling them in different spots around their yards for enrichment and to encourage them to explore. One of their favorite scents is clove spice. This year, we discovered that they prefer when we put the scent directly onto the mesh or their paws. They rub the spice all over themselves, a behavior called scent-anointing. As Xiao Qi Ji gets older, it will be interesting to see if he has the same nose for scents as mom and dad!
Lastly, some exciting news to share. The giant panda team will host a behind-the-scenes livestream with Xiao Qi Ji on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m.! Tune in as we give a guided tour of the panda house, answer some frequently asked questions and give you an up-close virtual encounter with our cub. If you are unable to join us live, a video recording will be available on our website post broadcast. We hope you’ll join us for this special event!
2021-01-31_222717.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 8:47 pm
by queenie
:vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news ... xiao-qi-ji 36 sec
^<
2021-01-31_212425.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
#PandaStory: A Parcel of Sweet Potato for Xiao Qi Ji
Jan. 22, 2021


2021-01-31_212244.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

This update was written by assistant curator of giant pandas Laurie Thompson.

Just like his mother, Mei Xiang, our giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji is curious yet cautious about the world around him. Yesterday—the day our cub turned five months old—we decided to introduce him to something new. Using a piece of bamboo shred as a spoon, we scraped some cooked sweet potato onto the end, then handed it over to Xiao Qi Ji. He grabbed the bamboo in his mouth, paused for a moment to take in the new taste, then lay back and licked the remainder. When we offered him more, he wouldn’t stop nibbling on it!
Xiao Qi Ji clearly enjoyed this new treat, which is not surprising since both Mei Xiang and his father, Tian Tian, are also fond of sweet potatoes. In addition to bamboo, nutrient-rich biscuits, carrots and apples, sweet potatoes are part of our pandas’ balanced diet.
Even though Xiao Qi Ji is beginning to sample some new foods, Mei Xiang’s milk is still his main source of nutrition. Around 1 year old, bamboo and other solid foods make up the majority of a panda's diet. However, Xiao Qi Ji may nurse for comfort up to 18 months of age. He typically nurses at night and in the early morning. On Wednesday, Jan. 20, he weighed 20.79 pounds (9.45 kilograms), and continues to make good gains.
Xiao Qi Ji has access to the leaf-eater biscuits and fruit that Mei Xiang receives. However, she is a pro at getting them out of her enrichment puzzle feeders, so there isn’t anything left for him to try! He doesn’t seem to mind since he has his own toys. This week, he received a small red ball, just like the one his older brother Bei Bei had! In the coming weeks, we will offer Xiao Qi Ji some fruit and softened biscuits when Mei Xiang is enjoying some alone time outside.
Looking for Tian Tian on the Giant Panda Cam? He is often on in the early morning and early afternoon while we are cleaning and placing bamboo in the bears’ enclosures. If you tune in at just the right time, you may even spot him doing some of the rut behaviors I mentioned in my last update!
This story appears in the Jan. 22 issue of the Giant Panda Bulletin; read previous cub updates here. Don’t forget to mark your calendar and tune in to the free livestream with Xiao Qi Ji Jan. 27 at 1 p.m.
Please note that the Zoo is temporarily closed as a public health precaution to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 9:01 pm
by queenie
:vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news ... ste-bamboo 52 sec
^<
2021-01-31_213033.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

#PandaStory: A Bear’s First Taste of Bamboo
Jan. 29, 2021



2021-01-31_212635.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

This update was written by giant panda keeper Mariel Lally.

This was a big week for our little panda cub! On Wednesday, Jan. 27, the giant panda team hosted our first-ever virtual encounter with Xiao Qi Ji. An important part of saving species is being able to tell their stories, and it was wonderful to see in the comments that many of you are as enamored with our adorable ambassador as we are. Your kind words and support for our bears and our team are much appreciated, especially as the Zoo remains closed and we continue to navigate this “new normal” brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Xiao Qi Ji’s newest enrichment toy made an appearance in Wednesday’s broadcast. This week, we gave him a bright green ball with a small handle. Since it is made from a softer material than the adults’ toys, it’s perfect for him to chew on and sink his claws into. It is also scented like green apple, providing some olfactory enrichment, too!
2021-01-31_212716.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

During the livestream, this ball was at the center of a friendly game of tug-of-war between Xiao Qi Ji and keeper Marty Dearie. Don’t let Xiao Qi Ji’s small size fool you—he is remarkably strong! We watch his interactions closely to ensure these items never get too dinged up to the point where they are unsafe. As you can imagine, pandas can be tough on their toys. If you are in a position to give, you can help us purchase new toys when the old ones wear out by making a donation to our Enrichment Trunk.
Just before Xiao Qi Ji stole everyone’s hearts—and wrestled his new green ball away from Marty—we placed him on a scale for his weekly weigh-in. Since his last measurement seven days prior, our 5-month-old cub gained another two pounds. This week, he weighed 22 pounds (10 kilograms).
In her update last week, assistant curator Laurie Thompson mentioned that Xiao Qi Ji tried cooked sweet potato for the first time and was a big fan of this new food. This week, bamboo was on the menu. We saw him munching on some of his mother Mei Xiang’s leftover leaves.
As Xiao Qi Ji’s walking and climbing skills improve, we are starting to see him explore more and more of his habitat. Yesterday, he walked out of the den, through both indoor enclosures, and over to the opposite den. He sat up and pressed his face against the “take out window” where we routinely feed Mei Xiang. It was hilarious to see our curious cub waiting at the same window for us!

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 9:26 pm
by queenie
:vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news ... n-and-hope
^<Review of past weeks, Videos & Photos of Xiao Qi Ji’s Milestones
2021-01-31_232835.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

#PandaStory: A Symbol of Inspiration and Hope
As the calendar turns to 2021, it is human nature to reflect on the moments that sparked inspiration in an otherwise challenging year. Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji—who wobbled and walked, feistily barked at mother Mei Xiang and scaled the rockwork in his habitat—gave many who follow his milestones a reason to smile. Assistant curator Laurie Thompson’s December 2020 updates remind us that his #PandaStory serves as a source of hope for brighter days ahead.
2021-01-31_213853b.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
2021-02-01_000012.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 5:48 pm
by queenie
# 1 video~In case you missed the flurry, check out the video below to watch Mei Xiang sliding in the snow! :woohoo:
:vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/new ... first-snow 51 sec.
^^
2021-02-11_194124.jpg
In case you missed the flurry, check out the video above to watch Mei Xiang sliding in the snow! :woohoo:

#PandaStory: A Chill Cub’s First Snow ^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
Feb. 05, 2021


This update was written by giant panda keeper Marty Dearie and assistant curator of giant pandas Laurie Thompson.
On Sunday, Jan. 31, giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji experienced yet another big milestone—his first encounter with snow! As the flakes were falling, we brought Xiao Qi Ji out of the indoor enclosure to a snow-covered patio behind-the-scenes.
He seemed unsure about it at first and stood there for a moment to take it all in. Keeper Stacey Tabellario built him his own panda-cub-sized snowman. He sniffed it before taking a frosty bite. He explored the area for about five minutes before we took him back inside. Although his trip was a short one, he seemed to have a good time.
He was much more chill about it than his older brother Bei Bei. The first time we offered snow to Bei Bei, we brought it inside in a tub for him to explore. Instead, he barked at it and ran away! He sat on top of the mountain and stared at it for a few hours. As he got older, Bei Bei enjoyed tumbling and sliding in the snow—although perhaps not as much as his parents did this week!
(In case you missed the flurry, check out the video above to watch Mei Xiang sliding in the snow! You can also watch Tian Tian and some of our other animals having a ball in the wintry weather here.)
On Wednesday, we place Xiao Qi Ji on the scale for a quick weigh-in. He gained another pound since last week and measured 10.62 kilograms, or 23 pounds.
In the next few weeks, Xiao Qi Ji will have an opportunity to explore the outdoor habitat. Our team has been busy this week installing new tree guards in the yard he shares with his mother, Mei Xiang. These guards are designed to keep young cubs towards the bottom of the tree, where they can practice their climbing skills at a safe height. As Xiao Qi Ji grows and gains more confidence, he will be able to climb over the guards and higher up into the canopy.
On Sunday, Jan. 31, giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji experienced yet another big milestone—his first encounter with snow! As the flakes were falling, we brought Xiao Qi Ji out of the indoor enclosure to a snow-covered patio behind-the-scenes.:cold1:
2021-02-11_193800.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
Jan. 31 | Five-month-old giant panda Xiao Qi Ji sniffs a cub-sized snowman before taking a frosty bite.

The tree guards in the yard he shares with his mother, Mei Xiang. These guards are designed to keep young cubs towards the bottom of the tree, where they can practice their climbing skills at a safe height.
2021-02-11_194149.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post :cloud9:

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 6:25 pm
by queenie
# 4 video on page 58 seconds V Feb. 2, 2021 | Giant panda Tian Tian had a ball in the snow today. Literally.
:vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/snow-da ... tional-zoo 58 sec
^^
2021-02-11_203029.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post~ You can also watch Tian Tian 4th video on page, and some of our other animals having a ball in the wintry weather here.
# 3 video on page ---- 51 seconds^
:vid:
2021-02-11_203422.jpg
:ty: ^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post ~ # 3 52 seconds Jan. 31, 2021 | Asia Trail keepers sprinkled blueberries around the red panda habitat; females Asa and Chris-Anne had a blast foraging for treats! Listen closely to hear Asa “twitter.” Red pandas communicate through squeals, hisses, grunts + “huff-quacks” too!
Feb. 2, 2021 | Giant panda Tian Tian had a ball in the snow today. Literally.
2021-02-11_202840.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post :hug:

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 7:28 pm
by queenie
2021-02-11_193623.jpg
:grhug: ^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
Jan. 31, 2021 | Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji encountered snow for the first time! He was nervous at first; eventually he worked up the courage to take a taste of the snow. As snow blanketed the Washington, D.C. region Jan. 31, 2021, the Smithsonian's National Zoo's animals woke up to a winter wonderland. With this weather event came another significant milestone—giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s first encounter with snow! Keepers say although he seemed nervous at first, eventually he worked up the courage to take a little nip at the fresh powder.
Some of Zoo's other animals having a ball in the wintry weather here. :vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/snow-da ... tional-zoo
Jan. 31, 2021 | Red pandas Asa and Chris-Anne explore their snowy habitat on Asia Trail.
Feb. 1, 2021 | Przewalkski's horse in the snow at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Feb. 1, 2021 | Are the snowy foothills of the Shenandoah too cold for our Przewalski's horses? Neighgative! Winters are milder at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute than in their native Gobi Desert in Mongolia, where temps can plunge to -50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Feb. 2, 2021 | Do you wanna *eat* a snowman? Our guinea pigs sure do! Amazonia keepers know enrichment (like snow) can make mealtime extra fun. Our guinea pigs dine on a variety of veggies, including lettuce, carrots and green peppers.
Feb. 2, 2021 | Field trip to Front Royal, Virginia, for a peaceful and serene snow day with our red-crowned crane pair, Tara and Prince, at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
2021-02-12_191638.jpg
^ click bigger, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post ~ Xioa resting alone :nite:
2021-02-09_205017.jpg
^ click bigger, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
Xiao Qi Ji is quite a climber, glad they safety-ize the trees, can you find him in this s'cap? he went over to the right side of their mt. edge that cuts off and I held my breath until he moved away from it.

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 8:28 pm
by queenie
:vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news ... ato-update ~ 59 seconds
^
2021-02-12_221449.jpg
^ click bigger, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post :giggle:
^<#PandaStory: A Short and Sweet (Potato) Update
Feb. 12, 2021

This update was written by assistant curator of giant pandas Laurie Thompson.

Happy Lunar New Year! Our 5-month-old giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji kicked off the week by enjoying a new treat Feb. 8. The panda team gave him a large, nutrient-rich biscuit to nibble on. Just like his parents—mother Mei Xiang and father Tian Tian—Xiao Qi Ji held the biscuit in his pseudo thumb while he ate.
2-12-21 nz xi eating sw. potato.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post :grhug:
A pseudo thumb is an elongated and enlarged wrist bone covered with a fleshy pad of skin. This “extra” digit enables both giant pandas and red pandas to easily grasp bamboo. (Or, in Xiao Qi Ji’s case, an enrichment toy smeared with sweet potato!)
Although Xiao Qi Ji’s main source of nutrition is still Mei Xiang’s milk, he seems to have enjoyed sampling sweet potato, bamboo and biscuits over the last few weeks. He has a great appetite and gained nearly two pounds since last week. On Wednesday, our plump panda cub tipped the scales at 11.29 kilograms, or 24.8 pounds. Xiao Qi Ji is a very active cub and lately has been perfecting his running skills, chasing after Mei Xiang during play.
2021-02-12_221539.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post :cloud9:
We look forward to the day when Xiao Qi Ji can go outside with Mei Xiang for the first time. While the week’s wintry weather was not on our side, it did give us an opportunity to add a fun new hammock to the climbing structure in their yard. We will be sure to share the highlights of his next big milestone with you when the weather permits.

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 7:09 pm
by queenie
:vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news ... ewalk-ends < 59 seconds VIDEO on this page-scroll down
^<
2021-03-03_210231.jpg
^ click bigger, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post


#PandaStory: Venturing Where the Sidewalk Ends
Feb. 19, 2021
This update was written by assistant curator of giant pandas Laurie Thompson and keeper Marty Dearie.

Just a few days shy of turning 6 months old, giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji accompanied his mother, Mei Xiang, into their outdoor habitat for the first time. Around 7:30 a.m. Feb. 16, we opened the door that separates their indoor and outdoor habitats. Mei Xiang made her way to a fresh pile of bamboo outside, but our cub did not follow. He was too busy playing in the den to notice that his mother left!
2021-03-03_210154.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
We closed the door to the yard, went into the den and called Xiao Qi Ji to get his attention. He followed us onto the patio—a covered area that connects the bears’ indoor and outdoor enclosures. We stepped out of the enclosure, closed the keeper door and opened the gate to give Xiao Qi Ji access to the yard.
Much like his siblings Tai Shan, Bao Bao and Bei Bei were during their first outings, Xiao Qi Ji was cautious yet curious. Mostly, he stayed on the sidewalk at the back of the yard. Mei Xiang continued to calmly eat while her son ventured onto the grass and pawed at one of their enrichment toys. He walked along the wall of the panda house, sniffed the doors and gates and took in all the new sights and smells. Xiao Qi Ji peeked into the “howdy” window that looks into his father Tian Tian’s yard. He also tested out his climbing skills on the mesh that separates the keeper area from the bears’ yard, but he didn’t get far before he lost his grip and dropped just a few inches to the ground below.
2021-03-03_210132.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
The whole time Xiao Qi Ji was outside, the door to their indoor habitat was open. He wandered in and out a few times, and after about 45 minutes he decided he had had enough of the outdoors and didn’t come back out. Mei Xiang shifted inside shortly thereafter, and the pair made their way to another enclosure that was filled with fresh bamboo. Even though Xiao Qi Ji stayed close to “home base,” his first outing in the yard was successful!
We are keeping a close eye on the weather and hope to give Xiao Qi Ji another opportunity to go outside soon. Lately, the temperature has been below freezing, and the precipitation conditions—sleet and snow—are not ideal for acclimating him to a new environment for an extended period of time. So, until the weather warms, he will stay inside where the temperature is a balmy 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the cooler months and 65 degrees in the warmer months.
If you are hoping to catch Xiao Qi Ji’s next trip outside on the Giant Panda Cam, tune in between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. EDT. Eventually, he will spend more time outside as he becomes comfortable with exploring and navigating the outdoor habitat.
Mei Xiang heard the door open and paused her breakfast to investigate the noise. She came over to Xiao Qi Ji and spent a few moments with him on the patio, then turned and walked back to her bamboo. This time, he trotted after her.

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 7:32 pm
by queenie
2 x :vid: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news ... ure-awaits = 2 VIDEOS on this page scroll down
^< #1 = 33 seconds ~~ #2 = 1.35 minutes ^
2021-03-03_212620.jpg
#1 :cake: 1/2 year^ ^ click bigger, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
2021-03-03_212656.jpg
#2 :grhug: ^ ^ click bigger, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
^<
#PandaStory: Adventure Awaits!
Feb. 26, 2021


This update was written by assistant curator of giant pandas Laurie Thompson.
On Sunday, Feb. 21, giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji turned 6 months old. To celebrate, our half-birthday boy tried yet another new food: homemade applesauce. We placed a big dollop on top of one of his enrichment toys. He sniffed the sweet purée and lapped it up quickly at first. A few bites in, though, he paused and took in the taste. Unlike cooked sweet potato (which he quickly gobbled up), his reaction to the applesauce was much more tepid. It seemed as if he wasn’t sure if he liked it.
We used sweet potato to introduce Xiao Qi Ji to a new toy: a small rubber tub. Keepers smeared some sweet potato inside and, of course, that piqued his interest! At first, he was quite cautious about the tub because it kept flipping up when he put his paws on the edge and leaned on it. Eventually, he climbed inside and sat for a few moments before he dragged it back to the den, where he played with it some more.
Xiao Qi Ji is growing bigger and stronger by the day. Yesterday, he weighed 27.5 pounds (12.49 kilograms)—2.7 pounds heavier than he did Feb. 10.
2021-03-03_212602.jpg
:ohmy: ^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

If you tuned in to the Giant Panda Cam this week, you may have seen Xiao Qi Ji venture farther into the outdoor habitat than he did during his first outing last week. He is acclimating well to the great outdoors and, for the most part, explored the habitat on his own. His mother Mei Xiang accompanied Xiao Qi Ji on a few of his many “laps” around the yard but did not stick by his side. Instead, she opted to eat bamboo and checked on him from time to time.
Xiao Qi Ji had a great time climbing on the log structures and the new hammock. This seems to be his favorite hangout spot. When he reached the top of the climbing structure, it took him a while to figure out how to get down. Mei Xiang helped him down to the ground once. Apart from that instance, Xiao Qi Ji climbed down all by himself. Occasionally he took a tumble, but panda cubs are robust and have dense, wooly fur to cushion their landings.
Wednesday was filled with so much adventure and excitement that Xiao Qi Ji fell asleep in the hammock. With Mei Xiang relaxing in their indoor enclosure, keepers entered the yard, picked up the sleepy cub and brought him inside.
With much of his attention focused on the climbing structure, Xiao Qi Ji has not attempted to climb the trees in the yard yet. But, we expect that will come soon. We will continue to give him access to the yard as long as the weather is nice and relatively warm, and we have keepers available to monitor him. On those days, the best time to see him outside on the Giant Panda Cam is between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. EDT.

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 7:50 pm
by queenie
cont....
2021-03-03_212556.jpg
:hug: ^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
3-3-21  nz cub outside with mom.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
3-3-21 nz cub climbing.jpg
^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
Photos from videos in the 1st video he seemed to enjoy his 1st applesauce, but it looked like it sort of grabbed his taste buds
& in the the 2nd video, he fell straight down in the last photo and sort of bounced on all 4's :woohoo: and then little spunky played with Mama :w00t:

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2021 7:33 pm
by queenie
2 X :vid: @ https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news ... d-listener
^< #1 = 1 minute video "Wrestles Log" /and #2 = 39 seconds video "Good Listener" >
2021-04-04_213556.jpg
# 1 ^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
2021-04-04_213550.jpg
# 2 ^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
^<#PandaStory: A Good Listener
Mar. 05, 2021
This update was written by assistant curator of giant pandas Laurie Thompson.

March 1 | This week, giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji tried a new food: banana. It was apparent from his reaction that sweet potato is still his favorite food.
2021-04-04_213523.jpg
:luck: ^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post

A string of sunny days has graced the Washington, D.C. region, much to the delight of our 6-month-old giant panda cub, Xiao Qi Ji. The first thing he does when he goes outside in the morning is trot over to the wooden structure in the middle of the yard. With such a fun playground to climb, he hasn’t shown much interest in trees yet. After expending so much energy climbing, balancing, hanging and tumbling , Xiao Qi Ji often tuckers out and takes a nap on the hammock at the front of the yard. We’ve had to retrieve our sleepy cub from his favorite perch twice when it was time to come inside.
On Monday morning, Xiao Qi Ji’s mother, Mei Xiang, was ready to come inside, but he was all the way at the front of the yard. I called his name, and a few moments later he trotted up to the keeper area and followed her inside. I was so surprised he listened when I called—it was a highlight of my week!
Although Xiao Qi Ji will continue to nurse until he is around a year-and-a-half old, on Wednesday I noticed him drinking water out of the basin in Mei Xiang’s den. He has also lapped water from the free-flowing pipe in Mei Xiang’s outdoor pool. Seeing this behavior makes me wonder if Xiao Qi Ji will take after his father, Tian Tian, who enjoys splashing around in the hose when we clean. Time will tell! For now, we dropped the water in the pool for the cub’s safety.
Last week, Xiao Qi Ji’s reaction to his first taste of applesauce paled in comparison to the enthusiasm he showed for cooked sweet potato. This week, he tried some banana mushed onto a different enrichment toy. Even though he took several bites, his reaction was similar to the applesauce—he didn’t hate it, but he didn’t love it, either. It’s clear that sweet potato is still his favorite food. We had an opportunity to weigh him this week, and he continues to make good gains. He added another 1.5 pounds this week, coming in at 28.95 pounds (13.16 kilograms).
Lucky Giant Panda Cam viewers got a glimpse of Xiao Qi Ji being a bit innovative this week—he found his own enrichment toy! After spotting a small log in the enclosure, he dragged it into the den. It was the perfect size for our panda cub. Xiao Qi Ji held it close as he rolled around with it in his arms. He had a great time playing!

Re: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo ~ Bei Bei and Family

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2021 8:05 pm
by queenie
cont.... :grhug: H a p p y :hooray: E a s t e r ! :cloud9:
2021-04-04_213533.jpg
:thumlft: ^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As well as his birthing den, Xiao likes that back wall to sleep, and play or nurse with Mama Mei {I have also seen him climb all the way to the top of the mt. to sleep too, he is at that age of needing naps} >
4-2to4-21 xi sleeping.jpg
:offtobed: ^ click 2X biggest, then go to return arrow on top left screen, back to post