WASHINGTON (AP) — Venerable giant panda matriach Mei Xiang has given birth to a baby cub and immediately began cradling her offspring. That's according to the National Zoo, which says its panda team heard the baby vocalize. The zoo's director says it is "thrilled to offer the world a much-needed moment of pure joy.” Mei Xiang has had three previous cubs. All were eventually transported to China under an agreement with the Chinese government. Mei Xiang has been spending most of her time in a small den indoors, where she has created a nest out of branches.