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.
AP
In this image from video provided by the Smithsonian National Zoo, Mei Xiang is seen after giving birth to a Giant Panda cub Friday evening, Aug. 21, 2020, in Washington. The cub is Mei Xiang's fourth. Her first three offspring, Tai Shan, Bao Bao and Bei Bei, were transported to China at age 4 under an agreement with the Chinese government. (Smithsonian National Zoo via AP)
Posted at 6:06 PM, Aug 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-21 21:06:48-04
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