WASHINGTON (WMAL) — The Smithsonian National Zoo released a statement today announcing the partial closure of their indoor Panda Habitat due to a possible pregnancy with Mei Xiang:
Beginning today, Aug. 18, the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat will be partially closed to keep a quiet area around female giant panda Mei Xiang’s den. Although keepers are not able to confirm if she is pregnant, Mei Xiang is exhibiting expected, normal behaviors after the secondary hormone rise that are in line with both a pregnancy and pseudo, or false, pregnancy. She is building a nest in her den, has a decreased appetite, is sleeping more and is reacting to loud noises. Paws-crossed!
Pandas, like several other species, can undergo pseudopregnancies, where they do everything they would if they were pregnant. At the end of a pseudopregnancy, however, hormone levels return to baseline and females’ energy levels and behavior return to normal. We’ll continue to share updates via social media but also encourage you to sign up for the Zoo’s Giant Panda Bulletin. And then, there’s always the panda cam!
The closure will not affect the outdoor habitats and viewing areas. Please note that although Bei Bei will have access to be outside until 2 p.m., due to the weather, the best time to see him will be outside in his yard from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Indoor viewing for Bei Bei will be closed.
Mei Xiang had been artificially inseminated earlier this year and recently underwent ultrasounds.
Copyright 2017 WMAL.com All Rights Reserved. (Photo: Smithsonian Institute)
