Daniela Berson
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) You can expect some serious “panda-monium” in the next few weeks at the National Zoo, now that a new cub is on the way.
The National Zoo performed an ultrasound on Mei Xiang Wednesday afternoon and it appears that she’s pregnant.
Dr. Don Neiffer, Chief Veterinarian, performed the ultrasound and said that the new cub would be eight to ten centimeters when it is born.
“We really hope that she will play with us over the coming days or weeks so we can get further images,” Neiffer said, “But it’s pretty exciting.”
A picture of the future addition to the panda family was released, showing the outline of the cub in its mother’s womb.
Until Wednesday, zookeepers and biologists couldn’t tell if Mei Xiang was pregnant or if she was experiencing a pseudo-pregnancy.
They’re now fairly certain that a “beary” cute bundle of joy should arrive as early as the end of August or the first week of September.
While zoo officials are anticipating large crowds of panda enthusiasts in the coming weeks, spokesperson Pamela Baker-Masson said that the Panda House, the indoor panda exhibit, would be closed until further notice, so mama bear can have some peace and quiet before the birth.
“Mei Xiang is sensitive to noise during her pregnancy, so we have to maintain that quiet zone just so she has the best chance to deliver a healthy cub,” Baker-Masson said.
She also noted that the new cub wouldn’t appear in public until months after his or her birth.
“It isn’t an immediate thing,” she said, “Bao Bao was born on August 23rd, 2013 and she didn’t make her public debut until January of 2014.”
In the meantime, Mei Xiang can be observed online through the National Zoo’s “Panda Cam.”
Panda lovers can still see Tian Tian and Bao Bao at the panda exhibit while the National Zoo prepares for Mei Xiang’s baby.
Copyright 2015 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (Photo: National Zoo)
