LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Society

Giant panda Mei Xiang at US zoo expected to give birth soon

1
2015-08-20 08:25Xinhua Editor: Gu Liping
Giant panda Mei Xiang play in snow at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington DC, Jan 27, 2015. (Photo/Agencies)

Giant panda Mei Xiang play in snow at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington DC, Jan 27, 2015. (Photo/Agencies)

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park said Wednesday that its adult female panda was carrying a developing fetus and could give birth in coming weeks.

On Wednesday morning, veterinarians detected a developing fetus during an ultrasound procedure for Mei Xiang, one of the two adult giant pandas which arrived here from China on Dec 6, 2000, the zoo said in a statement.

"Based on the size of the fetus, which is about four centimeters, veterinarians estimate that Mei Xiang could give birth early next week, or possibly in early September," said the statement.

However, the zoo cautioned that "substantial possibility" exists that Mei Xiang could resorb or miscarry a fetus.

"Today, we are cautiously optimistic," said Dennis Kelly, director of the zoo.

Since her introduction to the National Zoo, Mei Xiang has given birth to two surviving cubs, Tai Shan and Bao Bao. Tai Shan, born on July 9, 2005, now lives in China, and Bao Bao, born on Aug 23, 2013, will return to China after turning four.

  

Related news

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Entertainment
Sports
Odd
Features
Biz
Economy
Travel
Travel News
Travel Types
Events
Food
Hotel
Bar & Club
Architecture
Gallery
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Learning Chinese
Learn About China
Social Chinese
Business Chinese
Buzz Words
Bilingual
Resources
ECNS Wire
Special Coverage
Infographics
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.