The Smithsonian National Zoo was proud to announce the birth of twin panda cubs on Aug. 22, but sadly one of the cubs was much smaller, under-developed and died within a few days of birth. The good news is that the survivor is thriving and doing great. Zookeepers are keeping watch and are ensuring success from the remaining cub, which, upon his recent checkup, is doing great, according to Zoo Borns.
As Mother Panda Mei Xiang is finally exiting the den to eat and drink the treats left for her, leaving her cub safely tucked inside the den, keepers are actually able to do checkups to see his progress. His weight gain is steady and on track, and his heart and lungs are normal. All are great signs for the little guy.
Mei Xiang and her cub are being housed in the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat, which is closed to the public to give the family some privacy and the mother a stres-free place to raise her baby. But don't worry; you can still get your panda baby fix by viewing them on the Smithsonian Panda Cams! See intimate moments of a mother raising her tiny cub, but be careful, because the cams are addicting to watch.
The cub continues to grow and is looking more and more like an adorable adult panda every day, WUSA 9 reported. Pandas are actually born white and develop their trademark black and white coloring as the days go by.
The yet-to-be-named cub is marked like his handsome dad, Tian Tian, and even sleeps like his daddy, with one paw over his eye, People Pets noted. It's a complete aww moment for sure.
