The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is closely monitoring its giant panda Mei Xiang as she is expected to deliver a cub this week.
Veterinarians detected tissue consistent with fetal development during Mei Xiang’s (may-SHONG) ultrasound on August 14.
The Zoo shared a video from the ultrasound on its website and social media accounts.
“It is too early to determine if the tissue is a completely viable developing fetus as there is the potential that the fetus could be resorbed. If the fetal tissue continues to develop, veterinarians estimate that Mei Xiang could give birth within the next few days,” the Zoo said in a statement.
It is highly possible that Mei Xiang could resorb or miscarry the fetus, which would lead her hormones to return to baseline levels and her behavior to go back to normal, according to veterinarians.
🐼🐾 Keep your paws crossed! Today, Zoo veterinarians saw exciting movements during giant panda Mei Xiang’s ultrasound. Her fetus was kicking + swimming in the amniotic fluid, and its spine + blood flow were visible. We hope to have a healthy cub in the coming days! #PandaStory pic.twitter.com/kcTcHGvonI
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) August 17, 2020
“In the middle of a pandemic, this is a joyful moment we can all get excited about,” said Don Neiffer, chief veterinarian at the National Zoo who carried out the ultrasound.
“We are optimistic that very shortly she may give birth to a healthy cub or cubs. We’re fortunate that Mei Xiang participated in the ultrasound allowing us to get sharp images and video. We’re watching her closely and welcome everyone to watch with us on the panda cams.”
On March 22, reproductive scientists and veterinarians performed an artificial insemination on Mei Xiang with frozen semen collected from Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN).
The 22-year-old expectant mother displayed a secondary rise in her urinary progesterone levels starting from June 10. Her behaviors indicated pregnancy or pseudopregnancy in late July. She is currently sleeping more, eating less, and nest-building, licking her body, according to zookeepers’ observations.
The panda house at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat is now closed to provide a quiet environment for Mei Xiang. She is being watched by the panda team 24 hours a day through the panda cams.