Photo Credit: Courtney Janney, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The giant panda cub born 5:32 p.m. August 23 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo received an exam from animal care staff at 8:56 a.m. August 35.
The cub weighs 137 grams (about 4.83 ounces).
Chief veterinarian Suzan Murray reports that the cub is robust, has a steady heartbeat, a full belly (is nursing well), and has successfully passed fecals.
Zoo officials do not yet know the cub’s sex. Animal care staff obtained a DNA sample. It will take approximately 2-3 weeks before the sex is known.