Cuteness Overload: National Zoo’s Panda Cub Undergoes Second Vet Exam

The newest giant panda cub at the Smithsonian National Zoo had his second veterinarian exam on Oct. 21. He’s a picture-perfect of panda health and has gained a little weight.

From the tip of his nose to the base of his tail, the cub remained steady from last week’s measurement of 16.5 inches. His abdominal girth measured 16.5 inches as well. He gained half-an-inch around his midsection—up from 15.9 inches Oct. 14. His weight increased from 5.4 pounds to 6.5 pounds.

Wednesday marked two months since the zoo’s giant panda cub’s birth. One of the Zoo’s veterinarians, Dr. James Steeil performed a quick health assessment and administered the cub’s first vaccine.

Taking advantage of the quick 8-minute long exam, mother Mei Xiang popped outside and enjoyed a fruitsicle in the sun.

🐼❤️ It’s official—our giant panda cub is as round as he is long, received his first vaccine and is 100% adorable. ✏️STORY: https://t.co/0RyHHIiNAt . #PandaStory #PandaCubdates pic.twitter.com/N2W5lobqz0

— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) October 22, 2020

About Nicolle Schorchit

Nicolle Schorchit was a senior dual degree student in plant sciences and multiplatform journalism at the University of Maryland during the fall 2020 semester when she interned with Montgomery Community Media.

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