Panda Cub Dies at National Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo community is mourning the loss of the giant panda cub born just one week ago on Sunday, Sept. 16.
According to a press release, panda keepers and volunteers heard a distress vocalization from the mother, Mei Xiang, at 9:17 a.m. today and notified the veterinarian staff immediately. According to the press release, the panda cam was turned off and the staff were able to safely retrieve the cub for an evaluation at 10:22 a.m.
Veterinarians immediately performed CPR and other life-saving measures but the cub did not respond. Zoo officials said Mei Xiang is under close observation.
The press release said the veterinarians’ first observations include:
· The cub was in good body condition and weighed just under 100g
· No outward sign of trauma
· No outward sign of infection
A press conference will be held at 1 p.m. today.
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