WASHINGTON (AP) — Officials at Washington’s National Zoo have closed part of the panda habitat to the public because the zoo’s adult female panda is entering the final stages of a possible pregnancy.
The David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat was closed starting on Monday. Zoo officials have said the panda Mei Xiang has been exhibiting behavior consistent with both pregnancy and “pseudo-pregnancy,” including being very sensitive to noise.
Officials say that within 20 to 40 days, Mei Xiang will have a cub or experience the end of a pseudo-pregnancy. Mei Xiang had five pseudo-pregnancies between 2007 and 2012.
Visitors to the panda habitat can still see Tian Tian and Bao Bao outside, often in the morning. Tian Tian will be inside the panda house in the afternoon.
Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
