BREAKING: Giant Panda Cub Born At The Smithsonain's National Zoo

Ann Batdorf, NZP photographer

Washington, D.C - Giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) gave birth to a cub at the Smithsonian's National Zoo today, Aug. 22. The panda team witnessed the birth at 5:35 pm. Mei Xiang reacted to the cub by picking it up. The panda team began preparing for a birth when they saw Mei Xiang's water break at 4:32 pm and she was already having contractions. The sex of the cub won't be determined until a later date.

The Zoo's panda team is monitoring Mei Xiang and the cub via the Zoo's panda cams. The panda team will perform a neonatal exam on the cub when they are able to retrieve it. That may take a few days.

All of us are thrilled that Mei Xiang has given birth. The cub is vulnerable at this tiny size but we know Mei is an excellent mother,” said Zoo director Dennis Kelly. Thank you to all of our excellent keepers, veterinarians, researchers and Chinese colleagues who contributed and therefore deserve credit for this conservation success.

Veterinarians first detected evidence of a fetus on an ultrasound Aug. 19. It was the first time they

HER NAME IS BAO BAO!

GIANT PANDA CUB RECEIVED HER NAME DURING CEREMONY MARKING FIRST 100 DAYS
Washington D.C - After 100 days and 123,039 votes the giant panda cub at the Smithsonian's National Zoo received her name Bao Bao on Sunday, Dec. 1. Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough, Ambassador Cui Tiankai from the People's Republic of China and Assistant Secretary Kerri-Ann Jones from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs revealed her name at a ceremony celebrating the cub's first 100 days of life. Bao Bao translates as precious or treasure in English. It was one of five Mandarin Chinese names that were offered for a public online vote from Nov. 5 to Nov. 22. The names were contributed by People's Republic of China ambassador to the U.S., Cui Tiankai, U.S. ambassador to the People's Republic of China, Gary Locke and his family, giant panda keepers at the China Conservation and Research Center in Wolong, Sichuan, China, where the cub will live after she turns 4 years old, giant panda keepers at the National Zoo, and Friends of the National Zoo.

"When this cub was born last summer, I was thrilled," said Dennis Kelly, director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo. "It was a great moment for the National Zoo. Bao Bao symbolizes 41 years of research and collaboration both at the National Zoo and in China. We're grateful to everyone around the world who voted to name her and help us celebrate today."

The ceremony also included special video messages from First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and First Lady of the People's Republic of China, Peng Liyuan. Both congratulated the National Zoo on the successful birth of the cub and reflected on 41 years of giant panda conservation success as a result of excellent collaboration between the United States and China. The National Zoo received a state gift of two pandas in 1972 following the seminal state visit by President Richard M. Nixon and Mrs. Nixon.

The day's festivities concluded at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat. Chinese lion dancers led guests to the giant panda yards where Tian Tian (t-YEN t-YEN), the cub's father, received a frozen treat.

Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) gave birth to Bao Bao Aug. 23, 2013. Her birth was broadcast live on the panda cams, sponsored by the Ford Motor Company Fund. She will make her public debut in early 2014.

Photos: Smithsonian's National Zoo.