In case you slept through today, the Smithsonian National Zoo right here in Washington, DC has a brand new addition - their first giant panda cub in 7 years! The cub dominated the news cycle, despite only fleeting glimpses of it on the zoo's PandaCam. Even the most cynical, power-suited politicos in the Beltway had to crack a smile!
Mama bear Mei Xiang had been given a less than 10% chance of pregnancy by scientists which means the pitter-patter of tiny panda paws is that much more exciting. According to the keepers at the National Zoo, the first few weeks will be critical in determining the cub's odds of survival. But come day 100, the cub will be officially given a name per Chinese tradition and ceremony.
Mama and baby will be sequestered in the Giant Panda House and we won't likely be able to see the cub in person until 2013. In the meantime, we'll be keeping our eyes glued to the PandaCam and celebrating the little bundle of joy!
The announcement was a little last minute to whip up any celebratory cupcakes, but luckily there was a special young lady's first birthday party that perfectly fits today's news!
Read more about the goings on at the National Zoo here or from our friends at the Washington Post here.
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