Skip to main content

DC zoo’s den surrounding possibly pregnant panda closed

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.

CityCenterDC unveils new public art exhibit: Urban Living Rooms

On Friday, city officials and leaders of the D.C. arts community gathered on Palmer Alley at CityCenterDC to unveil a brand new public art exhibit called "Urban Living Rooms."
Read Next Story