2023-01-28 Xiao Qi Ji ~ Somersaults, Sassiness, Speeches, & Splashes!

#PandaStory: The Zoo posted a new update, you can read it here:
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/pandastory-xiao-qi-ji-roll

Our self-reliant cub, Xiao Qi Ji, has been doing well this week, entertaining himself when separated from momma, eating LOTS of bamboo, talking to his keepers, nursing afterhours, and taking lots of dips in the indoor pools!

2 Clips from Sunday the 22nd ~ the Zoo celebrated the Chinese New Year with enrichment for the bears. And Mei was anointing on a tree in Yard 1 and of course Qi Ji thought it would be a great time to climb on her.

Early in the morning on the 23rd, after finishing eating bamboo, Qi Ji was seen climbing and laying on top of his sleeping momma. Then he dug at the nesting hay and tossed some on Mei's head! After deciding he didn't want to sleep atop the rockwork, he slid back down the rocks and fell into Mei. Finally he settled and they slept side by side.

Before heading outdoors, Qi Ji and Mei had one of their tussles, and Mei quite clearly told Qi Ji she had had enough. Once outside, Qi Ji had a training session with his keepers and you can hear the keeper talking to him, and Qi Ji talking back! Then you see what a muddy yard can do to a cub's fur coat, and Qi Ji looks like he's trying to fold a fitted sheet when he tries to puzzle through the burlap sack enrichment.

Early on the 24th Mei was sleeping in the doorway between rooms when Qi Ji decided he wanted to nurse (after eating a ton of bamboo). He lets Mei know he wants to nurse, then he sings his nursing song, and complains bitterly when momma gets up and leaves! Before heading outside, Qi Ji splashed in the pool, and of course that made him frisky, and once again Mei was not interested in playing with her energetic cub! Then you'll see a quick scene from yard 1's perspective of Qi Ji and Mei's encounter at the larger howdy window in the fence. The CO tried to capture Qi Ji's movement but there was just too many trees there. Later after being reunited, Mei and Qi Ji ate bamboo together ... and Mei started licking her paws and anointing herself ... Qi Ji's signal that it's play time! There wasn't a CO but I think someone in the panda house stepped up so we could see this cute interaction.(They had honey covered enrichment earlier that day).

Before heading outdoors on the 25th Qi Ji and Mei had a lot to say to their keepers at the door leading out to the chutes/training area. Later that day Qi Ji enjoys his honey coated crate.

The scene early on the 26th is near and dear to my heart (at the 15:26 mark). Nearly every morning Mei awakes first and starts her walkabout, then she'll bleat and head to where Qi Ji is still sleeping. And she nuzzles, and nips him.

On the 27th we saw Qi Ji sitting in the opening in yard 2 that leads to the chute to yard 3/4. Then he stands, looks above at the incoming piece of bamboo ... yum, yum.

The rest of the scenes are from today, and it really seems like the weekend crowds energize Qi Ji. He repeatedly showed that he loves to roll down the hill as well as do gymnastics on his hammock structure! And of course after running indoors and taking a dip in the pool, he becomes more animated and races outdoors to do entertain himself rolling around. Honestly don't think I've ever seen him do this many somersault in one day!

After being reunited with Mei, he still had energy and they had a prolonged play bout, some of which is shown here. He went into Room 1's pool, and that led to even more outdoor play between mother and son!

Note from Doxie: I respectively ask that you do not post comments disparaging the Smithsonian's National Zoo's treatment of their Giant Pandas, or Mei Xiang's parenting of Xiao Qi Ji, or any comparisons to other Zoos. Comments pertaining to anything other than the video content will be removed. Also, a reminder that I am not employed by or affiliated with the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping this a place of positivity, celebration and joy!

All video footage recorded from the Smithsonian's National Zoo's Panda Cam public website: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/panda-cam
#PandaStory #MeiXiang #XiaoQiJi

Видео 2023-01-28 Xiao Qi Ji ~ Somersaults, Sassiness, Speeches, & Splashes! канала DoxieMom19