The latest news on Giant Panda "Shin Shin" and her cubs [1]

The latest news on Giant Panda Shin Shin and her cubs [1]
└─ 2021/06/25

　As previously announced, Giant Panda Shin Shin gave birth to two cubs on June 23, 2021. Details regarding Shin Shin and her offspring are as follows:

Shinshin's current situation

Immediately after giving birth on June 23rd, Shin Shin held both cubs in her right foreleg and cared for them by licking them. However, it was known beforehand that it is difficult for Giant Panda mother to successfully care for multiple cubs simultaneously, so at 3:10, animal keeper picked up one cub and placed it in an incubator. Shin Shin continued to hold the other cub tightly and care for it.

She hadn't eaten or drunk anything since the night of June 22nd, but on June 23rd, when we gave her fluids containing electrolytes and sugar, she drank about 2 liters, and has continued to replenish fluids at appropriate times since then. Also, on the morning of June 25th, we gave her three bamboo shoots as her first food since giving birth, and she ate them all.

The babies were switched during the nights of June 24th and 25th, but Shin Shin held the babies without any problems and continues to care for them. Shin Shin is currently still in the birthing room. She shows signs of fatigue from childbirth, but there are no particular health problems.

Recent updates on children

*In future information, the baby that was picked up on June 23rd after birth and placed in an incubator will be referred to as "Baby (#1)," and the baby that Shinshin held in her arms the entire time after birth will be referred to as "Baby (#2)."

While Shin Shin is taking care of one of the calves, the other is being cared for in an incubator in the nursery. When the two calves are being held by their mother, they drink from her teat, and when they are in the incubator, they are given breast milk expressed by Shin Shin by a veterinarian.

At 1:30 AM on June 24th, we swapped cub #1 and cub #2. We swapped them again at 3:10 AM on June 25th. Based on their vitality, weight, and stool consistency, we believe both cubs are successfully nursing. Both are in good health.

Physical examination and measurements
　Child (#1)
Health condition: Good
Gender unknown
Weight: 124g (Measurement date: June 23rd, 0 days old)
116g (Measurement date: June 25th, 2 days old)
Body length: 13.4 cm (Measurement date: June 23rd, 0 days old)

　Child (#2)
Health condition: Good
Gender unknown
Weight: 146g (Measurement date: June 24th, 1 day old)
131g (Measurement date: June 25th, 2 days old)
Body length: 15.0 cm (Measurement date: June 24th, 1 day old)

The baby's weight has decreased slightly, but this is a common occurrence after birth and does not indicate any health problems.

Message from Ueno Zoo

We will continue to monitor Shinshin and the child's health and behavior 24 hours a day. We will also conduct physical examinations and measurements of the child as needed, but the timing of these will be irregular.

Additionally, to allow Shin Shin to focus on raising her cubs, the "Panda Forest" exhibit West Garden has been closed since June 23rd. Consequently, the male panda, Ri Ri, will also be unavailable for viewing for a while. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our visitors, and we appreciate your understanding and patience.

You can see Xiang Xiang at East Garden panda enclosure.