On August 21, 2017, when Shin Shin, Giant Panda cub at Ueno Zoo, turned 70 days old, she underwent her ninth physical examination (counting her age from her birthday on June 12 to day 1 on June 13).
The offspring has shown an increase in both weight and length since the last check-up on August 11th, confirming that it is growing well.
Since the last measurement, the dog has been able to put more strength into its front legs and lift its upper body more easily. However, it still doesn't have enough strength in its hind legs and is not yet able to stand on all four limbs.
The puppy is observed moving its head from side to side, and although its eyesight is not yet fully developed, it appears to be able to recognize objects in front of it.
In the birthing room, we observed that the calf was gradually becoming more active, not only when sleeping, but also by pushing forward with its front paws and changing its body position.
The physical examination on August 21st will be conducted from 10:41 AM to 11:00 AM. While Shin Shin was away from her calf eating, a staff member reached through a gap in the cage of the birthing room to gently pick up the calf and measured its weight and length. The calf was in good health, its weight had increased from 3,010.4 grams on August 11 to 3,756.4 grams, and its length had grown from 43.9 centimeters to 47.9 centimeters.
Mother Shin Shin spends her time with her calf in the birthing room. She licks her baby, nurses it, helps it defecate, and takes good care of it. The rest of the time, Shin Shin rests and eats. Currently, they are eating bamboo shoots, bamboo grass, apples, carrots, and "panda dumplings," and their foraging situation is good.
We will continue to monitor the mother and child 24 hours a day. Physical examinations will also continue, but the timing is yet to be determined.
