Ueno Zoo 's Giant Panda, Shin Shin, gave birth safely the day before yesterday (June 12, 2017) (Announcement). She is diligently taking care of her cub. At around 10 PM on June 12, the cub was observed nursing for the first time. Observations have continued since then.
Shin Shin cares for her offspring by licking and nursing them, and when the offspring cries, she will readjust her position and lick them again. During this time, she may also lie down to rest or sleep.
June 13, 2017: Shin Shin taking care of her child (there's not much movement, but here's a video).
At around 3:30 PM on June 13th, staff members gave Shinshin oral rehydration solution using a long-handled ladle-like tool. They also gave her another dose through the cage at around 11:50 PM that same day using a stainless steel container.
On June 13, 2017, Shin Shin drank oral rehydration solution that was offered to her in a container with a long handle.
At approximately 5:20 AM today, June 14th, the baby was temporarily taken from Shin Shin and placed in an incubator for a health check. In order to return the baby to its mother as quickly as possible, the area where the umbilical cord had been attached was disinfected, and the length and weight were quickly measured. The baby's length is 14.3 centimeters and its weight is 147 grams. The sex is unknown. The baby defecated in response to the stimulation of disinfecting the area around its abdomen, but the condition of the stool confirmed that it was properly feeding on breast milk. After completing these procedures, the baby was returned to its mother. The procedure took approximately 20 minutes.
Currently, staff are providing childcare services 24 hours a day. We are continuing to observe the situation carefully.
