A US zoo is celebrating the fact that one of its pandas is pregnant.
Washington's Smithsonian National Zoo has released new footage of an ultrasound carried out on giant panda Mei Xiang.
“Based on the size of the fetus, which is about four centimeters, veterinarians estimate that Mei Xiang could give birth early next week, or possibly in early September,” said the zoo.
Vets saw a fetus on Mei Xiang’s ultrasound today. Paws crossed 4 viable pregnancy #PandaStory http://t.co/N981KDFsxL pic.twitter.com/lQwHtDz39Z
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) August 19, 2015
Here's the full image:
Photo: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's Facebook
It seems vets were carrying out a routine ultrasound on Mei Xiany when they discovered 'something new', which they have identified as a giant panda fetus.
The zoo is cautioning though that it is still possible that Mei Xiang could reabsorb the fetus, a process known as 'resorbing'.
Scientists do not fully understand why some mammals resorb fetuses.
The Zoo’s panda team is monitoring Mei through the Zoo’s panda cams - they say they are officially on cubwatch.
"Mei is continuing to spend more time in her den, sleeping more, body licking and cradling objects—all behaviors consistent with a pregnancy and pseudopregnancy."
