How giant panda cubs grow
Mei Xiang’s cubs, born Aug. 22, should follow this basic schedule of panda cub growth. Story: Giant panda gives birth, National Zoo says.
Born
1 year +
Born
- Pink, with sparse white hairs
- Eyes shut
- Cries loudly
- 7 inches long
- Weighs 3-5 ounces
Born
1 year +
One week
- Black patches on skin
Two weeks
- Black hairs begin to grow
- Cries, sleeps and suckles
Born
1 year +
Three weeks
- May begin to crawl
One month
- Eyes start to open
- Better at regulating body temperature
Two months
- Stops crying
- Suckles 3-4 times a day
Born
1 year +
Three months
- Can stand and walk a little
- Teeth are erupting
- Eyesight and hearing improve
- Suckles 2-3 times a day
Four months
- Activity increases
- Climbs on mother's back to play
Five months
- Trots behind mother
- Imitates her eating bamboo
- Climbs and sits in trees
Born
1 year +
Six months
- Begins to eat solids
- Suckles 1-2 times a day
Born
1 year +
One year
- Loses baby teeth
Two years
- Has left mother (in the wild)
SOURCE: National Zoo; drawings derived from photos from the San Diego Zoo and the National Zoo.
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