Six-month-old Xiao Liwu, a Giant Panda cub born on July 29, 2012 at the San Diego Zoo, has become very strong, and isn't very interested in
sitting still for his check-up! Despite that, Zoo staff were able to
complete the exam on Wednesday morning, which started with Veterinary resident Matt Kinney, DVM, listening to the baby's heart and lungs. It took three sets of hands to measure the rambunctious baby, but the news was all good.
Xiao Liwu weighed 19.4 pounds (8.8kg) and measured 24.6
inches long (88 cm). He's growing at the expected rate and is very
healthy. The cub has also had more teeth break through his gums. This time around, both incisors could be seen.
While his physique is slimming a bit, he has gained a lot of muscle in
his back legs due to climbing trees and all the new activity he does in the
exhibit. Despite his improved agility,
Xiao Liwu has taken several tumbles while on view to the public. But it's all part of growing up; animal care staff expects the cub to take falls while he's learning to
walk and climb.
Xiao Liwu can be seen at play daily online, via the zoo's live Panda Cam.
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