Ueno zoo releases photos of newborn giant panda cub

ORIGINAL: AsahiAJW

July 08, 2012

Female giant panda Shin Shin breastfeeds her newborn baby on July 6 at Ueno Zoological Gardens. (Provided by Ueno Zoological Gardens and Tokyo Zoological Park Society)

Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo released photographs of its newborn giant panda on July 6, showing its mother breastfeeding the tiny cub.

Born to 7-year-old Shin Shin on July 5, the panda--a male--is the first born at the zoo in Taito Ward as a result of natural breeding.

“Even though she is a new mother, Shin Shin takes very good care of her cub,” said Yutaka Fukuda, deputy director of the zoo. “I'm sure she will be a good mother.”

A tiny newborn panda cub clings to its mother on July 6. (Provided by Ueno Zoological Gardens and Tokyo Zoological Park Society)

Zoo officials estimate the baby panda is about 15 centimeters long and weighs 150 grams. Its body is lightly covered with white fur, they said. Its sex was confirmed on July 7.

Zoo officials said it will take about three weeks until the familiar black and white giant panda pattern begins to emerge on the cub's fur.

Shin Shin has been taking care of the cub since she gave birth to it, without eating or drinking water. She has been observed breastfeeding her baby about every 15 minutes in response to the cub's cries, the officials said.

The yet-to-be-named baby is the fourth giant panda born at the zoo, and the first in 24 years.

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN