Baby giant panda born at National Zoo, mom Mei Xiang "caring for her newborn attentively"

"A precious giant panda cub has arrived!"

Amazing news on this Friday afternoon, from the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC.

"We're overjoyed to share that Mei Xiang gave birth at 6:35 p.m. and is caring for her newborn attentively. Positive mothering behaviors include nursing her cub and cuddling it close."

There's a live panda cam on the zoo website with a view of the newborn panda and mom, but the video stream is crashing right now, probably from too much demand.

A precious giant panda cub has arrived! We're overjoyed to share that Mei Xiang gave birth at 6:35 p.m. and is caring for her newborn attentively. Positive mothering behaviors include nursing her cub and cuddling it close. TUNE IN: https://t.co/99lBTV2w92. #PandaStory pic.twitter.com/x02fEYfAmx

— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) August 21, 2020

Giant panda Mei Xiang has become increasingly restless and began body licking—both signs that labor has probably started! Our giant panda team is closely monitoring her via the Panda Cam for a cub's arrival. Watch with us! TUNE IN: https://t.co/99lBTV2w92. #PandaStory

— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) August 21, 2020