Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Earlier this spring, giant panda Qing Bao experienced her first estrus cycle—the very short window when female giant pandas are able to conceive a cub. She and male Bao Li didn’t breed this year, but changes in Qing Bao’s behavior and hormones indicate she’s going through pseudopregnancy—the phenomenon where a female panda behaves as if she is pregnant, even though she isn't. Read the full #DCPandas update from keeper Mariel Lally. STORY: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/dcpandas-preparing-pseudopregnancy.
Earlier this spring, giant panda Qing Bao experienced her first estrus cycle—the very short window when female giant pandas are able to conceive a cub. She and male Bao Li didn’t breed this year, but changes in Qing Bao’s behavior and hormones indicate she’s going through pseudopregnancy—the phenomenon where a female panda behaves as if she is pregnant, even though she isn't. Read the full #DCPandas update from keeper Mariel Lally. STORY: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/dcpandas-preparing-pseudopregnancy.
