2023-09-04 Xiao Qi Ji & his Keepers ~ Labor of Love & Laughs
#animalkingdom #nature #kingdomofthepandas #padas #animal
Xiao Qi Ji's "silly bear" antics began around 8:30am this Labor Day. After a quick dip in his outdoor pool, he raced back to the keepers' cage where his keepers were hosing off the floors ... and his reaction to the water was priceless! He enjoyed a shower, greeted Tian Tian at the howdy window, rolled, and ran to a tree only to return to the keepers for more hose fun! (There is a bit of audio in that scene). He returned to the keepers' cage a bit later and you can see a couple of bubbles float over his head. We know he loves his bubbles as he anointed himself on the mesh, rolling around to the delight of his keepers and fans.
Next to claim his attention were the climbing structures as well as his well-loved evergreen, and then back for another quick dip in his pool. Then we see handsome daddy Tian Tian enjoying (?) a snack on his hammock ... honestly not sure what that was. And from yesterday, beautiful momma bear Mei Xiang enjoys a carrot.
Then Qi Ji is back in his pool for a longer dunk and splash bout after which he goes into the Panda House to check on his keepers, seeing if they are finished cleaning and stocking room 3 with fresh bamboo and snacks. Not yet so he does some wall walking and rock climbing before returning outdoors to his pool. The blue "bottle" that first appeared on his birthday makes many appearances in the next few clips as he rolls with it into the pool.
After checking on his keepers and visiting his evergreen, he's back into the pool for a long chew and splash bout with the blue bottle! He then carries it with him, stopping to chew it under the hemlock tree before he takes off to the Panda House where he leaves it on the sidewalk.
Finally Qi Ji has access to room 3 where he enjoyed treats and bamboo before heading outdoors again.
Note from Doxie: I respectively ask that you try to keep your comments positive. Comments pertaining to anything other than the video content will be removed. Also, a reminder that I am not employed by or affiliated with the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping this a place of positivity, celebration and joy!
All video footage recorded from the Smithsonian's National Zoo's Panda Cam public website: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/pa...
#PandaStory #MeiXiang #XiaoQiJinda