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NBC Washington
Bao Bao Back
With Mom After Scary 24 Hours in a Tree
Thursday, Dec 25, 2014
Good news from the National Zoo: After more than 24 hours in a tree
following a fright, giant panda cub Bao Bao has rejoined her mom.
The National Zoo's panda cub came down from a tree late Christmas Eve
after spending Tuesday night and much of Wednesday there. Bao Bao was
spooked after apparently touching a "hot wire" in her enclosure and
getting scared, according to the Zoo.
"Staff determined that Bao Bao touched a 'hot wire' in her yard
yesterday afternoon," said a Facebook post by the zoo Wednesday. The
hot wires are not dangerous, but are part of a safe warning system used
by the zoo to keep animals contained.
Sixteen-month-old Bao Bao remained in the tree overnight, and wasn't
deterred by the rain that steadily through much of Wednesday.
"Her reaction was to climb up a tree where she feels safe," the zoo
said. "This behavior is predictable. Bao Bao is perfectly fine and like
all Zoo animals, she is still learning the boundaries of her habitat."
Zookeepers said the tree is among her favorites and is a comfortable
place for her.
Bao Bao's doting mom, Mei Xiang, also spent the night outdoors, waiting
underneath the tree and keeping watch. Keepers said she was a little
concerned.
"A keeper stayed overnight in the panda house just in case they decided
to come inside," the zoo said on Wednesday, before the cub climbed down
the tree. "The staff are adjusting the pandas' routine today and are
confident that Bao Bao will come down when she is ready."
The Zoo is closed on Christmas Day, so visitors will have to wait
another day to see Bao Bao back with Mei Xiang.
"I hope she does" come down for Christmas, said a zoo visitor. "She
should be with her mom and dad inside."
Read this article with links and video at NBC Washington
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