Getty Image
Xiao Qi Ji turned six months old this week and he received a sweet treat to celebrate. The Smithsonian National Zoo’s giant panda cub was born to Mei Xiang in August and his mom, who is 22 years old, set a record of being the second-oldest panda to ever give birth. Her son got a big dollop of applesauce for the first time on Friday and had a tepid reaction. He sniffed the sweet snack and lapped it up at first. A few bites in, he paused to take in the taste and was seemingly unsure. It’s as lovable as it sounds.
Xiao Qi Ji tried sweet potato for the first time earlier this month and he loved it. Maybe applesauce just isn’t his thing! And that’s okay! Xiao Qi Ji can eat whatever Xiao Qi Ji wants. This is his world and we’re just living in it.
Friday was a big day for the youngster. Later in the afternoon, after snacking on some pureed fruit, he climbed up into one of the biggest trees in his home (exhibit) and was unsure about how to get down. Xiao Qi Ji stood scared on the limb before he eventually worked up the confidence to hang down and let go. He landed on his feet and his mom ran over to comfort him. I, for one, am very proud of our courageous king.
Six-month-old panda cub Xiao Qi Ji couldn’t get down from a tree today 🐼
It took him a minute to find the courage to drop, but he stuck the landing! 👏https://t.co/yI1adVIoCj
— BroBible (@BroBible) February 26, 2021
If you want to make sure that Xiao Qi Ji and his zoomates have plenty of applesauce, food and toys, you can donate to the National Zoo here. If you want to keep an eye on what the panda family is up to, you can watch a 24/7 camera feed here— because why would you not ?