Smithsonian Zoo's baby panda turns 6 weeks old; eyes are beginning to open

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — Well, as of Friday, the baby panda at Smithsonian's National Zoo turned six weeks old, and there have been some exciting developments since last week.

Zoo officials say they were able to retrieve the cub for another quick check-up while mama bear Mei Xiang stepped out of the den.

During this check-up, the Panda Team said that the cub's eyes are beginning to open, and should be fully open in another two weeks.

The cub was reportedly very vocal during the check-up, a far cry from last week when the baby napped through the whole process.

ALSO READ |PANDA ALERT: The cub's iconic black markings are starting to show more!

Zoo officials say the cub weighed in a 3.6 pounds (1.66 kilograms) and measured 14 inches from nose to tail tip, while abdominal girth remained steady at 12.5 inches.

The sex of the cub is still unknown. Last week zoo officials said it could take up to two weeks before the cub's gender is revealed.

To view the 24/7 Panda Cam, click here.