© 2025 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Zoo Staffers Gave Panda Pro-Pregnancy Pep Talks

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Renee Montagne with a story of positive reinforcement. The panda Mei Xiang hadn't given birth in seven years. After five attempts at trying to help her get pregnant, zookeepers were worried. So each of the national zoo's panda keepers gave her a pro-pregnancy pep talk. One told her, quote, "I know you can do this." Not that they're taking credit, but Mei Xiang is again a new mother. And though fragile, the tiny baby panda can be heard squealing loudly. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.