Listener-supported KSUT delivers NPR News and Music Discovery for the Four Corners, on-air and online, from its studios on Southern Ute lands in Ignacio, Colorado.

KSUT is an independent, non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors and is not a tribally owned station or service.

© 2026 KSUT Public Radio
NPR News and Music Discovery for the Four Corners
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.