Zoo vets think mom of giant panda Bao Bao is pregnant again

WASHINGTON (AP) — Officials at Washington's National Zoo say they believe the mother of nearly 2-year-old giant panda Bao Bao is pregnant again.

The zoo said veterinarians performing an ultrasound Wednesday on panda Mei Xiang detected what they believe is a developing panda fetus. The zoo says that based on the size of the fetus, veterinarians think Mei Xiang could give birth early next week or possibly in early September. But the zoo says there is a substantial possibility that Mei Xiang could miscarry or not give birth.

Though Mei Xiang has given birth to cubs in the past, the zoo says historically she has refused to participate in ultrasounds at this stage.

Mei Xiang's first surviving cub, Tai Shan, was born in 2005. Bao Bao, her second, turns 2 on Sunday.