There’s nothing more incredible than the miracle of birth, which takes place every day, in all corners of the world. However, the process of labor and delivery isn’t always an easy feat – even in the animal kingdom.
A giant panda bear named Min Min was pregnant and set to give birth at her sanctuary home in China. When she finally went into labor, caretakers brought her into a room and a camera began recording. But as time went on it became clear there might be a serious problem…
Anyone who’s given birth knows that labor can be difficult and painful. For Min Min, it was apparent she was greatly struggling through hers.
The video below is a clip from BBC Earth’s Panda Babies, and it captures what took place behind the scenes at the sanctuary. In the footage, panda Min Min can be seen lying on the ground looking uncomfortable and in pain.
Min Min had been in labor for three long days, which caused caretakers to become worrisome. It meant there was a possibility her baby was stillborn.
But much to everyone’s surprise, the panda bear continued to struggle through it all. According to the BBC Earth narrator, “to survive a three-day labor is unheard of here…”
There was a ray of hope when Min Min began to show signs she was finally ready to give birth.
A surveillance camera recorded the giant panda on her back in the final stage of welcoming her baby into the world. Yet, when she shifts around – that’s when another miracle occurs.
Min Min’s newborn daughter falls to the ground thrashing and making loud sounds. Not only is she alive, but she’s also actually quite a large newborn too.
Pandas are born blind, hairless and according to WWF, typically weigh between 90-130 grams. Min Min’s baby was almost 7.5 ounces, meaning she was nearly double the size of an average newborn cub.
Because Min Min’s baby was so large explains why the labor was extra difficult and lengthy.
In the video, the new mama beautifully holds her daughter tight. After all the agony she went through it’s a precious moment that warms your heart.
Interestingly enough, newborn pandas are extremely small in comparison to the size of their mothers.
The BBC narrator explains:
“Except for a marsupial like a kangaroo, giant pandas give birth to the smallest mammal babies relative to mother’s size.”
WWF reported on their website that a new panda is approximately 1/900th of the size of the mom. Also, it’s dependent for the first several months and is typically weaned by eight-nine months.
Nature is full of beauty, with the miracle of birth being nothing less than extraordinary. Min Min’s experience has been viewed more than 6.5 million times on YouTube.
AL T. commented on how emotional it was to watch.
“This was so moving it made me cry from shear joy when she took the baby in her arms. Thank you for sharing”
Christina G. wrote:
“Poor mama! you can tell she was in pain. I’m just glad everything went well. and once her baby was born she did the skin to skin moment and didn’t let her baby go.”
Watch the video below to see Min Min the giant panda incredibly give birth for yourself.
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