National Zoo's Panda House Reopens After Bei Bei's Emergency Surgery Scare

WASHINGTON, DC — Bei Bei has survived a brief medical scare and the panda house is back on display at the National Zoo, the Smithsonian said today on the zoo's Facebook page.

Visitors can see Bei Bei in the panda house between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

"His recovery is continuing to go well, and thank you to everyone who sent well wishes!" the zoo said.

Bei Bei required emergency bowel obstruction surgery to remove a lemon-sized mass of bamboo the day after Thanksgiving last month. He started showing signs of stomach discomfort and nausea, prompting keepers to get him checked out and subsequently rushed him into a surgery. Fortunately, he is recovering nicely.

Zookeepers will have Bei Bei slowly ease back into a diet of bamboo, starting with water and transitioning to soft foods like pears and sweet potatoes.

“I’m extremely proud and thankful for our team of keepers, veterinarians, animal care staff, volunteer medical experts and all staff who have helped facilitate the urgent response,” Director Dennis Kelly said in a statement. “Bei Bei’s prognosis is very good. The challenge will be for our team to monitor him safely and that requires his cooperation. We will keep everyone up to speed as he recovers.”

Image via Smithsonian