Giant panda could give birth to cub in days

A giant panda at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington may be about to give birth, according to veterinarians.

Vets conducted an ultrasound on the panda, Mei Xiang (may-SHONG), and detected tissue consistent with fetal development .

They say the 22-year-old panda could give birth with the next few days, after imaging revealed what appeared to be a fetus.

Mei Xiang, a resident giant panda at the zoo, has had a team of experts supporting her since she was given artificial insemination in March.

The giant panda has already had three surviving cubs: Tai Shan (tie-SHON), Bao Bao (BOW BOW) and Bei Bei (BAY BAY).

(Representative Image)