"Just the two of us": loving panda mom Shin Shin takes good care of her new baby, first panda cub born in Japan in 24 years

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Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo released photographs of its newborn giant panda on July 6, showing its mother breastfeeding the tiny cub.

Born to 7-year-old Shin Shin on July 5, the panda--a male--is the first born at the zoo in Taito Ward as a result of natural breeding. “Even though she is a new mother, Shin Shin takes very good care of her cub,” said Yutaka Fukuda, deputy director of the zoo. “I'm sure she will be a good mother.”

Zoo officials estimate the baby panda is about 15 centimeters long and weighs 150 grams. Its body is lightly covered with white fur, they said. Its sex was confirmed on July 7. Zoo officials said it will take about three weeks until the familiar black and white giant panda pattern begins to emerge on the cub's fur.

Shin Shin has been taking care of the cub since she gave birth to it, without eating or drinking water. She has been observed breastfeeding her baby about every 15 minutes in response to the cub's cries, the officials said.

The yet-to-be-named baby is the fourth giant panda born at the zoo, and the first in 24 years.

Love and care... "Just the two of us": The cub is the first to be born in Japan in 24 years and will not be displayed to the public for six months

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Photos courtesy Shizuo Kambayashi / Associated Press, Franck Robichon / European Pressphoto Agency, Issei Kato / Reuters, Chen Fei / Xinhua / Associated Press, Ueno Zoological Gardens and Tokyo Zoological Park Society