Panda cub Bei Bei recovering from ‘life-saving’ surgery

WASHINGTON — Bei Bei, the Smithsonian National Zoo’s giant panda cub, underwent emergency bowel obstruction surgery this week, zoo officials confirmed.

Veterinarians removed a “dense, lemon-sized mass of bamboo.”

The Smithsonian said in a statement that the “life-saving” surgery was performed Friday.

“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.