Rumors about giant pandas being abused in Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington have been swirling online. In response, scientists from the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province said Mei Xiang's behavior has been misinterpreted by animal rights campaigners.

Earlier in 2017, animal rights activists posted footage claiming Mei Xiang was clawing the wall, in what might be for a reunion with her cub. Scientists said those were normal reactions after she received artificial insemination.

Mei Xiang and its mother. /CGTN Screenshot

Other clips posted online included those claiming her cub was suffering from electric shocks. The scientists explained that the cub was playing with water sprayed by the keepers who were cleaning up, and insisted that there was no electric net installed.

Scientists also rejected claims of the national zoo reducing food supply for Mei Xiang, and explained female giant pandas in heat have no appetite. They also said the one-and-a-half-year old cub is in good health, and is at an appropriate age for it to live apart from its mother.