Bei Bei to appear January in public at Washington’s National Zoo

Pandas

Photo by National Zoo.

Nearly three months after the birth of the little black and white baby, the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. says Bei Bei the panda will make his first public appearance on Jan. 16.

The zoo made the announcement Tuesday on Twitter saying special members will be able to get an early glimpse of the panda on Jan. 8.

Bei Bei was born Aug. 22, with the zoo announcing earlier this month that he had taken his first steps.

The cub is the third surviving offspring for parents Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, who also live at the National Zoo along with their second cub, Bao Bao, who was born in 2013.

Another cub that was also born Aug. 22 died soon after birth. The couple’s first surviving offspring, Tai Shan, lives in China.

On Sept. 25, the giant panda cub received his name, Bei Bei (BAY-BAY), which means 'precious, treasure' and is complementary to his sister's name, Bao Bao. 

As a special honor for the cub, the name was selected by U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, and First Lady of the People's Republic of China Peng Liyuan, together. 

Photo by National Zoo.

On Sept. 25, the giant panda cub received his name, Bei Bei (BAY-BAY), which means “precious, treasure” and is complementary to his sister’s name, Bao Bao. In celebration of the state visit and as a special honor for the cub, the name was selected by First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and First Lady of the People’s Republic of China, Peng Liyuan. Photo by National Zoo.

Story compiled with information by National Zoo and Associated Press