Washington: Washingtonians got their first close-up look today at the giant panda cub Bei Bei, the new star of the National Zoo.
Until now, the cub could be viewed only through the so-called Panda Cam, a video hookup that has allowed people to watch the now five-month-old cub since its birth.
A line formed outside the panda enclosure today morning before opening time to get a look at the ball of fur inside its soundproof glass enclosed pen.
Visitors came into the pen in groups of 50 at a time and were allowed about 10 minutes to view the panda, an endangered species. Upon leaving, some got right back in line to see Bei Bei again.
Bei Bei has already been fussed over by two first ladies -- Michelle Obama and her Chinese counterpart Peng Liyuan -- during a state visit to Washington in September.
Bei Bei means precious in Mandarin.
Their parents, Mei Xian and Tian Tian, are on loan from China and will remain in Washington at least until 2020 under a recently renewed agreement. Under that accord, the zoo pays $500,000 a year to support conservation efforts in China.
Until now, the cub could be viewed only through the so-called Panda Cam, a video hookup that has allowed people to watch the now five-month-old cub since its birth.
A line formed outside the panda enclosure today morning before opening time to get a look at the ball of fur inside its soundproof glass enclosed pen.
Visitors came into the pen in groups of 50 at a time and were allowed about 10 minutes to view the panda, an endangered species. Upon leaving, some got right back in line to see Bei Bei again.
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2 years old Watson Grace from Durham, NC chooses one of the Panda hats at a store during Smithsonian's youngest giant panda cub Bei Bei makes public debut at the National Zoo. (AFP Photo)
Bei Bei has already been fussed over by two first ladies -- Michelle Obama and her Chinese counterpart Peng Liyuan -- during a state visit to Washington in September.
Bei Bei means precious in Mandarin.
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Their parents, Mei Xian and Tian Tian, are on loan from China and will remain in Washington at least until 2020 under a recently renewed agreement. Under that accord, the zoo pays $500,000 a year to support conservation efforts in China.
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