The San Diego Zoo's male giant panda cub took his first steps during an exam last week.
VETERINARIANS at the Zoo described the cub's movements as more like a waddle as he moved around.
Vets think it will be another week or so before the cub has full use of his front and hind legs.
Just a day earlier, the animal care staff saw Bai Yun, the cub's mother, taking the youngster outside the birthing den. For the first time, Bai Yun and the unnamed male cub went into the Zoo's classroom exhibit, which is closed for public viewing.
Aside from being mobile and getting a breath of fresh air, the cub's right and left lower canines have erupted through its gums. The 98-day-old cub continues to develop well, nursing from mom and getting plenty of rest. The cub currently weighs 11.4 pounds.
The San Diego Zoo is home to four giant pandas, the largest giant panda captive population in the United States. Guests may see Bai Yun and her cub on the Zoo's Web site via the Panda Cam at www.sandiegozoo.org.
Guests visiting the Zoo can see the cub's dad, Gao Gao, and his half-sister, Hua Mei, on exhibit at the SBC Giant Panda Research Station. Giant Panda viewing times are from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
