VIDEO: Panda Cub Bei Bei Makes Media Debut

The National Zoo’s Giant Panda cub Bei Bei, born Aug. 22, made his media debut this week, a month before he’ll meet the public.

Zoo officials weighed Bei Bei by placing him in a basket — he now weighs a healthy 17.5 pounds. He took his first steps before sister Bao Bao, although he’s not fully walking yet, they said.

He will continue to nurse for about another year, zoo officials said; he’s teething now and will soon start eating solid food like bamboo leaves.

Bei Bei will make his public debut on Jan. 16. Members of Friends of the National Zoo will be able to see him on exhibit starting Jan. 8, 2016. Can’t wait? See Bei Bei on the National Zoo’s “Pandacam” here. Get updates and connect with Zoo fans on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — just search for #PandaStory.

Watch video of Bei Bei and Zoo biologist Laurie Thompson discussing his progress below.

Also read:

• VIDEO: Panda Cub Bei Bei — Look How Much He’s Grown
• WATCH: Panda Cub Bei Bie’s First Steps...And a Hug from Mom
• VIDEO: Panda Cub Bei Bei: See How Much He’s Grown!
• Giant Panda Cub Bei Bei Marks Big Milestone
• Cuteness Alert: Watch Giant Panda Cub Bei Bei Sneeze
• Date Set for Bei Bei to Make Public Debut
• Surviving Panda Cub Thriving, Zoo Says
• Panda Mom Rejecting Smaller of Twin Cubs
• National Zoo’s Giant Panda Gives Birth to Two Cubs

Watch National Zoo video of Bei Bei below: