Bao Bao had a tryout Monday in front of the media. She spent the morning climbing on rocks and following her mother, Mei Xiang (may-shong), around the indoor exhibit.
Curators say Bao Bao has turned out to be a calm and relaxed panda cub, more subdued than older brother Tai Shan (ty-shawn).
Bao Bao goes on display Jan. 18. Curators say she may be visible inside or outside, depending on the day. Zoo members will have an early preview starting Saturday.
Bao Bao is receiving the best medical care anywhere in the world, according to handlers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC after being born at the facility in August last year.
The panda cub was weighed on Tuesday morning, tipping the scales at just over 1st 2oz (17 pounds).
Panda handlers are currently giving Bao Bao human contact and some tactile stimulation in order for her to get used to encounters with humans.
"Her personality is really laid back. As you can see she doesn't seem to mind the interaction with us," explained biologist Laurie Thompson, from the Giant Panda Programme.
Bao Bao will make her public debut on January 18.
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