This adorable creature's first steps mark a very big step for his species!
The Washington National Zoo unveiled footage from its panda cam of its tiniest resident, Bei Bei, taking his first steps around 4:50 p.m. on November 9th.
Bei Bei is the remaining panda twin from August's much-anticipated births on August 22nd. His name means "precious treasure" in Mandarin Chinese — and just look at him! He's indeed a precious treasure. First Lady Michelle Obama and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan revealed the tiny panda's name back in September.
In this clip he struggles to take his first steps as mom Mei Xiang watches. His steps are a little wobbly, a little unsure, but in no time he'll be running around!
Then, when Bei Bei falls over, his mom scoops him up into a giant bear hug! How adorable are they?
The baby's first steps mark an important milestone for the endangered species. Bei Bei is only one panda and won't bring the species back from the brink, but his survival is important in understanding what makes these babies thrive! The successful births and survival of six panda twins in a breeding and research facility in southwestern China was due to new information on how these animals build their internal defenses early on in life.
Please SHARE if you're rooting for this little guy!
