Giant panda Update Apr 1, 2014

It was an exciting day at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat! Bao Bao made her first excursion outside with Mei Xiang. Keepers said at first she was a little hesitant, but after a little reassurance from mom she wandered into the outdoor yard.

Once outside Bao Bao was busy exploring, but she never strayed far from Mei Xiang's side. While Mei munched on bamboo Bao Bao tested out her climbing skills on one of the smaller trees. She even took a cue from Mei and sat down in the grass with a piece of bamboo mimicking her mom eating. After about two hours Bao Bao went back inside and slept for a few hours.

Visitors to the panda habitat may be able to see Bao Bao outside in the morning around 8 a.m. Keepers will give her and Mei Xiang access outside each morning, but it will be Bao Bao's choice to go outside.

You can see photos of Bao Bao's first day outside on the Zoo's Flickr page and a short video on YouTube.