Panda cub makes first public appearance

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTVU and wires) -- The giant panda cub, Bei Bei, made his public debut Saturday at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C..

His long-awaited public appearance drew eager spectators, curious to see him for the first time.

The zoo had set up a panda cam, for people to watch the panda cub online.

Bei Bei and his twin were born to Giant Panda Mei Xang on August 22, but his smaller brother died a few days later.

Bei Bei's sister, Bao Bao, debuted nearly two years ago.

More than 4,000 people showed up to watch her on the first day.

Onlookers were told that the best time to watch Bei Bei, was from noon to 2 p.m., because panda cubs like to sleep for most of the day.

The name, Bei Bei, means precious treasure, and was announced during a news event with First Lady Michelle Obama and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan, when she visited in September.