The Smithsonian National Zoo’s veterinarians examined Bao Bao a few days after birth. The Zoo reported the cub weighing about 4.8 ounces and gave the newborn a clean bill of health. Photograph by Courtney Janney | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The National Zoo’s animal caretakers closely monitored Bao Bao and her mother, Mei Xiang. The zoo’s PandaCam allowed viewers to watch the cub and her mother interact while the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat remained closed. Photograph by Smithsonian’s National Zoo
When Mei Xiang took a break from attending to Bao Bao, the National Zoo’s veterinarians took the chance to scoop up the cub and give her a full veterinary exam. The team reported that Bao Bao’s weight doubled since her first check up and her baby panda fuzz was filling in. Photograph by Courtney Janney | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bao Bao went in for her second full veterinary exam toward the end of September 2013. At this point, the cub’s eyes were still closed. Photograph by Abby Wood | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Just a little over a week later, Mei Xiang began to leave the cub alone for longer periods of time, giving Bao Bao the freedom to scoot and roll around in the panda habitat. Photograph by Courtney Janney | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
By November 2013, Bao Bao continued to grow (quickly!) and weighed in well over five pounds. Photograph by Abby Wood | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
On December 1, 2013, Bao Bao was officially given her name. The public voted for the cub’s name during November and chose from five Mandarin Chinese names. Bao Bao means “precious” or “treasure.” Photograph by Abby Wood | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Mei Xiang watches Bao Bao nibble on some delicious bamboo. Photograph by Abby Wood | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
National Zoo keepers decided to introduce the panda cub to snow. On the National Zoo’s Flickr page, they reported that Bao Bao’s reaction to snow was “lukewarm.” Photograph by Smithsonian’s National Zoo
On January 6, 2014, Bao Bao made her first media appearance. Later in January, National Zoo visitors were able to visit Bao Bao and Mei Xiang in their habitat. Photograph by Abby Wood | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Good thing Bao Bao found a new toy to chew on as her sharp panda teeth came in. Photograph by Connor Mallon | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Toward the final days of March, Bao Bao could finally go outside. Photograph by Abby Wood | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bao Bao’s first few days outside consisted of exploration and games of hide-and-seek. Photograph by Abby Wood | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bao Bao also became an avid tree-climber. Photograph by Abby Wood | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
And the panda cub also became a master rock-climber. Photograph by Abby Wood | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bao Bao spending some quality time with Mama Bear. Photograph by Abby Wood | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Lately Bao Bao’s been hanging around, enjoying Washington’s unseasonably lovely weather and snacking the day away. Maybe a panda-friendly birthday cake is her near future? Photograph by Abby Wood | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
