Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda cub now on display

The panda cam may be going away, but fans of Zoo Atlanta giant panda Xi Lan can now see the cub face-to-face.

The city’s newest favorite son is on display for a few hours every day beginning at 10 a.m., said zoo spokeswoman Keisha Hines-Davis. It’s the first time the cub, which was born late this summer, has been before the public.

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Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta’s panda cub, Xi Lan, is still learning to walk.

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“He’s mastering walking and climbing,” Hines-Davis said. “He’s just enjoying exploring.”

The cub is going out with his mother, Lun Lun, in her exhibit. As he gets more sure-footed, Xi Lan will stay out longer.

The zoo announced earlier this month it was discontinuing its popular panda cam at year’s end because of budgetary reasons.

Zoo officials said fans may also stop by to see Yang Yang, Xi Lan’s father, and Mei Lan, the cub’s sister. Both are currently on display.

But the zoo is happy that fans are now getting a chance to view Xi Lan, who first ventured out last weekend.

“We encourage everyone to come and see Xi Lan,” Hines-Davis said.