
Washingtonians got their first close-up look Saturday at the giant panda cub Bei Bei, the new star of the National Zoo.

Until now, the cub could be viewed only through the so-called Panda Cam, a video hookup that has allowed people to watch the now five-month-old cub since its birth.

A line of visitors formed outside the panda enclosure on Saturday morning before opening time to get a look at the ball of fur inside its soundproof glass enclosed pen.

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Giant panda cub Bei Bei made his public debut at the National Zoo in Washington, DC on Saturday. His official media debut was a month ago

The now five-month-old panda, who was born on August 22, is seen above as he roams around in his soundproof, glass enclosed pin

Visitors came into the pen in groups of 50 at a time and were allowed about 10 minutes to view the panda, an endangered species

Some wore hats, sweaters and gloves with pandas on them.

Visitors came into the pen in groups of 50 at a time and were allowed about 10 minutes to view the panda, an endangered species. Upon leaving, some got right back in line to see Bei Bei again.

His keepers had worked to get him used to people by having zoo employees and reporters stop by to see him. The official media debut was a month ago.

Biologist Laurie Thompson holds Bei Bei as he makes his public debut. Bei Bai was given his name, which means 'precious' or 'treasure', five weeks after his birth by US and Chinese First Ladies Michelle Obama and Peng Liyuan

Thompson places Bei Bei inside his pin as onlookers take snaps on their cell phones of the exciting moment

Like his big sister Bao Bao and their older sibling Tai Shan, Bei Bei will be handed over to China at age four. His twin brother died shortly after birth

The precious cub is seen as he stretches out while laying down after waking up and takes a panda-sized yawn

Bei Bei has already been fussed over by two first ladies - Michelle Obama and her Chinese counterpart Peng Liyuan - during a state visit to Washington in September.

Bei Bei means precious in Mandarin.

Like his big sister Bao Bao and their older sibling Tai Shan, Bei Bei will be handed over to China at age four. (Bei Bei's twin brother died shortly after birth.)

Their parents, Mei Xian and Tian Tian, are on loan from China and will remain in Washington at least until 2020 under a recently renewed agreement.

Under that accord, the zoo pays $500,000 a year to support conservation efforts in China.

Bei Bei, Bao Bao and Tai Shan's parents, Mei Xian and Tian Tian, are on loan from China and will remain in Washington at least until 2020 under a recently renewed agreement

Bei Bei takes a little rest inside the panda enclosure on Saturday as visitors take in views of the cute giant panda cub

Visitors look on at Bei Bei as he plays with a ball inside his pin as he makes his public debut

Visitors wearing panda costumes wave at Bei Bei as Biologist Laurie Thompson holds the youngest giant panda cub

National Zoo visitors take pictures of giant Bei Bei and his mother Mei Xiang, rear, on Saturday