Tai Shan, the giant panda cub at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, ventured outside for the first time Dec. 22, 2005, under the close eye of his mother, Mei Xiang. National Zoo staff watched closely as the 5-month-old cub explored his outdoor exhibit yard, climbed on fallen trees and wrestled with his mother.
Mei Xiang and Tai Shan
Photo credit: Jessie Cohen, Smithsonian’s National ZooDec. 22, 2005