Clinically Cute Cub

	actual scientific reading

Explicit warning to all who enter the realm of PandaCam or dare to taunt fate by taking a peek at the Cub Photo Gallery: Zoo Atlanta is not responsible for lost or stolen hearts. The little guy might look innocent enough, but don’t be fooled. He’s dangerously, clinically cute, capable of shameless and unapologetic larceny of web users’ slavish devotion.

Just six weeks ago, his mother was a solitary giant panda, rounding out the final days of a highly anticipated pregnancy. No one can know for sure if Lun Lun knew that she would soon be joined by another – one who is still too little to be called a sidekick, and too chubby to be called a shadow. The cub, believed to have weighed around 125 grams at birth, has gained over 1,400 grams since August 30, and on October 9, weighed almost 3.5 pounds.

While he needs only to squawk to have his mother instantly at his beck and call, the robust youngster is well on his way to discovering his small world for himself. He has mastered turning over, seems determined to strengthen the neck muscles that support his tiny head, and earlier this week, peeped slyly from a slit of a newly-opening eye.

But these are just the early milestones of a 1-month-old. Members and guests who watched his big sister Mei Lan grow up know that there are many, many more moments in store: first baby teeth; first steps; first climb and tumble; first tentative encounter with the great outdoors.

Also in store for the black-and-white charmer: his name. The cub will be named on December 8 in keeping with the Chinese tradition of the 100 Day Naming Ceremony. Zoo Atlanta will announce plans for a naming contest for the cub in coming weeks. As with Mei Lan, the cub’s fans will be strongly encouraged to devote the best of their brainstorms to naming the only giant panda born in the U.S. in 2008.

Until then, Members, guests and devotees, stay tuned … and watch at your own risk.

Keep up with daily reports on the heartbreaker’s progress on the Cub Updates page.

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