This is the moment a cute panda cub makes its first public appearance at a Dutch zoo, causing great excitement among visitors.
The male panda cub named Fan Xing took his first steps at Ouwehands Zoo in the Dutch city of Rhenen on Thursday 19th November.
In the video shared on social media, the cub is seen taking a few wobbly steps along the wooden trail, before going back to his favourite panda activity – sleeping.
Ouwehands Zoo spokesperson Yvette Rocourt told Newsflash: “His mother’s name is Wu Wen and his father is Xing Ya.
“The parents are both seven years old.”
Zoo owner Marcel Boekhoorn told the news site Gelderlander: “It is the ultimate award, a young panda!”
Head zookeeper Jose Kok said: “Of course it is a fantastic moment for all of us.
“So few people have seen him in person.
“I can imagine some people thinking ‘Does he exist?’
“Now we can finally show it.”
The zoo reopened on Thursday after two weeks of COVID-19 lockdown.
Zoo staff members have also created a system to manage the flow of people in the Pandasia enclosure to prevent a possible influx of visitors eager to see the cub in the coming days.
Young giant panda Fan Xing, sitting outside for the first time 
Young giant panda Fan Xing, lying outside for the first time
The panda is only allowed to stay in the Netherlands for four years before returning to China to further contribute to the species’ international breeding programme.
Giant pandas were listed as endangered in 1990 mostly due to deforestation, depriving them of their bamboo food source.
At present, there are roughly 1,800 giant pandas left in the entire world.
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Story By: Delano Langras, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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