Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

Video: Zoo Docs Diagnose Baby Panda With 'Acute Cuteness'

Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.

The San Diego Zoo's newest little panda cub has made his debut in the panda habitat, but still needs to be carefully monitored by doctors.

So in this latest video released by the Zoo, Xiao Liwu gets the full workup, when every medical measure and prod basically reads as a tickle and snuggle session for this little fuzzy cutie. The diagnosis, per SD Zoo's YouTube page: "Acute Cuteness." We concur.

The cub, who we've seen get a little tickled during an earlier exam, is the sixth panda born at the San Diego Zoo and the third male. He was born July 29 to giant panda momma Bai Yun. The birth was a milestone, breaking the record for the most giant panda cubs born at a breeding facility outside of China.

Last fall, we got to see the baby panda make some early attempts at first steps and, just a couple of weeks later, show that he's almost ready to walk. In December, we got to see Xiao Liwu playing with a ball.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible year-end gift today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right