Panda Cub Bao Bao Shown to Public starting Saturday – Huge Panda Fans can Buy a Silver Coin featuring Mei Xiang and Tian Tian

Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.

From the National Zoo:

“Bao Bao is proving to be most active in the early mornings and in the mid afteroon. Today she and Mei Xiang enjoyed an extended play session inside the panda house. Bao Bao pounced on Mei’s head several times and even wresteled with a stalk of bamboo. All the excitement wore her out, and she was sound asleep in the den about an hour later.

Bao Bao’s debut for the general public is Saturday, Jan. 18. The panda house will extend its hours in an attempt to accommodate the visitors expected to come see Bao Bao. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Jan. 18 through Jan. 20, and visitors will be allowed into the house in small groups to avoid overcrowding on a first-come, first-served basis. Bao Bao and Mei Xiang will have access to the den during those times, and may choose to spend time in it instead of on exhibit. Beginning Jan. 21 the panda house will open to FONZ members only from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. At 10 a.m. the panda house will open to the general public.”

And if you’re a really big fan – 2014 1-OZ SILVER SMITHSONIAN PANDA COIN NGC PF69 PROOF:

“$159.00
Four decades ago, the first giant pandas came from China to the Smithsonian Institution® National Zoo. Now, to honor the anniversary, the Smithsonian Institution has released the first-ever 2014 Smithsonian Panda Silver Proof. Each is struck in one ounce of 99.9% silver and features Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. The obverse of the massive proof shows the Great Wall of China and the Smithsonian Castle in Washington. These first-ever Smithsonian Silver Pandas are only available here. Each is certified in Proof-69 (PF69) condition by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Hurry to secure yours before they’re gone!”