Adventurous Panda Cub Needs Mom's Help Getting Down From Tree

[news]

Bei Bei is brave, but he is not that brave.

The adorable 5-month-old giant panda cub climbed a tree inside his enclosure at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., on Monday. He made it several feet off the ground, but soon appeared to lose confidence when coming down, and needed a helping hand from his mom Mei Xiang.

The zoo posted footage of the tender moment between the mother and cub on Facebook, and now it's going viral.

The incident was a big moment for little Bei Bei, who ventured outside for the first time last week. Until now, he's been more known for his frequent naps.

Look who's stepping outside! #BeiBei ventured outside for the first time today with Mei Xiang. #WeSaveSpecies

A video posted by Smithsonian's National Zoo (@smithsonianzoo) on Feb 4, 2016 at 11:26am PST

Last month Bei Bei fell asleep during his official public debut. In December, he snoozed through his unveiling to the media. And he hardly kept his eyes open during a medical checkup.

But now he's becoming more active.

Bei Bei's diet is also gradually switching to more solid foods, like bamboo and sweet potatoes, although he'll continue nursing from his mom for the next year.

#BeiBei is eating solids! He will occasionally eat bamboo leaves, and he's developed a taste for sweet potato. Even though he's eating new things, he'll continue to nurse from Mei Xiang for about one more year. #PandaStory #WeSaveSpecies

A video posted by Smithsonian's National Zoo (@smithsonianzoo) on Feb 3, 2016 at 9:49am PST

Born on Aug. 22, Bei Bei lives at the zoo with parents Tian Tian and Mei Xiang and his 2-year-old sister Bao Bao. He's due to head to China when he's 4 years old to begin fathering even more cute panda cubs.

Can't get to Washington D.C. to see Bei Bei? Don't worry, you can still catch up on his antics via the zoo's "Giant Panda cam" here.

 

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