National Zoo: Panda Cub Goes Outside For First Time

WASHINGTON (AP) -- National Zoo giant panda cub Bao Bao has ventured outside for the first time.

The zoo says Bao Bao spent about two hours outside Tuesday with mother Mei Xiang. The zoo says Bao Bao tried out her climbing skills on one of the smaller trees and sat on the grass with a piece of bamboo.

Zookeepers had said Monday that Bao Bao would have the option of going outside if the temperature was at least 35 degrees and it wasn't not raining or snowing.

Animal keepers "cub-proofed" the panda yards before allowing Bao Bao outside. They placed collars on trees to prevent Bao Bao from climbing too high. Some tree limbs have been trimmed, and the keepers spread out bales of hay to cushion any falls.