National Zoo to debut Bei Bei early for Instagram event

WASHINGTON — The National Zoo is set to debut its new panda cub to the public next month, and it’s selecting several social-media savvy people to get a sneak peek.

The zoo is selecting 25 Instgram users to be some of the first people to see giant panda cub Bei Bei Dec. 19 at the zoo.

Beginning Dec. 1, anyone 13 or older can enter for a chance to attend the “#PandaStory Instameet.” The selected Instragrammers will get a behind-the-scenes experience at the panda habitat, which they are expected to broadcast on the social-media site with #PandaStory.

Applicants for the opportunity must create a 15-second Instagram video to @SmithsonianZoo explaining why they want to be part of the zoo’s Instameet. Videos also can focus on the importance of giant panda conservation.

The video should use #PandaStory and #ZooMeet.

Additionally, applications need to fill out a registration form by Dec. 7. The zoo will notify the winner by Dec. 11.

Bei Bei will go on public exhibit Jan. 16, 2016 at the panda house, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Members of Friends of the National Zoo will be able to see Bei Bei starting Jan. 8, 2016.

Sarah Beth Hensley

Sarah Beth Hensley is the Digital News Director at WTOP. She has worked several different roles since she began with WTOP in 2013 and has contributed to award-winning stories and coverage on the website.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up