National Zoo Offers Chance to Meet Bei Bei Early With Instagram Competition

Bei Bei, won’t you come my way? The National Zoo’s giant panda cub, Bei Bei, is set to make his public debut next month, but Tuesday the zoo announced 25 lucky Instagrammers will get a sneak peek of the cub Dec. 19.

Anyone 13 or older is invited to enter the National Zoo’s competition from Dec. 1 to Dec. 7, for a chance to attend "#PandaStory Instameet" at the David M. Rubenstein Giant Panda Habitat.

Applicants can submit a 15 second video explaining why they want to participate in the National Zoo’s Instameet and are encouraged to discuss why they believe the conservation of giant pandas is important.

Winners will be invited to a behind-the-scenes experience at the panda habitat where keepers will be on hand to answer questions about Bei Bei and the Zoo's efforts to save giant pandas. Attendees are encouraged to share the experience on social media by using the hashtag #PandaStory.

Videos should be submitted via direct message to @SmithsonianZoo and applicants need to fill out a registration form by Dec. 7. The winners will be selected by Dec. 11.

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