There’s a universal truth that both children and animals adore receiving new toys.
It’s a crucial aspect of their development, offering them innovative ways to engage with their environment.
This interaction is not just fun but also instrumental in developing essential life skills.
For one baby panda at the San Diego Zoo, a large green ball has become the center of his universe.
A charming video showcases his delightful antics as he plays with his new favorite toy.
The joy and excitement he exhibits are truly infectious.
Xiao Liwu, the baby panda, was introduced to the green ball during his 18th exam, as mentioned in the video description on YouTube.
“Panda keepers gave the cub the ball to test his coordination and encourage him to play with new objects,” the description explains.
At just a few months old, Xiao Liwu’s fascination with the ball was evident.
The standard procedure during a panda exam involves providing the young pandas with various objects to interact with.
This helps them learn and explore more about their surroundings.
In Xiao Liwu’s case, alongside two balls, he was given some bamboo and a tree limb.
However, it was the new, unfamiliar green ball that captured most of his attention.
At one point, when his caretakers attempted to take the ball away, Xiao Liwu clung to it with determination, refusing to let go.
It was the cutest little display of stubbornness.
Whenever the ball slipped from his grasp, the caretakers would roll it back to him, and he would eagerly grab it again, thoroughly enjoying the game throughout his entire exam.
When it was time for nutritionist Jennifer Parsons to take Xiao’s measurements, she had to cleverly slide the tape measure between him and the ball.
Normally, Xiao would protest during these measurements, but the distraction of his beloved toy made him barely notice what was happening.
For some measurements, Xiao had to be rolled onto his back.
But thanks to the green ball, the vets could complete their checkup with incredible ease.
It turned out that Xiao Liwu was in excellent shape for his age, weighing in at 14.5 pounds and measuring 29 inches from head to tail.
Since the video was originally filmed, Xiao has grown into a big and healthy adult.
While he may not be as adorably tiny as he once was, he remains an amazing animal.
To this day, Xiao continues to live a happy life at the San Diego Zoo.
Watch this adorable moment in the video below!
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