Checking out San Diego Zoo’s newest baby panda

Xiao Liwu tries to munch on a piece of apple as his head is measured during a weekly checkup at the San Diego Zoo. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Jan. 15, 2013 7:34 PM PT

Xiao Liwu, a 5 1/2-month-old male panda, gets weekly checkups at the San Diego Zoo. Xiao Liwu was born at the zoo and has been on display for a limited number of hours since last week.

Dr. Meg Sutherland-Smith, right, associate director of veterinary services at the San Diego Zoo, checks Xiao Liwu’s heart rate. Panda keeper Liz Simmons, left, helps Xiao Liwu with his binky. The healthy panda was born at the zoo and has been on public display for a limited number of hours since last week. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Associate nutritionist Jennifer Parsons checks out Xiao Liwu at the San Diego Zoo. Panda keeper Jen Chapman, right, records statistics such as the animal’s head, paw and back size. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)