A giant panda born in the US National Zoo in Washington DC has fast become a favorite with visitors. The male cub, named Tai Shan, made his public debut on Thursday.

Since his birth in July, he has been viewed online more than seven million times on a "panda cam" set up in his climate-controlled pavilion.

While Tai Shan has already made appearances for zoo benefactors and media representatives, Thursday was the first time members of the public were able to view the cuddly creature.

The zoo expects about 40,000 people to visit the cub by the beginning of next year.

Tai Shan, whose name means "peaceful mountain" in Chinese, will be sent back to China when he turns two years old. His parents are on a ten-year loan from China.