VIDEO: Panda cub Xiao Qi Ji plays before his grand debut as National Zoo reopens

WASHINGTON (7NEWS) — 7News caught up with the pandas at the National Zoo on Thursday morning, the day before the zoo reopens for the first time in 6 months. Friday will be panda cub Xiao Qi Ji's official debut.

Previously,Zoo staff said the cub enjoys climbing evergreens and a ginkgo tree. On Thursday morning, Xiao Qi Ji was seen doing just that and even took a tumble, which you can see in the video above.

Panda cub Xiao Qi Ji was born in August, during the four-month period that the zoo was open between the first and second pandemic lockdowns. But the panda house, and all National Zoo buildings, remained closed to visitors. Therefore, Friday will be the first time that visitors will be able to see him in person.

Visitors can visit Panda cub Xiao Qi Ji and his parentsTian Tian and Mei Xiang at the National Zoo but mustget a free timed Asia Trail/Panda Pass for each person in their party.

MORE |'Like mother, like son': National Zoo panda cub Xiao Qi Ji climbs along with momma bear

Detailed guidance on zoo entry and parking passes is available HERE.