Time to name the baby panda

The public will get the opportunity to recommend a name for the San Diego Zoo’s 2-month-old giant panda cub starting this weekend, it was announced Tuesday.

Visitors to the zoo are being asked drop off suggested names at the Giant Panda Research Station between Saturday and Oct. 19. The names must be in Chinese, have an English translation and be symbolic in meaning.

After the 10-day period, the zoo’s panda keepers, veterinarians and scientists will choose from several of the recommended names to be voted on by the public at www.sandiegozoo.org and on its Facebook page.

The name that receives the most votes will be announced at a ceremony on Nov. 17.

In accordance with Chinese tradition, giant panda cubs are not named until they are 100 days old. The 7-pound, unnamed male cub was born at the San Diego Zoo Aug. 5.

The cub was 18-year-old Bai Yun’s fifth.