SAN DIEGO -- Gao Gao, the San Diego Zoo's newest resident giant panda, met the press Tuesday in advance of his public debut later this week, 10News reported.

Gao Gao (pictured, left) arrived in San Diego Jan. 15 and emerged from a six-week quarantine period on Feb. 27, when he was introduced to his new digs at the Giant Panda Research Station.

Gao Gao, 11, is expected to go on public display on Thursday.

"He is doing really well. He is very adaptable. However, he's still learning how to get to point A to point B," panda team leader Dr. Don Lindburg said.

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Part of the zoo's 12-year research loan agreement with China, Gao Gao joins adult female Bai Yun and her 3-year-old offspring Hua Mei.

Shi Shi, Hua Mei's father, was returned to China just before Gao Gao arrived.

The zoo has high hopes that Gao Gao will mate with Bai Yun, something Shi Shi never showed an interest in. Hua Mei was a product of artificial insemination.

"We are hoping he is a bit more interested in the opposite sex," Lindburg said.

Hua Mei is expected to be returned to China any time now, as any offspring produced at the zoo belong to that country and are subject to return after their third birthday.