Washington ? Free, timed-entry tickets to see the National Zoo’s giant panda cub next month will be available today, starting at 9 a.m., on the zoo’s Web site.

The cub, Tai Shan, born July 9, will go on limited public view beginning Dec. 8. Those with tickets will be admitted to the Panda House at 10-minute intervals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The tickets, issued on a first-come, first-served basis, will initially be available through Dec. 31.

The Web site address to obtain tickets is www.fonz.org/ pandaticket.htm. The site offers detailed instructions for how to reserve and print tickets.

The zoo said a “very limited” number of same-day tickets will be issued.

“Live animals are unpredictable,” a zoo statement cautioned. “The National Zoo cannot guarantee the giant panda cub will be visible during all of the 10-minute public viewing intervals.”