Yesterday, February 2, 2009, marked the first day we closed the doors between giant panda Bai Yun and her fourth cub, Zhen Zhen. From 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the two were separated, each to their own exhibit. This is the first step of a gradual progression toward the weaning of Zhen, facilitating her social and nutritional independence from her mother.
The previous week of acclimation to the new exhibit space, formerly occupied by a rotation of either Gao Gao or Su Lin, went very well. Zhen took to the space with her usual exhuberance. No nook or cranny was left unexplored, no tree unclimbed. As expected, she enjoyed the new surroundings and spent a lot of time in the area resting and playing, with and without her mother.
Yesterday, she did notice that the door was closed. She checked the separation door and the door to her bedroom area a few times, as if to confirm that she wasn’t able to go through. Keepers report she did not appear anxious, but motored about her exhibit a bit, playing occasionally, before settling into a nap. Since nursing sessions with a cub of this age generally occur at about one bout per 24 hours, there isn’t much nutritional impact of these separations from Zhen Zhen’s perspective. The social separation is also not unusual, given that Zhen often removes herself from mom’s grasp by climbing high to rest for several hours. As a result, we didn’t anticipate this first step would be a difficult one for either bear.
For her part, Bai Yun noticed the closed door as well. However, within a few short minutes she returned to doing what she is ready to do now full-time: taking care of Bai Yun.
We will continue to hold at this step for several days until we are sure that both bears are appropriately adjusted.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for the San Diego Zoo.
It doesn’t matter how many times I go through the weaning “phase” – it still brings tears to my eyes reading about the progress. My head knows it’s a natural phase, my heart can’t quite catch up.
I am curious, now little ZZ is about to occupy her own space, do you have more for Big Sister and Daddy? I know Mom will have her own space back. I was not sure how many places you had in the Panda area.
Little ZZ seems to be really enjoying herself, what a little cutie.
Thanks for keeping us up to date, I just love all the Pandas.
Moderator’s note: We have four exhibit spaces, but usually just two are open for public viewing.
I am aware of this is going to happen, and it’s the right thing to do. Still I can’t help but feeling bad…
If only ZZ could know how many cheerleaders she has, she’d definitely feel better if she ever felt a twinge of loneliness or fear in the next week or two. The silly part of me wonders if she’ll be thinking “I miss mama’s big beautiful soft ears” because that’s what I love best about Bai. She has the best panda ears.
Somehow, I think the transition for Zhen Zhen is going to be quite easy. She’s a confident little girl and knows what she wants in life. Bai is no doubt very pleased to have a bit of ‘me-time’ and has booked an appointment for a massage and facial.
Suzanne, has ZZ noticed that she has access to her own big pile of bamboo when the door between the two exhibits is closed? I wonder how long it will take her to realize that she doesn’t have to compete with mom Bai to get plenty to eat. Bai already knows this and is taking advantage of the cubless environment to eat and sleep in peace. My guess is that watching a cub’s reaction and realization that they can eat all they want whenever they want is one of the clues that it is safe to move on to the next step? Am I on the right track? Eating seems to be one of the obvious indicators of low stress, whereas not eating seems to be an indicator of stress.
I sure hope Bai and ZZ does well, unlike most of the rest of us. That is the cutest picture of Zhen Zhen in the tree with her fluzzy baby fur. I just love her to pieces.
P.S. Do Bai Yun or Gao Gao ever approach the keepers for body rubs/scratches like the cubs do? I remember Mei Sheng especially enjoying having keepers scratch him, even after his long trip to China in 2007. That seemed to be one of his stress reducers and ways for him to get the interaction and touch reinforcement he needed.
#5 Susan…I think I heard that Bai is getting her footies attended to at the Paw Spa.
It sounds like Bai and Zhen did well on their first day’s separation. I feel relieved.
I just got a rare treat for me. I was able to watch 3 pandas, in 3 different life-stages eating bamboo on one screen. I had Tian representing the adult-very-experienced-bamboo eater, Tai Shan as the 3-1/2 year old (kind of a between stager), and Zhen as the “weaning process” bamboo eater. I enjoyed it and noticed that there was a small difference in expertise. Zhen was doing well but sometimes she looked like she was working on controling the leaves-going-into-her-mouth process. Tian, as the seasoned professional, was able to fit many more leaves into his mouth at once. Then, all 3 tried to break a big stalk to get to the culm. Tian had a huge diameter to break and did it with ease. Tai Shan just so happened to have a smaller stalk and he did it without any problems. Zhen had a small stalk and was not able to break it so she just moved up the branch and took the leaves from another section of it. I enjoyed watching them showcase the progression of panda bamboo eating prowess. Then, one at a time, they moved out of pandaCam range and I went to check out the blogs.
Thanks for the info about the weaning. It makes me feel so much better that you are sharing and doing what you can to ease the separation anxiety of all us pandaFANatics here. I KNOW you are doing all that you can to minimize the stress of the pandas, but it is nice that you also realize we need nurturing at this time as well.
Love, Joy
It sounds like Bai and Zhen did well on their first day’s separation. I feel relieved.
I just got a rare treat for me. I was able to watch 3 pandas, in 3 different life-stages eating bamboo on one screen. I had Tian representing the adult-very-experienced-bamboo eater, Tai Shan as the 3-1/2 year old (kind of a between stager), and Zhen as the “weaning process” bamboo eater. I enjoyed it and noticed that there was a small difference in expertise. Zhen was doing well but sometimes she looked like she was working on controling the leaves-going-into-her-mouth process. Tian, as the seasoned professional, was able to fit many more leaves into his mouth at once. Then, all 3 tried to break a big stalk to get to the culm. Tian had a huge diameter to break and did it with ease. Tai Shan just so happened to have a smaller stalk and he did it without any problems. Zhen had a small stalk and was not able to break it so she just moved up the branch and took the leaves from another section of it. I enjoyed watching them showcase the progression of panda bamboo eating prowess. Then, one at a time, they moved out of pandaCam range and I went to check out the blogs.
Thanks for the info about the weaning. It makes me feel so much better that you are sharing and doing what you can to ease the separation anxiety of all us pandaFANatics here. I KNOW you are doing all that you can to minimize the stress of the pandas, but it is nice that you also realize we need nurturing at this time as well.
Love, Joy
It sounds like Bai and Zhen did well on their first day’s separation. I feel relieved.
I just got a rare treat for me. I was able to watch 3 pandas, in 3 different life-stages eating bamboo on one screen. I had Tian representing the adult-very-experienced-bamboo eater, Tai Shan as the 3-1/2 year old (kind of a between stager), and Zhen as the “weaning process” bamboo eater. I enjoyed it and noticed that there was a small difference in expertise. Zhen was doing well but sometimes she looked like she was working on controling the leaves-going-into-her-mouth process. Tian, as the seasoned professional, was able to fit many more leaves into his mouth at once. Then, all 3 tried to break a big stalk to get to the culm. Tian had a huge diameter to break and did it with ease. Tai Shan just so happened to have a smaller stalk and he did it without any problems. Zhen had a small stalk and was not able to break it so she just moved up the branch and took the leaves from another section of it. I enjoyed watching them showcase the progression of panda bamboo eating prowess. Then, one at a time, they moved out of pandaCam range and I went to check out the blogs.
Thanks for the info about the weaning. It makes me feel so much better that you are sharing and doing what you can to ease the separation anxiety of all us pandaFANatics here. I KNOW you are doing all that you can to minimize the stress of the pandas, but it is nice that you also realize we need nurturing at this time as well.
Love, Joy
It sounds like Bai and Zhen did well on their first day’s separation. I feel relieved.
I just got a rare treat for me. I was able to watch 3 pandas, in 3 different life-stages eating bamboo on one screen. I had Tian representing the adult-very-experienced-bamboo eater, Tai Shan as the 3-1/2 year old (kind of a between stager), and Zhen as the “weaning process” bamboo eater. I enjoyed it and noticed that there was a small difference in expertise. Zhen was doing well but sometimes she looked like she was working on controling the leaves-going-into-her-mouth process. Tian, as the seasoned professional, was able to fit many more leaves into his mouth at once. Then, all 3 tried to break a big stalk to get to the culm. Tian had a huge diameter to break and did it with ease. Tai Shan just so happened to have a smaller stalk and he did it without any problems. Zhen had a small stalk and was not able to break it so she just moved up the branch and took the leaves from another section of it. I enjoyed watching them showcase the progression of panda bamboo eating prowess. Then, one at a time, they moved out of pandaCam range and I went to check out the blogs.
Thanks for the info about the weaning. It makes me feel so much better that you are sharing and doing what you can to ease the separation anxiety of all us pandaFANatics here. I KNOW you are doing all that you can to minimize the stress of the pandas, but it is nice that you also realize we need nurturing at this time as well.
Love, Joy
I don’t understand the seperation, I see the Panda’s in China are together. My niece had the privledge
of being in China and got to visit Wolong. She was even able to hold one of the babies. They took several
pictures and there was always more than 1 panda in the shots !!
just got a chance to peek in on the pandas, Bai and Zhen are sitting side by side sharing Bamboo, only it’s started to look one sided sharing with Zhen taking the most. Just knowing that the time is near for them to part makes it a little harder when you see pictures like this, but as much as the heart says one thing the mind says another. Zhen seems not to mind much and seems at ease, Bai has raised 4 different babies, just like they say no two are alike. Thanks to all the staff and keepers for keeping us so well informed.
ZZ is quit the little lady. She’ll do just fine, I’m sure. She has so many people around the world you love her but most importantly, her SDZ staff. Thank you, SDZ, again for EVERYTHING. Especially keeping us informed.
The girls are sitting side by side right now eating their boo. I will miss seeing Mommy and ZZ backsides next to each other. It’s hard for US to believe that pandas are solitary animals. If we could accept that fact, this transition would be a lot easier on us.
I was just watching mother and daugther bamboo fest going on. Sure going to miss their side by side eating contests and sometime a battle over who going to get the best stalks. They always made me smile and my day better. It’s sad we have also lost the AZ webcam with baby Xi and mom Lun it would have full in our momma and baby watching we hunger for.
#10 Joy…When I was watching ZZ eating at her pile of bamboo, I was thinking some of the same things. The adult panda “pros” seem to be so precise and neat when they add leaves to their mouths, keeping the stems of the leaves in almost perfect alignment while ZZ’s bamboo leaves look a little haphazard hanging out of her mouth. ZZ also isn’t as fast but she will get the hang of it. I once saw that the keepers at the Memphis Zoo refer to Le Le as “The Mulcher” because he really goes through the bamboo. I think Tian would give him a run for his money, and Gao Gao, while more gentlemanly and thougtful when he eats, could definitely show a young panda a thing or two about bamboo endurance eating. He seems like a very patient bear.
To All
Our first stop found both bears sleeping. We went back about 11:40AM and found Bai awake and moving around…yes, she was quite aware of the cracking sound created when the staff prepares hert ‘lunch’. Hip Hip Hooray!! Zhen woke up while we were there!!! She sat up in her tree…back facing her fans! Eventually she moved! Then she decided to come down from her perch and wander over to her water drinker, stop by at the door to the dens to sit and chat with an unseen keeper 
We then got to watch her find her pile of bamboo and as she leaned against a large log, she began to eat her lunch….or perhaps leftover breakfast. She seems quite content to have ‘her own room’. Also, today the orangutans and the gorillas were putting on great shows for visitors! I can’t say enough about how grand the SDZ is!!!
We went down to the SDZ again this morning and I can say without a doubt that Zhen Zhen and Bai Yun are both really enjoying their independence in progress
After watching the 1st 3 pandas at SDZ, Tai Shan (NZP) & Mei Lan (ZA) all go thru this weaning process, I can honestly say that this is the 1st time it has not ripped me up inside. The zoos are so expert in how they handle these precious creatures and watch for any sign of stress. I know this is a natural step and it is the proper time. I know when they door is permanently shut I’ll still shed my tears but it will quickly pass.
Before we know it, it will be time for another spring mating season! By that time we may also be watching exciting news with Mei Xiang and Ya Ya and their potential cubs! This could be a VERY exciting year for our US pandas!!!
NEVER a dull moment!!!!
#11 (lin): The Chinese separate cubs from their mothers when they are 6 months old so the mothers can have cubs every year. The Chinese put the cubs together so they can get the socialization they miss from not being with their mothers longer. The American zoos have opted to let cubs stay with their mothers for 18 months, which is a year longer than the Chinese do.
Hi Suzanne, – Today, February 3rd, I could not stop thinking about Zhen Zhen. So I decided to go the San Diego Zoo to visit Zhen and Bai Yun and see how things are going. We arrived at the exhibit at 1:10 P.M. When we entered the Panda Exhibit, we saw Zhen Zhen . She was sitting on a log in (C2) right hand exhibit eating bamboo. I could not believe my eyes! The doors were open between exhibits and I began wondering – is this Zhen or is it Bai? – my goodness it’s Zhen. I walked down to the next exhibit (C4) and there was Bai Yun , happy as a clam, also busy eating bamboo. I walked over to the panda narrator, Kay, – a very knowledgeable and wonderful lady who knows about all things panda. I said, “I don’t believe it! The doors are open and Zhen is very happy sitting alone and enjoying her stash of bamboo”. Kay said that Zhen is doing extremely well. She said you don’t have to worry about Zhen Zhen. The panda keepers are doing an excellent job. Thus far, Kay said, this weaning is going exceptionally well. It made me feel so good to see the pandas happy and not stressed in any way.
Kay reminded the guests that Zhen Zhen turned 18 months old today and now weighs 88 lbs. – the perfect time to begin the weaning process. We went back to the right hand exhibit to watch Zhen and took lots of photos. About 10 minutes later, in walks Bai Yun. She sat down and started eating alongside Zhen. What an adorable sight. Guess who starting stealing bamboo- it was Bai stealing from Zhen. Kay said they do that all the time. They continued eating together until 2 PM. Both pandas left the right hand exhibit together and began preparations for a long afternoon nap. Bai Yun climbed on top of the cave as usual and fell asleep. Zhen Zhen climbed up to her favorite branch and Kay said, “watch her routine”. Zhen sniffed the branch, turned around and draped herself over the branch with all four feet hanging. Zhen tossed and turned on this little branch until she fell asleep.
Many thanks to everyone involved in making this weaning process as stress free as possible for these precious pandas. I too am stress free knowing that the pandas are happy and content.
Great news, Suzanne.
I ‘m sure that all of you have a lot of experience and the weaning process will be ok.
ZZ is mature enough to go through to another milestone.
A wonderful Mom Bai Yun deserves to relax!
Great news, Suzanne.
I ‘m sure that all of you have a lot of experience and the weaning process will be ok.
ZZ is mature enough to go through to another milestone.
A wonderful Mom Bai Yun deserves to relax!
Great news, Suzanne.
I ‘m sure that all of you have a lot of experience and the weaning process will be ok.
ZZ is mature enough to go through to another milestone.
A wonderful Mom Bai Yun deserves to relax!
Great news, Suzanne.
I ‘m sure that all of you have a lot of experience and the weaning process will be ok.
ZZ is mature enough to go through to another milestone.
A wonderful Mom Bai Yun deserves to relax!
Saw Zhen Zhen trying to take Bai Yun’s stalk of bamboo the other day – right out of her paw! They played tug-of-war for a while. Bai seemed pretty patient. Zhen was determined to take the bamboo from her mother. In the end they chewed the pieced down from both ends and Bai held on to what was left. I was worried that Bai Yun might get upset with Zhen Zhen and show aggression. Zhen was showing those teenage traits of challenging her mother.
Then, later, you see a wonderful mother-daughter scene with the two of them sitting side by side munching away! Adorable.
Just like yesterday, Zhen Zhen was born. It’s a bit sad to see ZZ is now having the first phase of weaning and will be living in solitary. Love to you, ZZ.
Thank you, Rose, #19 for such an up-to-date report on ZZ and Bai and their separation. It is good to know first hand that they are taking things ‘in stride’. Many thanks, also, to the panda keepers who arrange the panda’s schedule in such a way that everyone benefits. Good Luck ZZ!
Thanks again to Suzanne for the update, and to everyone who visited the bears recently for your first-hand reports. Having watched the process a few times, it gets interesting when mom has definitely had enough of her cub sharing her space. If it was the wild it would be the time when mom leaves and doesn’t return. Sometimes when watching the cams I really have to look hard to figure out if it’s Bai or Zhen. Sometimes I have to do the same thing between Tai Shan and Tian Tian.
And those volunteers at the SDZ are amazing – there’s nothing they don’t know! Kudos to the cam operators, too!
Zoo Atlanta has a very cute blog today about Xi Lan’s discovery of leafeater biscuits. Also do not miss the item “Signs of Xi Lan” under the News section. But WHEN, OH WHEN is ZA going to give us a progress report on the pandacam sponsorship issue? When I am at work I cannot view the videos they post in the blogs, nor can I view youtube, so I am seriously missing out on the most adorable cub stage of all.
Melissa (#9) – I do love your sense of humor. So you think Bai was getting a pawdicure? Got to get prettied up for spring mating with Gao.
# 23Catbelly… I was just watching Tai Shan and noticed that he has grown since he was treated for his esophogeal problem and resumed normal eating. His shoulders have gotten bigger and he has filled out a lot. Maybe because he’s been spending so much time in Tian’s room since Mei’s AI, he’s picking up Tian’s eating vibe.
I sure see Tai eating a LOT lately. It’s great to see! It’s hard to imagine him being placed somewhere else and paired with a female panda.
Pretty ZZ was eating by herself earlier and she looked confident and relaxed. She must like the idea of having a big pile of bamboo all to herself without being on the receiving end of Bai’s expert defense moves.
I know this is going to sound pretty strange, but sometimes when I’m watching the cam, and I see one of the pandas get up and walk on all fours, it surprises me. I think I sometimes forget that they are animals and not somehow people who walk on 2 legs. Maybe it means I am spending too much time watching the Pandacam — or maybe I just wish that they really were part of my extended “panda family”. Anyway, Bai and Zhen were just having a nice afternoon snack together — then Zhen decided to take a walk — and that’s when it struck me that she didn’t just stand up and walk on her hind legs. I bet they do when we’re not looking… ; )
#10, Joy, thanks for sharing your live observations of three ages of bamboo eating. Interesting contrasts.
I have observed that ZZ is flying through the separation with ease. Only once have I seen her go off to follow Bai when she moved to the other area. However, I have twice observed Bai go looking for Zhen as if to wonder where she had gone off to. Rose, #19, your live observation reinforces what I have been seeing. Tells me that Bai is not completely ready for permanent separation today, but the progression is going well and that she will be ready for her cub to be completely independent in a week or so.
Have watched this process very closely with Su Lin, and having the expert explanation of each step of the way, and watching similar process at NZP with Tai Shan, and ZA with Mei Lan last year, I am much less stressed this time around. Thankfully I can watch it more from a natural point of view, and less from the emotional. It still gives me sad pangs to think about the permanance of it, but I am excited about watching how Su Lin and Zhen Zhen interact in a few weeks while their mom is having time to herself. It helps to ease the inevitable human emotion of separation.
I look for signs in the side by side dining episodes for the lessons being passed from mother to cub. Maybe that is how and when ZZ is learning how to break the stalks to get to the culm. With more experience, which she is just starting to get full-time, she will get the hang of it and get the amount she needs for her nutrition.
Rose N. #19–you are so lucky to be able to just pop over to the SDZ whenever you feel like having a look at the pandas! I agree with those who have noted that it’s Bai Yun who seems to be more sociable with ZZ than the other way around. I’m glad Zhen Zhen is enjoying her independence–but it’s that “permanent” thing that hangs me up. She can’t stop by for a quick chat or a fluff or have a mother/daughter spaw day. Sigh. Nature marches on. Thanks to all for the eyewitness updates.
Our Miss Z will be fine – it’s obvious that both she & mom were ready for the weaning phase. I think that what most will miss is the “cuteness” of Bai & Zhen together. Unless a panda is on a romp & tearing around their exhibit which sadly is rare – watching a single panda eating or sleeping in a tree is a little boring. Yes. we’re thrilled we got to see a live giant panda, but when we stand in line for hours to see them we hope to see some movement. Bai certainly needs some “my time” whether she is ready to date daddy Gao again or not.
It is important to note, while pandas lead solitary lives they do not lead isolated lives. Enrichment cannot replace interacting with other pandas. I am saddened by the separation because I enjoy watching ZZ take such pleasure in Bai Yun. She loves her momma.
#1 – Joan- Ohhh tell me about it ! I know exactly what you mean ! Made me teary with Su Lin, and now
with Zhen ! When we the viewers first got notice that the weaning process was about to start, my first thoughts were “not yet” ! =) They grow up too fast !
I think because Bai knows what is coming that she is showing the signs..like pacing, that we are seeing. Having been through it several times before she obviously knows this is the last she will soon see of ZZ. ZZ won’t realize she won’t see mom again until the door is closed forever and then she will feel it. Right now the new enclosure is just another new adventure for her but she knows mom is still there.
That being said, we know ZZ will do well on her own once she gets used to it and the keepers will take special care of her. Bai will soon get to see Gao again so all will be good. By the way thank you SDZ for putting the camera on Gao periodically as well, I love watching him even if he just eating – he’s the eternal cubbie to me.
Thank you Meerkats for the fantastic, fast camera work this morning. Once Zhen Zhen woke up from her nap she was on the move. Quite rapidly at that too. Is this a sign of anxiety for her? I don’t know how long it lasted as the cameras were switched to Su Lin but it was quite awhile.
Wow! This is moving so fast……the panda kidz are growing up! I am so proud of them and their mom and pop. I tend to agree with Betty in #31, ZZ really loved her momma like Mei Sheng did. Sniff!
Thank you for the updates. We all anxiously await more news–from the staff and those who can give personal accounts of their visits. Overall, it appears the process is going smoothly. I too noticed ZZ motoring around her exhibit space this morning and wondered if she is stressed or just exploring. It looked like she was treated to some nice wood shavings–many of which were still on her back during her recent travels!
Watching Bai eating with her back to the camera just now I noticed folds of skin on her back. How is her weight this year? I recall she lost a significant amount of weight while nursing/weaning Su Lin and the keepers were concerned about getting her up to her “fighting weight” (or should I say “loving weight”) before breeding season.
Join in the kudos to the meerkats doing the camera work today!
I saw ZZ this morning, tearing up the exhibit. Running over to the ‘door’, waiting for it to open. She looked like she really wanted to get through that door. I think this is the first time I actually saw some anxiety in ZZ. She was really running around that exhibit. She would climb up a tree, and run back down, over to the opening again. Didn’t rest for a minute. I see now she is with her momma again. Bai is eating and ZZ is asleep in a tree.
After the weaning will you place Su Lin back into the right exhibit? I think it would be nice for Zhen Zhen and Su Lin to get to know each other by the “howdy gate.” Thanks for the update on the weaning. I look forward to further weaning updates and updates on how Zhennie and Suzie react to each other at the gate and from their perches in the trees too!!
I wonder if Bai will be ready to mate when or if she’s placed in back with Gao Gao the Super Stud!!! I’m curious if she will have an early estrus like Mei Xiang and Ya Ya.
RE: Pandas vs. Polar Bears
Suzanne, are you still doing the bear study at the zoo? It looks like things are heating up in the polar bears exhibit. Apparently, according to their blog, Chinook and Kalluk are getting “amourous” just in time for valentine’s day.
I was wondering, is the polar bear gestation considerably longer than pandas?.. since newborn pandas seem to be much more premature than other bears? Would it be possible that Bai and Chinook have their cubs at around the same time of year? Bai’s been pretty much predictable in having her babies in August but I’ve read that like pandas, polar bears also have delayed implantation. Since Chinook doesn’t really have to hibernate to have her cubs I wonder how this will affect when (if) the cubs would arrive.
I’m going to have to schedule a visit soon to see the new cubs. Well, at least see Bai and her new baby on the cam anyway…
I’m going to China in May and will get to see my hero Mei Sheng. I hope to see Hua Mei too.
omg here we go again…I hate this part but I know it has to be done..but still
..SDZ thanks for the update
Just looked in on Bai on the cam. She looks like she’s playing peek-a-boo!!
Holy cow! Zhen Zhen is way up in the tree — on what looks like the tiniest of branches. Maybe she’s trying to get closer to the rain?
10:17 am – Look at little ZZ way up in that tree! How far up is that? Careful little girl.
Cheryl #42 and Lisa #43, I’ve been watching ZZ up that tree too. Isn’t that Su Lin’s favourite haunt?
Thank goodness the rain stopped for a little bit — it was really coming down hard for a while — but she’s still up there! She must be soaking wet! Guess she’s not such a big girl afterall — still doesn’t know when to come in out of the rain…
I just got an email from AZ about the webcam they say their still working on it and will let everyone know when they have something to tell. I just wish they would let us help but for some reason they are going after corporate sponsors so lets hope they found one before Xi is all grown up and Mei Lan has to go to China. We are missing so much of his childhood and all the new things he is learning.
She’s making me nervous, it looks like she’s hanging on a thin branch!! Is she separated from Bai at the moment? Maybe she is trying to look over into the other yard at mama?
I love the bend in the branch Zhen Zhen is sleeping on today. If it’s the exhibit on the right, I have a picture that I took 4 years ago of Mei Sheng doing something similar on probably the same tree. We, the visitors, were so shocked that he was up so high. He wasn’t sleeping though he was bouncing on the branch and the narrator was quietly calling his name in hopes of getting him to come down. He knew he had an audience too as he would look down and acknowlege us but would continue on with what he was doing. Panda young as just as funny at times as our own children.
12:48 PM Pacific Time Zone here and we have Zhen Zhen,in a tree,crossing her arms? Is she mad,or just thinking?
The princess ZZ has been way up in that tree for what seems like hours. I first signed on at shortly after 10 am SD time. It’s now 12:30pm and she’s still up there. I did see her shift positions but she hasn’t left that perch at all. Those branches don’t even look that strong – she actually looks like she was tossed up there by some unknown force or being – kind of like a tree decoration that’s just been lobbed at the tree to land where it may!! I can’t even tell which tree that is – I assume it’s in the right hand exhibit.
I checked in on Tai earlier today, too, and he was enjoying himself up a tree also, settled in between two branches and trying his darndest to spread them apart as much as he could. Then he was back to the boo. Now I see Tian having lunch on Camera 2 (Tai must not be doing much right now.)
Miss ZZ has shifted again. She now looks like an infant sitting in her car seat. Shift, stretch, turn, look around, look down. It looks like there’s a bit of wind down in SD today, too. I didn’t know it was raining until you pointed it out, #42 Cheryl.
Ok, gotta do some work now, so all you panda lovers, if you see ZZ get down from that tree make sure you tell the rest of us about it, ok?
OMG – 2:10 on Friday, and Meerkats, YOU ARE THE BEST. Great, great shot of ZZ and Mommy. ZZ looks so happy; they sitting opppose of each other with ZZ kinda hanging over a log. Thank you.
Poor Zhennie! Bai just will not budge to let Zhennie up on top of the tree/stump/den. She wants to play with her mom but Bai’s just not having any of it….Makes me wonder if Bai is thinking of GaoGao (LOL)! All of our pandas LOVE that tree/stump/den but it’s funny to see Gao Gao asleep in the den! I know he loves it when it rains. When I see him in there I get a nice weather report for SDZ!
Hi, me again. I’m back on the SD cam. It’s 2:20 pm SD time. Poor Zhennie! for a while now, she’s been trying to wake Bai up (maybe to nurse or play?) but Bai is not budging. Bai is sleeping on top of the big stump in the right hand exhibit (C2/3) draped over the log that partly rests on the top of the stump. Zhennie has discovered that if she lays back on the other branch that rests just below the top of the stump, she can look Bai right in the face. So she did that for a while, nipping at Bai’s toes, ears, nose, climbing up on top of her, lying on Bai’s back, gently swatting her face, all to no avail. So, feeling dejected, she has climbed down and is now sitting on the ground working at tearing a short but thick bamboo pole into shreds. Now she’s back in C2/3 partway up the tree beside the big stump where Bai is still sleeping away. She now makes another attempt at waking her mother up, climbing onto the stump and lying down beside Bai, but facing away from her – big stretch, Bai stirs and changes position. Zhen notices and inches closer to mama, and hangs her head over the stump. What’s this? Bai is nipping at Zhennies bum! But that was shortlived – Bai is now draped over the opposite side of the stump and asleep again. Oh what a sweet picture – Zhen is draped over top of Bai’s behind – very cute to see Bai, with head hanging over the stump, and halfway down her back, Zhennie’s head is nuzzled into Bai’s fur. Zhennie’s probably thinking, “I guess I’ll take what I can get!” Maybe they’ll stay that way for a while now. But you never know. It’s been a great panda watching day! Thank you SDZ for such crisp and clear images on the cam. Pandafan signing off ’til next time.
It’s now 2:45, Bai looks so disinterested in ZZ. ZZ looks like she’s trying to roll Bai over so she can eat, and Bai is having none of it. Very interesting.
Right now ZZ is sleeping with her Mom – right on Bai’s back. These are the images that make it hard for me to understand the separation concept. Separation may be natural – but I believe that an animal still “feels” and will retain memories.
to Pam T. (#46): just took the website survey at Zoo Atlanta. Put in my 2 cents worth for bringing back the pandacam and said I would pay to subscribe. Maybe this is a sign of good things to come.
Also finally got to view a couple Xi Lan videos at home this morning on youtube & flicker. He is one really cute cubbie. I so hope Ya Ya in Memphis has a cub this year. If so, it will be my first chance to see a panda cub. It is a nice zoo with a great big cat exhibit, polar bears, adorable red pandas, and of course giant pandas.
Also keeping my fingers crossed for Queen Bai & Gao Gao to do it again the natural way. Bai is truly a remarkable mom.
So glad I’m not the only one who got to see that wonderful time with Bao and ZZ today! I imagine that ZZ was just wanting to nurse (and Bai was having none of it–good mom), but it certainly looked like ZZ was just expressing love to Mommy. Truly wonderful to watch.
It hits me hard sometimes that these wonderful creatures are so seriously endangered. It’s easy to forget as we watch them living the good life in our zoos. But if not for the good people in China and zoos around the world, we might already have lost them. There would be no Bai, no ZZ, no Su Lin, and Gao wouldn’t have survived.
Of course, ZZ and the rest of our panda friends don’t know they’re endangered. They just know they have a great life with plenty of food and things to climb on and sleep on and play with.
Thank you San Diego Zoo and all the others who are so dedicated preserving this unique species! Because of you, future generations will be able to enjoy these marvelous animals.
How long will the total weaning process take? I will be visiting SDZ between 3/11 & 3/15 and was hoping to see ZZ & Bai Yun together. I’m afraid that I will get there after the separation has concluded when ZZ won’t be on exhibit.
Oooh–I took so many pictures of Bai and Miss ZZ today on top of the hut. I think ZZ just wanted to be near Mommy.
This is a little off subject but perhaps someone with a green thumb might know the answer. Recently Nationaal Zoo put out a request for bamboo. Apparently, for some unknown reason it is not growing like it should. The question I have is how does San Diego’s bamboo compare to the zoos in Atlanta, DC and Memphis? I have never seen a bamboo farm and wonder how many farmers have expertise in this area.
Hi Lee #48 – Yes, you’re correct, it’s the exhibit on the right, the one with the infamous tree. It looks like our sweet Zhen Zhen is following in her brother and sister’s footsteps. I started thinking that Su Lin just climbed up the same tree. I remembered snapping postcards of Su Lin in that same tree this past September. The snapshots I took are dated 9/18/08. It’s unbelievable; after comparing the photos of Su Lin with the photo of Zhen Zhen, I noticed that Zhen Zhen is on a higher spindly branch. In the photos with Su Lin, she is sitting on the larger branch just below the one Zhen is “lounging” on. There is no doubt in my mind that charming Zhen Zhen is taking after her brother and sister and becoming quite an acrobat who enjoys heights.
By the way, Zhen Zhen has been sleeping on her new favorite tree, on the same high branch since 9 AM PT.
Whoa! Zhen is so high it looks like she is almost 2 stories up! I am sure it is the camera angle, but I now see what everyone has been talking about with her way up high resting on what appear to be thin branches. Since the exhibit got a thorough pruning in anticipation of this event, I am sure she is safe, but it is scary to watch. Now I can picture where Su Lin and Mei Sheng were when they had their treetop conversations. I can also see why the pandas climb so high to see over the exhibit walls and check out where everyone is. No wonder they have to move the cubs to the back area after the complete separation so they don’t see Bai Yun until many months after they are weaned. By then they will have forgotten about mom and just see her as an adult female.
Hi Susan #44 – Yes indeed, you are right, that was also Su Lin’s favorite tree. See my earlier blog to Lee.
I hope you were watching the Panda Cam at 9 AM PT this Saturday morning. Zhen decided to climb up the same tree as she did yesterday.
The weather here in San Diego is cloudy with rain on and off and quite windy. Zhen was so high up in the tree that I could not get her off my mind. The tree branches started swaying back and forth adding to my concern. I left the computer on all morning and kept checking back to see how she was doing. Zhen enjoyed a nice long nap with an occasional look around her domain. I must say Zhen looked so cute as she surveyed her surroundings from the branch.
Finally and thankfully, Zhen began making motions to come back down. She ambled down to terra firma at 11:55 AM! Wheew!! Now I can leave the house and go shopping.
Hi, you all! Saw ZZ up a tree and Bai doing her power walking exercise just now (Sat., 2/7/2009, 5pm EST)! I only saw ZZ’s back side, tho! First chance I’ve had to get on the pandacam in the last couple of days. So, I’ll go and take another looksee on the cam again! Back with you later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Thanks for the great camera work Sat. afternoon Meercats. ZZ in the tree having a blast. She looks so big. I wonder how her weight compares to her siblings at this weaning age?
#39 Kristi, when you do go visit Bifengxia, please take lots of great pictures of Mei Sheng, Hua Mei and Wen Yu (Mao Mao’s last cub before she was tragically killed during the May earthquake), so you can share with us!
What a wonderful play session Bai and Zhen Zhen are having this morning. I’ve sent so many postcards to myself I’ve probably worn the postcard cam out!
The polar bears are having fun as well. Must be a good day. Got to go and watch some more and get more postcards.
This is my first baby panda and my first weaning. I too am a little sad, and am happy to see that right now little Zhen Zhen is sleeping happily above her mother who is down below eating herself silly.
Got some great postcards today from the cam – ZZ and Bai BOTH up a tree!!! Cool/rainy weather seems to be making Bai a bit frisky today! How fun! Also saw (but didn’t capture) ZZ laying on one of her ‘old’ favorite limbs, scratching with her back paw (how she doesn’t fall off, I’ll never know!!) and a gorgeous BIG yawn! What a pretty mouth, with lipliner… at a distance… it’s also got strong jaws and sharp teeth! I’m treasuring these last few days of Bai/ZZ together.
Hello pandafans, video alert – Go to youtube and search for “Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen’s Last Days”.
Don’t miss this one – it’s a keeper. If you read my post #53 from Feb. 6, you’ll want to see this; it’s what I tried to tell you, but so much better!! You may want to keep some kleenex handy. Oh my, it’s getting close. Don’t know if I can stand it. I still remember the blog during Su Lin’s weaning where it said “…and the door between them will be closed forever.” Sigh…. Take heart, panda lovers, maybe we’ll see a cub or two this year. Then we can start all over again!
Hope everyone had a good weekend I was just on youtube and there is 7 new videos of Xi Lan just added this Sunday. They are so cute he is growing fo fast sure hope they get the webcam back soon we’re missing so much.
I can’t believe how high little Miss ZZ been climbing in her tree it’s scary sometimes.
#60 Betty…There has been a study at Memphis Zoo about why bamboo stops growing (and many other aspects of bamboo).
If you want to find the whole article, put the following in your favorite search engine: “Scientists Ponder Panda Chow”
Also, if you do a search for “Bamboo Hunters,” there is an Augusta Chronicle article about ZA’s team that gathers bamboo for their pandas. Other articles will also come up with that search that’ll help explain how the four zoos grow and gather bamboo for the giant pandas.
Hope this helps!
Another rainy day in panda land–I couldn’t figure out what Bai Yun was doing while ZZ was trying to nurse, and then I realized she might be trying to catch the raindrops? Then she and ZZ went up the little climbing structure and i couldn’t figure out what they were doing–was Bai trying to use ZZ as an umbrella?
Watching Bai and Zhen right now…sitting side by side eating bamboo. Wondering if Zhen is taking in as much modeling from mom as she can to use later in her life. Pam
Did everyone do the survey at ZA’s website?
Thanks pandafan #70 for mentioning the video on YouTube, it is a really good one. I really love the interaction between ZZ and Bai since the beginning of the weaning process, as if they appreciate more the time they are allowed to spend together.
I also love to watch them sitting next to each other while eating, holding their bamboo in their front paws. That might be why we are sometimes surprised that they are not walking on their back paws after that, they look like have a civilized social interaction….
with the rain yesterday I had a chance to catch a glimps of a elephant rolling in the mud, then the fun began once everyone saw what was going on and one blew water at another one they all joined in for a good roll. it was a joy to watch. I watched Bai and Zhen yesterday for a few minutes and it was like watching a mirror image, than little girl is a mini Bai
Linda A. #75
I’ve done it twice – from work and home!! I hope it starts some dialogue about the PandaCam!!
Linda A #75. I filled out the ZA questionnaire and made sure I mentioned the panda cam. I really miss it.
Linda #75. I did the survey on ZA web site. I thought I was pretty objective about the whole thing, but in my comment I told them the web site would be 100% better if/when they bring back the panda cam.
Linda#75. I did the servey on ZA web site.
I did the survey, and mentioned the web cam,