Right now we have the two sister pandas on exhibit! Su Lin will be four years old on August 2, and she is about 190 pounds (86 kilograms). She has already gone through her first estrus with flying colors and has been very active out on exhibit so far.
When we move the pandas into different enclosures it actually works as a form of enrichment. Previously, her father Gao Gao was in her enclosure. He scent marks the enclosure quite a bit, as males will do. As Su Lin entered, she smelled a different bear and began to scent the enclosure for herself. The morning was filled with smelling the air and smelling the different climbing structures.
Many of our guests that come to see the pandas learn that the two girls in front are sisters, and it usually follows that they wonder why the two can’t be in together. A female giant panda keeps her cub with her for the first 18 months; in that time she will not cycle or come into her estrus while nursing the cub. After separating from the cub she will often have a month to two to stop lactating and begin coming into her next breeding season. The older and younger cubs have no knowledge of their relationship to each other. Zhen Zhen is two years and one day younger than her older sister, Su Lin.
You can see the two of them smell the air when the breeze comes through Panda Canyon, and I’m sure they can smell the bear on the other side of the wall. This is not the first time that they’ve been neighbors. Both girls were in our two off-exhibit classroom enclosures during our breeding season, and even then there was a lot of vocalization between the two.
Zhen Zhen is now 22 months old and about 102 pounds (46 kilograms). She has been sleeping much of the time on exhibit, but when she is awake, true to panda nature, she has been eating quite a bit of bamboo. Seeing the two girls next to each other you can really see the difference in size and behavior. Su Lin still gets very active climbing the trees and running around her enclosure, while little Zhen Zhen has been sleeping quite a bit and posing for pictures.
Su Lin will be out on exhibit for a couple of weeks, and then it will be Gao Gao’s turn to come out and have new scents to investigate!
Anastasia Horning is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo.
Anastasia, any chance of having ZZ and Su Lin do a meet and greet thru the howdy gate?? That would be interesting! Then they would really know who’s who and where even tho the meet and greet at the howdy gate won’t last too long. Looks like both of them are gaining weight, but have different personalities and ways of doing things. Well, have some fun with these two pandas! Just saw ZZ on the pandacam eating her boo!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Is Su Lin larger (i.e., heavier) than her brother was at the same age? I know they both tend to the smaller size due to their “little big man” sire, Gao-Gao, but I seem to remember that Mei Sheng did not outweigh his father by much before he left for China. Do you happen to know Mei Sheng’s current weight as an adult? Curious to see how much he takes after his dad. Thanks.
I can hardly believe that su lin weighs 190 lbs already! will she be ready for breeding next year? little ZZ
isn’t very little anymore. I wish they could stay little longer. it seems like time has just flown! hopefully bai yun and gao gao were successful at producing a new ball of fluff for everyone to enjoy and thus help the population of giant pandas to grow by one more! I wish I lived nearby so I could visit the SDZ on a regular basis. we were there once last sept. & I so enjoyed everything the zoo has to offer. I especially love the pandas ( of course ) the gorillas, and polar bear plunge. these are my all time favorites. but, I love to see and enjoy all the animals and birds. ( birds of prey are awesome ) everyone there ( staff & keepers)
do a wonderful job taking care of all these animals! whoever over-sees the running of this zoo does a remarkable job! I don’t know if there is a better zoo in the USA. I doubt it!
Chari, #1, patience please. The SDZ posters have said several times that they are planning on the two sisters having access at the Howdy gate at the appropriate time later this summer. They need for ZZ to have time to mature and them get used to each other’s sounds, scents, etc. If they are as thrilled to see each other as Mei Sheng was with Su Lin, then it will be well worth the patient wait.
It is great to see Su Lin back in front again. As Anastasia said, it is a great opportunity for viewers and zoo goers to see the difference is size, maturity, and behaviors of the two girls. They are two years apart, and Su Lin is almost twice the size of Zhen Zhen. Su is not growing quite as rapidly now that she is an sexually mature adult panda. But ZZ, is still growing quite rapidly for the next year or so.
I hope the blogger who was going to visit SDZ last week got to see all 4 pandas. It is less likely that she got to see Bai Yun who is having her well deserved summer in private.
Many thanks to Bobbie Wood for information on the “Go Baby Go” video. It is great although I was
concerned about the little guy – so many falls. Does anyone know the distance a panda can fall before
being injured? I also received my t-shirt from Pandas Internationsl — the gray one with little pandas
rolling down the left sleeve. It is cool!
Like the others I can’t wait for the sisters to meet at the howdy gate, it will be very interesting. I guess there is no news yet on Bai Yun, if she is pregnant? When will you test her? They really have produced three very special cubs between them. I was lucky enough to see Su Lin, when she was little, and still with her Mother. Unfortunately, she was up a tree, and you could not see a whole lot.
I am hoping to come out again one of these days, my daughter and her family live there.
Keep up the good work all you wonderful keepers.
Shirley, South Carolina.
Thanks for the update, Anastasia!
We can’t wait to find out if Bai Yun is having another baby!
We *so* enjoy watching the panda cam, and hearing updates. Since we are soooo far away–in Minnesota–we really appreciate being able to see these precious animals on the Panda Cam. It seems like there is always someone at the cam, making sure the bears are visible, whenever possible. It means so much to us far-away panda fans! Those panda-cam operators rock!
Thank you to you and your colleagues for all that you do!
Sarah and Carol
Major announcement coming tomorrow on ZA panda website regarding future of giant panda program. I have a feeling they are going to be getting rid of it due to the expense. I hope and pray I’m wrong.
#8 – Michelle – As XiLan is not ready to weaned from Lun Lun I am hopeful that the MAJOR announcement from ZA is that they have reached an agreement with the Chinese similar to the one the SDZ signed -maybe cheaper panda rental fee & as Chengdu is still crowded with the pandas from Wolong maybe Lani can stay longer….whatever it will be a L O N G night:)
Hi! Gonna try to see that AZ announcement on the live stream video that they are providing for everybody to watch on. I’m wondering about what they will be announcing about their panda program, and I feel the same way—I don’t want to see it go by the wayside! It took AZ a good 2-3 months to get their pandacam back online, so what I am hoping to hear is that the zoo director and the panda curator have reached a decision with the Chinese about keeping the pandas here for another couple of years, namely, Mei Lan. Xi Lan is still being raised by Momma Lun, so there’s no way that he will be going anywhere this year or the next. I think Mei Lan will be 3 years old later this summer. Trying to keep track of all of these young pandas’ birthdays! Just saw Su Lin on the stump relaxing after her dinner.
Well, I’ll be back on here after I hear what’s up with AZ’s panda program tomorrow. I’m sure that there will be a whole lotta comments about the news all day!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
#8 Michelle you are correct. They are fund-raising to keep the pandas in Atlanta. Let’s all do what we can to show them our support. I know the economy is tough, but we all need to do whatever we can to keep our babies here as long as possible. I wish I was closer to Atlanta, anyone near there work for Coke or another large corp. Maybe you could suggest a matching campaign? Just a thought.
Well it looks like there is another good cause to donate to now that Zoo Atlanta is asking for help. I wonder how much they need. Is it to make the loan agreement dollars, upkeep, or everything? We will do our part that’s for sure. Small or large, I know we will help.
I have been watching the Chiang Mai cam lately. I don’t know how PandasLiveOn does it but I couldn’t find the site but they did. This morning (my time) Lin Hui was asleep in the corner but every so often your could see this little white head pop up. The baby is so cute and getting big fast. It’s handy that you can double click on the picture and it fills the screen. You see a lot more when the babies are small with that feature.
SDZ pandas seem to be sleeping more during the day lately. Is the weather the reason for this of is it just the season? All that is except Bai Yun. She is the new eating machine. Hopefully she is bulking up in preparation for a little one. I know, you will keep us posted.
Hi pandafans as #12 Lisa said the Altanta Zoo is doing a fundrasier to help keep their beautiful pandas. Yes times are tight but I’m sure every little bit helps so lets dig deep and help them out I know we can do it.
I believe the CEO of ZA is a former Coke executive. There are several large corporations headquartered in Atlanta that could help. Arthur Blank, for whom the exhibit is named, is a former CEO of Home Depot. I pretty much do not understand how NZ, Memphis and SD are able to fund their pandas, but Atlanta cannot. BTW, I am a former resident of Atlanta. I was fortunate enough to go see Mei a couple of years ago when she was still a baby. I guess I should be grateful I was given that opportunity. I wonder if another zoo in the US could be persuaded to take the ZA panda family if Atlanta can’t afford to keep them.
Hi! Just checked the Atlanta Zoo website, and they had a short statement that the ustream live video stream of the news conference was not able to be shown because of technical issues. They do, however, have a statement from the zoo on another page of what they have announced this morning. Just hit the link on the main pandacam/update page and you will get that statement up. It is a very important announcement that the zoo director has made that they are starting a major fundraising campaign called “Give So They Can Stay”, which is asking everyone who love pandas to give generous donations to that fundraiser so that they can keep Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and Xi Lan in Atlanta. This fundraiser will be going on thru December 31, 2009. They didn’t say how much they will need to keep the pandas at the zoo, but I’m suspecting that it will be a large amount. I know with the economy the way it is now, and everyone having to tighten their money belts over the last year, this will be a good time to sacrifice a little bit of something to make sure that these pandas can stay in Atlanta. With Xi Lan at 9 months old, I would hate to see him be uprooted to go somewhere else at that age and possibly have a problem readjusting to a new home with his mom, Lun. They did provide a link to the donation site page to send in donations. They have also said that after Mei Lan turns 3 years old in September, she will be slated to go back to China after her birthday for conservation and breeding purposes. They have not announced a date for Mei Lan to go to China yet, but that will be forthcoming in several months. So, that is where Atlanta Zoo is at with their panda program. I am very sure that if people can raise money and have a sponsor company come forward to support the pandacam and get it back online after a couple of months being down, then we all can do something to keep the pandas there as well. All of us pandafans have made donation successes with the new boo cooler for SDZ and a new ice cooler for Atlanta Zoo in the last year despite this crazy economy, so I feel that we all can pull together to do it again this year for the Atlanta pandas! Lisa (#12), I like your idea of matching donations from companies or philanthropic organizations that will raise even more money for this effort. Hope they will take that idea and go with it! Send them an email with that idea and see what they think of it. I’ll be sending one to them, too!
I did check the AZ pandacam and saw Lun eating and Xman napping! Such a great picture of these 2 pandas on the cam! Wouldn’t it be sad to see that end—again—this time for good?? I sure hope not!!
Gonna go to an appointment. Will be back later after I check the other pandacams!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
It is nice to see the sisters out together again. The news from ZA makes their presence together all the more special. The news announced today in Atlanta has been awaited, and dreaded. ZA is having hard financial times, and the high cost of keeping pandas on loan from China is taking its toll on their finances. As expected they announced that Mei Lan will be returning to China some time after she turns 3 years old, per their agreement. To keep Xi Lan, the only cub born in USA in 2008, in Atlanta, with his parents, they need significant donations to come up with the required loan fees.
As we enjoy “our” panda families at all 4 US zoos, let us remember that this privilege comes at a great cost to each of the institutions which house them. The cost of the bamboo cooler and the ice machine to make their lives better and that of their keepers easier, it is very small compared with the annual cost to have them stay in the USA.
Nothing in life is totally “free,” it all comes at a cost, especially freedom. Humans pay for freedom in many ways, the most costly of which is in human lives sacrificed to obtain and maintain freedom. Animal freedom also requires sacrifice both of human expansion into territory of animals, monetary, climatic, cultural, etc. The more we learn about the full interaction of all animals, humans included, dwelling on the earth, and what it takes to maintain life for all of us, and how we can actively contribute and participate in the preservation of this planet we call “home” the better our individual lives will be. The “richer” we will be for having fully participated in making our collective existance better. Whatever steps we can take to make others lives better, the richer and more fulfilling our life will be, with a renewed purpose and appreciation of all that entails.
I have been saving some money towards my SDZ visit but I will take out money to adopt a panda, I know we all can’t afford to give alot but every dollar counts. Please give what you can, Please help keep our bears here for all of us to enjoy even if it’s only on Panda cam.
Lee in Vancouver – thanks for the “double click” tip – I’ve been watching this cam faithfully for the last couple of weeks. Seeing it “supersized” is great!!
WOW, thanks Lee for the double click tip. What a treat! I agree with Joan #19.
There were so many of us who were willing to contribute to ZA to bring the webcam back. Hopefully, we’ll be as helpful in keeping the pandas in Atlanta.
The ecomony is tough everywhere. Where there has been corporate sponorship in the past, it no longer exists or is limited. Hopefully, some of the corps in Atlanta will help.
And hopefully, those of us who are able, will be generous to this cause. Even if we skip that latte and donate that money to ZA, it will help.
Down off my soapbox now.
The neatest thing just happened! My office administrator and her family are visiting San Diego. She e-mailed me to let me know they were at the SDZ and in line to see the Pandas! Then, she snapped a pic and sent it to me. Hard to tell which Panda it is (looks like either Su Lin or Zhen Zhen, sitting back in the pool munching bamboo), but talk about visiting the zoo vicariously!
I love the PandaCam, but it was such a sweet gesture from this kind person that made my day today!
Late afeternoon seems to be a universal “crashing” time of day for USA pandas. I just checked in on all four zoo’s cameras. NZP pandas are all crashed out on their rocky indoor space. Memphis zoo, presumably Ya Ya, is crashed on the floor indoors, Bai Yun is curled up against a big log in the back classroom yard. So they are all busy digesting their mid-day meal in preparation for their big “dinner.” NZP mentioned in a recent blog how mellow Tian has become as he always does in summer. Does Gao get more lethargic in the summer and sleep more and eat less? I can’t imagine Yang Yang, Le Le, and Tian slowing down in their chow-down sessions, as they are all big boys that need to eat a lot to maintain their energy. But, summer in the Southeastern US is a very lethargic time for everyone due to the heat and high humidity. At least SD is blessed with dryer air with your summer heat. Humidity is an energy drainer from the minute you wake up in the AM. No wonder all the zoos recommend that you visit as soon as they open the doors so you can see the animals at their peak for the day.
I’m just amazed at the human contact that is given Lin Hui in Chiang Mai. This morning the “hand”, as I call it, reached through the bars and washed/wiped her vulva area and then just now she was sitting by the bars and when she raised her head, exposing her neck, the “hand” came into view and scratched her. Yes, she loved it but I was very surprised at this as they are wild animals that we are trying to save. Some zoos treat them that way and then some treat them like pets. What if Lin Hui was having a bad day, would it be acceptable to bite the hand that feeds her? Look what happened in Washington where Tai attacked the staff. I am sure he was just playing but the result was serious.
Thanks for letting me express by opinion. Am I the only one that thinks this way?
According to an article from the local NBC in Atlanta, The Zoo said they would like to raise $500,000 over the next six months to support the panda program. The Chinese seem to have agreed to cutting the amount of money the Zoo had previously contributed for on a yearly basis — from $1 million to $500,000.
Just a word to clarify–the zoo keeper at NZ was scratched by Tai. She was sent to the hospital as a precaution, but back at work the next day. Although NZ didn’t go into detail (at least, not that I’m aware of, so correct me if I’m wrong!) my impression was that Tai was soliciting play. When pandas play, you see them grabbing & swiping each other, but their thick fur prevents injury. Not so with humans, unfortunately!
Danita (25) Thanks for the correction. I personally think that when any staff is injured by a wild animal, it is serious. But that isn’t the point I was trying to make. My concern is the amount of human contact Lin Hui is getting. I would love to cuddle every panda in the world but know that is not realistic or smart. That’s why I ended my comment the way I did.
#25 Danita – you are right about how the cubs solicit play and how it can be unpleasant for us humans who don’t have all that fur. If you watch the clips on youtube showing the tourists in Chengdu being grabbed by the cubs, you’ll see how the keepers are right there to grab the cubs’ paws off of the tourists. Some of the keepers don’t always get to the cubs on time and often you’ll see the tourists virtually losing their blue plastic smocks to the panda claws.
I saw the announcement from ZA this morning. I’m signing on to their fund raising site tonight and see what I can do. I don’t want to lose those pandas either.
I agree with those of you who are amazed at the human contact that Lin Hui in Thailand is getting. It really is quite “in your face”, isn’t it? They even still try to get her to eat even when they can see that she is tending her cub.
#15 – Linda – Re: funding for pandas – the NZ is actually part of the Smithsonian & is federally funded. They have been fortunate to get several huge donations for their pandas – Marriott Hotels gave millions to help pay the panda rental as did Fugi Film & their $17-18 million donation for the new panda exhibits. The SDZ is a world famous zoo that I’m sure because of their reputation has a large membership (the backbone of a zoo) along with thousands of daily visitors at a fee double that of ZA. Have no idea about Memphis & how they feel about their panda program – But it seems to me that Atlanta has enough major companies (CNN for example) to step up & save the pride of their city – after ALL ZA has given us 2 cubs.
#23 -Lee in Vancouver – unless Tai “attacked” another keeper in the past couple of days -he was trying o play with his keeper-moving legs are a good target & she did get a minor scratch. But your point is well taken – these are WILD animals & not pets. It makes us feel good they are so attuned to their keepers that we all want to hug a panda.
Regarding ZA, if an article that I read in the Atlanta Journal Constitution is correct, ZA has $2 million pledged already from corporations, but needs the additional $500,000 to complete a 5-year extension. Basically, it would be about the same as negotiated the SDZ. I’m certainly going to chip a few $.
On another note, it’s China -4.5 days for me. We’ll be in Ya’an next week. Will send all of our love to Mei Sheng and Hua Mei, plus a some special messages from their family that I’ve been saving since I went to SDZ in January. We’re also going to see the Chengdu Breeding Centre where Mei Lan will go and the pandas at the Beijing Zoo. Neat, huh! Oh yes, the weather forecast is rain, rain, rain. That should make the Chinese pandas smell good!!!
Moderator’s note: Safe travels, Mary!
#23 Lee You are right I was watching Lin Hui at the Chiangmai Zoo and some one was reaching through the bars and feeding her petting and looked like doing some cleaning also. They did take the cub away also and kept feeding her to get her attention away from the it. I also noticed they don’t put on gloves to handle the cub. I left for around a half hour or so, came back and Lin Hui was walking back and forth in her cage and in a couple of minutes they gave the cub back to her. Lin took it and went to the other side and cubble it and then laid down with the cub in her arms against her chest. It seems they take the cub away a lot more than the zoos in the states with the cub not having any health problems.
I hope that all panda fans will rally to the aid of Zooatlanta. Taking care of our precious pandas and helping the breeding program is vital to their future in the world. Mei Lan was my “first” panda that i watched grow up on panda cam. What a thrill that was, and now Xi Lan entertains every day. What a shame it would be to lose this wonderful panda family. So I hope all will give what you can.
Dear Pandafans,
It’s so nice to feel all your love for pandas. ZZ is so sweet every time I see her. And I love watching Xi Lan ‘lounging’ on the wood structure.
And yes #23 Lee I do agree with you. I do worry that there are too many human interaction with Lin Hui and she was being treated like a pet. Lin Hui was constantly being interrupted when she was caring her baby. She was often being petted or given food even though I know they had good intention. At one point I actually have to stop watching because I started to worry that such frequent interference will have very negative effect eventually. Like you Lee, I am not an expert on this but I am worried for the mother and the baby.
Again, just want to say thank you all, the keepers and everyone for being here.
#25 danita – Oh boy, looks like Tai Shan needs his nails clipped? I’m glad the keeper is ok.
From what I read in the news media, the zoo in Atlanta hopes to raise $500,000 through public donations to reach a $2.5 million price tag for keeping the pandas for five more years. But Mei Lan would return to China after her third birthday, as planned. Donors have already stepped up, including corporate donors, pledging about $2 million toward the cost. The deal with China has not been finalized yet.
Is anyone else having trouble getting ZA web came to come up? I’ve been trying for 2 days and haven’t been able to get anything on screen. Hopefully, it’s heavy ‘traffic’.
It makes me very sad to realize the possiblity of losing Mei Lan and Tai Shan in the same year. If China is not in a negotiating mood, we could lose the whole Atlanta family. Strange timing.
Lee in Vancouver: SDZ is the only cam that doesn’t have the ‘double-click’ feature for full-screen. It frustrates me a lot when ZZ is being particularly feisty, or there’s a close-up of Gao Gao enjoying his lunch, and I can’t go to full screen. My daughter accuses me of wanting to “count hairs”. Well, so be it.
To Diane in Texas #35:
You can increase the size of the panda-cam screen at the SDZ (and all other sites) by clicking down at the lower tool bar area on your computer monitor. Mine has a magnifing glass 100% and an upside down ‘v’. click on that and you can enlarge the stream.
Now, I need help. How are you all getting to a live panda stream for the new panda in the Changmai zoo?
And my thanks to you in advance 
Please advise
#29 Mary, have yourself a fantastic trip to China.
#35 Dianne, I also find it frustrating that the SDZ cams don’t ‘double click’. Of course we want to count hairs!
Diane in Texas, I’ve had no problem with ZA. All the zoos, save SDZ, use RealPlayer which allows the double click. But then, SDZ has the postcards which I love because I can’t get the screen cap software to work on my PC. World is full of trade-offs. I think China is in a serious negotiating mood these days because of their own captive panda population explosion and the fact that Wolong is out of the mix for now. Me, I’m just thankful for everyday we get to see these marvelous black and white critters. Let’s just hope the economy recovers soon.
Lee, your point is well-taken about the amount of human contact with Lin Hui & cub, & you’re right–I did miss the point. My apologies to you. As for Lin Hui & her cub, I was very surprised to see the keeper reaching in that way, especially because I would expect Lin to be very protective of the cub. I certainly wouldn’t do it! And as for pandas being released into the wild, my theory is that those in zoos would not be candidates, having been trained to cooperate with humans for medical care. I would hope those pandas scheduled to be released are reared in a very different way, with minimal human contact. Just my theory. I keep web-surfing to try and find out more, but haven’t had much luck.
Danita, thank you. I agree with you. I can’t imagine that any pandas that have been overseas or born there, will ever be released. I just can’t imagine the staff in China having the time to do all the personal touching, scratching, etc.
Bobby Wood #36. Go to pandasliveon and check out the entry dated June 12th. There is a link to the Chiang Mai Zoo cam. It worked for me so hopefully it will work for you. Try it later today though because so far today it has been black. Maybe there are just too many people trying to access it.
#36 Bobbie Wood – The easiest way is to go on the pandasonlive(dot)com website, go to the bottom of the page and click on “next” and in the June 13, 2009 entry “Giant Panda in captivity: It takes a village” click on “live webcam” on the first line. You can also go directly to the “chiangmaizoo(dot)com” website but it is all in Thai and I haven’t figured out where the connection to the pandalive is, but you can watch videos they have posted, those are quite obvious on their site.
Earlier today I ran across a site called giantpandazoo. They have pictures of pandas in zoos around the world, & links to their websites. The pictures include current & past residents (Shi Shi & Mei Sheng included)! None of Xi Lan or the newest little girl in Thailand (I don’t think the site-owner has been to those zoos since their births), but they do include the “Give so they can Stay” banner for ZA. Some of these photos are definitely squeal-worthy!
Great close ups of Zhennie right now! Thank you camera person! She is soooooooo lovable!
ZZ is looking especially darling today. She looks like she knows it, too! It must be tough being so adorable.
Me again…………I haven’t been able to view the Chiangmai webcam today. It says “ready” but no picture. Anyone else experiencing this problem?
Also, I hope ZA keeps us updated on the progress of the donations. I contributed today, and I’d love to know how it goes.
Now, I’m going, seriously.
Thanks for those adorable closeups of adorable Zhennie. I feel like I’m sitting next to her having a picnic!
I, too, vote for the postcards if I have to make a choice between them and full screen. The SD site works better on my Mac than any of the other sites, too.
Mary #29–have a fantastic trip to China. We’ll all be waiting for pictures and reports of sights and smells!
Hello all fellow panda people…I have watched videos of panda’s in China who have just given birth to a cub, or they did a couple a days before. I have seen the “hand” give bamboo and water to a nursing panda, and also in China they give a special tea to momma pandas to help get them to heal after giving birth. So, it isn’t just the zoo in Thailand that hand feeds Lin Hui, the China keepers seem to do it too. Allthough I have seen them use a stick, for lack of a better word, with things on the end to give a Panda water, or bamboo. They don’t always stick just their hands in, but often help the Momma panda with food and drink. The “hand” we are seeing with Lin Hui might be her primary keeper, or whomever it is in charge of taking care of her. By no means do you ever see them in the same room with her, although I have seen that too in China with the keeper quickly getting out after doing whatever they were doing in the first place.
Laying way back in the corner in the shade on the ground, Su Lin looks much smaller than her 190 pounds. But camera angles are deceptive. She looks so peaceful and content. I am surprised she is not up in a tree, but it must be very hot and she decided the ground is much cooler.
Both girls are so lovable and growing up so quickly. They don’t stay cubs forever that’s for certain.
Enjoy while we can, and maximize our enrichment with these magnificent animals.
Widget #47. Thank you for your blog. When I saw my first panda, Basi, in the late 80′s the Chinese keeper was in the yard getting Basi to do this and do that as if it was a circus animal. It really stuck with me that this was a “trained” animal not a zoo animal doing it’s own thing. We have come so far in the way we raise and display animals that I tend to get crazy when I see us revert to the old ways. Also the gaps between the bars in Thailand mean the panda can get her full arm or leg out and they do have huge claws and am sure they are very powerful. I guess it’s the mother in me that doesn’t want to see anyone get hurt. Human or animal.
Now I promise not to blog again this week. Linda A/NorCal and I are going to have to go to Bloggers Anonymous, right Linda? NO, don’t answer!
I’ve tried the Thailand server on both Firefox and IE, and it looks as if there may be a server problem over there. Or it may be overloaded. Things worked fine until this morning.
Probably won’t be on before we leave. Will try to post something after we finish at Ya’an. Am so looking forward to this trip and so not ready to go!
Is Bai Yun showing any signs of pregnancy?I read the past blogs,and I am confused.How long does it take for her to show ‘the’ signs?
Lee #49, I, Linda, am an Addicted Blogger (only on our pandas). I so enjoy and love all the pandas – they seemingly run my life. Is there a 12 step program for us?
Pandafan #2 (#51)–as I understand it, panda embryos do not necessarily implant in the mother’s womb right away. Then after they do implant, it’s about a 100-day gestation. Bai Yun’s cubs have all been born in August, two in the first week and two in about the third week. So even if she’s right on schedule, we have all summer to watch and wait. As to when the signs of pregnancy might appear, I leave that up to someone more knowledgeable. By now, the keepers and doctors probably know Bai Yun pretty well, so I’m sure they’re all alert to any clues.
Linda A #52–I’m not sure there’s a cure–I think one must surrender to the pandas.
Hi! Linda A. from NorCal, I have to say NO to that 12 step program to get ourselves off of the panda addiction! I think we are ALL addicted to these lovely wonderful bears FOR LIFE!! So, hang in there, ok? I am! Anyway, just checked the AZ pandacam, and Xman is asleep on the log structure in the dayroom. With the high heat here in Florida that we are getting now, no doubt Atlanta has been in the mid to high 90s themselves, so these AZ pandas are staying indoors with the A/C! Just as well, tho; they do not tolerate that kind of summer heat very well. If it was in the 80s, they will probably be outside more. I’m sure that the pandas in DC and in Memphis are also staying indoors out of this heat, too. DC has had some rain in the last couple of days that has allowed Mei, Tian, and Tai some outdoor time, but it’s the popular indoor cool thing for them right now! Memphis had some rain earlier in the week, but they are getting much warmer now. AZ’s vets did a weight check on Xi Lan, and he’s at 42.5 pounds already! Just saw Su Lin walking around her yard a couple of minutes ago and out of cam range. She’s not staying still just yet! You guys in San Diego have the best weather right now for your pandas—not too hot for now. You all get that lovely marine cool air every once in awhile that keeps the temps down on some days. Pandas are loving that!
Well, just saw a new article up on the comment page, so I’m going to go read it and find out what’s up with these pandas! See you later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Lee and Linda A., there is no cure. So blog away and enjoy yourselves. We enjoy you.
Thanks Frances in NYC! I can’t wait to see if we’ll have a panda cub this year!(Maybe this one will be born on August 4th?)
Francis #46, if you have a Mac you don’t need to send yourself postcards to get instant screenshots. Just hold down “shift,” the “apple” key and the number “4″ together and you will get a little target-like cursor. Position that at the upper left-hand corner of the pandacam with your mouse, then, holding down the mouse, drag it to the lower right-hand corner of the pandacam. Let go, and you will get a screenshot. All Macs do that. (You can take full screenshots by substituting the “3″ as the number key.)
The problem with postcards is that they take you away from the pandacam just when something adorable is going on! This way you don’t have to miss anything.
Thanks, Fonsia #57–I get around that taken away from the pandacam thing by having it open in two windows–one to watch and one to take screenshots with. It helps that I have a second monitor. Me addicted–nahhhh.