Our panda boy received his fourth exam today. “He’s a growing like a weed,” said Meg Sutherland-Smith, D.V.M. “He’s grown quite a bit since I last saw him two days before he was born.” Very funny, Dr. Meg! She is, of course, referring to the ultrasound images she saw prior to the birth of Bai Yun’s fifth cub.
At 48 days of age, the cub weighed 5.73 pounds (2.6 kilograms) and measured 1.5 feet (45.5 centimeters) long. Our videographer and photographer were surprised that the cub was too large to be weighed by the little scale and watched as the cub was placed on the floor scale used to weigh the rest of the panda residents. Having examined many a panda cub over the years, Meg was a pro at picking the youngster up by the scruff of his neck, just like his mother would do, to help him relax during the brief examination.
Meg noted that the little bruiser’s left eye and right ear are both starting to open. She says the cub squinted when she used her flashlight, which means he can see, but she doesn’t believe he can hear yet.
For those who like to compare our cubs:
Hua Mei on Day 46: 4.75 lbs. (2.159 kg), 18.5 in. (47 cm)
Mei Sheng on Day 50: 5.25 lbs. (2.383 kg), 17 in. (43.2 cm)
Su Lin on Day 49: 5.42 lbs. (2.458 kg), 18.3 in. (46.5 cm)
Zhen Zhen on Day 48: 5.38 lbs. (2.44 kg), 15.3 in. (39 cm)
2009 cub on Day 48: 5.73 lbs (2.6 kg), 17.9 in. (45.5 cm)
More images are posted in the Photo Gallery
See video
What a little piglet! He just gets cuter and cuter.
The little bruiser, lol! So nice to see Dr. Meg, I’ve missed her involvement in this cub. Am I the only one who looks at the size of that cub and finds it remarkable that he only weighs in at 5+ pounds? He looks far larger than my cats and they are 10-15 pounds. Lots of fur? He sure is adorable!
He is looking good! Now that he can see a little bit he’ll be wanting to explore his surroundings. Still a cutie.
Oh! What an absolute bundle of gorgeousness. As good a reason to continue your great efforts to ensure the survival of this magnificent species, despite a recent call by a certain British environmentalist for the reduction in funding for panda conservation. His views are certainly NOT representative of all us Brits.
I’m so glad that the baby is doing well! Hopefully he will get a name soon. Best wishes to Bai Yun and her baby boy!
Thanks for the new update. I love the picture of Dr. Meg and the wee one. It looks like she is giving him a good talking too and he’s saying “I didn’t do anything wrong”.
Oh my gosh, he is so adorable, and still looking just like a mini version of Papa Gao. His tummy just makes me smile!
Being able to see will be, for him, like being born all over again, as his sight opens up a whole new world. I wonder what goes through a cub’s mind when he first sees Mom. A mother panda must look enormous to a cub, even to a “bruiser” like the roly poly one. (Love the use of the word “bruiser” in the post!”)
#2 Carol…I also was doing a mental comparison to my cat and you are not the only one who thinks he looks bigger than a 12-pound kitty. I was a little shocked by how big he looks since the picture shows him in perspective to humans. He looks so much smaller when he’s in Bai’s arms or sleeping at her side.
He is so cute and growing so fast! I love reading the updates and I am constantly checking the webcam to see what the little bruiser is up to. Great Job!
Adorable! Just wanna hug him! Love the frequent updates. Thanks!
I think this little boy may grow to be bigger than Tai at the rate he is growing. Tai was 7.5 lbs on Sept 8, a day shy of 2 months old. I know Mei Sheng’s weight was posted on a few blogs back for comparision to the new baby but I don’t recall if he was bigger then Susie Q or ZZ for the age. A Roly Poly butterball means a healthy baby.
thanks for the update. it sure has been fun to watch mom and little one on the live cam. can’t wait to see the videos and pictures of the fourth exam. he sure has grown quickly! She is a wonderful mom too.
He looks HUGE with Dr. Meg holding him by the scruff!!! He’s a handsome little man!! Good job Bai and Gao!! I just can’t get over how fast he grows – that belly of his just gets me!! LOL
What a cutie, and he is more like a gorgeous little dumpling each exam. Bai Yun really is the perfect momma in cubbie rearing. He is one beautiful little cub.
Look how tall he is -18 inches – funny he doesn’t look that tall when I watch him on the cam!!
How handsome! He definitely has his father’s good looks
Little Roly Poly is just growing by leaps and bounds. Can’t wait to see him on all fours! But that’s rushing things… It’s so cool to see how big he really is when Dr. Meg is holding him up. We get a better concept of size.
What a little character Princess Zhennie is regarding her humming from the previous blog. She’s trying to steal some of baby brother’s thunder!
Me toooo I just wanna hug him like crazy!
Oh boy! Here comes trouble!!!! LOL!!!! This kid is gonna be more than a “pawful”!
My oh my cubbie becoming a really big boy and is going to be a handful for Bai Yun pretty shortly.
Just a question: is it necessary to check him every week now?
Moderator’s note: Absolutely! We are gathering important information on panda cub development that adds to the research work we are doing to help pandas. Plus, we get these great photos and videos. It’s a win-win!
I am always glad when I can see the cub in a new exam. He is so adorable and getting so big..It will be fun for him to finally be able to see and hear his mother. Bia Yun is such a good mom to him.. This has been such a pleasure to see the cub grow right before my eyes. He is such a cutie!!!!
Yes, I agree with Jose #4, that the Brit who said we should just let pandas go extinct is completely wrong. It is humanity’s fault so many animals are losing their habitat, and it would just be a further crime to let them become extinct if we can help it. I am so pleased with the work the SDZ is doing in panda preservation. Yes, some of my opinion is based on cute fuzziness (who could resist our baby bruiser?) but any intelligent person should see we have a responsibility toward the animals whose habitat we demolish.
#4 Jose Owen, how true. His views are ‘off the wall’ and he seems to like upsetting the apple cart. Luckily, the phone-in radio programme I was listening to had panda supporters ringing in. I shall look forward to the series on Pandas (although I don’t know when it will be shown).
What a chubbie little man!! He is so adorable. Thanks for the updates, us pandaholics have now received our fix for the day!!
OMG LOL He is BIG!!! I think he will beat his Dad…Why is SDZ doing exam right after another then another…is there a reason?? is there something we don’t know….I can’t wait to see the video….is he quieter then the others…i bet so
Moderator’s note: Not to worry. Today was best for the Panda Team. It’s just a matter of scheduling!
What a cutie! Ugh I just love this tiny most lovable pandababy so much. Its great so seem him alone on the floor and think “my he is getting so big!”, only to see pandamom return and the size difference is still not even close. Thanks for the update and I’m so thankful for all the amazing work the keepers and doctors and blog moderators do!
He’s so big! (And sooooooooo cute!!!!!!) I think everyone wants to hug him right now!
Panda Photo Gallery – why isn’t there captions with the pics..I think who ever did it before is funny…and besides its nice to read about the pics..
Moderator’s note: The Panda Photo Gallery is not currently set up for captions, but the What’s New photo gallery is: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/whatsnew/index.html
Oh my gosh, this little guy makes me weak in the knees with his cuteness!!! Adorable is not even good enough to describe him!
I am absolutely loving Panda Cam, I was lucky enough to log on when Bai Yun was cleaning him, then they snuggled for a bit! So Cute!! X
I really can’t wait until he gets named! He’ll have to have a name that means “Big” in some way! How old is he now????
Moderator’s note: 48 days old today.
OMG………What a chubette!!! Using the large scale all ready??? LOL……He is adorable and he knows it….LOL….. Everyday is a new adventure for him and his mother, but, especially for me……..Just can’t get enough of them all….Thank you again SDZ for the cams and sharing updates with me/us. Can’t wait until both eyes and ears are opened. A whole new world awaits him…..
I’m going to SDZ to visit him as soon as they put him in public to see..I can’t wait ..
Thank you so much for the update!!! My favorite time of year is when a panda baby is born!!!!
Is he bigger than Mei shang was or about the same size??? He looks big and healthy!! It always brings me joy to see a healthy baby animal!
From my readings, experience, and collaboration with other fosterers of cats and kittens, it is not recommended for anyone but their mothers to pick them up by the scruff. The reason is that many people don’t know how to do it property and/or abuse the opportunity. I am not criticizing the vets at San Diego Zoo or Dr. Meg, who is pictured holding the new cub by his scruff, because they know how to do this without harming the baby (as does his mother). I see people pick up kittens and, God forbid, adult-sized cats by the scruff for no particular reason than they think they can or should do it. I don’t see the necessity for it, and it is unfortunately often done out of meaness. Teach your children to hold small animals properly, but not by the scruff.
Moderator’s note: Good advice, Lilarose.
We always enjoyed our visits to SDZ whenever my wife had Surgery in California…I can’t wait to show my wife the latest pictures of the Bruiser as we were wondering how he will react to his first Snow Day,perhaps belly slides like his older Sister Susie and Mom Bai….The updates are helping my wife get through another Hospital stay due to her worsening Medical Condition and she enjoys every comment and description of the Bruisers development as well as his famous humming sister ZZ Top! We hope to be able to visit again soon if my wife’s medical condition improves enough to allow her to travel…Keep up the great work as you are lifting my wife’s spirits with the updates….Thank-You from all the Panda Lovers Worldwide!!!
Moderator’s note: Hang in there, Dennis and Lynn. There is so much panda joy yet to come!
Moderator: I know kittens will somewhat “stiffen up” when mom picks them up the scruff of the neck. It looks from Bruiser’s picture that pandas do the same. Do they? Thanks, Moderator.
Moderator’s note: As it was described to me, the panda cub goes completely limp.
Thank you the update and photos! I can’t believe he’s already too large for the baby scale, he sure is getting ‘big big’
I thought I saw his eye open today when the cam was zooming in on him but just chalked it up to wishful thinking but it really is! Now he can start to see his mamma!
p.s.: #23 Kay Davies: Here, here! Well said!!
He’s HUGE! Bai is, as always, doing a spectacular job caring for him. Every time I see a photo of him with a human he looks amazingly huge. Yet when we see him with mommy he looks not so huge. Bai Yun must be one GIANT panda! But then, when I went to China last May and had the opportunity to hold a six-month old he sat in my lap and I pretty much had to peek around him he was so tall, and I might add, quite heavy too!
Hes so so cute! He rocks! He is growing up very fast!! Cubbie is oh so cute, i just want to hug him.
Baby cubbie is getting even more fat! He must have Lots of milk!
I agree with Britney he is growing up very fast! He’s a little rock star! He is so so very cute!
What a great report on a great new little man panda Cannon believe he is on the large scale already – soon he will outgrow his dad Gao Gao. Thanks for the undates & comments – lifts my spirit on a rainy,gloomy day here in the Midwest
During the 3rd exam, the vets commented that he barely fit on the scale, so it’s no wonder that as Mr. Chubbs grows every day with mummy’s wonderful milk that he would have to go to the floor scale. Way to go Bai!!!! Wait to go, Mr. Chubbs!
Such a treat to be able to follow all this. I started a panda page, and no one has donated yet, so hoping to continue to get the word out for conservation – so critical to save these beautiful animals!
Have hours on the computer this afternoon awaiting me, all doable because I keep the panda cam open while working and just giggle watching Mr. Chubbs. Way too cute for his own good!
What a wonderful update! Thanks for posting the blog and the photos. I do remember the time when Bai Yun picked up little Zhen Zhen (or was it Su Lin?) by the scruff of her neck and walked unexpectedly into the exhibit area, to the great delight of the visitors. It was quite fun to see how Bai Yun walked around with the cub in her mouth, and the cub was simply relaxed (or limp).
The cub sure is growing up fast and big! I can’t wait to see him learning to walk in a few months! =)
I’m sitting here smiling. I have a rough week or so and haven’t read or posted much because I was kinda in a yucky mood. Not only did I just see a close up of the big guy’s eye, I read this update and ZZ’s update. I am smiling. The cubbie is so darn cute. And all this time I was thinking ZZ could dance! WOW, humming is even better. What a GREAT, CHARMING ability. I knew she was a special, special girl.
Thank you so much for making my day.
I just cannot believe how big he is growing. He is going to be larger than his dad Gao Gao. Way to go mom and dad. He is just too cute.
I was up earlier this morning and saw Bai tossing her bedding around and covered her babywith the bedding. Was she looking for something or just trying to get comfortable? Then she picked up her baby and was comforting him.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun is just making sure everything is as it should be.
Cool! Now that his eyes are beginning to open, Mom’s positioning him in the den door, so he can start seeing more of his surroundings! I can barely wait to see him looking around and start crawling (or trying to!).
he is soooo cute love watching him, but can you ask the little bruiser and his mum to stop looking quite so cute while im trying to do my marking, some nights nothing gets done cus im glued to the cam. cant wait to see him grow up.
I was very entertained last night watching Plumpers engage in his new favorite activity: laying sideways and kicking Mommy Bai very vigorously in the snout. Bai finally got tired of his antics and left the den. Seeing how big he’s gotten in less than a week, I imagine his fat little clawed feet must have hurt her a bit! Bai is going to have her paws full as Plumpers gets bigger…and bigger…and BIGGER!
The baby boy looks great and getting so big. Those paws are starting to look deadly as they are getting so big. Talking about ultrasound…I was wondering if Pandas have the make up to possibly have an ectopic pregnancy? I have had 3..and was just curious. Thanks for the great pictures.
I’m in love!
I’ve been thinking of our little Cinco de Bai-O as a bruiser for some time now, but I was afraid Bai might take offense. I don’t remember seeing anyone hold Zhennie by the scruff (except Bai), so it’s amazing to see him in human scale. And then he still looks so tiny compared to Bai. Soo cuuuuute!
Maybe someone has already mentioned this, but the link to the video is to the third exam. I found the right one though and it is so amazing. He is so cute and cuddly and GROWING. It’s exciting that his eyes are starting to open, and his ears. That should enlarge his world some.
Also wanted to mention how much I like the new panda cam page. It is really beautiful and every bit as noble as these awesome bears. Thank you.
When someone was mentioning “panda leasing” and “panda rental,” it sounded kind of humorous~~~but I realize that it is very expensive to
bring these rare animals to the US and I really really appreciate the efforts of everyone involved. The panda cam is one of the best wonders of the internet. Thank you SDZ for bringing us panda views, 24-7.
Also blessings and prayers to #37, Dennis and Lynn.
Moderator’s note: The link has been corrected. Thanks for the heads-up, Kay.
What a great video. He is so chubby and beautiful. Now he is able to see a bit too so you know he is wondering who all the people are. Did I notice that he seemed able to stand with his front feet at least? Any ideas why he is gaining so much more weight than previous cubs? It certainly looks good on him.
Watching little Butter Dude and his antics in the den was one of the things that brought a smile to my face on a very sad personal weekend for me and my friend.
He is one handsome male. We even got to see Bai take him out of the den on Sunday (having missed Saturday by mere seconds). Sheesh, he’s grown soooo much in the last 2 weeks.
Thank you for all the great research you do at the SDZ in furthering this wonderful species. We love Butter Dude and can’t wait to meet him in person.
Jennie
So Cal
Oh Deb, LOL, I watched him kick her in the snout too. It was hilarious and then she moved him out of strike range. That was precious.
What a big boy! I am nominating him to be named Poh Kee, or as we say in English, Porkie.
Thank You SDZ!!! Gosh it is fun to see the growth so often! Mr. Chubbie is now longer than my little Chihuahia/mini-pin mix! (Well not counting the tail) Three more pounds and he will weigh more
At the rate he’s growing, I figure that will happen in two weeks! I cannot get over how CUTE he is!!! And, please tell Dr. Sutherland that I KNOW she made each and every one of us jealous when she squeezed his belly 
What a treat it is for all pandafans everywhere to have these moments of Joy!!!! Does anyone else tickle their computer screen when watching the pandas?
Tomorrow roly poly will be 7 weeks old! 7 weeks of pure cuteness. I love watching him sleep and roll around. It was very cute today when he and his mother were snuggling.
Think of how much joy we all would be missing if…
OMG that panda is HUGE compared to how he looked in the exam 3 video!
He is such a little butter ball. Growing so fast. I check on him constantly during the day and of course the others. Hes by far the favorite right now. And who wouldn’t squint with a light shining in their eye. Can’t wait for his eyes to open. Thanks for all you are doing for pandas.
Take care Dennis and Lynn #37! Enjoy Bai and Baby on panda cam; and Su Lin & Zhennie when we can. It IS very nice of all the keepers, staff, and the moderator and the bloggers to keep everyone informed and smiling at the new little (uh, roly poly big?!) guy. We’ve all taken comfort here as needed. And smile and laugh out loud the rest of the time!
He is just too precious for words…. I am sooo happy to be able to see this great experience. Some day I will be able to visit the zoo. Oh, how long do they stay in the little birthing room? Is that a decision you make or mom makes?
Moderator’s note: That’s a Mom decision, but usually by four months the denning phase is winding down.
CUUUUUUTE!!!!!!!!!! This little butterball is still sooooooo adorable and too cute! Saw the 4th exam vid, and found out that his left eye and ear are starting to open up! OH BOY!! Once he gets both ears and both eyes opened, he’ll be able to see his world around him, and BOOM! He’ll really get to motoring once he figures out what all 4 of his legs are supposed to do! He is one remarkable cub for sure! Still plump, too! Saw the photos, and the one thing that I still have not seen yet on the photos and the videos are those webbed feet! Can someone really try to get a real good closeup pic of those webbed feet? I would love to see those feet! Cubbie getting close to 6 pounds and 2 inches long! He looks bigger than his weight and length! He made some noises, but not for long. He just does not like that caliper on his paw! Loved the way the vet picked him up by the scruff of his neck. He just went limp!
Was on the pandacam, and saw the little guy napping in the den. If Bai’s routine still holds, she’ll be taking little muffin butt out under the stars again tonite. I’ll be surprised if she skips a nite like she did last nite; Bai was in the den with her cub for most of the nite last nite. So, I’ll be checking in off and on to see if cubbie’s in the den or outside under the stars.
Still voting for Suzanne Braden for Hero of the Year. Just found out that our own local big cat sanctuary in Hillsborough County, Florida, Big Cat Rescue, is also nominated for AP Hero of the Year! Now, that’s a big choice for me to make between big cats and pandas! Oh well!
Will be back later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: Get on Pandas Live On and read the article about the state of the wild pandas in China after the 2008 earthquake. It will give you all some hope and still be concerned about the survival of the pandas.
Moderator’s note: Both our videographer and photographer tried their best to get images of those webbed feet, but there was too much fur covering the webbing.
He is the most adorable thing I have ever seen! He is huge! He looks so much smaller next to Bai, which really gives me an idea of what size Panda Bears are (nope, never seen one in real life). I bet he is calm during his exams with the way Bai rolls him around and snuggles him. He is used to be handled, which must help all of you! I need to find a new name for him. Roly Poly is just not enough anymore!!!
awwww! we have such a cute little boy!
Thanks for your updates – very interesting! My questions for today:
1. Does the camera make a sound? Once I saw the camera operator turn the camera to better view the bears and the mother kept looking up at it, making me wonder what she perceives.
2. Is the light that we see (shining on the ground in the birthing den) visible to the mother?
3. Is it white light? Red? Black? Or???
Larkin
Moderator’s note: #1: Yes.
#2 and #3: The light is actually an infrared illuminator that allows us to see in the dark. It’s really black as pitch in that den right now, and even during daylight hours the den is very dimly lit.
The sneeze in the 4th exam was precious! I saw the little chunk kicking Mama’s nose today, also. Dr. Meg is right, he is a bruiser! Hahaha! Mama Bai is in big trouble with this little son.
That boy is growing unbelievably fast & big! Each week just cuter and cuter!!!
I read about that British naturalist tonight, too and about got sick. He crossed WAY over the line on that!
Woo-hoo, a 4th exam, what was a surprise! You guys were holding out on us. He’s too big to fit on the table scale, are you kidding?! HA! I’m wondering if someone isn’t rewarding Bai w/a few extra protein biscuits, on account of her nursing, and all (such as being a GREAT MOMMY). It works like fertilizer on him. BTW, does Bai, or any other expecting moms, get pre-natal vitamins while PG, and nursing? Probably a stupid question since we know they aren’t getting them in the wild! DUH! But you never know, nothing but the best care for our animals!
He’s SOOO CUTE! (sorry, I keep saying that) It looked to me like they totally wanted to hug & kiss on that bundle of love. He’s going to be too big to hold like baby at his next exam.
Gee, I’m surprised he has any hair left on him since Bai tends to groom him so often. Do you think maybe since this is her first boy, that she’s trying to remove his, you know, thinking it’s a piece of poop? Sorry, I just had to ask. I”m starting to see him kick more like HEY, enough already!
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun does not need vitamins or supplements. For more info on her diet as a panda mother, see http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2007/09/12/the-great-outdoors/
how does the name Gao jr. sound for out lil fella love ya all a SDZ
Ohhhhhhmigosh he is so so so cute!! I love this mellow little dude…just wanna give him a big big hug. Thanks SDZ for all the hard work you do – it’s so obvious how much you love the pandas.
I am a pediatric speech-language pathologist and I look at this website with my clients all the time! They love to see Bai Yun and her baby and describe what they are doing every day (even if it is mostly sleeping and eating). =)
Little man is getting used to seeing in the darkness under the stars. Makes sense that Bai takes him outside when it is dark, and keeps him in the darkness of the den during the bright daylight hours. Since his hearing is starting to be better with one ear opening, it also makes sense that she is adjusting him to the noises outdoors slowly by going out when the zoo closes and bringing him back in when the keepers arrive in the AM. Yesterday morning they did not come inside as early as I thought I read they were doing last week. Was there a change in keeper schedule on a Monday AM versus the weekend? Or, was Bai staying out longer because they have done it for a week now and he is more used to that environment? Only Bai knows for sure!
I watched the video again and looked at the recent photos. You really can see how much he has grown from just a week ago! Wow! He looks like a 12 pound puppy, at least! It is hard to believe he is only under 6 pounds. Is that because he has so much fur? Though he does look quite solid! What a belly and a full face. Hmm…if I figured it out right, his 100th day is also Friday the 13th. And he is round like a moon and black and white like a moon. And Bai keeps bringing him out at night. There must be a perfect name to fit all this in! And milk, of course! Stars, night…milky way.
Isn’t the number 13 lucky in Chinese, meaning definite life or definite luck, definite prosperity? So much to think about!
OH My – he is toooo cute – & getting so big
What a pawful he’s going to be for Bai. The den was empty this afternoon for quite a while – momma showing him the sights in the daylight ?? 
Now that his ears & eyes are opening look out 
Each day on the cam & blog brings more fun. I think I mentioned that my hubby recently retired & now I have to fight him to watch the cam – he’s as addicted as I am 
What a great video of the 4th exam….WOW, he is getting so big!!! Cute & adorable as always. It seems he was in the den alot by himself today, or else it was my timimg geting on the panda cam and I missed Bai with cubbie. Now he is outside with mama for the night will check back in the morning.
Yep looks like another night in the “star gazing room” – though when I checked several times last night mom & plumper were sound asleep in the den.
To Mary Hanratty -from another blog – I tried my best to find out when cubs can “do their business” on their own without momma’s stimulation. I know there was an update on the ZA site that covered that – it struck me funny that they were so excited about a panda “peeing or pooping” on their own that it was the topic of the day
I may be wrong but it seems that cubs can start eliminating on their own just when they start crawling – whatever -this is something that researchers are keeping track of
He is so big now!!!!! He grows so fast! He seems gain a pound every week!! Thanks for all the keepers and vets’ hardwork! I just wonder when you pick u the cub from the den? when Bai Yun was away from the den?
Moderator’s note: A previous post explains this pretty well: http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2009/08/31/prepping-for-the-first-exam/
I just want to nibble on him! He is so precious!
Oh my goodness, I just can not believe how fast he is growing.
What a good boy he is during the exams.
I want to hold him!!!!
I love being able to see some of the exams, thanks for the videos.
I said it in the Panda Exam #3 blog and am going to say it again…Based on how big he’s getting, I think he should be called…MOO SHU PORKER!
What a porker! And such a quiet little one. Bai’s mothering is remarkable. Not only is he obviously well fed, but he’s so calm and mellow. He’s the most content panda cub yet.
Well, guess what I think about that “British environmentalist?”
Reading all these beautiful comments, it’s amazing how this panda family gives such joy. Just think how the world would be without their light…I can’t help but think about all the animal mothers and babies of the world out there, hiding in their environments, trying to survive… yet going through similar moments, no one to watch in awe as we do here. I would like to bless all of them here. All mothers and their young, love to you, and may you feel it somehow in your lives….as I hope Momma Bai, baby, Gao Gao, and the rest of the clan do….all the professionals at SDZ, thank you for letting us, me, get to view all these amazing exams…be a part of this experience. Look at baby, growing right before our eyes…and speaking of eyes……he’s peeking………………
SOOOOO PRECIOUS LITTLE ONE !!!!!!
Moderator: Thank you so much for all the info you’ve provided! How are the vets/researchers/zookeepers finding little baby’s behavior compared to Bai’s other cubs when they were his age? Is he more/less rambuntious, vocal? Any other significant differences or too early to tell? He seems to make it very easy to examine from the looks of the videos. Watching videos of Zhen Zhen, I can imagine her being a delightful handful since the day she was born, but wonder if she has always been so boisterious or is it because she’s still young. Thanks in advance!
Moderator’s note: So far the word is that the cub is a mellow fellow.
Goodness! There’s no doubt who that cub’s daddy is! He’s the spittin’ IMAGE of Gao Gao except for his size, which I suspect he’s getting from grandpa Pan Pan (who apparently was a “bruiser” indeed).
No wonder he’s sleeping so much: he’s spending his energy in growing! It’s amazing how mellow he is though. Do we have a gentle giant in the making?
I will never get tired of looking at that picture of the cub with his full, firm tummy on display. His resemblance to Gao fills my heart with joy. This little guy is going to be one cool panda dude!
I agree that the negative article about panda conservation is unfortunate. Somehow it reminded me of an article several years ago in Slate magazine that basically mocked giant pandas and panda conservation efforts. I run across that article occasionally when I research information about pandas and it never fails to elicit outrage at the author’s callousness, followed by tears of sadness. Luckily, however, there is an army of people around the world who disagrees with the naysayers, banding together to lend voices, dollars and talents to save this special species. Vive the panda!
#72 Aunt Nancy, this is Bai’s 2nd boy cub. Mei Sheng was the 1st boy but the 2nd cub.
He is growing really fast, I think he’s taking after Pan Pan. It would be great if he was named after Pan Pan too, espcially as the Chinese word can have many meanings including “big”, “pleasing” or “to hope for”
Although I’m not sure of the translation for Grandpa Pan Pan’s name.
Can’t say I agree with Chris Packham either and wonder what his views on other endangered spieces are.
#72 Aunt Nancy…This little big dude is actually Bai Yun’s second male cub. Her first, Mei Sheng, was born in 2003. She licks all of her cubs alot, male and female, to groom them and to stimulate elimination, although studies show that the mothers tend to hold and lick male cubs more. Panda moms are pretty meticulous!
Referring to the comment by Aunt Nancy…This isn’t Bai’s first boy. Mei Sheng was her first boy and her 2nd cub.
OMG! I want one! Hehehe, that little guy is just too precious for words.
The baby boy is so cute!! Love the smile on his face!!
Oh my goodness!!!! What a little porker!!!! He is way too cute!!!! I can’t believe how fast he is growing!!!! I would just love to give him a big cuddle!!!! Of course, you would never get him back!!!! LOL Keep up the amazing job you are doing with these beautiful animals!!!!
#81 Maureen
As mentioned, cubs really begin eliminating on their own when they are crawling. Another factor in this is the den: panda mothers need to ensure that the den is kept spotless. So while Mom and cub are in the den, the cub will still be dependent on Mom for elimination.
#51 Jodi
It is possible for an ectopic pregnancy to occur in the giant panda, or any other bear, but it has never been reported.
Gosh! He is so cute! I can’t wait until his next exam to see how much he has grown. Bai Yun, you are being a great mommy.
Can the swine flu be transmitted to pandas. I know they do get some of the same ailments hoomans do.
Moderator’s note: According to our veterinary staff, we don’t know at this time if pandas would be susceptible to H1N1.
This boy is such a cute “rolly polly”. he looks so small with mom, and so big with the Dr. It will be a pleasure to watch him grow and learn.
Cute chubby big baby boy!
Ohhh, thank you for educating me. I thought Bai was just cleaning our boy. I embarrassed, I wasn’t aware that this what Mom does before the cubs can eliminate on their own. You learn something new everyday.
Did I say how CUUUUTE HE IS, today?!? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE HIM!
Along with my fellow Brits, in previous posts, I agree with them…
Great job SDZ, all you keepers, Vets, etc, what would we do without you. And thanks for all the updates. When I think of the privledge of seeing three of Bai’s cubs born, I am very blessed.
And this little guy is so cute, as others have said, Mamma is going to have her paws full when he starts moving around. Can’t wait for his eyes and ears to both open, bless him a whole new world will open up to him, and being able to see and hear his Mamma.
Thanks again you wonderful people at SDZ.
I can’t believe how fast he is growing. Bai is such a great mom! Can’t wait for his eyes to open and explore his new world! Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful boy.
That baby is too darn cute and he’s growing to fast. Going to SDZ in November is going to be the best birthday present to myself ever. I loved the video and could see that Dr. Meg loved that fat little belly as we all do. soon he will be able to see and hear the world around him and I’m sure mom will tell him about all the adoring fans he has and what is expected of him so we can oooh and aaaah over him some more.
P.Wong It’s time for a story and what Bai will be telling him about his homeland
Jose Owen, I just read what that conservationist said. You can find it on the MSN website. Bai Yun is an absolutely wonderful mom and that big boy is just something else! I can’t wait to watch him when he’s able to see; he’ll be all over the place!
just to add the Chinese translation of “Pan Pan” is ” be looking forward to” or ” expecting”. Pan Pan is a hero father in Wong Long, and he has more than 10 sons and daughters, BaiYun is one of his daughters. So far, more than 30 more Pandas has Pan Pan’s blood, imaging he is a great grandpa
Pan Pan was also rescued from wild in 1987, when he was only 2 years old, with some severe skin disease.
he became a father when he was 6 years old, since then, he has been a hero father being able to naturally breeding.
Celfy #92, you ask what Chris Packham’s views on other endangered species are. Well, the full interview is in the Radio Times (a TV listings magazine in the UK – not sure if it’s on the internet) and he also thinks tigers should be allowed to die out. We can only imagine what he thinks about other species. Won’t be much left then if he has his way. Oh, and he doesn’t like cats and dogs either.
I always thought that if you were into wildlife, then you were into ALL of it, not just a select few. No animals, no humans either. I have a feeling that his views may backfire on him and get more people interested in Pandas and polar bears and tigers etc. I really hope so.
The comparative size of Momma and Baby is dramatic. He looks so small next to her, however during his exams, he looks big. Bai Yun must be HUGE. I’ve read about her weight, but what is her length and shoulder height? She is certainly a caring cuddling mom.
Moderator’s note: We’ll look into that.
Thank you very much for the updates and thank you for all the SD zoo’s efforts!! There are no words to describe how excited to see each new post about our little boy and mom and all the other pandas. I am also so happy to know our little boy start to see the world. I have one small question. How long it usually take till their eyes fully open (from the sign of their eyes start to open)? And for how long they will be able to see the images clearly? Thank you in advance. ^_________^
Moderator’s note: It’s hard to say when a panda cub can see clearly, as we can’t ask one to read an eye chart
We do know that cub eyes fully open typically between 50 and 60 days.
Our class at Temecula Elementary in Temecula, CA has been watching the baby panda grow as part of a class project. We first saw him when he was the size of a stick of butter, and we write about him in our journals everyday.
We think he is cute and adorable. We look forward to watching him after lunch everyday and can’t wait to see him grow and walk around. We all hope we can go to the zoo and see him sometime soon.
Our class:
Stephanie, Isabella, Marco, Michael, Savannah, Karina, Jorge, Sean, Ricky H., Sam, Jaydin, Ricky P. Tyler, Mrs. Bodemer and Mrs. Cota.
Moderator’s note: We hope you all will continue to enjoy watching this little cub grow. Writing down your observations is a great way to remember all of his “firsts”!
I noticed mom brings in bamboo to the nest. When his teeth come in will she begin to show him how to nibble on this too? Also do the pandas eat just the leaves or the whole stock and the leaves? I just love watching them.
Moderator’s note: See a previous post for great info on learning to eat bamboo (if you’re a panda cub!): http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2006/03/21/milestones-2/
What a sleepy head!! I don’t think I’ve ever seen this guy sleep sooo long before. Of course he did wake up and do his crunches but then he went right back to sleep. I know it’s climate controlled in there but I can’t help but think he’s drugged from the heat, like my dog. Also, I don’t think I’ve seen Bai away so long during the day. I would think she would want to be inside where it’s air conditioned. Hope all is well.
It just dawned on me that he’s probably just going through a growth spurt! DUH!! But what about Bai, what’s she up to? Do panda’s like water? Would they enjoy a wading pool? I bet ZZ would.
Well, whether or not baby was ready, momma just now dragged him out….last thing I saw were his little legs leaving the nest…..
Why don’t we just name him “Cutie” and get it over with…..
Bai is such a good mama. Those crunches baby was doing looked waaay more like he was pitching a fit! His arms & legs fully extended and waiving then in walks mom. Ahhh.
Momma can’t keep her hands off baby because he IS so dang cute. She kisses, and squeezes, and hugs and tugs and snuggles….what we are doing is….living vicariously through her….I guess. well, me anyway. what a cute picture right now, she is sitting half way in the doorway to the nest, laying behind baby who’s laying same direction. She paws him periodically, or just lays and watches him, like she’s waiting for him to wake up, or is just laying there relaxing, enjoying the precious time together….there she goes again…she can’t stop patting him with her paws…how cute is that?! What a proud mummy…….so cute, you can just eat’um up with a spoon.
#111 Shirley
Bai Yun’s weight on September 20, 2009, was 206 pounds (93.5 kilograms). Her length is 5.3 feet (163 centimeters) and her chest girth is 3.4 feet (104 centimeters).
Thank you for the response to my post. At 5.3 feet and 206 pounds, Bai Yun is a big girl.
OH my !!!!!! I love watching the baby ,,,on sept.23.2009 at 21:20..I was watching and I believe I saw a mouse in the den where the baby was I was so scared ..will you please check.. his mama was not there with him ..please check for mice ..maybe it was only a bug on lens ..am hoping ..thank you for what you do …I love the pandas
Thank you for the update of Snuggles’ 4th exam. This picture when the vet is holding him by his scruff is too cute for words! He is looking so good and well-fed, just the way a baby should look like. I cannot wait for his sparking blue eyes to open. It is nearly impossible that he will look even more adorable then.
Bai Yun for sure is in the process of educating him to become a star gazer. Whenever I want to have a glimpse of him and mommy they are both not in the den. However, the other day I managed to catch a close look of them lying like “spoons”, gee, did this baby grow! Thank you, pandas, and of course you guys for making my days so much brighter! You are doing a fantastic job, which cannot be emphasized often enough!
This little guy just keeps getting cuter and bigger! #23/24/92 etc as long as there are instituitions like SDZ and many others who work tirelessly to protect all endangered species we must have faith that these creatures will have a future. Complacency and resigned inevitability should be a thing of the past. We know more now and so should strive to do better and not repeat the mistakes of the past. Judging by the blog peoples passion comes through loud and clear.
Many tigers like to play in water. There are rivers and things like that in China. Have any of you ever put a kiddie pool in there with any of them to see if they like to play with or in water like the tigers? I think it was a shock to the keepers of the tigers when they began playing in it. It may be something new we could learn… like they can swim.. or they float…
Bai & Cubbie scared me last night…..around 12:15 a.m. (your time) I checked in on them and cubbie was laying still and Bai was outside. When she came back in she sniffed and nudged cubbie and he didn’t move. She then picked him up and held him in her arms and he still wasn’t responding from what I could tell. I was panicked. What happened???? But great news this morning when I woke up!!!! Cubbie & mama were snuggling and baby was fine. Oh, what a relief to see it happening. I feel much better now.
Our office just loves watching little Ping Pong and Bai! He’s getting so big and now it appears his eyes are open! I never imagined this level of care would be given to a cub. I’m so glad we tuned in! Thanks
Dear Moderator, I wanted to thank you for the recommended reading “Pandas Play Solitaire” on Mr. Gao Gao’s Blogs. http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2005/10/24/pandas-play-solitaire/
It answered sooo many questions I had! Perhaps if I’d spend more time educating myself w/the material that’s already here, you could take a break! But…..its too hard to be away from the camera for so long! Luckily I have a Mac computer and can watch on my dashboard cam as I read. But I have four zoo sites open, one for each live cam! I’ve got the WHOLE ZOO to keep an eye on! It’s a really big job you know! OMG, nothing will ever get done around here! Yesterday my son asked me where I was all day because the house was a mess, exactly the way it was when we left! HA! Oh well, at least I’m not the only guilty one! But…I’ve actually gone so far as lied, and said I had a horrible headache from the heat and laid in bed all day! That’s BAAAD! But I don’t want to be helped! I can’t wait for him to walk!
Can’t control myself ! I have watch this video few times everyday. I don’t know how much longer my screen can tolerate me.
Thank you very much for sharing the video.
L’il Bruiser, eh? heh-heh! BIG Bruiser-Man cub has to use the Big Panda scales now? My, oh, my! Momma B’s milk must be richer than ever before. I predict now that this Bruiser Man will grow to be the largest of any of Bai’s and Gao’s offspring. And he will be the most handsome. (But I’m still partial to Tai Shan, my “first” panda.) It has been such a joy watching this little guy amaze everyone, including the vets and keepers. Happy days in Panda Canyon! Way to go!
A CO-worker f/w the pandacam to me last week after i f/w him a batch of sea turtles being hatched in gulf shores, al. Nature, God’s creatures, are amazing to watch and learn about. i agree w/the #129 Nancy that NOTHING is getting done around here… lol… i am totally in love w/this sweet little baby & Very Loving Momma!
Went to babysit my grandsons and one of their friends had a toy panda, just about the size of our little panda cublet. After dinner, my grandsons and I watched all four of the videos on Chubby Cubby, noting how much he had grown and laughing at his little mewing and sneezes. The boys think Chubby is just as adorable as can be, especially when I told them that His Chubbiness is about the size of their friend’s toy panda. We laughed at him wriggling in his den, doing pushups, being buried under the bamboo.
What a special treat it is to be able to watch a wild animal grow right before our eyes. We all seem to have such vested interests in how he is every second of the day. I had to laugh at #129 (Aunt Nancy) who got nothing done all day. Even with the panda cam open on the left of my screen, I get so little done on the computer because I’m constantly way laid by his adorableness.
Moderator, is there a prescribed number of exams for the cub or is it a matter of when the time is right, nab and perform the exam? He seems to be so mellow during the exams, a true California dude!!
Thank you for all you do!
Moderator’s note: We try to do an exam once a week for several months.
He is soooo adorable! My mother got me hooked on the “Panda Cam” and I now leave it on my desktop to watch him throughout my day! Bai Yun is such a good Mommy and to see her interact with her cub and the loves and gentleness she shows is a joy to watch and experience! THANKS San Diego Zoo!!
I fall more in love with this little boy every day. I t just brings out all those maternal instincts you think have gone away when your kids leave home. LOL!! I can’t wait until he is gets his name!!
I think we should name him George (George Hamiltom). No one cares what he does. Wej ust want to look at him!
This morning our local ABC station had the story about that Brit who thinks to much money is wasted on pandas, This guy has created a huge uproar and people are outraged. I hope this makes people aware of the pandas plight and generates some positive publicity for the conservation cause.
P.wong thanks for the great story. I missed the meeting at the gate but will watch this morning on youtube.
I want one !!
i am addicted to the panda cam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was wondering is there anyway that we can listen to Bai Yun and that cute and hugable baby boy talk to each other? You have the mic on when you do the exams, and I would love to hear them converse with each other. Bai Yun is such a good mother. If there is one thing I want to do before I die, is to hold and cuddle a baby Panda. San Diego you are the best, I have had you as my home page since the first cub was born. Our Zoo here in Washington DC needs to take lessons from you when it comes to making babies.
Re #136 – hilarious! You’re so right – by virtue of all the comments people have left for each and on every blog, we would seem to be totally besotted with the little one. He sneezes, we ooooh and ahhhh. He rolls over and there are 50 new comments! He crawls out from under the bamboo and we are so proud of “our” little boy. He goes missing for the night and everyone has a conniption fit. And then there are thousands of others who just love who he is but don’t necessarily make comments on the blog. George sounds right to me!!! And he definitely is California mellow!
I particularly love it when he seems to be doing push ups. Getting his little muscles ready for the big upcoming walk.
Moderator, compared to the other cubs, is there a sense of when he might become mobile and walking? He scoots now by pushing off his back legs, but real walking would happen around what age? Thanks!
Moderator’s note: Based on our observations, you can expect to see the cub conquer a coordinated walk at about 21 weeks.
Naturalist Chris Packham said on Good Morning America that Pandas are stupid and we should let them die out. What a stupid thing for him to say and shame on him!! From what I have observed, and I am not a zoologist, I think the Giant Panda is pretty intelligent, not to mention beautiful! Are we suppose to let all endangered animals and plants die? NOT!!
Thank you San Diego Zoo for helping our Pandas thrive. Bai Yun, the supermom-panda-great should get a big ole treat or something special for her contribution of 5 healthy cubs into the world. She is perfect! I watch her and how she takes care of her special bundle of joy and wish people would take as good a care of their children as she does of hers. Giant Pandas are smart!
Question: How intelligent are Pandas compared to other bears? (I know they the most beautiful of all bears.)
Thanks again from North Carolina for all you do for the Giant Pandas!!
Haven’t checked the website for quite a while so was thrilled to learn about the new edition! I, too, am quite addicted to the panda cam. Just love watching mama and baby. The cams have improved so much. I would love to be able to hear all the sounds too!
I might be wrong, but it looks like little cubbie’s right Ear may be open. I can’t wait for him to hear the beauty of the world we live in!
Guilty as charged Liana. Ooooohing and aaaaahing, not to mention worrying, in silence when Chunky disappears at night. Saw my first live panda in China in 1993, but Chunky is my very first panda baby to monitor since the day his birth was announced in Google. Chunky starts my day right…
Love you, Chunky!
Hi!
Moderator, many times when the big little guy is alone, I see him opening and closing his mouth as if he’s crying for Mom. Is he actually calling for her? Kind of hard to tell, since we don’t have any sound on this darn thing!
Thanks! Give him a hug for me!
)
Moderator’s note: Yes, he’s vocalizing. Bai seeems to know (as most mothers do) when it’s just a vague complaint and when he really needs her.
Chunky? Cute name! Think China will go for that?? LOL!
Volcalizing! That’s the word I was looking for! Thank you, Moderator!!
Chunky? Maybe a problem. So, let’s write it Chinese style. Chang Qi. How about that? He he he…
I just wonder that does the panda baby vocalizes a lot? I am watching the panda cam, and always see him stretching his feet and his mouth open and mumble? Any clue?
Moderator’s note: Keepers say he yawns a lot but is not very vocal, as his needs are met by his attentive mother.
I’m serious George is a good name. I guess we need to find a Chinese name for it.n Thanks for finding the gest. 140
My husband & mysyself are contant donators to the zoo. We were involved with the elephant remake at the zoo. You guys have done wonders! I
still think you should name “baby” George”.
Oh my gosh! I just tuned into the panda cam and there’s our little boy laying there by himself with a MOUSE running around the enclosure! I was very worried it might try to bite the baby but the mouse stayed away from him then seemed to disappear. He was just running around the baby in circles. What happened? Did one of the volunteers manage to get it out of there? We don’t want anything to happen to our precious boy! This happened at approx 9:39pm PST.
Thank you volunteers and panda team for all the hard work and amazing progress you’ve made in studying these beautiful and intelligent bears!
Moderator’s note: Thank you for letting us know. The Panda Team has been notified and will look into it. Please be assured that the mouse is looking for food, not a panda cub to nibble.
When the panda cam zooms to close up, the baby’s eyes seem blinking! Do his eye open yet?
I can not believe he is only 5 lbs ish. I have a chihuahua bigger than him!
Just curious, as this cubbie is so much larger than his siblings were at each stage of his growth, is this because he nurses more often, is it that his body metabolizes his mother’s milk differently (or faster) or could his mother’s milk be more nutritrous with this birth versus previous ones? Thank you for educating everyone on these most amazing animals!
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
I noticed that Bai leaves Chunky for long periods of time alone, more so this week. Is she doing that for any particular reason?
I think our baby boy is going to crawl much sooner than we expect. I swear Bai was just encouraging him to move out of the den there, and now it looks like she trying to roll him out. Never mind, their going down for a siesta! OMG! She’s lovin’ on that child like there’s no tomorrow! It’s the most precious thing you’ve ever seen!! Thank God there isn’t a limit as to how many photo’s you’re allowed to take in a day. He’s sooo adorable, I could eat (love) him up! XOXO all over!
I agree with Haydn, that the chubby cubby seems to be on his own quite frequently when I check in on the den.
Perhaps Bai needs lots of extra bamboo to be able to produce enough milk for the little guy. He usually looks pretty content (in babies we call it the quiet alert state) as he learns about his body all by himself. What a joy to watch,
once again, the development of this amazing animal. Thanks to all the devoted caregivers who insure the health and safety of the Pandas.
My son thinks the baby panda should be named after Shi Shi. He loves looking at the panda cam!
It seems like he is alone now for a long period of time during the day. How does he get enough nutrition?
Moderator’s note: His round belly tells us he’s getting plenty of the good stuff.
How many times the little guy nurse a day?
Moderator’s note: This question has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
XIAOBO : little wrestler.
I’ve just logged on to find a very active baby panda flexing all his legs vigorously! I’m sure he almost rolled onto his back by using his back left leg to try and swing himself over to his right side. Well done mum for all the encouragement she’s giving.
I haven’t seen the mouse, but maybe that’s what Bai kicks up dust about. She appears to be looking for something on occasion. If a mouse has been near her baby I’ll bet she does smell it and I’d hate to be the mouse if she catches it!! LOL…. and Broozer? I love that! He is a little Broozer, great name for him!
# 155 – Haydn – I noticed the same thing. Bai seems to leave little man alone for much longer periods of time, then I remember her doing with Su and ZZ. Especially in the last few days.
#153 Diane, I have a chihuahua that weighs more than that too. Chubby Cubby will have to gain another 4-5 lbs. to weigh as much as mine.
Cubby is in the door of the pen right now, half in the sun, half out. He is wiggling his butt to some music only he can hear, but it is so cute.
I wish we could see him, but living in Maine makes it all but impossible. We were there in early March, but don’t see us making another trip any time soon. We have to watch the cams and enjoy vicariously.
OMG. He just rolled over. I had not seen that before. And I enjoy the views of Bai’s other areas with the cameras.
Great camera techniques.
I figured Bai keeps taking him out of the den so he can get some exercise since he’s sooo roly poly!
What a little charmer, keeping all these humans so occupied with every moment of his life. Every year at this time my thoughts turn to the wild panda babies growing up in dens that have no panda cam beaming their every move to the world. And their panda moms doing their best to eat as much bamboo as they can so their little ones will grow up big and strong. I had to laugh at the reactions to the mouse in the enclosure. Like ZZ’s ducks, in the wild there would be many other creatures around. I imagine wild pandas see mice all the time, since they have no keepers to sweep up the leftovers after a meal of bamboo, the mice would do that job.
I have been watching this roly Poly grow and can not beleive how fast he is growing. He is so cute and his mama sure does show her love for him. My computer is frozen on this web site most of the time. What a wonderful way to let everyone enjoy seeing this daily. camera men keep up the good work and I thank you.
#154 Cindy
We really don’t know the answer to this question. However, we have no reason to think that Bai Yun’s milk would be different this time around, so we could probably rule that one out. The rest of your suggestions are all possibilities.
Bai’s at it again! Something is agitating her. Looking for something underneath the bed – throwing beddings. Has this been investigated yet by the panda team? Concern for my Chang Qi (Chunky)…
all good things