Yesterday I sat in on one of the last of Yun Zi’s exams before he goes on public exhibit. We were hosting a reporter from the local newspaper, and I warned her ahead of time that as cool as you try to be in the presence of a panda cub, there’s a little part of you that is sure to melt.
For me, I mentally prepared myself not to speak in baby talk, but inevitably I let out a “oh!” when the keepers set him down for the exam and announced his weight: 19.4 pounds (8.8 kilograms).
Beth Bicknese, the senior veterinarian, and Kathy Hawk, the senior keeper, needed all four of their hands to keep hold of Yun Zi’s four paws this morning. To try to keep him occupied, Kathy kept half of an apple in her hand for the cub to smell, taste, and explore. And that worked for about 40 seconds. After that, he was trying to crawl in any direction that would free him from their attention.
Throughout the exam I had a huge smile on my face because there, just 3 feet from me, was a panda cub. *Sigh*
The keepers had set out a large piece of carpet to use as their examining area, but Yun Zi seemed to want to be anywhere but there. During earlier exams, keepers could set him down and he’d stay put – sometimes even falling asleep during the exam – but long gone are those days. Keepers could check about one area of the cub’s body before he’d wiggle away from them and crawl off. It was a constant battle of wills this morning.
He kept making low squeals or yips while Beth and Kathy inspected him. Beth started at the top of his head with a check of his eyes and ears and then worked down his little panda body. They noted that he had more teeth than he had at the last exam, and they could feel his muscles. Yun Zi has been climbing a lot more in the past few weeks and turning what was just some extra mass into muscle.
While he continued to yip, I was sure to have Beth check out his tail; that little black spot is still there. I have to say he wasn’t looking too white today—more of a pinkish/reddish color. Beth explained that this coloring is because of Bai Yun’s grooming. In addition to bamboo, Bai Yun eats a type of biscuit that contains beetroot. The red of the biscuit turns Yun Zi’s white fur a bit pinkish. So precious!
Because of the constant wiggling, crawling, and efforts to get away, the exam was short and sweet. At one point, keepers allowed Yun Zi to just crawl off in the direction of his choice, which was back toward the den. And with that we ended the exam! Of course I could have stayed there all day to watch him crawl around the room exploring the area, but it was best that he get back to Mom, who was up and ready for breakfast.
This is the last of the weekly exams for Yun Zi, and the San Diego Zoo has concluded videotaping and photographing the exams. Keepers are synchronizing Bai Yun’s feeding times with the hours that Yun Zi is awake to increase the chances that Mom will bring – and keep – baby on exhibit.
So soon you’ll be able to have your own first-hand experience of watching roly-poly Yun Zi!
Jenny Mehlow is a public relations representative for the San Diego Zoo.
Update: Due to the holidays, we have fewer Panda Cam volunteers operating the cameras. This means there are long periods when the camera is unmanned, and keepers are the only ones around to adjust the image for you. However, as you know, the keepers are very busily engaged in the care of our five pandas, other animals, research, and other keeper activities. They aren’t able to check on the camera frequently. When they do, they find a good image of a bear for you and then walk away for another period of caring for animals. For this reason, you may not see any particular panda (including Yun Zi) for some time.
Additionally, there will be times when the bear walks out of the frame and you see no animal (particularly overnight). Please do not worry. All of the bears are fine. This is a normal evolution of this process: once a cub leaves the den, he/she becomes much like any other panda here and will share the camera time with his/her family. The camera is not focused on the den nonstop, because the cub just isn’t there as often as when he was younger. Once his time there falls off precipitously, the den will be closed to him for good, just like with any of our other cubs.
CUB DEBUT UPDATE: Yun Zi’s public debut is set for Thursday, January 7. A special outdoor exhibit (the “classroom”) will be open for Zoo guests from 9 a.m. to noon, although there is no guarantee that Yun Zi will be in the yard at that time! Guest access to the classroom will be for just a few hours each morning during the next few weeks. You can continue to see Yun Zi’s siblings, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, in their enclosures.
San Diego Zoo Panda Cub Comparisons
Hua Mei, day 146:
18.95 lbs (8.6 kg); 31 in (78.8 cm) long
Mei Sheng, day 148:
17.7 lbs (8 kg); 32 in (81.4 cm) long
Su Lin, day 147:
15.6 lbs (7 kg); 30.9 in (78.5 cm) long
Zhen Zhen, day 146:
17.4 lbs (7.9 kg); 30.3 in (77 cm) long
Yun Zi, day 146:
19.4 lbs (8.8 kg); 30.6 in (77.7 cm) long
Wow–Yun Zi is almost 20 pounds!!! Our little panda boy is growing up so fast–and he just keeps getting cuter and cuter!!
Oh, that’s so sad we won’t be able to see exam footage anymore but being able to see our little chubby cubby in person will be so awesome!! And now he’s pink?!! How even more adorable. I am proud to know and love him.
wow!! this all went so fast! we were all sure having fun then!! will there be a LAST EXAM video from today? i wasn’t quite clear on that. thank you again sdz for this whole awesome experience. so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moderator’s note: We did not take photos or video of this exam.
I am sorry that the exam videos will be eliminated; I adore them and watch them over and over.
To see Yun Zi (my husband and I call him “Squeaky Squirt” due to his sounds and him being about the size of a squirt) change and grow has been a true delight. Since we live in New York, I don’t know when we will be able to visit him in person, but we will continue to follow him on Panda cam. (BTW, my husband “adopted” him when he was just a “baby boy cub.”
Thanks Jenny for a very entertaining update on our boy, I really don’t know how you contain yourself in his presence, I would be on the floor with him. I guess Yun Zi is waiting to make his grand entrance for the new year.I would like to take this chance to wish all the pandaholics and Keepers, and staff a very Happy, Healthy New Year. I just just hope next year will be something special.
I will miss those weekly exam videos. *sniffle* Hopefully I can get to the zoo next year to see the lil guy on exhibit. Thanks SDZ for the awesome videos and photos!
Maria in Canada
Thank you Jenny for the update on Yun Zi exam. He sure is getting big. He is just a big cute chubby cubby. I could watch him all day long if I could.
To all the staff: Have a great New Year.
I am going to really miss the exam videos and photos. Is that stopping because he is getting to large to handle? Looking at those claws and seeing his size and temperment change so much would make me think he is now large enough to take seriously as a bear. Is that true?
Jenny responds: Pandas, and all of the animals at the San Diego Zoo, are monitored regularly by veterinarians and animal care staff – no matter their size.
Panda cubs grow and change very quickly in their first few months. Taking video and photos of the panda exams on a weekly basis was the best way to keep fans and the public updated on the panda cub’s progress.
Now that Yun Zi is older and not changing so dramatically from week to week, we’re adjusting his check-up schedule to twice a month and ending the photo documentation of these exams.
When he goes on exhibit in January, the public will be able to see his progress firsthand. And, of course, he’ll continue to be one of the stars on Panda Cam.
One thing about this being the last of the weekly exams… from the sound of it.. he rules them now and is getting way to big for you all to hold him down…. so my bet would be even if there were more of them… not much could be done based on his abilities to run away! Now we just have to look forward to him attacking his mommy … daily! Thank you all for the most wonderful updates and informative posts! Each of you make us all feel like we have been there with you in the exam! So how long does Panda breath last? Is it through when he stops milk or does it last longer like in puppies?
Wow what a lightweight Su Lin was compared to the others! A full 2 pounds lighter that Yunior. Thats amazing. And yet look at the beautiful robust girl she is today. Is Yunior getting something slipped into his milk?
Thank you Jenny for the wonderful first hand account of the exam! How awesome to be there to see Yun Zi in all his wiggling, pinkish glory!! Thank you, also for the Growth Chart and Cub Comparisons!
Just posted a video from early this morning in the Garden Room
Bai spent most of this time pacing, going in and out of the Garden Room. Yun Zi first made an appearance while I was watching around 6:12 zoo time! He tried to climb the structure, but he was more interested in chasing Bai around! Bai does take some time to play with her playful cubbie!
The link for “Yun Zi and Bai: Early Morning in the Garden Room” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBnroVC21XI
Hopefully y’all were able to see the events in the Garden Room yesterday afternoon! If not the video links are posted in comment #119 in the previous blog! Happy New Years to you and yours!
You know guys, we’re all so anxious to see him outside, but if he’s like his sister Zhen Zhen, he’ll might just head for the trees and we won’t be able to see much of him at all!
He is so big I can’t wait to see him grow up into a healthy panda bear!!1
Can’t wait to see lil ol roly poly Yun Zi!!!!
Thanks so much for writing about Chubby Cubby’s last weekly exam. I’ll miss them too. I know someone asked earlier why no video was taken, but it still isn’t clear to me. Was it because you expected him to be on the move too much? I would have thought you’d want a video of this last weekly exam–and when I read the SD Union-Tribune story about his exam I was LOL–they said he was clawing at the keepers and trying to gnaw on them. That would have been a great sight!
I went to Jungle Balls last night–if people who live nearby haven’t gone yet I highly recommend it. It’s not anything like the Wild Animal Park Lights at Night, but it’s beautiful in its own way. And the visitors (including me) were caught up in the excitement of the lights, the activities and looking at the zoo animals at night. I still want to check out the skating rink!
Moderator’s note: Our videographer was on another assignment. And Jungle Bells is fun, isn’t it? My family and I had a great time!
Thank you Jenny for the update on our little man. It is sad to hear that we will no longer be viewing anymore exam videos, but on the otherhand, it’s wonderful to know that very soon our little man will be out with his mama for all the world to see pubicly.
Doxiemom, yet another, wonderful video of Bai and Yun in the Garden Room this morning. He sure is moving alot faster now, so it won’t be long now…………………………Thank you again Doxiemom……………
Thank you SDZ for allowing me to watch the birth and growing spurts of Yun Zi. It’s been awesome.
Wishing everyone at the SDZ, all the animals, and all the bloggers, a very very Happy New Year!!!!
Thank you for the very descriptive account of Yuni’s exam. How lucky you are to have witnessed it!!
Any fall out from the quakes today? Did the pandas notice at all? What about the humans? Could you feel them?
Moderator’s note: Some of us here in our office could feel it, but it was subtle.
I still can not believe I will be seeing Bai Yun with her 5th cub! It has been a true blessing to witness
her with her cubs.
A pink panda. Cute!
At one point this morning I saw Bai carrying Zi around…. now I’m not 100% positive but it looked like she had him by the top of his head because I couldn’t see one of his ears… It amazes me how the Moms can carry their babies around… even when they are a hefty 19lbs!!!
I’m with Anne from NYC… from reading previous blogs about SuLin and Zhen Zhen when they went “public” and up into the trees.. Us folks from states far, far away, we won’t see much of Zi anymore…
Last night I watched Yun Zi try to get down via the log. It was so cute. Mama was under the platform and he kept sticking his head over the edge and I wondered what the communication was. He is fiesty. And oh so cute.
I’m going to miss the weekly exams and updates, but know it is time to stop when you say it is! Every day the first thing I looked at was the “date” to see if there was a new exam, but he will be out side soon and exploring everywhere. He is getting so big and so active.
Great video DoxiMom!!! Bai seems to enjoy playing as much as Zi!!
Question: Does she really eat all that bamboo?
Moderator’s note: Yep! Amazing, isn’t it?
A very happy New Year to one & all! I, too, am going to miss the exam videos & photos, but it sounds as if the hands that hold the camera are needed for cub wrangling! Although the explanation given for less frequent exams is that there are less dramatic changes now, they also signal that Yun Zi is a very healthy boy! I watched last night as he was attacking his mother with gusto in the garden room–Bai Yun kept putting an arm around him, trying to contain him, to no avail. I watched until he (sort of) settled down & it was too dark to see much.
Could one of the keepers give Zhen Zhen a biscuit & a virtual hug for me? That girl absolutely stole my heart the moment she was born! She has such an expressive face–those EYES! Thanks!
Is there a video? Is this his 18th exam? Was he somersaulting? Does he even know how to?
Moderator’s note: This was his 18th exam. There was no video taken this time.
If you fed Bai Yun blueberries, maybe then he would be baby blue, and purple in transition. Just saying so for the fun of imagining it. Thanks for yet another great blog post!
Happy New Year to one pANDa all!
hee hee – I liked the title when it read, “Cub gains muscle, loses patience”
Yunior is just so adorable and rambunctious and keeps getting more so. I so wish I lived closer and could come to see his debut – the world’s most famous debutant!
Well we all knew this day was coming. It just got here way too fast. Am happy he is healthy and growing like a manly man but oh, how I will miss the weekly exam videos. Guess I’ll just have to hop on a plane and fly down to San Diego to get my panda fix!! HAPPY NEW YEAR to all the SDZ staff and my fellow pandaholics!
can we see the cam of his muscle?
ALERT – ALERT – check out http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/30/ready-for-his-debut/ for photos of Yun’s exam yesterday
“Crawl in the direction of the den”….so he knows his directions? Smart boy! Yes, it is sad we can’t see videos anymore, Jenny’s description was almost as good, but not as good as seeing our boy. I am glad he is gettin out and about more, but hope we can still watch him from the cams, playing in the den, rolling around on his back, kicking those cute little feet around. What a honey bear.
What I will miss the most from the videos, are those sweet low squeals and yips. I LOVE to hear him talk…
It is great to watch the progress of my adopted son. Thank you to Doxie Mom for the Utube videos.
Happy New Year to all.
Love the update of our Chubby Cubby. Love the video DoxieMom, and love the link, Maureen, to the exam.
Love that Cubby.
#30 Maureen – Thanks for the link to the news item on Yunior’s last exam. I love the photos. He does not look pleased at all, does he?
In photo #1, he’s not having fun – it looks like he’s thinking, “You think I’m enjoying this? Huh? Well, I’ll have you know, I have better things to do – like hangin’ out with Mama Bai!”
In photo #2, with the crook of his wrist on his chin, he’s probably thinking, “Oh! there goes my dignity!! What are you going to show them next?!?”
In photo #3, there’s that look again, saying, “What are you looking at? I’m not waving at anyone today, no sir!”
In photo #4, he’s probably thinking, “How much longer is this poke and prod session going to last?? I just want to get back to my den! Sigh. These hoomans are so nosy!”
He is sure getting to be a lot of fun! You go, Yun Zi!! Show ‘em what you’ve got!!
Yeah!!! Go Yun Zi!!
Moderator, why haven’t we seen Yun Zi much today? Is all ok there?
Moderator’s note: All is well.
Thank you, Maureen #30 for the link to those pictures. I love the description of him being “less squishy and more muscular”! But where is our little guy today?
OK! 19.4 pounds!! WOW!!! Got another nickname for Yuni—MUSCLE MAN! I hope that there will be at least a short video of Yuni walking around in the exam room. Would love to see that one! It looks like that little black spot on Yuni’s tail will be a permanent spot! Cool!!
Was on the pandacam earlier today, watched Bai do her walk about in one of the rooms that had a pile of boo in it, and I thought I saw Yuni napping in the doorway of another room; sure looked like him. Then I watched Miss Su Lin eating her lunch outside with alot of people enjoying watching her. Su was sitting sideways while she was munching!
I have had a rough couple of days you all! Pandafans, please pray for my hubby, Stan, ok? He’s been in the hospital the last couple days dealing with some medical and mental issues. Our 21st anniversary is tomorrow, December 31, and he’ll be coming home from the hospital, so he’s doing better.
Wishing all of you at SDZ and WAP, and all of the great pandafans, a great New Year in 2010. Praying for better jobs, better economy, better everything!
Lots of love to the pandas everywhere!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: Hang in there, Chari, and have a wonderful anniversary!
My 2 1/2 yr old grand daughter comes in the computer room and shouts ” I wanna see panda video’s Mimi!” We watch them over and over as well as the one about the Ellie’s getting snow for their Christmas for Jungle Bellls at the zoo. We love watching the panda cam! Thank you so much for these and all the info you have posted about this special “little’ bear. Maybe one day I will get out to the SDZ and see them all in person!
I FEEL SO PRIVELEGED TO HAVE PANDA CAM TO VIEW. I LOVE LUN ZI AND AM GRATEFUL I WILL HAVE HIM TO WATCH, AS TAI SHAN WILL BE LEAVING FOR CHINA SOON. LUN ZI SURE HAS HIS OWN PERSONALITY. I LIKE THE OTHER ANIMAL CAMS ALSO.
I HOPE ALL YOU WHO CARE FOR THE PRECIOUS ANIMALS THERE AT THE ZOO HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR. THANKS TO YOU ALL.
MARCIA LEE FROM FLA.
The London Times online has a story about the drop in births at Chengdu — from 18 cubs last year to 4 this year. It says that the mothers were just too exhausted from last year’s births. I can see why after watching what Yun Zi demands of Bai Yun. Maybe this is one more serious indication that “mother knows best” how long she should stay with her cub. Perhaps it’s not just good for the cub but allows her system to “reboot.” Interesting, anyhow.
Again, happy new year to all the pandas and your wonderful, patient team and “our” wonderful, patient moderators.
Kat # 31: Crawl in the direction of the den tickled me also….I immediately thought: Yep! The exit would be ‘Stage Right’
And gosh his climbing, I sort of want him to think lower…because…Trees tend to leaf out early in Southern Ca. I remember, though, being totally flipped out with excitement when I saw what looked a lot like a bird nest when going to see Zhen Zhen in early Feb/ 2007. I’m hoping for a round soccer ball look alike when I get to see Yun Zi. 
I will certainly share the moment with you all 
All: That weight gain really works out to a pound a week!!! Yun Zi is going to be one Giant Panda when he grows up! Better that gain for Yun Zi than for us, right?
Diana #20: Bai does drag Yun Zi around by picking him up by his ear. What amazes me is that he doesn’t appear to mindm let alone get an ‘OwWie’.
To Jennie Author of latest exam blog: Simply Grand to Read!!! Jealous? YEP!!! Thanks for writing!
To DoxiMom: How cam we THANK YOU????? Your dedication is Fabulous!!!
Ok, how much time do all the really dedicated panda fans spend watching the panda cam ?
– but it’s not only the cam – we all have to read the latest blog updates & comments – view DoxieMom’s videos & by this time I haven’t even checked my favorite Tai or the fun team at ZA 
Thank you for the link Maureen. I am grateful to see pictures of Yun Zi. What a gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous boy Yun Zi is. He is growing up.
Maureen #30 – THANK YOU!! Great to at least see some photos of the exam!
Pandafan North #34 – You are right on. He looks like he’s saying ‘See if you get me to cooperate on these exams again! Not likely!” He’s just too cute and with a mind of his own!! It should be interesting to see him start training (if he wants to, of course).
I too will miss the video of his checkups. I look forward to it all week. DoxieMom, thank you for the footage.
Baby looks so cute chasing mom. She plays a pushes him away or out of her way. He just keeps getting up. I do love him so.
Could I ask please why there has been no footage of Yun Zi and Bai all day? I know there was some early a.m. but nothing since then. Is there a specific reason?
Moderator’s note: I’ll forward your question to our Panda Team.
I miss seeing Yun Zi on the panda cam today. I got a quick glimpse of him earlier today when it looked like he was hiding behind some rocks. I don’t want to be a complainer; and, I understand if you are trying to wean people off of watching his every move. I just miss him.
Oh where Oh where has my little cub gone? I have not seen him on camera at all today! What is happening?
Great description of the exam, I too will miss watching him wiggle and listening to the cute sounds. My favorite will always be 11th exam, when he barked. Does he do that much? I want to be Kathy, he seems a bit relaxed in her arms. At least from the pictures. What a cutie. He really seems to be getting around quick. Great vidoe Doxiemom of him chasing Bai around, that is funny. He is getting quick. I like how she just gives up and plays with him, he is relentless.
Happy New Year to all of you fellow panda people, thanks SDZ for giving us this experience and happy new year to you also!
Aww…must I say more?
Well….No surprise that Yunior is feeling his oats and was a rambunctious 4 handfull……LOL…..Any idea when in January as again we don’t want to force the issue or traumatize The Panda Prince of Peace by putting him out on display until we know for certain that he is 100% ready to be seen….Any volunteers accepted for the testing of how he reacts to crowds…LOL….As I’ve said all along he was a night owl and had a lot of his fun during the night hours at play alone or with Bai Yun……Yunior your GPF Family and Friends are ready only when you are ready to be seen…..The Pandarazzi are ready and waiting to make you the Superstar the you are……
“A Happy New Year to All with Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things……”
I laughed at how he chased after his mom all morning on DoxieMom’s video…..and after playing, she dragged him back in den. Pretty rough at that.
I didn’t know the panda could be up by the camera in the garden room. Guess Mom can go up there, then down and in and out two doors. Guess I haven’t seen this much of that garden room before.
I assume there is a tunnel that leads to the sun room and then into the den? Some where along the way I didn’t know there was another room ….
What does it take by the Mother to decide to put him on display? How can one tell?
I bet she is ready to see a new area after being kept in this one place all this time.
I still worry about his falling down that front moat in the classroom…..looks pretty high to me but then I can’t see the bottom….only along the top rows.
When will the Panda Milestones video be available? I’ve been trying to watch it since in was mentioned in the blog, but I keep getting a message that it’s unavailable and to try again later.
Moderator’s note: It’s still on our “ZOONOOZ” page: http://sandiegozoo.org/zoonooz/
The story from the link (so kindly provided!!!!!) states there are 37,000 hits a day on the SDZ website. Yup, and all 37,000 of us have questions for the dear moderator. How patient you all are with us. Thank you
Here’s hoping for a great 2010 for all of us. Especially, those who are dealing with family illnesses, their own illnesses, the sadness of loosing someone close to them. May you be comforted by all the love and kind wishes of your Panda Family. And may only wonderful things happen for you, dear moderator, and all the wonderful staff at SDZ. I am determined, I will see you with in the next few months!
OK I am ready to drive that 100 miles to SDZ! Let me get this straight, get there EARLY because right at 9:00 he will be out, in about two weeks. Now I only wonder will that be every day??? because its kind of far, and I have to ask my job for the day off, because I don’t know if it WILL be Saturday or Sunday, or if there is a pattern like every other day. So maybe everyday, early, just for a little while, until he naps….RIGHT????? I can hardly wait. And if I am lucky, Frank the Gorilla and his family will be out also, because he is out every other day. I can hardly wait! Happy New Year I will try not to giggle, google, smootch, or click, or bark, or CRY for JOY ! I know we have to be QUIET !
#53 Ellen – That link doesn’t work for me either. Hope this one lets you in. Absolutely wonderful video of Yun Zi from birth to now
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoonooz/video_channel.html
Well, all good things have to come to an end, and so it is with Yun Zi’s exams. Thank you so much for posting all the previous exam videos; I watch them over and over again and am continuously amazed at how much Yunior changed from exam to exam from a roly poly little ball of fluff with eyes and ears closed to a muscular, active, beautiful little bear with a mind of his own. I look forward to watching Yun Zi in this next stage of his development as he continues to grow and become more independent. He is a credit to Hero Mother Bai Yun and Gao Gao the Great. A wonderful Pandariffic 2010 to everyone at the San Diego Zoo, especially the Panda staff. Thank you for all you do for these gorgeous bears!
Can’t believe time has gone by so fast. I just like a month ago I started watching the little cub, now
he’s a big boy. My daughter went to build a bear and made me a panda, so now I can cuddle my
baby. Really have enjoyed the pictures and movies of the little guy, will miss them. But I will enjoy the
other panda’s now
Thank you so much for all the updates and pictures.
lu
When are you going to put his picture on the front page of the web site with the rest
of the family?
I also miss seeing Yun Zi. Are peeks into the den no more?! I just wondered because we’ve not seen either Bai or baby today, so wondering if something has changed, or if all the worry and complaints about our boy have caused you to have to re focus to the other beautiful Pandas more.
Panda Team responds: No specific reason, just showing some other bears today.
#53 Ellen – if you get the message saying the video is unavailable, mouse over to the right side of the screen where it says “Online Extras” and click on the video link there. It worked for me today, so give that a try.
For those of you wanting to see 18th exam photos you can go to the local newspaper website.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/29/panda-yun-zi-gets-last-checkup-before-public-debut
#53. Ellen, I had that problem, too. Click on the link on the right hand side – in the list of videos for pandas.
I know lots of you will get to visit the boy in person, but for those of us who are watching the cams, the visibility will be much worse once he goes on display. I can’t believe that tonight the cam operators have left us without him. I love all the bears, but for entertainment, you can’t beat the cubs. Every pound makes you smile.
I just see outside tonight….when I normally see him in the den….what’s up? Am I suppose to be viewing
him outside now? What is the schedule you are working on? Is it out or in at night? Thanks and love all the
videos and explainations from all……..
Chari, best wishes to you and Stan. I hope he feels much better soon.
Good health to everyone in 2010.
Dear GPFs,
Happy New Year! A friend sent me a news article from the Daily Mail about a cheeky girl panda in China named Wen Li who attempts a jail break. She is cute and feisty. Wonder if she and Yun Zi are compatible….??
Enjoy
Wow! It has been amazing and such a wonderful experience to be part of YunZi’s first months. Thank you so much for all the updated and information you all provide us. Keep up the geat work!
Our little baby is certainly turning into a little boy! I think all of us will miss his weekly exams–really looked forward to them every week, but I am glad little Yun Zi is progressing so well. Happy New Year to everyone and especially to mama and baby and all of you at SDZ. You brighten my days!
To Ellen #53, just click the word video and you can see it.
We all know that pandas are very quiet, most of the time…. the babies know to be quiet while mommy is out eating and they are left in the den… BUT, Yun Zi and Bai Yun are now going out and playing more… So a serious question… Pandas make all kinds of noises when they want… so When they are playing… Do they growl, bark or in any way make noises at each other? I picture them doing this in my mind but always wondered if they actually do make noises at each other while playing. Do they? And if so, what types of noises are we talking? Mommy Bai is teach Yunior so much, is she teaching him how to be a grown up boy bear and frighten off other bears?
Maureen #30, thanks so much for the exam photos. He’s really looking very grown up and frisky.
Happy New Year to all the SDZ staff who make it possible for all us pandaholics to see our panda pals. Also, thanks to Doxie Mom for all her work and Happy and Healthy New Year to my fellow bloggers. Wishing all good things in 2010 for us all!
Happy New Year to all hoomans and all the wonderful creatures of the world especially our beloved pandas. And what a great new year for our friends in Australia where it is 2010 already. A year with lots of Panda enjoyment.
Dear Moderator and SDZ staff,
I would like to offer you all the biggest, most sincere thank you possible for everything all of you have done for us crazy pandafans since Yun Zi was born. You have honestly allowed us to feel like we were right there, which is pretty incredible since I live in New Jersey. You are amazing, wonderful, beautiful people; and I thank God you are there taking care of all the animals at the zoo, including our wonderful pandas. Thank you from my heart for such a wonderful enjoyable time.
Dear Moderator-are you going away too? Or will we still have these lovely blog pages to chat on? I hope we will still have these blog pages but just in case we don’t, I want to give you a special thank-you. This was my first experience with the pandacam, etc. and you were truly a fountain of information, and often put my newbie mind at ease. Love and hugs
Moderator’s note: Don’t worry, Phyllis–we’ll still be posting about Yun Zi and the rest of his family
We’ve had blog posts about the pandas continuously since just before the birth of Su Lin and we’re not going to stop now. And please remember: we have posts about other animals in our care, too! Just choose what you’re interested in from the categories listed in the gold bar on the right!
Yun Zi is a busy boy! 18 exams! (Not to mention tree climbing,walking, and trying to run!) I’ll be at my Uncle John’s for 4 days, but I hope to still be able to get on and comment, and see my lovely Su Lin, Zhen Zhen, and Madame Bai. (And I really hope to see Mr. Gao Gao)
WOW…he’s a big little guy!!!! Sure am gonna miss seeing the video of his exams cause I LOVE the little noises he makes while he is being examined! But am still happy that I can sit and watch him and mama play. The first thing I do in the morning, and last thing I do at nite…is check on him to see what he’s doing…almost as if he were my own little cub, and do wish he was so I could give him kisses and hugs. Thanks SDZ for the new info and wish each and everyone there a HAPPY NEW YEAR, and also to all the anamils at your zoo, a HAPPY and HEALTHY NEW YEAR!! Hugs and kisses as always to mama and baby from me!!!
Oh! Don’t forgot Yun Zi! ( I almost forgot to mention him, because I see him every day anyways) Yun Zi the cutie pie! (Don’t tell him I called him that. He’ll probably get mad at me.)
As Yun Zi is getting more active, his weight is getting closer to Hua Mei’s weight. All that muscle building requires hard work..
Yun Zi may be the heaviest cub from SDZ but he is light weight in comparison to Lin Ping from Thailand, on day 146 Lin Ping weighted 11.52 kg…
#17 Marcia519: Re the earthquake on 12/29/09–it was actually the strongest one in recent years. A 5.9 just south of the Mexican border from California–about 120 mile southeast of San Diego. It was a “roller” earthquake, not a jolt–I was in the bathroom–ahem!–and the “wave”went right through the house with mild shaking of everything. I have heard that pets can detect earthquakes coming, so I imagine wildlife experience something also. Interesting topic.
Where is “Yunior”? He and Mom have not been on since Tuesday that I have seen. Hope bother are ok and they will be out soon.
Moderator’s note: Everyone is fine.
Aw, sounds like he was his usually adorableness in the exam. I do wish it had been taped. I am really going to miss that and the denning. As a cam only viewer these precious closeups have been quite a gift and I am honoured to have been a part of it. It will be fun to watch him grow up, but I am feeling very sentimental in wishing he were around just a little longer in areas where we can see sharp video clips, with sound! Best of luck to you, Yun Zi, on your next stage of life!!!
Hi Panda Family,
Since Zi is my first cub, I was wondering out of the 5, is he the most onery? I was watching him this morning all over Bai… and he instigates alot of the play…
Have a safe and happy New Year everyone!
A friend of mine says the reason mama-raised pandas know more about natural breeding than nursery-raised ones is that mama waits until they are almost weaned to have “that conversation” with them.
No doubt Yun Zi will be a handsome, muscular, star of a panda. Already a heart-throb. When does the celebrity contest end?
Love to all!
To all of us, Happy New Year. May 2010 be happy and healthy for us all.
Panda Fans:
Due to the holidays, we have fewer Panda Cam volunteers operating the cameras. This means there are long periods when the camera is unmanned, and keepers are the only ones around to adjust the image for you. However, as you know, the keepers are very busily engaged in the care of our five pandas, other animals, research, and other keeper activities. They aren’t able to check on the camera frequently. When they do, they find a good image of a bear for you and then walk away for another period of caring for animals. For this reason, you may not see any particular panda (including Yun Zi) for some time.
Additionally, there will be times when the bear walks out of the frame and you see no animal (particularly overnight). Please do not worry. All of the bears are fine. This is a normal evolution of this process: once a cub leaves the den, he/she becomes much like any other panda here and will share the camera time with his/her family. The camera is not focused on the den nonstop because the cub just isn’t there as often as when he was younger. Once his time there falls off precipitously, the den will be closed to him for good, just like with any of our other cubs.
I think the Gao family is an exquisite bear family. We were watching videos of pandas last night. They seemed like bears to me, as they are. When I watch the Gao family, the gentleness in all the Gaos makes them seem almost human. I notice Bai Yun is gentle and Mr. Gao is gentle. I figure through DNA and/or parenting, Mei Sheng, Su Lin, Zhen Zhen, and Yun Zi are gentle bears. I think that is exquisite. The Gao family of bears seem like they could be a family next door. I can picture Mr. Gao getting in his car headed for work. Momma Bai Yun talking business while she takes care of the little ones. I can see Zhen Zhen the princess of the family. Beautiful teenage Su Lin dreaming of boys. Yun Zi with his books headed off to school. I think that is why people get so emotional over these pandas, even though they are wild animals. The gentleness characteristic in all the Gao familly of bears makes them seem so human. I think a lot of us adopted Yun Zi as our own little guy. If I may, on behalf of the pandafans, I am sorry for any rancor caused by us fighting over Yun Zi.
Chari #38 ….. Happy 21st Anniversary for today – thinking of you and praying Stan’s health is much improved.
Loved your new name for Yun Zi – ‘Muscle Man’ suits him just fine – I guess with additional excercise his ‘jelly belly’ will hopefully develop into muscles!
Dennis and Lynn #51 ….thinking of you… Dennis, good luck with your new employment, and Lynn will enjoy improved health in 2010
Maureen #30 thanks for the heads up re Yun Zi’s exam photo’s, they are great.
Wishing a Global HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone, all Pandaholics, staff at SDZ WAP and other Zoo’s – so many ‘time zones’ to cover ……
I am reading this blog flying at 554 miles perhour high up at 35,444 feet. I too have been following our boy since his birth and enjoyed and been inspired by Yun Zi and Bai Yun. I am coming home to Massachusetts from California. Although I was unable to go to San Diego, my husband went to the San Diego Zoo for me and saw Zhen Zhen. He bought me a little figure of a Panda Bear to remind me of these wonderful animals. Thank you SDZ staff, moderator and other bloggers and I wish you all a Happy New Year.
Thank you SDZ for making 2009 a happy / happier year by providing all the entertainment and information, and especially for the dedicated animal care.
Two days until I board the plane for the 3000 mile trip to San Diego! I’m disappointed that I won’t see Yun Zi after watching him for 5 months. I had no choice in the timing of the trip. However, I agree that the animals’ welfare is top priority. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to spending at least 2 days visiting Panda Canyon, Elephant Odyssey, and all the other zoo residents next week. It will be great to see Su Lin before she departs on her new adventure. I’ve never seen her, although last year we saw Gao Gao as well as Bai with Zhennie.
Happy New Year to everyone.
I have so enjoyed checking on the baby cub daily on the live cam. I have learned so much and marveled at what a great mom she has been. Thank you for the live cam!
What a willful boy, lol! I have a question about how he learns from Bai Yun; when she interacts with him and moves him around a lot (up, down and around) I wonder if she is teaching him a sense of balance and coordination so when he climbs and falls etc. he is getting that instinct for maintaining equilibrium? Does that make sense? Thanks!
Hi everybody! First, I’d like to send a “Get Well Soon!” to Chari’s husband (#38). Hang in there, Chari! Hope he’s doing better! I’d also like to echo everybody’s comments about this little guy, Yun Zi or Yunior…if you will. What a cute name that’s been to call him. He’s been so much fun to watch as all of the pandas have been. What a great invention…the Panda Cam. Pandas are such BEAUTIFUL animals. The blogs have been excellent…keep em’ coming! I always appreciate the moderator’s comments; they are special insights into the lives of these wonderful panda bears. I hope the moderator(s) know how much we appreciate you all! I feel like a recipient at the Oscars…so many people to thank! The keepers, camera operators, and all those who make the panda exhibit possible, the donations that SDZ has received and will receive, and yes, even those who clean out the panda enclosures! I hope all of the SDZ staff and the rest of our panda family has a wonderful New Year and who knows? Maybe Bai will surprise us with another cub in 2010! Cheers!!!!
Moderator’s note: That would indeed be a surprise
How about hoping for a cub in 2011?
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you to everyone who offered suggestions on how to reach the video. I finally got to see it today! The little boy got very big, very fast, didn’t he?
Lucilla #66–one of my local papers had the picture of Wen Li climbing out of her crib–she is a cutie and might well make an adorable partner for our handsome Yun Zi (if they aren’t related, that is).
And there’s our little one, napping in the classroom. I can’t tell if he’s in his teeny hammock or just on a low branch. Maybe he’ll be a ground panda like his dad?
Happy New Year, one and all, pandas and people!
To all of the GPF’s: Happy New Year greetings from the frigid Canadian north (-24 Celsius today!). I have enjoyed all of your comments, your terms of endearment for our panda prince Yun, your good wishes for those who are going through a tough time, the great concern over the panda’s well-being. It has been a great year of enjoying these beautiful, gentle creatures, and also of learning about each other. As Dennis said, we are a community bound together by our love and fondness of giant pandas.
#38 Chari – I hope you and your dear husband are able to celebrate your anniversary somehow. Healing thoughts are coming your way – with hopes for a complete recovery.
Dennis and Lynn – may this coming year be one of great progress for you, with Dennis’ new job and with Lynn’s condition. Hang in there, you two. Your GPF friends think of you often.
To all the staff, keepers, vets, the long-suffering moderator(s), etc. at the SDZ, may you all enjoy a blessed New Year!!
I would like to wish little Cloud, Zhennie, sibs, momma and daddy a very happy and healthy 2010! Also, the same to all at the SDZ, who have been just the best. Thank you for another glorious, amazing, happy feeling year, and to more of the same in 2010!!!!!
Auntie Kat
xox
PA pandafan #88 have a fabby trip to SD Zoo. As I sit here far away in Scotland as 2009 draws to a close, I have my own wonderful memories of my 2 day visit in November. Loads of photos and videos of Su Lin and ZZ. I met Anastasia on our second day. I saw the dirtiest polar bear ever rolling around in dust. Elephant Odyssey is a huge space compared to what the elephants used to have in 2003. Happy New Year 2010 to everyone at San Diego Zoo and my fellow panda fans.
OMG……………..If I could, I would love to volunteer to be a cam operator during the holidays for the SDZ……To be able to watch the pandas and any other animal that would need a panda cam operator………Wow! I would have noooo problem doing so………………….
HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL!!!!!!
I want to wish the San Diego Zoo staff and all the panda bloggers A Very Safe and Happy New Year.
Nice to see Yun Zi will be making his day view shortly he will melt so many hearts. sigh
Well here we are approaching yet another new year. How nice to share it with each other. Many have had sad times and many welcoming new life into their families. Yun Zi is also my first experience, since he was born. Also never blogged before and don’t other than here. Though apprehensive as I continued I met so many lovely people who share my love and intrests in the world of Animals. This little guy has truely united all our hearts together around the world. Alittle bit of love here and there go a long way. Alittle bit of encouragement here and there makes a persons day. As we all know. So as we are the Panda Family thanks to Monderators, keepers, cam operators, and all at SDZ who made this experience possible for us all. Thank you to DoxieMom, Mary P and P- Wong and others for putting an extra boost to this blog. I searched my brain for a way to extend friendship into the New Year and this is the only thing I could come up with, though not original , very appropriate. In tribute to Bai and Yun Zi and all they have given us. An Aztec Poem “Friendship” Like a quetzal plume, a fragrant flower, friendships sparkle: like Heron plumes, it weaves itself into finery. Our song is a bird calling out like a jingle: How beautiful you make it sound! Here, among flowers that enclose us, among flowery boughs you are singing. Happy New Year to all.
Happy New year from the UK to all at San Diego Zoo. All the hard working staff and wonderful animals especially the Panda family! How did Yun Zi get to his present sleeping place I wonder!
I can’t even begin to tell you what it means to me to be able to view these wonderful panda bears live at the San Diego Zoo. I have become obsessed with watching them day and night. The first thing in the morning I turn on my computer and go straight to the Panda Cam and look in on Mom and Baby Panda. I leave the computer on all day when I am not working and look in on them often. They truly are amazing animals and I hope one day to make a visit to your zoo with my neighbor Debbie to see Yun Zi, his Mom and all the other Pandas. I am a member of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and hope they will match the beauty of breeding, birth, exams, and play time at our Zoo with a live cam as you have done with these beautiful Pandas. I also look in on your Elephants, Polar Bears and Moneys too. Thank you for making my day every day……Char Schoonoer
Chari – Happy Anniversary – hope hubby is doing better.
Our Yun Zi is back up on the platform – missed seeing how he manages that again – getting off is quite a challenge it looked like.
Let’s hope that 2010 will be a better year for many of us – Happy New Year all & many, many thanks to all at the SDZ for the enjoyment they give us
There won’t be a video of Yunior’s most recent exam? I thought we’d get this last one, then no more.
Little Cloud just woke up a bit ago, from sleeping on that shelf, he looks like he is trying to back up into the corner
to clean his little back side, or scratch himself, almost doing a one legged handstand, with his head down almost looking towards his back end. Can you tell me what he is doing? Does momma still clean him or does he now have to find a way to do this himself. There he goes again. He’s making new movements, adorable, but curious at the same time…
Would anyone know why he is itching his backside?
Am I seeing things? At about 4:45 PM SDZ time, I swear I saw Yun Zi trying to scent mark while on the platform–a headstand scent mark, no less! Did it really happen? Or am I in desparate need of an eye exam?
He just fell off the trunk against the shelf….he’s doing so good, but….it’s still scary to see him fall…..what a big boy now…
Don’t hurt yourself, little cloud!
As for the earthquake the other day….neither my two furkids or I felt even a hint of moving and we were laying on the bed being very lazy that day. So some of the city felt it and no one else I talked to did. Dogs are sensitive to them but not my two it seems.
Just switched over from watchin Yun Zi on the platform again. Did anyone see how he got up there? Log or Momma…..now I hope he knows how to get down, rather than plop down like he did the other day.
I keep thinking that I will volunteer at the zoo since I am a member. I just need to find the time at this point…perhaps in a year or two when things are more quiet here.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Love the updates. Will continue to view the Panda Cam, but will sure miss the videos! Thanks for all you do!
Now platform is empty – how did he get down – another fall on the head SPLAT ???
As a followup on the person that wanted SDZ to create a Circus/Carnival Side show out of Yun Zi : PandaNews website reported this today: Last panda acrobat dies, aged 26
2009-Dec-30
The last circus trained panda died earlier in the year, it has recently been revealed.
Ying Ying was born in 1984 in Sichuan Province and sent to a circus in Wuhan City, There he learnt to play basketball, drive and play horns and started to perform on stage in 1986.
In 1988, China signed the Washington Treaty that banned endangered animals from being trained in the circus. Ying Ying died in July of 2009. His trainer Bai Yuling said she considered Ying Ying as her son, as they had been together for more than 20 years.
References:
Shanghai Daily
Any Photos you have seen of Pandas Pushing Baby Carraiges or riding on Bikes were more than likely File photos of Ying Ying as China signed the Washington Treaty in 1988 and does not want to lose the International Wildlife Funds that are coming to them by being in violation of the treaty…
So let the SDZ do what they have always done best and allow them to properly raise Pandas in as Natural Enviroment as possible yet still allow visitors their first face to face encounter as we and countless millions of others have experienced literally over the years within arms reach of these wonderful wild animals as they give you an opportunity better than most other zoos of not seeing animals in an aquarium like enviroment but to actually be able to hear the crunching of bamboo and make a contact with Pandas that becomes a life changing experience……Yun Zi will be put on exhibit only when it is determined that he will not be traumatized by all the Pandarazzi and people wanting to experience our latest wonder…..
A Beary Happy New Year to all the SDZ Staff and my expanding GPF Family and Friends……Lynn is still Hospitalized this New Years Eve,and we wait for our chance to be together again either at home or in a facility closer to our home…..Again Thank You for your kind Words and Get Well Wishes as you have all helped her by uplifting her from a very low point of her ongoing Medical treatment now starting year 2…..
“Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things ….”
Chari – Here’s hoping that you and your husband have a wonderful anniversary. You know the best of thoughts from the pandaholics are coming your way!
To everyone: Have a wonderful Happy New Year. All the very best to all of you for 2010!!!!!
Jungle Bells sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve been adding everything I learn about and read about the SDZ to my notes of when to see the zoo. I think that 12 months a year about covers it!!!
Happy New Year to all my fellow panda lovers, the keepers, staff, and of course our “stars” – the pandas!
#85Gabrielle – I think you put it EXACTLY RIGHT. As a matter of fact, I can’t remember anyone ever putting it better – “The Gao family is an exquisite bear family.” It gives credit where credit is due – to our sweet, incomparable Gao Gao – and our mama bear par excellence Bai Yun – and all their wonderful offspring.
#78Kay – I’m glad you didn’t have any damage from the quake! We don’t experience quakes here in western PA. Two years ago, though, my daughter spent the summer in San Francisco and while she was there, they had one. She didn’t even notice, though. I was worried and called her, and that was the first she had heard of it!
Thank you, Panda Family, for being you. It’s amazing how SDZ’s precious pandas have brought us together. There are so many heart-felt wishes for others among us. It is truly special.
I’ve said it before, as have all of us, thank you SDZ for allowing us a peek into the panda world. What a special panda family you have. The awareness and education about the pandas’ plight you have given us all will no doubt be passed along in our worlds to others. Thank you for allowing us to support the Zoo through the adoptions and the Zoo Shop. It makes us proud to help a little. And thank you for your efforts after the earthquake in China, and allowing us to contribute. And moderator, you are the best. Thank you. And thank you Panda Team. You are all very special.
Happy New Years, and many blessings to all — especially those who are having difficulties. I know some wish not to hear about our individual problems, but families support each other. And I, for one, think of us as a family brought together by the love of our pandas.
As 2010 begins (here on the East Coast), there is no more wonderful sight than that of Yun Zi sleeping out in the moonlight. He climbed up onto the platform all by himself (though Bai had to take him down earlier)! Happy 2010!
Uh-oh–Mom’s up on the platform now–playtime!!!
To Bai Yun and Yun Zi’s SDZ keepers, vets, moderators, interpreters and the rest of the panda team
AND ALSO to Doxie Mom19 -
This past year you have provided me and so many people with so many hours of pleasure and education about the pandas – and I only started watching a few months ago. Together, the live panda cam, the blogs and moderator comments, and Doxie Mom19′s highlight videos have helped me survive through hours and days and weeks of unemployment. You have provided me with one of the few positive aspects of many months of enforced non-work.
So thank you one and all. I start a new job on Monday and will miss much of what you offer us, but I will always be grateful for you. And I cannot wait to visit the pandas when I get to go to San Diego.
Best wishes for your continued good work and good will in 2010.
Moderator’s note: Congratulations on your new job–a great way to begin a new year!
First let me say that you are the best zoo, hands down.The love and care that these pandas are shown is beyond the best.I live in Phoenix Arizona and yet because of the wonderful cams and very informative blogs and great videos it seems like a front row seat at all times.I do plan on coming out again in April to see our “handsome young gentlemen” in person as well as his sisters and mom and dad.My biggest thanks to your wonderful crew there at SDZ who put many countless hours into the caring for all the animals at the zoo.Yun Zi is so darn cute that I just wish I could hug him, but I know I can’t ,so being there will be second best, just to watch them all doing there thing, and making many friends and pandaholics there, and on the internet ,just loving them even more.Keep up the great work and we Pandaholics will be forever greatful.Hope you all have a great New Year and thanks again.
Happy New Year…the best to everyone.
Happy New Year, you all!!! Thanks for the well wishes, everybody! Hubby is back home, doing better, and taking necessary meds for his physical and mental health. He’ll be going thru outpatient counseling for the problems that he’s been dealing with since childhood, and I’ll be with him on that all the way. Hubby says thanks for your prayers!
Got on pandacam, and just saw ZZ walking around. Haven’t seen Yuni on the cam the last couple of days or so, tho. Hope to see him on the cam sometime today.
Well, gonna go, check the pandacams, watch my New Year’s football games and the Rose Parade. Raining here in Florida on New Year’s Day! YUK!!! Oh well…..!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: DC had a small ice storm early yesterday, but the zoo is open. Pandas were outside today. Also, Pandas Live On had a great article recapping all of the panda events of 2009 with some great photos and vids. Check it out!
Rita #104–see the link posted by Maureeen #30 for the exam.
what??? no more weekly exams??
Moderator’s note: The vets will still try to do exams when possible, but we won’t be documenting them via video or photo as often.
Happy New Year to the pandas, keepers, and staff of SDZ. Continued gratitude for updates about all of the animals, not just pandas, and a place for comments from all of us who love your charges from a distance. Not to jinx anything, but Yunior really does act like a spoiled (in a good way) youngest child. What a handful of a cub he is foreshadows when he’s as bigger than his parents and into his teenager stage, makes me glad I’m not his mom LOL…
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year! Hello from Uncle John’s!I’m here with my 8 year old cousin, Vanessa! We do not see any pandas on the cam right now…..
Moderator: Is it windy in SD? The image seems to be altering…….Maybe it’s a technical difficulty? Supposed to be Su Lin.
Just posted 2 videos from 12-31-09
The 1st video is a play session with Bai in the Classroom, which could be subtitled “Spin the Cubbie”! Also, Yun Zi explores the pond and follows Bai out the exhibit!!
The link for “Yun Zi: New Year’s Eve Day Play!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1TgE9-f_w8
The 2nd is Yun Zi on and getting off the platform. When the camera first switches to the Garden Room, Yun Zi is already up on the platform ~ how he got up there wasn’t shown. I included the footage of Yun Zi doing his ‘headstand’, scent-marking behavior some of you have mentioned. The video shows him getting off the platform, via the log. Then I switched to screen images because it was getting so dark. Yun Zi twice more climbs up the log to the platform by himself. Bai helps him off the platform both of these times, the 1st time after a nursing session and the 2nd after a short bathing session.
The link for “Yun Zi’s 1st New Year’s Eve!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdgk3yMjrUg
Dear Moderator, Does Bai Yun ever get frustrated with Yun Zi, does he ever try his mother’s patience?
Maybe another repeated question but, can panda bears roar? Has the SDZ ever experienced Gao Gao or momma Bai roar?
Also, can little cloud, at this very young age, mark, as dd #106 asked? I was thinking the same thing, but, I guess hoping it wasn’t true yet. Wow, well, obviously instinct because momma doesn’t do that…or do females use this method, as well?
Thank you again, and
Happy New Year’s day! ox
Moderator’s note: For your panda vocalization question, see post Say What?
p.s. Thank you for working today, keepers, I’m sure you’d probably love to have a little rest, but appreciate that you are there, just the same!
xoxo
Du Québec et en français, je souhaite à Bai Yun, Yun Zi et tout le personnel du Zoo une très Bonne Année 2010.
To Dennis & Lynn, to Chari (#38) to our panda family and the exceptionally fine staff at SDZ, I hold you in the light, as mebers of the Society of Friends say. And I do, too
Happy New Year everyone. Looks like Yun Zi is building up his muscles playing with Bai Yun and starting his climbing lessons, just in time for our visit next week. I am getting very excited about seeing the Gao family.
We got to say Goodbye to Tai Shan on Dec. 30. All three pandas were outside eating and putting on their best side for their admiring audience in the cold and cloudy AM. We went back before we left in early PM and he was kind enough to come right up to the glass on two different sides of the exhibit. I was in awe that all that separated us was the 3/4 inch glass, literally. He was touching the wall and the glass as he turned to walk back up the hill. He did this at least three times, which allowed me to get incredible close ups. There were photographers there with really big professional style lenses, so I am hopeful someone will put their photos up on the web for all to see. I forgot to take my camera so my photos are from my cell phone. Tai was so close, and walking so slowly that they turned out pretty well anyway. He paused as he turned at the top and bottom of the hill in front of the window as if he know people were there to photograph him. Such a ham. NZP was selling a t-shirt of shots of him that said something like “Tai Shan we are sad to see you go, but glad we got to watch you grow.” Excellent sentiment and I think speaks for all of us who have followed him from the days in the den till now. I looked everywhere I could see for the crate they are using for training, but didn’t see one. I did not get to look down over the transfer area behind the mesh that I have seen him in before. My guess is that the crate is somewhere in there near the transfer tunnels. That would be a logical place to get him to enter from. How else could they get him inside a “box” and keep him there? They still have the original shipping container for Ling Ling on exhibit from when they were first sent to Washington to Mrs Nixon and the USA for opening of China-USA relations. It was wood, and now they use strong metal (at least that is what SDZ used for Mei Sheng). Imagine they will use similar container for Su Lin and Mei Lan. It is hard to believe that by breeding season this year three cubs will have moved to their new life in China’s breeding program. Still wish we knew if Mei Sheng was a father in 2009 or not. If not 2009, hopefully 2010.
Good 01-01-10 to all Panda Fans. Bai and baby Yun are having a great play time this afternoon what a wonderful way to start out the new year.
Another question…is there water for little cloud to drink after rough housing with ma? She went to the drinking fountain, as did our boy, but all I see that he has is a shallow hole in the cement, which it looks like he is attempting to drink from….he’s got to be as parched as momma after all that playing around….
Help?
Moderator’s note: He gets liquid from Mom’s milk.
Dennis #111 – our thoughts are with you and Lynn, for her improved health in 2010. As I recall, Basi who visited SDZ in 1987 was also a trained rider. I vaguely remember her riding a tricycle or some other such activitiy. She is the granddame of panda females and celebrated her 25 birthday in 2007. Last I read she is still alive and being cared for as a queen. She was the Chinese panda ambassador to the US, prior to the Washington Treaty.
What a way to celebrate the New Year watching Yun Zi sleeping in the moonlight last night and now to watch Bai Yun and Yunior roughhouse together…..A Mothers Love as she shows enough restraint as she nips back at Yunior before doing her upside down turtle routine while flipping Yunior in the air like a ball… LOL…… One can’t help but respect Bai Yun as with strength to bite thru solid bamboo with her powerful jaws she knows just how lightly to bite Yunior to move or teach him a lesson on how a bite can hurt….
A question about the last exam,How many teeth does Yunior now have as all that was mentioned is that more were seen from the last exam…..Our rambunctious Yunior will start to continue his growth spurt as he becomes a proper member of the Gao Gao/Bai Yun Clan of Panda’s getting ready for his Public Debut,showing the best of both family lines like his older brother,two sisters and half sister….. We have become a Global Family brought together by this latest wonder Yun Zi……
On this New Year’s Day we should remember all of the Panda’s that have brought Joy to us but are no longer with us such as Shi Shi SDZ,and the first two at the NZ Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing as well as Mao Mao killed in the Earthquake…..Rejoice in the fact that if wasn’t for the Research and Care given by the SDZ and all other Zoological Sites around the World including China we would have lost them forever…..We still have time to stop the Worldwide Extinction and Slaughter of a Different Species of Plant or Animal every twenty minutes or we too might join the list of living things that used to live on planet Earth….. The ball is in our Court to tell the so called leaders of all our countries that the Corporate Greed must stop that is putting money over life…..
“A Happy New Year to All with Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things……”
Moderator’s note: I don’t think the team had a chance to count his teeth, as Yun Zi was quite wiggly during that exam
Am watching him on the platform so I can see how he gets down today……some day he will figure out how to climb down rather than …..plop…..as he has done each day.
Nice warm day……hope you all are having a good New Year Day!
Yay for Yunior! Was he up at midnight last night, or did he sleep through it all? Were the pandas scared by any noises?
wow, that was one way Mom can wake him up from a deep nap…..stand him on his head!
how are the pandas? this is Vanessa Miller that is typing.I’m Kaitlin’s cousin.I never seen the pandas before.
but kaitlin showed me the pandas.yun Zi is relly cute.I never seen the mommy panda before.
I have been a liitle under the rainy weather here in Sac today so I haven’t had the “puter” on at all. Just looked at Yun Zi, and he’s trying so hard to do a somersault! Of course, I’m sure he has no idea what he’s doing, but it’s darn cute. His little arms just need to be a little bit longer!
Yunior looks strange tonight…
I have been watching and greatly enjoying the panda cam for years now and I have 3 questions which I am sure you can answer.
1) HOW does one artificially insemenate a Panda? They have to be put out, right?
2) HOW does one GET the semen from the male bear???? I’m sure no cup is used here!
3) How do you take those beautiful closeup shots of the bears? It’s like you’re two feet away from them!
Thank You!!!!!
Moderator’s note: I’ll forward your questions to our Panda Team.
Poor little guy could not get down from the indoor platform he found himself this afternoon. He slept for quite a while and then contemplated how to get down the log and seemed in a little distress until Mom came back and gave comfort. Such a cutie.
#140 Jeslyn: I saw that!!! Bai does have a way about her doesn’t she??? Poor little fella…..
My friend is joining the army soon so I sent her an e-mail with a comment “Happy New Year from the white and black in the red white and blue”. (Pandas dancing to a song) off the internet.
I love to watch the pandas and will miss the late nights watching Mom ansd son cuddling in the den.
Kat #129,
Yes, they can roar when fighting. We heard this occasionally when Bai Yun would scrap with Shi Shi during their (not-so-successful) breeding season. Roaring is a sign of a highly aggressive panda!
Camille #131,
Merci beaucoup!
Susan #144,
1- yes, typically the female is under the influence of anesthesia.
2- yes, a modified cup is used in collection of the specimen.
3- you should see our photographer’s lens. It’s amazing! He gets great zoom shots. And many of our video cameras also have good zoom capabilities.
Happy New Year. Thank you for all you do!!!
Karen
I’m watching our little man sleep now and the camera shot is very dark and snowy…….can it be focused better??? TYSVM………………….
#143 what do you mean he looks strange, I just got on……
Well its about 8:00 and they are both acting funny, both sleepy maybe, they are both just sitting there putting their heads down, and not “chumy” like in the den, but let me watch, maybe I just don’ t know how they act on that platform. This is a good way for him to get used to heights you think? And I think they like to “lean” on their face or top of their head….
Well, at around 11:30pm EST tonite, I finally got to see Yuni on the pandacam! He is on the platform with his mom, Bai, all curled up sleeping. Bai looked like she was trying to get some sleep, too. Had a nice, quiet day watching all of the pandacams and watching the football games on TV. Rose Parade was gorgeous this year!
Gonna go and get to bed after this last game on TV. Will be back sometime tomorrow to check on the cams.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Video Alert panda lovers. This may be one of our last looks at TAI SHAN before he goes on his journey to China. Enjoy this rare view of Tai. He is having a great time rolling around in some dead fall and then has a sneezing fit from all the dust. The clip is called “Panda Tai Shan Playing & Annoyed by Mom”. The “mom” does not mean Mei Xiang; it refers to the tourist whom you can hear in the background.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ErZTXm3eVA
I have been watching the panda cam, reading the blogs, and visiting the zoo for years, yet have never written a comment until tonight. At about 9:20 PST I was watching Bai and Yun Zi on the platform in the garden room. Then helplessly I witnessed Yun Zi inch closer to the edge and then fall off and out of sight! Bai looked for him and then went down the log and out of sight also. Neither one has reappeared. Is he OK? How far off the ground is that sleeping platform? Yes, I’m another worried “virtual panda mom” concerned about our baby!
Moderator’s note: You can expect to see Yun Zi take a lot of falls as he learns about climbing and heights. Panda cubs seem built for taking tumbles, so please don’t worry and just enjoy the learning process
I understand that the Panda Team’s priorities have shifted now that Yun Zi is getting bigger and much more active and independent, and that his weekly exams will now be only periodic. I read the moderator’s note that they will no longer be documented with photos and video. Could you pass on a request to the team that it would be so appreciated if they could do an occasional photo or video? The panda cam is great, but it’s hard to see details. For many of us who live far away from SDZ, it will be our only chance to see those beautiful close-up and in color images of that little guy as he transforms from a boy into an adult panda.
Happy New Year, and thank you so much for all the work that was put into giving us the chance to watch little Yun Zi grow from an infant into an active panda boy.
Moderator’s note: There will still be plenty of photo/video documentation of Yun Zi. Just wait for his public debut!
I am curious. Are the denning days over now? Every time I look at the cam it either focuses on the other panda bears or Bai and Yun Zi in the classroom or her bedroom, etc. How long do the keepers wait before they clean it out and close the denning door for good? Right now Yun Zi is happily sleeping in the lower part of the tree. He looks adorable. A big fluffy eclipse!
Moderator’s note: See comment #84.
Moderator- Did you have the day off yesterday? Vanessa and I were looking forward to seeing our comments, and they weren’t published until today!
Yun Zi is slowly learning how to climb….very slowly.
Vanessa is going to type!!! (She would love to be answered by the Moderator!
She is new to the pandas, sooooo she’ll ask a lot of questions.)
Hi i love the pandas.Does Yun Zi have any brothers or sisters?Why did Yun Zi get moved yesterday?We can
not relly see Yun Zi.
Vanessa has more questions….. I hit the ” Submit Comment” button too fast.
When is Yun Zi birthday?Does Yun Zi have any nick names? When was Bai Yun born? _ Vanessa
Moderator’s note: Vanessa, you’ll find the answers to your questions in our blog posts and our Meet the Pandas page. Happy reading!
I see Yun Zi up on the climbing structure. Hope he can get down.
Just an interesting factoid – today is 01-02-2010 – a perfect palindrome for those in the US.
Just posted 2 new videos from 1-1-2010
The 1st video is a play session with Bai in the Classroom! Yun Zi climbs on Bai, gets spun by Bai, gets pinned by Bai…you get the picture! These daily play bouts are adorable to watch as Yun Zi gains confidence! They both seem to thoroughly enjoy these playtimes, as well as some of you bonifide Yunior-holics, so I will continue to do these videos!
The link for “Yun Zi Plays on New Year’s Day!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6ojPawNri8
The 2nd shows Yun Zi climbing up the log to get to the platform in the Garden Room. This is the FIRST TIME his entire journey up the log has been shown on PandaCam. After this I show Bai coming to visit a couple of times, and time lapse through 3 1/2 hours of Yun Zi on the platform!
The link for “Yun Zi: How I Get Up on the Platform!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI4gjIUKous
A huge thanks to the volunteers and keepers (and the Moderator!!) who are all working this holiday season so that we can continue to enjoy these delightful images of our beloved pandas!! You are truly the best
#144 Susan, I wondered that myself and Googled giant panda artificial insemination. I got a couple of short technical articles describe how the semen is collected using electrical stimulation while the panda is sedated. Very sedated, I imagine. No mention of how the panda feels or acts when he wakes up. I wonder if he has romantic panda dreams.
I saw Yun Zi’s marking behavior on DoxieMom’s video. At least, it really looks like more like that than just random scratching what itches. What a guy! Maybe the Panda Team will tell us if that could be what he was doing.
Moderator, you must be having a relaxing day off, because none of our comments are answered….yet. Just saw our little Precious walk off screen. I got a postcard of her behind!
I meant to get a better one, but…… she’s a quick little girl! Vanessa’s turn to type now!
Is Zhen Zhen a girl or a boy?Is Zhen Zhen a baby?Does Zhen Zhen have a family?Is Zhen Zhen playful?
_ Vanessa
DoxieMom #161–that first video is amazing. Both you and the cam operator did a great job to start the new year.
DoxieMom………….I just watched your new videos from 1/1/10 and again you caught some more precious moments. Not that they all aren’t, they are………..but the second video in the garden room when our little man climbs up to the platform………..I laughed so hard when Bai turned him upside down on his head, twirled him around…………OMG…………….my sides were hurting so bad from laughing…………..on the otherhand, YunZi at times must be thinking………….ahh Mama, please leave me alone, I wanna sleep now Mama………….just too too cute
TYSVM DoxieMom…………you make my days…………
I was thinking….what are the chances of Zhennie seeing little cloud sometime, once he’s made his debut? Could that be a possibility? Zhennie was so eager to make friends with Su Lin, which didn’t turn out to be the best idea, but maybe she meeting her new little brother would be a whole different situation. They do mingle in China, right? Does China request that we keep their pandas here separated?
What are your thoughts, those in charge??
Thank you!
Moderator’s note: A meeting via the howdy gate may be a possibility in the future.
I’m going to miss the exam videos but am so excited Yun Zi will be on public display soon. my daughter and I have birthdays coming. A trip to the zoo is definitely in order. I can’t think of a better way to spend my 30th birthday than to visit a precious baby panda:)
1425 Hrs: Just checked in and Yun Zi is on the platform in the garden room. He looks like he has been in a mud bath! Not sure he is liking it. Seems to be trying to clean himself up – oh where is mom when the little guy really needs a bath?!
Today is a “paw” day! I have just tuned into Polar and Panda Cams, and I found Yunior biting at his own paw. Meanwhile, a very brown polar bear (must be Chinook) is pawing at the gate separating the exhibit and the living quarters. Something must have caught her attention on the other side; perhaps some delicious smelling treats?
Oh It grieves me to think of our boy not being able to go back into the den. That seems to be one of his favorite areas. Like others have commented no matter how old he is getting he just gets cuter and cuter. I have followed our boy from birth until now and have enjoyed every minute of his time on screen.
The people connected with his welfare are all to be commended highly. Although I am sure that just being
a part of his life has been a great reward for them. The very best to you all for the new year.
As others have brought up, I too believe he is marking as I just witnessed before he fell asleep. Especially because he was rubbing in it. A telltale sign. He spent a lot of time doing it . Moderator. Is this simply an attempt or is he actually doing it? Seems to be alittle too young for this?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
To All: Make sure you watch the link from Pandafan North # 154!!! If ever there has been a question about WHY pandafans at the SDZ are asked to speak very softly while visiting the pandas….this video is certainly the perfect ‘Reason’. Not only was the child annoying, the mother was even worse…I am so glad that the person filming left the audio in the movie. Here was someone who wanted to film Tai….who was pretty cute during the movie, and the visitor (and I assume many others) had their meet and greet disrupted by rude behavior. PandaFan # 154: Thanks for providing this link!!!
What a relief to know that Yun Zi is not locked out of the den. I was so worried that he can no longer enter his den every time I see him sleeping some place else.
I strongly believe that he is the only one who should decide whether he is ready or not. In the meantime, he should keep his “blankey” (den) until then.
Happy New Year to everyone! Here is wishing for more panda babies in 2010…
Hey, look how dirty the wall is, where they sent mark and rub up against….he loves the corner…. wonder how long they can tell when someone has been there… they use the same den and sleep area and platform….etc. baby slept a good two or three hours today….wonder when his schedule will be ok to view…..
I think yun realizes he has “feet” and little boy parts….he is entertaining himself playing with his feet
Okay, I guess I’m not ready for little cloud to leave the den….only because the cam’s are so much better at catching him up close! I miss watching his little legs flailing around while he’s on his back, playing by himself… soooooooooo cute….
…ah oh, is this feeling “empty nest syndrome?” Egads, not again!!
Last question for the night, you know how much we all love pandas, and China Loves Pandas, well I wonder why they don’t have a lucky panda in restaurents like they do that white waving Cat, Miki. This is my only place I talk about China, can anyone give me a internet place I can learn from also, I can’t find that Lucky Cat anyplace on the computer, as of yet.
Wow it’s very cute!
Pandafan North #154, thank you for the video of my first baby boy. He will forever be silly. I feel badly for Tai having to listen to the tourists!!!!! Evidently, he was just back drop for their pictures.
DoxieMom, I have no idea how you do it but thank you. I wonder how tired Bai must be from that bundle of energy. And Yun Zi looked like me climbing a ladder. Holding on for dear life. That was so fun. Thank you.
Dear Doxie Mom: Thank you SO much for continuing the videos. Thousands would have serious panda withdrawal if we couldn’t see them. We need to nominate you for an award!!!
Happy New Year from Sacramento,CA.
DoxieMom, those new videos from today are fabulous!! Thank you for giving us the best as so many of us do not have time to see him doing all those wonderful things!!! Happy New Year SDZ. I received my Adoption kit for Yun Zi for Christmas and love the book and stuffed toy!!
PandaFan#2 (#163 comment), Go to http://www.sandiegozoo.org/pandacam/meet.html (Meet the Pandas). You can read all about all the pandas and their relationships. Zhen Zhen is Yun Zi’s big sister!
#133 -Margaret – thanks for your “farewell” to Tai Shan – yes, we know our beloved pandas are going back to their homeland but it doesn’t make it any easier to know that a panda we’ve watched for 4 years is leaving – if we got news from China about “our US pandas” it might help
#135 – Kat wilson – don’t be surprised to find our Yun Zi has found he can drink out of the “drinker”
#162 A – Page – seems to me I recall ” A Panda Stimulator” on the zoos wish list a year or so ago – while it didn’t go into any detail I got the impression this was to help in not sedating the pandas – but have not heard any more
#162 B- Page – it sure looked like our Yun Zi was scent marking to me – standing on his head yet – he is going to be a terror – poor momma Bai
Conversation with Bai Yun #27
Bai Yun: Mmmm, bamboo munchies… (Crunch)
Yun Zi: Mama.
B: (crunch) Yes, dear.
Y: Remember what happened that other night?
B: (crunch) Which night, dear?
Y: The night of the count down.
B: Count down?
Y: There were big crowds and festivities.
B: Huh? Festivities? You must have had another dream.
Y: And there was excitement and anticipation.
B: Was I there, too?
Y: You were feeding on bamboo on the bedroom floor.
B: So you were up on the sleeping platform?
Y: Since there was so much commotion…
B: Commotion? Sounds like New Year’s Eve.
Y: I tried backing away…
B: Up against the bedroom wall?
Y: No, I backed into a tall thin man with a long white beard…
B: Hmmm. I wonder if that was Father Time.
Y: He was friendly and kind.
B: Really?
Y: Then I had this itch…
B: What kind of itch?
Y: I proceeded with my handstand.
B: You rubbed up against him?
Y: Then he vanished.
B: So you put your mark on Father Time?
Y: Why did he vanish?
B: I think he went to take a bath.
I think Lin Ping would be the ideal mate for Yun Zi
It would be a Royal Panda Wedding for the Prince and Princess of Roly Poly. Heeheehee!!! She is just such a perfect little lady and our Yun Zi is just all guy. Here is the link for Chiang Mai Zoo in Thailand. See what you folks think 
http://linping.truelife.com/
Awww…looks like the little man fell asleep out on the platform in Garden Room. It must be a nice night out under the stars out there cuz it sure isn’t here with all the snow! Brrr….
Doxiemom, great videos again. Bai is so sweet and loving. It is amazing she sleeps on the platform with him, it seems even smaller than the den. Is Yunnie still sleeping in the den at all? I just love watching them play together. Our baby did a great job climbing up on the platform, he seems to enjoy sleeping up there now, perhaps practice for when he starts sleeping in the trees.
I do have a question, why are the videos so blurred and grainy lately? The outside shots were so clear before, and now none of them are.
Thanks SDZ and all of you who worked through the holidays to show us our animals. You guys are the best there!
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THOSE VIDEOS FROM DOXI-MOM. MOMMA BAH SURE LOVES HER BABY BOY. I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN ASKED BEFORE, BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN AN ANSWER ON THE NOISES THEY MAKE WHILE PLAYING. I THINK THIS IS WHY WE ALL LOVE THE EXAMS BECAUSE WE CAN HEAR THE NOISES THAT YUN ZI MAKES. ARE THERE LOTS OF SQUEEKS, AND GROWLS AND BARKS? YUN ZI SHOULD BE NICK-NAMED “JAWS” HE USES THOSE NEW TEETH ALOT ON EVERYTHING!
Doxiemom, once again, my huge thanks to you for your videos. I’ve not been able to watch the cam at all for several days due to a family emergency, and I just have a few brief hours to be able to catch up. Your wizardry is priceless to me. Thank you soooo very much.
Moderator and all of the SDZ Staff I want to thank you all for the great updates on Yunior ….Without your tireless attention to detail the GPF Family and Friends would not be able to create new members to the ever expanding Global Addiction of Pandaholicism,a wonderful addiction….LOL….Yunior like his previous siblings will soon have many of us in awe as we stare up at him doing his tree frog imataion that will no doubt have keepers and arborists scrambling to keep up with him….LOL….
And for all of you that have never had the life altering experience of seeing a Panda Live it is one experience that will keep you mesmerized for hours and a trip well worth taking…..When Lynn finally gets released from the Hospital we will continue our addiction and visit SDZ to see Yunior and finally visit the only USA Panda Zoo we never have visited in Memphis….I can’t wait to show her the Get Well Wishes and Prayers that her now Global GPF Family and Friends have been sending her way as well as the growth of Yunior…. As we prepare to send Lin Lin (Su Lin) Tai Shan ,and Mei Lan to join Hua Mei and Mei Sheng in China I found a great retrospective of all their lives at : http://www.pandafix.com/
“Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things…”
THE worst thing about night Panda watching is “no night vision lighting”. Boo Hoo for all of us night people.
Maureen #183…from what I remember, the Panda Stimulator was for Gao Gao…and it had nothing to do with sedating any male panda, but for collecting millions of little panda’s at one time. If you get my drift…and I also think it WAS used while Gao Gao was asleep. I would hope so anyway. However, there could be something of a similar name that I am confusing the stimulator with.
Not sure if I missed the answer to this question or not and not quite sure how to ask it without offending anyone. Has our little Yunior done any pee pee or doddlebugs on his own yet. I think it is a milestone just like getting teethies and walking.
Moderator’s note: I’ll forward your question to our Panda Team.
# 185 Tiny, Lin Ping and Yun Zi have a common grandfather, Pan Pan. Both Bai Yun and Lin Hui are daughters of Pan Pan. I, therefore, don’t think that the Chinese would let them mate. But you are correct, they both are beautiful panda cubs and both full of energy. But Lin Ping is not a little lady; she is way bigger than any of the pandas at SDZ at the same age. At age 146 day Lin Ping weighted 11.52 kg, while Yun Zi was “only” 8.8 kg at the same age… But considering Gao Gao and Bai Yun weight difference that would probably not be a problem, the inbreeding would.
Yunior was sleeping in his den this morning – 9:00am EST… you could see Bai’s shadow as she was pacing back and forth… must be wanting her breakfast.. Yunior woke up, waved his feet around a bit and then picked up some bamboo and played with that… He looked really cute while he was sleeping….
6:50AM SDZ Time seeing Yunior back in the den doing his morning exercises as he wakes up from his “Dancing in the Moonlight” last night on the platform.
“Panda Pease on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things….”
Just posted a new Yun Zi video from 01-02-2010
This video shows Yun Zi up on the Garden Room platform over a period of 3 hours, a lot of this time spent sharing the space with mommie Bai! As Bai shifts, Yun Zi moves too, sometimes too close to the edge. But Bai appears to sleep with one eye open, intent on keeping her cub safe!!
The link for “Yun Zi: Our Daring Darling on the Platform!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y3ZBDQ5ACI
Linda #187, one reason the videos are grainy and blurred is because as it gets later in the evening, there is less and less natural light. There isn’t an infrared camera in the Garden Room, so the moon or sun provide the only light source.
Dear Moderator or Panda Team,
I too am curious about the vocalizations of the Pandas. I did read the post “Say What” and now I’m curious about the “relationship” between Bai and Shi Shi… Did she roar because he wasn’t doing something right? Maybe the “chemistry” wasn’t there?
I was also wondering about the injuries that Shi Shi had that prevented him from being returned to the wild. What injuries did he incur? I’ve googled his name but couldn’t find any information on him.
I’ve read the post about the “Howdy Gate” and Zhen Zhen and Su Lin. What happened that it wasn’t successful? Was there agression on Su Lin’s part?
I’m slowyly working my way through all posts so if I’m asking something that has already been addressed, please let me know which posts … Thank You!!
Moderator’s note: Here are two posts that have some Shi Shi info: Farewell, Dear Shi Shi and The Mating Ritual.
Loved watching Yunior at play with Bai Yun today and the peaceful sleep now on the platform….Moderator ,in the past wasn’t there another wall up that didn’t allow the full unspoiled view we now get of mom and baby at rest?……This view allows a better view as with each charming cubbie we have seen vast improvements in bringing the GPF’s into the daily interactions of the Pandas via the cameras and reports…..We applaud the SDZ for their care in showing the World the daily goings on of the Pandas…
“Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things…..”
Hey guys, please watch the Walt Disney movie: a trial of panda, it is filmed with real panda babies at Wolong. You’re gonna love it!
Lovely catch of Yun Zi sleeping up on the platform bed in Bai’s room. He is facing towards us, this time, and looks bigger than ever! He grows overnight, like a mushroom! Must go check out DoxieMom’s videos for I have not caught Yun Zi climbing that log to get up into bed. So, he has truly found the delight of sleeping up high! Cute as a button!!
Lin Ping and mom was having an early morning (Thai time) play session. I check back a couple hours later and both of them were sound asleep I guess the play wear them out. At SDZ Bai and baby Yun are also asleep on the platform I think it must be nap time for pandas.
#190 Dennis and Lynn I hope it won’t belong before Lynn is home and able to get out and visit all the zoos and see our new baby Yun Zi. I’m keeping her and you in my prayers.
Pandas, pandas, everywhere. Actually, just on the news in Sacramento this morning and this evening. The pandas are the toddlers, 10 in all, going to Shanghai Expo soon. All the news commentators were oooing and aaaing over how cute they are. Yup! They are right!
I guess they played a rerun of our boy on The Insider tonite…..then I watched our local news and they showed about 9 panda cubs…a bit older than ours…..all standing on their hind legs, in a row, up against of fence of bars……squeaking and making nosies towards their keepers who must have been making up food dishes. Then they showed the cubs all rolling around and playing like Yun Zi does with his Mother.
I guess those panda cubs are really into their keepers and I would think it would make it hard for them to be released.
It said some of them were going to be sent to some fair some where in the world for a short stay and that they were trying to figure out how much bamboo to send with them.
I guess these cubs are old enough to eat bamboo.
I don’t know if this story is on YouTube…..but it was fun to see them standing up all in a row calling out squeaks….. How would one find this new story on the web?
I loved the video of Yun Zi going up the log to his platform…..he seems to know to sleep in the corner so he won’t fall off again. Guess he learned the hard way. He prefers to keep his Momma between him and the edge of the platform!
By the way, yesterday, our Wild Animal Park was the warmest in the nation……85 degrees.
About 24% humidity so its not really bad.
Dianna #198–Su Lin did get a bit aggressive towards Zhen Zhen, pulling on the skin or fur on her face, which got caught in the gate. They were separated before anything really bad happened–I’m sure there’s a blog about it.
Jane #200–I don’t think that movie is available in the US. I know Dennis was going to research it or try to buy it?
Moderator’s note: For info about Su Lin and Zhen Zhen’s howdy gate encounters, see post Pandas: Considering the Sisters.
Thank you P.Wong for the giggle! If I were Father Time, and little Yun Zi marked me — I’m not sure I would take a bath… at least not right away.
Hua Mei’s latest cub is another little Panda Princess named Hao Hao for a Holiday Video of this Living Doll as seen on Flcker go to : http://www.pandasliveon.com/ as they have a great video of her as well as the NZ Pandas playing in the recent snow….They also mention that Ya Ya in Memphis was artifically inseminated on Thanksgiving so keep our GPF fingers and toes crossed that we will have a baby Panda around March,they also have a great video of her and Le Le as well as other Panda news…. The person wondering about China Panda cams go to China Science Museum Website : http://www.kepu.net.cn/english/pandacam/go/wolong.html
“Panda peace pn Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things….”
I am now home from my uncle’s. Thanks Moderator for being so nice to Vanessa! She loved reading the “Meet the Pandas” page, and is now a mini panda fan! She especially loves Yun Zi, because he is so cute and so funny. (That’s what she says about him) I see the dark garden room right now… is Yun Zi there? It’s a mystery!
I just got back from Vegas and there are about 7 different games of pandas!!!!!!!!!!
Just to let you know the word is out “pandas”. I will check in on the 13th…when I return from the second leg of my vacation….I’m off to see my whales in Maui…and then its 7 days a week for 15 weeks….but I love what I do…..so my baby big boy should be hamming it up by then. I can’t wait…….
Just read the news briefs about the Shanghai Expo panda cubs. They are all more than one year-old. I actually played with two of them, An An and Ping Ping, in June. They are used to visitors and human interaction at Ya’an and should do well in Shanghai.
Love all the videos, Doxiemom. Thanks. Yun Zi has the hang of climbing up the platform — is he still tumbling off?
Just got on the pandacam now, and it was on the classroom yard for Gao Gao, but there was no Gao on the cam. He must have walked off somewhere else.
Most of you all up north are in the freezer this week with some of you getting SNOW, while all of us here in Florida will be in the fridge for the week. Florida won’t see high temps out of the 50s all week, and there’s more of this coming for next week! I heard on the Weather Channel that Memphis will be getting snow.
Ya Ya and Le Le at Memphis Zoo will love this! At least I hope they do. I think Ya Ya is the one that doesn’t like wet too much! Atlanta, Georgia will also be getting some snow as well, and the 3 pandas at Atlanta Zoo should love to play in the white stuff. Both of those areas don’t get snow that often. I think DC might be getting some more snow. Will be checking all of those pandacams to see what these pandas will be up to this week. That will be fun!
Well, gonna go and check the pandacams. Will be back, and hoping to see Yuni on the cam today!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Just saw the cam again, and Gao is back in the picture eating his boo!
Chari
at the moment…….8:22am pst…………..and it looks as if YUN ZI has really lived up to his name and due to his xtra fluffiness fallen through a hole in a roof somewhere!! hahahahahaha.
#204 Jeslyn in San Diego – re the 10 cubs who are going to Shanghai that you saw on your local news. There is a video on youTube about them which was posted yesterday, January 3. Unfortunately I can’t remember the title, but the picture on the youTube listing shows the cubs lined up at the iron fencing all waiting for their food. If you search for “pandas shanghai” you will likely find it quickly. The video is really fun! Wow! 85 degrees at the Park. Wish I was there. It’s -15 Celsius where I am. Brrrr!!!
I received my Yun Zi adoption package just in time for the New Year. The plush is now prominently displayed on top of my monitor!
Have a great week, panda lovers!
Did Yun Zi climb up the climbing structure by himself!!! Or, did Bai Yun drag him there. WOW! He really is getting ready for my visit next weekend. I can’t believe how fast he is advancing now that he is spending most of his time outside. A very Happy New Year indeed.
Well finally am back on the computer. So much to read. He’s going to weigh more now since muscle is heavier.
DoxieMom, love that you and the meerkats were able to capture How I Get Up On The Platform. So cute that once he got up on the platform he went over to the pipe at the back wall and wrapped his arms around it for support.
Am still enjoying my DS Panda game. I have two youngsters now and boy do they eat and drink a lot. I seem to spend 1/2 of my time feeding them and the other half playing with them. It’s crazy, fun though.
iwill be at the zoo the last week of january. ya me!!!!! hopefully junior will be out by then. oh boy pandas meerkats and lions oh my!
# 214 pandafan-north, # 210 Mary from Brooklyn and # 204 Jeslyn in San Diego – I found two videos on YouTube, “Panda Play” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUtBxNJyWRY and one in French
“Shanghai accueille 10 pandas pour l´Exposition Universelle” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4TZvOojSrE
In the French video they say that the pandas will stay one year in Shangai, 6 months at the World Expo 2010 and then 6 months in a facility that should mimic the wild. The group of 10 pandas is made of 5 males and 5 females including the twins An An and Ping Ping and a cub born on the day of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Happy New Year to all of you pandaholics, panda’s staff and all the lovely bears.
Re #217- What is a meerkat????????
Moderator’s note: Meerkats are cute little critters from southern Africa. Here’s more info…
Wow, thanks Danielle, #128 for those wonderful youtube videos. Where is the World Expo 2010? How old are these pandas in the video? If Zhen Zhen and Yunior were together, would they play like that, or is there too much difference in age?
#220
the meerkats are really cute and really aggressive and i am grateful that they don’t rule the world. They tend to have a scorched earth policy. animal planet has a program called meerkat manor. I am not sure if the program is still in production or if you can view past episodes on line. I quit watching the show because i don’t like the “circle of life”…..too much crying on my behalf…..but did i say i get to go to the zoo the end of january?????? so excited…. and hopefully i will get a peek of yunior…meerkats….elephants and lions…as for the lions…i will be sure to avoid the spray zone.
Let’s all keep Ya Ya in our prayers that this year she will be bless with a cub or two.
Little boys sure like to climb and Yun Zi is no exception. On camera 28, he was right at the top of the high stump (at least I think it’s a stump) on the left side of the screen. Bai Yun was pacing back and forth until she spotted him on top of the stump. After she climbed it, she picked Yun Zi up by the scruff of the neck and hauled him down. Promptly, he proceeded to climb one of the limbs to the right; didn’t get too far as Bai Yun hauled him down again! That has discouraged him for a bit and he is presently on the ground. Can’t have any fun no how when Mom is watching!
#194 Danielle – Thanks for the tidbits Danielle. Since you mentioned what a big girl Lin Ping is I noticed it when she stands on her back legs, she is very, very long (or tall!). She is still very sweet and gentle though, even if she is a big girl
I think Yun Zi would like her…heeheehee.
You know, since Granpa Pan Pan is the common link between them all, I wonder if he had a black tip on his tail? Would anyone happen to know about that? Seems like I noticed that same black tip on Lin Ping, Bai Yun, Lin Hui and of course on our precious little Yun Zi. Oh my, he must be quite the impressive panda (size wise!!). I have only been able to find one picture of him on the internet and it was just of his face peering through a window. It was a very large, but kind and gentle face
Moderator (#220)- I agree! Meerkats are really cute! Do you have meerkats at the SD zoo? The cam right now looks like Yun Zi walked up to it and licked it!!!! (Are the cams really that close so the pandas can lick it?)
Moderator’s note: We do indeed have meerkats at the Zoo. One of the keepers has written several blog posts about those in her care. Her most recent one is Meerkat Moving Day.
Just posted a new Yun Zi video from today
Yun Zi was in the Classroom Exhibit with Bai and he climbed higher than I have ever seen him!! Once down (and I won’t give away how he got down), he turned around and climbed up in his hammock! He’s been climbing into the hammock for quite a few days now, very easily, but I’ve never shown it on a video, but the timing was right!!
The link for “Yun Zi: Watch Me Climb HIGH!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1usOo4jDTs
Can’t wait to see Yunior in person and all the others. Thank you for all the great blogs and videos. You all do a wonderful job keeping all of us panda addicts happy.
Just wanted to know. Was Bai Yun pacing so much today because it was the first time visitors were there? Thanks again
Moderator’s note: The exhibit has not been opened to the public yet.
Shirley #220, We also call our cam operators Meerkats. I don’t know how that got that name.
Moderator’s note: The Zoo had a group of volunteers called Meerkats. Many members of that group manned our Panda Cam. These days we have a new volunteer program. It doesn’t have a catchy name, but we still have great volunteers manning not only Panda Cam but our other cams as well. Thank you, volunteers!!
He’s getting quite good at climbing. Just wondering if Bai has been as protective of earlier cubs (this is my first cub to enjoy)?
Moderator’s note: Not since Hua Mei, her firstborn. And I hope everyone saw the latest news on Panda Cam: Yun Zi’s public debut is Thursday, January 7, 9 a.m. to noon!
Moderator re Meercat response in #229 and also Pandafan #226: I rhink the meerkats are really cute and I think the name is so appropriate for those who handle the pandacam. They, like meerkats are always looking out…guarding, watching
Every time I go to the SDZ, the Meerkats are one of my favorite ‘stops along the way’. The stop is always a guarranteed video moment. 
There must be some super-excited pandafans in San Diego today! I look forward to your postings here, on flickr, etc.
I saw two keepers with Yun Zi today on the cam. One picked him up and spirited him off-camera. I probably won’t be the first to ask what was going on, but what was going on? Another exam? Or was that a couple of you bloggers who threatened to kidnap him for cuddling?
I cannot say often enough, thanks to the volunteers, keepers, moderators, and informed bloggers for letting us in on this adventure.
OMG…………..I so wish I could be there at the SDZ on 1/7 b/w 9 and noon to see our little man! That is going to be a special day! I will be watching on the cam though……………..You go Yun Zi!!!
How exciting! Thankyou moderator
Great vid Doxiemom! Poor little fella, Bai just won’t give him a break… unless of course she thinks “practice makes perfect” by pulling him off of whatever he is climbing and having him do it again…
Thanks to those who pointed me to the posts to answer my questions about Shi Shi and the sisterly squabble between Su Lin and Zhen Zhen…
I’m envious of all you who get to see Yunior on Thursday… take plenty of pictures and videos to post!!!
Hooray!! The prince Yun Zi is going on exhibit! I’m watching for airline seat sales; when the price is right, I’m climbing on a jet plane to SD!! This is such a special time when the cub gets to meet the adoring public for the first time. Enjoy him, all of you who will be there!
I predict ‘pandamonium’ on Thursday morning!! I hope RitaP and Nekomama from Flickr are there as they take amazing photographs of the SDZ pandas.
Good luck to everyone who is lucky enough to live in San Diego and will be there to see our littlest ‘star’ make his public debut!
Wish I could be there in person. I will keep watching the panda cam to catch a glimpse of the growing bear.
Darn…..I have to be in the dentist chair at that time of debut…..but will only be blocks away……
I just loved the video that Danielle gave out…..Panda Play. What a fun group……
Amazed at what they give them to play with. Slides?
Thank you all for finding and posting the videos I have just enjoyed. I kept some on my favorites site…..
I do think Bai Yun has gained her pre pregnancy weight….rather on the fluffy side now.
I keep thinking about the debut……perhaps, if I am there when the zoo opens and then get to the pandas, rush thru as best as one can, then run back to car, go 5 blocks up the street for manicure and then the dentist at 11:30……perhaps I could manage it!
Are members let in the zoo before 9 AM…..and how long a line might I get into, once I walk down to the panda area? Can I do it and get back up to Park Blvd by 10 AM.
I don’t know what to expect in the way of crowds at 9 AM.
Any help on info about the lines from the moderator? Am in such a quandry now…..
Moderator’s note: The Zoo’s gates open at 9 a.m. for all. I don’t believe there will be a long line that early, but you never know! But remember, you can always come the next day, Jeslyn, when you have more time to enjoy the experience.
Hello, I posted a question (#90) but maybe it’s not the right place to ask. Is there another forum for questions about develpment etc. I see this is more of a celebratory forum. Great posts here! Let me know the appropriate place to as questions,
Jeri
Moderator’s note: You’re in the right place, Jeri. I’ve forwarded your question to our Panda Team.
How exciting that Yun Zi will finally be out on exhibit. After watching the wonderful DoxieMom videoes knew it was only a matter of a few days before the panda team decided this guy was ready for his debut – as he already had been out for the media (and he sure was a media hit) Zoos must love it when they plan their “media day” & cubs don’t feel like going out. I seem to recall Tai’s big day – he wowed them all with his antics
What ways are you seeing Bai being more protective of Yunior?
Could you make a DVD of all Yun Zi’s exams and use it as a gift to the public in return for a donation to the panda fund? I love those exam video tapes and the different sounds Yun Zi makes during his weekly check-ups.
Thank you for letting me know. Also, thank you for the video feeds, blogs, educational information, and great love and care you give to the pandas.
Moderator’s note: I’ll forward your question to the appropriate department.
I wish I could be there for the big debut! I would give anything to get out of this Pittsburgh weather also. I agree that Bai is looking plumper these days, she must really chow down the boo. I am still wondering why the outdoor cam is so blurry. Is it from the sun? I have not been able to see many good pictures of Yun Yun because the picture is not good.
Why was Bai Yun so anxious today? She really was pacing around. I also thought that maybe they had zoo staff watching them to see if she would react ok to being on display. She just seemed to really be pacing alot although I did not see either of them for long.
I hope the debut goes well. Will the cam be on outdoors for this?
Moderator’s note: Your questions have been forwarded to our Panda Team.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Wonderful news….Time for Zi’s debut, how exciting! Everyone that gets to see him, have a fab time!
Here is a video I located on Youtube of Xi lan in Atlanta. So funny…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZFJZQju44g
DoxieMom, you are my best friend!!!! I only seem to see our boy sleeping. He was very brave climbing so high!!!! Bai is very patient, and knows exactly what she’s doing. What a great Mom.
Dennis, I can’t get the link to work for the Wolong webcam (downloaded the Java). Any suggestions anybody? Maybe there’s a backdoor? The Chengdu cams aren’t up anymore, and I miss seeing the toddlers in China. Help!!!!
P. Wong, very, very cute! Good job.
I’ve long had a love for meerkats. And knew immediately who the meerkats were when speaking of the cam operators. Fits well. (I’ve trained my cats to respond to “Meer” when I want them to come to me. My liitle girl cat responds only to “meer” at night when it’s time to go to bed.)
OAKAAAY to ALL: YES!! The Day is certain!!! January 7th 2010!!!! Panda Fans Rejoice!!! I’ve decided to drive myself to the SDZ, stay overnight (to re charge the camera) and return on the 8th to the SDZ to film MORE!!!! Hurray!!!! It’s a vacation of 24 hours
It’s a MOMENT in PANDA time 
I will put the video up…with all that I see…including the Stars and Yun Zi. 
Oh, darn! I’ll be in school during his debut. I was so looking forward to seeing this little guy on his big day. But I will be there on Saturday.
I hope everyone has a chance to watch Lin Ping. First, she had climbed the bars in their den to the top, and Lin Hui tried to get her down. Lin Ping just reached down and slapped Mom on the head. Mom was like “Oh, OK, just stay up there.”
A little later Lin Ping was in the “den” while the keeper was cleaning the area with a broom and dust pan. As he was finished, she grabbed the dust pan; the keeper grabbed her, she went for the keepers leg, taking off his shoe (a flip flop). He finally got the shoe back, and then it was on! She wanted the flip flop. She chased him all around the cage, while he tried to get out with the dust pan and broom. He was so sweet in trying to distract her by helping her do somersaults, and moving around the cage. He was persistant! He finally got out much to her dismay…..her playmate with cool shoes left!
Who went to Thailand and saw their exhibit? Do you have any pictures that you can post? The outside area is beautiful. Sorry to ask again, but sometimes there’s so much posted that it’s too much info to completely read. Thank you.
# 221 Janan Huntsberry – the World Expo 2010 will be in Shanghai. The ten pandas must all be about 18 month old since one was born at the beginning of the Olympic Games which took place in Beijing in August 2008, and they are all about the same size.
Zhen Zhen and Yun Zi will never be put together to play, they are too much apart. In China they put cubs born the same summer together. Most of the panda cubs are born in the summer, I once read about one cub born off season that could not be with any group, he was either too big or too small. They end up keeping him alone.
# 225 Tiny – I actually never saw a full picture of Pan Pan either. I have seen several pictures of Pan Pan’s head on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/sevenof9fl/2411598083/in/set-72157604523204924/
The two cubs at the Zoo in Atlanta, Mei Lan and Xi Lan have also black hair at the tip of their tail, and as far as I know Pan Pan is not part of their family tree.
I also like Lin Ping, she is a beautiful panda. I wish I could see her playing outside. When I see her she is inside either in her enclosure or with the keepers in that baby’s bed. I would like to see her running around and climbing trees…
Showing off his Pan Pan bump!
According to RoxandaBear Pan Pan has a bump on his nose that his son Tian Tian and his grandson Tai Shan have inherited…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roxandabear/2821209343/
# 250 Linda A. / NorCal – Thanks for that story of Lin Ping, I missed that. But it is really like her. Lin Ping is really good at climbing on these bars and she keeps trying to escape. She also always tries to “help” the keepers when they clean and goes for the legs and the feet. I am surprised they are still wearing flip flops, one of these days she will bite toes… She is also giving her mother a hard time, but sometimes it is payback time and Lin Hui is giving Lin Ping a hard time too. She is a good mom though.
Danielle #252–Thanks for the links to those videos. Nothing makes me laugh more than a panda–unless it’s a whole bunch of pandas, and thanks for that link to the pictures of Pan Pan–you can see where Bai and all of her offspring got their fluffy cheeks!
Thank you, too, DoxieMom. Poor Bai looks like she wants to snuggle up on the platform, but Yun Zi will have none of it. I think the girl cubs were much more amenable to snuggling.
P Wong–brilliant as always.
Oh well, I’ll probably miss Thursday, but will try to make it on Monday. i’m guessing Sunday will be packed! Can’t wait to see him in person!!!
Regarding the meerkats; don’t forget the wonderful little family in the Childrens Zoo (your favourite, Bobbie?) where the really cute three-legged meerkat rules.
Hooray, I shall be at my laptop on 7 January at 5pm UK time to watch for Yun Zi’s grand entrance!
Thanks #252 Danielle for the link to legendary Pan Pan. Bai Yun looks so much like her dad! Until the last couple of days, I didn’t know that Lin Hui was related to Bai Yun and Tian Tian. Does anyone know who Lin Hui’s mom is?
Tian Tian doesn’t seem to have a black tip on his tail. I’ve been watching him on panda cam lately and he doesn’t seem to have any coloring on his tail. I’ve also noticed that Tian doesn’t have very much dark coloring on his lower chest/tummy like a lot of pandas do.
Mei Xiang has a dark coloration at the end of the underside of her tail. It can be seen when she’s reclined on her back or sitting up. Maybe the Mei Xiang/Lun Lun family tree has distinct tail markings, too, on their mother’s side of the family.
I wish Yun Zi and Bai Yun a grand public debut! Bai is a true panda hero and I admire her very much.
Has a date been set for celebrating Gao’s seventh annibearsary at SDZ? I so look forward to celebrating the esteemed gentleman Gao again! I have dearly missed seeing his sweet face. If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then my heart is overflowing for the dear dude.
Moderator’s note: We do not have anything planned for Gao Gao at this time.
#230 – Moderator – Thank you for making my dream come true. It is very exciting to think that I may be blessed to see a Panda cub two – four days after he goes on exhibit. He has made so much progress in Panda Kindergarten that is easy to see that he will be ready for his “public debut.”
Here is a panda movie, they use real pandas in it.Here is the link of the introduction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go0wv-IiauQ
#244 Lee
We are in the process of finishing our plans for our production schedule for 2010 and will consider adding this production to our schedule.
#241 Jeri
We can’t really know the answer to that question.
#245 Linda
The cams in the classroom exhibits are old and of bad quality. Sorry, we don’t have the money in our budget to fix them at this time.
Linda A – #250 This is as of Jan/08. When I was there there was no outside space. It’s very hot and humid in Chiang Mai and everything is inside a large building. The panda enclosures have waist-high glass fences and then a ‘Dry Moat’ then the yard. I have pictures posted at thai-panda.com (click on photos), some at pandasliveon.com and on my facebook page. They built the “Snow Dome” for the pandas but all the pictures I have seen so far only show people inside it not pandas.
I think Lin Ping in kept in either the cage or under tight human supervision is that the enclosures are steep and rocky and if she fell into the moat she could get hurt and there is no way to get out that I could see. I hope this helps.
# 258 Melissa – Lin Hui’s mother is Tang Tang. Tang Tang is also the mother of Long Hui, from the Vienna Zoo, who is the father of Fu Long. To make things more complicated or interesting, Yang Yang, Fu Long’s mother, is the daughter of Da Di (male) who is the son of Pan Pan and Dong Dong. Pan Pan and Dong Dong are also the parents of Bai Yun. So it makes Fu Long Bai Yun’s grandnephew. As you can see it must be really hard to avoid inbreeding.
Dear Panda Team – How much do you need to update the cams in the classroom? (Re: your answer in #262 to #245 Linda.) With all the panda fans online here willing to buy things for the gift list, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too hard to raise the amount you might need for camera updates! (Unless it’s a million dollars or something
)
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded.
#264 Danielle…Thanks so much for filling in some parts of the panda family tree for me! Yes, it does seem like the coordinator of the giant panda SSP and everyone involved with breeding pandas would have a hard time setting up successful matches! It seems that Tai Shan is related to Fu Long, too (Tai as Pan Pan’s grandson via Tian Tian and Fu Long as Pan Pan’s great-grandson). It’s funny how most of the captive pandas in zoos outside of China have at least a half-sibling in another zoo. Do you know whether Le Le and Ya Ya in Memphis have relatives outside of China? I know so little about their ancestry and have always wanted to know more about them. Thanks so much for answering my previous question!
#245Linda – I can really identify with your feelings on this great western PA weather!! When I hear 85 degrees, I salivate!
P. Wong, wonderful job as usual. I miss your wonderful conversations when you don’t post them for a while.
Was SOOOOOOOOOO excited to read that YaYa (I love her face – it is so sweet) was inseminated. I am really really hoping for a panda cub for Memphis (well, also hoping for panda cubs in other US zoos, too!).
Lee, #263, of course it was you!! I looked at your pictures on the Thai website that has the link to Lin Ping TV. I have a really bad cold; I think it makes me stupid! Somehow in my little pea brain, I was confusing Wolong and Chiang Mai. Sorry! But I had no idea that it was all inside. The climbing structure area looks like it’s outside with the people standing behind the glass fence. I have seen the moat, and thought it was awfully deep for a little panda girl to be around. Thanks for the info! I thought the Snow Dome was also for the pandas. Thanks again; and sorry for my fuzzy brain.
How exciting it must be in panda land!! Wish I could be there for our little man’s debut!!
I will go to see him sometime this year though, hopefully before Su Lin leaves.
Has there been any updates on her departure yet?
Moderator’s note: No updates yet.
Dear Moderator,
I was wondering if there was any way to move the night camera that was in the Birthing Den to the
room where Bai Yun and Yun Zi sleep now ? There are so many of us that have constantly watched
them through the night playing and interacting.
Also, what would be the price of a better outside camera to film Bai & Baby, and perhaps all of us
Panda Fans could collectively donate enough money to buy the SDZ one ?
Thank you for the all the attention you give freely to our concerns, and questions about these precious endangered animals.
Moderator’s note: Your request has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
Well… Yunior seems to like that tree stump for climbing opportunities. MaMa B didn’t pull him off of it today… the only thing he needs to figure out how to climb down… I guess head first is one way but it doesn’t look very graceful..
i figure we have 3 chances for a cub. we have memphis…we have national zoo and zoo atlanta…..hopefully and bai willing, we will have another next year in sdz. i am greedy and i don’t care.
# 260 We are all hoping that the Disney Company keeps true to their word of releasing “Trail of the Panda” in the USA around Chinese New Years celebration in 2010……I am still trying to find an English Subtitled DVD or perhaps an English language version on DVD from one of the Distributors in Asia but have not had any luck as yet…..If I get one I’ll let everybody know as I then found a local DVD manufacturer that will copy it to USA format…
“Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things….”
#265 Sherie and #270 Gloria
You both had the same thoughts that I had about contributing funds toward cameras
in the Panda exhibit….unless the cost was too prohibitive for we mere Panda lovers.
It seemed like a good idea at the time.
Yun Zi is so adorable right now with his attempts at climbing to greater heights every day.
It is amazing to watch this little guy trying so hard to go higher and higher on his “jungle gym”.
Just like a little boy…..he seemingly has no fear of adventure.
Mama Bai has her paws full!
I agree with those who have already suggested buying a new camera. You could have a special box like the one you had for adopting Yun Zi. Am sure in this economy none of us are worth millions but if we each contributed something maybe that camera could be in place before Yun Zi got to the top of a tree!!
Gloria #270,
There already are cameras in several rooms throughout the facility (bedroom, sunroom, garden room, etc). The problem is that the bears can move at night, from room to room, but there is no staff member around to move the camera view to follow them.
Dear Dennis,
The Trail of the Panda DVD is available in Singapore and has been for sometime at our HMV stores (not sure if you have HMV in the States). If you are interested, maybe I can help.
# 266 Melissa – As far as I know Le Le and Ya Ya in Memphis don’t have any common relatives with the pandas in the US, Vienna or Thailand. Ya Ya was born in Beijing Zoo, Le Le was born in Chongquing Zoo, as the other pandas in the US, Vienna or Thailand are from Wolong or Chengdu.
I just found out another connection to throw in the mix. Xin Xing is the father of Chuang Chuang, Lin Ping’s father; Xin Xing is also the father of Long Hui, Fu Long’s father.
I found some videos of Lin Ping outside. “Lin Ping’s first time out to the back garden with her mother Lin.wmv” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNv3pSkOsXo
“Lin Ping Panda Cub Plays Outside 120809 Thailand Chiang Mai Zoo.mp4”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTcyeHFo8-0
#247 Linda A. / NorCal …..I haven’t been able to get it to load in 3 days now either…I even uninstalled and reinstalled the Java Software they suggest…..Hopefully it will be up and running because it was a great site that actually allowed you to log in with “guest” for name and password that then gave you free access to move and focus the cameras where you wanted them to be…..I sent them an e-mail and when i get an answer from them I’ll post it in the blogs here…..
#277 Lucilla, Thank You for the information I’m waiting for an answer from them on availability of English subtitled versus English Language as shown in New Zealand…..
“Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things….”
#278 Danielle…Thank you for the info about our Memphis panda friends. I am going to sit down and make a genealogy chart sometime for all of the zoo pandas so I can keep track of all of the familial connections.
* 279 Dennis – Sure, let me know if NZ pans out (pun intended) and if I can be of help. Dont worry about the postage. It is a very sweet movie. Also do look out for Panda Diaries.
* 280 Melissa – I think if you go to Pandas live on website, there are several Panda Family Trees already. Looks like all the overseas bears are related. Sure will make for an amazing fun reunion if they were all to be together in one place. What tales they will share about their zoos and keepers and fans!
#267″ Marcia 519″
I think it is safe to say we all want such an explosion of panda births that we each have to be assigned one to help raise and take care of. Mine would have to sleep in my bed with me every night-that is for sure. Pandas appear so sweet and playful that it is hard to put the “bear” on the end. Lets take a count of how many of us would be willing to take on the job-raise your hands.
Okay by my count that is almost 100% of stay at home panda cam watchers-what a great group we are……love 3 m grammmie
p. S. I see even the” working outside the home group” has some hands up too-I guess the next thing at work would be a panda day care in the work facility?
I just watched some of the videos from other zoos, and noticed in the large groups of panda babies there was at least one, perhaps more, with a black dot on the tail tip so “PRBF” is not the only one marked that way. It would be interesting to know if they are related to Yunior through Bai Yun……love 3 m grammmie
Dear Chari Mercier
Hope all is going better for you and your hubby. I have been remembering both he and you in my prayers and I would ask you to please return the favor and pray for both my husband John and myself. We are going through our own difficulties right now physically and financially and prayer is the only thing holding me up at this point.
Dear Moderator,
Do you think that perhaps the fact that the number of cubs who survived at the Chengdu Zoo dropped from 18 last year to only 4 this year might make them stop and think and perhaps they’ll stop pushing the poor females to get pregnant every year by forcing them to wean their cubs at six months? I’ve always been concerned about the ramifications of going so against what they do naturally in the wild. Do you think this may give them a little food for thought?
Dear Brandy NY
Who’d of thought I would ever be the adoptive mother to a baby boy panda cub???
Sorry we haven’t spoken in so long. I’ve not been doing that well and problems have kind of taken up much of my time. Just wanted to wish you and yours a very happy and healthy 2010 and assure you that I for one will carry our friendship into 2010. Yun Zi was also my first cub and this is the only place I blog also. Forgot to tell you, I adopted little Yun Zi.
God Bless you and yours in 2010 and thanks for your friendship.
Dear Gao Gao
If DoxieMom is correct and you are looking at yunZi and thinking “That’s My Boy”" You go right ahead. You should be feeling veryrpoud.
Thanks-Phyllis