Moderator’s note: One of our readers posted the following question, and keeper Kathy Hawk supplied an answer. We thought all of our panda fans would like to see it!
Panda Team: I watched Yunior’s early morning routine on Panda Cam. I’m curious about the training methods. I’m assuming that you were wanting Yunior to come to you? I noticed that you fed him treats and then backed off, avoided direct eye contact, and seemed to wait for him to approach you? Or is your method just to get him accustomed to having your presence in his space so you can approach him to pick him up? I’m just curious on the training methods and how they might differ between domestic animals and wild animals…
Kathy’s response:
Yes, the goal was for Yun to come to the keeper. In my experiences with young panda cubs, each training session is set up with the same goal in mind, but you have to asess the current situation and how the cub is reacting to you. In this case, Yun was not ready to come to the keeper; in fact, for a brief moment he was displaying some agitated behaviors–subtle, but they were there. As he settled, he was then given a piece of food, but he was not comfortable with direct eye contact, so none was displayed by the keeper. Eye contact in wild animals can be interpreted as a threat. In a young panda cub still dependent on his mother, these behaviors would naturally be intensified.
When we first started working with Yun, all we did was hang out with him, getting him used to our being in his area. He is learning that keepers can be interesting to interact with, and the outcome of this encounter will be a positive one. There will be days where he chooses not to interact, and we do not pressure him. We give him a choice, but we do try to set up his sessions with the purpose of achieving our training goal and, most importantly, setting him up to succeed.
Some of our training methods do come from domestic animal experiences, but with a twist–you are dealing with a wild animal whose basic instincts are greatly enhanced as a matter of survival. So we have to take this in account as we set up our training sessions.
Hope this helps.
Kathy, Thank you for your time and attention this all of our questions! There is no question from anyone who has ever seen you with any of the panda’s you have a total love for the animal! The love you feel shows on your face everytime you are near them. The ever so hard part of having to scratch their backs… and climb trees to get them down.. Poor thing! Question though, at what age to you all start introducing smells to the cubs to see what they like and don’t like? We all can tell that Yun likes flowers and leaves… but I was wondering have you all started leaving him other things to smell yet? If so, what are they?
Thanks, Kathy for a fabulous explanation of the training of Yun Zi. It is very interesting to learn how young animals can be trained using their natural behavior and tendencies as a guide. I did not realize you started this young with treats, even though he is probably more interested in investigating than actually eating them. I am surprised that he would respond that well, but I guess everything is an enrichment object at this point in his Panda Kindergarten of human and panda teaching.
Very interesting. Thanks again for all your responses to the questions asked. We all learn new things about the pandas everyday.
Hello, I so enjoy your Video Cams with the polar bear, elephants, apes and especially pandas.
When at work and feeling like I need a break and an uplift I go to the video and enjoy watching Yun’s progress.
Thank you so much for this priviledge. I was at San Diego Zoo 10 years ago (November) when there was a new baby panda. I was also in Washington D.C. when there was also a new baby panda to watch. These are great memories of this wonderful endeavor that the zoos are doing.
Thank You for the info.
Did ZZ spend the night out last night? I popped on at 11:30 kc time and she was sound asleep way up in a tree. 
Very interesting info. You people are so well versed and dedicated to the animals, in all aspects of your daily routine. Not only are the animals amazing and well loved, but so are all of you.
How really fascinating to learn all the strategies and nuances of training baby pandas! It’s not just zoology, it’s psychology, too, isn’t it? Along with lots of good, old-fashioned tlc! You guys have the best jobs!! It must require so much self-restraint, though, not to just grab those babies and hug the daylights out of them.
Thanks for answering that question. It really gives us insight into the training you are doing there and how it’s not just fun and games and indescribable cuteness when you are interacting with panda cubs. I know Yunior will learn that the Keepers are good “things” to have around and someday we will be hearing how he is up against the fence and begging for a back and ear scratch. But, it is one step at a time!
Joy
Great question and great answer, thanks Kathy.
I have always respected the way that our US Zoo’s take on the training of these “yes” wild animals. I’m not sure if I agree with the hands on playful approach that we see elsewhere. Although I don’t know if I wouldn’t have the urge to just hug and tickle Yun Zi?? What a little fluff ball he is and he sure is doing some high climbing… Did anyone see him this morning in his den? He was doing a headstand? (Thanks Lee, loved the postcard).. I could just see him standing on his head checking things out. I think he was making sure that the keepers were keeping his den clean..
Thank You Kathy Hawk……I see that Yunior is doing his best to train his trainers….LOL….A question for you, is this what you meant about back scratches ? …..LOL…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZodKQ8oDuRM
I want to thank you again for all that you do with taking care of the Gao Gao / Bai Yun Clan of Pandas at the SDZ as when my wife Lynn was still on crutches she had a conversation with you one afternoon about taking care of the Pandas as you were on one side of the fence scratching Gao Gao’s back and giving him some pear slices…. As Lynn has been Hospitalized for 13 months now she remembered how you and all the people at the SDZ took time to answer her questions including our following visits including Lin Lin’s first Snow Enrichment day while she was in a wheelchair….. Again , Thank-you as you all made a lasting impression with your kindness to take the time to answer questions in person….Due to Lynn’s Medical Condition I don’t think she would be able to take the stress of dealing with Airports and Security and we hope to see you later in the year if she recovers enough to travel …..
“Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things ……”
Thanks so much for the recent info Kathy. I was curious, you said Yun showed some signs of agitated behavior when the keeper was trying for him to come to her…what is there signs of agitated behavior? Do they growl, or snarl?? I am just curious. As usual hugs and kisses to Yun and mama.
Hi! Sounds like Yuni is starting to grow up some! Love your explanation on Yuni’s early training sessions. He’s still a young 5 month old panda cub and is just starting to trust the keepers, learn new things. He will progress to the more advanced stages of training as he grows up some more.
How are you all doing at SDZ/WAP with all of this heavy rain you are getting this week? I heard that there are 2 more of these storms coming into Cal in the next few days. I sure do hope that there is no flooding at SDZ/WAP because of this weather. I know that the pandas might like this weather. the elephants and polar bears, too. The other animals I’m not too sure about! Anyway, try to stay dry and avoid any of the flooding in your area. Didn’t see any pandas on the pandacam yet. Don’t know if they are outside today or not. Will keep checking the cam!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Thank you for the information Kathy. I love watching all the animals on the cam but especially the Pandas. All the keepers take very good care of the animals at the zoo.
Kathy,
Thank you for a very interesting article. You patience abounds.
The animals must feel your innate gentleness and compassion while you are working with them.
You make learning a joy for us while we are enthralled with all the Pandas.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge of animals especially the Giant Panda Bears.
It is so wonderful, that we live in a time of computers and we are able to have the SDZoo
and all of it’s creatures right here in our homes, schools…whatever….
I am especially grateful for dear little Yun Zi ….
for the love he has generated amongst all of his ardent fans..it’s been so much fun!!
that was amazingly interesting!!!! thanks so much!
Kathy,
Congratulations! You are doing a great job with all the babies panda with love and dedication!
Thank you for spending your time with us, panda lovers!
From the last blog… Hello to all my fellow panda nuts in the world! I need help that only you all can provide!!! A long time ago someone had posted a link to a youtube video where a cub finally found the water fountain and it spashed him or something. Has to be one of the funniest ones I have ever seen! I have been looking for it for the last almost 3 months and can’t find it. PLEASE Help me!!! I promise I will save it to my favorites this time!!! If any of you out there know what it is or where it is… please post it here so I can save it. Thank you all for your wonderful care you give to the panda world!
Both of the twin cubs in this video appear to have little black tips to their tails. Are they related to Yun?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5oHS1f4w4Y&feature=related
Thank you so very much for the response. That is very interesting and WONDERFUL the way you handle the early training of a panda cub. Yun is so cute and seems to be intense on his intent with his behaviors. He seems very adventursome and unafraid. He must be like a sponge in many ways not being able to get enough newness! He is experiencing so much and it is wonderful he has TERRIFIC Keepers! Thank you Panda Team for all you do!
With the Pandas at San Diego, I wonder how they react to the storms and thunder and lightening of this week.Do they hear it all? Do they retreat to the den? Does Bai Yun take the baby, Yun Zi, to the bedrom or to the tunnel?
this is the first time YunZi will have heard a storm and heavy rains.
Thank you
I’m taking a “panda break” at work and I logged on at a good time. Momma and baby are playing, but baby’s trying to escape and momma will not let him go. Every time he attempts an escape, she pulls him back. It’s funny and so adorable.
Oh my gosh — whoever was at the zoo this morning watching Yun Zi and Bai Yun playing this morning are so lucky! How cute were they?! They must have been making the most out of the fact that the rains hadn’t started yet. I especially love that Bai just lays on the grass and lets Yun Zi use her as a climbing, punching, biting structure. She just let’s him “go for it” — and seems to really enjoy it. Gonna try and get out there soon before he gets too big!
I’m so jealous of those in the zoo right now!! Its 1/4 to 12 noon and they’re playing so beautifully! I wish I was there to watch it, but I’m in New York playing with my new grandson, and his cousins!!!
I am glad to hear that someone other than me is getting the chance to watch Bai and Yunior have their morning romp in the grass. We are expecting more rain today so they should enjoy while they can…Love Grammmie
Did Bai have a bit of fermented “Boo Juice” this AM ?
She was playing so hard with Yun…who didn’t seem to mind the rough house frolicking.
Bai climbed atop the saw-dust box…then somehow was inside, standing on her head!
What a delight to see Mama and Baby enjoying being together.
Not a care in the World!
It didn’t seem to be raining where they were playing….Maybe it’s fair in San Diego today?
Moderator’s note: It’s supposed to rain this afternoon. We’ll see!
Oh Poor Kathy! I just saw you have to walk out and talk to poor Yunior trying to talk him into getting down from the tree! Petting him was a side line I am sure! He seemed ok with you all today walking up to him. he just layed his head to the side like he was just so cute!!!
Hi Kathy-I saw you for a momnet with a big smile on your face as you scratched Yunio’rs head in the exhibit..Love Grammmie
One draws an opinion about how cute and cuddly the pandas are but reality is that they are wild animals and have to be looked at in that way. Yun Zi is a cute little bear and one day he will be a big bear. I saw some videos yesterday and I realized that they are not teddy bears that you can just squeeze. I had an experience once at a Zoo when I was asked if I would volunteer to go in the tiger’s cage to feed the baby tigers around 1 year old. They did not attack but I had to put the bowls down pretty fast because even if they are young and very cute, they have big paws and do not realize that they can hurt even though they want to play. Babies are cute but babies grow up. So watching their antics and seeing them grow up is very entertaining.
Keep up the good work,
Shirley (Canada)
Greetings from Adelaide
Thanks Kathy for the fabulous update on Yuniors training – I think he is doing very well – he has you all trained with the moat!! LOL Keep up the good work
I have heard that California is experiencing some wild weather – hope you are all Ok
Dennis please send loads of panda hugs to Lynn from Adelaide.
We have another day of 40 degress celsius ( about 110) today so will stay indoors on the panda cam – like I need an excuse!
I have learnt so much about pandas from this website so when I visit Wang Wang and Funi and speak to keepers at the panda exhibit they are amazed by my level of knowledge about pandas. I continue to hassle them about panda cam at Adelaide Zoo so that the GPF can follow our pandas – soon hopefully
Cheers to you all from Adelaide
I still feel as if I’m being weaned off Yun Zi, not seeing videos of his exams and close-ups, but I am appreciating the insight into a growing cub’s life. Question: How many teeth does he have now and how many does a full-grown panda have? Thanks.
Love having the little guy in my life through your cams!
I always find it so fascinating to learn about interaction and training of “wild” animals. It also is very helpful when they are such lovable animals as these pandas are. Thank you, Kathy, for describing this in layman’s terms, where we can develope a mental image; although I cannot imagine being the object of rejection (albeit momentary!) of this little sweetheart. Someone mentioned wanting to “grab” him and hug him. It might result in a painful retaliatory action from Yun Zi, if he is showing aggresion toward the unknown situation. But I know this biglittle guy will soon be very receptive to Kathy and all the trainers/keepers loving attention.
Thanks Kathy for sharing this information with us. You guys have the best job! It must be rewarding when you realize that the cubs (or the adults) are doing what you are trying to teach them to do.
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for letting us in on Yun Zi’s training. Very good and informative article. Oh how I wish I could accompany you when you have to go rescue Yun Zi. What a treat that would be. You, and all the other keepers and panda staff do a wonderful job with the panda family. All of you are so AWESOME!!!! And you can tell that you love your job. It looks and sounds like Yun Zi has a few tricks up his paw to see what he has to do to get your attention and to get the head and back scratches. What a smart little fella. Next time you have to rescue Yun Zi, will you please give him a hug for me? Sure would appreciate it. Thank you.
I was just visiting the Polar Bear cam. I noticed the Plunge will be closed until March 26 for some work being done. Heads up for the Pandafans who might want to check in on the polars. I still can’t commit to joining the convention, but I’m wishing a very good time and visit to all those attending. Maybe I can be there by June!
Only one video today, Wednesday, Yun Zi’s 24 Week Birthday!!!
If you need a good laugh, or just want to smile yourself silly, this is the thing to watch!! It’s the highlights from 45+ minutes of play!!
2010-01-19 Yun Zi and Bai: Play Highlight Reel!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhM_fJQ-T2c
Kathy, thank you so very much for taking the time to explain what transpired that morning!! It was fascinating to watch, but even more so now that I know what was really happening!!
#17 – Tina – hope this is the video you are looking for
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr70iec_DFM
Enjoy. Maureen
Whoops, the date on the Highlight Reel video should be 2010-01-20 ~ today’s date!
Kathy- thanks so much for taking the time to address your pandafan’s inquiry. It is fascinating to watch Yun Zi interact with his mom. appreciate the tlc and attention you and the other keepers are giving to our favorite pandas. Keep up the great work.
DoxieMom- as always, your videos are amazing. Thanks for sharing the precious clips of the little guy with us. These moments are priceless.
I dared to hope that you would catch the romp on the video-thank you so much for that—-I was snapping photos while they played and missed part of it—your video has filled in the blanks. I almost seemed like when Bai was coming down from the top of the box that Yunior was trying to “help her”….Love Grammmie
Thanks DoxieMom!! BAI YUN – you go mama!! This just made me laugh with delight.
To ALL! Do NOT Miss DoxiMom’s latest!!! (see comment # 35)
Just when you thought the viewing couldn’t get any better, today’s play session is THE VERY BEST 
Kathy, this was a wonderful explanation of so many of the details that go into Panda work. Do all of you working with the Pandas have degrees in Zoology? How do you get a job there? When we have the Panda Convention on the 20th of March, would you be able to talk with us? We can play a fee for your expertise, as I feel this type of thing is what we all want to know and hear about.
Doxie Mom, that was adorable!!!!!!!! I think Mama Bai is going to miss her frisky cub when they’re separated after weaning. Yun Zi will miss her, but somehow I think he’ll be so busy exploring his world and growing to be a big guy that he won’t miss her as much.
I love reading panda blogs – makes my day so much brighter, especially with all this rain and gloom!
I had a question: I may be completely out of the loop on this one, but is Yunior eating bamboo yet? I saw him gnawing on some earlier.
Moderator’s note: He gnaws and teethes on it, but he is not old enough to ingest it. Give him a few more months!
DoxieMom–what an amazing play session assemblage. Mme Bai Yun is certainly surpassing herself in cub entertainment and training creativity. And there were those who thought her too old… she laughs in the face of time!
Loved the video where he jumps off platform and onto mom’s head….brave boy.
It didn’t rain this morning but it sure is windy and raining tonite…..worse storm to hit on Thursday.
We don’t get much thunder and lightening around here…..sometimes a couple of rumbles every few years at that. I wish we did get it more often….its a treat here.
I did worry about the animals today at the zoo and then I wonder how many visitors are out in this mess…..usually out of towners manage it all but locals stay home.
This makes the zoo lose money of course.
It’s 6 pm on Wed. and raining heavily…..and I see Yun in his den playing with bamboo.
He’s no dummy……safe and warm now. He needs that bamboo to entertain himself when he is in den alone but someone keeps cleaning it out! Mom brings a small amount back in for him.
It is just so odd to see Yun walk like a big panda into the den, and mouth boo. It seems like he should be just scooting around on his tummy looking for Mom. He’s growing up way too fast.
I think Yun fell asleep sitting up in the den! (9:10 pm)
Mirror mirror on the wall….LOL….Watching Yunior admire himself in reflection in the den at 6:00PM SDZ Time…Now little Buddha is sitting at the entrance looking outside of the den perhaps waiting for mommy to bring in some boo to make a bed fo the night….It’s almost hard to believe how far and quickly he has progressed from everybody saying they thought he was behind on the development scale to the active little Panda Prince Charming he has become…. I see he is starting to develop Panda perfect Mickey Mouse Ears to go with Bai Yun’s Panda perfect Minney Mouse ears….LOL….
It’s great to hear about and see the show that Bai Yun now seems to put on daily of juggling Yunior like a soccer ball….It’s amazing what some saw dust fun can happen in the plywood box in the yard….Many thanks to DoxieMom for keeping all of us up to date with her YouTube videos both on this blog as well as YouTube and the SDZ and Panda-Fandom Worldwide Facebook pages…. I also enjoy being able to see all the USA Panda Cams at the same time thanks to Daniels Panda Cam Page…….It’s amazing how fast our once small Global Panda Fan’s Family and Friends has grown due to the love of Yun Zi and I agree if we can somehow jam all of the TV Stations Worldwide for one day and just allow the viewing of Yun Zi you wonder if he would really become the Panda Prince of Peace as everyone I’ve shown Yunior to has become an immediate member of being a Pandaholic…. To all of you lucky members that will be going to the SDZ in masse in March please take and post plenty of pictures and videos as even if Lynn does get released from the Hospital after 13 months she is now in too weak of a state to be able to fly cross country from NJ to be able to join in the festivities along with the medical bills that are now piling up we will at least attend in spirt and will be happy to take our virtual seats …..
“Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things…..”
Remember when we all thought YunZi was “slow?”
FYI – When you watch the live Pandacam or DoxieMom’s videos, I find that, though the actual picture is smaller, it’s a lot clearer if you view at 50-75% instead of 100%.
DoxieMom – Thank you. I just kept chuckling and chuckling. That Bai Yun was having a great time. I loved when she put her feet on the roof of the box and then turned upside down. It is really hard to imagine that these bears like to be solitary. They both just have fun together. And thanks to the Kathy for the interesting article on training of little Yun zi. I have not seen the clips of the trainers inside with yunior. But you do paint a good picture.
Question: Are the panda keepers working exclusively with pandas or do they rotate to other animals as well? I know some have been working with pandas for many years. And moderators, too, are you all-panda, all-the-time?
Moderator’s note: Our panda keepers also have other species in their care as well. Read posts from an employee who did a Visit-A-Job with the panda keepers in our 2006 archives: April 18, 20, and 25, and May 3 to get an idea of all the things panda keepers are responsible for. As for me, moderating blog comments is just one of many assignments I have.
There is a Panda cam and a Panda Rock Star in the den tonight…I look forward to hours of fun…Love Grammmie
Just watched DoxiMom’s new reel. (Thank you, DM!) Bai Yun should get the Energizer Bunny Award of the Day! (Not often given to pandas, especially full-figured matrons.) What a riot. It must have been the best treat for today’s visitors.
i love all the wonderful blogs you give and the Yun Zi’s daily newspaper thank you and i hope you guys train him soon!!
Yea look closer, you will see him “paw” real quick and back up real quick, like my cat when he does not want his nails cut
DoxieMom, thanks for taking the time to post your videos to youtube. I can’t get the panda cam at work (the site is blocked – can you believe that?!). Since I’m on the east coast, by the time I turn on my computer at night Yun Zi is usually sound asleep on his platform. Your videos keep me up to date on all Yun Zi’s anctics. Thanks again.
Sorry I won’t be able to make it to the panda convention, but I have a big trip – 3 weeks – planned for Alaska for this Spring. Hope to get a chance to see some Polar Bears. So, unfortunately, I have no vacation time left! I do enjoy reading all the posts. Thanks to all the staff at the Panda Exhibit, keepers, moderators, vets, volunteers. You all do such a great service in educating us about Pandas. Keep up the great work.
I was so happy to see him in his baby bed. It makes me feel like he is warm. Ok he has thick fur, but humans feel better if they think cubbie feels better. Thanks for the baby bed night camera.
Thanks Kathy for that interesting info. I was up early today and got to see the “getting up routine” of the Terrific Twosome. OMG I thought it was so cute. Also when they play in the sawdust box and Bai Yun tires poor baby out…lol. Then the cutest thing is seeing him still nurse with Momma. They sure do love each other. I treasure these moments because before you know it he will be on his own. Bai Yun is such a good teacher and I can imagine her telling him things. He’s a smart boy too. I love the way he backs down the trees.
Thank you DoxieMom for your videos too. Blessings to all the Panda fans on the Blog as well as the Staff at the SDZ. I am so glad I adopted Yun Zi. I even have my co-worker calling him by his name…lol.
Thank you Kathy for explaining Yun Zi’s training. A question: Can visitors see this interaction between keepers and pandas? From some of the comments, it seemed visitors witnessed some of this interaction between Kathy and Yun Zi. I have been watching our beloved Junior all evening (for the past several hours) in the padless den. He looks so lonesome and forlorn. It seems to me that He really doesn’t want to give up his lovely den. I imagine since it is dark and close, he really feels secure there. I really love this little boy panda because he is his ownself and seemly doesn’t conform to what has gone before. Every panda is an individual and therefore, he is exercising his right to be himself. I just love he and his mom’s interactions in play. I don’t believe I saw his level of interaction with Zhen Zhen. I may be wrong since it’s been two plus years. Keep up the great work keepers, pandas, and moderators.
Why does seeing Yun Zi sleeping in the den melt my heart? Is he trying to tell us that he doesn’t want to grow up? I hope to see him, Bai Yun, and his siblings the week of March 14. The trip west is a gift to me from my daughter because she knows I love these pandas. She wanted to give me something special. I can’t wait to see these precious animals that I have watched via Panda Cam in person.
DoxieMom, great video as always. How Bai gets in those positions, one can only wonder! I found it funny when Yun Zi was trying to get to his little platform and Bai was pulling him away; he was hanging onto the little tree for dear life and his legs were dangling in mid-air. Great fun.
Maureen #36, love that video of The Mommie Monster and Xi Lan. I love it when the silly words are put in, it gives the bears even more character. I think if he was on the drinker now, it would be him telling Lun Lun to get off!
It’s 1:30 Panda Cam time and Yun Zi is wiggling around. I guess he is about to wake up and go out and find mama. Will the keepers close the den when Bai Yun does not enter for a period of time or when Yunior does not go there to sleep. I believe if it is left up to Yunior, it will be open for a lot longer than usual.
Very good explanation of the basic training of Yunior and cubs in general. Your ongoing dialogs are extremely informative for us and we highly appreciate your work. Thank you once again and keep up the fantastic work.
Doxiemom thank you very much for the playtime video clip. It was wonderful, I hadn’t laughed that hard in a long time. Pamda bears are so limber it looks like and can get into the darndest predicaments rather quickly.
It is such a joy to see that precious little roly-poly back in his den tonight
I wonder if Momma Bai Yun feels like the weather is a threat, so she wants him close by? Great article Keeper Kathy, thank you! It always warms my heart to see how sensitive and caring you all are to the animals. Please try and stay safe in all that crazy weather.
Just checked the panda cam and Yun Zi is in the den resting peacefully. It must be his comfort place. I am sure the other cubs were finished with the den by his age, but I could be wrong.
He is so adorable!!
What time is the “play date?” Is there a schedule so I can plan to watch? I missed the one ya’ll are talking about. I do have to say….it’s amazing what my miniature schnauzer will do for one Cheerio! My students will negotiate for goodies, too. : )
#43 – Shirley – it’s way too early to start mentioning the word weaning and Yun Zi!
#36 – cute video. DoxieMom, yes plenty to laugh at. Seems Bai has not lost her youthful spirit. Shes a big kid herself and displays that more and more. Their play sessions are simply the best.
At about 5:45 SDZT, Yun Zi was curled up sleeping in his den. Bai Yun came in and out. He stirred, examined his feet, and went back to sleep. She came in again and again until he finally got the message and went out into the world. The Keepers aren’t the only ones training him, but he still loves his den. Sweet.
Is there a “pecking order” in the Panda world? Being a solidary animal, I’m guessing not a lot of “Alpha, Beta….etc..”
However, when training not making eye contact does fall into this pecking order of sorts. To that point, do trainers handle a male cub differently than a female cub in regards to this?
I have utilized a picture of Bai Yun and Yun Zi as my “wall paper” on my “tablet” we use for work. The photo is Bai Yun balancing Zi on all four of her paws. You’ve all seen it! Adorable! Anyways, I’m a DSD vendor (for a very well know company….”uneeda biscuit?”) It’s a very fast paced world, DSD, and when a “reciever” might be grumpy or fellow vendor, I’ll dare them not to smile when I show them the wall paper on my “tablet” So far, it’s been the direct cause of a lot of “grumpy” folks turning into big ole marshmellow!
Dear DoxiMom,
Thanks for the video. It was brilliant as it showed such a bond between Bai Yun and Yun Zi. And Bai Yun keeps surprising us on what she will do to entertain and bond with her kids. I remember one picture when she hung upside down to make Zhen Zhen laugh. Here she is rolling around in the saw dust and doing headstands. She is a scream. She has a sense of showmanship, a wicked sense of humour and she is a Panda Diva Momma! AND we, her cubs and obviously Gao Gao love her for it. I think he and her just might make it to Cubby #5…..
Thanx so much Kathy. How does little Yun Zi feel about the rain ? Or has he been staying indoors during the rain for the most part ? Him and mom dont look muddy, or like they’ve been playing out in the rain much. Has Bai been showing him that it’s fun to get down and dirty, and play in the mud ?
While rewatching the latest video from Doxie Mom, I couldn’t help wonder (again) if the pandas “talk” to each other during those play sessions. If so, I think we would all adore a video made by SDZ that allowed us to hear them. We’ve heard Yun Zi’s little voice, including a cute bark, but not Mama talking to him. Is that possible?
Moderator’s note: Perhaps after all the rains…
There are going to be a lot of sad fans this morning as our little boy seems to be taking a day off. Well he does deserve it once in awhile.
Is the zoo or pandas in any danger from the mudslides occuring in your area?
thank you.
Moderator’s note: Both the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park have experienced storms in the past and are lucky to be placed inland and on relatively high ground.
Almost 10 AM and little “man” is still lounging in the den. Must be cold and rainy outside and he is feeling like napping where it is warm and dry. I notice that there is still a bamboo mat provided by Bai Yun on the floor. Does she continue to bring fresh supply in to refresh the den since she still sleeps there for portions of each night, or is this all left from Dec?
Moderator’s note: It’s fresh bamboo.
Hey, it’s 9:45 a.m. and the lil’ furball is still rolling around sleepily in the den…. What about all those poor zoo visitors who thought they were going to see him on exhibit? Somebody go wake him up and send him outside!
P Wong–I wonder if Mr. Tourist was around to listen to Bai Yun and Yun Zi during her acrobatic display? “Now this is the dangling by one foot and balancing on the nose maneuver…”
Lucilla #75–I missed her hanging upside down to make ZZ laugh, but I saw her playing peek-a-boo behind a branch of bamboo she was holding in front of herself to do just that. It worked, and it made me laugh out loud too. I agree with you–I think she has awareness, showmanship, and a real sense of humor.
Why is little Yunior staying in the den this morning is it because of the rain. If the visitor are there to see him I’m sure they’re very disappointed he’s not out with momma.
Thank you for a great update! I always wonder about eye contact and which animals may perceive it as a threat/challenge or a breach of their unique etiquette vs. those who do not mind looking directly into human eyes. It is interesting that little Yun Zi is instinctually uncomfortable with direct eye contact. Do the adult bears ever make direct eye contact and feel okay with it after being around humans for such a long time? If so, are there only certain humans with whom they feel comfortable making direct eye contact?
It would be interesting to study eye contact between pandas of different genders, different sizes and different ages. Sometimes an animal that is “lower on the totem pole” is the one that looks away first when two animals make eye contact, seemingly giving deference to the dominant animal. I wonder if this is true in pandas, as well.
what a smart little boy! He knows to stay in safe and dry and that his fans would NEVER hold it against him on such a wet, blustery day!
It was nice seeing Yunior all dry and secure in the den last night and this Morning avoiding the rain…..Now watching Mom of the Decade Bai Yun resting on top of the climbing structure as SoCal gets inundated with the latest rain storms of up to an inch per hour …..I envy all of the GPF’s (Global Panda Fans) Family and Friends that will be able to attend the Panda-Fandom Worldwide event at the SDZ on March 20/21 ,2010 as due to Lynn’s ongoing Hospitalization and lack of strength and mobility after 13 months time in a Hospital Bed now realize that we will now be attending as Virtual guests Only , as she won’t be able to have the strength and mobility needed to tolerate having to deal with the hassles of commercial flights to attend the event even if she were to be released today….. I just want to warn everybody that is planning a long flight or drive to attend the Dangers of Travel related DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis which can cause life threathening Blood Clots to form in your leg as my better half ,Lynn’s were caused by being confined to a Hospital Bed….
I only ask that you save us some Virtual Seats at the event and please take lots of pictures and videos to post for those of us that will attend in Virtual Spirit only….. I hope that all my California GPF Family and Friends as well as all those of you that make the SDZ a worldwide acclaimed place to visit stay safe and dry as possible from the winter rain storms now inundating you and causing the Mudslides that are now happening….I had a friend explain to me many years ago that what the fires didn’t destroy in the Summer and Fall will more than likely face an earthquake or Winter/Spring mudslide risk when I lived in LA back in the 1970′s….
” Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things…..”
Well, last nite while Yun was in den, I received 2″ of rain in 45 minutes here along the coast. Have lived here all my life and this is a first!
Now today at noon, we got another red band of Doppler rain hitting us with horrendous winds. I have never seen this before in San Diego.
Too dangerous to go out on the roads due to trees falling. Do the trees fall in the zoo?
Hope there is no damage or flooding in the canyons today.
Also the rains must interfere with the cameras…can’t pull up much.
I can’t imgaine even tourists out at the zoo in this weather….worse we have ever seen.
San Diego Zoo responds: During the almost 100 years that the San Diego Zoo has been operating, there have only been a few times when we have been closed to the public. Both the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park have experienced storms in the past and are lucky to be placed inland and on relatively high ground. As always, our experienced operations and animal care staff will monitor the situation closely to ensure guests, employees, and the animals in our care are safe.
Both of our parks plan to remain open to guests.
I’m busy studying to be a qualified applied animal behaviourist and will be specialising in pet animals so am always interested in training techniques. The world of dog training has moved on a great deal, especially in the past 10 yrs, since clicker training was brought into the dog training world from the dolphin training world and I thought that other blog readers and panda fans may be interested in the following article.
http://www.pandasliveon.com/giantpandas/2009/10/for-a-well-behaved-pet-take-tips-from-panda-trainers-.html#more
PANDA CONVENTION INFO REQUEST —-
Hello all,
Plans are coming together nicely and the organizers are looking for the following Panda Fans that expressed an interest early on but have not been heard from as of yet.
These are the names that appear on the blog:
Deborah
PandaPaw
Anne in NYC
Debbie in S.Diego
Robin Johnson
Bonnie A.
Dorothy Bain
Karen the O.C.
Rosemarie
Bonnie Pearson
Lee from SFO
Just want to know if you are still interested?? You are not committing to anything yet but we need to know if you are still interested or if you are unable to attend.
You may respond to pandafan320@gmail.com or post on the Facebook page for Panda-fandom Worldwide.
Anyone else who is interested, that we have not already heard from, we need to hear from you as well!! We want to make sure that we include everyone that is interested!
Please see post #35 & #116 on the Day at Pandas blog (the previous panda blog to this one) for more information.
Thanks to all that we have heard from and more info is coming very soon on various package prices. Looking forward to meeting you at the convention!
#64 Susan (UK) – Please check the following website and tell me if Lun Lun still deserves The Mommie Monster nickname… LOL
http://www.pandasliveon.com/giantpandas/2009/12/xi-lan-of-zoo-atlanta-shows-us-his-versatile-climbing-skills.html
Having to drink with Xi Lan standing on her head and not kicking him off, she is anything BUT a Mommie Monster. And I have seen Xi Lan doing this on several occasions. We think that panda mothers are treating their son differently than their daughters. In Lun Lun case, she seems to be putting up with way more than she did with Mei Lan. But then sometimes they play really hard as well…
#18 Liz S. – the twins in that video are Aihin (female) and Meihin (male) from the Adventure World in Japan, they were born on December 23, 2006. Their mother is the late Mei Mei, she had 7 cubs, including two pairs of twins, and unfortunately she passed away on October 15, 2008 at a young age of 14. Mei Mei’s father was Lin Nan; he is also the father of Mei Xiang (Tai Shan’s mother) and Lun Lun (Mei Lan and Xi Lan’s mother). As it turns out, both Mei Lan and Xi Lan have a tail with a black tip. I am not sure about Tai Shan.
Okay, I have a question….. If anyone is in a tree at bedtime, do you take them in,or do you let them sleep wherever they want? Where are you seeing Lin Ping and Xi Lan and Mei Lan and Lun Lun? I want to see them! Is there a link to find them?
Moderator’s note: Only Yun Zi gets told where to sleep, usually by his mother!
I just witnessed the cutest thing on Zoo Atlanta site. Xi Lan was interacting with the window washer. The window washer was washing the window in the outdoor exhibit that is next to the room with the ladder. Xi Lan ran over to the window and stood up following the window washer. The window washer sprinkled water on the glass and did a ‘tickling’ motion to Xi Lan’s nose. I never thought I’d want to be a window washer, but it’s now a possibility!
I always enjoy the updates about the pandas, especially their schedules, training, etc. I have just finished reading a fantastic book, “The Lady and the Panda”, the story of Ruth Harkness and her goal of bringing a panda from China – in 1936!!. She did succeed in finding & bringing a baby panda which ended up at the Brookfield Zoo near Chicago. She made 3 trips and during her 3rd trip she became aware that the hunters,(and also the zoo keepers in the U.S) knew little about properly caring for the pandas and many died before they reached the coast of China. The pandas were kept in small dirty cages, in the hot sun. Ruth was disgusted by all of this and although she had a panda and was half way back to the coast, decided to
return to the panda forests and free the panda. I recommend this book to all the bloggers. it’s in soft cover and only $14.95.
Hi Kathy, Thank you for this very interesting and informative blog about panda cub training.
Neither wind nor rain will stop our intrepid Panda Keepers…
On the Panda Cam today, I saw a Keeper tending to Zhen Zhen’s exhibit during the height of the storm.
Thank you to ALL the wonderful Keepers throughout the San Diego Zoo who keep all the zoo animals safe and well fed during this truly miserable weather.
Here’s a video from this morning’s action in the bedroom
What do Yun Zi and Bai do when it is raining outside? Even Bai took a look out the bedroom door and decided not to go out right away! So, play ensued indoors, more specifically on the platform scale, which I’d never seen before!! Yun Zi sure likes living on the edge, LOL!
2010-01-21 Yun Zi and Bai: Indoor Play on a Rainy Day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMhevevYR5w
I so enjoyed watching Bai and Yun Zi yesterday. Omigosh, they were having so much fun. And DoxieMom as always filled in the gaps when I had to work! Everyone (everyPanda?) must be enjoying a day inside today. I’ve missed them if they’ve been out.
Thank you very much, Kathy, for the info in this post. This makes it so much more real being able to picture some of what you do with the pandas as well as this particular interaction being on panda cam. Please continue to share with us as you have the time. Even small snippets give us more of an idea of what goes on daily.
#34 Dianne in TX – duly noted on the Polar Bear Plunge. Guess that means a return trip, huh?! I hope one day we can coordinate our trips to meet. Here’s hoping you make it in June!!
I heard that it is raining in San Diego….
Meanwhile Zhen Zhen is sitting on a rock blithely munching on her bamboo..
Not a care in the world…
From my view, she appears to be playing a flute…
Beautiful music abounds in Panda Canyon…..
Hello Staff: Know its a rainy day there but is there some reason the cam has been focused on just one area for so very long? Thanks.
Moderator’s note: Staff is probably busy right now.
Greetings from Adelaide
To all my GPF friends in Southern California – please stay safe in this dreadful weather.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dennis and Lynn can I sit with you at the virtual seats for the Convention – didn’t win lotto so can’t come in person.
Thanks Doxie – you make my day – every day
Lots of big panda hugs from South Australia
Hi Everyone – I have some photos on Flickr that I would like to share. There is one unique photo, taken from the Panda Cam, of Bai Yun and Yun Zi where their markings are blended so that they literally look like one giant panda. Also, in the photostream, there are photos of YunZi’s debut.
This is the link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdrose24/4293513703/
Thanks
Rosemarie, that was exactly the book that got me interested in Pandas. I first had it on audio tape and really enjoyed it so much. I now have one of the original books written by Ruth Harkness and published in 1938. The one you are talking about is by Vicki Cockler I believe. Anyway, the one I have is available on request at the library. I was so surprised that the public library would let me borrow it, as they are worth several hundred dollars. However, a couple of years ago I was able to get one on eBay for much less. Ruth Harkness was a wonderful, brave lady. I have mentioned it here before, but that was Su Lin who someone said they remember as a child being at the Brookfield Zoo. All must get and read…great photos too!
Well, now two pandas are being crate trained for their trip to China. ZA announced yesterday that they received Mei Lan’s travel crate and are starting her training so she will be calm while traveling in it. They said they don’t expect the training to take long because like her mother Lun Lun when they keep her fed with fruit treats and biscuits she will do almost anything they ask her to do. Sounds a lot like Bai Yun to me, who is even trained to urinate on command for hormone sampling.
That leaves only Su Lin to get ready for their trip to China. Too bad they can’t travel together in one plane at least as far as Chengdu. It would cut down on the cost of the trip, allow their keepers and vet staff to network and share, and might even give them some enrichment to smell an unusual panda in the same proximity. But, and I suspect is it is a BIG BUT, it could heighten their stress levels, and potentially expose them to germs or other unanticipated issues that would not occur if they travel each on a separate plane. It is amazing to see the huge cargo planes that are dedicated to carrying pandas to and from China, containing one relatively small metal crate (compared to the size of the plane) and a handful of humans accompanying them. It was awesome to see photos and videos of Mei Sheng’s journey in 2007, and the journey of Tian Tian and Mei Sheng to DC in early 2000′s.
Awwwww – Baby’s asleep in his cozy den. All tuckered out.
Thank you DoxieMom and Rose N. Was having Yun Zi withdrawal as had not seen all day!! Panda blessings always.
Great pictures, Rose #101–and DoxieMom’s morning video has it all–sweetness, playtime, a foot tap, Yun Zi in the den. Ahhh.
Yun Zi LOVES his den!!
Sound asleep there at 8:05 PM EST 5:05 PM his time!! LOL
He may still be sleeping there this time next year!
Awwwwwwwwwwwww, little man still balled up sleeping in the den……………where’s the straw????? LOL…..give him a blanket??? LOL………..what a little sweetie he is………….sweet dreams YunZi…….
Wonderful pictures, Rose N, with lots of humor.
It must be the dark side of being a professional panda-snuggler to have to out in this weather and clean up soggy poop! I hope all the cast and crew at SDZ are okay, and that the humans get to and from work safely. Videos of the roads and fallen trees look scary! Godspeed.
Is it Bai that makes the Boo nest in the Den? Maybe she’s “over” it! He looks so precious curled up in there. Just wondering if he misses his padding.
#101 Rose -Thank you for sharing those great photos. These pictures make me really looking forward to seeing Bai & Yunior March 20th at the GPF convention even more. You got amazing shots.
# 96 DoxieMom Thank You! I send these links to my daughter in Texas…she loves getting in on them all without having to spend quite so much time on the computer–with 3 girls to raise.
# 101 Rose Flickr Photo looks like 2 headed Panda because he is laying in the bend of her arm with feet hidden…thank you.
#108 Pat in Nv (great place-my only grandson lives there) I know how you feel…like we should make him a little panda quilt……..
# 110 Laura after seeing him sleep on metal shelves and cold floors I have to keep reminding myself that he has his own padding, lots of hair for warmth, etc. Perhaps part of it is seeing him in the den makes him look so small, until Bai Yun joins him and he looks bigger. Then when you see him with a keeper he looks giantic..I guess it is all relative.
I have a question about baby pandas and feet. PRF-B seems to have a great interest in his back feet-tasting them whenever he is on his back. He is my first observation of a baby panda-are they all this fascinated or is he just in love with them? Love Grammmie
I have so many extra blankets, may I donate a few? Little cloud looks pretty chilly lying there on the wooden floor of the den, esp when it’s rainy and cold. What would he do with a blanket? I bet he’d drag it around, even if momma didn’t show him how to cover himself with it. Such a cute little munchkin, I love to watch him playing by himself on his back, and that sweet little spotted tail….precious, precious.
Love to all the fur balls.
Auntie Kat
Danielle, N. Y. #’s 90 & 91. Thanks for that link. Those are great pictures of Lun Lun and the Prince of Laughs. Also, in the menu to the right, there is a list of sites of pandas in different countries, and their pictures. Click on ‘Pandas living in the U. S.’ for 2 pages of pictures of nearly all the pandas in the four zoos. Place your cursor on the picture to see the name of the panda, what it means, and the zoo home of that panda. It is a great opportunity to study the pandas’ markings, so you can identify them. Sadly, three of those very beloved pandas will not be with us here in the U. S., after the next few months. There is a great pic of Mei Xiang and Tai Shan tumbling, sided by side, but looking like they are standing on their heads. BTW, Tai Shan does not have the black tip on his tail, but it is usually nearly black with dirt!
And Diana S. #97, thanks. Do you live in S. D.? I would like to meet you. So, what are you doing in June? LOL
My May is full.
I just checked back on the den. After an absense–perhaps for feeding–Prince Fluffy-Butt is sleeping like a drunken sailor, but with his little feet all tucked in for warmth. I bet Bai Yun will join him later. It is a bit late at night zoo time-but my afternoon nap lasted until 7 p. m. so I will be on duty. The rest of you can sleep if you want. My odd hours worked really great when Yunior set his own times…we woke up around the same time. Have a good morning..Love Grammmie
One other thing: I know that Bai Yun is a very loving mother, and shows her affection often, and is the favorite panda-mom on the West Coast. But I have been watching Mei Xiang, Lun Lun, and Bai Yun with their cubs, and they are all very affectionate with their babies. I can’t tell you how many times I saw Mei Xiang walk up to Tai, while he was climbing a log, or just playing with his toes, and start nuzzling him, nose to nose, and pulling him to her. Same thing with Lun Lun and Mei Lan. Xi Lan is never still long enough for much nuzzling, but I’ve seen him succumb to Lun’s affectionate hugs. So they all are such good, loving mothers. It’s just that Bai Yun has had more babies to practice with.
I am so hopeful that Ya Ya has a baby this year. That means I would probably have to make a trip to Memphis later this year too! But Memphis is not so far away as D. C. and San Diego. I could drive there in a day. (Thank goodness for Interstates!) It’s my bedtime. I hope everyone has a very nice and safe weekend. And sweet boo and biscuit dreams to all our wonderful favorite black and whites.
Danielle, NY #90, I totally agree. If you have seen my last two posts on Xi Lan and Lun Lun, it is obvious that she is a very much haranged (not sure about the spelling here) mother. Yesterday she refused to have anything to do with him and, even though he launched himself at her from behind she ignored him and he fell over! That must have been just before he met the window washer, which someone else here saw (wish I had). Xi Lan plays very rough and tough. I love the picture of him sitting by the drinker. It’s as if he owns it!
Pandafan #2, if you want to watch Xi Lan and his mother Lun Lun, they are at the Atlanta Zoo.
What a great way to start a Friday morning….When I woke up the first thing I did was go to the panda cam and there was Yun Zi in his den. He was just waking up and as I watched him he began wiggling all over the place, scratching his ears, and playing with his paws. Looks like he is ready to start his day with a bang. It is so cute to see him still utilizing the den. He just isn’t ready to leave his “safe haven” I found myself talking to him as he was playing. Now how silly is that?? Back to the cam to watch more. Have a great day everyone.
3:30 a. m. and I am still at my post. Yunior awoke about a half hour ago and has been entertaining me all of this time practicing playing by himself. He has eaten all four of his feet–many times, practiced scent marking head stands against the den wall, rolled over in as many possible configurations as possible, and even rolled almost out of the den since he is playing by the open doorway. Just when I think he might do a summersault he falls over sideways, and sometimes he gets confused as to whether he is rolling or foot tasting-he rolls until his head and all four feet are under his body…but he is keeping me in stitches. At times like this I wish I knew how to make those nice long video recordings like DoxieMom so I could show you the fun that happens while you sleep. I miss these early morning romps that he and Bai Yun used to have. Now he is practicing standing and sitting up like a big boy too……Love Grammmie
To Rose # 101: Thank you for sharing your photos of Bai and Yun Zi
Very nice! My favorite was the one in which Bai was carrying Yun. It appears that Yun Zi can float in air 
Wow! Did I see that right? Was cubby scent marking this morning in the den? I didn’t realize they started so young or was he imitating Mom?
Just a note for all Panda cub fans. Yesterday, at Zoo Atlanta, the crate for Mei Lan’s travel to China arrived. We will all be saddened to see our precious girl leave.
Hi Kathy,
Thanks so much for sharing your great “Panda Insight” about Yun Zi, his early-on training and his behaviors.
He’s quite the ‘little man’ right now, being so inquisitive, getting his stability when climbing, and staying close to Bai Yun. Life is good for all Pandas at the SD Zoo!
Also, “Thank You Rose N.” (Post #101) for posting the wonderful photos!
#99 Char, 3 PM is around the time that staff are busy cleaning up the outside yards before putting out the pandas main evening feeding.
#101, Rose–GREAT photos, I got misty-eyed & laughed myself silly at the same time!
DoxieMom–please forgive my rudeness! I just realized I had not commented (in this blog) on your fantastic videos. I’ve been watching them on YouTube for such a long time, & thoroughly enjoying them! Please don’t ever stop!
I’m in Phoenix AZ, & we’re getting the same rain storms as San Diego. A state of emergency has been declared for all of AZ. Many roads are closed as they are under water. Beneath the desert soil is hardpan–it doesn’t absorb water easily, so when it’s raining hard, the water stands on top. I haven’t been to the office to pick up my mail all week because I don’t want to wade through knee-high water! Like Yun Zi, I’m staying inside where it’s warm & dry!
For all of you who love bears of all types: Go to the North American Bear Center’s Web site to view a beautiful black bear in the wild who is about to give birth to cubs. The North American Bear Center has installed a web cam in her den to capture this never-been-seen event. Go Lily!
Thank You #126 Prairiedog as I’ve mentioned Dr.Lynn Rogers and his amazing techniques of raising orphan cubs as being called Grandfather Bear as he discovererd the olfactory sense organ in the roof of bears mouths and how he actually chewed various plants and then blew into the mouths and noses of the cubs so they learned what was safe to eat the same way Yun Zi learned from Bai Yun that bamboo was safe to use as a teething device…..I have had many encounters in the past with black bears in the area of the house we sold in NW New Jersey and was fortunate enough a few years ago to meet a NJ Forest Ranger that was raising an orphan cub and became infatuated with these calm beautiful creatures and the non earned bad reputation they have picked up due to stupid people not taking care with their garbage as their sense of smell is extraordinary as well as their manual dexterity in opening garbage cans or houses if they smell a possible food source…..I can’t wait until his next TV Program comes out as the man is truely a Black Bear Whisperer and has taught me a lot on Black Bear Behaviour…… Go Lily!…..OH No another web cam to watch….Maybe we can get Daniel to add this webcam to his Panda multi-camsite…..
Still liked seeing Yunior and his play time in the den last night as he stared at his reflection and pondered his cuteness while playing…..LOL…..
“Panda Peace on earth , Goodwill to All Living Things……”
Did anybody see Who Wants to be a Millionaire last night? They had a Yun Zi question on it. “In August of 2009 visitors crashed the web site of the San Diego Zoo trying to get a glimpse of what animal’s newborn offspring? The answer of course was: PANDA. That little boy is getting such fame, he’s even making the game shows!
#126 I saw a clip of that somewhere – Discovery?, Animal Planet? – when they were installing the web cam.
How cool, will have to check in on her.
#114 Dianne in Tx – No, I wish I lived in San Diego. I’m up in Nothern CA. And this March will be my first trip to SD in many, many years. My plate is pretty full for the rest of the year. This actually worked out for me to be the best time. I AM hoping to get back next year for the SECOND annual Pandaholics convention! Maybe we can plan ahead to meet then?!
I finally got to see his cuteness. It was at noon and he was coming out of the tree. Thanks for all your stories. Love seeing him at night in the den. Has he been in the rain yet? What did he think of it?
#126- At your suggestion, I went to the North American Bear Center website hoping to catch a glimpse of a pending birth. The site has crashed, however, and there’s a note that the public is asked to stay off of it for now because the researchers can’t see it either, and they’ve waited a long time for the blessed event. There will be videos later if the site can be brought up again. Amazing how we’re all bearaholics now. It’s not just pandas.
Side note, a big male bear estimated at around 700 lbs (!!!) has been breaking into homes not too far from where I live in the mountains. Another one broke into the house two doors from mine a year ago. The bears are amazing creatures. I’d be happy if Bai and Cubby broke in. I’d keep them.
When you are training and working with the pandas, what language do you teach them commands in? I was just curious because it seems like if they learned English commands, there might be some retraining necessary when they return to China and I was wondering how you prepare them for that.
Moderator’s note: Our keepers use English when speaking with the pandas. Those that move to China quickly adapt to new cues, both verbal and physical, especially if there are treats involved!
I have been watching Bai and Yun Zi for the past 5 minutes and I am sure he is nursing. What is strange is that Bai is up in the tree branches and little Yun Zi is leaning ove a large branch (with his bottom in the air) eating. It is the wierdest position I have ever see. I hope DoxiMom is able to capture this for everyone. Bai looks comfortable but Yun Zi keeps having to change his position. Probably a balancing problem.
Have any one of the cubs ever been in a tree and unable to get down and mom had to come to the rescue?
Hi DoxieMom,
I also want to “Thank You!” for posting the Panda Cam highlights from this past Wednesday. They are really extra special! It just goes to show us all, that from Bai Yun’s perspective: there’s nothing better than a (not so small) black and white fur ball to lift, balance or spin on one’s stomach or hold in one’s loving arms. Like only a mother can. Bai Yun and Yun Zi are just incredbile … as are Gao Gao, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen! I love them all!!!
Hi Everyone – I was pleasantly surprised by the response regarding my photos on Flickr. I am new to Flickr and had no idea how to go about placing photos. I still haven’t figured out how to send Flickr mail. It takes a lot of research – it is indeed a learning experience for me. Uploading and commenting these photos took a while; so, that’s why Yun Zi’s photos are two weeks late.
Thank you for your kind words, Char, Frances, Page, Laura, Norma, Bobbie, Jerry and dd, you have boosted my spirits.
Oh good, I’ll check for the Atlanta Zoo cam. Google should find it. (I hope!
) Is it raining in SD? It’s raining here! (It has been raining for about 5 or 6 days!)My backyard is a marsh, so I squish with every step! (Oh why do the bunnies live outside?) Is it muddy in the exhibits?
The trainers and the philosophy at the SD Zoo never ceases to amaze me, the staff really put the animals, their instincts and behaviour first! I wish all Zoo’s had keepers and staff like you guys. Keep at it, you will be rewarded! The Panda’s are truly magnificient animals. As are all wild animals. Can’t wait to see the zoo when we come in April!
Canadian SD Zoo lovers!
Hi Keepers—I see you working hard in range of camera 4-ZZ exhibit at 1 p. m. Friday. Taking care of the lovely Pandas is harder work than I knew…..Love Grammmie
How do I know who I’m seeing? (on Atlanta Zoo cam) I think it’s Xi Lan and Lun Lun, but I can’t be too sure. All I know is that the image is a cub and a bigger panda. :\ Hmm…. Are any pandas out? I don’t see anyone on the cam. Do the panda cam operators take a lunch break?
they gave Lin Ping (Thailand) a slide (& trainer) to play on! some kind of training session?
ah, well, I guess I came in on the tail end of the play session…all over now and Mom is back giving her a thorough checking out.
Dear Panda Family,
Things in my personal life have prevented me from reading the blogs lately, I have 5 of them to catch up on. But I will blog my answers here since this is where everybody else is probably up to.
Dear Frances in NYC,
In one of the blogs, you questioned about Pan Pan being in such a small enclosure. I’m not sure what you were referring to, but I read somewhere that Pan Pan is blind now, and prefers his inside enclosure to the outside. They say he moves around much more confidently and happily inside his enclosure because he has it all memorized.
Dear Dianne in Texas,
I am sorry for whatever has happened in your life that will prevent you from attending the party. I also have health and financial issues that prevent me from being able to attend. Maybe if a few others in our wonderful panda family just remember us for a moment or two, we will “feel” like we are there while we watch it on the pandacams. Please know that I will be thinking of you so you won’t be totally alone. I know it’s not much but it is all I have to offer other than a prayer that maybe something will happen for you and you will be able to go after all. I will say that prayer, I promise.
Dear Patient Moderator,
Phyllis
In reading some of the blogs I’ve missed, I realized I asked a question that I wouldn’t of asked if I had been up to date in my reading. I apologize, I didn’t mean to waste your time. I have a lot of catching up to do. I’m trying to but it is hard for me. Thank you and again, I’m sorry for taking your time unnecessarily.
Hugs to you
Two videos because I am simply fascinated with Bai Yun’s behavior!! Not to worry, Yun Zi is in both of them, also!
Lee in Vancouver #132 was wondering if Yun Zi was nursing around 11:25am Friday! What intrigued me was Bai’s behavior as she tried to find the right position for Yun Zi!! If you enjoyed watching her back up on the sawdust box the other day, you must see her contorsions in the tree!!
2010-01-22 Yun Zi: What’s Happening!?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJPemVp0uHE
The 2nd is from last Sunday. The “ooh” is for when Bai Yun carries Yun Zi up the tree structure, the “aah” is for a precious nursing scene that immediately followed this event!
2010-01-17 Yun Zi: Oohs and Aahs!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnSC6_r3v9o
I just noticed they both occurred at the same time of day!!
Today’s panda update on the website from the Zoo in Atlanta really made me laugh.
I am now wondering if appreciation of ultrasound gel is genetic or an acquired taste!!! It seems that Mei Lan finally develop the same behavior towards ultrasound gel than Lun Lun, on Monday Me Lan decided to rub the ultrasound gel all over her body and self-anoint herself with it during her training for ultrasound. Giant pandas will never cease to amaze and amuse me….
Still no cubs with Lily as she is still in the den….. Hopefully we will have more cubs to viwe shortly as Dr.Lynn Rogers has had a 10,000% increase at the North American Black Bear site as upto 10,000 of us Bear Fans hope to witness the Birth soon …… They are also facing extreme hard times and are over $700,000.00 dollars in debt with their research….This is the researcher that has verified many interesting Bear Facts that also apply to the Pandas and Polar Bears we all love to watch at the SDZ web cams….. The web – site has shut down all but essential items to allow all bear fans a chance to experience the birth.
Got to see Kathy Hawk setting up Princess ZZ’s afternoon feed as she and another keeper cleaned up after our little humming charmer…..LOL…..The keepers and all staff at the SDZ deserve all of our support for helping us all maintain our love of all the species of plants and animals under their care 365 days a year plus leapyear… Without their dedication none of what we Pandaholics take for granted would be possible…
I still wish that Lynn was doing better but is extremely weakened after 13+ months being confined to a Hospital Bed…..We will attend the March Cobvention in spirit along with the other GPF’s unable to attend and we all will share Virtual Seats awaiting the pictures and videos soon to follow by those able to attend…
“Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things….”
It seems today I kept missing our little guy. Shirley#130 Your blog reminded me of a funny story. We live in the woods and Black bear sightings are common. Many years ago a neighbor and his family had such an encounter. Scary and funny. In the middle of the night while all were asleep, they woke to some loud noises comimg from the kitchen. Thinking it was an intruder ( well of the human kind) he quietly went to investagate. There with the refig. door open, light shinning on their faces was a female black bear and her cub. They were eating pink cake icing out of a container. They called the police to contact the DEC. because they didn’t want them killed. The DEC took awhile but they tranqulized the two pink faced cuties and transfered them futher up the mountain. Seems they were captured before because the mother was tagged. Funny thing is their dog never barked which was a good thing. It was a hot night so they left only there screen door open off the deck. The bears climbed onto the deck, ate all the bird seed and came in and helped themselves. I still find it amazing that such a big animal loves a little seed. I’ve watched them in our yard. They would lick their paws and lay it over the seeds so they would stick and they munched on. Needless to say we stopped putting bird seed out.
Well, I wrote yesterday that we rarely get thunder and lightening but last nite we did get a small taste of it over Mission Bay. Then this morning awoke to hail hitting the roof.
It made me wonder how the entire zoo was handling all this. At least its over for a few days……now its just cold.
Sorry to be off the subject of pandas but I was wondering if anyone knows if the koala joey has received her name yet?
Moderator’s note: The name that received the most votes for the new joey during our Koalapalooza event is Miah, which is aboriginal for moon.
Is it my imagination or is Yunior actually stripping off bamboo leaves while sitting outside with Bai Yun at 4:46PM SDZ Time ? It’s hard to believe that Yun Zi will shortly be turning 6 months old….If not eating bamboo leaves he has the right moves down as he sits there holding bamboo…. It’s a little difficult to see on Cam 17 as the picture is blurry due to the weather…. Any word on when Yunior and Mom of the Decade Bai Yun will move out to stage left in the main exhibit area?
Still keeping watch on the North American Black Bear site hoping to see and hear Lily have her cubs as Dr.Lynn Rogers has a comprehensive write up on his 43+ years of research on our North American Black Bears as how he has evolved from having to tranquilize Bears to now having a relationship developed over the years where he is able to walk with Bears and if needed put radio collars on them as they have a mutual trust in each other call him Father or Grandfather Bear as he deserves all the accolades and help he can get as well for his research and foresight on Black Bear Behaviours…..
“Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things…….”
Has Yun Zi started eating bamboo yet? He’s was showing a lot of interest in it in the sun room.
Moderator’s note: See comment #44.
Brandy, what a cute and sweet story.
#89 Laurie in Baltimore: For sure, you have heard from me. I signed up as Panda-fandom Worldwide member No. 4 – Emi Lee Zhou. I will have some free time to look at the progress of the convention this weekend, and will post in the discussion board.
Hello, Yun Zi, my big baby! Enjoying the rain? Love and hugs to you and Mama B…
After watching “oohs and aahs” I marvel what an incredible mom Bai is. She is tiredless and patient. She has so many things to teach our little boy.
Thank you, you’re fabulous, and amazing, DoxieMom. All of your hard work is so much appreiciated.
As any of you may have already heard Lily had at least one cub today the 22nd. I been busy most of the day so I missed seeing our wonderful pandas. Hopefully I’ll get to watch them tomorrow.
My dear Doxiemom – there is no way to thank you for the joy you have given us – I’ve watched the all panda cams for hours every day since Tai was born
If were lucky we’d see a panda eating bamboo & every now & then a play session – but as we were unable to spend 24/7 watching our pandas we missed so much. But then you joined the blogs & with your videos kindly shared the miracle of a momma panda & her cub (& there is so much love – I’m sure YunZi keeps Bai young) 
I just love seeing her twirl him around on her paws – the head stands in the sawdust had me laughing – the “oh no you don’t” yank & splat from the tree limb ” the talk to paw” 
You have captured the lives of the pandas every day – many, many thanks 
Phyllis #142–the picture of Pan Pan, taken during a birthday celebration of some kind I think, showed him in a fairly small cage. It looked like a large traveling cage–I imagine it was not his actual living space.
Rose #135–you’re welcome–thanks for the upclose views!
DoxieMom–you’re right—Bai’s contortions up in the tree are nothing short of amazing–there is apparently nothing she won’t do to deliver milk to her little guy. His contortions while nursing up in the tree were pretty funny too.
Blessings again to our DoxieMom for her video compilations…..so much I have missed that she has saved for us!
Very soon, my first panda baby, MeiLan, will be flying to her PandaHome. My heart is breaking for myself, but soaring for her. I was so tickled to hear of her self-annointing with the sonogram gel! She’s her Mama’s girl after all!
All of us, the GPFs, are so lucky to have the resources available to keep up with our babies, Mamas, and Daddies from all over the world. Panda watching has enriched my life and fed my spirit. Thank you to all the keepers (and our Moderator!!!) for “enriching” our own lives!
Doxie Mom….
Thank you for your postings of Bai and Yun’s feeding sessions.
It was delightful seeing Mother and Babe bonding as nature intended….
I was unable to pull up any pix of the two today (1/22) on the Panda Cam.
There were only shots of a garden area with wind and rain.
The Cam operators probably couldn’t get in today..due to bad weather.
My daughter cancelled her volunteer session today at the Wild Animal Park due to heavy rain.
You saved the day for me with your heart warming videos..I knew you would come through!
Hurrah…..Lily had a single cub as just reported 9:47PM Eastern Time by Dr.Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, North American Bear Organization after almost 22 hours of labor….They are still on a watch in case a second cub is born , though they state first pregnancies usually only produce single cubs….As it is now 28 degrees at the den site Lily is keeping the cub well covered in her snow covered den…….
So Yunior now has another distant cousin in the USA and Bear Fans now have another web cam to hopefully see this newest wonder of nature if Lily leaves the den to defecate we might be lucky and get a peak….
” Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things…..”
Pandafan#2 (#39), glad you found Atlanta Zoo. Yes, that’s Xi Lan and Lun Lun you’re watching. Have fun and I hope your bunnies are OK in the awful weather you’re having. Be glad you don’t live in the UK, it’s always raining here!!
Jeslyn #147, just read your post and when I read ‘Mission Bay’ I really wanted to be there, thunder, rain and all. Love Mission Bay.
146 Brandy in NY
Hello friend, remember me?? I enjoyed your story, especially since I was woken up one summer night with a black bear on my deck right outside my window eating the birdseed out of the feeder. The black bears walk around my community in the middle of the day like they belong here as much as us humans do. I also can’t stand the thought of them being hurt, so I tend to just leave them alone when they pass through my yard. One night I must have watched a mother and 2 cubs for about an hour from my upstairs window. They would take a bag of trash out of our “bear proof” garbage cans, walk across the street to an empty lot, and eat from it. Then they would come back for another bag and go back to the empty lot to eat. It was like watching a children’s story with the mommy and her cubs enjoying a picnic.
Another day, I looked out my window and wondered how my 108 lb. black dog got out of the house by himself. After a minute, I realized it was a black bear cub, then in another corner I noticed another cub, and then sure enough, there was mama. I wasn’t sure what to do because we have a 6 ft high privacy fence around 3 sides of our yard and a chain link in the back completely overgrown with bushes. So I called my husband and told him, “Honey, we have three bears in our yard!!” My husband knows I love animals and that my imagination never grew up past the age of 5. He therefore replied very calmly that the next day the “three little pigs” were going to come for a visit! Big help he was, huh?! By the time animal rescue got there, they had gone back over the back fence like it wasn’t even there and went on their way!
Hope all is well with you, I’ve missed hearing from you. Have a Beary beautiful day!
Is Camera # 32 Gao’s domain?
I can’t find the location on my computer.
But it is present on Panda Cam…
Do see a keeper still wearing a raincoat! Enough already!!!
Thank you for your help………..
Moderator’s note: I’ll have to check on my Cam list when I get back in the office on Monday.
#144 I think the ultrasound gel annoiting is inherited as Mei Xiang loves to rub herself with the gel too and she and Lun Lun are sisters making Lani her niece.
The North American Bear Center in Minnesota announced that Lily had one cub. You can go to their web site to see Lily and her cubbie snuggled in their den. (Be patient! Due to high traffic, the web site does crash.) Now, the focus will be on how black bears raise their young in the wild. Good job, Lily!
Thank you to Kathy and all the SDZ staff…this includes the staffer I watched fishing “floaties” out of the polar bear pool, the staffer cleaning the windows in the ape enclosure for visitors viewing pleasure and the staff in the elephant odyssey who are always trucking around grooming and picking up the – well, you get my drift…thanks to the camera crew who try to keep up to busy pandas and our moderator who answers all our question.
Pandafan2…try memphiszoo.org/pandacam; nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams; zooatlanta.org/1212/panda_cam; zoothailand.org/panda/livepanda.php and pandasliveon.com…enjoy.
I so enjoy all the panda fan comments and wish the best to all…to those who make the convention, wonderful…to those of us who can’t, we will be watching you enjoy the live experience.
Question for the Panda Team: Does it seem that Bai Yun is much more playful and giving more attention to Yun Zi than she did to previous cubs?
I have been watching these lovely creatures since Tai was born and I don’t remember such frequent interaction between mother and cub with any of them, even Bai’s other cubs. She has certainly been an amazing mother to all, but I don’t remember seeing her sleeping in the tree structure with Zhen or following Su Lin around to play. Certainly I never saw these behaviors with Mei or Lun Lun and their cubs, although they were attentive mothers as well.
Did I simply miss these interactions, were they fewer in number, or does this particular cub seem to bring out a more playful, loving Bai??
Thanks for allowing us to share in this wonderful world!
Could that be any cuter?! Little cloud with his mum sleeping, lazily in the same tree. What a great snap shot! I’m so glad I looked up from what I was doing….too precious.
Thank you all!
oxo
I SO love Momma Bai Yun
If animals can be Angels, I totally think that she is one. Everything about her is just pure love and gentleness. “Yun Zi – Son of Cloud” was indeed the best choice for our precious roly-poly.
#126 Prairiedog – Thank you so much for the tip on the Black Bear site. Although I missed the actual birth, I just adore being able to hear the wee one squeak and tribble
Here is the link if anyone else would like to see Lily the wild black bear or listen to the newborn cub. There is an annoying hum, some type of feedback, but you can still distinctly hear the tiny thing!! In case our dear moderator deems the link inappropriate, just go to “bear dot org” and click on the Lily link. Hope that you enjoy hearing those tribbling noises
Re DoxieMom’s recent two videos: I think when mom is in the mood for sunning in a tree, she’s not about to give it up for meal time. He can snack if he can. Then, when she’s ready for mealtime, the Queen settles down on her throne to give lunch to the Prince.
For those in cold and gloom, I recommend watching the snow monkeys of Japan in their spa. It will give you a smile for sure. There are various sets of still pictures online and a wonderful video at YouTube called “Japanese Snow Monkeys, Jigokudani”
Hope all are warm and dry.
Just caught a glimpse of Lily’s cub today and heard it cry out as Lily readjusted how she was laying down in the den at the North American Bear Site….I then heard it making the purring like soud of contentment…. looks like another cutie to be…..
Yunior almost looked like Snoopy the Vulture from the Peanuts Cartoon strip how he was sitting up on the climbing structures top platform…LOL It’s good to see the sisters but wish we could get a longer glimpse of Gao Gao…. It almost would be complete if we had a Lion and Tiger cam then paint the walkways a golden yellow and we could all chant ” Lions,Tigers,and Bears…Oh my!” LOL….
” Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill To All Living Things…….”
I was amazed with Yun Zi nursing. I hadn’t really thought about it but I thought Momma had just two nipples…guess I was thinking of the apes. Yun tried just about every one on that video…..checking to see which one had the most milk! He then reminded me of a litter of puppies with all the nipples to feed off.
#90 Danielle LOL @ that picture of Xi Lan & poor Lun Lun!!!
#142-Phyllis: Thank you so very much for your best wishes. It means a lot to me, because I know you are such a caring lady. My little “problem” is purely financial. (Never “loan” money to a relative-:) ) Hopefully I can make the trip to SDZ in June. I have a full schedule in May, or I would try to go then. I will definitely think of you when I do go. I really wish I could meet you there also. I hope my health (I’m diabetic) continues to hold well, even though I’m now suffering from a Texas malady, called ‘cedar-fever’ (cedar-berry-pollen). I am highly allergic, and nearly always get a bronchial infection, with wheezing, sneezing and coughing, sniffles, tears, low-grade fever….the whole nine yards! What a pain! But this too shall pass.
Btw, I watched the videos of Lily having her cub, sweet scene, but haven’t found the live cam-site.
Kathy and all the SDZ caretakers….you all rock, rain or shine! Keep up the good work.
I think DoxieMom should be awarded the “Video-Maker of the Year” award for her wonderful panda videos.
#162 Phyliss. Oh, so good to hear from you also. I have thought of you often and wondered how you were doing. There are so many Bear stories out there. One that I read awhile back was a California family came home and found a Black Bear in their hot tub. Only thing missing was a Pina Colada. Enviormentalists have been warning for years that too much developing is driving wild life into populated areas. Even here in the mountains so many moving in and building these super large homes and cutting all the trees down. unneccesarily. Now these homes lay empty because of the economy. Sightings on a regular basis of animals you rarely saw before. Like mountain lions. But one sighting on a friend’s farm took all of us by surprise. We were helping out with their horses and not 50ft. away there dog was nose to nose with a Quatamundi. (maybe spelled wrong) We believe it must have been some ones pet because this animal is not from North America. I think Africa. It is in the raccon family but much larger with a very long striped tail and a very unusual face. But it made friends with this dog and ultimately all of us is why we believe it was someone’s pet. But it slept in their barn and one day was gone. We worried for winter was coming and this animal was not a cold weather animal and we hoped he survived. But to anyone who has a problem with a Black bear usually if you bang a cooking pot with a spoon the noise scares them away or send them up into a tree so you have time to get the DEC out there so they can safely relocate them. Many of us do that here because there are so many hunters, we try and get them relocated before they become someones trophy. But we have realized the bears are starting to enjoy being around people. But feeding them is the worst thing someone can do because one day that bear will approach the wrong person who may be a hunter. Phyliss, again so nice to hear from you. Is Yun Zi still enjoying his antique mirror:) Best to you.
Can someone tell me where is cam 30 located and what panda I am seeing?
What year did San Diego get the first panda from China? How many have you sent back to China?
Moderator’s note: China sent two giant pandas, Basi and Yuan Yuan, to the San Diego Zoo for a 200-day loan in 1987. We have sent two cubs to China (Hua Mei and Mei Sheng), and Shi Shi, the father of Hua Mei, returned to China.
I am so happy to see Gao Gao with an enrichment toy this morning!
One Saturday video, but it is a PandaCam first for Yun Zi!!
In the Garden Room Yun Zi has just come down the platform log when he decides to play on the climbing structure. First time we see him climb to the top, and get a glimpse of the chain-link ceiling (which explains why it was so wet and windy in there during the recent rains.)
2010-01-23 Yun Zi: Prince of the Garden Room!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAqiC_35-vI
Thank you all so very much for your kind words about my videos. They are time well spent creating lasting memories of Yun Zi as he journeys through his cub-hood! As always, none of this would be possible without the terrific San Diego Zoo which provides our 24/7/365 view into the lives of this precious pandas.
Watching the cam a moment ago, I saw that there were quite a few people looking at Bai and Yunior. How is Yun Zi reacting to the crowds? Does he look at the people?
#170 Page – I really enjoyed that video about the Japanese Snow Monkeys. The music seemed to match perfectly
Thanks!
Little Cloud has been so cute today, with his roly-poly self. Just padding around and nibbling on all the green things. He is just too precious for words
I’ve been watching YunZi playing, fussing, bringing up his back feet trying to chew on em, watching his back leg go go go like he’s riding a bicycle, making baby noises I’m sure…………LOL…………just like a human baby before they drift off to sleep. He’s soooooooooooooo cute and gets cuter each and everyday………….
Enjoyed watching Gao Gao this a.m. TYSVM….
For those of you that haven’t seen Tai Shan’s Travel Cage yet PandasLiveon dot com has a write up with pictures of the travel cage….They also have a write up on brown and white Pandas which are now believed to have been caused by inbreeding another reason why our Pandas unique genetics might help prevent this as their future offsprings that might be released might provide the genetic diversity needed as our youngsters join in breeding a more healthy diverse population…..
For those of you that haven’t seen Lily the Black Bear making History of being the first wild den in a hollowed out tree log in MN., it’s amazing as you can hear the cubs interactions with mom Lily and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the littl butter stick of a cub as I did yesterday afternoon when Lily shifted her position exposing the cub to the cold 30 degree F.,air and it shrieked a cry until Lily repositioned herself and you then were able to hear the contented purr like sound of a nursing cub….Dr.Lynn Rogers is the man with over 43 years of innovative research that has proved many thoughts that people have of black bears being aggressive killers as being false….Fascinating facts : 1 Black Bear out of 1,000,000 will kill a person,one grizzly bear out of about 50,000 kills someone,and one human (including all ages) out of about 18,000 kills someone in North America. Why do we fear Bears, seems to me we should fear each other as you have a better chance of being killed by a fellow human being than a Bear….As researched and reported on Bear DOT org Website.
” Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things……..”
zhen zhen is soooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!!
I just read in the Sunday newspaper about Google’s street views. They just took a tricycle mounted camera around the zoo to photograph the exhibits.
Its says to go to maps at google.com and search for “San Diego Zoo”. Drag the yellow figure at the top-left corner of the window onto the map.
I haven’t done it but the article says this is how to do it. A 360 degree view of much of the park but since the tricycle couldn’t fit in some places, panda fans will be disappointed.
Some animals were camera shy like the lions.
Little guy must really be teething, judging by the number of times he stopped to chew on something on the way up the climbing structure in DoxieMom’s latest video.
I agree with Panda Annie #185–Zhen Zhen is so cute!
Brandy #177–the panda on Cam #30 was probably Mr. Gao Gao himself. #32 is his bedroom and #30 is his outside area, I think.
I just found a terrific site with a direct link to a new wildlife web cam site of all different wildlife as these are the people that put the web cam in Lily’s den … wildearth dot tv
Or you can go to Bear dot org to click on Lily’s cam…..For all of us Pandaholics that actually want to help in a research project Dr.Lynn Rogers is looking for volunteers so that he can collect information off of the Lily cam as he continues this historical first time insight in a baby black bears development…..He needs people to monitor and keep a report on 2 hour periods of noises heard, cub seen , Lily’s Respiration rate, and interactions seen with cub and Lily….I have seen the little butterstick twice in 2 days and it looks just like its distant Chinese Cousins the Pandas…. When this little cub makes a scream for attention it hits you in a Primal Way as when it begins to suckle you can hear its contented purring…..All the information needed to asssist in the research can be found at : Bear DOT Org…..
Doxie-Mom again you desrve an Oscar Nomination for your short videos as I agree with Yunior when he was playing on top of the climbing structure at one point had the Peanuts Snoopy the Vulture look…LOL….
It’s hard to believe that the Panda Prince of Peacr Yun Zi will soon be 6 months of age…Time flies when us Pandaholics are having fun…LOL…..
“Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things……..”
We are so lucky to have zoo keepers that think so much of us!!!!! Thank you. Thanks to the moderator’s too. Yun Zi is so cute and when he plays with his mommy he is just so funny! Thanks to all that post the videos for us!!!
Bai you are the wonder bear, how can you have so many cute kids? I vote for Bai for mommy of the year:) I just LOVE her. I was wondering if SDZ was in any flood danger during this past week with all the rain.
Moderator’s note: No, the Zoo is on relatively high ground.
#176 Brandy…. Coatimundi ,or Nasua Narica are a native animal to the Southwest USA found in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of Southwestern Arizona, Southwestern New Mexico and the Big Bend to Brownsville areas of Texas. They are a very rare sight as were almost driven to join the other native animal that is now thought to be extinct in the same range area the Jaguar….. It might have been a pet but as it is related to the Raccoon might have been a youngster driven away from its mom if she came into heat again and like Raccoons can be friendly until it hits puberty… So I don’t think it was the winter weather but more than likely it became an adult and went in search of a mate… But all in all a wonderfull interaction with an endangered native American Creature……
Is anything planned special for Yunior’s 1/2 year old Birthday ? I hope maybe he’ll make his grand public debut in the left front exhibit area where he can really sail to new heights in the tree tops above….LOL….. Also as I mentioned earlier all the information to join Dr.Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, North American Bear Center in their search for volunteers to keep a journal on Lily and her cub at Bear DOT org. web site… This is a chance for all of us to become members in this historical wild Black Bear research study with the den cam and learn about our native North American Black Bears which are really Gentle Giants remind you of an old TV Show named Gentle Ben ? …..
” Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things…..”
I keep missing Gao Gao. :/ He’s the one I’m most curious to watch, besides our famous cubbie and his mama.
good morning zoo lovers one and all!! hey, i was wondering about the camera shot right now. it’s as if the camera is looking down through a hole in a roof down onto one of the pens. and i giggle when you use that shot because be the jagged edges of the ‘hole’ it’s as if little mr. pudgy butt may have fallen through. haha.
#163 Georgie and #177 Brandy NY
Cams 30 and 32 show the outdoor area currently used by Gao Gao.
#180 DoxieMom – Many thanks for sharing the latest video of our sweet Yun Zi. I’ve noticed that he has become more self-assured and a determined climber. I especially enjoyed the close-up at the end of the video where Yun Zi performed a perfect headstand.
#175 Susan (UK) – I totally agree. I vote a resounding YES.
143 DoxiMom – Thank you. I knew you wouldn’t let me down. At least the video confirmed that I wasn’t imagining things.
Moderator #193
You are so thoughtful to search and find the info about my question on Satuday…1/23.
Thank you for remembering and entering it so early this morning.
It’s caring people like you who make the San Diego Zoo function so well.
Your kindness abounds!!
Moderator’s note: You’re very welcome, Georgie. I also included those Cam numbers on the Panda Cam page to help us all remember!
To Cheryl #22 – We were some of the ‘lucky’ people who got to watch Bai Yun and Yun Zi on the 20th! OMG!! What a fun time we had…in fact it was the 3rd day in a row that we were visiting the pandas of SDZ. It was sooooo thrilling!! I was busy taking snap shots while my husband had the movie camera. We have not yet had time to view movies because we just got back home. I took a pic of Bai Yun that is so ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! She has such a beautiful, sweet face. Wish I could share the pic but don’t have the knowledge to upload into YouTube or anything like that. Also, narrator, Kay was so full of information for us…my husband really learned a lot. Su Lin was busy climbing her big tree and running around while ZZ was mostly sleeping. We were able to catch sight of Gao Gao through a small opening next to Bai Yun’s enclosure. We were so fortunate each of the 3 days because the rain didn’t start until just before 12:00. The crowds were very light so we could spend a lot of time just watching them. Then, once in a while they would move us on and then you just go out and ‘come right back in again’. I will treasure all of our time there with the pandas as it is the first time for me seeing them. In addition…the WHOLE SDZ is absolutely fantastic. After 12:00 we would then travel around the whole zoo (in the rain) but enjoying the other animals so much as well. A big disappointment though was that the Polar Bear section was closed. That you to the SDZ for taking such good care of all the animals so that we have a place to enjoy them. Did go to the Wild Animal Park but by that time it was raining too hard to see much. Seeing the large expanse that the animals have to roam was tremendous. But, again, just too windy and rainy to see the whole park. Even Sea World was closed for 2 days!! The first time in many years. Thank you again to all of the many keepers, trainers and moderator for fedding us such wonderful information. I am so totally thrilled to have viewed the animals for 3 days!!
Moderator’s note: I’m glad to learn you had such a wonderful time! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks everyone for the info.
It’s 2:33 p.m. SDZ time – nice to see ZZ sleeping balanced on her skinny branch – how she keeps herself from falling when she’s asleep is a total mystery to me. Lovely.
Mary Lou – It sure sounds like you had a fabulous time in spite of the weather! Here’s hoping that you can get the videos and pictures uploaded. As Pandaholics you know we love any new view of our bears that can be provided and it sounds like you got a great picture of Bai. Day after day of the pandas is exactly what I’m after when I come down. Pandas, back in line, pandas, back in line….LOL Thank you for telling us of your adventure.
How old do most of the pandas at the Sandiego Zoo live to?
Moderator’s note: Pandas can live up to 30 years of age in managed-care facilities.
I LOVE PANDAS
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#84 Melissa
Eye contact is considered a threatening gesture in bears. Yes, it would be in the case of a more dominant bear addressing a more subordinate bear. This gesture is indeed perceived as a threat in younger pandas. In a captive situation, as our pandas get to know us this eye contact threat is greatly diminished. For a young cub just getting to know his world, as Yun Zi is doing, it is no surprise he would be uncomfortable with eye contact, especially with a keeper. Young pandas in an encounter with an adult panda would avoid eye contact and, most likely in the wild, head for the closest tree until the adult is out of the area.