As we come to the end of January, people are coming from near and far to see our Yun Zi. Unfortunately, he’s not always the most active little boy you’ll see. What a lot of people don’t know is that he’s been awake and playing for about three and a half hours already by the time the San Diego Zoo opens at 9 a.m.
As keepers, we get into work at about 6 a.m., sometimes earlier, and the first thing we do is check our bears using the monitors that we have in the Giant Panda Research Facility building. We’re looking for where they are and what they’re doing. Normally, we find Bai Yun and Yun Zi either in the den, playing, or in the garden room with Bai eating while Yun Zi practices his climbing skills. This is where we see him burn off a lot of that energy, and it’s important for him to keep climbing and building up those leg muscles.
Around 6:30 a.m., we start getting the classroom exhibit ready and begin to encourage Bai Yun and her cub into the exhibit. Breakfast has been laid out for Bai Yun and enrichment has been put out to try and keep Yun Zi active. One thing I love about this cub: we can put out as many enrichment items as we want, but at the end of the day, the enrichment he gets excited about the most is a dried-up leaf!
Bai Yun is always willing to come out of the bedroom; she knows there’s breakfast out there. But the cub is more about instant gratification rather than walking a little bit for some fun. It can take us anywhere from a few minutes to sometimes half an hour to get the cub out of his back bedroom area. Once in the tunnel that connects to the exhibit, he’ll follow mom quickly, but getting him to the tunnel can be a little challenging. “Patience is a virtue,” but in our line of work, “patience is our job.”
Once out on exhibit, he usually spends some time playing with his enrichment and making a mess of Mom’s bamboo that we have laid out for her. After exerting all his energy, he’ll climb up the tree, find a good, comfortable spot, and go to sleep—and that’s often at 9 a.m. and the Zoo opens for the day.
So come by and check him out, but please don’t be too upset if he’s sleeping. After all, it’s tough work being cute!
Anastasia Horning is a panda narrator who often helps out as a keeper at the San Diego Zoo
That poor little dear plays all morning Granted it’s Eastern Standard Time he thinks he is on… but… We over here in South Carolina LOVE walking into the office to him playing with mom! They are having a ball every morning about 5:00 AM PST! Thank you for the post it’s great from the Eastern side we knew this is his norm for every day! He has been this way for months now.. real funny based on the times though. To bad you all can’t open up early for him and the red panda across from him at the same time… they both seem to me on the same clock!
You are right, it is tough being cute, someone’s got to do it and Yunior does it so well !!
I haven’t seen the little guy sleeping to much lately…it seems he gets tuckered out about 5:00 central time. I usually see him sleeping in the garden room on the ledge about then. Usually when I check the cam he and mom are out and he is usually exploring, just like a baby would. I have turned the cam on a few times early morning and find him sleeping in the den. I asume he must feel safe in the den, just as a dog feels safe in their cage? It still is a pleasure to watch him, no matter how old he is. Thanks for the update Anastasia, it is always interesting to read them. As usual hugs to mama and baby!
That is okay. I can’t tell you how many times over the years that I’ve been to the zoo, early, and there is current baby up in the tree as far as possible and sound asleep. I have never been there when Bai and cub are playing and have to settle for watching online. Still I don’t care because you accept the cub as is and Yunior apparently loves his sleep and he is a night owl. This is some of the things you look for in each cub really. Differences. They are individuals so you have to go with what you get.
I remember going from my sons’ house in Ohio and driving to D.C. to see Tai Shan…..Yes 1 shot he was curled in a corner fast asleep!!!!!!!!!! Disappointed you bet. But determined to see him awake I got my friend to fly to D.C. from California…We had hotel packages with tickets to see him. We managed to see him 5 times awake and the last time we got to say and extra 10 minutes…. Yun Zi has always had his own schedule…little cutie that he is.
Great posting Anastasia….I love the new picture of the Panda Prince Yunior and agree that Yun Zi went from night owl to early morning Dude….LOL….. Do we have any word on when he might be getting his real debut in the front left enclosure? And do you have anything special planned for his 1/2 year birthday coming up soon? Perhaps a nice pile pf dried leaves to play in !!!
Well Bear Fans we overwhelmed Dr.Lynn Rogers with our volunteering to monitor Lily the Black Bear and her single first born cub as the Bear DOT org website now has asked to please don’t send anymore e-mails to volunteer as we just crashed out his server with a 10,000% increase in e-mails…..I jave seen the “butterstick” twice now and he/she is a beary vocal cub….. He still is in debt and accepting donations to help with his research……I’m hoping with this birth that the Animal Planet might rerun ” Walking with Bears” which shows much of what Dr.Rogers has learned in 40+ years of Black Bear Research as he has proven to be FALSE all the misconceptions that Black Bears are a dangerous animal….Just the Opposite with these Gentile Giants as shown on this show and web-site….
” Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things…..”
The posts are great, I look forward to reading them. Will there be more information on his recent vet exams?
Rita H. in Va.
Thanks for the info on Bai Yun & Yun Zi’s morning ritual. They’re such a lovable subject & I can’t get enough of them “ha” I was wondering though, do you ever actually get in a cage or come in direct contact with the older bears? Also, How can you tell if they’re getting upset with something in their compound or around them? I have so many questions I could ask but these are all for now. Thanks again for the info. you do supply us panda lovers with.
Moderator’s note: Our keepers do not have direct contact with pandas over 1 year old; there is always a protective barrier between bear and keeper.
I love coming in and logging into my Panda Cam. Yun Zi and Mom are so funny – I was in stitches the other day when he walked away from her and she dragged him back by his back legs so that they could wrestle.
Sometimes I worry that she will hurt him (being so big). Maybe as he gets bigger he will need less sleep – he still has a log of growing to do!
are his exhibit times still 9 to noon? i will be at the zoo thurs and fri of this week. already packed with plane tickets in hand and camera battery charged.
Moderator’s note: Yes, until further notice. Have a safe flight to San Diego!
My teen parent students asked a GREAT question that I didn’t know the answer.
We’ve always been told a dog is like years to one human year.
What is the comparable panda mental and numerical age say relating it to a human?
When Yun Zi is one year old, that would be like how human old? Just curious as I watch the expressions and behavior of Bai Yun.
Thanks for the interesting blog.
Will there be any “snow” for Yun Zi this season? I enjoyed the video of baby ZZ playing in the snow. I’m sure YZ would have a blast!
I went last week to see yunior and was able to see him 4 times before the line grew too long. The first time around he was sleeping, the second time he was awake but still up the tree, the third time he was on the ground playing and rolling around in the sawdust, and the fourth time he had either fallen or bai yun threw him all the way down the pit and couldnt be seen
… though i was able to lean forward and catch a quick glimpse of his little ears which was good enough for me
As it’s supposed to rain tomorrow I have to ask: will Yun Zi be out on exhibit tomorrow morning? I know rain is good panda weather (and perhaps will keep the crowds down) but last week he did stay in the den during the downpour. I’ve been planning for weeks to be there tomorrow. A combination of wonderful neighbors helping (I’m a family caregiver) and my sister driving down from L.A. to baby sit just so I can see Yun Zi when he’s little–and it’s for tomorrow, when it’s going to be raining! It’s virtually the only time I can come.
I know you can’t be sure that Yun Zi will be out, but can you take a guess? I’m coming anyway, but the suspense is tough!
Many thanks!
Moderator’s note: No predictions here–too many variables. But we look forward to your visit!
Speaking of volunteers, Chengdu is looking for 30 volunteers from all over the world to come help with the pandas during their Spring festival. I read about it in the China Times. They didn’t give any information on how to apply, except that applications are due by February 8. Maybe someone at the Zoo would know?
I loved this vivid post. Thank you, Anastasia. Being on the East coast, I always check in when I get up and often see really delightful play going on. As to ignoring the toys and playing with leaves, that’s so often true with wee children at Christmas or birthday parties. They ignore the presents and play happily with the wrapping paper and boxes.
Once again, the question? How many teeth does Yunior have and how many does a grown panda have?
Thanks.
Moderator’s note: Adult bears (sloth bear excepted) have 42 teeth. I don’t know if the vets have been able to count Yun Zi’s teeth these days
Great update, Anastasia! I’m not certain that Yun Zi is ‘controlling’ his naptimes in the morning
I think 9:00 AM as a time to take a nap has been taught by Bai Yun. After all, Zhen Zhen is asleep by 9:30 most of the time. Su Lin is often awake at that hour, but she is now very independent 
Panda fans love to see the bears…awake or sleeping. We can be thrilled if we see a foot twitch 
To Kittycat #10: Remember to bring your battery charger also!!!!! You are going to Love the SDZ!!!
I saw the pandas at the Chinese zoo and they were playing together. Don’t your pandas ever get to play together. What about Bai Yun, does she ever get to go and see her other offspring?
Moderator’s note: Other than a mother with her unweaned cub, our pandas are kept separate.
Just saw a report that Tai Shan and Mei Lan will travel to China on February 4. A farewell party for Tai is scheduled for Saturday. I’m sure it will be a …. well, a zoo! I went to a members-only session last Saturday, and it was pretty packed.
I was watching mom and cub this morning when mom was eating. The little guy came up to mom and she gave him a wack across the head and he want tumbling off the little wood platform. He quickly bounded back up and started to try to climb mom’s back. Mom continued eating and actually looked like she was trying to shoo him away from her backside with a long piece of bamboo. I think mom realizes this little guy is a bouncing baby boy and no longer needs a gentle touch, especially during her eating time, which she takes very seriously. The little guy seems to take it all in stride though and is adorable to watch. I am always entertained watching the panda cam – what a great invention.
Yes! I can relate to the fact that he is usually sleeping when we got to the exhibit at 9:00. We would stay awhile then go out to see some other animals…checking back around 10:00 when he would be still sleeping. Most of the 3 days he was awake by 10:30 so we had about 1-1/2 hrs. with him each day. Not too many people there iin the bad weather so we had lots of time to enjoy Bai Yun and Yun Zi – he is soooo darling! Needless to say, we visited with Su Lin and ZZ also with Su Lin being the most active of the two. The rain usually didn’t start until near 12:00 so we lucked out there. Watching Yun Zi and mom wrestling was such great fun….have many pictures to help us remember. Thanks to all at SDZ who helped us to have such a memorable visit.
Greetings from Adelaide on Australia Day (our national celebration)
Thanks Anastasia for your informative update – I live for the blogs and updates
Congratulations to your beautiful little koala “MIAH” beautiful name – and thank you SDZ for caring about our Aussie wildlife.
Panda hugs to you all from Adelaide, South Australia
Yun Zi is growing so fast. He and Bai are asleep on the platform now and he doesn’t look like such a tiny bear anymore. He’s growing into quite a handsome youngster. Just like human babies – one quick glance and they look so grown up and another quick glance and they still have that baby demeanor. Love, love, LOVE the panda cam.
Good luck kittycat and Fonsia at seeing the litte guy awake! But as Bobbie Wood said, any glimpse of the pandas is rewarding – even a foot twitch!!!
#19 Kathy
Yes–I just read that Tai Shan (from NZ) and Mei Lan (from AZ) are traveling via FedEx on Feb. 4th. Too funny!!
We will miss Tai Shan dearly here in the DC area and Mei Lan will be missed as well.
I haven’t had time to read much of anything (not even the above update yet) but I, too, saw (Kathy #19) that Tai and Mei Lan will be traveling together to China. I’m not sure why, but that helps my heart a lot. I hate that we’re loosing two of them — let alone at the same time — but in my own little mind, I think they’ll know that they are both on the plane. Panda vibes or something to help with the flight.
Great blog and love the picture of him, he looks likes he’s yelling ‘hey keep it down, I”m twying to sleep here’!!
I am happy to hear that Mei Lan and Tai Shan will be making the journey home together, no doubt they will be nervous but at least they will have one of their own kind to commiserate with. Alot of us fans always wanted them to meet – although in a different way – it seems we are now getting our wish.
#25 Linda A.
I agree–the fact that Tai and Mei are traveling together helps me a little bit, too. I am getting all teary eyed just thinking about it, though. But, you are right, I think they will know that there is another panda on board near them. They will also have a familiar keeper and a vet with them.
Farewell and a Bon Voyage to them both. They have brought much joy to us!
Great work cam operator!!! That little black tail spot. They got a great close up – zoomed right in. 3:54 pm 1/25/2010.
Please post some video of his morning play. It’s the busiest time for us, and we can’t watch the live cams. We would love to see several videos of his rompings! I’ve missed those since his debut!
I love watching all the pandas, they put a grin on my face every time!! Yun zi is adorable
I’m coming to see little Yunior for spring break!
Can’t wait!
It surprises me that he doesn’t sleep more than he does. He exerts so much energy exploring, climbing trees, and playing w/his momma. She doesn’t exactly hold back, and he certainly doesn’t give up! If she pushes him away, or pulls him out of the tree, he always goes right back for more. He plays long & hard, and as a result he’s crashed right now! Bless him, Bai and all of you, too!
Moderator’s note: I’m sure he does.
P.S. Does he go potty by himself now?
Yes, I will miss watching Tai Shan, I have watched him since he was born. I am hoping that Mei may become a Mom again???? I’ve been watching the “crate” to see if he gets interested and comfortable so his trip to China will be more familiar to him. We need to thank China for allowing him to stay as long as he has. ~~~~~~~ I now have become very involved, if you will, in checking daily on Yun Zi. Just love him. He and his Mom are a part of my daily life, just as Tai and his Mom have been. I also enjoy checking in your other sites. Very informative and educational for me. Polar bears are marvelous swimmers, and funny too !!!!
Thank all of you there at SDZ for all your information, and for all the care you give these amazing animals. etc. Appreciate all the information you can give us Anastasia, and yes, I too am waiting for some Vets reports of progress.
Thank you for all this great information about Bai Yun and Yun Zi. I love watching the Panda Cam.
From reading #8 – Since Bai Yun’s other children are grown, would they not get along if Bai Yun were to be put with Zhen Zhen and Su Lin? I am just curious. If you do not ask, then you will not know.
Moderator’s note: Once Bai Yun has raised a cub, she seems to enjoy time to herself. We would not put her with one of her grown offspring.
Was surprised to hear that Tai & Lani are traveling together as they return to China. I thought I read quite a while ago that “Lloyds of London” wouldn’t insure Tian Tian & Mei Xiang traveling to the US – they were considered “priceless cargo”
Thank you Anastasia for the update on Yun Zi. I laughed when you said, “the enrichmet he gets excited about the most is a dried-up leaf”. It reminds me of my son who enjoyed playing with the box rather than the toy train. Enrichment comes in many forms.
Fonsia #14 – I feel for you. I live in San Diego. The weather forecast for tomorrow is partly cloudy with a 30% chance of rain. Steady rain is not supposed to begin until 7 to 10 PM, according to weather.com. Wear a raincoat and bring an umbrella. I have been to the Zoo on drizzly days and found it to be a lot of fun. Most of the animals enjoy playing the rain. Just hope for the best and have fun. Good Luck!
Speaking of Tai, I came across these 2 pictures on Flickr. I’m not sure if Brian is still a keeper at the NZ, but if he is, he’s certainly gonna miss this bear and vice versa. Those have to be the cutest pictures that I’ve seen of a panda and a human.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/somesay/181137069/sizes/o/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/somesay/168877783/sizes/l/
I was at the zoo a couple of Fridays ago. I went through and Bai Yun was happy eating and Yun Zi was in his napping spot in the tree. I was almost out when Mama walked over to Yun Zi and pushed him out of the tree he got up and waddled off following mom. I guess she knew it was time to go back in to the garden room it was about noon. The moderator said they are bears and they do play rough. Very cute! Don’t laugh out loud though you must be quiet. That was really hard.
We have loved sharing the experience of a cub being born hollering into the world growing into our beautiful 5 month old Yun Zi playing and rolling around his enclosure. Mom nursing her little one is so precious, and rolling him around is an experience that keeps me coming back. In fact we still call him Ping Pong Yun because of the rolling him around!! I do have a question, these bears are all part of a wonderful program bringing their possible extinction to the attention of the world. Eventually some of our bears will return home to China. We keep them solitary except for a nursing cub so what happens when they are returned to China where I see bears are together by the dozens. Do they just get along? Or is there a time where they must be eased into a population of many bears?
Moderator’s note: Generally speaking, pandas at China’s breeding facilities are housed solo when they are no longer cubs. This is true for them in the wild, and our experiences show us that going solo is not a problem for them. Sometimes, do to space limitations sub-adults are housed together, but by the time they reach sexual maturity (about age 5), they need their own space.
On the other blog, the video of Prince of the Garden Room was cute. He struggles so much to climb up and down. He also looks larger. What does he weigh now?
Are those climbing structures in the garden room new? I don’t remember seeing them on camera before.
He is having such a good time in there, instead of in the classroom…..why isn’t he out in the classroom?
I see that Yun Zi is not in the den, even though the camera is focused there so he must have been there earlier. How much time is he spending in the den lately? He seems to be there mostly in the early morning when I check in aroun 5-6 AM. Sometimes he is also there in the early evening. Guess he feels more secure there or likes to check back in familiar spaces.
I am glad that both zoos are pooling their resources and sharing the expense of shipping their price-less cargo to China. It means a networking flight for their keepers and vets, which will make a very long flight for everyone more enjoyable. It will also give both pandas some enrichment to know that there are other pandas in the vicinity. It raises a question though since ZA just announced this week that they received Mei Lan’s crate and have started training her to get use to it. She must be a quick learner because she has less than 2 weeks to become familiar with it. How long did you give Mei Sheng to become accustomed to his crate? I guess that Su Lin will have a similar time period to get use to hers. She is the only panda that has not had a date hinted at for her departure. Since Tai and Mei will likely stop in CA on their way to China, it would be possible for Su Lin to join them. What an entrance to China it will be for the first US panda cub to go to Chengdu and the first to go to Bi FengXia. Hua Mei and Mei Sheng went to the old facility in Wolong before they had to be moved to Bi Fengxia. Any news on when the new Wolong facility is expected to be complete and pandas moved back there? Since two are arriving from US at Bifengxia, the new Wolong facility must be moving along because they will soon be running out of space at Bifengxia. Not sure who will have the longer trip from East coast, Tai or Mei. Obviously they are leaving together from either DC or Atlanta. The mystery will be which one of them is traveling to meet the other. I hope that it is stays a mystery publically until they are well on their trip so inquiring minds are kept in the dark. The health and safety of the pandas are paramount in everyone’s minds, so I know they will be taken care of extremely well, and that security will be incredibly tight for everyone’s safety. FedEx brought Mei Xiang and Tian Tian to US, so I know they can take Tai Shan and Mei Lan to their parents’ homeland.
I can feel the tension and sadness coming on, but look forward to hearing about both of them being stars in China like Hua Mei and Mei Sheng have been. I also hope that Mei Xiang and Tian Tian will finally be parents again this year, and that Ya Ya and Le Le will be blessed with the cub(s) that everyone in Memphis has been working so hard to bring into this world.
Thank you for the update of Yun Zi’s routine. When we all come in March, do you think he’ll know how to wave at us? Or perhaps he’ll be yelling “You crazy panda people; I’m going to sleep now.” I will settle to watch for any sighting of him and the other pandas. I feel SO grateful to just be able to see them. I will try not to cry but no promises.
As for crying, there’s no hope for me when Tai and Lani leave. Tai was my first baby. Watched him from the butter stick phase to his silly big boy current life. Same with Lani. I love her face. Laurie #27, I agree, they will know there’s another panda on board. “Panda Vibes.” Maureen, #35, didn’t know about the Lloyds of London issue; very interesting. What airline will be transporting them? Who will they pick up first? The keepers will be so important in their transport and after for the short time while in China. And thank you to China for letting us have them for this length of time. I remember when Tai was suppose to go to China when he was 2; I was depressed for months before his birthday. How blessed we are to have had him all these additional years.
I have an idea. Let’s fit Yun Zi with a panda cam on his head. Virtual panda cam. Your website would blow up! I would get no sleep (unless he was sleeping) because I would be watching the world through his eyes. “Sleepless in Sacramento!”
Thanks for the info Anastasia! Our little guy plays hard and sleeps hard. Love it! I was wondering about the picture posted with your blog, Little Yunnie looks loke he is showing some of that agression, was he irritated when it was snapped? I love to watch him playing and rolling around, Bai is so wonderful with him, it is heartwarming. Him playing with a leave is like a child who enjoys a box more than a gift. He is precious. I do miss seeing him on the pandacam though since he sleeps so oftenm I wish I could slow down the time lapse videos. At least we have our great Doxiemom videos! (Thank you!) I notice you say that you try to coax him out with treats. Is he eating any solid foods yet? I did not think he was. Thanks for the great posts, any chance we will get an exam video again in the near future? I can only imagine what it is like to try and measure and examine him now!
ZA reported today that Lani at 3 1/2 years weighed 202 lbs. during her pre-shipment exam – she is going to be A HUGE PANDA as mommy Lun Lun weighs 231-254 lbs but daddy Yang weighs 265 -304 lbs:)
Yes, we’ll still have our Miss Z & our latest male terrors Xi Lan & Yun ZI but I am going miss my first panda cam cub, Tai Shan
Sorry to post again, but it’s been the first time, it seems, in ages to just sit and watch SDZ and Chiang Mai. I’m so burned out, I don’t want to read or even watch TV. I just watched Lin Ping get another “bath.” What a curious thing to do. It’s not the first time I’ve seen it but I’ve always wondered WHY. Any clues? This is a first for me; panda cleaning. How very odd. Both Lini and the keeper seem to enjoy it.
i think its finally starting to hit home. i just saw from blogs #’s 24, 25 26 ,27 and 35 about tai shan’s date of departure,then i read article in washington post. my heart is just breaking, and the tears are flowing. hes my home town baby, altho i have only been in richmond for 2 yrs.. we have been to the zoo several times, last visit was in november. i was hoping for a little more time. dont know if we can get up there this weekend. im really praying for mei to have a healthy cub for all us panda lovers. the post said “the panda pregnancy watch is now underway, with even more intensity. the hope for a cub is very high” i have daniel’s panda cams page on all day , and sdz cam on at night. im happy to see that tai and mei lan will be traveling together i pray that they will be safe and that they have a good life in china, and many cubs
I guess our little Yunior has be come an earlier bird now and not sleeping in till late morning anymore. I watch Lin Ping at night before I go to bed this is morning time in Thailand. So Lin Ping is usually up and going it’s so funny to watch her keeper wash her down she thinks it;s a fun time. Then they fill her cage with all kinds of toys but like most kids she finds the bars of her cage and her feet the most fun to play with.
Thanks for the charming update. Where is Yun Zi in this photo? Is he on a platform looking down in the public enclosure? As always thanks for this interesting blog — keepers and bloggers alike.
Moderator’s note: He’s on the hammock in the classroom exhibit.
#7 Lucy
Yun Zi is no longer having a vet exam every week as he was before. The Panda Team decided that is was time to push the exams to every two weeks. Eventually this will turn into when the opportunity arrives. As Yun Zi is getting older, it’s also getting more difficult to keep him still and calm for our vets to examine him. On our last vet exam, Yun Zi wanted to go back to Mom and so didn’t get measured or checked out. Our vets have determined him to be extremely healthy and a very normal cub. One of the main reasons we measure, and check teeth at this point, is to make sure that everything is growing at a normal rate (which it is), and we use that information to compare with our previous cubs. Yun Zi may not be the tallest cub that Bai Yun has had, but he is definitely the thickest. We will do our best to give the updates when we have the exams.
#8 Rita
Anyone who works with animals professionally always has to have a good background working with animals and a knowledge of animal husbandry. Part of that is being able to read body language and really knowing the animals that you care for. And bears are very good at letting you know when they’re done with a situation, whether it’s their body language or vocalizations. Giant pandas honk if they’re stressed by their surroundings, and when that happens we do make note of it and see if we can fix the situation.
# 50 Anastasia – HaHaHa!!! I loved hearing that Yun Zi is Momma Bai Yun’s “thickest” cub
Thank you for taking the time to answer questions and writing yet another wonderful article for all of us.
What a precious picture of the Littlest Cloud…
Good evening everybody. Lots of great posts, links and comments as usual. I was happy to see that the cam was set to the den—-in case I am awake (as I am some nights) I will get to watch Prince Fluffy-Butt play-and perhaps even have Queen Bai join him for sleeping and/or playing. I will add some links to a few of my favorite photos from the “den days” of Bai cradling Yunior in her arms just like we hold our babies. From some of the comments I see he is not unique in being fascinated with his feet. The last time he appearred on very early a. m. video he entertained himself for at least a half hour with them.
I just remembered questions for the keepers. When Yunior hops up into the water dispensers does he get wet? Would it be just his feet or does he get a backside bath if he sits down in it? When I saw him once I just snapped photos but I have seen it at least twice-is he unique in this? Thank You Love Grammmie
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/GOODAFTERNOONBAIYUN-NAPTIME.jpg
Relaxing in her bedroom-looking pleased…..
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/untitledvotesvotes-1-1.jpg
I do not think she was rocking him though…..
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/votesvotes.jpg
Cheek on the head was always one of my favorites with my kids……
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/IPLEDGEALLEGANCETOTHISTREE.jpg
ZZ—I pledge allegence to my tree…and to it’s branches——Just for fun.
#46 Linda A. / NorCal and #48 Pam T., I saw the keeper washing Lin Ping as well. I have seen keepers washing her several times already, she seems to like playing with them and the towels… But this week-end I saw two keepers washing Lin Hui in the enclosure next to the enclosure in which Lin Ping and Lin Hui are kept together. I was so surprised to see that as Lin Hui is so big and could hurt the keepers. But no, she sat there and let them wash her!!
When I read that Mei Lan and Tai Shan were going to travel to China together, I thought it was nice of Tai Shan to escort his younger cousin back to the country of their ancestors. But then I saw the results of Mei Lan last checkup and saw she weight 92 kg (202 lbs), as Tai Shan who is one year older is listed as weighing 168 lbs in December. I hope they will videotape their first encounter, I wonder how they will react. I am sure they don’t know they are cousins, but most probably will know that the other panda is of the other sex…
I will miss Tai especially, but I do wish they had sent him back as a 2 yo. Much as I love him, I have always wondered if Mei’s inability to produce another cub has been because Tai has been so close. (After all, would you want to produce a cub when the hellion that pulled out a big clump of hair on your hip is still around to remind you of that incident and others connected with the thrill of child rearing? Mei is a delicate flower, after all.)
But for a little fantasy, there is the chance that Tai and Mei could become members of the ‘mile high club’. A little shudder to the plane opens the cages and love ensues….. (The caretakers are safely out of danger. Tai’s little, MeiLan’s bigger, based on GaoGao and BaiYun, a perfect match. Cheers from all the panda fans who have studied the geneology and fantasized for such a match.) It is an unlikely occurance for at least a dozen reasons, but wouldn’t that be one cute cub…..
Dennis #6 mentioned getting Yun Zi a pile of leaves to play in. My immediate thought on reading your post Anastasia was, what would happen if, just for a few hours as a treat the pond in his exhibit was filled with leaves? I have this image of Yun Zi just piling in and having great fun. The noise of dried leaves is wonderful – my cats love the autumn when there are loads of leaves to run through at great speed.
I sat down with my morning coffee to find Yun Zi playing at the entrance of the den. This was at around 11.15pm SDZ time. I couldn’t see what he was doing as I could only see his back end. Some bamboo maybe?
I’ve been watching the ‘Lily Cam’ quite a bit. Still haven’t managed to see the cub but I have heard it sqawking. As Dennis says, there is a loud buzz on the sound and this makes it difficult to hear. I found turning it down helped me to hear better. Lily is covered in snow but, as the accompanying post says, you can see how her thick fur protects her as the snow doesn’t melt!
Hei, I just found out from Adventure World-Japan’s website that Kou Hin will also go back to China just like Fu Long, Tai Shan, Mei Lan, and perhaps Su Lin. Kou Hin was born in Adventure World Japan on August 23, 2005. He is 4 years old like Tai. He will be back to China next February, no exact date yet for his departure.
Hmm, I think China should have a “foreign” pandas gathering sometime this year! 5 newcomers from zoo outside China.
Thank you, Anastasia, for a marvellous report on Yun Zi’s morning ritural. It reminds me a lot of Fu Long in Vienna, now regretfully living in China. He had no problems to let the visitors wait sometimes for hours before showing up and doing his wonderful antics. It appears that the pandas are “early birds” which somehow does not agree with visitors’ schedule. However, I feel that the pandas’ well being comes first. And if it is their time schedule the visitors need to take this into consideration. I did experience the same at Schoenbrunn at times but an hour later or so when returning to the panda enclosure was lucky to view Fu Long. Now that Fu Long is in China Long Hui and Yang Yang get along so well again that we hope that there might we some offspring later this year. Please, GPF, keep your fingers crossed.
Despite having had a rather pressed time schedule for the last few weeks I want to assure all of you that I did read all the blogs which I enjoyed tremendously. Thank you everybody! I shall try again to respond to each blog of the keepers and moderators again. A special thank you to Doxiemom for all the fantastic videos. You are truly dedicated! But also thanks to my fellow bloggers for their blogs.
Yun Zi has grown into a big and beautiful boy and knows how to use his muscles. I remember when we were all sort of afraid that he was a little bit “behind” but he has certainly made up for his late start. I just adored the video when he was playing with Bai Yun, like a human mother with her child. She is such a wonderful mom which reflects on her offspring. But I don’t want to neglect addressing Gao Gao as well. He is still the greatest daddy. I have subscribed to Panda Google and they had a lovely report on Gao Gao. But SDZ’s whole panda family is remarkable. Su Lin, my first panda I started to watch when she was already one year old has grown into a beautiful panda lady. She is my screen saver. Zhen Zhen was the first panda I watched from her birth, mind you from her “starting point” when I was so lucky being able to watch Bai Yun and Gao Gao mate. Do you know already when Su Lin will have to depart for China? Sob, sob…..
Moderator’s note: No word on Su Lin’s departure.
It is after 4:15 a. m. and Queeen Bai has not sent the Prince to bed in the den….perhaps those days are over. I enjoyed the 2 nights last week, one night they both slept there, the other night just Yunior–I guess he is getting to be a big boy now…..Love Grammmie
I may not have gotten new photos tonight, but here are 3 from last week to enjoy of Bai and Yunior in the den.
Love Grammmie
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/H1BACKINTHEDENAGAIN–WELOOKGOODTOGE.jpg
Sleep time.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/H2HOWCOULDIRESISTTAKINGTHISONETHEYA.jpg
They each got up and went out, and came back at separate times.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/H3IJUSTLOVETHESEFLUFFYBUTTBEARS.jpg
I just love these Fluffy-Butt bears.
Is the bottom of the den wood? I thought it was concrete, but this morning and last night it looks like boards across it. There is one lone piece of bamboo laying in the doorway. Was it likely brought there as a play item by Yun Zi? I can see panda kindergarten here as well in that he has access to sleep there if he wants, but it does not have the cozy bamboo covering so it is not as desireable for spending much time there, and therefore encouraging him to go outside 24 x 7 with mom.
Moderator’s note: The den floor is covered in plywood.
TO MARIE #37
THANKS FOR SHARING THESE AMAZING PICS. WONDERFUL!!!!!
I just saw on pandasliveon that Tai Shan and Mei Lan will be leaving on Feb 4th for China. They will be traveling together on a Fed-Ex plane that will depart from Washington D.C. They have a great story and some beautiful pictures of Tai, Mei and Su Lin. I knew this day would be coming but to see it be happening brought tears this morning. Thanks Anastasia for the update on Mr. Cute and your right It’s hard being so darn cute.
Linda A., Laurie….I’m a little puzzled. I haven’t read any of the news releases about Mei and Tai. I knew Tai was leaving about this time, but I thought Lani would be later. I have always read that pandas would likely NOT be on the same plane, because of the stress it puts on the bears. I know they are cousins, but they have never been introduced.
Does the news specifically say they will travel together? I would hate for them to get stressed out by another bear’s presence, in an already stressful situation. I don’t know how any of you feel, but the travel crate for Tai doesn’t look even nearly big enough for his long body. I seem to remember Mei Sheng having more room in his crate. But I could be remembering it wrong.
Marie #37: thanks for those links. It made me tear up all over again. There is also a video, on youtube, of Brian and Tai, playing together, which is also very sweet and emotional. Lots of love there.
Watching Tai Shan this morning, I noticed some blatant spoiling of the big guy by one of the keepers. There was some extra scratching (through the fence) of the head and ears going on, and I was so totally jealous!!! Tai was loving it. You could see him smiling.
Does anyone know where the article is that tells about Tai and Mei Lan going to China together? Thanks.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your blogs, Anastasia and all SDZoo keepers! The ‘behind the scenes’ info just accentuates the value and enjoyment of the ‘cam’. Love to all your animals and many heartfelt thanks to the SDZoo staff.
I hope that early morning panda bloggers got to see the great close up of Zhen Zhen on the log. It would also be a treat for visitors to the zoo to see her being active. The most action I saw when visiting was busy girls eating their breakfast close to the glass by the walk through the exhibits. In the afternoon, Su Lin was napping and got up to walk inside, presumably for her yard to be changed and bamboo refreshed. Zhen Zhen was inside while Angie refreshed her evening boo, so I got to quickly meet Angie instead of Zhen. A treat none the less.
Thanks, Moderator, #61. It appears to me that Yun Zi did not spend time in the den last night.
#57 Jessy, the baby boom in the next couple of years from the gathering “foreigners” should be huge. That is the bright side of all these foreign born cubs going to their parents’ ancestral home. It also means that much of the expansion and rebuilding must be complete, or there would not be room to put all of them in solitary enclosures.
Question for keepers, which they may not be able to answer. IF, a very big if, Su Lin does go to China before she goes into estrus in 2010, is it possible that her Chinese keepers will likely attempt a natural breeding for her similar to Mei Sheng and “Mrs. Robinson” so she will get some practice. Since she had an estrus last year, it seems logical that they will want her to enter the breeding program as soon as she is physically ready. That being said, is it likely that she would go to China prior to that estrus or after, or does that enter the picture at all? As I recall, Hua Mei went into her first estrus in China within weeks after her arrival at Wolong, and had her first set of twins that year.
good morning, I am so excited to come see the Yun Zi in person. My daughter Amanda is getting married in March on the beach at sunset which I am very excited about and then to go to the zoo. I am counting the days till I leave for San Diego. Thank you for all the updates. There is not a day that I don’t look what the little cutie has done for the day.
I do hope people realize that when we go to the zoo, we get the opportunity to “watch” these animals. If not for zoos, we would just have photos (for the majority of us)! These animals are not put on display to entertain us! We are being allowed to watch them (and if they happen to be sleeping while we are watching– well, so be it), which is truly a gift. Watching is our entertainment. And, oh, how lucky we are.
Yunnie is ‘full figured’ or ‘thick’??
I just keep thinking there should be a book titled Yun Zi: Sleep Time /Play Time /Harass Mom Time for the Traditionally Built.
Enjoy all the blogs, comments, pictures. Cant wait to see ‘my’ little cubbie in person.
I know that Tai Shen and Mai Lan are cousins and that they may be too closely related to mate, but if they did, wouldn’t the cub be an American panda despite where his parents live? Silly, I know, but our keepers work so hard to raise these heathy and beautiful animals, we should be able to take some credit for their offspring.
Hi all just thought I let you know if you don’t already the AZ will have a live chat with Mei Lan keepers As Mei Lan you know will be leaving for China Feb. 4th with our beloved Tai Shan. The website is http://www.ustream.tv/channel/zoo-atlanta-news this will be aired at 9:30 am EST tomorrow morning Jan.27th for a half hour. I hope you are able to post this.
You were so extensive wth the coverage and information when Mei Sheng went to China a couple of years ago..and ZA/NZ don’t have the same blog features you do. Do you know, will there be keepers travelling with Mei Lan and Tai Shan as you travelled with Mei Sheng??? I wish they had the same blog “facilities” as SDZ so that we could read along on the journey. It is really rather fascinating!!
Thank you for the update on Yunior!! Such a handsome boy certainly needs his “beauty” sleep!! Thanks again for a great update!!
Did Su Lin redecorate again this morning? It appears that another tree has been tilted earthward
I love the picture of Yun Zi! He looks like he’s leading all of his fans in a cheer: “Come on, give me a ‘P’! Give me an ‘A’!…I can’t hear you!…” What a cutie! I’ve been up for quite some time by the time 9AM rolls around everyday so I know how Yun Zi feels.
#55 KPanda…I like your description of Mei Xiang as a delicate flower. She can hold her own against Tian when they play (except for the rare occasions he gets carried away by the fun of it all) and she is a robust, beautiful girl, but underneath it all lies a dainty, delicate flower.
Pat #65 you can look on pandaliveon they have a story and some great pics
#65 Pat in Milwaukee – The best place is the Pandas Live On website
Too cute and very cozy! ZZ is sprawled out on her favorite tree branches. Wish I could climb up there and join her for a mid-day siesta.
#64, Diane in TX, I am sure that both ZA and NZP will have keepers that their panda is very familiar with on the plane with them. They will also have at least one vet in case of emergency.
Since they are traveling together, I am curious if they are both going to the same destination, or if Mei Lan will end hers in Chengdu and Tai will go on to Bifengxia. Since Lun Lun is originally from Wolong, it is possible that SSP matches have either of them going to the other’s parents point of departure. e.g. Tai might be going to Chengdu to expand their gene pool with Mei Xiang’s genes and/or Mei Lan might be going to Bifengxia to expand theirs with Ya Ya’s genes. I guess we will have a lot to find out in a couple of weeks. NZP did daily updates for Tai’s first year, and ZA does at least MWF updates, and they both know that their pandas are being followed by a worldwide audience. So, I imagine they will provide as frequent updates as they can safely ensuring their travel security. Once they are at their destination I am certain they will provide plenty of news about the travels.
#64 Tai’s crate is really bigger then it seems. On the day of Mei and Tian’s big date, both of them went into the crate and used it as their ‘motel room’.
Someone asked for links to articles about the pandas leaving. Following are 3. Nothing on the National Zoo or the Atlanta Zoo sites.
Moderator’s note: Sorry, Kathy. We don’t provide links to news sites.
The Washington Post site (which you may have to register with to see) says the following:
“Tai’s destination will be a large panda preserve in Ya’an, Sichuan province, in south-central China. “
I love how you are so up to date on your blogs! Wish the polar bears one was! The last one was over a month ago! Could you nudge them?
We get really excited when we see a new panda blog! Thanks for keeping us up to date!
#65 – Pat – check AJC dot com or google Tai Shan news
Hi DoxieMom – Between 12:45 & 12:57 this afternoon, it appeared that Yun Zi was stuck in the tall tree. He seemed to be trying to get back down. The camera switched at 12:58 and I was left wondering if he was really stuck and the keepers had to help him down. By any chance did you capture Yun Zi at this time while he was enjoying his new adventure in the high branches? Thanks.
First Yun Zi video in 3 days!!
After Yun Zi wakes up from his morning nap (later than normal?) he climbs down the tree structure in the Classroom Exhibit and then it’s playtime with Bai in the sawdust! Yun Zi still doesn’t appear keen on getting into the water, but Bai had other plans for him anyway!
2010-01-26 Yun Zi: After His Morning Nap!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fkUuJGf85Q
Great post Anastasia!! Like many, I have enjoyed watching this morning ritual often!
ZA has a video of Mei Lan growing up and also a video of her fan mail. and yes it has brought me to tears again today. I was able to catch a peak of Mr. Cute before my boss called me to do some work. Imagine the conversation between the bears if all three were together.
Smaller crates, while more confining, provide more protection in case of a sudden shift (not likely to happen but just in case). The panda can’t slide very far across the inside of a smaller crate as opposed to a larger crate, so there is less risk of injury. The crate is strapped down to the floor of the plane so there’s no worry about the crate itself sliding into something. And as Carol L. said, the crates are bigger than they look. I saw Tai walk through the crate (side view) and it looked almost twice his length.
I just can’t believe the time has come to bid farewell to two of our black-and-white beauties. They are taking a part of a lot of hearts with them to China.
Happy to see Gao Gao is his happy chomping bamboo self. He has a big pile in his bedroom and seems to be thoroughly enjoying his afternoon meal.
Is Bifengxia in Ya’an? I know it is at least 2 hours from Wolong over the mountains.
Moderator’s note: Yes. For more, see Mei Sheng’s New Exhibit.
Oh, Marie #37, you have saved a long time mystery for me. When Tai was little, but already a handful, I heard on the cam “Night, night, love you.” It was a guy and it was so real that I could feel the love this guy had for Tai. Now looking at the pictures, I can see it. I’m sitting here at my desk choking back the tears.
On to another subject, #53 Danielle, so my office mates don’t think I’m totally whacked………….I thought I saw Lin Hui being “washed” as well the other night. She seems to love her keepers as well. She seems to work so well with them. I know she’s not “trained” but she responds wonderfully to their every instruction.
#64 Dianne, I too an puzzled by their traveling together. I’m assuming they will be in different parts of the plane, but still be able to feel the “panda vibe.” Odd though; wonder if Fed Ex is going to paint their planes like they did when they brought to one of the US cities (sorry don’t remember which city). Very cute picture of their precious cargo!
#37 Marie – Thanks for the links to the pictures of Tai and Brian. How absolutely adorable. There was/is a love shared there.
And thanks to Dianne Tx – I’ll look for the videos on YouTube. And Dianne, you can read the full article on the Washington Post web site about Tai and Lani’s upcoming trip. I did a search ” pandas” and it was the first search article. You can sign on to view it using your FB sign on. The article said that Tai is going to the panda preserve in Ya’an. They also said that the founder of Tai’s fan club has raised funds to adopt Tai for a couple years through Pandas International so they will get regular updates.
Bifengxia is outside Ya’an city so that must be where Tai is going. The big question is whether Mei Lan is still going to Chengdu, where her parents came to the US from, or is she also going to Bifengxia. She belongs to the Panda facility in Chengdu, and ZA has previously said that was where she was to go when she went to China, so unless plans changed, that is where she is going. Mei Sheng stopped off in Chengdu on his way to Wolong and was shifted to a smaller crate to ride in the back of a pickup for the ride up the rough mountain roads. I have to look at a map of China to see if the route will still logically go through Chengdu to Ya’an. Regardless, both of them have to get to a single Chinese entry point which often is Shanghai near the coast.
#33, Last I heard, Mei Lan of Zoo Atlanta has never been bred … she’s 3. She’s going to China to expand the DNA for their breeding program.
Do you know if the keepers in China have direct contact with the older bears?
# 91 Linda A. & anyone else interested, if you go to this person’s photostream on Flickr, he has TONS of photos of Brian and Tai. I, too, had tears… http://www.flickr.com/photos/somesay/
Bai looks like she has had a rough day today…she flat out asleep
It is 4:35PM PST, and I just got on the Panda Cam. Bai Yun is in the sun room on top of the platform sleeping but with her head hanging/dangling off the platform. As a human being, I really have to wonder whether this is comfortable and what prompted her to do it. It is just such a strange way to sleep!!!
From here in Charlotte, NC, it’s 7:37 pm…. if you could just see mom and son laying there asleep/resting… such beauty!! I love these bears.
Thanks so much to the cam folks! We love you all for what you do!
#95 Diana – I’ve seen videos on you tube of adult pandas getting their blood drawn & other minor procedures by their medical staff with no barriers
Keepers seem to feel these are cuddly animals – forgetting they are wild animals at heart 
#64 Dianne in Texas – I also saw that extra special rubbing of Tai’s head. You could almost tell the keeper didn’t want to stop. I am so very sad to see Tai Shan and Mei Lan leave. I wanted to see Tai Shan at least once, but it won’t happen. He made me the Pandaholic that I am today. God speed, Tai and Mei. Tears are overly abundant and unstoppable.
Watching #87 video…..Bai Yun seems more playful than Yun Zi!!! She sure doesn’t act her age.
He is gettingn so big….how much does he weigh at this point. His head is getting much larger.
It was fun to watch her tumbling about in the box…..and I see there is a ball but neither played with it. She was having a blast.
This is from ZA — Mei Lan Update Statement
1-26-10
Several media outlets in Washington, D.C. are reporting that the Smithsonian National Zoo’s giant panda Tai Shan and Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda Mei Lan will be travelling together to China on February 4, 2010.
Officials at Zoo Atlanta are planning a joint announcement with the Smithsonian National Zoo later this week after numerous logistical details are finalized.
i can not wait to see when the cub is older and he is active and playing around as the guest watch him in his exhibit!!
Anastasia….I have a question for the Panda Team….I am now one of the volunteers for the North American Bear Organization on keeping an eye on Lily the Black Bear and her new born cub online and keeping a running log of all the activity in the den such as numbers of respirations per minute of mom Lily, and den positions and all movement of cub and mom as well as any Vocalizations between the two as well as cleaning and nursing…Has the SDZ ever considered doing what Dr.Lynn Rogers has done and taken volunteers from around the world to take down and report the same information if Bai Yun has another cub as we all watch anyway ? This would free up staff for other tasks as well especially once the cub is past it’s first month or so especially during overnight hours…. The only additional item needed would be a microphone in the den to report on interactions between Bai Yun and hopefully her next cub…..
To all my SDZ workers and GPF’s Family and Friends ,Lynn still is undergoing the painful treatment for her DVT Blood Clot 3 1/2 hours away and because of massive pain as a reaction to the treatment is sedated again…. I still hope that she recovers enough to be moved back to the Northern NJ or New York City area soon…. My posts will be fewer as I look for another job and do my volunteer black bear logging of activities in the den at Bear Dot org…..I again Thank You all for your caring and responses both here and I’ve seen a lot of you are now friends of Lily on Facebook…. If anything happens for better or worse with Lynn I’ll be sure to keep you all informed….Again my heartfelt Thanks for your kindness and ptauers…..
“Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things….”
I love this blog! I am curious. Do the keepers think he is a night owl because Bai Yun started to bring him out during the night at a very young age? That seemed to become a ritual for him and has stuck! What a cutie he is! He is definitely mellow like a cloud floating calmly in the sky! Until it is time to attack Momma Bai’s boo. Then he becomes Jungle Zi-Zi!
#33 and 94. im thinking you must have meant mei xiang and not mei lan. mei xang at n.z. had a.i. jan.9th and 10th, so they are hoping she will have a cub this year.
Flew to SD last Friday. Visited Yun Zi at 9:30 but he was asleep. We returned at about 11:30 on the Behind the Scenes Tour(which was fantastic and worth the price) and the little guy was awake. Bai Yun was holding him by the scruff and turning him this way and that way. Too cute.
We just returned from San Diego this past Saturday and I am proud to say we got to see both Yunior and Bai Yun while visiting the Zoo. Also got to see Zhen-Zhen and Su-Lin…what a morning that was! Of course, both mom and Yunior were snoozing when we saw them about 10 AM PT but in a few minutes Mom got to stirring and she gave us a great show. Yunior slept most of the time up in a tree, but he has the cutest little tushie. LOL He began stirring a bit later and we have some marvelous shots of him waking up and playing on his platform. these will be memories I will long remember, and the rush to finally meet “my little man” in person was the best ever!
Why not wake up little “Yunior” a bit later in the morning, so he won’t be ready for a nap at 9 am when the Zoo opens? I do notice that the other Panda’s sleep when they are not eating. It seems that Bai Yun is the only bear that is busy. Guess she has to stay awake to watch out for little man, when he’s trying to climb trees that are 15 feet tall….LOL He’s one brave little boy, that is bound to get into alot of trouble….Typical boy in the animal world AND the human world. Fearless!
Thanks for your update Anastasia. We always enjoy the updates. What would we do without all of you at the SDZ Giant Panda Research Center?
A COUPLE OF BATH TIME PHOTOS FROM A FEW DAYS BACK…..LOVE GRAMMMIE
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/G10ITISBATHTIMEAGAIN—IHATEBATHTIM.jpg
IT IS BATH TIME AGAIN-I HATE GETTING BATHS-SO EMBARASSING.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/G11IFIHIDEMYEYESNOBODYWILLSEEMENAKE.jpg
IF I HIDE MY EYES NOBODY WILL SEE ME GETTING A MOMMY BATH.
I love #43, Linda A’s idea of a Yun Zi virtual cam.
Dennis, how fantastic that you are a volunteer to watch Lily. I have just been watching and the cub was very vocal and sounded rather cross! He/she was probably getting a wash and brush up. I haven’t heard any humming yet, very difficult over the buzz. Also, very sad to hear that Lynn has had to be sedated again. My thoughts are with you and Lynn. Be strong.
I saw the pictures of Tai and Brian. Aren’t they beautiful? And very poignant. The next few weeks are going to be very emotional for many of us.
#72 AuntiJackie, I once heard a very “elegant” expression for a person being overweight, i. e. “generously proportioned”. I think this would be perfectly appropriate for Yun Zi, don’t you? He is so cuddly and sweet, so what? A few kilos more won’t do any harm, I suppose. I am sure that he will lose those extra pounds very fast once he starts really climbing those trees.
#105 Dennis, I am so sorry to hear that Lynn is not feeling better. We were all hoping that she had overcome the worst. As always I am keeping my fingers crossed that she will recover soon. Best regards from Austria to you and her, Ruth
#90, Moderator, thanks for posting the link to “Mei Sheng’s new exhibit.” You did us all a favor so we can go back and see how the Chinese exhibits are at BiFengXia. As in did in 20072008, hopefully it will again help everyone picture all three pandas in their new homes. Knowing what they are going to helps to ease the pain and anxiety of letting go of them to grow up as they must.
Anastasia…..
Enjoyed your outstanding article. It was very informative.
In your wildest dreams did you ever think you would have this great “job”?
Being able to experience the daily happenings of these precious animals…..
You all work diligently to keep we Panda Lovers well informed…plus the professional care given
to these beautiful creatures..
They seem to want for nothing!
The one advantage of living on the East Coast is the opportunity to see the Pandas at play
In the early morning.
San Diego has us beat though, with usually magnificent weather!
If Mei X was artificially inseminated 3 weeks ago, how come they don’t know by now if she’s pregnant? Can’t they do an ultrasound?
Moderator’s note: For a better understanding of panda pregnancy predictions, please read the post Bai Yun and Gao Gao.
Dear Moderator,
I think many of us have noticed and commented on Queen Bai’s sense of fun and playfulness even though she is 18. However, it has been noted that pandas can live up to 30 years in caring institutions like SDZ. So does being 18 in Panda years mean Queen Bai is relatively young? Is one hooman year equal to 5-7 panna years? How does it compute?
Thank you for your patience and immense efforts to keep all the fact hungry curious GPFs informed and entertained. And if you are ever tired of your job, let me know and I am happy to relieve you once in a while. I am sure there is a long queue for that privilege already.
Do give the Gao Family back scratches and a huge hug to Yun Zi aka Prince Fluffy Butt aka Chubby Cubby aka McAwesome (?) aka Yunior. Chinese New Year falls on Feb 14th this year. ANy plans to give special treats to the Gaos? Fish shaped biscuits and oranges would make appropriate treats.
Blessings to all at SDZ; hoomans and pannas, and all GPFs – it really feels like a mini UN out there in Panda Lovers Land.
Moderator’s note: The panda years vs. human years question has been forwarded to our Panda Team. And you CAN help with questions, Lucilla! Many of our blog readers provide answers to questions posed in this forum, based on their knowledge and observations, or can offer more in-depth explanations than I have time to give.
Rose N. #86, have no concerns, Yun Zi was playing up on his planks partially hidden behind the trunk of the tree. He likes ‘hanging out’ there! He first climbed up there on 1-13-10 (as seen in my YouTube Videos “Reaching New Heights” parts 1-3). Since then he’s been photographed by zoo visitors sleeping there!!!
Tuesday afternoon Yun Zi did something on PandaCam I’ve never seen before. He got on top of the sawdust box!! But how did he get down? Here is a VERY short Flickr video that shows how!!
“Cub on a Box” –> http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandalover19/4307983594/
It is very had to see him play if the camera is on an empty bedroom for hours at a time.
I just watched the live ustream interview with Mei Lan’s keepers it was very interesting and sad to. Mei Lan has such a beautiful face and will be terribly missed. If you get a chance you can go to ustream and replay the interview and see Mei Lan.
Wishing the best to Mei Lan and Tai Shan and their new life in China.
Pam T. – Thanks for the link and reminder about ZA chat this a.m. I just watched it live and found it interesting and informative.
Mei Lan was in the holding area next to keepers Jay and Kate. Thus viewers got to see a normally off-camera area. Kate explained how they can raise and lower the bars in one section of the mesh. This allows for clear visibility of specific areas of the panda’s body. In addition, the panda can put his paw out for blood draws, etc. She also mentioned some of the commands they use in training, such as eye, up, blood, down and over. She again said how Mei discovered the fun of self-annointing with ultra-sound gel. There should be no problem with the language transition, as they use hand signals as well.
While Jay and Kate were talking, Mei was munching boo and eating the biscuits Kate was feeding her during the discussion. So cute! Both AZ and NZ are having farewell celebrations this Saturday.
Has the young one been weaned from the den? Have not seen him in it for a few days.
Moderator’s note: It is still used occasionally by the little family.
Thanks for the morning smile – I love to tune into the PandaCam and see Zhen Zhen munching away on her bo without a care in the world. Can’t wait to see her on March 8!
Is there any thought on adjusting Yun Zi’s viewing time? I often catch him playing and climbing at 1 pm SD time, but I know Zoo visitors are missing out on that active time of his.
See you soon! Don’t let Yun Zi get too big in the next 5 weeks!
Hi! Read your update about Yuni’s daytime routine, and it’s a funny one at that! It’s amazing how Yuni will keep himself occupied because he is so interested in so many things around his yard, playing with Mom included! But, I’m with you about Yuni’s nap schedule—too early for me! I don’t get on my computer until after 10 or 11 am EST after doing a few things, so I have missed Yuni’s morning activities. So, I just keep checking pandacam to catch him in the afternoons when he gets active again. So far, I’ve gotten lucky a few times catching Yuni awake and doing something cute!
Just checked Atlanta Zoo’s website, and they have an update about Mei Lan’s trip to China. Apparently, the director of AZ and the director of National Zoo have been talking and coordinating the trip for both Mei Lan and Tai Shan to go to China together (in seperate crates). There will be an announcement on the final details in the next couple of days, but the trip is planned for February 4, 2010 to send Mei and Tai to China. NZ already has had a crate in the panda yard for Tai to get used to, and AZ just got their crate in the yard last week for Mei Lan to get used to and comfortable in. We already know that Tai will be having his farewell party on Jan. 30, and I’m sure that the AZ panda keepers will be doing a farewell party for Mei Lan in the next few days. Both Tai and Mei have gone thru their full physicals for the trip, getting clean bill of health from their vets. This will be the first time both zoos will have to send their young pandas to China, and I know that the keepers, staff, vets, and visitors of both zoos will be very sad to see them go. Get out the hankies, you all! Crying time is coming! But, we all know that both pandas will be doing very important work at Wolong/Bifengxia and Chengdu in being a part in the preservation of the pandas. Now, we’re hoping that Mei Xiang will have her second baby panda cub this spring or early summer, and that Lun Lun will go into estrus soon after Xi Lan the Xman gets thru the weaning process which will probably be in March. Then, It will be Su Lin’s turn to get ready for her trip to China from SDZ. BTW moderator, do you have any idea of when Su Lin will be going to China yet? Let us know, ok? We will appreciate it a whole lot!
Was on the SDZ pandacam and saw ZZ with her back to the cam (as usual) eating her breakfast boo.
Gonna get back to the cams. Will check back later on to catch Yuni on the cam!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: See comment #58.
in the wild how much territory does a panda seem to need to eat, sleep & basically be a panda?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
Hey! Got back on the AZ website’s panda page to check pandacam, and saw one of the pandas taking a nap by the window in the dayroom. Didn’t see Xi Lan yet! Also, just ran into their announcement about Mei Lan’s farewell party at AZ, and it is also on Jan. 30, 2010, the same day as Tai Shan’s farewell party at NZ. AZ has their party scheduled for 10am-3pm EST, so everybody in the Atlanta, GA area try to get to the zoo to see her. Both Tai and Mei have 8 days left before they leave. And, AZ panda page has another page with a couple of videos about Mei Lan, 3 pics, and some other info about her. Sort of like a timeline of Mei Lan’s life at AZ!
Oh yeah, watched NZ’s 2 pandacams. Mei Xiang was sitting in between 2 trees eating her lunch, and Tai was resting on a rock just being his gorgeous self!
Well, going back to the pandacams!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
#118 DoxieMom — You just made my day!
Right now, Bai is napping in the trees with her head hanging unsupported below the branches. Wouldn’t it be great if we could sleep anywhere and in any position like the pandas do?
ALERT — PANDA CONVENTION INFO—ALERT
Dates: March 20-21, 2010
Just a breif update–Liana, our coordinator in San Diego, has been very ill over the past week. However, I just received an email from her and she promises to have price information to post no later than Friday.
The information will be posted on the Facebook page for Panda-fandom Worldwide and, as soon as it is posted there, I will copy/paste it into the blog here. Then we can all make our final plans. Several fans have already booked their flights to San Diego (me included)!
If we have already heard from you by email, regarding your intentions, I will get back to you with the price info by email as well. If we have not heard from you yet, please either respond on the Facebook page noted above or by email to pandafan320@gmail.com .
Thanks and looking forward to meeting you in San Diego!
Too cute – Mom and son napping side by side on the climbing structure. Is Yun Zi using one of the hammocks or is he perched between two horizontal logs? It is hard to tell from this angle.
DoxieMom #118, brilliant. I have GOT to be a panda keeper.
Gosh, I am getting so sad reading about 2 of our precious babies having to return to their homeland. Is it selfish to not want them to leave? I am going to try and think of the bigger picture and of them as mighty heroes, heading off to fight a noble battle to save all other pandas
That thought seems to help a bit anyway. It is very sweet to let them share the ride home together.
Thank you SDZ for allowing us to be a part of Momma Bai Yun and Poppa Gao’s beautiful family of 5!! All of you do such a wonderful job of making the world a brighter place
Thanks Doxie Mom #118….
That looked like Kathy Hawk and assistant giving Yun much needed help getting off the box.
They are always seem to be nearby when aid is needed.
It certainly looks like a long drop to the ground, no bruises today. (yet)
His padding seems to prevent any disastrous results.
Haven’t seen any moat escapades lately, possibly the area is closed off from our curious boy.
I enjoyed your photos today….. again….thank you!
little cloud up in a tree right now….”it’s hard sometimes to find a pillow up in my tree…these long, hard things don’t make me a very good pillow….”
oxox
I´m watching panda cam from Finland. Here it´s afternoon when pandas wake up so it´s nice to see what they are doing in the mornings before San Diego Zoo opens. I really love these amazing creatures so it´s hard to turn off my computer and panda cam in the evenings when their play- and daytime still continues.
Greetings from Finland
I thought I remembered reading somewhere that all the camera operators are volunteers is that right? Are they trained? The reason I’m asking is today about noon is was quite obvious there was quite a wrestling session going on just out of camera range.Its a shame we all have to miss what we so eagerly look forward to every day. Thanks for all the past great footage!!
Moderator’s note: Cam operation is shared by Panda Team members and specially trained volunteers.
DoxieMom #118 – Thanks for clearing up the mystery. Due to the camera angle (C-27) the platform was not visible during the time I was watching Yun Zi on the panda cam. I was quite anxious during the 12 minutes he was high up in the tree. I revisited Part 3 of your video “Reaching New Heights”. In that video from camera (C-28), I could clearly see the platform and realized Yun Zi had “been there, done that”.
Thanks again for including the video, “Cub on a Box”, that clears up the mystery of how Yun Zi got down from the shed. Now, we have to find out how Yun Zi got on the shed in the first place. Sherlock Holmes where are you now that we need you?
DoxieMom your videos are wonderful! Thank you for sharing.
I saw how he got on the shed this morning! – he shinnied down a tree branch that is directly over the box (at least from the angle I was watching on Pandacam), and as soon as he dropped his back feet onto the shed roof, Momma Bai popped up and pulled him off of it!!! It all happened so quickly. Tho’ I ‘m certain DoxieMom will have the video so we can watch it again.
Rose N. #136, I think I can answer “how” he got on the shed as he did it again today, only the camera angle was different, and closer in!! “How” he got down today was much different than yesterday, too!! Here’s a very short Flickr video:
“Cub on a Box ~ Day 2″ –> http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandalover19/4309351255/
#105 Dennis
Our Panda Team has highly trained individuals for observing our pandas and obtaining specific information. Also, our observers control the cameras in the panda area, and they are able to hear the vocalizations that they make as well. Just about every day we have someone manning the Panda Cam so that our viewers can get a good look and our researchers have accurate information.
If you are interested in a typical day’s work by a panda keeper, check out the Requiem for a Panda Keeper – A Drama in Two Acts by Jay Pratte. Jay was an AZ keeper when Mei Lan was a cub. He has since moved on to another part of the zoo, but I will always remember and delight in his many updates. He has such a way with words. Anyway, this great (and long) poem spans 2 days’ updates. It can be seen by going to the Zoo Atlanta website>Panda Cam>The “Farewell Mei Lan” picture on the lower right side next to the panda can view. Once you click on the picture you will get the page “Farewell to Mei Lan”. You can view a couple of videos there, too. Anyway, back to Jay’s prose: Mei Lan’s first year and then scroll to February 16th & 17th. And, if you watch closely, right before that update is a picture of Mei Lan and LunLun kissing – and yes it was close to Valentine’s Day.
SDZ keepers and Moderators may also enjoy Jay’s writings as I am sure they will be able to relate. I know this is about the Atlanta Zoo and Mei Lan but hopefully, the moderator can let it slide by as it should be enjoyed by all panda fans.
DoxieMom #138 – Oh my goodness – absolutely amazing! Yun Zi is one very intelligent and clever little panda. He’s got it all figured out. I couldn’t stop laughing. I thought that the branch was not long enough to reach over the shed. Wrong! Yun Zi knew he could do it and had us all befuddled. I loved the way mama Bai spotted him and immediately pulled him right down. I also loved the way Yun Zi turned his little butt around and slid down for a soft landing on top of the shed.
Many thanks DoxieMom for being at the ready and finding all these amazing videos for us to enjoy – you’re the best.
The very first day that we saw Bai and Yunior playing around the box and saw her get on top, and him try to. I missed most of the photos because I was laughing so hard watching Bai go from the top to the “Headstand”. I was snapping shots before and after the headstand, and left them raw so you can see the progression on the timer. The try that day was from the ground-and unless I did not see it later he never got to the top, except for his nails or paws. I hope you enjoy them…Love Grammmie
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/7-WOW.jpg
Before Mommy came down from the roof to my perch.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/8-IWILLHELPYOUMOMMY.jpg
I will help you Mommy, I won’t let you fall.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/9-ICANGETONTOP.jpg
I can get on top too…I am a big boy.
I just rechecked the video DoxieMom made of the playing for that day, it cut off just a couple of minutes before he was left there by himself and did not make it onto the reel. If you want to see what happened before his attempt just watch the “playing highlight reel” below from DoxieMom. My links are for stills and only show that he indeed did try..I do not know which day he figured out how to get there. I cannot remember if his attempt was from the perch he was on before, or if he went to the ground. When he got tired he was on the ground though…Love Grammmie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhM_fJQ-T2c
Grammmie Norma #143, the first time we saw Yun Zi on top of the box (on PandaCam) was on January 26th, and he got there by climbing down the limb that extends over the box. (He did the same thing the next day also). As you saw in the above video, he’d played with the edges of the box as he stood on his ‘plank perch’, but he didn’t make it up there that particular day. Hope that helps!
I am home with the flu. What a privilege to view the panda cam midday. They are so entertaining and interesting to watch. Today before noon I got to watch them both playing & active. Yun Zi moved away from mom but mom tracked him down and initiated the panda play again. I as a native of San Diego am so fortunate to attend the zoo to see our bears first hand. I want to thank the San Diego Zoo and all responsible that are allowing all of us the joy & fun we experience by watching the panda cam.
#125 liz ‘panda stalker’ smith
The average panda home range is thought to be approximately 5 square kilometers (1.9 square miles), with male ranges larger than that of females. In areas of poor food abundance, the home range can be larger.
Thank You DoxieMom I enjoyed the action 5 or 6 more times too…Love Grammmie
I’m thinking about moving to San Diego!
Pandas,
Asian elephants,
BELUGA WHALES ESPECIALLY,
My kind of place!!
Joseph from Illinois it sounds like a great idea-especially if you have snow. I am sure you will fine the welcome warm and there should be some place to live. Maybe they will let you stay with the Pandas until you find just the right place….Grammmie
im absolutely in love with yun zi’s personality. ive watched him every day on the panda cam since he’s been born and he is just so wonderful and funny! thanks for this post…it’s really interesting to know about what goes on before we get to the exhibit. i had no idea that you would have to get there so early! i really admire you guys and what you’re doing for these amazing animals.
yun Zi loves to sleep. he is active while sleeping, Is he dreaming? He has gotten clever, backing down the branches after his naps. His mama keeps after him to climb, and wakes him up when he dozes off. When we see these videos,he has been up? and so since he is just a baby, he naps.? The funniest video, I saw was when he was sleeping and his trainers were trying to get him to come down!!that was a video worth an oscar! He seemed interested in the ball, and sniffed the apple?or fruit?But he was up the tree, and his little?? rear end was hanging over again, hard to get it up and going!! Also his mama tries to get him to climb, and then when he cries to get down she really gets exasperated! That is wonderful to see, she is really a mother. We get exasperated with our little ones too. And she loves him so much! She is so beautiful, and he is too. Is she the beauty queen of pandas? I never got too see them in the zoo before and I am so excited to see them and their antics. My birthday present from by daughter and son inlaw is a trip to see the Whole Zoo, but especially the Pandas. We get the Atlanta, and China and Taiwan too. But our Yun Zi and Bai Yun are really our own stars! Bai Yun shows him how to play, the blue ball episode, and rassels him around , good excercise, and we are the recipients. How lucky we are! Many thanks, you make every day fun for me.