Giant panda cub Yun Zi
The variety of behavioral and physiological traits among the eight living bear species is amazing. On one extreme we have the giant panda, a relatively docile bear whose dependence on plant material has benefited from unique physiological features like a gripping pseudothumb and an enlarged sagittal crest on the skull that anchors the powerful jaw muscles needed to chew the bamboo. On the other extreme, we have the entirely carnivorous polar bear, with adaptations specialized for its frozen habitat: large size, big paws with gripping surfaces, and insulating fur that keeps the bear warm even when swimming in frigid water. In between these two species we have a range of bears with unique characteristics.
Polar bear Kalluk
To envision the bigger picture of bear evolution, it is helpful to use a “tree of life” analogy. Imagine you are a little bug sitting on the far tip of a branch of a big tree. Every gardener knows that the tip of the branch is where you find the new buds, the most recent growth on the tree. On the branch that is the bear family Ursidae, the newest buds represent the living species of bears. Let’s start at the polar bear bud, since polar bears are thought to be the most recently diverged species. Crawl back toward the trunk of the tree of life, and the first branching you encounter would be that of the polar and brown bear lineages. These two species are the most closely related of the living bears, and their lines diverged from each other less than one million years ago. In evolutionary terms, that’s not a long time! No wonder they share so many similar features: large size, a diet typically heavy in meat (for the browns, at least part of the year), and in some areas, overlapping habitat.
Sun bear youngster Pagi
Now, little bug, crawl back toward the trunk of the tree and the next branching you encounter will be the point that separates the brown/polar group from the sun, sloth, and black bears, both American and Asiatic. This branching occurred between five and eight million years ago, and the timeline for divergence of each species is debated. One well-regarded theory holds that sun bears split from sloth bears first, and then the black bear lineages diverged. Other studies reveal little difference between lineages. These bears have a range of feeding strategies, from the highly insectivorous sloth bear to the fruit- and insect-eating sun bear and American black bear, which eat plants, bugs, roots, and, occasionally, meat.
Andean bear Tommy
If the little bug continues to crawl back toward the trunk, the next major branching that occurs is the divergence of the bears above (the subfamily Ursinae) from the subfamily Tremarctinae, the family of the Andean (or spectacled) bear. This divergence occurred about 15 million years ago. The Andean bear is the only species with 52 chromosomes in its genome, while the Ursinae all have 74 chromosomes. Andean bears are highly herbivorous, feeding on bromeliads, sapote, and even corn in planted fields in their native areas. There is much yet to be learned about this species.
The final split on the family tree of modern bears occurs closest to the trunk: the divergence of the subfamily Ailuripodidae from other bears, which occurred about 20 million years ago. The modern giant panda has 42 chromosomes and is the most herbivorous bear, subsisting almost exclusively on bamboo. The whole of this bear family tree diverged from its common ancestor with the Procyonids (the raccoon family) more than 30 million years ago.
So there you have it: a map of the bear family tree. It’s important to note that while we have eight living species of bear, there are many bear species that have not survived until modern time. The giant short-faced bear is perhaps the most well known, and it inhabited North America a mere 15,000 years ago! It was highly carnivorous. The cave bears of Europe, also quite large, lived at about the same time as the giant short-faced bear but were thought to be more herbivorous.
Most of our modern bears are conservation dependent: only the American black bear and brown bear are considered at little risk of extinction. It is our hope to conserve the rare bears of today so that they may continue to be with us tomorrow.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research.
Wow! I Love Pandas so much!!!! <3
That was a fascinating article, thank you Suzanne. I never knew that pandas diverged from the racoons, nor that they are the oldest of the bear family tree.
WOW EVERYTHING YOU wanted to know about bears and then some. I find it fascinating that we are most in awe of the Panda-that diverged earlier than other living bears. It had never occurred to me that bears would have such a change in number of chromosomes among them. Thank you for stimulating my brain…….Love Grammmie
WOW – thank you so much for this piece of information on all the bears. They are definitely one of God’s greatest creatures.
A great blog, Suzanne! I really liked your way of puting the lineage of the various species in such clear terms that even “dumb bugs” like I can understand. I’ll enjoy visiting our wonderful bears even more now. Thank you!
Wow, this was very interesting. Great stuff!
Now , I remember hearing that dogs and bears were “very close” on the evolutionary tree. Where do they fit in?
Is there a statistician in the panda fan lot? I took one class of statistics. Someone please calculate the probability of an eye being a random occurrence, being able to see out of a rounded mass. Someone please calculate the probability that a heart, that functions as it does, is some random occurrence. Someone please calculate the probability of a man and a woman being able to get together and create another human being. Someone please calculate the probability that a woman’s body could do all the things it takes to make and deliver a baby by random occurrence. I don’t buy evolution anymore. Not when you calculate probabilities. The probability is zero for all the fore mentioned. Teachers teach what they are taught and professors teach what they learned. But now that I am an adult, I can figure things out on my own. I can look at statistical probabilities, as well. With all due respect, I don’t believe that bears evolved, not from snakes, not from fish, not from pond stuff, and not from each other. When you look at pandas, I note what I read in a previous blog, that pandas have some type something in their stomachs that help them digest bamboo. Pandas are so different from other bears. I truly believe that our Creator made pandas and put them down in a location they are suited for. Same with the polar bear, they are in a location that is right for them.
I am not trying to be rude to anybody, I am fond of everybody at SDZ and on the blogs. Sometimes, someone will strike a cord that gets my intellect going. I do have a hypothesis though, that is not based on statistics. I hypothesize that the Lord gave the Chinese people the pandas as a blessing. The Lord loves the people in China, that is not a hypothesis.
Hmmmm! Food for thought, indeed. (Also, a black bear was in my dream last night…) Thanks for the info, as always! : )
Well written! They are all so beautiful.
Very interesting to learn about the bear family that goes back for such a long time. It is nice to learn that they all have different diets. Didn’t know that there were insect-eating bears. Thank you, your posts are great!
Karin
very informative post. like it!
This is a great post. Thanks for the education, Suzanne!
Gabrielle #7,
I won’t engage in a lengthy discussion on evolution vs creationism here, but I will say this: evolution does not dictate that things like eyeballs develop randomly. Rather, “descent with modification” dictates that complex organs such as eyes developed over a long period of time, in gradual steps. The benefits that each small stepwise change might confer on an organism provide it a selective advantage, which results in its increased frequency in the next generation.
Tiny # 2,
It would be more accurate to say that bears and raccoons diverged from a common ancestor.
I learn something new all the time!!
Q-bear #6,
There is some debate based on what techniques are used to assess this, but some studies suggest the first outgroup to bears/procyonids is the seals/walrus/sea lions group, and the next outgroup is canids (dogs).
An outgroup is the taxonomic level that shares a common ancestor with the group you are studying (in my article above, the first outgroup of bears is procyonids. I should note that not all research is consistent with that conclusion, and some lump the procyonids with the walrus/seals as the first outgroup to bears).
Thank You very much for the bear facts article, Suzanne! And! Bless the SDZ for having so many of the bear family on exhibit! We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to, as my Dad was fond of saying, Learn Something New Every Day!
Thank you very much, Suzanne! Now this makes me really want to trace my roots… it’s all just so fascinating. Bears and raccoons…raccoons ARE pretty darn cute, and it makes sense, they’ve been around so long, that’s why they are pretty darn smart, those critters…
…say “hello” to Uncle Ricky Raccoon, Little Cloud!
I was not trying to offend anybody. If I did I apologize. I am just trained to be very analytical, but I don’t do too much analysis being a mom. It is nice to think intellectual thoughts, and talk about intellectual things on occasion. I appreciate all the informative and very interesting blogs. I appreciate all SDZ does for the pandas and all the animals in your care. You all get a big thumbs up from me!!! Please give Yun Zi a hug for me.
When I visited the zoo I (unfortunetly) didn’t see the sun bears, nor the spectacled bear! But, I did get to see a polar bear, who was sleeping right against the glass. She (or he) was so long and beautiful. Polar bears are a truly unique mammal! Bears have an interesting diet, they sure aren’t picky eaters!
#7 Gabrielle in Tx: That’s what my mom and dad say. At school, they have taught me that all animals started out like little blob things. I don’t think that’s necessarily true. My dad told me it would have said in the bible about all of that stuff. But hey, I’m only a kid and we all have to respect eachother’s beliefs.
Grammmie: In the last panda-post, my friend asked you how old you were. I hope you didn’t mind, I understand it may be a bit rude. Anyway, I was wondering- how many times have you been to the SDZ? Have you ever been? I think, once in a comment you mentioned that you live near? I might be wrong, but I love reading your comments, you’re such a panda expert!
#2 Tiny: Did you know, it was once believed that the red panda was part of the panda family. They’re actually a member of the raccoon family, you can tell by just looking at them. Just wanted to share that with you…
Peace, love and pandas, CIAO!
P.S.
Thanks for making a new post, haven’t gotten one in a while.
Also, I might have been hard in my comment, but it was not directed towards anyone at SDZ, but towards the evolutionists. I have nothing but high regard for everyone that works at SDZ. I was not trying to be rough on anyone, please forgive me. I appreciate SDZ for educating my daughter and me about pandas and other wildlife. You are teaching us a lot about pandas and you made us into panda fans.
Thank you Suzanne for this great article. I learn something new all the time when I read all of the articles. Give Yun Zi a great big hug and kiss for me.
Pandas are so cute!
Suzanne – you have ALWAYS had the most interesting posts! I enjoy everyone who posts for SDZ! You hve no idea how much I’ve learned from this site starting with Princess Hua Mei!
Thank you!
Thanks for the great info. I always look forward to the staff blogs.
that was a very instering blog i love the fact that all bears come from the same place. but i do to believe in evolving because everything has to do it at least once. cant wait to see yun zi hopefully soon
#7 – Very well said. Our good Lord loves all of His creation, and that’s why I love going to the Zoo. None of those animals happened randomly, they were lovingly created by our perfect God, and it’s fascinating to see His ingenuity and wisdom with each and every animal. I will continue visiting the Zoo so that I can stand in awe of all that He has made! Thank you SDZ for taking such good care of these animals and giving us this learning experience.
We are all fortunate to have these bears and esp. the panda cams. As Gabrielle in Tx. says, our creator created them and put them in the place they needed to be.We have the advantage of getting close-up and lot’s of info on the bears and the good people at the SDZ to inform us. Thanks Gabrielle in Tx. and thanks to the good folks at the SDZ who take care of our bears, all of them.
Wow. Interesting “family tree,” thanks.
Conversation with Gao Gao #79
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Oh, hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: Now what’s this?
G: Oh, I’m designing spandex lycra swimwear.
T: Swimwear?
G: Yeah, for the next Summer Pandalympic events.
T: Full bodied suits?
G: Yeah, how do I look?
T: Gold colored shark skin?
G: Oh, the texture promotes a smooth glide.
T: But why gold?
G: It’s the golden dragon look.
T: Huh?
G: Don’t I look ferocious and intimidating?
T: Not really.
G: But once I adjust the fit…
T: Looks like it’s form fitting already.
G: But wait till I perfect the six pack ab design…
(in the other yard)
Yun Zi: Mama, Mama.
Bai Yun: What, my dearest?
Y: How do I look?
B: You’ll be sure to win the gold fish competition, my dear.
(in Bifengxia)
Tai Shan: Hey, are we ready!
Fu Long, Wu Jie: Ready!
T: Where’s Wu Jun?
F: Oh, he’s moved to a different villa last week. Wu Jie wears his astronaut suit now.
T: Good.
F,W: Hey, the water’s clear today.
T: And here comes our illustrious synchronized swim choreographer.
Hua Mei: OK! Let’s run through our Repair the Hubble Space Walk routine! (SPLASH)
I dunno, I was born in Southern California but if I moved to Alaska in a year I’d aclimate. nuff said
Grammmie : OH we need to be approved.Life expectancy of our building is only 30 years.This is why almost all the houses were destroyed in YuShu earthquake .Most of the victims were tibetan people.They should not live in those houses.That is not their way of life.
What a great post Suzanne, makes one wonder. I am not sold on evolution either, however I do believe that animals can change and adapt to different environments. I may have to re-read the post to fully grasp all of it, I kind of skimmed through however, what bears came from the pandas if they are the oldest? It sort of explains why they are so endangered. Thank you all for the information that you give to us, I look so forward to reading your posts. I feel like I learn new things all the times and animals are one of my favorite things to view and learn about.
I have not seen much of our little prince lately however I did witness some quality and precious time that him and mom spent together last night. She is so beautiful. I just look at Bai Yun in amazement sometimes. I have a question though, do you think that raising these bears in captivity to hopefully rebuild the amount of them in the wild can hurt them thriving there? I do not understand how once the animal is raised or partially raised in captivity can be released. I think it takes something way from them learning to care for themselves. Thoughts?
I love all bears so I really enjoyed your article today. It’s all interesting and yet confusing! I need a drawing of that tree. If I was the bug I’d be dizzy with all the twists and turns! Thanks
Thanks for the new knowledge, Suzanne. Anyway, can you add a diagram of bear lineage to the blog? It will help us, little bugs, to better understand the tree. Let’s say, the little bugs will be happy to have a “tree map.” I think I had read in National Geographic sometime ago. Just can’t remember on which edition.
Talking about learning, I just found out in Thai panda blog that Lin Ping wants to go to school and learn lots of new knowledge! Check out www (dot) pandainthailand (dot) net/index.php?lay=show&ac=photo_view&event_id=11586&pagephoto=1 from “Lin Ping Goes to School” gallery.
Her weight is said to be 33.5 kg. She is a ROLY POLY girl (don’t want to say big/fat!). Xi Lan is only 23 kg when he’s at about 1 y-old. I don’t think Yun Zi will pass her on the scale. Any one remember/know his recent weight?
Grammmie, perhaps we can have weightlifting on Pandalympics? Lin Ping might beat other Jr pandas on this.
Moderator’s note: You can find Yun Zi’s most current weight (33 lbs. or 15. 1 kg.)) on the Meet the Pandas page.
#19 GABRIELLE IN TX So far I have not seen anything to indicate anybody has been offened by what you wrote….if it helps I am not offended. There is room enough for many opinions…not everybody expresses theirs. From what I know of you, you would not deliberately offend anybody—and that is a good way for us all to be.
That being said—-please NZ birth a cub since we all want to celebrate with you. It was not until I started reading the blog that I found out just how rare our zoo is. We keep hoping for a happy end to the pregnancy watch….GO MEI.
For those that wondered as I did…Grizzly bears are a sub-group of the brown bears.
On a side note, I’m a Christian woman who believes in an awesome God that has used evolution to great effect!
Is the red panda AKA firefox the form between the revolution of raccoon and bear? I learned that there has been a long discussion about whether they are bear or raccoons. It was said that they walk like bear but look like raccoons. Don’t know about the final answers though. If anyone knows about that please tell me.
Thanks!
Moderator’s note: Check out our Animal Bytes fact sheet on red pandas.
#19 Gabrielle in Tx – you need not apologize to anyone for voicing your opinion.
The theory about the evolution of man is a source of much heated debate.
Therefore, it is our belief that really counts. That is whether, our beloved pandas evolved or was placed by a Creator where they are now found, in China.
I personally do not believe in evolution. But I won’t think less of anyone who does. We are all entitle to our beliefs and our opinions.
I also believe that Suzanne by her article is just trying to school us on the different research and studies that are out there about pandas and bears. A food for thought thing only, and not meant to impose on us.
Regardless of all the existing theories, the pandas are here. And instead of “lengthy discussion on evolution vs creationism,” we should all be concerned on how we can help to keep them here on earth for endless generations to come.
We should all be like #3 Grammmie, who finds the article “stimulating.”
Suzanne, since the time when starting to watch panda cam and read all the interesting reports and blogs I have been full of admiration of your knowledge and the time you have been devoting. This report was one of the best ones for me. Not only did you explain the evolution by using this “Tree of life” but also in such a way popular way that it was easy to understand. Thank you so much! Lately there have been so many reports on TV in Europe regarding Darwin which are absolutely fascinating and logical. Gee, Yun Zi has really grown! I just love him!
#13 Suzanne, yes you are right! Evolution has not been happening “over night” but gradually over a long, long period of time.
#7 Gabrielle, it is your personal opinion which I accept.
As always the SDZ, is best at keeping us informed! Great Post very interesting.
I agree with you Gabrielle. How could anyone look around at all the specail beauty around like our pandas, polar bears, and a beautiful yun zi smile and not know there is a Creator. And the technology to be able to watch them from the privacy of our homes at any time of day or night. I for one thank my Father everyday for all we have been provided. All these wonderful animals that are visable on sdz cams are so much pleasure for me to watch (since i have become disabled) have brought many more smiles to my face and actual out loud laughing than anything i can watch on tv especially the news channels. This place is pure pleasure for this old lady and I really appreciate all the keepers do to keep our special friends loved, fed and happy.
What a really interesting article, and I SO appreciate that you put it in such easy-to-understand terms! I am NOT scientific-minded at all, so this article was great for me. Bears are such awesome creatures and I wish I could give them all a big hug.
Thanks for the information…I think it’s awesome that you took the time out to explain and educate us. You guys do such an awesome job! Have a wonderful day!
Suzanne: Very interesting. I enjoyed the way you laid it out so it was easily understood. If you’re not already a teacher, you would be a good one.
Gabrielle: I wasn’t offended by your comments. I find the debate between evolution and creation to be very interesting. The fact that we can express our thoughts in a thoughtful/considerate manner and explore all possibilities is what makes our country great. Most importantly is Suzanne’s last paragraph. Conservation is the most important fact of all so that we and the future generations will all have Yuniors to watch grow up…
Hey-howdy!
Hope everyone has a pandalicious day! I’m off to school!
Peace, love and pandas CIAO!
Thanks for another fascinating post, Suzanne. Do you know where bears originated from geographically? Do they all trace their roots back to Asia and then migrated to other continents? Would raccoons then trace back to Asia as well?
Hi, thanks Suzanne for all your info: very educational.
I am still prejudiced, love those pandas!!!! Hoping now that Mei has a cub, and that this is not a pseudopregnancy. Went thru “Tai~Shans” growth, now am into “Yun~Zi”s, and they make my days so interesting. ~~~~ Love the polar bears too, they are fun to watch when swimming. Thanks again for your time and info:
# 7-Gabrielle, I loved your post & do not think you offended anyone. I love independent thinkers and people that are not afraid to express themselves. never apologize !! not all scientists, doctors, researchers,agree on everything. so……………there ya go! I myself like to give GOD alot more credit. there are alot of opinions and ideas out there. sooooo. we can listen, read, and learn, and have your own opinion on things. politics, religion, global warming, science, medicine, etc. you can get into alot of debate on everything. interesting things to discuss, debate, and argue about for sure. thanks for your opinion.
the pandas are certainly china’s treasure! AND, ours while in the USA! RIGHT?
Educational and interesting as always. Thanks for the education, Suzanne!
#34 Jessy – Yesterday they had a small celebration for Lin Ping 11 month birthday. She received some gifts but mommy had to investigate it, making sure it was safe for her precious daughter. Or perhaps to make sure she snapped the goodies that she could eat. I am curious about the extravaganza that will take place for her 1 year birthday…
Xi Lan was born on August 30, 2008. So he is nearly 20 month old. His weight on April 21, 2010 was 43.3 kg, less than 10 kg more than Lin Ping at 11 month old. So, yes in comparison, Lin Ping is Rubenesque, as Grammmie would put it…
WELL IF YOU ARE READY FOR for another great shot of our Prince Flufy-Butt on Rita Petita’s Flikr account use this link to go right on over there http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/ and enjoy yet another great shot of out boy. I am having a hard time with more photos….right now “My Momma Can Take Your Momma” shot of “Peck’s Bad Boy” is just so wonderful that I can hardly keep my eyes off of it. I hope you can enjoy it half as much as I do…..Love Grammmie
Suzanne … Fabulous article!
Your excellent composition is created from material that would certainly qualify for a thesis.
You make Panda # 101 so much fun, covering bears from A to Z….
All educators should teach like you do.
Thank you for writing an article that is easily comprehended by we Freshman Pandalovers.
Is there a chart available depicting the Ursinoid Family Tree?
I can sort of depict it in my mind by reading your article.
Makes it interesting……
Good morning all, I must admit to you that I am not reading any one’s comments directed towards me on this particular blog post, as I can tell that I might have upset some people. I have to walk in love with people, so I don’t read or listen to negative comments or press, if you will. I don’t want to fight with anybody, I don’t want to get upset with anybody, or rail on anybody. I am going to stay at peace (and go for a bike ride) and do my best to be kind to everybody. I want you all to know that I like and appreciate everybody on the blogs. I am fond of all the people who are involved with the blogs. Even though we may have differing ideas, I still am fond of you all. I mean that. I hope we can get back to talk of dancing pandas.
There seems to be a giant misperception about evolution. There isn’t any giant “sorter” who dictates who goes and who stays. Evolution is merely a reaction to the environment in which a particular species lives, whether flora or fauna. If a particular trait is advantageous to the specie than that specie will live long enough to reproduce. In other words…you gotta be well enough adapted to your environment to live long enough to have babies! Most evolutionary traits are due to a benign mutation. That particular mutation then turned out to be advantageous enough to allow that specie to live long and prosper in its environment and have many, many babies some of whom would have the same mutation and live long enough….etc, etc…. The mutation then became a normal part of the genome.
Thank you for this fascinating piece. I always think that Pandas and Racoons do share some similarities in their appearance. … shape of the head?…or shape of the body when they are walking or the cub is climbing a tree. I don’t know, but I get it!
#20 PANDA ANNIE No need to think I am offended to be asked my age….at 64 I still do not have grey hair….and mine is fine and fragile-I cannot dye it. There are plenty in my family with grey hair…but not me and I have no idea why. It is not like I am blonde making it harder to see lighter hair come in—I have medium to dark brown hair. I am glad you enjoy reading my comments—if I can add in some fun I always try to….but I am no expert….I only discovered the web-cam the day Yunior was born. And yes I do live in the Greater San Diego area but only saw the first pair of Pandas from a distance through binoculars. I used to have a year round zoo card, and used it very well, but I cannot get around like I used to, so I do not have one now. For my 64th birthday I gave up my driver’s licience. Somebody who can fall asleep, sitting up without support, like on the side of a bed, has no business on the road with a big old heavy car like mine was.
#29 P WONG another great conversation with Mr Gao Gao. Is it possible that we can send him on a speaking tour of the other zoos giving pep talks to the males on happy mating endings??? He and Bai seem to have things just as right as they can be. When Bai retires from mothering she could join him to give the mothers great tips on being ready for that every 2 years mating. We could send a keeper or two with them to help with translations and training keepers. Thier help is vital to get all of those princes and princesses going.
#31 MC IN SHANGHAI Hopefully the housing will be remade much better. Sometimes we in the USA forget that people living in outher countries just do not have the advantages that we do.
I was glad to see that Panda approval to read the top secret report is neccessary…we cannot be too careful of our knowlege before we are ready to share it. You visit “The Shanghai 10″ often enough that I was sure you were preapproved. Pandas trust the folks who love them.
#32 LINDA LUVS PANDAS The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park have been working with a large variety of endangered species for many years, and some have been sent back into the wild. That is why they try really hard to keep conditions for the Pandas as close as they have knowlege of the wild as they can. It takes many years to breed instinct out of wild animals….and the Pandas are lucky to have USA Zoos and Zoos around the world to try to help to try to repopulate the wild that is left. China is setting up large reserve areas as something like halfway houses to give the ones a generation or two away from release the best “wild” upbringing as possible. When so many are working so hard it is hard to believe that they will not someday be wild again.
#34 Jessy—Thank you for the idea for Summer Pandalympics. Perhaps it could be a male event and Lin Ping is the wieght. Remember the mad scramble for positions on the Winter Games Curling Teams when it was revealed that they were signing up because they wanted to get near the lady riding on the stone???? Those who could not find brooms to practice with were practicing with rakes, just like the one Yunior was holding???? We have to find that “Panda Interesting Twist” for our events so they do not get bored and fall asleep. Perhaps P Wong could help us refine our events for Summer Pandalympics too……Love Grammmie
Thanks Grammmie for the Rita links. I enjoyed all the pix. She has some great ones of Zhennie playing with an enrichment toy. Adorable!
Currently I am enjoying Mei eating a fruitsicle. She eats it with such precision and patience. She also has the cutest ears!
On the lighter side
What is up with Mei??? I’m trying to recall the signals of when a female is close to birth… don’t they stop or slow down with the boo? She’s still eating. What should we be looking for? I’ve tried to get on the NZ website today but I keep getting an error message so I’ve been checking in on Daniels webpage…but then I get booted off..
I’ve been neglecting LP and CK with all this Mei stuff…
Moderator’s note: Read the post Pandas: Getting Closer, which details the last few days leading up to Yun Zi’s birth.
The cams at the NZ are down now. Maybe she’s given birth and the server crashed (wishful thinking!).
I can’t get on the NZ cam either, it just says “buffering” and then “ready” but remains black. I am so sooo hoping this is a good sign! I was able to get on about an hour and a half ago. If anyone has info, let me know!!!
Both of the cam links on the NZ’s panda page are acting up. I wonder if something has happened?
#58 Dianna – Ohio
I’ve been having trouble getting on the NZ cams off and on all day–a lot of traffic I think. I keep thinking something is happening but then there Mei is, eating or sleeping again.
The more time that goes by, I’m thinking the less likely that there will be a cub. 
I do not believe in evolution, either. Instead, I am in awe of how God created each animal with the necessary attributes to survive and thrive in their environments. To me, it shows how great a designer God is. I enjoy hearing how all animals have similarities that classify them into ordered groups and families but each has some unique traits… kinda like people who are all basically (biologically) the same and from the same species, but who have different talents and attributes to fit their various environments and lives.
I especially enjoy giant pandas for being one of the animals that doesn’t easily fit into a family.
Thanks for letting me share.
No disrespect to anyone who holds different beliefs.
Joy
Gabrielle…
Please read my blog in the “Family Update” answers etc…#209.
Not about evolution per se…just some down home suggestions for you and your family.
More to do with your family tree and help getting started.
About your blog: Everyone is entitled to their opinions…That is what makes the World go round.
Discussion is healthy….That is why we live in a free country!
God Bless America…..
I respect the beliefs of all of the panda fans on the blog, but I would suggest that we keep this more about these wonderful creatures and the great care they are given by the SDZ staff.
I enjoy seeing Bai mothering Yun Zi and her other cubs. They are in an environment where food is plentiful and there are no pedators. SDZ provides them with a Garden of Eden and we get to watch them enjoying basking in that great environment.
On a social/political commentary – wouldn’t it be wonderful if every mother and baby could enjoy that peace.
#29 P. Wong – love your latest creation! As I was reading it and having the giggles, I was imagining the whole scene and I got to thinking – wouldn’t it be great to have all of the creative stories and conversations from you, Lucilla and others, whom I can’t name right now, presented as short skits on stage?? Complete with costumes and make-up? I bet the audience would be in stitches the whole time!! The program could also be in the format of a sitcom or a reality show – Grammmie, do you think this could be the cultural presentation during the pandalympics??
Evolution is not a belief – it is a scientific theory that is based in evidence – e.g., fossil records, carbon dating, genetic comparisons, etc.. It is open to revision and can be proven false as new evidence accumulates – although the evidence at this point overwhelmingly supports it. Religious beliefs are not scientific theories. They are not generally open to revision (although they are open to reinterpretation), and they cannot be proven false since they are not based on evidence – they are based on religious doctrines.
Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs – religion plays a very important role in people’s lives – but beliefs are not the same as scientific theories.
I too have been frustrated with the cam outages at the NZ today. I just went to The Washington Post and typed in a search for pandas and got to a story with video about what they are doing today. They said the National Zoo watches for signs of panda pregnancy. They said Panda keepers gather urine for hormone tests to determine if Mei Xiang is pregnant, driving samples in a cooler to their laboratory in Front Royal, Va. (Michael Ruane/The Washington Post) They should have news later today or tomorrow on Mei’s hormone levels which may, or may not, answer some questions. I still have hope since she is so convincing in her maternal preparations and I have seen all her other real and false pregnancies. Nothing would surprise me until the data clearly tells me what is going on.
Brilliant post! Suzanne, you are such a great educator!
I can’t get anything on the National Zoo cam, either, though the other animal cams are working there. I hope it’s just overload from so many of us around the world watching and not because something bad has happened. They do have a note on another camera saying it’s not working. Well, all fingers crossed for a cub!!!
Yikes………………I just wanted to check the latest update; let me JUST say, thank you — very interesting.
And I’m glad I’m not the only one who has experienced problems with NZ webcam. I was going crazy trying to find info on the internet to see if Mei had the cubbie and something happened or whatever.
I peeked at the cam earlier today, and I was blown away at how big Yun Zi’s booty looked in hammock. It actually startled me………………….he has grown so much since our convention in March. He looked so little up in the hammock a little over a month ago; an ear peeking out here or a foot there. Now he’s a big boy!
Don’t give up hope yet Laurie in Baltimore – maybe Mei will still surprise us! No news is good news; at least we aren’t hearing that the watch is over!!!
I got to see Yun Zi and Bai awake and prowling around the exhibit today on pandacam. I still watch in awe as I remember that we saw that very scene in person – the cave, the trees, Bai’s favorite boo eating spot. It takes me back to a wonderful, wonderful weekend with panda friends!
Check out the pictures of Mei Lan on Pandas Live On webpage… There is also a link to another website with more pictures of her. She is so pretty…
Something is different on the camera tonight. Well, it’s in color and crisp, well lit. Thanks to the camera people. It’s great and I see Bai Yun walking around and Yun Zi playing. It’s 8:30 pm in New England.
It’s around 5:46 pm Tuesday, Little Cloud is sitting up, handling some rather large branches of boo, while momma makes her rounds about the yard…Little Cloud thinks he’s a pretty big boy now, with his boo.
That little cutie pie!
I too agree that everyone has an opinion on evolution and the panda blog is not really the place for the debate. I know that no one means any disrespect to anyone, I certainly do not. I love everything that the zoo is doing to protect all endangered animals but am partial to pandas, i have loved them forever. I was just curious about taking the “wild” out of the animal and hopefully that does not happen and they can thrive where they belong one day. I have not read up on all the happenings in China toward this cause but will someday in my free time.
Curiousity and questions is how we all learn.
I have not seen much of cubbie since I am so busy at work, I get to peek in on him in the morning when the area is being cleaned by the hard working keepers and see him watching them. I hope there is a new cubbie also at NZ, I love watching the tender moments with mommy and cubbies, that is why I love watching Bai with the prince, the moments come fewer now but they are still heartwarming to watch.
ATTENTION MEI LAN FANS there are 10 lovely photos posted today on the blog Pandas Live On. If you do not have a link for the blog just put ” Pandas Live On ” (without quotation marks) in the address bar and you will go right to it. She looks both fit and happy—but then Pandas generally look happy unless Bai Yun or Yun Zi are giving us “The Look”. Enjoy…..Love Grammmie
More TOP SECRET photos are emerging from the just concluded STS-131 / Bamboo 11 mission. As all of you that are cleared for this information know, this mission had the world’s two fastest pandas, “Sooperpanna” Tai Shan and X-Man” Xi Lan flying the space shuttle Discovery. In this latest image, shuttle pilot X-Man adjusts his boom microphones before climbing through the shuttle’s side hatch to get strapped in before launch.
The photo can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/45944933@N00/4559486562/
Your nation’s Pandas In Space Project, home of the world’s fastest pandas, thanks you for your continued support!
#65 LUCY Another good idea. We sometimes get carried away from the topic we all love the most—the Pandas. I vote YES for mothers and babies in peace and plenty. I am proud of the fact that, so far, nobody has gotten angry….I think that speaks well of all of us.
#66 PAN-FAN-NORTH What a great idea for our cultural exposure. I am sure we can get some of the Keepers to participate, and some of the Pandas are perfect for the stage. Will you direct for us?????
#68 CATHY IN NW INDIANA How frustrating that they must drive the sample to another facility. The SDZ is so complete I bet there is everything needed for urinalysis right at the Panda facility, and if not, at the very least in the Zoo. On the other hand I know there are complete vetrinary facilities right inside the Zoo, with complete animal hospital facilities. The Wild Animal Park was conceived of and built many years after the Zoo was started….I bet their facilities are even more extensive. Now there is a subject for a future blog—what happens when a Panda gets hurt or sick?????
I can just see it now….were Prince Flufffy-Butt to get a hangnail there would be a flood of us wanting to volunteer as CandyStripers……Love Grammmie
Moderator’s note: We’ve had several blog posts about our hospital facilities and their patients at both the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. To see some of them, type “Yvette” into the blog site’s search bar for Zoo hospital posts (Yvette Kemp is a hospital keeper who has written several posts about the patients there) OR search for “HVMC” for posts about animal patients at the Park’s Harter Veterinary Medical Center. Good stuff!
pandasliveon has an update on Mei. either the cams went down due to too much traffic,or there was a cub., but as of 10pm east coast,the cams are back and mei has been sleeping soundly for the past hour ,and no cub. pandasliveon said that the N.Z. will try for an update tomorrow.this year no charts have been posted like in previous years.. i have the site on allday long and even at night when i cant sleep. im going to be busy the rest of the week .. have to go half way to pick up my granddaughter from Raleigh ,then get my daughter from the airport. son gets here from fl on friday. then the big day on saturday.The Race. [nascar is in town this wkend] My two loves other than my family—Nascar and pandas. what a life. oh and cavalier king charles spaniels. i have two. one got attacked by a big dog a week ago . just bruises and a sore leg and a little puncture wound. thanks for the updates.
I JUST DID MY EARTHQUAKE PAGE check for early evening—I am happy to report no new shakers in China. And our area of Southern California is down to about 800 aftershocks in the past week. I have not felt one for at least a week—-but I might have been walking or sleeping during them, I do not feel them if the situation is just right. I check the page when I first wake up, midday, and evening or late night……and any time I feel a shaker. I hope you all are well and on steady ground…..Love Grammmie
I SENT THE MEI LAN PHOTO alert out earlier in #69…..just for fun I decided to click on the link at the bottom of the photos just to see what would happen. It was all in Chinese, so for fun I started counting the photos on the blog…..I could have the number wrong—-but once you get to 100—YES ONE HUNDRED—–who cares if you are off a photo or two. I would say that LANIBEAR has a following or a fan so enamored they best check them every time they leave the grounds to make sure they are not sneaking her out with them. I hope that her many fans feel better knowing she may have taken time to adjust, but adjust she has. I can hardly wait to see what her first baby looks like….but I would guess that is a couple of years off. In the meantime she has the second best accomodations all to herself….Tai Shan got the number one, but she has lots of room, and he is “A Rock Star”. I hope lots of you get to enjoy the photos….Love Grammmmie
I PROMISE I WAS NOT GOING TO SAY—TYPE—another single word tonight, then Rita Petita did her Photo thing, and I just had to share it with you. It was presented to me as “Yun Zi climbs up from the other side of the tree structure to suprise Momma” but who cares…it is one of the most spectacualr photos we will ever see of those two together. I am just going to give you the link to the the one photo…..you will want to see more and will find your way there….or get help from the rest of us….Love Grammmie http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4559173473/ I agree with every comment made-(4 so far).
Between this and the Lanibear photos some of you will be busy and happy all day.
The latest news in the Washington Post is that Mei’s hormones have returned to baseline, and a pregnancy is unlikely. Sad if so. Still some hope floating around.
Great article Suzanne, I love discovering how we/animals came to be what we are at the moment. Fascinating, as Mr Spock from Star Trek would say!
#66 pandafan-north. What a great idea! I can actually imagine it in my head.
Guys, you wouldn’t wanna miss it. a cute panda cub learning how to eat bamboo from its momma, crawling to her head and tummy trying to grab the boo…Tons of cute cute cute pictures!
http://blog(dot)sina(dot)com(dot)cn/s/blog_49246d360100iaws(dot)html
By the way, the background music is called “thank you mommy”
I was able to get on the NZ website this morning… Mei was snoozing the first time I saw her, the second time she was out climbing rocks…
The newest blog from that site, they planed to mate “Hua zui ba” ( one of the panda baby in the video recommended by Mc shanghai)with “Bingxing”( 10 year old panda male).Huazuiba is famous for her temper. she bullied Bingxing and always took his boo while they were sent to Spain. They hope her to be more “lady” when she become a mother. Unfortunately, due to her temper the mating was a failure and she had a AI later.
Wow, Suzanne what great info. How proud I am of all the Panda bloggers. How wonderful to have such a peaceful, non judgemental conversations on such close to home topic. As for my feelings, I think Linda # 67 came the closest in her discription. I believe in creation because I believe in God. I believe part of that creation is Evolution. I don’t think it should be a either/ or. Man has interpreted God’s will. Hence why there are so many differant belief systems and practices around the world. If science shows evidence contrary to a belief that too may be God’s will. Maybe Evolution was part of his plan. Yet man himself did not have the scienctific ability at the time period of these interpertations. That happened long after. I believe God wanted us to dig deeper to have a better understanding. His guidence is through science. I donot believe scienctific studies attempt to debunk God, it is giving evidence that simply gives another theory other than man’s interpretations from long ago. Many people may feel if they look to science they are going against God. Those feelings were brought forward by man to make a either / or belief. I donot believe that was God’s intention. Now, on another note. False pregnancies! That in it self is something for further studies.I knew a woman many years ago who for 9 mos. doctors thought she was pregnant. They heard a heartbeat, she grew a large stomach and had all the symptoms. But there was no baby at the end. Doctors claim she wanted a baby so bad she willed herself to be pregnant and her body responded. The following year she had twins. Odd how life works. Everyone have a great day.
The Washington Post has a story that NZ has confirmed that Mei is not pregnant after all.
Washington Post article this morning says Mei’s hormone levels have been at base level since last Friday, meaning she should either give birth within a few days of that or is not pregnant. The lab tech said it does not look hopeful for a “completed pregnancy” this year. Pooh!
Well, it is confirmed (story this morning in the Washington Post) that Mei was not pregnant. So sad for all of us, but what a blow for the Washington fans who just had to say goodbye to Tai. I think she looks depressed this morning, just lying about, but maybe I’m projecting.
Well the NZ zoo has called off the pregnancy watch. Mei Xiang is not pregnant. With or without a new cub, Mei Xiang is incredible and I love her dearly. But I am so sad for her.
its 10.30am here. Update from N.Z. no cub this year for Mei Im so sad. there are several updates posted on their site. her hormones have reached baseline, which would have resulted in a cub had she been pregnant, but she once again had a pseudopregnancy. I wonder what is going on with Mei and Yaa Yaa . I feel really bad for both zoos. Hope fully Lun Lun will come thru for us this year .You must be doing something right at S.D.Zoo.
Sad news, Mei Xiang is not pregnant.
Sadly the news is now official, Mei Xiang is not pregnant and has experienced another pseudo pregnancy.
I am so sad that Mei Xiang is not pregnant. I feel just awful about it – for Mei, for the keepers, and for us. I am also wondering if the fact that she is not pregnant will have any effect on the NZ’s negotiations to keep them here. Tai Shan was really a miracle baby, I think.
P. Wong, thanks for your latest! It made me smile.
Tears are flowing this a.m. with the news that Mei Xiang is not pregnant. I prayed so hard for her and it was horrifying to read the news this a.m. She was such a wonderful mother to Tai Shan….why can’t she have another cub??
So sad about Mei Xiang! I’m praying for all the panda people at the NZ. What a heart-break.
Emotionally, it is bringing me back to the days of Ling Ling’s cubs.
Each cubbie we have gotten the privilege to enjoy grow up is precious.
#85 LUCY What a nice surprise—she had twins with her…. looks like the same photog as the Mei Lan Photos….how did you locate them????? It was nice to se that after the NZ update this morning—whenever we have sadness we need to see something happy….Love Grammmie
BRUCE IN KC……Great update on the Pandas In Space Program and photo too…Love Grammmie
I just read all the updates… I’m so sad for NZ.. It would have been nice to have another cubbie to watch. I wonder if someone should be doing a study on SDZ and why their breeding program is so successful!!! It all just can’t be luck can it?
Someone posted a good question about China and the panda loans. I know there is a contract for 10 years.. can this be broken? Maybe China would be more likely to extend the loan because of limited space in their facilities for nonproducing pandas? Or maybe they feel they might have more success at breeding?
Grammmie: Thanks for the RitaPetita photo alerts… This last one is my favorite along with the Yunnie Does Yardwork pic.
OH ,A lot of discussion on the evolution reminds me of “Friends”.Ross VS Phoebe.Marcel was sent to the SDZ…..
DOES ANYONE KNOW how much longer Mei Xiang will continue to labor??? I have been keeping vigil when awake since Friday evening and still saw her seem to be laboring within the last hour or so?????
Moderator–thank you so much for the search information about the zoo hospital facilities. I used to watch Zoorama with Bob Dale…I am sure that is where I became aware of the facilities……..Love Grammmie
I apologize wholeheartedly to Bruce for using his pictures in my story, but it is just too good to pass up, in my morning pondering.
In the year 4010 AD, the space programs of all countries have been disbanded because of their economies. The pandas, lead by their leader Yun Zi have moved to a deserted island somewhere where they have no human contact. (Yun Zi got tired of being called cute, so he sought out to start his own civilization of pandas. No one can approach their island, so it is thought.)
One day, a man named Dewain was walking through a dump, when he discovered an antique computer. Computers are no longer used in 4010 AD, but electricity is still used. Dewain plugs in the computer, it still works. On the computer, Dewain finds thousands of pictures of pandas that look like they were part of a space program. Wow! What a find Dewain thinks. (There is no proof humans have been into space in 4010 AD.) Dewain surmises that pandas MUST have superior intelligence to humans, since pandas have obviously been into space and humans apparently have not.
Dewain, takes his find to the international community. Dewain asserts that pandas MUST have superior intelligence to humans, as pandas have been into space and humans have not, based on the evidence he found on the abandoned computer. Dewain does not tell people that his assertion is a hypothesis, but asserts that his idea is FACT.
Since, panda fanaticism has spread accross the globe, all people in all nations have panda figurines and stuffies. People decide that Dewain’s ideas sound reasonable based on the fact that Dewain has pictures to back up his conclusion. People all want to be like pandas, since pandas just do whatever they want. Sounds like a good idea.
People get together and teach their children, generation after generation, that pandas have superior intelligence to humans. Children grow up thinking that pandas have superior intelligence to humans, after all pandas have been into space and humans have not based on Dewain’s assertions. Children grow up thinking it is good to act like pandas and do whatever they want, well as long as they don’t get caught.
Anyone, who says any different than Dewain’s ideas is treated as a heretic and thrown into the ocean. (Where they go live with Yun Zi.)
I share the sadness with everyone on the news that Mei won’t have a cub to nurture and love this year. It must be a terrible blow to the keepers and staff at NZ. I feel so sorry for them. So now, the bear to watch is Lun Lun. Come on, Lun!
It’s really sad with Mei. With her strange early estrus and the inexperience/unsuccessful natural mating with Tian, guess it’s just tough. Their 10 years loan is up the end of this year so they may have to return to China? Very sad. Well, hope and best wishes to Lun Lun. Also the pair in Vienna Zoo successfull mated naturally couple of weeks ago, so high hope and best wishes that FuLong will have a sibling. And Hua Mei, Mei Sheng, TaiShan and Mei Lan…
Lani looks beariful.
I know we’ve all talked a lot in the past about pseudopregnancies. Now that we know for sure there won’t be a new cubbie at NZ, can somebody refresh my memory? Does the occurrence of pseudos increase with age, or is this just another of those unexplained mysteries that go along with pseudos?
I agree with Marcia519: Tai Shan seems to have been their miracle baby. It makes me appreciate “our” other panda babies all that much more.
Moderator’s note: You may find the post Panda Pregnancies helpful, along with the comments that follow.
Just wondering/thinking–about Mei Xiang and Tian Tian at the NZ–since their 10 year lease is up this year and one of the primary purposes of their loan is for breeding, is it possible that they would take them back and give the NZ another younger pair for breeding purposes or just take the pandas back entirely? Just something that crossed my mind–while it would be heart breaking to lose them, I don’t know if the difficulty in producing cubs might weigh in on that decision.
Laurie, my friend, #109, I was wondering the same thing. I am sad!
#104 Gabrielle: I love it!
Those of us that have seen pandas “in the fur” already know that they have superior intelligence – just look at the way that Yunior has everyone wrapped around his little paw! We also know that the pandas have very successfully trained their keepers to supply all kinds of bamboo, apples and other yummies so they never are wanting for food, and to place enrichment items in their enclosures for the pandas’ amusement! How could you not do as these magnificent, intelligent pandas will us to do? 
Some pandas, such as YaYa and LeLe in Memphis, have even become commercial spokesbears. Next time you see the Panda Express commercial for their walnut shrimp, look carefully at the two – YaYa is the one doing most of the talking. Pay no attention to their stage names, we know who they really are
I really enjoy how “Project Bamboo” has taken on a life of its own, and I get a kick every time I see a reference to it in other people’s creative posts.
Here’s a great idea… they shoud loan Tai back to DC with some other non-related female so they can breed and take back Mei and Tian in his place. Mind you, I’d miss them, but I think having Tai back would cheer everyone up!
I am just heart broken that Mei will not be having a cubbie. Like so many human women who struggle to to get pregnant and have healthy babies, and some women don’t, Mei and Ya Ya just have a difficult time conceiving and maintaining a pregnancy. I don’t think it has anything to do with NZ or Memphis doing anything wrong or SD doing everything right – its the nature of each of the pandas. They are all amazing and I’m grateful for all of them, wheather they produce a dozen cubbies or none or one very very specail one like Tai Shan.
#112 Marie
If China does take Mei & Tian back, having Tai back would definitely be a comfort. There may be some thought that breeding Mei naturally might produce a cub and maybe China has a naturally breeding male for her. I wouldn’t hold my breath on Tai coming back but it’s a pleasant thought.
#110 Linda A.
I am very sad, too, my friend! I think I will look at pictures from the WONDERFUL time we had at the Convention to cheer myself up!
When the parameters and guidelines of panda loans were worked out, there was (still is) wording in the guidelines that problematic breeders would be given priority to be loaned outside of China, partly to compile research about the mysteries of panda reproduction. Those guidelines haven’t exactly been followed — most of the pandas loaned to the U.S. were too young to breed before they were sent here and their breeding abilities were a mystery.
The Chinese would be taking a big gamble if they send Tai back to the U.S. with a female partner, both of whom would be unproven and untested in the breeding department. (They’ve indicated that Tai probably won’t be ready for breeding until 2012.) In China, they are able to “mix and match” until compatibility is achieved. They may also wish to breed Tai with more than one female over time and they could not achieve that very readily, if at all, if he is in the U.S.
I miss Tai very much but it’s sad to hear that Mei and Tian seem to be expendable in the eyes of many if it means getting Tai back.
Cub or no cub, I love Mei and Tian. They both have such distinctive and wonderful personalities that any thought of sending them home just because they can’t reproduce is a sad scenario. I think we are so lucky to have them here with us. Do we send women away because they can’t reproduce? No we have made medical advancements to help them and we should treat them with the same dignity and respect. Perhaps I’m being over emotional about it all but the thought of them being sent away just because they can’t produce a cub on demand is just distasteful to me. Instead why can’t we view this as an opportunity to study further why some pandas can’t reproduce.
Bai and Yun Zi must have been having some real overnight romps–I think she’s been sacked out all day and Yuni must be way up in the trees.
And as soon as I said that, she wakes up!
#115 Melissa
You are reading into some posts, I think. The concern is that China might take Mei & Tian back since they are having trouble producing cubs. No one is suggesting that they should take them back. I do not want them to go–cub or not.
DEAR CAMERA OPERATOR: Yun Zi is on the ground walking around. Cant you PLEASE follow him around and go in for some close up shots. Its been soooooooooooo long since that happened. Thank you.
Oh well, too late. Hes back in his hammock now. Maybe tomorrow…..
Could someone please explain why that polar bear is going back and forth up, going up to the wall, and walking backwards swinging his head from side to side?? Excuse my lack of polar bear smarts, but I just started watching this sight, usually watching the pandas…..polars are awesome, as well!!!
Please, tho, can anyone answer why the polar bear dance (?)
Thank you!
Moderator’s note: The walking you see is a bit of impatience by our male as he awaits an opportunity to breed. We hope to have a polar bear update post next week!
I don’t want Mei and Tian to go either, in case anyone misunderstood. I love all the pandas!
Hi! Great article about all of the different types and species of bears, including the pandas! Very interesting and a very nice history lesson about thw world’s bears that are still living in the wild!
Now, it’s up to Lun Lun at Atlanta Zoo to hopefully have a timely estrus and ovulation cycle, have a successful pregnancy, then hopefully have a baby panda cub later on this summer! According to the latest update at AZ, Lun hasn’t shown any signs of estrus and ovulation yet, but they are still waiting on her timing to get that started and still monitoring her hormone levels every week. They have already started to get Lun Lun and Yang Yang reintroduced thru the howdy gate now for the eventual get together later on when Lun does have her estrus/ovulation cycle. Keep your fingers crossed, pandafans! Would just love to see another baby panda!
Well, I just got the news from the National Zoo panda keepers and vets this afternoon (Wed., 4/28). For the fifth year in a row, Mei Xiang has failed to give birth to a cub and had another false pregnancy! Another piece of sad news a couple of months after Ya Ya lost her baby panda!
Well, not much else for right now. I’m a little bit bummed, but there are some other baby animal cams, plus Yuni’s pandacam, to look into for awhile! Oh yeah, also keep fingers crossed for Chinook, too! Would love to see her with one or two baby polar bear cubs later this year!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
#116 Kathy: I wholeheartedly agree! With Mei Xiang in Washington and YaYa in Memphis there is so much that can be studied to find out why they went into estrus early, if a pseudopregnancy is caused by the delayed implantation failure of the embryo, etc. This is a golden opportunity.
One thing that irks me is the mention in most articles on pandas that they are “poor” breeders. Anyone that has watched Gao Gao in full rut knows nothing is further from the truth!
If anything, pandas are slow breeders, since they only get one chance a year, and typically only raise one cub.
#101 DIANNA – OHIO I check the Flikr page for Rita Petita several times a day to see what is new. Sometimes there are days with no photos put up, or very few, others we get 24 in a set….so I check more than once a day….I was surprised 3 times last evening. I have her Flikr account in favorites, near the top of the list, and working my way through I stop there often.
It does look like SDZ has both luck and great program going for it, but it has something to do with Gao Gao and BAi Yun themselves. If it were just our program, and I were China, I would insist that every other zoo make a complete study of our system, right down to the quiet areas, but 1 AI and 4 natural births has a lot to do with the Pandas themselves. My guess is Luck, Love, Superior Pandas, Great Program and whatever else could cause a better birth rate.
FOR ANY OF YOU HOPING TAI might be sent back with a female–nice thoughts, but he has been adopted for life by a car manfacturer in China, there is no way he could be allowed to come back here. He is their handsome Rock Star–there will be no lettting him go. Hopefully they might send NZ another pair, maybe they will get their “GG and BY”. Speaking of Pandas here—I waonder if it was choice or chance that each Panda family here is related—or has it more to do with Pan Pan the father of so many.
#103 MC IN SHANGHAI was Marcel on a breeding loan or just here for study like Brooke Sheilds was when she was in college and interned during the summer.
#106 Belle It seems next to SDZ ZA has the best breeding record. I do not rmemeber if it is natural breeding or AI or a mixture. So we will get the cheering section ready for Lun Lun and send our best wishes for success. Somebody mentioned the natural breeding pair in Vienna, it is remarkable that they spend all of their time together, yet when breeding time comes around you cannot pry them apart according to what I read. But Fu Long of the white toes is their only cub…..here is wishing them an extra good year and another cub too.
#116 KATHY, CANDA (I am a fellow Canadian) even though I have spent most of my life in the Greater San Diego area. I do not think they would send the NZ Pandas back just because they are not able to produce another cub, but if a more fertile couple could be achieved how wonderful for the whole world. We need lots of more Yuniors to tease and beat on their mothers for our amusement don’t we????
#117 FRANCES IN NYC I had their screen up for most of the night, and only saw them once near the end of the day, and window in the corner for a short romp to not be missed…but Idid not see a thing. Do you suppose Yunior got to dancing so fast that he faded into the background???
Oh well the NZ just announced that Mei had another pseudopregnancy and the pregnancy watch has ended…..I too love Mei and Tian Tian as they were our first US Pandas that we visited when they first arrived and became instantly lovers of Pandas……Cub or no cub I agree that both the NZ and MZ have perfect scientific studies to hopefully find out why some Pandas can’t conceive as this could help researchers hopefully figure out the problem which in the end will help preserve our favorite black and white bamboo Bears to survive before their gene pool becomes too small to allow their survival….. As much as I would love to have a Tai Shan replacement we all should hope the research can find a cure for their infertility as this will ultimately ensure that Pandas can survive as a species…..
To all my GPF Family and Friends Lynn was hoping to be home for her Bearthday last Saturday but we are now hopefull to have her home by Mothers Day……Again I can’t express my gratitude enough for the kind words and prayers as we are a Global Caring Family that coupled with the kindness and generosity of the SDZ Moderators and Staff have come together in lending support to our favorite Pandas and each other thru these blogs…. I agree with Dr.Lynn Rogers the Bear Walker of the North Woods that knowledge can help overturn many of the stereotypes and prejustices that all Bears are vicious killers as we learn the truth about our wildlife and try to get the truth out there for everyone to see ……
“Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living Things……”
#123 Marie, thank you for clearing that up, your initial comment sounded like the only thing that mattered was people being cheered up with no concern for Mei. I had certainly misundersood your comment.
Oh I feel so sorry for Mei. Darn……
I am also heartsick that Mei is not pregnant
But at least this year the suspense didn’t go on for days before we got the sad news 
Probably Mei thought she couldn’t handle another cub like Tai 
I’m hopeful that China will extend the loan agreement with Mei Xiang & Tian & Tian. So we have SDZ with their wonderful cub producing pandas ZA with their 2 fun cubbies & the NZ with their miracle panda (Tai Shan)
Bruce in KC, you are very kind. I am glad you are okay that I referenced your photos. I was pondering this morning. It occurred to me that thousands of years from now people may have forgotten about the space programs, but want a bet that your pictures will still be in circulation. I like the space programs as we have NASA in Houston, it is just that you can’t forget pictures of pandas in space.
You know, Yun Zi was spurred on to start his own civilization by his mom Bai Yun, who sees herself as a panda Eva Peron. (My grandmom liked Eva Peron, so that is for my grandmom.) Of course, big brother Mei Sheng and the “Gao Man” are head honchos in the Yun Zi government.
I feel compassion for everyone who was hoping for a Mei cubbie. By the Grace of God, next time Mei will have a cubbie. We had just started participating in the pregnancy watch at night. No offense to Tian Tian, but maybe they can borrow Gao Gao. He gets the job done!
#99 Grammmie:
http://blog(dot)sina(dot)com(dot)cn/xiongmao
This is actually the front site of the blog. The top of it is all pictures but when you scroll down you can click every title and go into those personal blogs written by Mr. Lan, the veterinary of Chengdu Panda base. At the end of the page there are little blocks with 1,2,3,4…they are page numbers.Clicking 2 leads you to page 2 of the blog after you finish page 1. There are tons of pictures! I mean like at least 50 every blog. He wrote many funny stories about pandas too. Use google translator to take a glimpse. One of them is about a naughty baby panda ate Zaojiao , a plant that produce foam and was used in ancient time as shampoo. She then vomited foam all over her mouth. It looked kind of scary but the vet said all plant in the base were low poisonous or not poisonous at all. So don’t worry. They didn’t stop her from doing so because tasting those plants helps pandas to tell what is edible and what is not when they live in the wild on their own one day. (Sure we hope so!)
I absolutely adore Mei Xiang, and as much as I hoped for another cub from her, she gave us Tai Shan, and that’s good enough for me! Maybe the NZ scientists and vets can determine why Mei keeps having pseudopregnancies instead of a real pregnancy. I know that panda researchers in China are doing work on determining the causes of panda infertility; maybe their work will eventually help Mei conceive. I hope China will use this as an opportunity for scientific research between our two nations and extend Mei and Tian’s loan agreement, but I’m not hopeful. I have a feeling NZ will be getting a new breeding panda pair in 2011.
Gabrielle #131: A few years ago, Mei was AIed with “essence of Gao Gao”. It didn’t take.
#128 HI Mollie–nice to see you.
#131 GABRIELLE IN TX The thing about loaning The Gao Man out….I am not sure we know how much is Gao, how much Bai and how much the combination of the two having great chemistry. He might not do well with a less playful, happy bear that Bai can be, how much is SDZ way of managing things, etc. Bai seems happy to have their every two year get together….but both bears are well prepared by the steps the staff takes to make things as natural as possible for them. The first time they mated and had a cub I am not sure who was more surprised….the beears or the zoo.
As for the further explaination of the story—would we address him as Yun Zi Peron???? And we may never see a happier bunch of AstroNUTS than the Pandas. I would love to see the reaction of a regular everyday Astronaut to the photos and stories of the Great Giant Panda Astronuts. Now that would be a gas….Love Grammmie
So sad about Mei.
#126 Grammmie ：Marcel was Ross’ monkey friend on the show “Friends.” 。He got sexually aggressive and humped Ross’ leg.Later Ross’ veterinarian advised him to place Marcel in a more animal friendly environment and so Ross arranged to have Marcel sent to the San Diego Zoo.Marcel’s favorite song was “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” There was a time I also really like this song.
Here is Lin Wei Zhou’ blog:
http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_5d12f2f50100hc02.html
Some recent photos of Mei Lan
Appologies for talking about other zoo pandas on SDZ forum
But the non arrival of a cub for Mei got me thinking about pseudopregnancy. I know in some animals there is a case for reabsorbtion of the embryo/fetus and I was just wondering if there is any documented evidence that pseudopregnancy isn’t as it seems but that the diapause stage may be causing what appears to be a pseudopregnancy.
What I am thinking is that the panda becomes pregnant, which is why the hormones rise but at some point in the diapause stage the embryo doesn’t get that signal to develop and therefore reabsorbs. So panda mother is actually pregnant but that it doesn’t result in a live birth, and that is why they have either a pregnacy or a pseudo for the human point of view.
Hope this makes sense.
Bai was on a quest for food this early morning…3AM in San Diego!
Little One was toddling right behind Mama…maybe he wanted a little drink? So funny…
Now I know why they are most always asleep during the day.
One must get one’s beauty rest.
I guess Mother Nature knows what she is doing by the amount of sleep they get…
and by the looks of the SDZoo Pandas she’s doing just fine!
Ah, let’s not gang up on Tian. In talking with panda keepers at NZP I learned that it is apparently Mei’s inability to “assume the position” that is a large part of their failure to mate naturally. The thought is that Mei is just not a “breeder”. She is a lovely, lovely lady with a great personality and greatly loved even if she doesn’t produce a cub every two years.
When I posted my comment about wondering if Mei’s false pregnancy would have an effect on negotiations, I hope it wasn’t misinterpreted. What I meant was that if Mei had actually given birth to a cub, then I think China would have had to let Mei and Tian stay; but since she didn’t, I just wondered if China would decide not to extend their stay or send different bears. I LOVE Mei and Tian and I really want them to stay. But if China decides to take them back, then my fervent hope is that they would send another pair.
I do not want to sound like Mei and Tian are easily replaceable, because of course they are not. They are sweet, wonderful bears and I love them. But if we are not able to keep them, my next hope WOULD be that China would send us two more. I think it is CRUCIAL that the NZ always has pandas. I’d like to think that my wish is due to the fact that it is our national zoo, but I must admit that my wish is probably more due to the fact that the NZ is the closest zoo (that has pandas) to my home!
It was reported yesterday that Mei Xiang is not pregnant. I never even knew who she was, but I just read about her. Tai Shan is truly a miracle baby. I hope that Mei Xiang will have another baby. I am going to the Washington D.C. zoo in late May with my class. Anyway, I will be feeling a little bit down today. Sigh
Peace, love and pandas CIAO
Moderator’s note: Don’t feel down–think of all the successes the world’s panda population has had over the last decade or so! Celebrate hope and the future!
Dear Moderator,
Thanks for your suggestion at the end of #78 post.
I spent some time yesterday looking at blogs written by Yvette Kemp. They were really intersting…. lots of information about the hospital facilities at the zoo. I loved the story about the flamingo ’round up’ and spa day!!
Also the info about the animal hospital at the Wild Animal Park, in this link http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wap/ex_harter_vet_hospital.html
I have gained so much knowledge in reading the blogs!! mainly the panda ones, but desert tortoise, elephant, or just about anything that catches my eye. What an education!!
Thank you for giving us links to previous blog topics… and thanks to all the zoo keepers, researchers for writing on a variety of topics.
And here is one that the panda fans will enjoy… found in the Girls in Science topics list:
http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2007/02/01/a-little-enrichment/
I’ve just been watching Kalluk trying to get two pylons in his mouth at the same time. Alas, even his mouth isn’t quite big enough … or maybe he hasn’t figured out the right combination yet!
Sorry about Mei Xiang.
I was looking foward to a Tai Shan’s sister or brother.
If I may, here is a little arm chair quarterbacking from a big mouth know it all in Austin, Tx. Yee Haw! (My man does the Hoo Ray! and Hoo Yah!, I do the Yee Haw!) I know absolutely nothing about being a veterinarian or dietitian. (However, by the Grace of God when my daughter goes to college in a few years I can go get an additional degree and be a veterinarian.) I have taken a lot of biology courses, though. (I think the human body is fascinating. I have developed my hypotheses on life based on my study of biology.) I would be curious to know how the diets at SDZ and NZ compare. I would compare the two diets. Is there a nutrient that, perhaps, Mei is missing in her diet that Bai Yun is getting in hers? Someone said that Mei was AI in the past and it did not take. That makes me think to look at Mei first. (Yeah! Bai Yun doesn’t have to share Gao Gao. I know I am relieved.) I know absolutely nothing about pseudo pregnany and I don’t want to know anything about pseudo pregnancy. (I too like to get the job done.) Is it something with Mei’s pysiology? Is it her hormonos?
I pushed the wrong key, but the word “hormonos” gave me a good laugh. I meant to say hormones. I will “Amen” Moderator’s note on #142. By the Grace of God, the veterinarians will have wisdom to know what is causing the pseudo pregnancies. Then the cause can be remedied and Mei can have her cubbies. All is well in panda land. Things will work out for Mei, by the Grace of God.
#132 LUCY Thank you so much for the information…..I hope lots of folks take the time to look it over besides me. It was kind of you to remember that I need guidance to get places on my computer…you have made it very easy…..thank you, thank you, THANK YOU….
#137 MC IN SHANGHAI Well now you know I often do not start watching a series until it is in syndication on odd cable chanels. If there is a good movie on I choose that first, even if I have seen it 20 times and it is very old, other things always come after that. I used to watch the discovery chanel 20+ years ago when it did not even have commercials. I think the first of any education I got about Pandas I got there. I loved watching how hand made shoes were made, why my last name I have now mean “Barrel Maker” like my dad told me after Lloyd and I were married–yes I am a “Cooper” and how the barrels were made is still fascicating, the very old ways of doing things in manufacturing clothing etc. I know things advance and change—I know commercial time is need to keep things floating….but I miss the good old days of an uninterrupted hour of nothing but Pandas, or some other animals. But then I was not a Pandafanatic until last August when Yun Zi loudly announced his entrance into into his mom’s arms, and the world has not been the same for me since. I will watch the link you sent me later….I am just up for a bit before my last pills make me sleepy again. Thank you…..
#138 CELFY It made sense to me and I am half asleep….surely it got through to others even better….
#139 GEORGIE I saw that too and wondered why she was doing her “FEED ME POWER WALK” when I tuned in in the middle of the night. It took a bit for me to see Prince Fluffy-Butt, then as they left stage right I saw him stop and he stayed in the same place a long time. I then realized that the camera was on it’s “break” and that is why the Butt did not move for awhile. I refreshed to an empty screen except for the enclosure, but the “refresh” did nothing for me, so I went back to sleep….. (It was the Princes BUTT that I was viewing.)
#141 MARCIA 519 IN PA Well Said ! ! ! I think you covered everybody’s bases on their dream wish. I agree that it is nice for our National Zoo to have Pandas, no matter where you live…..just as long as we have them in San Diego too. I imagine we all feel the same way about out nearest Panda Zoo………
MODERATOR you are right—think of what stides have been made in the last decade or so and celebrate that China has allowed so many to see and be in the presence of Pandas. Every day gets better and better, and what has happened will add to our knowlege which is all good, even though we would all choose a cub over it…..Love Grammie
Mei Xiang is healthy and happy and that is all that matters. Besides, there is no shortage of cuteness this year. I know most of you are panda junkies, but don’t forget to check out all the elephant babies. I have never seen so many squeezable rumps in one enclosure before.
I was not sad when I read Mei was not pregnant, however, I was sad when I read the update from Rokan’s (National Zoo’s Tiger) keeper gently breaking the news that Rokan will probably not be with us much longer. We must not be sad for those not born, we must celebrate and appreciate the ones that are here.
#140 Beverly – I have observed what you said about Mei not knowing how to “assume the position.” I’ve been watching her and Tian every year since after Tai was weaned. (Pandafans can go to youTube and try to find the videos of the two trying to mate – Tian knows what to do but when he gets in the right position, Mei often plops her fluffy-butt flat on the ground – poor Tian gets so frustrated.) Mei is quite the tease, too. Every now and then, NZ will put them together in the same enclosure – Tian is always ready to play, and sometimes, they have a great time, but when Mei has had enough, she just growls at Tian and gives him a swat and he’s off and running!! It’s actually funny to watch sometimes but I feel sorry for Tian most ot the time. He’s such a meek panda!
Thank you, Moderator, for explanation of Polar Impatience Dance. I guess, knowing men, that makes a lot of sense…
just couldn’t “bear” hearing that he was going thru some sort of “cabin fever,” I mean how much more room can SDZ give them to roam, yet be safe and sound…?
Thank you again!
P.Wong-you are too funny! Keep up the good humour!!!!
Something to ponder about giant panda reproduction…. When Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing were in Washington, they had a total of five cubs, and sadly none survived. When Bai Yun gave birth to Hua Mei, everyone held their collective breath, and she survived to become the first successful giant panda birth in the US. For the first few weeks no one knew for sure.
Then came Mei Sheng, and then later Tai Shan and Su Lin, a little over a month apart. Next we celebrated when Mei Lan was born, then Zhen Zhen, Xi Lan, and now Yun Zi. It seemed for a bit that the zoos had this panda breeding stuff down, but Mother Nature decided to show everyone who’s boss. With Ya Ya’s two misscarriages, and Mei Xiang’s pseudopregnancies, we are reminded once again how much of a miracle those eight cubs are, and how important each and every birth is for the survival of the species.
We can never take the births of these cubs for granted.
I have been very interested in the genetic make up of Pandas. So I have done some research on my own. Got info from Chang du?? research station via computer. Their behaviours fascinate me. yun Zi hs his own wayof falling asleep. And has done so since a very small cub,on the platform and now in the hammock and trees. He sucks on hi feet and paws. And does some little movements, as if he is trying get situated in a certain way. I love to watch it, and when i see it I know he will soon be asleep when he has done his little preparation. And so he sleeps.
I love to see his mother tell him what he must do. Wading, sitting and waiting, scold him into staying put, until,she releases him back on his own. She is a wonderful mother, and perhaps that is behaviour of thousands of years , like going to the trees when possible danger or real danger occurs. Yun Zi has a mind of his own, but his mother is the boss and he learned that very young. From what I have seen lately of babies in the wild , they must have that discipline to live. The wild ,as I have seen from the Chinese videos, is a really scary place for a tiny baby much less a growing cub with lots of places or possible predators for harm. Behaviour of a species apparently wild ones, allows the species to survive. The mind and brain is incredible. Two separate and viable forms, and lately I learned we have, and all species, a magnetite crystal structure in our brain, attuned to our magnetic environment. GOD or nature. We are a wondrous creation. And our sweet and dear Pandas are truly special and I for one am glad they are part of our lives. Many thanks to the Zoos where they are loved and cared for by all.
MC. I remember Marcel very well from friends and the scene you are talking about. Also the one when he kept pooping in Rachael’s shoes. Soo funny. I miss that show. Celfy – That makes alot of sence.
Grammmie, I just remembered your comment. I am thinking maybe not “Yun Zi Peron”. Yun Zi is his own man or panda. I used Eva Peron as a idea of what Bai Yun would be like as a ruler. I don’t know that much about Eva Peron, except my grandmom was watching a movie about her in the past. I went to google yesterday to look Eva Peron up, before I used her as an model of what Bai Yun would be like as ruler. I think she was pretty and a female ruler. (There are not too many female rulers to draw from. I do really like the Queen of England. Except, I see Bai Yun as being a little bit younger.) As far as Yun Zi, I am trying to picture how Yun Zi would be as a ruler. I am thinking Yun Zi would be a benevolent leader. If I had to cast Yun Zi as a leader, I would use Churchill as a model. Churchill, was very brave and wise, very, very wise. I see Yun Zi as being a very brave and wise leader. I think Yun Zi, Mei Sheng and the Gao Man would be good leaders along with Queen Bai Yun. Of course, the two girls will be enjoying being princesses. I look forward to living in a Yun Zi civilization. Yee Haw!
Grammmie, I will tell you a secret. Sometimes, when I see a car load grey headed couples (not that you have grey hair), I envy them. The day and the time of your generation, at least I think it is your generation or maybe the generation before your generation, seems like a sweeter time.
Where has Yun Zi been the last couple of days – I really miss seeing the little guy – I’ve watched him almost every day since he was born and it has been amazing watching him grow and his personality develop – he is way too cute. While in China, I was able to hold a baby panda about the same age as Yun Zi now – makes me want to pick him up and cuddle him!
The only time I see Gao Gao is when he’s indoors eating boo. I suppose the only camera that shows him is the one indoors, right? I just hope that he does go outside every day. (However, he does seem content to sit and munch.)
Whoever mentioned the baby elephants… TOTAL CUTENESS! I’ve watched them on the cam a few times.
I was reading about the polar bears last week. Will this be the first time they are mating? If I remember correctly, there is a brother/sister team. Are there chances they could mate with each other since they live together or is it instinct that they won’t?
Moderator’s note: This is the second breeding season for polar bears Kalluk and Chinook, a non-related pair; last year’s season did not produce any cubs. Tatqiq is Kalluk’s sister, but she is on birth control.
Conversation with Bai Yun #30
Bai Yun: ZZZzzzz.
Yun Zi: Mama, Mama! Yun Zi wakes! Time to play!
B: ZZZzzzz.
Y: Here comes Free Fall Drop From Scary High Limb Maneuver! (Crashes onto Bai’s head)
B: Huh? Oh, you again.
Y: Follow with Wildly Chew Mama’s Ear Maneuver.
B: Side to Side Head Flip Toss Off Cubbie Maneuver.
Y: Back Flip Layout Dismount. Heehah!
B: Rollover Hide the Head Maneuver.
Y: Grab Mama’s Scruff Hang On For Dear Life Maneuver.
B: Rollover Release Cubbie From Neck Maneuver.
Y: Woo Hoo! Aim Straight For Mama’s Milk Bar Maneuver.
B: Hide The Milk Bar Roll Up Maneuver.
Y: Grab Mama’s Shoulder Yank Real Hard Maneuver.
B: (Sniff, sniff) Is it boo time already?
Y: Huh?
B: (Grabs some bamboo) Crunch!
Y: Dive Into Boo Pile Maneuver. (Snap, crackle)
B: Whew! Saved by the boo yet again.
(In Gao Gao’s yard)
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: I hear talk of a Mama Toss Off Aggressive Playful Cubbie Event.
G: Yeah, there’s been some talk of that.
T: No go?
G: Maybe not this time.
T: Maybe make it an exhibition event?
G: Maybe.
T: Now what are these drawings?
G: Oh, they’re swimming pool designs.
T: Pandalympic pools?
G: Yup.
T: But this one is only six inches deep.
G: Oh, it’s for the Cub League Synchronized Swim Events.
T: So what about the adult events?
G: Oh, Hua Mei said doubling the depth will suffice.
T: So wouldn’t there be a lot of splashing?
G: Oh, yes, it’s for the Art House Splash Style Synchronized Swim Event.
I quiz all you guys:Which sense is the most insensitive as a giant panda?
The keeper:”Come on ,Kelin ,ShuLin,have some apples
The Keeper:”ShuLin,Do not take your sister’s Apple!”
ShuLin always eats fast,He said:”Licking my sister’s hand can always be right?”
KeLin :”Little brother, you lick enough yet?”
ShuLin:”not yet….”
http://blog (dot) sina (dot) com (dot) cn/s/blog_5d12f2f50100fy6f.html
More unique, behind the scenes photos continue to emerge from the TOP SECRET Project Bamboo. In today’s photo, the intrepid all panda crew of Bamboo 15 / STS-145 visits the flame trench under the space shuttle Discovery as it sits atop launch pad 39-A. On launch day this is unquestionably the hottest spot in the State of Florida.
The link to the special TOP SECRET server in an underground fortress under a non-descript building near an undisclosed zoo is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/45944933@N00/4564342947/
Only those with TOP SECRET clearance, anyone that has been cleared personally by a panda, or anyone who is a panda fan is authorized this image.
Your nation’s TOP SECRET Pandas In Space Program is depending on you!
#158 SHIRLEY Here are some links to a few photos of Gao Gao in other places than his room. The ones where it says Rita Petita is the photographer will usually have the dates with them that they were uploaded. Any others I do not remember who the photgrapher is, and I have no idea of the date……Love Grammmie
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4322638776/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/3231858684/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/3717096498/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/2293407639/
What the heck—choose from all of them yourself and enlarge each to really get everything
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=GAO%20GAO&w=10097937%40N08 LOVE GRAMMMIE
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/1-4GOAGOALOOKINGFORHISBAMBOOORBAIYU.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/1-3THISGOAGOAPHOTOSHOULDBESHOWNWITH.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/wildredchild/1-2DADDYGOAGOAAGAIN.jpg
How long is “spring” in Polar land? I only started watching SDZ bears since Yunior was born. So I never saw Kaluck do the Polar Bear Dance until this spring. Does he do it every year? Give him a Bud Light, a remote, and a TV to watch the Lakers……he he he Bye, Love to Panda People
MY LAST POST ENCOURAGED ME to cruise a lttile longer—and i found wonderful things. It seems we muct rethink that gold medal for Zhen Zhen in Tree Areobics….look at Su Lin. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/2867316495/in/photostream/
Perhaps somebody knows if she has kept up her training and can let us know. At the very least she would be an asset for the team portion of the competition….Love Grammmie
(The original search was on the Rita Petita Flikr account, and in the search box I put GAO GAO. As I scanned through some pages I started seeing Bai Yun, and other Pandas, saw this pose and had to stop.)
#156 HI GABRIELLE IN TX So we will go with Yun Zi Gao for the time being—until he creates his own house???? I agree that Bai is beautiful, sexie, sharp, and driven. She steers her own car, occupied by only those SHE wants. Her children are her pride and joy but not her only reason for living. You may be mistaken in Gao—-I think he is simply a ladies man….and we are responding to him. Take a look at some of the links I sent of the photos…….
Yes Mei Sheng will be a leader too, but I do not know him well enough to make any predictions about what he will do and whom with. Perhaps some of you can fill in the blanks???? ZZ is a Goofball and I bet the one in charge of entertainment—but from what I have heard Su was like that when younger too…..perhaps she will be the new mother of the year when her mama retires???? It takes a sence of humor to raise five I would think, (maybe 6???).
That is about as fertile as I am willing to try to get my brain today—–so now you have to come up with the story…..Love Grammmie
As each generation moves ahead in our constantly speeding up world—we look back with fond memories of kinder gentler times—-but are in awe of the changes to our advantage too. I can only imagine how parents feel leaving their children with a sitter knowing that if there is an emergency they can be reached quickly—-but how many use those cell phones without manners?? I guess all progress had the potential to cut both ways……When picturing that car with the grey heads in it—even at 64 paint mine mousey brown….I cannot even get a grey streak—at 40 my mom had the Betty Crocker “wings”–(refer to older Betty C pictures)–and looked so nice fully greyed and white haired that I had hopes….for early change grey since mine is too fragile to dye, and I shared my mother coloring.
WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE STREAM WHERE I FOUND the lovely photo of Su Lin’s “tree routine” I happened to go left on the stream and laughed so hard when I ran into this I just had to share. Okay now you go look and try to keep a straight face….Love Grammmie
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/2845252170/in/photostream/
Goodnight everybody—we will all have red eyes in the morning from staying up with “Rita Petita” tonight…….
I KEPT GOING LEFT AND FOUND THIS….. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/2836359218/in/photostream/
Two things are important—–I have seen a photo of Yun Zi trying to hitch a ride on mommy when she is doing her Butt Buster Before Meals Power Walk. It is not published, as far as I know…..but grammmie would not lie to you…Yun Zi takes after his big brother even without snow…..Love Grammmie
#150 Pandafan-North–yep, that is exactly the problem–Mei goes flat at just the wrong time. Poor Mei & Tian, no privacy at all–thousands watching their every move, analyzing it like Monday morning quarterbacks….
I do not believe Mei was ever actually AI’d with Gao’s sperm. As I remember there was a plan to do so last year, but Mei came into estrus very early. Gao had recently had a medical problem (knee?) and SDZ did not want to anethestize him at that time in order to collect a sample so Tian’s sperm was used.
With their oh so difficult & precise breeding requirements/schedules it is just amazing the species has lasted this long, isn’t it? I believe their continued existence will be down to human intervention–long may it be successful!
Panda Team responds: Mei was AI’d with Gao’s sperm in 2008. The following year, Gao had some minor musculoskeletal issues that vets felt might be aggravated by a semen collection procedure, so his sperm wasn’t used at that time. Gao’s condition has since improved.
I would like to offer a prayer for all the animals that may be effected by the oil spill in the Gulf and the people that are trying to help them. Such a sad situation.
#149 – Deb, loved your comment, how true.
BaSi–The queen,mentioned in the blog”Cuddling a Panda Cub”post by Amy.is 30 years old.Unfortunately, she did not have offspring.
blog (dot) sina (dot) com (dot) cn/s/blog_5d12f2f50100fsqg.html
I feel very thankful to the many scientists who have labored over the years studying panda reproductive physiology and behavior that we have gotten to the point where we are, with the knowledge that we have, and the successes we have enjoyed breeding pandas in captivity. It is thanks to them – and the collaborative efforts across national and cultural boundaries to gather and understand empirical data – that we have been able to enjoy the birth of cubs like Yun Zi, Tai Shan, and many others. I hope that the staff at the SDZ continues to share this information with us so that we can understand and help conserve these precious and beautiful animals.
#162 MC IN SANGAHAI and #163 BRUCE IN KC Well Done fellas. I am awake for a short time while I take my pills, and wandered in to see what was up—-I did not know I was in for a great laugh…..Love Grammmie
Can Zoo visitors still view Zhen Zhen? I noticed that the wording has changed on the panda page again. She is being hilarious this morning, and I was hoping to catch a glimpse of this in person next month?
Moderator’s note: I’ll find out.
Is ZZ trying to do away with that particular tree???? She sure h as been giving it a bad time at the top. I guess it is Zoom Zoom time…Love Grammmie
Moderator, birth control for polar bears… WOW! You learn something new every day! Is it a pill? How is it given to her? I would guess it’s put in her food. I hope they have a successful mating and make a lil white cubbie.
Moderator’s note: She has a contraceptive implant.
#164 Thanks, Grammmie, for the links to the adorable pictures of Gao Gao. I hadn’t realized how handsome he is. Too bad he’s not wild about being on exhibit because he’s a cutie.
Question for keepers- Are the enrichment experiences supposed to mimic those that would be natural in the panda’s habitat? If so, how does the sawdust fit in?
Moderator’s note: The enrichment is provided for the bears to use their various senses: sawdust has a wonderful woody aroma that the bears find delightful!
Ahhhhh……………I just saw for the first time in a long time, Yunior is nursing. Makes my heart sing!
How sweet!!!! Even with the leaves in front of the camera a bit, it was nice to get to see Mama nursing Yun Zi. The way she was watching him was very cute. How many times a day do you think Yun Zi nurses now?
#168 Grammmie, that is just too funny. I can’t breathe now from laughing.
You include the Panda in the Ursidae, but the comment on the chromosones say that Pandas have 42, but in the paragraph before you note d that all Ursidae have 74.
I am confused.
Nice article and I learned a lot of things I may have known but forgot, some new as well.
I love the Panda & Polar Bear Cams. I am a real fan of the babies and have kept up with the last 3 of the baby pandas as they grew and became independent. What a wonderful way to get to visit. Since I live in Washington State, I don’t get to come in person.
Thank You
I AM SO GLAD that you guys are enjoying the photos. I was up most of the night going from stream to stream and enjoying all of the photos. Sometimes even the comments below are a crack-up. Rita Petita sure seems like she is dedicated to our bears, visits regularly and has a great deal of talent in photography….Love Grammmie
#182 Bev
We meant “Ursinae” subfamily rather than “Ursidae” family (just one little letter off!). Correction and clarification have been made to the post. Thanks for your keen eye!
Interesting!
Hey, Grammmie. I think Gao Gao is popular with the ladies, because he is “Always Faithful Gao Gao”. You can count on him. You can count on him to be home in time for dinner (unless we are out shopping, I miss dinner with Gao). You can count on Gao Gao for baby making. I think Gao’s faithfulness is the most attractive thing to females. My daughter and I were looking at Rita’s pictures last night. I notice Gao Gao gets the most comments. I think Gao Gao is popular because of his steadiness. You can count of Gao. I like a man you can count on, I think that is what makes Gao most attractive. Looking at Gao’s pictures last night, Gao looks tough, like he could kick some body’s back side. He looks so sweet on the panda cam eating, but in those up close pictures, Gao looks tough. After looking at those pictures, I was picturing Gao in some cammo pants. Anyway, I see Gao as a faithful tough older dude. Perhaps, he has some John Wayne qualities to him. Mei Sheng, I see as a good looking guy. Yun Zi, I see as a momma’s boy. I like mamma’s boys. I like that about Yun Zi.
Great way to explain the bear tree to make it clear and easy to picture!