Su Lin admires her cake.
This week we’re celebrating three panda birthdays at the San Diego Zoo! Are you curious to learn who makes those delightful ice cakes that the pandas find so entertaining? It’s the Forage Warehouse staff of the Zoo’s Nutritional Services Department! Here’s how they do it:
Animal enrichment has become an essential part of caring for animals in a zoological setting. There are various types of enrichment, which include social groupings, exhibit design, sensory stimulation, and different feeding strategies. One of the most common types of enrichment involves feeding strategies. Ice blocks filled with various vegetables and fruits can be used to keep an animal engaged and curious.
First, containers are filled with a bit of water and allowed to freeze.
Ice blocks are a very good source of enrichment because they are low in calories, they keep animals preoccupied for a long time, and the animals can easily manipulate the ice blocks. The ice blocks can be used for many different species of animals such as elephants, rhinos, monkeys and other primates. But the pandas are probably our most famous “customers.”
Decorative items, such as bamboo leaves, are added, along with more water to freeze in place.
Many different materials can be used to create ice blocks and ice cakes, such as trash cans, buckets, flowers, fruits and veggies, food coloring, various browse (leafy material harvested from the Zoo’s trees and bushes), different types of molds, ice cube trays, and spray bottles. Which materials we use are dependent upon the animal. We use items that are in their daily diet or have been approved by the nutritionist for enrichment. For the pandas, we can use yams, carrots, apples, bamboo, and honey.
A drill makes holes for bamboo poles or honey.
First, we place items such as browse or just water into the container. We add small amounts of water to the container and place it in the freezer. Various items such as bamboo, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and browse can be placed along the edges of the container to create a colorful border. We keep adding water to finish the ice block. To create a tier for our panda birthday cakes, we remove an ice block from a smaller container, flip it over, and place it on top of an ice block in a larger container. We add water to the larger container to freeze the top tier in place. For a third tier, we drill holes in the second tier and then place the third tier in the holes and add water to freeze it in place. A drill can also be used to make holes for different decorations such as carrots, honey, browse, and ice numbers. A number can be created in a shallow tub and cut out on a band saw; a small hole is drilled into the top of the cake and the number then placed in that hole and frozen in place.
Zhen Zhen's cake slowly takes shape.
Cake molds, ice cube trays in various shapes, and even cookie molds can be used to create fun shapes for the cake decorations. Food coloring is used to make the cake decorations more colorful and stand out. We brainstorm to try to come up with different looks every year. Often, when we are making cakes we get ideas for what to do next year, so it’s always on our minds. We start on each cake two to three weeks ahead of the big day, depending on how elaborate the cake is. Even though we may spend quite a bit of time making these panda cakes, we would never neglect our responsibilities with the rest of our Zoo collection. We put a lot of love in our creations and truly enjoy this aspect of our jobs!
Do you think Zhen Zhen enjoyed her 3rd Birthday cake?
On the day of the big event, the cake is delivered to the birthday panda. Cakes vary in size and weigh 50 to 150 pounds; they are transported by cart (for a smaller cake) or truck to the exhibit, where we help the keepers place our gift in an appropriate spot for viewing and photos.
Ice cakes are a great source of enrichment not only for the animals but for Zoo guests, too. It’s fun for us to watch the pandas enjoying their cakes, but it’s even more satisfying to see the guests’ reactions and to hear their comments!
Debbie Lowe, Kelly Lee, and Debbie Tanciatco are members of the San Diego Zoo’s Nutritional Services Department and ice-cake makers extraordinaire!
Here’s video of Su Lin’s birthday morning…
Here’s video of Zhen Zhen enjoying her third birthday…
Zhen Zhen definately enjoyed her cake more ways than one
Oh my, that picture of Zhen Zhen is crazy!
You all deserve a standing ovation for your culinary creations!!! Bravo!!
Thank you Debbie L, Kelly and Debbie T for your wonderful cakes. Su Lin and Zhen Zhen showed you how much they loved them and I’m sure Yun Zi and Bai will show their delight tomorrow. Your creativity is amazing and we humans appreciate all the work that goes into them.
Giving ZZ those three ice blocks as “part” of her cake was pure genius. I’ve been watching pandas and their ice cakes for a few years now, and I’ve never seen one have more fun with their “cake.”
Those square ice blocks look like excellent enrichment items for any day.
Great job!
Thank you so much for this post. You are all so wonderful to all the creatures in the zoo. It makes me so happy that I am crying. It sounds like a fun, but dirty, job to make all these cakes at one time. I guess you can kind of assembly line some of it so that probably helps. Your creations were truly enjoyed by Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, as the picture shows. I am sure Bai and Yun Zi will be over the moon with your cake for “him”. I put him in quotes because we all know that Bai will be sure to get her more than fair share of his cake. I can hardly wait to watch this tomorrow.
Happy Birthday to all the pandas. Please be sure Gao Gao gets an extra bundle of bamboo and maybe an ice creation of his own to enjoy. I hate to admit but he is one of my favorites.
What were the colorful “dots” in Su Lin’s cake? We are all trying to figure out what they are. They look like marshmallows, but I’m sure you don’t use those!!! What fun to think of new, fun, creative ways to celebrate our darling pandas’ birthdays. Thank you!
Moderator’s note: Those were very small ice cubs, which did indeed add a unique look to the cakes.
It is not only the talent that amazes me with these cake designs- it is the adorable uniqueness to each. The Forage Warehouse staff sends not only a celebration, but their love of animals with each one. I am waiting with great anticipation for tomorrow. I can only guess what will happen when the Yun-One spies the surprise!
What fun zhen zhen had with her cake. She really enjoys life and has a great time with everything.
After I watched su lin and how she enjoyed her cake, I had tears, just thinking that some day she will be
leaving and becoming a mama too. But that is what life, new adventures.
Thank you for all the fun it is watch the pandas with their cakes.
lu
What lucky pandas, such lovely cakes. Zhen Zhen certainly didn’t take long to knock hers down and hug it! While Su Lin took it much more sedately. Thank you to the Forage Warehouse for the wonderful cakes. I wonder what Yun Zi’s will look like? Can’t wait.
This blog — and pictures — brought a huge smile and some tears to my face. They are so amazing — and the joy on Zhennie’s face is priceless!! Congratulations on another successful year of raising our furry friends — I’m sure they would send you big kisses and hugs if they could!
I loooove that picture of Zhennie just loving her ice cakes–though I’m not sure I saw her eating any of them, she found a million other ways to enjoy them. Good work, forage warehouse–can’t wait for Yunnie (and Bai)’s big day tomorrow.
Bravo to you guys for making the Pandas’ birthdays the best. Looking forward to tomorrow’s celebration should be as enjoyable as Su Lin and Zhennie’s birthday.
Great job on the cakes – each of them is real art work – too bad the pandas make short work of them.
To the two Debbies and Kelly, thanks so much for sharing your incredible creativity with all of us. It is not only enrichment for the pandas, but also for us human types. I laughed myself silly watching ZZ yesterday. And Su Lin was just a model of propriety. Alas, I have to miss Yunior’s big party tomorrow, but DoxieMom and all the photographers, I’m counting on you to get great pictures.
Thank you Debbie, Kelly and Debbie! What an amazing job you did! And a special thankyou for sharing your cake recipes with all of us. I am sure it comes from the heart as well as your imagination.
SDZ is great at providing our beloved pandas with many types of enrichment.
Looking forward to tomorrow for our little Yun Zi’s birthday.
How nice that Bai Yun is getting an ice “package” today all for herself–after all, she’s responsible for all the other birthdays we’re celebrating this week.
Happy Mother Bearday, Bai!
I love the picture of Zhen Zhen. She really loved her cake as well as Su Lin. Thank you for the blog. I cannot wait to see Yun Zi tomorrow with his cake.
You all did a wonderful job on the cakes. I cant wait to see how Yun Zi reacts to his cake tomorrow, I am sure I will get much joy from watching.
GREAT JOB!!
What happened to Yun Zi’s birthday? I watched from 10:30am until 12:45pm and saw nothing but Sun Lin sleeping in the drain and a short stream of Bai Yun enjoying the gift cake after noon.
Nonetheless, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Su Lin, Zhen Zhen, and Yun Zi.
Moderator’s note: Yun Zi’s birthday is tomorrow. Be sure to watch around noon for his cake to arrive.
Thank you Forage Warehouse folks – you really deserve a more glamorous name: Enrichment Chefs? – for all the fun you give the pandas and us. Can’t wait to see the birthday boy tomorrow!
Moderator’s note: That’s a great title: Enrichment Chefs!!
Just another thought: Lucilla, how about if the birthday pandas try to sneak into the Forage Warehouse one night to get a preview of their cakes? And, suppose they try to make one themselves? Think of all the fun that would be!
#7 Kate, those colorful “dots” in Su Lin’s cake were mini ice cubes made with food coloring. Thanks for the wonderful compliments!
I love the marvelous birthday cakes for the SDZ pandas! They are so pretty and healthy too!
I wish people can make ice cakes for people to make on their birthdays! That would be the best cake ever for me! But is there a way to make ice cakes smaller and weigh less so people can eat them for their own birthdays?
Moderator’s note: It’s just like making a popsicle: you can make them any size by selecting a container the size you want. You can even make cakes for your pets, filling and freezing small containers with some favorite treats. Have fun!
Can’t wait to see the look on Little Cloud’s sweet face as he sees a birthday cake for the very first time!
Gosh, hope I can peek in at noon…..
Thank you for your humongous, colorful contributions to the birthday parties, Forage Warehouse Staff!
You all rock!!!!!
Thanks for sharing the process, I think you out-did yourselves this year! Can’t wait to see Yunior cake tomorrow.
I showed some of my friends the photos of the pandas and the cakes, and they couldn’t get over how great the cakes looked. We decided that you should be on an episode of “Cake Challenge: Panda Ice Cakes”
LOL
Congratulations! It looks like both Su Lin an Zhen Zhen thoroughly enjoyed their cakes. Can’t wait to see what Yun Zi does with his. Bai Yun always gets the first “whack” and her youngster’s first cake, and my guess that tomorrow will be the same. Happy Birthday, Su Lin, Zhen Zhen, and Yun Zi.
Thank you for the discriptions of the cake making and long preparations. They are real works of art.!
Are the Entertainment Chefs disappointed when they are,like Zhen Zhen’s demolished so fast..?
Well,we had fun and Zhennie did too so I suppose it was worth all the hard work.
Thank you for a great birthday bash.!
Yes,Su Lin was much more sedate as befitting her age.
I saw Bai today too with her cake/present. Yes,you even thought of the creator of all those beautiful panda cubbies.
Wonderful.
The cakes have been beautiful – each one so unique and tailored to the personality (or should I say “panda-ality”) of each. I can’t wait to see what surprises are in store for our little one-year-old and mama tomorrow! Thanks for letting us know your culinary secrets. These must be great fun to create!
Anne in NYC # 20: Absolutely the Title for the staff!
And….Zhen Zhen’s oh my goodness! Did you all have any idea???? We knew she would be enthusiastic, but I am certain NONE of us would have dreamed that we would be enjoying the results of your efforts by watching two hours of Wild Times in the Classroom 
Thank You Thank You!!! I have grand children coming to visit on Sunday, and I think the perfect ‘Let’s do Art’ moment is going to be making frozen treats for their puppy and mine. 
See what your creativity has started 
And to the Enrichment Chef’s, I say THANK YOU!! Su Lin’s cake was simply stunning, and befitting such a young lady
thank you, debbie, debbie, and kelly, for all your hard work–especially for this week–making those birthday cakes. they are always BEAUTIFUL and presumably very tasty. you can make a b-day cake for me any time!!!
Happy Birthday Zhen Zhen, Su Lin and Yun Zi. Those cakes are amazing, what fun for all!
Have not posted in a long time but…..I have to post on the picture of Miss ZZ in this blog. I can relate to Zhen Zhen in this picture after having many birthday celebrations in my life. Can’t wait unitl tomorrow to see what it will bring. Yun Zi is my first Giant Panda to follow. Peace, Love and Pandas to all !
I have to congratulate the Warehouse Staff on Su Lin’s beautiful cake in particular. It looked so much like a Monet watercolor. And Zee’s cakes were not only a tribute to cubism, they were also very feminine with a slightly surreal edge, just like her! And I do have to ask, was everybody on the Panda staff laughing their heads off as Zee destroyed her cakes?
so cute…now i want one!
so cute…now i want a panda vary bad.
Happy Birthday to Su Lin and Zhen Zhen their cakes were beautiful and they really enjoy them. Little Yun Zi will be one year today so hard to believe our boy is growing up.
Su Lin and Zhen Zhen did handle their cake very differently. I love both cakes. Su Lin’s cake is very colorful. Zhen Zhen’s cake has a very unusual shape. The team are very creative. I can’t wait to see Yun Zi’s cake, and the way he treat the cake. PST 12noon will be my 3am, but I will try to wake up at night to watch the panda cam.
btw, what are all those colourful things in Su Lin’s cake? coloured ice cubes?
Moderator’s note: Yes.
I would be happy to deliver a “Chocolate-Chocolate Torte” to the Panda Keepers for Yunior’s Birthday……for their enjoyment of course!
THE PANDA NEWS IS COMING I FAST AND FURIOUS———The first of the hoped to be wild relesaed cubs has been born. Scroll down for a couple of other good stories too. The way they are tring it this time is unique, and I hope it works. Here is the link—-to repair it remove all spaces (dot) and replace with a period.
feeds (dot) feedburner (dot) com/PandasLiveOn
Thank you, Debbie, for the post. The ice cakes are so elaborate and fun! They are big too and I love the birthday cakes for the pandas with all of the colors and decoration. The picture of Zhen Zhen is so adorable, she is so wild! She knocked the cake over pretty soon after she got it. I can tell both Zhennie and Su Lin enjoyed their special cake!
#29 Linda- Haha, Panda-ality! So funny!
I can’t wait for Yun Zi’s birthday tomorrow! I am out of town right now but I brought my laptop. Hopefully, I will be here to see Yunior with his cake on the Panda Cam! Rita better get lots of pictures!
Also, I must say again, I really enjoyed the panda chat yesterday, it was my first one. I heard there was one last year too. Maybe, we can have monthly panda chats!
Question for the moderator: Since Gao Gao was wild born, we don’t know what day he was born, so I was wondering if the SDZ was going to have a day to celebrate Gao. If you do, what day? Thank you!
Peace, Love and Pandas CIAO!
Annie Panda
Moderator’s note: We sometimes celebrate Gao Gao in January, the month he arrived at the Zoo. See post A Memborable Un-birthday.
Happy Birthday, Su Lin, Zhen Zhen, and Yun Zi!!!
*******5 Aug 2010*********
H A P P Y *** 1st B I R T H D A Y
*******Y *U*N Z*I********
Dear all Panda Fans around the world!
While the three young pandas at SDZ have had so much fun during their birthday week, the other side of the world in Thailand, CMZ has been preparing the birthday present for our big guy, Chuang Chuang for his upcoming birthday on Friday 6th of August.
You are invited to join the 10th birthday celebration for Thai PAPA panda, CHUANG CHUANG from 10am, Thailand time (or about 9pm (PDT) on 5 Aug in USA).
The following video reveals CC and his new swing, please enjoy;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXvyJ6wWuKw
It’s the most beautiful panda ice cakes I’ve ever seen. Great job, guys.
HaHaHa!!! That pic of little Zhennie smiling, dirty and exhausted in front of her cake wreckage is just precious
Good morning mine more sweetly smaller prinz Yun Zi, we both celebrates birthday, you your first and me mine 64rd,
I wish you a nice one day with yours love mama Bay Yun and yours wonderful Keepers. Many kisses and hughs for you from Vienna
Moderator’s note: Happy birthday, Inge!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Yun Zi. Have a blast with your cake, but make sure that Mom saves some for you. She does love first birthday cakes. Hope you crawl all over it and get really down and muddy. Doxie, counting on you for videos.
Zhen Zhen and Su Lin really enjoyed their cakes. Zhen was as usual, very active and cute!
Congratulation to the “chef” of the cakes too!!
Seeing the panda’s birhdays makes me happy and I follow all of their events from Italy!
Now I cant wait to see Yun Zi go!
Happy 1st birthday to a much loved little boy, Yun Zi. And best wishes to his amazing Mom, Bai Yun. After all, this birthday week is due in a large part to her. Of course, can’t forget Gao Gao.
The cakes have been fabulous. What a joy to watch Zhen Zhen taking such delight in her cakes.
Do they eventually go back and dig out all of the treats once the ice cakes melt some more?
Gorgeous cakes and they look tasty. Great job! It’s been so hot here that I could use an ice cake!
Happy birthday to da best lil panda boy on the west coast! I’m celebrating an anniversary of sorts as it was a year ago this week that I discovered the SDZ panda cam and thus began my love affair with pandas. It’s been a great year and I can’t believe how much panda knowledge I’ve gained. I find myself giving panda explanations to friends and family, who regard me as quite the panda expert.
It’a also been great to meet other panda fans from around the world and bonding over our mutual love for these formidable black and white bears.
Thanks to the SDZ for the webcam that made all this possible, and to the panda team who takes such great care of the pandas and educates us. Also thanks to our lovely moderator for putting up with us crazy panda fans.
Moderator’s note: You are very welcome, Marie. It’s nice to hear how you are sharing your new-found knowledge of pandas with others!
A very Happy First Birthday to Yun Zi. May your day be very special and I am really looking forward to seeing what you think of your birthday cake! Watch out for Bai though, she’ll eat it herself. But then you know that anyway, don’t you?!!
Happy 1st Birthday Yunnie! I had to adopt you… you are responsible for me joining the wonderful world of Pandaholics!!
Did Juli the Zoo Keeper make a Panda cake by here self or did she have help?
Signed, Juli’s Dad
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YUN ZI and to BAI YUN Thank You for being such a wonderful Mom and for raising five cubs, I’ve been watching the panda cam since little Yun Zi was born and have learned so much about the pandas through the blogs on this past year, but most of all I have now a closer relationship with my daughter through our everyday Panda talk. Thanks to all the people behind that have made these things to happen!
I was looking forward to this all year long!!!!! HAPPY B -DAY YUN ZI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is exactly what you do with Birthday Cake!!!!! Way to go Z!!!!!
Happy 1st Birthday, Yun Zi!!! I hope you have a beautiful day and I’m sure the Forage Warehouse staff will have a very special cake for you too. Thank you Bai Yun and Gao Gao for your darling family.
Thanks for this great report on the making of ice cakes. What works of art! All of you should be very proud of your accomplishments – even though sometimes they don’t last long!! Please know that all of us do appreciate your efforts; the cakes are beautiful!!
Happy First Birthday, Yun Zi!!! We are all counting down the hours until noon pacific time! We can’t wait to see you experience your very first birthday cake
We know the Number One will be larger than you were a year ago today 
Make sure You are the one who gets to remove the large ONE!
Moderator: I didnt see Bai Yun receive her special gift, will there be a video or pictures posted? Sad I missed it because I have enjoyed watching the girls with their cakes
Moderator’s note: We did not get video or photos from yesterday’s activities, as we are resting up for Yun Zi’s birthday today
Happy Birthday Chuang Chuang… I’m glad you finally got a swing made just for you… Hope you get special birthday boo as a special treat…
At the San Diego Zoo now and the little birthday boy was asleep high up in the tree. Will check back as noon gets closer. Happy Birthday Yun Zi!!
Happy FIRST BIRTHDAY to the birthday boy!!!! I know it is going to be just amazing for you, Little Cloud, as you are so loved all around the world.
Feel the love and hugs and kisses being sent to you today and always!!!!
Auntie Kat 0x0x0x0
Happy Belated Birthdays to Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. And, A BIG HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDDAY to MIO CARO, YUN ZI. I can’t wait till our 3PM (here in NY) to see you with your wonderful ice cake and what you are going to do with it. Oh…if you only knew what was in store for you and that the whole Panda Monde-um is watching. Caio Bambino.
Happy birthday Yun Zi! You have no idea how much joy you bring to your fans all over the world. I’ll wish happy belated birthday to you and your sisters this Saturday!
HAPPY BIRTDAY, YUN ZI! I love you! You are a special bear, Yunior. I cannot wait to see you in person! You are such a handsome boy and you have the best mommy in the world! I can’t wait to see you on the cams today celebrating with you mommy. I hope your mommy doesn’t get ALL your treats though it’s nice to share with her since she’s bigger!
Love you lots, Yunior!!!
Love,
Kristi
Austin,TX
LJ # 61: Here is a link to DoxiMom’s Flikr page. You will see a short video of Bai Yun enjoying her special present yesterday. There are several other videos that are fun to watch as well.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandalover19/
HAPPY 1ST BEARDAY, YUN ZI! You are such a special boy and bring panda fans all over the world so much joy! Enjoy your bearday cake because I’m sure Mommy Bai will!
Bobbie, #68 — THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I just love these beautiful bears and really appreciate being able to see this….
Happy Birthday Yun Zi !!! Love you!!!
Happy Birthday Yun Zi,
Interest in Pandas came about with your birth and now I am a panda fanatic – pandas all around the living room – photo albums – people see a panda (stuffed) or photos and they bring them to me. What a year it has been for Yun Zi – he is one special little guy and today is his day to share his cake with his precious mother Bai Yun.
Happy 1st Birthday Yun Zi. I wish I could give you a great big hug.
Happy first birthday YUN ZI!!!!!!! Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life this past year and the lives of all you many admirers around the world. You are a wonder to behold!
This is a precious picture. Yun Zi is hugging his mom and laying on his mom Bai Yun.
Moderator….Zhen Zhen is not out on exhibit today?? I so wanted to see her. Will catch her on my next visit. Perhaps she needed some rest after she partied like a rock star on her birthday
Moderator’s note: Zhen Zhen is having her annual physical today.
Happy Happy Birthday Yun Zi. You are a very special Panda to me. xo
Happy Birthday to our little man Yun Zi!! I hope you enjoy your day and your cake.
Happy Birthday sweet Yun Zi…..and to your beautiful mom Bai!!!!! Your birth was a surprise to me and I have been watching ever since………….may you have a wonderful day, a delicious cake and much love from your Mom!!!!!
Wish the cake was a little out of the shadows, it’s hard to see Little one and momma enjoying it!
I got home in time to see them messing with Yun Zi’s cake Of course Bai Yun is there taking over things.
That cake is as tall as Yun Zi is now!
I wish at times the camera would move in for more close ups of their heads and someone should trim that branch that is in the way!
Thanks
Happy Birthday Yun Zi. Can’t believe its been a year!
Bai and Yunior sure are enjoying the creation you made for them. They are beautiful cakes. My compliments to the “bakers.”
I’m so enjoying watching the pandas tearing into their cakes. Such a special occasion! Would like to know if big daddy Gao Gao will be getting some special treats as well? We rarely see the cute guy on the cam and am hoping he is included in the festivities.
The Enrichment chefs have done it again!!!!
Great cake for Yun Zi
Wow–Yunnie is patiently working away at his cake all by himself! I guess Bai is waiting for some of it to melt..
Happy Bearday, Yun Zi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yunni is having a blast with that cake! Bai’s already gotten bored and left, but he’s still inspecting and tasting. So cute.
Kudos to the ice Chef’s!! The cakes get fancier every year. They are totally awesome and look delicious too!
PS Moderator – I can’t find the “meet the panda’s” link with all their individual info on it. Is it still on the panda page somewhere?
Moderator’s note: Here it is: Meet the Pandas.
Beautiful, beautiful cake SDZ!! Had a front row view of all the action. Yun Zi has grown so much since I last saw him. So precious!!
Weegee, thanks so much for the video of Chuang and his swing. He’s a really fun guy! Now, we know where Miss Ping gets her silly streak from.
Yun Zi really is having a good time with his cake. He thinks it’s a pedestal. I love the way he is perching on it. He is so adorable. I have had such a good time watch him grow this past year. Many more Happy Birthdays.
WOW, what a cake!!!!!! Looks like Yunior will be busy for a few more hours at least. He seems to be having a great time.
glad to see that Yun Zi got some “alone-time” with the cake
but so nice to see him enjoying it with mama now 
the master pastry chefs really outdid themselves with all three of the panda cakes – this one is stunning and a perfect play obstacle for our little one-year-old!!!
On average, how long does a panda cake last once it is sat out for enjoyment? I mean does it usually get eaten or does some of it just get left to melt away…or should I say played away?
Looks like Yun Zi is putting up a good battle to protect his cake, but I think Bai Yun just got the first layer off of it, despite his best efforts!! Great time for both.
My cake Momma!
Happy Birthday Yun Zi!
Nice to see you enjoying the birthday cake !
You are famous even in Poland ! All my colleagues in company ,my friends and family are informed about this special occasion. We will celebrate your birthday on Monday, in our office ( a special cake with “panda design” will be prepared).
All the best for you and SDZ employees, and panda maniacs in the world !
Aleksandra from Poland
Moderator’s note: Enjoy your Polish Panda Party
And now–play with the cake, play with Mom, climb on the cake, climb on Mom, talk to the paw, run away to play with piece that fell off the top of the cake, pose for pictures, repeat. What a great first bearday!
Okay, the cake just took a tumble thanks to Momma Bai!
Happy Birthday Yun Zi!
The SDZ really out-did themselves this year with the beautiful panda birthday cakes!
I hate it I miss seeing Yun Zi with his cake they had posted it would be at noon PCT so that was 3 my time I waited till 3:15 and nothing was going on and I had to leave for an appointment. What time did Yunor get his cake? Sounds like from the other bloggers he had a good time. I hope there will be a video soon.
Moderator’s note: Things don’t always go on schedule in the zoo world; we’re sorry you missed the fun! But not to worry, video will be posted later today.
Two really tuckered out pandas sound asleep….all the excitement must have gotten to them. It’s really hard stuff
celebrating a one year old’s birthday. Little Cloud made a very handsome cake topper, didn’t he? What a bootiful birthday “cake” for a bootiful cutie “pie.” The beautiful colors and fruits and ice, I think I am going to try this for MY son, he will be celebrating on Aug 27th! Thank you for the great cake idea…. I think I’ve seen similar cakes at
my local Baskin Robbins!
Happy Booday, to all the lovely and talented Gao children!!!
After watching all of the participants in birthday celebrations, I have to give first place cake eating to Mother Bai Yun. This lady is serious about getting the goodies from the cake, not letting cubs get in her way. Zhen Zhen gets a second for most creative use of her cakes. And Yun Zi gets third for hitting all of the keys points of your first cake, you must stand on top of it, generally climb all over it, knock off the number and then use it to launch your attack on your Mom. Of course, I mean no slight to Su-Lin in my choices, she is just so mannered and dainty.
In summary, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Panda Cam this week. Thank you to the cake makers, keepers, voluntaries and of course the beautiful pandas.
Dear Moderator, is it very hot in SD today? It is 2:50 PST and Bai is sitting under the hammock and seems to be panting very hard. Yun Zi’s asleep so he’s not the cause, this time.
Moderator’s note: The weather is pleasant today.
Has it really been a year since Yun Zi became part of my life??
What an incredible year I have had — becoming a panda-holic, meeting thru the internet some really interesting and funny folks, learning lots of great stuff about Giant Pandas, going to the first ever Panda Convention, becoming a member of the San Diego Zoo.
Happy birthday to all the birthday pandas!! and live long and prosper little Yunnie.
Many thanks to all the great folks at the San Diego Zoo.
Moderator’s note: It’s been quite a ride, hasn’t it? Glad you joined us!
Yun Zi is really testing the limits of his hamock.
The differences between Zhen Zhen and Yun Zi cetainly illustrate just how individual the bears are. Zhen Zhen grabbed the world in her paws and is quite the adventurer. And Yun Zi is Mr. Mellow – “wake me if it envolves food” bear.
It is so wonderful to watch them grow. Thanks to the SDZ staff for all of the wonderful blogs.
What FUN it was to watch Yun Zi and Bai enjoy the cake! I loved how he remained intrigued after Bai Yun let him play by himself. And! I loved that He knocked the ONE down when he fell off the top of the cake
Great Work, Yun Zi!!! Also, he certainly watched his mom teach him how to scratch the ice in order to reach the treats! Thank you ALL at the SDZ for the most exciting Panda Birthday week ever 
I had a 2 hour totally useless meeting this afternoon so I missed the festivities.. I’m waiting with bated breath for DoxieMom and RitaPetita to post videos and pictures!!!
Sounds like he had an awesome time with this birthday cake….
Also… can’t wait to see what Thailand has in store for Chuang Chuang… Happy Birthday Chuang from the American Pandas!!
#103: GREAT recap!! I agree totally.
Happy 1st Birthday, Yun Zi!! One year ago today I made a committment to follow daily “cub #5″ from birth to 1 year of age ~ you’ve brought joyful tears, enormous smiles, a few horrified gasps and lots of laughter into my life! Thank you San Diego Zoo Panda Team for all you do for this precious panda family and for making this eventful panda Birthday week so exciting! Thank you Forage Warehouse for the stunningly gorgeous, detailed works of art, the ice cakes
Here is a link for “A Slideshow of Memorable Images” from the past year! Hope you enjoy it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__7zoU0ZlIg
Moderator’s note: You’re making me mushy, DoxieMom
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SU LIN ♥
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZZ ♥
HAPPY BIRTHDAY “LITTLE MAN” YUN ZI ♥
You are all so loved in our home and it’s been a wonderful journey with all the pandas…..:) ♥ you GaoGao and BaiYun
Moderator’s note: Images from the birthday week have been added to the Panda Birthday Photo Gallery!
a great big Shout Out to DoxieMom for being the saving grace of all of us pandafans…the lovely montages over this year have let all of us see what we missed. I for one am grateful!
ONE YEAR AGO TODAY A TINY PANDA TOOK HOLD OF MY HEART-I hard finally discovered the panda cam, because a local news story told up about the birth and gave a link to watch. And watch I have—-every day except 4 when computer needed fixing. I think I may be hooked-not only on our birthday boy Prince Fluffy-Butt, but by all of the Pandas of the world.
Thank you San Diego Zoo for the great care and strides you have made in Panda Care, Breeding, and letting us watch the process so closely.
So HAPPY First BIRTHDAY Yun Zi with much Love Grammmie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL THE PANDA’S BORN IN AUGUST
I have followed each one since Hua Mae was born and
I never tire of seeing them having fun especially today with
Yun Zi. I took many pictures with my camera of the screen since
I was unable to be there today. He is so cute but it is hard to
say cuter than the others as they all have been adorable.
Hoping for another one in a year or two. ADORABLE
Great blog. Enjoyed watching the video Zhen Zhen remember when my mom called me to say she was born. Than we watched the den cam to see her. She and little brother are my favroite.
DoxiMom # 110: BLESS YOU!!!!
Gosh we all have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to share this past year 
Love them!
To All: Do not miss the latest video; however, bring tissues to your computer
And…To Rita Petita and Grammmie: Thank you Rita for your fantastic talent and the photographs of the SDZ Pandas!!! And Grammmie, Thank You for sending us links and reminders!
To Lucilla: Thank you for your wild tales
To: PWong: Thank you for your ‘Conversations’. They are superb!
To All: Blessings do happen in life, and one of the best blessings is to have the opportunity to share your love of the Panda Bears through the remarkable SDZ Blog!!!
To SDZ: THANK YOU ALL!!!!
DoxieMom: Absolutely wonderful montage. I got all teary-eyed. I hope you’ll make another 1 years commitment following Yunnie!!
I’m guessing this birthday week will include an ice cake for Big Big Daddy Gao Gao tomorrow. I know you guys wouldn’t leave out Papa Bear!! – 5 day birthday week – 5 fabulous Pandas. Friday has to be Studmuffin’s day!! What time? My question is – How will we get to see? Can someone video it for us? Will Rita Petita be invited? I know I sound greedy. You guys have given us a fabulous week with seeing these bears we’ve come to care for tremendously having a great time on their special days. If I don’t get to see, I can imagine Gao having a super day but I’d love to see. They always surprise us!
Moderator’s note: No Friday festivities are planned. We celebrate Gao Gao’s “birthday” in January, which is the month he came to us here in San Diego (since he was wild born, we don’t know his actual birthdate). So glad you’ve enjoyed all the special days–we have, too!
Thank you, SDZ, for another beautiful birthday. Little guy is still all tuckered out from his big day.
Thank you, DoxieMom, for that great 0-1 yr. compilation. Did you do one for Miss ZZ too?
Thank you, Rita, for great pix of the birthdays (and the amazing cakes).
How can it have been a year already???
Dear Yun Zi,
Happy 1st B-day! What an awesome day, full of enrichment. You must be exhausted. It was such a joy to watch you climb all over your cake, then on your momma. You took some big blows, and got right back up for more. A little piggy back ride didn’t seem like too much to ask for on your B-day but mom wasn’t having any part of it. She sure is serious about her treats, isn’t she? Your poppa should be very proud of such a sweet boy you’ve turned out to be. I hope he too, is able to participate in this weeks B-day celebrations w/a special treat of his own.
God Bless you and the World Famous SD ZOO staff, keepers & volunteer’s who take such excellent care of you all.
P.S. There aren’t words to express how much love/happiness that has come from watching your momma raise you. She truly is an extra ordinary bear.
DoxieMom — what beautiful memories this brings to mind from Yun Zi’s first year. Beautifully done. Thank you, thank you.
Doxiemom, you have outdone yourself again! Thank you! I have watched the cam so much in the past year I feel as though I remember all of those precious moments! I remember him just being mesmerized watching his reflection in the doorway of the den! I love those denning days, I cannot believe they were so long ago! Bai Yun looks absolutely gorgeous in this video! The pictures of her and her tiny boy did bring a tear to my eye! So precious! What a great birthday week! The cakes and the pics and videos are all wonderful!
Kudos to everyone involved!!!!!
Thank you so much DoxieMom for that wonderful montage of pictures. I remember most of them and it’s hard to believe this year has flown by. Today was so special and Yunnie & Mom really did love that cake. If it wasn’t for you, “we” Pandaholics would not be able to enjoy these fabulous black & white bears. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for all that you do for this blog page & on Facebook. You should be the the Mayor of the SDZ PandaWorld. I would vote for you!!!! Also Rita & Grammie, Thanks for all you do too. I’ve enjoyed watching every moment of the Pandas with their cakes. Wish the ShopZoo would have a special video on these Pandas for those who cannot visit the zoo. Just the little 3 minute clips are not enough for me sometimes.I would love to see a documentary of some sort on the SDZ Pandas. Just a suggestion. Thank you to all the staff who take care of Bai Yun, Gao Gao, Su Lin, Zhen Zhen & Yun Zi. You make them happy & healthy. Blessings!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our FANTASTIC PANDAS, Su Lin, Zhen Zhen, and Yun Zi. San Diego Zoo knows how to celebrate these special creatures and make us feel part of the celebration. My wish is to see them in Panda some day. Carmen
oh the pics from DoxieMom sure brought back memories of the past year.
Thank you so very much for all that work involved in putting all the viewings you have made for us this past year!
Totally enjoyed by all
I HOPE EVRYBODY WAS ABLE TO ENJOY THE PARTIES THIS WEEK. I DID NOT GET TO WATCH SU LIN OR ZZ LIVE BUT I WAS GLUED TO MY PUTER SCREEN ON FRIDAY, AND HAD A GREAT TIME. I sure got a bang for my buck. I checked Rita Petitas Flikr page and saw a lovely photo of Mama Bai and Yunior Fluffy-Butt. It looks as if she is imparting some special Panda secrets fit for a one year old. I even saw him in Zhenies favorite sleeping place in her tree. The cakes were lovely and full of fun and creativity, and imagination. Did the forage department have a contest to see if they could outdo themselves-because they certainly did. The Videos from Doxiemom and others were wonderful……Thank You alll for a great week…..Love Grammmie More Stories Please.
Sundi – The ice cakes last until the next day even when they’re floating in the pool! San Diego has been having record cool summer days though.
“Enrichment chef” Debbie T. =)
Honestly, I would like to try Su Lin’s cake
) !
Great job!
HOW DO YOU ADD THE COLOR TO THE CAKES?
Moderator’s note: We use veterinarian-approved food coloring.
Thanks so much for sharing the vids!
I certainly hope we will get to see one of Bai Yun with her cake on the7th Sept?
She should get the most special cake you can make!!
We enjoyed watching in Michigan…can almost smell the zoo! ;o]
This maybe off-topic but I have a question and I am honpig that one of the researchers, keepers or moderators could respond. I beg your pardon if it has been addressed before. Anyway, more and more I am seeing items made of bamboo being advertised everywhere. Everything from flooring, furniture to even textile things like sheets and clothing. Now we have all heard that the panda’s bamboo supply is threatened. Is this part of the reason? Thanks.
Moderator’s note: No, pandas eat different types of bamboo than those used for flooring, etc.