Su Lin
Over the next 10 years, our interdisciplinary panda team worked tirelessly to study all aspects of reproduction, apply what we learned to the pandas at the San Diego Zoo, and develop a two-way exchange of knowledge with our partners at the Wolong Breeding Center in Sichuan, China. In 1996, only two females gave birth at Wolong. Although captive breeding was only one component of the conservation puzzle, it was clear that without a self-sustaining and genetically diverse captive population, the ultimate goal of reintroducing pandas to the wild would never come to fruition. But how quickly things have changed!
By the time I traveled to Wolong for the first time in the winter of 2000, the breeding center was enjoying a record-setting number of recent giant panda births (11 cubs!), and the San Diego Zoo’s Hua Mei, conceived through artificial insemination, was charming Zoo visitors and giving us a lot to study in the realm of panda cub development. The studies of panda behavior, reproductive physiology, genetics, and animal husbandry had all come into play to support the success at the San Diego Zoo, as well as at the Wolong Breeding Center.
Over the years, we (the Zoo’s Panda Team, visitors to the Zoo, and panda fans) have developed an incredible connection to and love of the pandas that have been born and raised in San Diego. Hua Mei’s departure from the Zoo marked our first experience with sending a San Diego-born panda to China. She was followed by Mei Sheng in 2007. Although we all knew it was for the best, it was a tough pill to swallow, and Hua Mei and Mei Sheng were sorely missed. Looking back now, however, with seven cubs representing Bai Yun and the completely unrepresented Shi Shi’s genetic make-up, we are very, very proud to have contributed to the broader needs of giant panda conservation.
Zhen Zhen
Soon, both Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will follow in older siblings Hua Mei and Mei Sheng’s footsteps. As I write this, I can tell you that I will miss these two bears! Su Lin is five years old, has already experienced her first fully developed estrus cycle, and is more than ready to join the conservation breeding program at the Wolong Nature Reserve Giant Panda Bi Feng Xia Base. Zhen Zhen is three years old now and will embark on her panda adolescence as part of the panda program at Bi Feng Xia as well.
Both Su Lin and Zhen Zhen have made incredibly valuable contributions to our research program and have contributed ground-breaking data on panda hearing sensitivity. These data will allow us to better estimate how noise from human activities may impact giant pandas in the wild. Collecting these data allowed keepers and researchers to work with both of these beautiful bears, up close and personal, on a daily basis. What a pleasure that has been!
As the drive to learn conservation-relevant knowledge of giant pandas shifts from captive propagation to reintroduction, we are excited that the pandas of San Diego will become a part of this larger conservation effort. Who knows? Maybe in the not-too-distant future, one of Gao Gao and Bai Yun’s descendants will one day be born in a large, old-growth tree den high in the mountains near Wolong. That image alone is enough to bring a smile to my face and makes me truly feel that the Giant Panda Team, and supporters of the San Diego Zoo’s pandas, have much to be proud of.
In preparation for their new adventure, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will not be in public view beginning Monday, August 16, while they continue a training program that helps prepare them for the changes ahead. Their mother, Bai Yun, and her one-year-old cub, Yun Zi, will continue to be seen at the San Diego Zoo.
Megan Owen is a conservation program specialist for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Read her previous post, Birthday Celebration.
I will be so sad to see them leave, but am happy they will be on a new adventure. Thank you Su Lin and Zhen Zhen for all the hours I have spent watching you on the panda cam. I will truly miss you both. Love you always.
My heart is sad and happy at the same time. What wonderful panda women SDZ is sending to China. The boys over there better be ready. Su Lin the calm and patient and Zhen Zhen the energizer will surely make an impression. I know it is what they are bred for but it is still bittersweet.
Su Lin was my very first panda cam/panda baby. I feel sad knowing she has to leave but I know she is needed back in the homeland, as well as ZZ. I will miss you both terribly! Sweet, beautiful girls. We send our love with you both.
As important as I know this is, I am in tears. I will miss Zhennie. I was planning a trip to San Diego next Spring to see her. So much for that.
I have been reading about Su Lin’s upcoming departure but am surprised to read about Zhen Zhen also going now. Is this a recent development?
Moderator’s note: The giant panda conservation loan agreement says that any cub born in San Diego will remain until its third birthday. Su Lin remained with us for an extended period of time allowing us to continue a conservation research program unlike any other, in which we gathered data on the hearing abilities of giant pandas. The delay in her departure gave us an opportunity to coordinate the departure of both her and her younger sibling, Zhen Zhen, impacting the program less and allowing our guests to enjoy Su Lin’s antics that much longer.
Oh this is so sad….I thought Zhen Zhen would be there a few more years……..
When will the girls be leaving and will they ever be on show again before they leave please?
Moderator’s note: In preparation for their new adventure, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will not be in public view in San Diego after Monday, August 16.
Reading your post brought tears to my eyes. We have watched these sweet bears grow up and like human parents, don’t want to see our children go. But you are right, they are going on a great adventure and will find happiness in China, I’m sure.
Thank you for sharing your work with us – it has brought me very close to bears I have never even seen other than on the Panda Cam. I hope that soon I can come to San Diego and visit them (and the polar bears that I love so).
A very well written blog Megan, thankyou for letting us know what is ahead for the girls.
When I walked into the exhibit 3 years ago, Su Lin was asleep high up a tree. Zhen Zhen was still in the den with Bai. And Mei Sheng was getting ready to embark on his journey to China. I have some of the most amazing pic’s of Su Lin and I will cherish them forever. I am going to Bi Feng Xia in May of 2012 and will be looking for our girls and I know that because of the fabulous work that everyone at the SDZ has done, these two precious bears will contribute greatly to the Panda population.. And I agree, wouldn’t it be the ultimate to know that a descendant of Bai and Gao is born to the wild’s of China?
As with my girl Mei Lan, I will be following the travels of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen with a heavy heart, but we all know this is their destiny!!
- wish there was more commentary about Gao Gao and his contributions to it all
i am going 2 be so sad 2 see them go but i know they will be doing something good 4 our world i will always love Zhen Zhen and Su Lin
OMG, both girls going back. Expected Su Lin to go this year, but thought ZZ might get a reprieve. Wrong!. Will just have to take another trip to China next year to check up on both of them, not to mention seeing Hao Hao as a two-year old. The burning question: Should I warn the folks at BFX that they will be getting a handful with ZZ or let them find out by themselves. I think the girls will be more than capable of surprising them, so mum will be the word!
I’m sad to see both of those beautiful pandas leave, but am happy that they will have cubs of their own some day in the near future. I’m glad I got a chance to see them 3 times this year. It’s amazing to see the whole Bai-Gao family in person. I look forward to seeing Yun Zi grow, as I started watching him on the cam earlier this year and couldn’t stop since
Question for the keepers: Now that Zhen Zhen and Su Lin’s exhibits will be available, does this mean that Gao Gao will be moving into one of them?
Thanks!
NOOOOooooo… I wish that Su and ZZ didn’t have to go… My greatest hope is that when I go to China in a few years, I’ll be able to see their descendants!
Moderator: When Bai Yun and Gao Gao come of the age where they are either too old to breed/their loan expires, will you recieve another pair of pandas or will they stay at SDZ?
Moderator’s note: Our current loan ends in 2014. At that time we will hear from the government of China regarding their interest in extending a loan.
So sad to hear they are leaving have my whole trip planed for the middle of September this trip was to see my baby Yun Zi but thought ir would be nice to see Sun Lin one more time. Last year was my first trip to CA and both where sleeping but did get a picture. I also love the koala bears and wanted to see them again also. I know you said the Bia and Yun Zi will still be on seen please tell me that wont change till then and any chance the daddy but be seen then? This might be my last trip to the Zoo for awhile had to talk my husband into coming 11 months apart. Thank you for all that you do.
Moderator’s note: You’ll certainly be able to see Bai and Yun Zi. Your question about Gao Gao has been forwarded to the Panda Team, and I’ll update this note when I get a response.
Is there any chance we can see the girls preparing for the trip over Panda Cam? Having read everything I could about the other’s departures it would be interesting to actually see them being prepared.
I know they have to go, and wish them Godspeed, but we’re sure going to miss our girls!
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
OH PLEASE LET US SEE THEM ON THE B&W OVERNIGHT!!
Oh no! Why such short notice….the 16th is only a week away? These departure announcements never get easier….:(
Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, you both have been such a joy to watch day in and out on the cams.
Godspeed girls….you will be genuinely missed, always adored and loved and forever a US panda.
Oh no–just as I suspected, though!
Sorry to see both of them go but I figured it was a pretty good possibility since Zhennie is now 3 years old.
I am sad for the keepers/staff, too. They will surely miss these two girls way more than we do. SDZ can be very proud of the great job they have done, and will continue to do, I’m sure, with their panda program.
Moderator, I just saw your note that Su and Zhen will make the trip together. Thank goodness they will be together on the flight.
I can’t believe Su Lin and Zhen Zhen are leaving soon! It’s so sad! They’re both big bundles of joy and we all enjoy watching them on the panda cam! It won’t be the same at the Zoo, but we still have Yun Zi, Bai Yun and Gao Gao and hopefully someday Bai and Gao will have more cubs (I really hope for twins!). Then Zhennie and Su will have there own cubs and then Yunnie will be Uncle Yunior! Oh they grow up so fast!
Peace, ♡Love and Pandas CIAO! ☼
Very grateful we got to celebrate all three birthdays recently. I wish they were staying here where I know they are safe and well cared for. Yet I’m excited that there is the potential of them making even more baby pandas for the good of the species/world.
Like the rest, I am so sad to see them go. I knew that Su Lin would be going, but I though we had another
year for Zhen Zhen. She was a joy to see this year when i was at the zoo in the last of june/
But I know this is the plan and so be it. Will Bai Yun breed again after Junior is on his own?
Any date set for the travel back to China?
They will missed greatly.
lu
Moderator’s note: The girls will head for China at the end of the summer.
I wanted to share my new panda google page with you guys because I think it’s just darling! Here it is:
http://www.google.com/webhp?/rls=ig
It kinda looks like Su Lin when she was a little girl…
Like many of my fellow bloggers, Su Lin was my first panda cam cub. I moved away from San Diego in 2003 and while I haven’t visited for almost 2 years, it’s been a real treat to follow Su Lin, Zhen Zhen and Yun Zi on the cam. It’s bittersweet, but it must be done in the name of conservation. I adore all of the pandas, they will be missed very much by many.
How I will miss the girls. I was so excited when the name I suggested, Zhen Zhen, was chosen, and I have enjoyed Su Lin’s antics. I know it’s important for them to leave, and perhaps we will see more babies in the future. However, from previous blogs, because of Bai Yun’s age, maybe not. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a panda cam where they are going so we can continue to see them.
I have tears in my eyes just by reading this…good bye girls.. thank you for watching you on cam.. and thank you SDZ staff for a wonderful job…
I knew Su had to go, she has had her first estrus and i know it is time for her to move to the next phase of her life. But my Zhennie? My little happy girl?! I’m shocked and heart broken.
I feel as if the floor has just dropped out from under me. Sure I knew it was coming but to see it in writing still caught me by surprise. We know that they have received the best care and training from the staff and Bai Yun so the next step is up to them. I have been very fortunate to have seen all the pandas over the years except Yun Zi, who I hope to see next March at the convention.
Has it been decided who will accompanying them on their relocation trip? They had better be good typists as we will expect (even demand) continuous updates.
My saving grace is that I will be able to see all the SDZ pandas in China when I go there. Many more pictures will be taken for my collection then.
Moderator’s note: Su Lin and zhen Zhen will be accompanied to China by seasoned animal care and veterinary staff members. We will provide updates once the girls have left for their new home.
Moderator, do you know if the FedEx panda team is flying the girls to China? I’m asking just because FedEx did such a classy job with Tai Shan and Mei Lan’s move…I felt better about their journey, knowing they were in good hands of a caring professionals.
Moderator’s note: I don’t have any information regarding that detail.
I knew this day was coming but I’m surprised how unprepared I am for it. I am very grateful I was able to see them both in March (during the Panda Convention — yes, I’m still around just way, way too busy for my liking; but I do watch as often as I can). I kept a stiff upper lip (quivering upper lip) when Tai and Lani left. I’m not sure I can do that this time. I knew Su Lin would be leaving around September, but ZZ, too? When I watched “Panda Tales” the first time, the song “Precocious Panda” said it all. And, alas, I knew her day would come too. But not this soon. That silly little panda in the show is still the silly big girl. And what a girl!
As I sat at my desk at home this morning, I was marveling at my screensaver, Su Lin on her first birthday, and what a cutie pootie she was. How she has grown into a beautiful young lady!!!
To all the keepers, moderators, and staff, congrats on a WONDERFUL job you’ve done for the panda world. Be proud!!!! My heart breaks for you all, too.
I am trying not to cry as I write this. Does China own all of the Pandas, can’t SDZ get some somewhere else and
keep them as their own? I have watched them for years and worry about them being in a strange place. I hope
they meet up with the others who have gone. Thanks for the Panda Cam I watch it every day.
Moderator’s note: International treaties that protect endangered species prevent the purchase of pandas. Almost all pandas in the world are owned by China. Our bears are on loan, and loaned bears give birth to loaned cubs! This is the arrangement made many years ago with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Chinese government. It’s not a zoo-specific decision.
#31. Moderator, thank you…I was just wondering…
I am having an “ugly” cry.
“…..one of Gao Gao and Bai Yun’s descendents will one day be born in a large old-growth tree den high in the mountains near Wolong. That image alone is enough to bring a smile to my face ….”
Dear Megan,
I wish you with all my hart this imagination become true. I think they ( GPs) belong to their natural environment, not to us people. It is the fact we can’t deny. On the other side – it must be very, very hard to say good bye after so long contact with every single panda.
Aleksandra
with all my heart sorry for mystake!
When I saw the title of the new blog, my heart sank and I hesitantly wanted to read. I was right and sat here with tears in my eyes. As much as I and everyone else loves these girls, it is sad and hard to hear. I hope and pray that the girls are treated as well there as they have been here by the fantastics Nannykeepers, love that name. I am more heartbroken for the Panda Keepers because they are a part of these girls, and not only will they miss the girls, I know the girls will miss them also. Bless you all Panda Keepers and be strong, I know easier said then done. I will pray that who ever goes with them, will have the strength and ability to say “see ya in the future”, because I sure couldn’t do it. SDZ is the best and so are all the keepers, moderators, and everyone else!!!!! Please, please give Su Lin and Zhen Zhen a big ole back rub for me, love them and love SDZ. Thank you all so very very much.
#11 nan : I agree. I would like to see more info about the awesome Gao Gao as well. Even a few more photos of him will do
I too am heartbroken that I won’t have a chance to see my darling ZZ in the fur. Watching her grow up has been a ray of sunshine for me. I know she will dazzle her new keepers with her amazing personality–I am really starting to tear up! We must somehow obtain a promise from someone in their new home of frequent updates and pictures. Maybe a ZZ cam like the Tai cam?
I really hope we’ll be able to see the girls on pandacam until their departure–I seem to remember that being true for Mei Sheng?
As sad as we will all be to see them leave….it makes me happy to know that they have been in such great at SDZ. Soon they will be able to contrbibute to the efforts in breeding the giant panda. Thank you so much for all the great times! I love watching them on the Panda Cam!
Thank you Megan for telling us about Su Lin and Zhen Zhen’s current situation. My heart just sank when I read the date. I was hoping that they would at least wait until the weather was cooler (i.e. end of the year) before wanting them back in their homeland.
Is Zhen Zhen available to see after 2pm before August 16?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
I was already planning a trip to San Diego with my seven year old grandson for his first visit to SDZ on Monday, Aug. 16. I was so excited to introduce him to my panda friends. Now sadly I find out that we will be saying good-bye to Sweet Su and ZZ. I’m afraid Chad will see Grammy cry, but perhaps it will impress upon him the importance of the trip they will be taking and how vital these magnificent pandas are to the survival of their species. I have visited all the pandas since Bai Yun, Shi Shi, and Hua Mei were the resident family. I’ve watched the panda cam since just about the beginning and loved each baby born seemingly more than the one before. The shock of sending ZZ along to China at the same time as her sister has me in tears. But I’m very thrilled that quite by accident I will get to see them on their last public day at SDZ. I will be returning to the Zoo the next weekend for the Black and White Overnight. Is it possible that we Pandaholics in attendance will be able to see Su Lin and Zhen Zhen one more time? Please… please… please!!!!
I watched Tai Shan at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. grow from a tiny baby to adulthood. I cried like a baby when he left for his journey to China and I am sure I will feel the same way when Su Lin and Zhen Zhen leave SDZ. I have never had the pleasure of actually seeing them like I did Tai but your blogs make them real to me. They will have a good life in China and hopefully will have many babies while there.
#33 Evelyn,
Read the book “The Lady and the Pandas.” It will give insight into the first pandas captured and on display in zoos. It is not an easy book to read for those of us that love the pandas so much, but it is well worth reading.
I know that China wants what it believes is best for these wonderful bears, I don’t completely agree with some of what I have seen with groups of these cubs playing together and so comfortable with humans. As much as I don’t agree with some of the policies, if I had the means, I would travel to China just to hold one of these precious creatures for a few minutes.
When I was a child we had a panda at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. It died when I was very young. No one really had a clue how to care for them once they caught them so many died needlessly. Please read the book.
By this time next year, our Miss Little Bit may be cradling her own little-bit (or two).
Really sad to see BOTH of the girls go. I wish they could spend a day together!
Oh, how sad. I visited Su & Zhennie back in the summer of 2008. Zhen was just a little baby back then. They are both wonderful young lady pandas and Bai should be very proud of her daughters. Zhen has captured my heart by how playful she is, and that always makes me smile! I feel terrible for all of the panda staff having to go through Zhen & Su’s departure. They will be greatly missed. I wish you all the best, and I look forward to reading the updates once they have gone to China.
Wait a minute, is Zhen Zhen going this year too??????
Moderator’s note: Yes.
So I just read an article, that Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will be leaving for China at the end of the summer. That is why they will be off exhibit starting on Monday, August 16. I saw this story on the internet.
I haven’t been to the zoo in awhile, so I actually haven’t seen Su Lin and Zhen Zhen out in the main exhibit areas. I guess they’ll still shown the Panda Cam? I hope so.
It’s sad to know that these two cute bears will be leaving the zoo, but I’m happy that Su Lin will finally be able to have her own cubs, since there aren’t any males here for her to breed with.
I’m a wreck–but a somewhat happy wreck! I hate to see the girls leave us, but I am very glad they will get the chance to be Mamas, which wouldn’t happen here. Bai Yun has taught her children well, & I know they’ll be treated to the very best of care, & will be loved as well. Zhennie has such a tight grip on my heart that I’ll feel her absence most of all, but I wish them both the very best. Safe journey, sweethearts!
Moderator, can you tell us if we’ll be getting a bit more cam time of our girls before they depart?
To quote the Tin Man–’Now I know I have a heart, because it’s breaking’.
Moderator’s note: Since I don’t control the cameras, I can’t make any promises. However, I’ll pass your question on to the appropriate people.
I was hoping to see Su Lin and Zhen Zhen during the Black and White Overnight…Both Sisters will be missed……
Have any pandas been successfully released into the wild to date?
Thank you to the keepers for celebrating a week of panda birthdays. It was so much fun to watch the pandas attack the cakes! The creative cake makers must have smiled when the pandas climbed onto and devoured the treats with abandon. These joyous memories will help me ease the pain of the departures of these precious bears.
I assume the keepers knew about Su Lin and Zhen Zhen leaving the zoo but kept it quiet until the public could have this week of birthday celebrations. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Su Lin and Zoom Zoom will be missed but perhaps they will love the cold weather in Wolong. I hope they find the very best mates that result more adorable panda cubs. They deserve the very best suitors, IMHO.
Sad and exciting news at the same time. Susie Q is definitely ready to be a mommie but little ZZ is is so much younger I had thought like most we would have another year with her. Tai was my first baby and it broke my heart to see him leave, but thankfully we did have two months notice so I was able to plan three trips to send time with him. The photos we get from members on FLCKR show he is thriving. Just also saw some recent photos of Mei Sheng and he also looks wonderful. He has a little girl living next door to him. Fed Ex did a fantastic job with the move of Tai and Lani. Good Luck to both our California girls. We love you and will miss you.
When, like #38 Debbie, I saw the title to this latest blog, my heart felt suddenly pierced, without reading further.
Though, in my head I know this is for the best, and planned, etc., etc., my heart is breaking. My own fault for pushing the SD Zoo visit back, back, back, until there is no place for it to go now. Except, I am going to try and make it down there this Friday, if I can confirm Zhennie will be on exhibit. Please, I hope so.
I was feeling sad enough to know Su Lin was leaving, and now double the sadness. But, Bai Yun in her own way has had to endure the loss of each of her children, so I must be strong and take her lead. Though we have never seen Bai cry tears of sadness, I am sure they were there, I know I won’t be alone as my heart struggles to be brave and let me Zhennie go. I love you girl, I love you so much. You are the little daughter I never had.
I am hugging you right now, my Precious.
Moderator – Megan’s article says that Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will not be in public viewing beginning Monday, August 16th. To me, this means that the last day they can be seen by the public is Sunday, August 15th. The San Diego Union and NBC in San Diego are reporting that the last day they can be seen in Monday, August 16th. Can you please be sure to clarify this, as it would/could make a difference if someone was travelling to see the cubs. It is sad enough that they are leaving, much less to miss the opportunity to see them, or not see them because of mis-communication with the media. Thank you.
Moderator’s note: You are correct; the last day the public can count on seeing them is Sunday, August 15.
I’m gonna miss our Sweet Su and Zhennie! I knew the day would come for Suzie but I’m surprised that our little Zhennie will leave at the same time. This is going to be especially hard for the keepers and researchers to lose both at once. My thoughts are with them as they get through the hard time of missing these beautiful girls.
I’ve been to Bifengxia and plan on going back soon. I was just hoping I’d get a chance to see Zhennie before she left. I hope we can get cams for them as well in Bifengxia. I’m really going to miss our girls! :’-(
I knew Su Lin was going but I did not know that Zhen Zhen would be going with Su Lin. But from reading all the responses from all the other Panda Fans, I understand and I wish Su Lin and Zhen Zhen all the best when they do go. I will be watching the Panda Cam faithfully through Sunday. Hopefully we will get to see more of Gao Gao. One day Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will become a momma Panda.
Do all the Pandas at all the zoos in the U S belong to China?
@ 50 CRG:
I was just at the zoo last Thursday for Yun Zi’s birthday, and Su Lin was in the main exhibit as usual. However, Zhen Zhen’s exhibit was closed that day so I didn’t get to see her, but she’s been on the cam everyday.
So soon? Wish I had known sooner. Bye Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. I hope you have a good life in China and lots of babies like your sister Hua Mei.
Oh, I just re-read this sad blog and see that Su Lin and ZZ will NOT be on public view Aug. 16, so my grandson and I won’t get to see them after all. Now I’m even sadder. But my hope is still that those of us at the B & W Overnight will get a special last peek at them.
Oh, how heartbreaking. After all the festivities of last week this is a real shock. I know that it is for the common good of the Panda Preservations Program. But, you are never ready for it. I’m glad that I got to see Su Lin an Zhen Zhen in person last year. Now, I will have to devote all my love to the Little Man of the house. Thank you SDZ for all your hard work in caring for these lovely creatures.
Still reeling from watching the live feed during my buddy Tai Shan’s departure earlier this year. I do miss seeing him grow so much. Even tho we know this will happen, there is just no preparing for that day when it actually does happen. I was emotionally recked that day. I had no idea seeing his departure would have such a profound effect on me, but it did. So be it. Su Lin and Zhenny will be fine, loved and well cared for, just as those who have made that journey before them. Yes, it hurts to ‘loose’ the ones we love, but they are not dead, they live on – and will do their part to assure that their species lives on. I am so proud of them all, and so greatful to the powers that be that have allowed us here in the USA to be a part of the program. Kudos to you all!
To have both Susie and Zee leaving at the same time is almost too much to bear (no pun intended). I’ve watched them both from birth right through to today, so, even though I knew this day was coming, my heart is broken. It is some comfort to know that the sisters will travel together to their homeland. Knowing that Zoo Atlanta’s Xi Lan will probably be leaving sometime after New Year’s will make little Yun Zi the only panda cub in the United States (unless Lun Lun has a cub this fall). That’s a strange, sad thought.
This can’t be!!! I am coming from the East Coast to the San Diego Zoo at the end of August and I was specifically planning on saying good-bye to Su Lin before she left this year for China!!
How can I do that now, if she goes off public display after August 16th??!?
Say it isn’t so!!!
AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!
Are they going to keep the girls confined to a back area during the weeks before they leave? Zhen Zhen will miss her running and climbing trees so much.
Not fair to take Zhen Zhen when she hasn’t reached Su Lin’s age.
Moderator’s note: Rest assured that the keepers will make sure Su Lin and Zhen Zhen have abundant exercise and enrichment. The Giant Panda Research Station has plenty of space and options for housing pandas.
Also, remember that Su Lin has remained in San Diego longer than expected–pandas born here are usually returned to China when they are three years old. We got a bit spoiled by our extra time with Su Lin!
Oh, wow. I hope they get as good of care in China as they do in San Diego.
Those of you in the area are lucky–you can see them one last time.
Like many of you, my eyes began welling when I read this post. My panda watching began after Tai Shan’s birth in D.C. and our little Sue Lin was born the very next month. It goes without saying we shall miss our girls tremendously, but I am so very thankful for the nurturing care given as they grew from little butter sticks into the beautiful, healthy animals we know and love. Reading the blogs has given insight into their lives, but also has taught and reminded us of the tremendous efforts to preserve their endangered legacy.
It’s time for Su Lin and Zhen Zhen to go out into the world to be magnificent panda mothers. If anybody can show them how it’s done, my money is on Bai Yun’s and Gao Gao’s girls!
These bears are like family! Either visiting them at the zoo or watching them on the PandaCam, you get so used to their individual little quirks and personalities. I’m so sad to hear they’ll be leaving so soon, we didn’t get funds in time to renew our zoo membership so we can’t say goodbye in person. They are serving the greater good though, I hope they’ll continue to do us proud and continue to teach the world about panda conservation.
My heart skipped a beat when I read the title of the latest blog. I wasn’t so sure I could get myself to read it and realize the importance of this milestone for these two beautiful bears. It was hard.
Megan, thanks for breaking the news gently. While it is sad, it definitely is not tragic. But still, I know that as the appointed day draws ever nearer, the sadness will settle in more deeply for those of us who have watched Zhennnie and Su grow to become the awesome creatures that they are. They have provided such enjoyment for us and we have watched them with awe and wonder.
I surely hope that we will be able to continue watching them on the pandacam; and I so, so fervently hope that we will get to see them during the Black and White Overnight event.
Like others, I was very surprised that ZZ is leaving too. The good news is that our “girls” should follow in their big sister’s “paw prints” and will soon be producing babie. And yes, it will be a descendant of Bai Yun and Gao Gao that will give birth in the wild.
#55- Carol L “The photos we get from members on FLCKR show he is thriving. Just also saw some recent photos of Mei Sheng and he also looks wonderful. He has a little girl living next door to him.”
I have looked and looked for pictures and/or stories of Mei Sheng from this year – since he was moved. I can’t even find out if he was breed to lady pandas last spring. I just checked Flickr again just now and all of the pictures from all uploads were from SDZ. I only went through the first few pages since they post most recent on top. Can you help me find more recent info and pix. It would be easier to see the girls leave if there was a way to find out how they are every now and then.
I just got an idea driving home tonight. What would the Panda team think about sharing their thoughts and feelings, like Megan here in her blog above, about how they will deal with the transition of Zhennie and Su Lin leaving SDZ and moving on to China…I think it would help us panda fans get through the loss a little better, hearing how they will deal with it, you know, group therapy? Please let us know what you think about this idea?
Ever since I read Megan’s blog earlier today at work, I just can’t shake the thought of Zhennie and Su Lin leaving. I guess my life is just not full enough that I have to pine over tow silly ol’ bears….please tell me to stop! But as I was driving (past the L.A. Zoo!) on my way home, it had me thinking how I’ve spent 3 years fawning and cooing over these beauties and it’s like with our pets, touching their fur, nuzzling their faces to ours, it is so theraputic, you know, and well, I believe all this fawning over, cooing over the babies as they grow from small balls of black and white fur, to larger more beautiful ones, and learning all about their personalities is, well, mental therapy.
Panda Therapy….to that I say yes!
correction: over TWO silly ol’ bears…. =)
#72 Laura: Try the Flickr Pandas Unlimited site. Leon UU posted lots of photos of Mei Sheng today including video of Sheng patrolling his beautiful garden in China. He is SO handsome and very grown-up!
I’m so disappointed in the short notice for ZZ! We would have driven over to San Diego last week if we had known.
I realize this is the girls destiny, but it’s hard to say good-bye. When Tai and Lani left, I was not prepared for the reaction I would have watching that plane take off.
I was thinking about something earlier tonight of when Mei Sheng and Su Lin were able to interact, then Su Lin and Zhen Zhen were able to meet at the howdy window….Once Yun Zi is weaned, he will not have a sibling to meet at the howdy window, that’s so sad to me.
Since, the girls are going off exhibit Sunday, I am guessing their departure will occur sometime during the week of August 23rd….these things always seem to happen fast once they are taken off of exhibit. Will SDZ do a press release of the day they will be leaving?
My thoughts are with the entire SDZ panda team that travels with them. I hope you will keep us updated of their journey and adjustment. Safe travels over and back to the US.
Moderator’s note: We will make an announcement when they leave.
oh mygod!!!!!!! when i saw the blog headline my heart dropped into my shoes…. why do i always read sad things before i go to bed. I knew su lin was leaving this year ,but didnt ever think dear little zhennie would go this year, Im planning a trip to hawaii next july with a layover in l.a. and planned on visiting zhennie, well bai and yunnie and gao too, but now zhennie will be gone…I cant imagine how all the keepers will be able survive when the girls leave…. it will be just wonderful when we hear they are both. mommies . just wont be the same without zhennie on her cam zooming around her yard i wil lmiss them both .had a dream last nite that they took mei and tian back to china… and moved su lin to d.c. with a male from china !!!!! how about that!!!!!!!!!!
How stupid; I’m sitting here crying like I have lost my best friend. I know this is what is best for Giant Pandas but what a heartache to see both of them go. I have watched ZZ grow up amazingly fast since the first videos of her birth and I have loved the comments about the “Decorating Diva” Su Lin. I wish them safe transport to China and I hope they both have many, many babies of their own (will their cubs have webbing on their hind legs like Gao Gao?). Thanks so much to the SDZ panda team for their hard work and commitment to this beautiful species that should never be allowed to die off.
Oh my, what a sad post this was tonight for me. We saw the pandas this past January and got great pics of Su-Lin and of Zhennie asleep on a tree branch. Of course, Yunior and Mom but now to hear that both girls are leaving strikes pain in my heart. I first saw Su-Lin in January of 2007 where she slept way up in a tree and never woke up during my three trips back through the exhibit. I did get to see Mei Sheng before he was shipped off to China so that is a gift that I will cherish forever. It will be so sad to see the empty exhibits after our girls are gone. It would be nice if Gao Gao could be on exhibit too as we all would love to see him as well. Oh dear, here come the tears….I sobbed when I knew that Tai Shan was leaving and now my girls are too. I know it’s meant to be but seeing them on pandacam and in person I have fallen in love with them. They will be so missed by all of us panda lovers, but I imagine the panda keepers are finding it hard to accept as well that their beloved girls will be leaving at the same time. Thanks for the Birthday Bash last week as it was so fun seeing each of the kids’ birthday cakes and parties. Now to add a week later that the girls will be leaving, almost makes it too hard to accept.
Wishing my girls the best but will really be so sad the next time I get to the Zoo that they are not there.
#77 – I echo that. I didnt think Zhen would be going so soon. And of course my dear Su Lin… my first baby panda.
I knew this day was coming. =( And still it makes me sad.
Deb E. – my son saw your post and took pity on me. He searches better than I do. Thank you, so very much.
The pictures start at Jan 2010. Go to the picture on the left. Mei Sheng is incredibly handsome. He looks really big, too. In most of the pictures he really looks like his papa but alas, did not inherit plush paws. Someone mentions in a caption that he is the best climber around.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bartyork/4496364011/in/set-72157602971713532/
Oh boy! I just read this great article about Su Lin and Zhen Zhen getting ready to go to China, and it’s just beginning to hit me that these 2 lady pandas will be headed to China very soon. I will also miss them as well! Su Lin was the first baby panda cub that I was able to track thru the SDZ pandacam since she was born a month after Tai Shan in DC in 2005. Both Su and Tai were my first baby pandas on the cams, and watching the both of them growing up, developing, learning new skills, hitting their milestones was a lot of fun to watch. Watching Su and Tai on their birthdays were a study of contrasts for sure. Tai would be a little laid back about his bday cake, Su would attack her bday cake like she did last week. Then, there’s ZZ who is the zooming zoomer of the bunch! I have really enjoyed watching her grow up as well. I wonder if ZZ is still singing? The keepers at Bifengxia, China will love to have these 2 lovely lady pandas there and will certainly enjoy working with them as they both become a part of the conservation efforts for the pandas. Who knows?? One of them will ultimately be a part of the release into the partially wild area of Wolong Nature Reserve in the next few years! That will be a real accomplishment for either Su Lin or ZZ! Since Su Lin’s trip to China was delayed because of the 2008 earthquake, we all knew that her time to go to China was coming up pretty quick. Well, now Su will be going to China with ZZ, and I do hope that they will both go together on the same day.
Let us know how Su and ZZ are doing in their crate training and getting ready for China, and when their departure date is, ok? All of us pandafans will be very interested about their progress!
Well, gonna go and get some sleep since I wrote this in the wee hours of the nite/morning! Will check back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Hi, Char! Yes, there have been pandas released into the wild. A couple of years ago, the staff at Wolong (before the earthquake) released a young adult male panda into the wild. Unfortunately, this male bear did not last very long out there. He was discovered by a research team in the mountain forest and found that he died possibly from a fight with another male panda, but they still don’t have a clear reason for this panda’s death. Fast forward to this summer, 2010. Back around late June or early July, the staff at Bifengxia have recently released 5 pregnant female pandas into a semi wild, large fenced in tract of land in the Wolong Nature Reserve for the pandas to learn the ways of the wild and have their cubs out in the wild. So far, there has been some success as Cao Cao, one of the released pregnant females, just gave birth to a baby panda cub about a week or so ago. The researchers that are monitoring this area also had some cameras set up around there to monitor the pandas, and that’s how they were able to find out about Cao’s cub. They are hoping that the other 4 female pandas will also give birth to their cubs in that wild area. The cubs will be raised by their mothers without any interruption until the cubs reach around 2-4 years old. Then, the next step will be taken on this huge release project. This will be a huge step forward for everyone that is involved with this release project after losing one released panda in the wild a couple of years ago. Using a fenced in large tract of land will help the researchers monitor the progress of these 5 female pandas and their transition from captive to wild. The rebuilding of the wild panda population has begun! Keep your fingers crossed, wish them good luck, do some praying! I am because I want to see this release project succeed in a very big way!
Hope this answers your question, Char!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
I can’t believe this! Why such notice? This is very disappointing for us panda fans and members. This is really ridiculous to say the least. Wish the zoo would have extended the courtesy to tell us sooner!
It may be a sad news for San Diego and Americans, but a great news for Panda Bears’ next generation. Sulin and ZZ will definitely be great mama pandas. I’ll just wait to see their first cubbies and many more.
Moderator : Does it mean from August 16th i will not see both girls on cam anymore?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Panda Team, as I don’t have information on whether their enclosures have cameras.
I have been a member of the Zoo for many years and when it comes to the Pandas, it is very hard to accept the fact they don’t belong to us. It was very difficult letting Hua Mei and Mei Sheng go, now we have to let Su Lin and Zen Zen go?? The Zoo and China must also accept the fact that the members become very attached to these beautiful animals and after all, we members are paying for this conservation. So please be patient with those of us who are concerned about their welfare after they leave this country regardless of the loan agreement. I pray Su Lin and Zen Zen have a safe flight and also a happy life in China like they did in San Diego.
Moderator’s note: We certainly understand everyone’s feelings; as Megan noted in her blog, the Zoo staff (and not just the keepers) will miss them very much, too!
After that beautifully written post, Megan, I fully understand why Su Lin and ZZ have to go. But I am trying not to cry as I write this as my beautiful ZZ will be sorely missed. I am so glad I met her, maybe that makes it all the more poignant. And the vision of Su Lin at the top of the tree outside the Panda Centre’s upper windows will forever be imprinted in my mind. Was she trying to see what we were having for breakfast?!! Their departure is going to be a real toughie for me as these were my first pandas. I wanted to visit this year as I knew Su Lin was going but health issues and time have prevented me. Whenever they go will be a very sad time for all of us. But, for the next week hopefully the cams will be on Su Lin and ZZ so we can enjoy them.
I’m very sad…… I will miss them too much. I follwed them, specially ZZ, every day from Italy by the Cam! I love them.
Will we have any updates, photos, films from Chine too or they will just disappear ? At least, The Chines would allow us to have contact with Zhen and Su!
We really LOVE them!
Will SDZ give some updates of the cute bears from time to time? I am afraid that when they go back to China, it seems like they are just ….lost.
I would like to know how Hua Mei and Mei Sheng are doing. Could the SDZ gives some information about their life, about their cubs?
Moderator’s note: We try to share information when we get it, but our peers in China are as busy as we are! However, panda fans who travel to China generously share whatever information (and pictures) they come across, so stay tuned!
I had a feeling a while ago that both our beloved girls would leave at the same time. We all have to remember their destiny is in China to help with the conservation of this species. I will miss them both so much.
I can just imagine how the keepers must feel. If I am feeling this sad never having had personal contact with them, you guys must be feeling your own sense of loss.
Thanks to everyone at the SDZ for all that you have done for the girls.
Bright spot: We still have Yun Zi for at least a couple of more years!!
I wish that the zoo would have been more forward with ZZ’s pending departure when they announced Su Lin’s. Just don’t understand and it really hurts as ZZ is my favorite! I love U ZZ!
Moderator’s note: Their departure arrangements came very quickly and we made the announcement as soon as we could.
Wow.. SuLin I expected… but not Zhen Zhen… I wish the “rule” was that the females wouldn’t go back until they went through their first estrus. Zhennie is just a baby yet… Maybe the male “rule” could be when they are mature enough for mating… I don’t know.. just thoughts….
This has to be one of the hard parts of being a Keeper… I feel for you guys.. you are committed to conservation (that’s one of the reasons why you do what you do) but you’re also human and become attached to them just like we do…
I selfishly throw in my (fingers crossed) wish that the B&W Overnight folks get a glimpse of the girls. I don’t know who will draw the “short” straw to be our Keeper speaker but I bet their will be alot of questions about SuLin and Zhennie… I’m already make up my list…
#73 Laura The photos and one video of Mei Sheng strolling in his garden are on the Pandas Unlimited Flckr photo stream. As you know I can’t include a link here
Wanted to add that Minimei just vistited BF’g also and posted some great photos on PU site.
I share all the above sentiments!
Is there a chance SDZ will be getting another breeding female to mate with Gao Gao?
whenI saw the title of the blog last night before i left work my heart sank.I came to terms that Su was leaving but not Zhennie.,now through the tears and rewatching her birthday video I just can’t believe it. I understand their roll in the survival of their species but i wll miss seeing them on the cam. I saw them last year and am grateful for that. All i can say is Gao and Bai you done good giving us these two beautiful women. Too all the keepers and staff you have managed to help raise two very special ladies and you all should be very proud of your accomplishments. China is gettng the best of this deal.
Such devastating news!
I will miss the beautiful and exquisite Su Lin….She is such a lady.
It’s unbelievable that the little pixie Zhennie will be going too!
Light will be gone from Panda Canyon.
I wish them well and pray that they will get the same loving care as in SDZoo.
As long as they get their Boo they should be content……hope so….
So sad!!! I cannot believe that we will have to say good-bye to the girls. I joined in the panda watch when ZZ was born – I will definitely miss her the most as I’ve watched her grow. Before long, I guess it’ll be our little guy’s turn to take an adventure as well.
Is there any way for us to continue keeping track of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen? We’d like to keep following them, know if they have cubs in the future, that sort of thing. Does Wolong keep track of them by name for us to see?
This news re-defines the term ‘Double Whammy’. Both Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will be missed when they go on their journey. I want to thank the SDZ for allowing Zhen to be in the classroom area during the past months. We all have been treated to much panda-monium fun! Su Lin is such an elegant panda….like her momma Bai Yun. Goodness.
AHA! So that’s why Zhennie had 3 birthday cakes and nobody else did! I will miss the sisters too!
It will be a sad day to see the Panda’s leave but they will be entering a new phase of their life and that is to do what God intended; for them to become mom’s;)
Will you soon be getting other Panda’s? How does that work?
As hard as it was for us to see Tai leave it did help that they had his crate in yard one and you could see it on cam and in person and watch him get used to it. On Mei and Tian’s big ‘date day’ they even went in the crate together so you knew it was plenty big enough for Tai. It was heartbreaking to watch but it also was a little comforting to be able to watch Tais move on the day he left. They had closed the zoo to visitors that morning and to see how much care was taken and that he was not agitated and seemed quite calm helped a little bit. To see him at the airport and being loaded on the plane with Lani and that he remained calm and had Nicole with him showed just how seriously the Fed Ex team took this responsibily knowiing they had two of the most valuable animals to move.
Will we be able to see the goodbye celebrations or the move day on cam or on a streaming video feed as we did with Tai? Four babies in one year is a lot and each one of us has a first born.
Moderator’s note: There are no such plans at this time, but we will let everyone know if that changes.
Megan, thanks for your blog which was truly bittersweet. Like all my other fellow-bloggers I am aware of the fact that the loaned pandas have to return China sooner or later. Nevertheless, I am grateful that Su Lin was allowed to stay longer. She was my first “cam panda” in 2005 and I have got her as my screen saver. She gave me so many happy hours and cheered me up when I did not feel so well. She truly is a special bear. Thank you, Su Lin, I am going to miss you badly but I know that you will make SDZ proud with your sweet personality and your babies to come soon. No doubt they will be as beautiful as you and your mum Bai Yun.
Zhen Zhen, my baby that I watched from your birth, I am so sad to also see you going. But your big sister Su Lin, I am sure, will look after you. I am so glad that you two can together leave for China. Mei Sheng, your brother most probably cannot wait to see you again and welcome you to this, for you still, foreign country. Most likely he will have already chosen nice husbands for you. Bye, bye Zhen Zhen you will be sadly missed by me. And thank you for given me the pleasure to see you grow and thrive. Both you and your sister Su Lin will always be in my heart. Thank you, everybody at SDZ for taking such good care of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. You can certainly be proud of your achievement! It must be even sadder for you to let go of your pandas after having watched them from birth to grow into such beautiful bears.
Best of luck to our ANGELS! They will make the SDZ and their team proud.
With all the money that the United States pays China to have Pandas in our country, that should be enough money to buy them. I know it is traumatic for them to be moved from country to country. I am very sad that Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will be sent to China. I have enjoyed watching them on the Panda Cam and I will surely miss them.
I hope everything will be done in the best interest of the pandas. As far as I remember, Tai Shan had a lot of time to get accustomed to his crate, but Mei Lan had much less time to get use to her forthcoming traveling conditions. Mei Lan had a harder time during and after her trip. So, I hope that both Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will have plenty of time to get accustomed to be locked in their crates before their trip to China. As Zhen Zhen is such an active young panda, I hope she will be able to get use to that situation.
Good luck to all involved in the preparation for their long trip to the country of their ancestors.
Smile even though your heart is breaking…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51885868@N03/4799217395/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/giantpandazoo/4245186217/
He looks like his daddy! http://www.flickr.com/photos/giantpandazoo/4245177651/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/3835050357/
Carol L #95–Thanks for letting us know about the recent posts from Bifengxia. I am waiting to be “approved” by PU so that I can view them.
I’m still in shock about Zhennie leaving–I guess it goes along with her being precocious and adventurous and ready to explore.
I hope Lucilla and P Wong will be able to let us know about the going-away party that Bai, Gao, and Yunnie will surely be planning for the girls.
Iwould never think of quarreling with those who study pandas, but I think that to push Su Lin to breed is too soon. By calculation,she is about high school age and even if she could have a cub, there could be problems, I think!
Even in the wild, they do not successfully breed at the first estrus! Nor do cubs survive.
Zhennie is still a child. She is hardly ready for breeding next year. Why push these beautiful girls for motherhood, when nature has a way to prepare them for motherhood. It is not babies you need but mothers in waiting, and training from nature. Motherhood is as necessary for animals as for humans. So when you make mothers, look at the love and training given by the bears in our zoos. Such loving and demonstrative mothers! An estrus does not a mother make!No 16 year old human girl is really ready for the rigors of motherhood. Just because a baby ensues does not mean it has an emotionally or physically prepared mother. Hormones are the not the end and be all of a successful mother! Or a happy child.
Yes, it would be nice if we could keep these beautiful bears but they do belong to China. I know the caring animal staff is working hard to ensure the girls have a smooth transition to their new home in China. I pray it all goes well for them. I remember Mei Lan and how anxious she was during and after the trip to China. I hope some staff members are able to stay with them for a time to help Su and Zhennie get acclimated to their new surroundings.
Huumm, wonder if those folks in China have any idea about how energetic our Miss ZZ is? They will certainly have their paws full with her!
Wonder if she will teach her little cubbies all the climbing and swinging tricks she learned? Or, will she turn into a conservative, protective mother knowing how much trouble a cubbie can get into? Can’t wait to see.
I had set my mind that Su Lin would be going home to China this year but I wasn’t prepared to learn Zhen Zhen would be leaving also. But one good thing they will be going together nothing like having your sister with you on a trip to a new strange place. Wishing them all the best and a safe trip.
Pardon my naivety, but when the pandas are transported to China, will they be sedated at all? I’m worried that they will be scared or frightened during the trip, no matter how much crate training they will get.
Like many, I’m heartbroken at the news. But rather than say good-bye, I’ll say good luck to Su Lin and Zhen Zhen as they embark on their journey and new lives in their ancesteral homeland, fulfilling their destiny to help save and preserve their precious species.
Thank you San Diego Zoo for your contributions to panda conservation and research, and for sharing Su Lin and Zhen Zhen’s first chapter on the PandaCam. They have enriched my life, and I will miss them so much.
I vividly recall the blogs that Lisa Bryant sent back while she was in China with Mei Sheng … knowing how well she documented his travels has assured me that we will get the same type of information from the Nannykeeper who gets the priviledge of traveling with Su Lin and Zhen Zhen.
I look forward to seeing photos and news from Mary in Brooklyn and Lee in Vancover, and all others that are lucky enough to visit “our” pandas in China in the future.
I feel very happy that I saw both girls in November 2009. It breaks my heart that they are leaving but they will go home and fulfil their destiny like their sister who I saw in 2003.
A question….are they both going to China? Or just Su? I am definitely gonna miss Su!
If Zhen is going too,I’ll be SO sad! 
Moderator’s note: Both Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will be going to China at the end of the summer.
It is so sad to hear that the girls are leaving….I wish I could make a trip to see the lovely girls before they take off from the public viewing area…anyway, thanks so much for the staff at SDZ taking good care for these valuable species.
Yes — I had a feeling from the title that this was coming — but I still read this with a huge lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I knew it was coming — probably sooner than later — and have been through this with Hua Mei and Mei Sheng — but it is sad none the less. But the girls are needed in China — where both will find nice young male pandas and have lots of babies. I too like thinking that someday, their babies might be living in the wild– gosh that would be nice.
Farewell beautiful girls — we will think of you often — and smile knowing that you are on a great adventure in the mountains of China.
I’ve watched these 2 beautiful pandas grow up watching the webcam…..so sad to see them leave, but their journey ahead will be amazing. Sure gonna miss them!
Good luck to Su Lin and Zhen Zhen! I’ll miss them on the panda cam and in person!!
If people are planning to visit the zoo this week to see the girls, I’d recommend NOT going Sunday, August 15th in the morning. There is a huge 5K and 1/2 marathon the morning of the 15th and all 9000+ runners and many spectators will be parking at the Balboa Park and Zoo lots. Lucky for me, I’ll be right there to wish them well after the race … but a traffic nightmare for those that are unaware.
I was just thinking, perhaps the zoo should have an auction for a trip to accompany the girls to China?
I was at the Zoo today, but I did not recharge my phone last night and my battery went dead while I was filming. I will post the videos as soon as I can. I think I will go back to the zoo later. Nobody was in line to see Zhen Zhen and the line for the other pandas was pretty short.
Marie: Thanks for posting the pictures of Mei Sheng. He was before I started watching the cam… Yep.. he does look like Daddy Gao… however.. I don’t any of Gao’s offspring have inherited his very fuzzy feet…
If Zhennie gets matched up with a bear like Chuang.. the result would be a Lin Ping to the extreme!!!…
hhhhmmm… .maybe the world isn’t ready for that kind of energy..
Panda Team: Is the hearing study finished now since the girls are leaving? I recall a blog that Gao was becoming part of the hearing study… will it continue with just Gao or will Bai get to participate?
For the new pandaholics here, you should check out the blogs from when Mei Sheng went to Wolong in Sept/Oct 2007. Lisa Bryant kept us updated every step of the way of his journey and then for some time afterwards as she stayed with him for the settling-in stage. I know reading them helped me.
Moderator’s note: Click on each title to read the Lisa’s blogs about Mei Sheng’s voyage to China: Our Precious Cargo; First Night in China; Smaller Crate; Welcome at Wolong; Mei Sheng on His Own; Farewell, Wolong
As I read this post I have tears in my eyes. I just found the panda cam not too long ago and have grown to love these two girls. I have scheduled a trip to the SDZ in September just to see them, and of course the young man too, but now I wont be able to see them, how sad I am.
Will you keep us all informed of how the girls training is going?
I know how sad I am, I cant imagine how the panda staff is feeling
Thanks #123 SC for the warning. We are going there that morning – only chance we have. Now i’m afraid to tell my husband…..he won’t want to deal with the crowds.
Susan in UK–
I feel like you do, so thankful we got to meet ZZ when she was just a little 11 mo old cutie-pie, and Su Lin getting scratched through the fence right in front of us, and SL up in that tree watching our breakfast with the keepers! Aren’t we glad we got to do that? YES!! And by chance we are going this weekend down to visit them, planned months ago with no clue it’d be our goodbye girls visit…we are fortunate about that too. This is something we knew would happen, but it is very sad. I feel for the keepers and staff too, they love these animals so much and care for them daily. Sorry to hear you have health issues preventing you from visiting again, but I feel one day you will be there again. Take care and keep them in your heart, we will try to follow their China adventures!
Why don’t they send another male to our zoo and let us help breed them in this country a bit more? Less expense for China and more for us to enjoy. I think the current system could sure be improved on.
Plus Yun Zi has his little fluffy butt and rear leg hanging over his hammock. I think he has outgrown it and needs a bigger one like that one panda has in China.
@130: Yun Zi sure has outgrown his hammock!
I can’t wait till I go back to the zoo again. I’m hoping I can go back during the holidays. Do they get special enrichment items for Xmas too?
I am soooo sad. Leaving tomorrow for my vacation and decided to look at the pandas on the cam and read the sad news. I knew that Su Lin was going back but not Zhen Zhen. I will miss them both very much. I guess I will have to go to China and also visit my nephew there.
Ta ta you magnificent creatures.
In a nutshell, this sucks in a major way. Not only to lose Su Lin but also ZZ. I know they don’t belong to he SD Zoo, but it still sucks. But, as much as us panda fans are hurting, I’m sure the people in charge of caring for them are hurting more than we ever could. Even though they knew this time would come, it still has to hurt their hearts.
After Susie and Zee leave for China, will Gao Gao be put in one of the main exhibits so the public can see him, or does he prefer to stay in the background? I have missed seeing him so much on Panda Cam. I only catch glimpses of him on the Cam once in a great while. He is such a sweetheart and SO CUTE!
am typing this through a veil of tears. i knew the time would come for the girls to return to their homeland, but the reality of their leaving is heartbreaking.
su lin looks so much like her beautiful mother, and zhennie trots to the tune of a different drummer.
farewell beauties, and take our love along.
may you both bring this planet many healthy cubbies.
big hugs,
joan
painted post,
n.y.
#s 95 & 96 CAROL You may include links with this in mind—we cannot give links to other blogs. For example we can give the information for “Pandas Live On” this way……simplys type “Pandas Live on” into your address bar to go there directly, or you may break the link this way……
http://feeds (dot) feedburner (dot) com/PandasLiveOn
To repair link remove spaces and (dot) and replace with a period.
I have used both ways and have had no problems. I use the spaces on both sides of the (dot) to make it easier to see for new folks not used to the rules. We do not have to break Flikr links, but if there is any doubt we should break links……our moderator has helped us out many times, but that costs her time, so we try to help each other.
Moderator’s note: Your help in “teaching” new fans is so very much appreciated!
Well, I knew this day was coming but it is still so hard to think about. For some reason, Su Lin has always been my panda girl. From her birth, I watched the cam day after day after day. I cannot explain it but she holds a very special place in my heart. She truly brought out my interest in Giant Pandas – their past, present, and future. She is a beautiful, smart, fun, serious, and now mature panda. She will be a great mother to her cubs, I have no doubt. I have been privileged to see her twice at the SDZ and those memories will last forever. I will see you in your Panda Home in China, Su Lin!
Today was Pam G’s birthday. She is having some serious medical problems at this time. She is a fun, caring, smart, and talented lady who writes the poems that catch our soul and the soul of the pandas… Please keep her in your prayers. When Su Lin was small and spent sooooo much time asleep in the trees, dear Pam wrote this special poem which I will always love:
Cub Dream
See the little Panda cub, high up in the trees
Asleep in cradling branches rocked by Springtime’s errant breeze?
Does she dream of misty mornings that reflect the light of day,
Of the clear, clean air of Panda Home, lost and far away?
For every Panda mother tells every Panda child
Of the dream that every Panda dreams, of living free and wild.
Of the mountains’ bamboo forests where bears are free to roam,
And their children’s children’s children will return to Panda Home.
So dream the Panda Dream, Su Lin, high up in your trees,
And catch the scent of Panda Home on Springtime’s errant breeze.
Truly a special poem with a special meaning. Su Lin, you’ll now be going to your Panda Home. And I have no doubt that some day your children or childrens’ children will be living free and wild in their true Panda Home.
And of course I will miss the Zoomer – Miss Zhen Zhen. Such a different little panda girl! Her energy and antics will surely be missed by many. I wish she did not have to leave so early.
I will be coming to the Black and White Overnight and do so hope I will see the “girls” one more time here in the USA.
I would like to thank the SDZ, the keepers, the staff, and all involved in this blog – you really started up this blog when Su Lin was born and have given so much information to us curious panda fans. It has been wonderful to keep up with all the SDZ pandas through your very interesting posts!
Moderator’s note: Pam’s word weaving never fails to enchant! If you have anyway to get word to her, please let her know that we are keeping her in our thoughts.
FOR THE PANDA TEAM: Speaking of first estrus as “A TIME FOR LEAVING AFTER” Zhen had a Jr. one this year did she not, and is that not counted as her first???? Su had a full blown one. Since she gets a pregnancy, psuedo or not, mated or not, will she hitting the “labor part” near or during the expected travel time??? Will there be any possibility of problems or injury if the labor commences during travel??? Could there be any other complications resulting from the estrus cycle??? Thank You
Hi,
Was wondering if the girls will be let out again for a short while once training has been completed or will they go straight to China from that point on? any info would be helpful, thanks.
Moderator’s note: They will not be on display to the public at all after August 15.
#104 CARLEEN They only send us a pair for breeding…..the ones birthed here get sent from here to where ever China decides they need to be. The more we explore the family trees of the younger Pandas living anywhere but China all we seem to find is that they are all related, so usually young pandas go to China where the gene pool is wider and deeper. Not that the gene pool for the “worldy cousins” is not wide, there are many born from or captured/rescued as wild pandas to make the cubs going to China very diverse too, just too close for mating among themsleves.
#106 RUTH FROM AUSTRIA I wondered why Mei Sheng escaped rather quickly once he arrived in China……with two good husbands—-both princes—-to find he had to get started early. This helps explain, since I heard about the “Great Escape”. I am sorry to see he has not inherited daddy’s Fuzzy Feetsies….they are the best.
#110 MARIE Thank you for the great photos. The fourth one for his 6th birthday—is that him when young with Bai, or is he entertaining??? The one on the left looks too small to be a young female he is thinking of bestowing his favors on.
#111 FRANCES IN NYC Thank you for reminding our wonderful writers—-all of you, not just the two mentioned, that we need some stories, etc. to ease our way. Where and how do we sign up for approval by Bifengxia (PU?)??? Somehow I managed to miss that.
#112 VIRGINIA SPIEGLER I have been thinkning about this since the first double travel of our east coast bears—-I was new to the Panda cam the day Yun Zi was born. It is perhaps “GREENER” and certainltly more FINANCIALLY sensible to send two Pandas at one time, rather than one. I know that Fed Ex, so far, has been kind enough to transport Pandas for us as their contribution to saving them, if all they carried were one Panda each there would be a lot of waste. Now is the time to hope even more for that NZ has a great healthy cub, since there is none on the continent to match up with Yun Zi. I just thought of the “X-Man”-he may get to stay longer to wait for my baby Yun Zi.
#114 ANNE IN NYC Boy-howdy China is in for a surprise unless they keep up with photos and You Tubes. Just so you are not terribly suprised—-it looked to me the other day like Yun Zi was practicing hanging by his toes, and his dismounts are much smoother and more complicated.
I just can’t believe Zhennie and Su Lin are leaving. They’re moving on. It’s going to be hard to see them go, but we know that they’ll have cubs (hopefully) there and live the rest of their panda lives in their true home- China. Though I’ve only been watching them for a year now, I have seen both Zhen Zhen and Su Lin grow. I know they’ll both be wonderful mothers some day, Su Lin will surely be like Bai Yun- gentle, patient, calm. Zhen Zhen will be a fun, loving and caring mother full of joy, her own, unique self. I will miss them and I know at the Zoo it won’t be the same without them. Hopefully there will be updates on them from China often and even a Zhen Zhen or Su Lin Cam, just like the Tai Cam. I’m going to miss them!
but also 
#123 SC This would be a great time to have people call their bus route….maybe go by car part way and the rest by bus, but avoid the parking lot altogether. There is also some kind of trolley thing that runs through the park—-check there too. So Ready, Set, Get those computers smoking…you can get any information you need any time of day or night……even check up on the races to see if they make some last minute changes that might make a difference to you. Last but not leaslt let everybody you know know about it……..so they can arrive very early for a stroll in the park, make other arrangments, whatever they need to do to help their day—and ask them to pass it on too.
IF YOU HAVE MORE OR BETTER INFORMATION THAN MINE PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND IT.
I am sad that the girls are leaving, but my sadness is nothing compared to the staff and keepers’ feelings at SDZ. They might be used to seeing their babies leave, but I know it has to hurt. I was lucky enough that I was able to visit SDZ in March and witness Su Lin’s estrus…she was off the wall on the day I visited. Bai Yun was munching on bamboo and Yun Zi was fast asleep on his tree cot. However, my first cubbie was Zhen Zhen and I was not able to see her in person. I will miss her sweet antics. I pray that Bai Yun has at least one more active and productive estrus cycle. She and Gao Gao are much loved.
#125 DIANNA FROM OHIO The last of the voters is not fully grown yet…..I saw some lush looking hair on Su Lin’s Feetsies, and ZZ and YZ have no idea yet, they are still growing. That is 3 maybes out of 4. Perhaps Fluffy Feetsues are a Special Panda Message that Bai has decided we do not need to know, since we are not Pandas—–how about that—-a new research subject for Pandas. Gao does not have those Fluffy Feetsies for cold weather….he does not even like cold weather.
#128 MARLENE Check with the race people online for routes-then check the local bus and trolley routes that have parking lots by them. Drive part way there, catch a bus/or ? the rest of the way.
#129 MARTI IN OREGON If you plan to go on Saturday-good for you…..If not check some posts between here and #123 about alternate parking, using the Bus, the Trolley, whatever moves.
#130 JESLYN IN SAN DIEGO Let’s hear it for the hammocks. If China wanted to start a “sattelite” Breeding center, so far San Diego would get my home grown vote…but we did have a good start with Bai and Shi Shi…..then we were blessed with Olde Fluffy Feetsies himself—-there had to have been magic there. It still remains to be seen if their offspring follow in their paw prints. If you put your request in eaqrly……………..
So very sad,even when we no it has to happen, my dear Zhen Zhen my first ever panda, i love her to bits, good luck to both of you.hope moderater will let this message on line, Kat West, i have tried and tried to email you but no luck can you send it to me again, i know how sad you must be, i am to.
Big Day Sunday in Balboa Park!! Be forewarned…
I wanted to also give people a heads-up about Sunday in Balboa Park with the half marathon (runner shuttle buses start leaving from in front of the zoo lot at 4:30 am and the race finishes at the park’s Hall of Champions) and 5K walk/run which is entirely in Balboa Park from 6:45-7:45am. Both bring thousands of people up there and it won’t be a calm day in the park! Driving and parking should be challenging especially in the morning; the awards ceremony for the half is at 9:30 am so it might be somewhat settled later in the day as participants drift off (surely not all of them will go to the zoo!). Cabrillo Nat’l Monument has free entrance for the entire weekend, BTW. What timing this all is!
Moderator, do you know if Su and ZZ will be able to take their enrichment items we bought for them last year as part of the baby shower gifts?
I hope they will be able to 1 or 2 with them. ZZ loves her enrichment items!
Moderator’s note: I don’t have any information on that, sorry. However, even if they left them here for their little brother to enjoy later, I’m sure they will be excited with the new things they discover in China.
I will really miss watching Zhen Zhen – here lately she has been so funny to watch. I’ve been to the research center in China and even got to hold a baby panda about the age of Yun Zi – what an experience! Su Lin and ZZ will enjoy their new homes – the facilities are incredible – but they will both be sorely missed. I hope to maybe get to see them on my next trip to China!
More baby news!! Rau Hin gave birth yesterday to healthy twins, a male and a female
aws-s(dot)com/english-new/panda/index.html
I don’t know what they put in the water in Japan but all the cubs conceived and born at Adventure World Shirahama in Japan are twins. In two cases, in the past, one of the twins died, but still…
Rau Hin did not have a twin sibling but she was “made” in China and born in Japan..
A good place to read about all their pandas, besides the Adventure World Shirahama’s website, would be www(dot)giantpandazoo(dot)com/AdventureWorld.html
A big THANK YOU to our fantastic Moderator for putting up the links to Lisa’s blogs (#126). They helped me survive Mei Sheng’s relocation and even brought a smile to my face at times.
Moderator’s note: You’re very welcome. I thought it would be easier for people to have them in one place and in order than to have to search them out.
Hate to hear that both girls are going back, but we all knew it was just a matter of time. Both are so beautiful and I am sure that they will do us all proud in China. Little ZZ should keep them all busy!
It is always sad to learn that one of “our” pandas will be soon leaving. But SDZ put on one terrific birthday festival last week – I was practically glued to my screen all week. And, with her birthday cake, Zhen Zhen put on a super show for her final performance. Great job, SDZ!!
Since Su Lin and Zhen Zhen are leaving us and won’t be on display after the 15th it would be nice if we could at least see them on the cams from now till then. We love seeing Bai and junior but we’ll still be able to see them after the 15th. Also why isn’t Gao Gao on the cams except in his bedroom?
#144 Grammie–We stay near enough to WALK to the zoo (our FEET move best!)
Grammmie–I was trying to get “approved” at the Pandas Unlimited group site at flickr so I could see the recent pictures of Mei Sheng and Hua Mei that someone here on the blogs said they had seen. The pictures for which Marie gave us links are from a couple of years ago, though the comments are current (they mention Mei Sheng’s 6th birthday).
JD–thanks for posting Pamela G’s poem. Moderator–maybe that would be another good project–assembling all of Pamela G’s poems in one place for those of us who missed them?
I agree with you, marian #145–my first little panda girl is going away too soon.
Moderator’s note: It’s a huge task that I don’t have time for, but perhaps someone in the Panda Fan community would like to take that on?
#147 Bf’g did not allow Tai to bring any of his toys or favorite things with him. He had a old mulberry stick he liked to annoint himself with besides lots of crates that they would use to pour honey on. There will be many new things for Su Lin and ZZ to explore once they get out of that awful quantine time. I can’t wait to see little ZZ climbing in and out of the hobbit house. Hopefully they will be out of quantine when the PI and NZ tours are there. I’m waiting for a tour that is only the Panda base and time with my baby Tai and the other US kids as well as the kindergarten. I’m not really interested in seeing the rest of China, I have a one track mind – Pandas.
Okay, this is a big blow for even me to handle, so I will try to councel myself. Pandas who go to China today ensure that there will be more baby pandas to enjoy tomorrow, and I’m certainly hoping that by this time next year, we’ll be looking at photos of Su Lin’s new cub. Zhen Zhen no doubt has something valuable to contribute to adolescent studies, speedball that she may be! I will always remember her spirited, squeaky barks while she was being measured during her first exam! And I too have had thoughts of Hua Mei being Shi Shi’s only baby that we’ll ever know of for certain, and that a part of him lives on through her and her 7 cubs. One of her firstborn twins, Tuan Tuan, is already an ‘ambassador’ to Taiwan, together with his mate Yuan Yuan and as they reach maturity, we could have news of *their* firstborn as well. So I guess, it really is all good…
Following on from #126 Lee. Animal Planet did a series called Pandmonium. It included Lisa and Mei Sheng’s trip. loads of footage of Hua Mei and her babies as well as the other pandas in China. It’s available on DVD as a 3 disc set. I was given it for my birthday this year and was rewatching it this week before I read about the girls going. The pandas in China are as cherished as they are outside of the country.
Any panda fan should try to get hold of the DVD, I don’t know if it’s available through the zoo shop but you should be able to get it from Amazon.
What I would like to know is if Mei Sheng has fathered any cubs. We never hear any new news of him.
I will miss ZZ and Su Lin.
Wow, even more bummed out since they will not be on exhibit at all after 8/15!!!!
I can’t believe I just got choked up reading about the girls leaving. I’m happy I saw them in October 2009 but watching them grow up has been such a big part of my day. The sad thing is that we lose track of them when they leave. I worry how much they breed the same pandas, atleast it seems that way, in China. Oh, well it’s so important for conservation. Just seems so fast that we’ve heard the news and they are off exhibit. No panda cams either???
# 153 Ginny: I was thinking the same thing yesterday. The cam was on Bai’s sleeping butt for a long time. I’d rather see ZZ and SL! As for GG, now that there will be an empty yard where SL is currently housed, hopefully they will move him there… better cam and view!
# 155 Frances in NYC: I’m waiting to get approved as well. Those Mei Sheng pix were ones I stumbled across on Flickr and I hadn’t seen them. I know they’re older ones. I never “knew” MS since I only found the webcam last summer so it’s nice to see pictures. He’s as adorable as his papa.
# 156 Carol L: That’s the kind of trip to China that I want to take! If you get any info, please share.
I wish it didn’t cost such a fortune to go on these trips. So many people have gone more than once. It will take me at least 2 yrs to save enough for one of those trips unless I grow a money tree. 
Pandasliveon(dot)com has a link to PamG’s Flickr page which has all her poems listed. It’s way down at the bottom of the first page, on the right. Each one more touching than the one before.
Moderator’s note: See, I knew one of the Panda Fans would show the way!
#155 Frances in NYC – great idea about compiling Pamela G’s poems. As the moderator said, it’s a big job. I agree – right now, I’m attempting to compile all of Lucilla’s stories and there’s over 70 of them now. Then we also have all of P. Wong’s conversations which would be great to have compiled as well. These would make really great mementos of our bears especially with the advent of Su’s and Zhen’s departure. So, pandafans, the invitation goes out to whomever feels they can take on these compilations. I’m not sure how they can best be shared with other panda fans once they are compiled, at least we can see what and how much material we have. I can share some ideas at the Black and White. Any takers for compiling Pamela G’s and P. Wong’s literary works???
#64-Holly from Upstate NY: Ditto. I couldn’t have said it better. When I had watched Tai Shan leave NZ, I was inconsolable. I could not watch any of the panda cams. It was as if he had died. I felt the same for Mei Lan, who was only 3 1/2 yrs old. I grieved for weeks. I am only now able to watch NZ cams without tearing up. At that time, I promised myself I would not get so emotionally attached to any other pandas. At the same time, I had been watching Zhen Zhen (Miss Precious), and got attached to her. Now my heart will break again. But, after seeing how Tai Shan and Mei Lan have thrived, and even evolved, I feel less afraid for Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. After the initial 30-day isolation, they will be allowed to have very large yards to roam and explore. Their keepers are very good to them. They will be celebrities there, because they were “Born in the U. S. A”! With ZZ’s personality, I am sure she will adjust rapidly, as did Tai Shan. There is always Pandas International, Pandas Live On, and Pandas Unlimited. You can go to those sites and find the latest info on all the pandas. Our worlds will be a little empty, but we will all adjust. In fact, our pandas will all adjust better than their hooman aunties and uncles. But that is the way humans love special things….almost to a fault.
My sincere appreciation to all the keepers, vets, and care takers at SDZ, for their endless dedication and tireless care of these wondrous creatures. We are all grateful. I know your hearts are breaking too.
# 12….Virginia
I agree with your theory, whole heartedly !
Our young Su Lin seemed bewildered and very uncomfortable during estrus.
Undoubtedly a fact of life occuring in nature.
Does estrus occur just once a year with Pandas?
Hopefully she should be a calm and nurturing mother.
Zhennie is just a precocious child way too young for breeding.
She will amuse her new handlers with her funny tricks.
Zhen Zhen will be missed…
I guess we will have to be resigned this move because it’s going to occur very soon!
As with any move, the staff is undoubtedly very busy making certain that all goes well
with Suzy and Zhennie. I think asking for Zhennie too, came as a complete surprise!
This move has really affected me emotionally….
I can’t imagine how the Panda Staff feels….
God Speed Little Ones on your new adventures!
P. S. I just had afterthought, regarding those websites I mentioned. If you visit those sites, all dedicated to survival of Giant Pandas, please consider donating to their support funds, which assist in the care of the captive pandas at Wolong and Chengdu.
Also….hopefully, there will be another generous, anonymous donor for web cams for ZZ and Su Lin. (Hint, hint….to all those panda fans, who are able to do this.)
#129 Marti in OR, how lovely to hear from you. Yes, that was a lovely lovely day, never to be forgotten. I will get to the zoo again. I have IBS which has flared up badly this year and long distance travelling wasn’t something I fancied! How lucky that you are going to the zoo before Su Lin and ZZ leave. Please, will you say goodbye to them for me? That would make me feel a little better. Have a lovely weekend won’t you, get lots of pictures of the pandas.
# 165 – Dianne in Texas: I feel the same way you do and agree with everything you said.
I took a few screen caps today of Xi Lan, who looked extra adorable while napping in his favorite spot. I also took a couple of Mei & Tian enjoying their fruities and one of Yang yesterday sleeping like a baby. You can see them here in my Facebook album:
http://www(dot)facebook(dot)com/profile.php?id=561934858&v=photos#!/album.php?aid=238812&id=561934858
I am so sad to hear that both our girls will soon be embarking on their adventure to the homeland!
I know it is their destiny to carry on and help with the rebirth of a captive panda population so that one day, their descendants can be released back into the wild, where God intended them to be in the first place. We all have to realize that our girls could be the mommies of the start of a whole new generation of Giant Pandas. God will take care of them! They are so cute and precious that no harm will come to them.
I wish them the best of luck on their long journey!
I’d contribute to a ZZ cam!
I love Su Lin, too, but ZZ’s my fave and has a special place in my heart.
Dianne #167–wish we could find out the costs and possibilities of Su Lin and (especially) Zhennie cams. I know that special lines had to be run for Tai’s cam and I know that power was blacked out except for generators at Bifengxia earlier this year–but if anyone has knowledge or contacts who could help us find out what was needed for such a venture, perhaps we could set up a fund?
If you want to see an old picture of Mei Sheng, there is one taken at his 1st birthday party in August 2004 which has just been posted on the San Diego Zoo facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31236254&op=1&o=global&view=global&subj=28896772146&id=1559131722
Susan (UK)–Thank you, we will have a nice visit, even with the anticipated crowds! and I will say your goodbyes. I’ll tell them we will all try to meet up over there if it works out someday…wouldn’t you love to see them there in their new home? I know you probably can’t envision it right now with current health problems, but things may settle down and you be ready to do some travelling again one day soon! I’ve had health issues too, I couldn’t make it down there (or anywhere) last year as I wanted, but I am back to healthy and ready to do this shorter kind of a journey…as a test for the travel thing in general. With BFX China as a sort of goal for the near future, magnetized by our little ZZ and SL too. That Panda Sunday in July ’08 was really memorable for us too. Take care of yourself and I will try to get some photos I can share in a public site for you to see.
WOW…with a heavy heart I read this! I am so glad I had the opportunity to see them in June. I have great pics and video and enjoyed EVERY second of being there. I can only imagine how difficult it is for those who ‘worked’ with the pandas to see them leave. : ( We need to enjoy Bai Yun and Yun Zi all that we can!
Thank you Megan for such an informative blog! I am so sad to see the girls go but just the thought of one of Bai Yun’s decendants one day living in the wild is a wonderful feeling and makes it clear that going to China is the best thing for the pandas.
My heart breaks that they are leaving, so I can’t even imagine what the keepers are going through. I wish they all could stay. But hearing that someday one of Bai’s descendants could be out in the wild having cubs and the line continuing in their natural habitat makes me rejoice. It is bittersweet. I hope someday the same will happen for the polar bears. What an amazing gift it has been to witness these bears being born, raised and become adults. They are so precious to all.
I’m so super sad right now. I thought we’d have ZZ for at least another year or TWO! I’m just in shock.
#147 PANDALOVER So far we have seen lush gardens for Pandas in their new homes in China. It might take a month for ZZ to tear up all of the plantngs in her area, and Su Lin needs time to work on the trees she decides need removing from her area….they get a month to tear up their quaranteen areas, plus the first month in their more permanent homes. That gives them two months to train their new keepers——and by the end of that time, with Mei Sheng’s great escape on record, China may decide to hold off getting any more Pandas from us until they learn to love these qualities—at least wait until they are 5 years old or more
I has to break your hearts to put them in their traveling cages and watch them leave your zoo, and your tender care.. I know we all have a circle of life,but it never gets easier. They are beautiful girls and will have beautiful, healthy pudgy babies.
I write this with a heavy heart ZZ was the first panda that my mom and I watch for a baby. I know that the panda have to go back to China but I was hoping to see her one more time before she went back. She was sleeping when we went to see her we still took lots of pictures. Thank you for all the hard work that you all do.
Wow, there are a lot of panda lovers. I haven’t cried this much in a long time. Reading about how much those pandas are loved, is great. I give lots of hugs and kisses to my baby girls. You haven’t left us yet, but I miss you deeply. I know the reason you have to leave is very important. You will both make great mommies some day. Just know that us crazy humans will be missing you very much.
Although this is a breach of the rules, I stumbled across a link that may offer some solace to what we are feeling with the girls beginning their new life. #158 Celfy comments led me to this page in a quest for understanding and knowledge. To all of the wonderful people who cherish our beloved Giant Pandas around the world, I truly hope this helps. Lisa and Mei Sheng are in the video gallery to warm the hearts of all that watch the small clips.
http://www (dot) yourdiscovery (dot) com/web/animalplanet/pandamonium/
Kind Regards,
Detroit
I was sad to hear that Su Lin was going to go back to China this year. Luckily I got a chance to see her recently knowing that it would be the last time. Finding out that my wee Zhen is also being shipped off is devastating, especially with such short notice. Boo.
ooo nooo–I live in Mississippi—but was born in cali…. been to san diego lots of times.
I have had the pleasure of watching all the pandas on the webcam. Of course my favorite is Bai and Yun. They are
such a joy to watch. I just adore them.
FYI,I also watch the polar bears and elephants.
Question: Which two of the polar bears are brother and sister. I noticed that theres usually two
out.
Thank you for sharing the webcams.
Moderator’s note: Kalluk and Tatqiq are brother and sister.
Oh – I HOPE that we can see them on Black and White Overnight!!!! – certainly this could be an exception as it is a panda trip??? thanks!
Is it safe for the panda’s to be returning to China following the recent floods and mud slides?
#45 Marian! It’s me! Kat…but Wilson, not West…I will email you soon! I have pictures taken from my trip to SDZOO yesterday I will send you! So glad to connect again! I love you all for loving our cherished, beloved pandas. Look at how they’ve brought the world together? I am communicating via email to Marian in the UK now! Anyone want to join us?
Peace, love and no suffering to any animals on the planet…
xoxo
Auntie Kat
I just wanted to mention that I still keep Bai Yun and Su Lin on my traveling desktop system.
And Hua Mei is still on my home Desktop system.
Knowing how hard it is for panda keepers to say goodbye to one panda, I know it is doubly difficult to say goodbye to two at the same time. However, knowing they are going together and will go through quarantine in close proximity hopefully brings some sense of peace. Since Tai Shan and Mei Lan travelled to China together on the same plane, and had not physically seen each other prior to the journey, I am certain that much was learned from that experience this winter that will be useful for the journey of Su Lin Zhen Zhen in a few weeks. Bloggers have often asked what their reaction would be to see each other in the future, after their up and down experience at the Howdy Gate. We soon may find out the answer. Since Wolong has been reopened, I presume that they will be going there and not to Bifeng Xia. It is exciting to think that they may be among the first pandas to go there. Soon there will be 4 SDZ born pandas in China. That is an astounding accomplishment. Yun Zi will keep Bai Yun busy for the next 6 months or so and then a new chapter will begin in his life as well.
I am thankful that Su Lin was allowed to stay here long enough for me to get to see Su Lin, Zhen Zhen, Yun Zi, and Bai Yun in person. For that priceless privilege I will be forever thankful.
With Mei Sheng mating in 2009, although no confirmation if cub(s) born were his, hopefully he successfully mated again in 2010. It is thrilling to think that 3 of the 4 SDZ pandas could produce cub(s) in China in 2011, and Zhen Zhen possibly in 2012. She has always been an independent and precocious panda. It will serve her well when it is her turn to join the breeding pool.
It is bittersweet to think of these two lovely young “ladies” traveling to their new life in China, but Hua Mei, Mei Sheng, Tai Shan, and Mei Lan, have proven that there is a grand life for pandas beyond what they knew in the USA. It is our sad job to say goodbye, but our joy to see they produce more pandas in their homeland to continue the rebirth of the native Panda population.
Great job Bai Yun and Gao Gao, and their tireless human support team!!!
Thank you for opening up the classroom exhibit over the past few months to allow people to see both Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. It will make it less difficult to say goodbye to Zhen Zhen since people have had the summer to see her in person.
I’m going to miss them terribly, I enjoyed watching them daily. I feel for their keepers, its going to be so hard to let them go!!!!
I have watched, excited and fascinated, as each baby was born at SD zoo. It is SOOO hard to say goodbye to these wonderful, magical creatures. I do hate to see breeding without mothering and rearing, as the Chinese are doing. I worry for the progeny as they grow…will they have the right instincts? As each one from US makes the journey to China (where so much seismic turmoil seems to threathen), we simply have to say Bon Voyage and good luck in your new, foreign land. (can’t do it without tears!)
Thank you SDZ, for all you do to perpetuate the population of our favorite animals. Your care, knowledge and attention to these beautiful animals helps make it possible for future generations to enjoy their antics and beauty as well.
Like many other panda cam addicts, Su Lin was my first panda love. I’m truly honored to have watched her birth and growth since that time, followed by her lovable siblings. I can’t imagine saying goodbye to these two darlings, but I know it’s for the best. I can only imagine how their caregivers at the zoo feel!
#56. I echo your comments…. I am crying my eyes out, I have not been online for 3weeks and I am grief ridden. The first panda I EVER saw was the precious Su Lin. She was absoulutley beautiful. I was even quoted in the Tribune as exclaiming “Su Lin, look at you, you are so beautiful”. And she is. Zhennie, I had a glimps during the Black and White Obsession. I became a panda lover with an email from a friend of the cam during baby Yun Zi’s 2nd month on earth. I was hooked. Now I am feeling loss at our beloved western born pandas, only selfish that I cannot see them one more time…
Love and courage to all at the zoo that has made this such a success. My heart and love goes out to all.
Going silently insane here at work. I keep sneaking peeks at the cams….where’s my Zhennie? Did they take her off the cams for good……. oooooooh………. =((((((((( my Zhennie….
My heart aches. I love you ZZ and SuLin♥ I will miss you so much. Thank you for the joy you have brought to me and that I was blessed to have been able to visit you this past spring for the last time….♥