Zhen Zhen
As preparations continue for Su Lin and Zhen Zhen’s move to their ancestral homeland, there’s a lot going on at the San Diego Zoo Giant Panda Research Station. The girls’ last official exhibit day was August 16, which means our priority for them right now is training and research rather than exhibit time. Guests on August 17 were able to get a look at them—or not—depending on when they stopped by, and this situation could change to “off exhibit” at any time. We have no date as yet for the actual move; as always, we’ll let you know when it happens.
What is all this training and research? Previous bloggers have addressed this, but in brief, the training is designed to minimize the stress and increase familiarity with the travel crates. Our previous pandas have moved surprisingly well with this kind of training—after all, they have their biscuits, bamboo, and friendly faces with them. Aside from a comfy place to nap, what more could they ask for? While the bears fly cargo, they always go escorted by someone they know who checks on them on a nearly hourly basis. For Mei Sheng, the trip to Wolong took about 21 hours, all in; I believe it’s a bit less to Bi Feng Xia. Getting cozy in their crates means that they have to spend time in them, hence the time now spent “off exhibit.”
Then there’s the issue of diet. Anyone who’s traveled, whether domestically or abroad, can relate to the fact that food is different wherever you go—it’s one of the things that makes travel so interesting, although it can be a challenge. The girls are transitioning to the steamed bamboo bread that they’ll be receiving in China, in addition to all the fresh bamboo they can eat, and the keepers report that the diet transition going well. This, too, is to minimize the “strange” in their new home.
And the research? There is hearing study data to continue to collect while we can, records to update, and videos to make to document training and husbandry procedures here so that their Chinese keepers will be better able to understand their precious charges and minimize the “language barrier” of new behaviors on both the part of the keepers and these new, unfamiliar bears.
In the past, we’ve had panda cubs remain here longer than three years, but it has always been part of our research agreement that the Chinese may move the bears after their third birthdays. It has been our good fortune to have Hua Mei, Mei Sheng, and Su Lin stay longer, but Zhen Zhen’s journey at just three years old is good fortune in its own way. It is difficult to introduce adult pandas to one another outside of breeding season, but subadults like ZZ can be found interacting in the wild, as well as in managed care, until maturity. None of our previous cubs have had this opportunity, since they were always larger and older, but perhaps ZZ can be introduced to playmates over the next year or so. Should this happen, she’ll have had a different experience than our previous cubs. This in itself offers yet another opportunity to learn about the development of young pandas, adding another important piece to the puzzle of the panda.
Ellie Rosenbaum is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo. Read her previous post, Panda Days of Summer.
Thank you, Ellie, for the post!
Oh dear I cannot help but think of Zhen Zhen confined for a full month after her arrival in China.!
That is I suppose part of the process..and quarantine. I hope she has the recources to overcome that.
She is such a free spirit.
Anyway we all wish them both a comfortable trip and an easy introduction to life in their homeland.
Thank you for the update. I check for new posts at least 20 times a day. Any news on the girls is very exciting and I hope that the training continues to go well and they have a very safe trip. Does anyone know if this place they are going has a cams or website? I would like to keep track of them in their far away new home.
I can’t believe they have to leave. Zhen Zhen still young and growing, I wish she didn’t have to go so soon. I know that both ZZ and Su Lin are going to be ready for the trip and China, but I just hope everything goes well. The flight is quite long, hopefully there won’t be too much turbulence. Please let us know as soon as possible when you find out the exact date they are leaving. This truly is a bittersweet time… Thank you for the post though, I really enjoy these blogs.
Thank you Ellie for the blog on Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. I will sure miss them when they leave. U was prepared for Su Lin going but not for Zhen Zhen.
Thank you, Ellie, for more info on the transition….I believe China wants our “Precious” because they know she is the special panda that she is, and they can’t wait to meet and interact with this little girl! She will definitely be their new little shining star! I hope you are right with the possibility of meeting and interacting with other pandas too! That is my prayer and wish for her… and lots more room to roam and play in. Please, China, just don’t ever put her out into the wild…. I can’t bear to think that they would…..
ps. this is a beautiful shot of Zhennie with her cake….I love to see her beautiful black eyes.
It would be so cool if Zhennie can play with other panda cubbies in China! And I can’t wait for Su to become a mother.
Can we still view the girls on Panda Cam?
Thanks for the update on the transition for Suzie and Zhennie. I’m sad that Zhennie has to leave us so soon but I take comfort in knowing she may be able to socialize with other subadult pandas. That sounds so exciting for her! After reading this, I feel much better relinquishing our precious Zhen Zhen to her homeland. I was hoping for a chance to see her at SDZ before she left but someday I’ll be able to see all “our” pandas in Bifengxia or Wolong. I’ve been to Bifengxia to see Hua Mei and Mei Sheng and it was wonderful to see them settled in.
Ellie – don’t you wish you were accompanying our girls to China. They are in for some very exciting times. They will love the size of their new homes — Su will have more space than she will know what to do with. Maybe she and Mei Sheng can resume their tree top conversations. ZZ will have an adventure whether or not she is with other pandas her own age.
Have confidence in our girls to adapt quickly and become the new divas at BFX. They will have the example of their big sister in cub production and am sure they will live up to her example.
Siiigh…I can’t handle change very well. I know it’s for the best for the girls, but probly’ harder for those left behind. I just hope the transition for these adorable girls goes well and how need would it be to see Zhen Zhen have a baby!!! I hope to hear that news one day. SO glad I got to see them in June. Just so glad for that opportunity. And thanks to Doxiemom for the videos, too. CiaoBella! ; )~
It’s always sad to see the pandas go ‘home’, but it’s good too hear about the adventures in China. Any chance you can get pictures from China of the San Diego Zoo pandas in China? It would be terrific to see how their doing. Hua Mei is still so dear to me! Thanks for all the great care of the little beasts, and for the info you share with us.
I think that Zhennie will love having playmates… that would make for some interesting videos.
I read the Mei Sheng travel links that the Moderator so kindly put up for us. I read that he was allowed to take one enrichment toy… a tube thing… I think he even slept with it after he got to China. I hope that Zhennie can take her tire… I don’t know what SuLin’s favorite is.. maybe a burlap bag scented with cinnamon?…
Their favorite Nannykeepers should definitely go as well…
The only thing that keeps me somewhat smiling through all this sad transition stuff is that Tai Shan did so remarkably well last February. His comforting NZ people stayed with him for a couple weeks in China to make the passage a kinder one. I thank the SDZ for going way beyond with the quality of care you have provided this endangered creature. The joy our pandas give to others can never be measured- which, in the end, is what love is really all about…
Elli………..thank you; this isn’t easy on any of us. I suspect that the pandas handle it better than any of us. Maybe our next panda convention will have to be in China! Tell the girls we all love them.
If Zhennie indeed gets the opportunity to roll and tumble with other bears her age then it might be worth all the pain of losing her. She is such a spunky girl, always wanting to zoom and play. She’ll love it if she can play with other subadult bears. She’ll have the time of her life.
I’m not a bit worried about Miss Zoom Zoom. She’ll adapt to anything. Sweet Su Lin, on the other hand, may have more difficulty. It’s good to know that the keepers in China care about the bears every bit as much as we do. Remember that Mei Lan had some difficulty adjusting when she first arrived in China, but now she’s doing splendidly.
And just imagine if their cubs or grandcubs wind up living in the preserve of Wolong in decades to come. That’s the purpose. They’re not just animals for zoo patrons to enjoy, much as we all adore them. Su Lin and Zhennie are heros, saving their species.
And I suspect that they’ll do it with Californian flair!
Thank you for this post, Ellie. The last paragraph made me smile because if any Panda would enjoy playing with new panda friends, it would be Zhen Zhen
I can envison her ‘teaching’ the other pandas how to hang by their feet and swing 
How to race up and down hillsides 
The fun would be endless 
Sweet Su Lin will be a wonderful Momma because her Momma Bai taught her well. The keepers in China will love their new charges, just as they love the Pandas already there.
Oh Zhen Zhen, I am already missing you baby girl! I pray I’ll see you again next year….tears….. and sigh!
Thank you, Ellie, for the update. It is exciting to think of the prospect of Mei Lan getting to interact “in person” with other pandas her own age. Since the interaction at the howdy gate with Su Lin didn’t go as well as hoped, it will be another opportunity for her to meet other pandas and learn from them. As you said, it is indeed another new opportunity not available to her siblings. They had to be content with interaction through the wire mesh. It makes me wonder if Mei Lan, also 3 years old, has had any opportunity to meet other pandas her age. If I am not mistaken Fu Long is also 3 so maybe Zhen Zhen will get to meet him or some of his companions. Three years of age I believe is sometimes the age that pandas are paired up and sent from China to other locations, so it is reasonable to think that it is a realistic possibility that she will get some interaction. It is however, highly improbable that she will go anywhere else.
I will miss watching little ZZ and Su Lin on the cam everyday!
Please give them both a big hug for me.
I wish them both a safe and comfortable trip!! I hope they both will be treated as sweetly in china as they where treated here
By the way do u think that you could keep us posted on how they are doing in china?
Love you soooooo much ZZ and Su Lin!!!!! <3
not to worry, my panda friends, zhennie will be the most popular cubbie there.
joan
painted post
n.y.
Thanks for the update Ellie. I have a question that I haven’t seen asked. The keeper(s) that are going to China with the girls, did they ever interact with Mei Sheng and/or Hua Mei before they left and if so, would MS or HM recognize them now? I was thinking about this because I came across that Christian the Lion video and how he remembered his two owners years later when they visited him in Africa. It would be interesting if the keepers get to see MS and HM and report back if they remembered them, etc..
Moderator’s note: One of Mei Sheng’s San Diego Zoo keepers visited him after his move to China. Read her account Happy Reunion and New Friends.
I want to thank Lucilla and Joseph for their wonderful stories about how our beautiful panda are getting ready for the big trip to China. Like others have said they brought both tears and smiles.
I hope Lun Lun will give us another cub to help get our minds off of all the pandas we have sent back to China this year.
I’m curious – why does China let the younger bears “play” and be in large groups? This wouldn’t happen in the wild would it?
Sooo, is it possible they may try to release Su Lin and ZZ into the wild ??? Is that maybe why they want ZZ at 3 yrs old ? Yikes ! I know it’s supposed to be a good thing, (please dont delete my thread), but this has failed in the past. Could they really try it again with our girls ??
Moderator’s note: Su Lin and Zhen Zhen are not candidates for release.
Ellie, thank you for this post. I so appreciate the effort that you put into making us feel better and more comfortable about our special pandas’ imminent departure – as if you and the rest of the giant panda staff have all the time in the world to do so on top of all the other important things that are keeping everyone busy right now. So, thank you for considering us. Between the stories from Lucilla and Joe, we can almost imagine how ZZ and Su will handle the journey. Thanks to all the story tellers. P. Wong, are you going to give us another “conversation” before our girls are off? That would be nice.
Thank you for the detailed blog Elli. I will especially miss ZZ because she’s my favourite baby…but I’m not too worried about this spunky, happy, precious girl because she is so carefree and curious about new things. I’m happy that she will have the opportunity to interact with playmates. Su Lin I’m sure will be fine too – the keepers (SDZoo, China) all love the bears and will make sure she transitions as smoothly as possible. Bye bye sweet girls! Hoping we get to see more pics/vids of them before they go…
Thank you for the information about Zhen Zhen! She is such a lively bea r and has such a curiosity that to think of her lonely and without her usual way of being, is the sadest day. It would be wonderful if she had another bear to play with, and a moat to carefuly place her prizes and show a companion her skills. Maybe they will also have a bird to sing and hum a tune with, right.? We all loved our bears so much, we forgot that maybe they needed a change of scenery and puzzles to solve, and learning to keep them safe. Maybe she will remember her last birthday party, and her visit with her sister. Bears have memories. That is how they learn. I forgot that you are all closest to her and must feel too as we do. Closing another chapter. Again. But tears are shed to cleanse our time, and not forget.
Thank you for your caring.
FROM WHAT I HAVE READ AND HEARD OVER THE PAST YEAR NOT ONCE HAS A PANDA been lost because of travel–either to China or from China, and there has been a lot more travel with the babies going to their Ancestrial Home. If not the Pandas would not get to meet THE GREAT PANDA KING, and visit PANDA HOME. (For more information about those two things please talk/type a note to Lucilla—-we first heard those terms in one of her stoies.
When they go into quarrantene they will have a large enclosure with outdoor grassy area–but I am not sure about trees. While confined they will have lots of time to train thier new nannykeepers too. When we heard about Mai Lan having a hard time adjussting we also heard that her new nannykeeper asked her USA counterpart what some of Lanibear’s favorite snackies were. Time is limited there (the keepers give up their own family life to live on the bases and reserves), and what they can buy locally is limited also, but when the new nannykeeper got off work she went out on her time and money to buy some bananas for Lanibear—one of her favorites available. I think ZZ will have her trainer trained in no time, and Su’s sweetness will maker her a favorite in no time. My only concern is when they are out of the no tree enclosure to one with trees….how many will Su tear down, and will they be afraid for ZZ’s safety as she hangs up tall by her toes, playing with her new toys.
Unless they are subjected to something that cannot be foreseen everything for the trip will be fine for the bears and nannykeepers, I only pity the trees of China if Su gets her paws on some in the wild—she only sees herself as a redecorator, not a tree uprooter.
Kat W #6, I hope you managed to get to the Zoo on Friday to see our ZZ. I was lucky enough to be there earlier in the week, before the news about Zhennie hit.
Zhennie will never be put into the wild. She hasn’t been trained for that. Tell you what though, if she were in the wild, our smart, spunky little Zhen Zhen would manage to survive and probably thrive. She is an exceptional bear, like her mom.
My great hope is that she’ll get to play with the other three-year olds (maybe even Fu Long, if they mix up the genders at that age). When she was weaned, it tore me up that she’d never get to wrestle with another bear again. But this way, perhaps she will.
And I think Su Lin will love it in China, too, when she gets into her large yard! She’ll find plenty of opportunities for her trademark silliness. I wonder if she’ll knock down any more trees!
Dearest Zhen Zhen and Su Lin,
May your journey be a smooth one and may you find great joy and love in China from new fans and nanny keepers. I am sure you will be a blessing to all who get to see and know you. And the Panda Girl trio can still come together in cyberspace!
Of course, there are many Pandas waiting to greet you so it shall be a great adventure and a new learning experience. Just as Mama and Papa got sent from China to USA, now you are going to China to be a blessing to China.
In Chinese, when we say ‘Zhai Zhien’ or good bye, it translates to Till We Meet Again!’ Maybe SDZ can organise special Panda tours to China and we can come and visit you.
So Till We Meet Again, my love and my heart goes out to you two beautiful Panda girls!
Aunty Lucilla from Singapore
Elli, thank you for this in-depth description of the transition. I am sure – our favorites will move to their homeland without stress. I am sure too – there will be done everything to ease.
Regards to all panda lovers !
Aleksandra from Poland
Dear Panda Friends, Uncles and Aunties,
We have been thrilled and excited by all your love and good wishes over the last few weeks during our birthdays and our departure.
Of course, it is a little scary going to a new country but it is our ‘motherland’, hee hee, because Mama was born there and Papa too. We will have new types of boo to eat and new snackies. Also from photos we will have plenty of new places to explore and trees to climb once we finish our quarrantine.
Also at our new home, there will be new pandas to get to know and play with (for me especially, yay -ZZ) and new nanny keepers to help us. We are looking forward to our new lives.
We are sure from time to time photos will be sent back. AND save your pennies and come to China to see us, yeah!
Zhai Zhien – Till we meet again!
LOVE AND HUGS,
Su Lin and Zhen Zhen
Check Mei Sheng birthday’s cake on chinapanda(dot)org.cn/news/show_art.php?id=829&hl=cn
He must have bright eyes after eating all of those carrots in his cake!
Nice to know that they remember his birthday.
Mei Sheng News:
I’ve found a news of Mei Sheng having ice cake for his 7th birthday. The staffs there are so nice. There are so many pandas to take care and they still spare the time to make cake for Mei Sheng.
chinapanda (dot) org (dot) cn/news/show_art.php?id=829&hl=cn
And I’ve done some translation of the page:
On 19 August, American born Mei Sheng has its 7th birthday. Staff on the research center prepare birthday cakes for him. It was an ice cake with his favourite carrots and apple. There are heart shape and star shape ice cake also. Everyone sings birthday songs to Mei Sheng and wish him healthy and happy. Handsome Mei Sheng is a panda celebrity. He is the centre of attention since he was born. And after he has come to China, there are still many fans coming for him. He is the elder brother of the coming sisters Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. I believe that the scene that they meet will be very touching and warm.
And for the picture captions:
1, Birthday party designed for Mei Sheng
2, Birthday boy Mei Sheng trying out the cakes
3, The cake became his cool toy in the melting summer
4, All hearts and starts wish Mei Sheng happy birthday.
Thank you Ellie for the further information.
Marie, Diana from Ohio and LP fans,
With my respect to all Su Lin and Zhen Zhen Fan Club, I understand that no panda can take miss Su and ZZ’s places. I only hope the two clips of LP will lighten up your gloomy day and bring back the smile on your face.
What’s inside the 1st video; If you still remembered that LP was always reluctant to go out from her enclosure. It happened almost everyday but not that morning. And what you about to witness is the sleepy head panda girl coming out to her exhibit. She went directly to her mama who was already on the platform.
check out the rest of the Video for yourself;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkOihPKejmA&feature=player_embedded
Last week, while the US panda fans were in grief, Thailand’s panda girl, LP had put the effort to decorate her own exhibit. Let’s see how she get the palm tree to be in the upright position (or almost upright…..ha ha)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReWdouqMduw&feature=player_embedded
BF”G takes very good care of the our pandas. They just did a beautiful cake for Mei Sheng’s 7th birthday with lots of apples and carrots. It must have been very hot and rainy today (yesterday) since the photos show him with his cake inside.
Tai transitioned so well his keeper Nicole only got to stay for a day with him, Mei Lan’s keeper had to stay quite a bit longer as she had some initial problems due to being younger and not as used to noise and commotion as Tai and it was Chinese New Years, but she is doing great now.
We have been assured many many times that US born cubbies will never to released into the wild, it would be their offspring that may give birth and live in the wild.
Thanks, Ellie, for the post. It gives me some hope. I will be at the zoo for a week beginning August 30th… and I am hoping Su and ZZ are still there and I can have a glimpse before they leave for China.
But, if I don’t make it in time, can you say “good bye!” for me??? They are so special and I know they will be great in China.
Thanks!
See you soon!
Joy
Thank you Ellie for this report. I am hoping that ZZ will have some friends to play with like Fu Long does. That is what we have to hang on to – what is best for our girl in the long run. I know the keepers over there are wonderful and will do their best to help both Su and ZZ adjust..it’s just the journey to that point we wish we could spare them.
That being said, today I saw new photos of Mei Sheng and his birthday cake and he seems to be doing so well – we can be encouraged by him and Hua Mei.
For Sheng fans, Anita has 3 new photos up of him and his carrot and apple cake on flickr!
www (dot) flickr(dot) com/photos/bartyork/
Thank you for keeping us informed on the transition of the girls. Wish you started earlier preparing us for Zehn’s departure. It hit me hard.
Can we have a blog on the Black and White night you put on ? Would like to read the blogs of the panda fans who were fortunate enough to attend this event.
Thanks very much Ellie for the updates about our so much-loved girls.
For me has been very important to know how important can be for ZZ this early (and unexpected) leaving. Now I can see the opportunity for her me too, and so can accept her leaving much better.
This is a bittersweet time as you say, anyway I think that the best way for loving anyone is to wish her\his best for the life. And I’m sure this is the best for Zhennie and Su, according with their nature:being Pandas and living in their homeland, with the other pandas and have as many cubs has possible!
GOD LUCK GIRLS
Dear Mei Sheng,
Happy birthday! I ‘m “sending” you a fantastic cake to celebrate your day.
Thank you so much for the great time I’ve enjoyed watching you growing at SDZoo’s webcam ( every day).
I remember the day when I met you in person. I coudn’t believe that I was there with you.
You will be in my heart forever.
Don’t miss the new videos from DoxieMom19 on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandalover19/
They are all lovely but I particularly like “8-17-2010 Before the Sawdust, there was the Pool!” showing Yun Zi IN the pool, with mommy Bai Yun keeping an eye on Yunior before going in the pool herself.
Yun Zi either doesn’t trust his mommy when it comes to leaving boo next to her, or he likes to have breakfast in bed, or in his case in his hammock!! “8-18-2010 LOL, Yun Zi Relentlessly Pursues Boo!”
And I couldn’t resist posting this one, and not just for the title: “8-17-2010 Who Puts BaiBee in a Corner” Dirty Dancing coming up???
Doesn’t Zhen Zhen look comfy in “8-17-2010 Zhennie lounging by the Pool” Watch her hind paw at the beginning of the video, just like Bai Yun…
It is bittersweet — four leaving in one year. Safe journey to both the girls.
#35 Lai – Thank you so much for the link to the article and pictures of the celebration of Mei Sheng’s 7th birthday. Also many thanks for the translation. And Mei Sheng went first to the apple!! Apples seem to be quite the favorite fruit for many pandas.
Moderator: Any news about Mei Sheng mating in the spring? Is he now a daddy? He looks so big, strong and beautiful on the pictures of his birthday celebration…
Yesterday update from the Atlanta Zoo made me laugh, as it seems that Xi Lan doesn’t care for pears!! Finicky eater or just habits hard to break?
Moderator’s note: Per a previous post, “Mei Sheng participated in the 2010 breeding season and stands a good shot of being a daddy this year.”
36. Weegee – thank you so much for the clips, especially LP and her gardening efforts. She is just delightful!
35. Lai – Thank you also for the link to the pictures of Mei Sheng’s birthday cake, and for the translation. He is indeed a star that is loved.
On August 12th the NY Times had a story about biodegradable Bamboo Bicycles that are becoming very popular. They are supposedly strong as metal and, of course, much more “green.” One of the leading manufacturers of bamboo bikes is a company called Panda Bicycles. Are we missing something here? Are our bears putting their talents into a small business while we’re not watching?
Happy birthday Mei Sheng! You were the first panda I watched grow up and the reason I joined SDZ. You look very happy in your home with its green yard and tall trees. I will always love you Pooper!
It put a smile on my face to Mei Sheng (I never knew) with his cake. It is good to see that in China they hae ice cakes also Zhen Zhen just loves hars so much this and to think she might get one next years how nice.
Yun Zi doesn’t need his hammock anymore. I watched him position his back against one branch and then lift his feet up and brace them against another branch. Then he proceeded to check out each foot and hand and survey everything around him. He’s been there for over 10 minutes. What a strong little boy he is.
Watching Yunior “ham” it up for the cam right now. He is probably saying to himself “And for my next trick…..”. He is too funny.
Happy SEVENTH Birthday Mei Sheng! He’s such a big boy!! I hope he is doing well in China and gets fabulous treats. We love you Mei!
Peace, Love and Pandas CIAO!
Baby boy just doesn’t fit in his hammock anymore
In the absence of the girls he will grow in popularity ten fold.
Watching our precious cubs leave is always so hard, even though we know from the time they are born that day will come. I take comfort in knowing they are going to their homeland to meet their genetic destiny, and take Gao Gao and Bai Yun’s genes with them to carry on. It’s a wonderful thought knowing that perhaps someday, one of their descendants may be living as pandas are meant to – in the wild! I will shed many tears though the day they leave.
I just found out that Mei Sheng’s birthday has already ended because of the time difference in China and California. Right now, it is Friday, August 20 1:00 A.M. . So, they are 15 hours ahead of San Diego time. I hope Mei had a good birthday though!
Moderator, thanks for the link. That brought tears to my eyes! I hope the keepers going with the girls get to see him and HM.
Thanks to all those who posted Mei Sheng’s birthday pictures. Such a handsome panda, like his daddy.
Weegee, thanks for the videos. The first one, with LH head butting LP off the structure cracked me up. The 2nd one is too cute! I saw a bit of that “palm tree rescue” when I was watching the hi-lights. She is one smart and determined panda. Love LP!
I do have a question for the Panda Team or those who’ve been to the China facilities: Are “our” bears on exhibit over there? If I were to go, could I see Mei Sheng, Hua mei, Tai Shan, etc…?
Moderator: Do you think that someone will video the departures and post it on your video gallery? It would make for a “closure” for many I think…
I’ll actually be at the zoo within 48 hours!!!! I simply cannot wait!!!
Moderator’s note: We are still in the planning stages of the pandas’ departure. In the meantime, have a great time at the Zoo!
Has anyone noticed how many countries and states are represented on this blog? It is mind blowing!!! SDZ is world famous!! WOW!!!
Is there a variation of different shades of black and white to individual Panda bear coats? Are the faces and body structure individual or do all of the bears look alike other than size and personality?
Moderator’s note: There are a few pandas that are brown and white.
Happy Birthday, to our big boy Mei Sheng, we still miss you everyday and your always in our heart and mines
#33 Lucilla- That letter sounds exactly like both ZZ and Su Lin! Thank you for writing such fabulous and creative stories, especially the ones about Zhennie and Su leaving. I am always looking forward to your stories
#35 Lai- Thank you for sharing that website with the pictures! Mei Sheng looks like he is having fun with his cake, he’s very messy
Also, thanks for translating the words, that was helpful. I hope he had a splendid birthday!
#36 weegee- Thank you for sharing the 2 videos, they are so adorable!
I just realized, that the summer will be ending soon, and there will only be a few more panda birthdays left. I enjoyed celebrating all of the pandas birthdays, especially the SDZ’s pandas! I love seeing the cakes, photos and videos! I can’t wait till Bai Yun’s birthday!! She might just be my favorite panda!!
#54 LJ and #51 Lee in Vancouver- Aw, I didn’t know that! Our little Yunnie is becoming a big boy! I hope he will get another hammock though, that is larger, of course, so he can fit in
#60 Dianna – Ohio- I know! There are people from Rome, the UK, Paris, Brazil, China and more! The pandas at the SDZ are loved by people from all over the world!
Mei Sheng looks a lot like his daddy, Gao Gao. They both have a similar face structure and shape of head. I wonder if they’re around the same size? I know Gao is pretty small, though…
Weegee: you are so thoughtful.. I hope when it’s LP’s turn, your US Panda fans can comfort you.
WHAT was up with LH???? That was too funny… I watched it twice in a row because I couldn’t believe she did that to LP…
I bet LP keeps the zoo landscapers pretty busy… She reminded me of a little kid that “broke” something and was trying very hard to “fix” it before she got caught… especially after she got it upright and then scurried very quickly away from it… She’s getting so big now.. I have to check her back for the spot to see if it’s LH or LP… How much does she weigh?
Lucilla: Wonderful letters… Now I know how you have so much knowledge of the Chinese culture. I thought you were in the States!!!
Conversation with Gao Gao #82
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: Is this another one of your smelly product lists?
G: No, not this time.
T: So what is it?
G: It’s an odor list of eligible suitors for our panda ladies of SDZ.
(In Su Lin’s yard)
Su Lin: Swat 1… Backhand swat 2… (Slow motion Tai Chi style)
Tourist: Hello, Su Lin.
S: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: So you learned martial arts from friends you met at the Qixi Lovers Festival few days ago?
S: Oh yes, they were giving me tips on courtship rituals.
T: You mean to apply martial arts routines into courtship rituals.
S: Sure, it’s a guarantee for success.
T: Now what’s this?
S: Oh, an instruction manual.
T: Huh?
S: First you advertise your estrus cycle by marking everything and splattering water everywhere.
T: OK…
S: Then you lure your suitors into a high speed chase.
T: So you get breathless?
S: Then you climb a real tall tree.
T: So they climb after you…
S: But you execute the front hand downward swat to repel the first suitor.
T: Why would you repel him?
S: You’re waiting for the other suitors to catch up.
T: But the suitors will fight.
S: Yes, you watch the fight happening at the base of the tree and see who wins.
T: Uh huh…
S: Then you can saunter down to the winner and he treats you like a queen.
T: Hmmm…
S: You waltz, tango, boogie woogie… bleat love songs… whisper sweet nothings…
T: Of course…
S: Then when all is done and you have your fill…
T: Uh huh…
S: You swat away again sending him off to woo his next damsel.
T: So you’re looking forward to this?
S: Yes, I tried this a few months ago.
T: Uh huh…
S: But since I didn’t have the right swat techniques, the boys did not come…
T: Well, it IS a long way from China…
S: But I detected odors from eligible suitors right close by.
T: Well, maybe they were not so eligible after all…
(In Zhen Zhen’s yard)
Zhen Zhen: Swat! Flip! Zoom! (WHOOSH)
Tourist: Hello, Zhen Zhen.
Z: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: So you’re practicing martial arts, too?
Z: Yup, learned some Jeet Kune Do, Bruce Lee style.
T: You learned that from friends you met at the Qixi Lovers Festival?
Z: No, I’ve synchretized my styles all along.
T: So was the Festival fun?
Z: Yup, I met some nice young friends from Bifengxia.
T: So you had lots to eat?
Z: Yup, lots of food tosses, sparring tournaments, rolling in scented dirt and pine shavings.
T: So you’re looking forward to meeting them again when you go to China?
Z: Yippee!
(In Bai Yun’s yard)
Yun Zi: Mama…
Bai Yun: Yes, my dear.
Y: What really happened at the Qixi Lovers Festival?
B: Well, lovers met and celebrated.
Y: What did they celebrate, Mama?
B: They celebrated togetherness.
Y: Like you and me together?
B: Not quite. That’s more like Mothers Day.
Y: I don’t understand.
B: You will when you getter bigger.
Y: So did you really meet Sir Gao Gao.
B: Not in person, but in essence.
Y: In essence?
B: You have his essence, my sweet dear.
Y: I don’t understand, Mama.
B: Some day you will, sweet dear.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEI SHENG! You will always be my favorite panda.
#56 Annie Panda — Good news — China recorded his birthday as August 20 (my birthday as well) — China’s date at the time he was born so we are fine.
Happy Bearthday, dear sweet Mei Sheng. See you in 5.5 weeks. Can’t wait to give you another back rub!
#36 – Weegee: looks like Mommie was having a bad day. Poor Miss Ping!
Dear Panda Research Team:
I am a little worried about SL and ZZ flying cargo. Was that the way how Hua Mai and Mei Sheng traveled? I don’t think cargo has air conditioning, and it still can be very hot in Sept. (or whenever…). Can SL and ZZ tolerate the heat for such long flight? I hope my understanding of the temperature in cargo is totally wrong, and I don’t mean to make people worry more about SL and ZZ leaving.
Thanks.
Moderator’s note: To ease your mind about the flight, please read about Mei Sheng’s flight in the post Mei Sheng, Our Precious Cargo.
#43 Danielle — thank you for alerting us to DoxieMom’s latest video and thank you DoxieMom for posting it. Wonderful, as always. Love the captions.
#68 P Wong- What a cute story! I love the part when Yun Zi and Bai are in the yard talking and I loved how Su and ZZ are doing martial arts
#70 Carole in San Diego- Happy Birthday to you also!
#31 Lucilla- I loved your letters, and I didn’t know you live in Singapore. Keep writing! Bye!
Peace, Love and Pandas CIAO!
Annie Panda
I’m surprised that on Pandas Live On, they haven’t made a post for more than a week now. Maybe today they will make one about Mei Sheng and his birthday. Hmm… Also, on Flickr, Rita posted a really cute picture of Mei and then a couple of Gao Gao that are just daring! Make sure to check them out!
Thank you Ellie for the additional information regarding “our girls”. I do appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedule to write a post! I’m sure you know how much we love our panda family!
Thank you also #35 Lai – for the translation regarding Mei Sheng and his birthday cake. How nice to know that the Chinese keepers know of the relation between Mei and his sisters. What with Hua Mei being there too, the girls are going home to real family.
Happy Birthday, Mei Sheng!!!! Take good care of your sisters when they arrive. I’m sure you will have many tree top conversations with both of them. And they’ll have their big sister for consul too.
In less than 24 hours I will be in Panda Canyon!! ( wow, does that sound surreal ) I can’t wait to check on Bai and Yun Zi, and Papa Gao. And I will be ever so ecstatic for a chance to see Sweet Su and Zhennie before they leave. See you soon all of you coming to the Black and White Overnight
Moderator’s note: Have a great time!
#170 weegee from previous blog – I just want to make sure nobody is missing this info!!
“Update on LP’s weight, she is now 49.9kg (110lbs.)
LP at 14 months and 23 days of age, her weight is equal to the weight of her mama, Lin Hui recorded on LH’s arrival at CMZ at the age of 2.”
Moderator: Could you ask the panda team if this is a record? I don’t think I have ever come across such a weight for such a young cub. And it is not as if Lin Ping is overweight, she looks healthy, she just seems to have a big body or a fast growing body.
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
Lucilla in Singapore. You will have to keep us updated on the arrival of your pandas in Singapore. All I know is that they are supposed to arrive the latter half of 2011. Do you know which 2 you will be getting? I was at the zoo March 2009 and loved the orangutans and white tigers.
It is so sad to hear about Su Lin and Zhen Zhen leaving, but our Mei Sheng can cheer us up, Happy birthday Mei Sheng!!!!
Ellie, Thank you for posting the story of one of Mei Sheng’s San Diego Zoo keepers visit after his move to China. (See #22 for the link to read her account: Happy Reunion and New Friends.) It was so very heartwarming & comforting to know that China, not only loves & cares for “our” Panda’s but “our” panda’s adapt very well, even during the quaranteen process. Hopefully after reading, it too will put some of my fellow pandaholics at ease with thoughts of how the journey/transition our girls are about to make.
Happy B-day Mei Sheng!
P.S. Diana S. I’m jealous! I didn’t make my reservation on time! But I’m going to visit after dark so maybe I’ll see you guys. I’ll have my panda bag from our first get together. Maybe I’ll bring a pillow and see if I can crash the party
Dinner & drinks, anyway! Have a GREAT TIME.
Thank you for the up date. I’m so glad I got to see them in May. I’m going to miss them so much. It just makes me want to cry.
OXOXO
Lee in Vancouver – HI, we know which 2 we are getting. There was an early report of their names but they will be re-named. I tried tracing the article but cant find it. There is a ‘NAMING’ competition here run by our local zoo and that has attracted over 600 entries.
The Pandas are 3 year old subadults. Our zoo says they will be in quarantine and be available for viewing in 2012. A special new area of the zoo is under construction now and they will be housed there. They will have air conditioned dens and outdoor areas to run around.
There has been an article where one of the zoo keepers has gone to China to meet the pair and to offer them the bamboo we have here. They sniffed at the boo and turned it down. So we have to see which varieties they like.
I understand the Pandas will be bred when they are mature and we have them for 8 years. Really looking forward to that. Also would love to go to Chiangmai to visit Princess Lin Ping, she is such a diva.
I am seriously saving up and would love to come to SDZ for the Panda Convention next year. I had wanted to see Su Lin and ZZ. But now have to save to go to China as well. We have cheap flights to Chengdu so that helps.
Meanwhile, I shall think up some more Panda stories…..
We’ll look for you Aunt Nancy!! We’ll alll have our convention t-shirts and bags and ears and buttons……
Lucilla and P Wong and Joseph have told us excellent stories to lighten our moods and give us hope during this time before the girls’ departure.
Hey Pandafans: I’m off to SD very early tomorrow morning… The zoo all day on Saturday and then B&W Overnight in the evening!! Cannot wait to see the Gao family and meet alot of Pandaholics!!! WAP to see the baby ellies on Sunday… then off to Yosemite for the rest of the week… I won’t have my laptop with me.. .Yosemite doesn’t have WiFi (go figure!!) so I will be excited to catch up on all the comments and hopefully add some of my own when I get back!!!
Someone keep an eye on LP!!! What a big, big panda girl!!!
I came across a series of videos on YouTube called Lin Ping Diary 190810. Part 1 contains some lovely and some funny footage, old and recent, of Miss Ping that will make you smile and laugh.
Part 2 seems to deal with their poopies. Shots of papa pooping. LOL. LP looks so much like her daddy.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpWfwaLKITQ
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJGc7dSbDcU
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H9ZNfvnkmM – shows when she wasn’t feeling well
Dear Moderator and Megan,
Is there a possibility that one day one of the SDZ born cubs might return to the US for breeding purposes???? I know it’s wishful thinking, but nothing is impossible…..can you see that some time in the future? Still hopeful….
God I will miss these babies! Super panna hugs to you both!
Moderator’s note: I would doubt it, but one never knows what the future holds.
#67 P. Wong – You have outdone yourself, my fellow pandafan. Those conversations are so timely! And brought on the giggles. Thank you!!
#73 KT – ZZ and Su Lin are not really “flying cargo.” They are being transported in a “cargo plane.” The bears will be in their crates, securely lashed, towards the back of the plane I think. Those accompanying them will be in standard airline seats towards the front of the plane. Every now and then, the keepers can go visit the bears, check on them, and talk to them. Each bear will be well-supplied with treats, bamboo, and water. They will be quite comfortable.
#83 Lucilla – Is it Wu Jie (male) and Hu Bao (female) that will be coming to Singapore? Wu Jie is Fu Long’s cousin and roommate. Fu Long was born in Vienna, Austria and went to China last November. His first roommate was Wu Jun, Wu Jie’s twin brother. Wu Jie was born in September 2007, Hu Bao is younger, she was born in September 2008. Hu Bao has a twin sister Min Min, and her mother, Zhu Yun, gave birth to a male cub at the Bifengxia Base on July 8, 2010.
I read on several websites that they were going to Singapore in 2011 for six months. Perhaps the plans have changed since then.
Is the pandacam 27-29 still showing our Zhen Zhen, as still said below or the web site just need updated?
Moderator’s note: Yes, Zhen Zhen is on exhibit from time to time until her departure.
Hi Panda Fans,
I’m sad to hear about the pandas that are leaving, but maybe Bai will surprise everybody and have another little one!
#83 – Lucilla, please keep us informed about the pandas in Vancouver – Such excitement! I would love to see them in 2012. I also LOVE your stories…keep ‘em coming!
Wish I could attend the Black & White Convention, maybe next year.
Thanks for the wonderful blog and keeping us all informed as to what’s happening to our precious pandas. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate everything you do for these precious animals and I hope we’ll have many more in the world in the years to come.
Yes, the beautful and multi-talented Zhennie has been on came for a while this morning/afternoon for me. I spent a happy lunch hour admiring her.
Dianna Ohio – HAVE FUN! You are SOOOO LUCKY! Cant wait to read your report and see pix!
#86 Dianna – OH: Have a fantastic time at the zoo and take lots of pictures of the family! I’ll keep an eye on Lin Ping for ya! She’s so much fun to watch.
Dear Danielle from NYC,
I honestly can’t say if those are their names as I read one report with their names and could not find that article since. But I do recall the report saying the female was a little older than the male. I am assuming it is because that might aid cub making. So might not be Hu Bao. I could be wrong.
Blessings,
Lucilla
Do you think Su Lin will have as much success as Hua Mei? I would think so, considering that Su Lin was naturally conceived.
Margaret #9 and Fonsia #30: Fu Long was 2 years and 3 months old when he went to China, he lived with his Mum Yang Yang till the day he left Vienna. He had to stay alone only during the weeks of quarantine. It was still pretty hard for the keepers at Bifengxia to introduce him to other pandas! It took several weeks untill he was not frightened of other pandas. Fu Long’s living with 2 same aged male and a female panda cub now. He seems to be a very happy panda kid. Although it was very hard to let him go and we all do miss him, it was the right age for him! Find pics and a video on Fu Long and his roommates taken by Annette in July 2010 on my blog (it’s written in German, but there’s a translation tool too): zoobesuche (dot) net/2010/08/bi-feng-xia-neues-von-fu-long-3/
Will the girls be flying on the same plane? If so, will they be visible to each other and how will they react when they smell each other? I’m so sad to see them go.
I wonder what Su Lin and Zhen Zhen.. reaction to see so many pandas in China ..then they have to learn in chines language …I think they gonna be happy there ..wish I can visit them in China..I LOVE PANDAS…I think they are the cuties animals in the world …GOOD LUCK …SL and ZZ …I LOVE YOU GIRLS!!! BIG HUGS…………..
Great news from Vienna: a baby panda was born at 2:14 pm on August 23, 2010, exactly 3 years after Fu Long’s birth! This baby is the 2nd panda baby in Europe born after natural mating. Yang Yang and her tiny little baby are doing pretty well.
)
zoobesuche (dot) net/2010/08/wien-willkommen-kleines-panda-baby/
Moderator’s note: Wonderful news! Welcome, little one!