Zhen Zhen
In the words of the great American naturalist Henry David Thoreau, “Nothing makes the Earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance.” Recent news from China regarding the birth of Hua Mei’s eighth cub made me realize that the connection we feel for our San Diego Zoo-born pandas only grows stronger over time. And the pride we’ve all felt upon hearing this news reminds us that although we hate to see them go, we know that Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will make their greatest contributions to giant panda conservation when they become part of the greater breeding population in China.
Su Lin
Su Lin and Zhen Zhen left the San Diego Zoo Friday evening, September 24, under the watchful eye of the California Highway Patrol! After being escorted by Zoo staff and the CHP, the duo left by plane to Shanghai in the early hours this morning, accompanied by Gaylene Thomas, the animal care supervisor who oversees giant pandas, and Tracy Clippinger, a senior veterinarian whom you’ll remember from many panda exams. The pandas were acclimated to their new traveling crates, as well as being next to each other, over the last several months. The crates were designed especially for these two pandas, giving them privacy and ventilation at the same time. During their voyage, the crates were placed adjacent to one another to provide them with familiar smells and sounds, while Gaylene made sure they had their favorite treats and even honey water to keep them comfortable. Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will be welcomed in Shanghai by a team of experienced panda keepers and escorted to their new home at Wolong Nature Reserve Giant Panda Bi Feng Xia Base in Sichuan, China.
I think it’s safe to say that we were all lucky to have gotten to know both of these charming bears, and both of them contributed valuable information to our understanding of giant panda biology. Su Lin is the first giant panda to have contributed comprehensive data for our panda hearing study. Her patient and playful focus over the last year and a half has taught us a lot about the sensitive hearing that pandas have at certain frequencies. This important starting point will help guide our research into the impacts of human disturbance on giant pandas in the wild.
Su Lin
Su Lin’s behavioral development, from birth to weaning, was also well documented as part of our detailed behavioral studies of this critical period in a panda’s life. And of course, over the last year, Su Lin has displayed clear signs of the onset of reproductive maturity, both behaviorally and physiologically, and we have no doubt that she will go on to be an important contributor to the panda population at Bi Feng Xia, just like her big sister, Hua Mei.
Zhen Zhen also contributed important data to our studies of panda hearing, mother-cub behavior, and infant development. Her ability to participate in the hearing study illustrated well just how smart giant pandas are and how quickly even a young bear can learn a challenging cognitive task. And the data we collected on Zhen Zhen’s behavior enhanced our understanding of the normal scope of cub behavior, even in light of distinct differences in temperament.
Some folks have wondered if Bai Yun will miss Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. I think our best answer to the question is to look to what we know of panda biology: panda mothers in the wild wean their offspring when the cubs are about 18 months old. At this same point, the panda mother and cub will part and begin their separate lives. For Bai Yun, I’m sure she’ll notice the eventual absence of the scent of Su Lin and Zhen, but she said her panda “goodbye’s” long ago. Unlike Bai Yun, we have all just said our goodbyes, and we will miss these bears!
Zhen Zhen
The news from China regarding the birth of Hua Mei’s eighth cub well illustrates the potential for Su Lin and Zhen Zhen to be important conservation ambassadors for giant pandas. Hua Mei’s prolific reproductive output is good news for giant pandas; although Bai Yun’s genes are well represented in the captive population, Shi Shi’s genes are not. Hua Mei is the only known offspring of Shi Shi, so each of her cubs contributes to the genetic diversity that is so important to the conservation value of Wolong’s giant pandas. And now Su Lin and Zhen Zhen have embarked on the same journey, and again, along with Bai Yun’s genetic makeup, they bring Gao Gao with them as well. Like Shi Shi before him, Gao Gao is also unrepresented in China’s captive population of giant pandas.
In the coming years, we will continue to observe the milestones in Su Lin and Zhen Zhen’s lives, albeit at a great distance. And of course, we will share what we learn with their great “panda family”: the Panda Team, San Diego Zoo visitors, and our large family of worldwide panda fans.
Megan Owen is a conservation program specialist for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Read her previous post, Pandas on Stand-by.
Update September 26: This morning, Gaylene informed us that the two pandas had arrived safely at their destination.
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I am so pleased that we managed to see them during their final happy days on our recent vacation. Thank you to all the panda keepers for giving Su Lin & Zhen Zhen a wonderful stay in San Diego and thank you to all the narrators, especially Kay, for her wonderful stories of all of these wonderful balck & white little bears. Panda Cam in England will not be the same without ZZ running around
Safe journey and here’s to many more little ZZ’s & Su Lin’s.
Gosh, so sudden even though you prepared us well. We will miss the girls, especially Zhen’s wonderful gymnastics. Thank you for all the updates. Has Mei Shung fathered any little pandas yes? We have to have Goa’s line represented.
We’re so sad to see you go…but…..when I was a child there were only a few Pandas left in the world and there was talk that they would be extinct by the time I was an adult. Thanks to so many efforts by so many people now hopefully my grandchildren and their children will live in a world with a thriving Panda population.
Thankyou for the wonderful update. Right now our girls are up in the air and on their way to begin their new journey. We all knew this day was coming, and we can all rest assured that the girls will do wonderful in China. They have had an amazing upbringing with pure love and devotion from their keepers, vets and all staff at the SDZ. Look out panda boys, cuz you have two lovely ladies coming over your way!!!
I as well as everyone else will anxiously be awaiting news of the girls safe arrival…
Goodbye sweet girls, we will miss you. I’ve watched both of you since birth and you have brought many happy moments, but now I’m sad to see you leave. May the panda gods take good care of you. Love you both.
I hate to see them go! Wish they didn’t have to go.
Good luck Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, a safe journey! They will be missed. Take care all you people who have worked with and cared for the panda’s. Must be tough.
Karin
Thank you Megan for this good article and update. All our great Panda Girls and Boys do us proud as they participate in the Giant Panda Conservation created and partnered between China and the San Diego Zoo. For Su Lin and Zhen Zhen … You both go do great things like Momma Bai Yun and Sister Hua Mei!!!
Will there be blog updates of their travel, similar to when Mei Sheng left?
Moderator’s note: We will have some updates.
the time finally came last night!! farewell beloved pandas!!!!!! hopefully china will keep us up-dated on these wonderful bears that we have learned so much about and have come to love. my first cub zhen zhen is gone already and I don’t know where the time went! su lin was so fun to watch; one never knew what antics she would be up to next!!lol our newest cub is already a year old and will be weaned within the next 6-months?
I wonder if bai yun will produce any more cubs or is she too old? we are so used to having a baby to love & watch grow………..hopefully this era has not come to an end!! any thoughts or plans for the future sdz?
how many cubs do the females produce in their lifetime? is there an approximent age when they no longer produce? I suppose there are variations with everything and nothing is set in stone. right? and, I presume the research goes on and on to learn all they can about the giant panda of china! a bittersweet day I say!
Moderator’s note: We’ll have to see if Bai Yun shows signs of another estrus.
I wish safe journey and long-productive-happy lives for Su Lin and Zhen Zhen! Glad I am for have visited Su Lin at the Zoo, Friday morning!!
Bye Bye, Sue Lin and Zhen Zhen, thank you for being such a big part of our lives. Your loss to us Humans, who watched you grow and thrive on the Panda Cam, is the gain of the Panda Preservation World. May you do wonderous things in China. Meg, this was probably a very difficult task for you to inform us that the girls are actually gone. You have done a wonderful job of letting us down easy. Good Luck to everyone.
Thank you for posting the update!
I’m so glad our first class class girls had a first class send off and first class escort in which they desrve!
These send-offs never get easier! Goodbye, girls!
Moderator, can you post some pics of their send off!
Moderator’s note: I will when they become available.
Safe journey sweet girls! You brought such joy and pleaure to soo many panda cam viewers as well as SDZ visitors – me included. You will be sorely missed but we also know the amazing future you have in front of you! I am blessed to have see Su at the zoo and to have had ZZ be my first cub to watch grow into the amazing adult panda!!
Please keep us updated as we know you will. God Bless the Panda girls and again, Safe Journey!
These 2 sweeties will be missed so much!
Thank you for all the updates about the pandas and there departure!
love you girls!!!! ♥
God Bless You Both, Susie and Zee. Safe journey to your ancestral home.
Godspeed Su Lin and my sweet Zhennie – panda of my heart! I will look forward to every photo, every bit of news about your progress. I’m so glad they are going together as it will be comforting to have someone familiar in a strange new land until they get used to it and call it home! We will never forget the joy and wonder you brought to our lives!
Like all the other comments, I am so sad to see the girls go, I have watched them both since birth too. I look forward to news of them in their new home in China. Have a safe journey girls, we will miss you sooo much.
Travel safe girls. You will be greatly missed.
LUCILLA and our other great STORY TELLERS……I think we need a story, some notes home, a few things like that-don’t you????
I sure wish somehow, in cooperationl with Rita Petita, somebody could put Su Lin in a practice travel crate, and let Zhen Zhen drive the forklift, I know ZZ and I would enjoy it. If Bruce in K. C. can put them in the crew of the all Panda shuttle flight crew a forklift and crate could be managed. When I think about it I laugh out loud……….we could all use so me more of that.
I’m sure the entire Panda Team were there to say goodbye. I’m sure you all are feeling proud yet sad..
I’m glad I got to see them before they left.
Did they hava a special FEDX plane like Tai and Lani? Did the zoo video the departure preparations?
Watch out China!! Zhennie is on her way!!! She’ll definitely keep you entertained and Su Lin will “wow” you with her grace and beauty…
Sad to hear of their departure but knew it was coming! May they have a safe trip and live long & prosper in their new home with their big sister, Hua Mei! Hopefully, Bai Yun will delight us all with another cub in the not so distant future. At least we still have the little boy to watch grow up for a couple more years! Moderator: Has big brother, Mei Shung, fathered any cubs that we know?
Moderator’s note: We haven’t heard if Mei Sheng has become a father.
Ah, our cherished girls. We knew it had to be. Fortunately we also know that they will be well treated in China and have large habitats. We know the keepers there love the bears as much as we do.
I fervently hope that Zhennie will be placed with other three-year olds. She needs to play! Sub-adults like Zhennie do get together in the wild to play. That’s the only thing the SDZ can’t offer–cubs of the same age. If Zhennie gets to play with other bears then it’s worth it to lose her earlier than we thought would happen.
Also, thank you Grannie for letting me know on another thread that the enclosures in China do have ponds–deeper ones than we have, in fact! Su Lin loves to splash.
And remember, all our other Western cubbies are doing well in China and appear to be happy. Fu Long especially seems to be having the time of his life.
I only hope that I will someday be able to afford a trip to China to see our girls again. And let’s hope in the meantime that Pandas Live On and other sites will keep us up to date on them and will keep those videos coming!
Moderator’s note: We do have an upcoming San Diego Zoo WorldWild Tour to China to visit pandas and more, May 15–28, 2011.
We will dearly miss the Princesses Su Lin and Zhen Zhen….. Do us proud girls as you enter the next phase of your lives….
I can only imagine how tough it is for the SD staff who worked with ZZ and Su Lin. While, yes, it is wonderful that they will get to continue the panda population, it is still so sad to see them go. Sadder for US more so than for THEM, I bet!
I am SO glad I had the opportunity to see them twice within the past year. I look forward to heading back to SDZ soon/. Keeping up with Yun Zi will be fun to watch. Who knows…maybe we can watch him become a daddy??!!
How much notice did you get? Was ‘everyone’ who worked with the girls around to bid farewell?
Please keep us posted that they arrived safely and comfortably.
The new journey has begun, and we will miss Sweet Su Lin and Zany Zhen Zhen. There are so many people to thank for making our separation sorrow much easier to bear. Grammmie and Rita, Thank you for the links to the photographs and especially the photos!!! DoxiMom, thank you for all the marvelous videos!
The panda staff at the SDZ for all the articles and updates, Thank you! Lucilla, your stories have been read with so much pleasure, Thank You! To all the panda-fans who have written about pandas worldwide increasing awareness, Thank You! To Bruce in KC who created the great Pandas in Space, Thank You. To all the people in China who have made things ready for our pandas, Thank you. We have been blessed.
So sad to see these 2 wonderful girls go. Good luck to them!!
Farewell Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. Safe travels. Have a good life in China and many cubs! I will miss you.
Be safe sweet panda girls! How lucky that my husband and I visited the San Diego Zoo on Monday, Sept. 13th and were fortunate enough to be able to see these two very special pandas before they headed on their journey to China. They will be missed so much!
Wishing them a happy life in their new home, Pat
I am so glad that I got to see them in June. As the rest of the comments I wish them a safe travel and the
love the deserve. Will we be getting any more panda’s or wait to see if Bai Yun will have anymore cubs?
Thank you for the sad news for us, but we knew it was coming. Love to those sweet girls.
lu
Tears on my keyboard. Good Luck Su and Zhen in your new lifes…..
I know it’s for the greater good… but I am so sad. I won’t say goodbye because I plan to take a trip to China in the coming years.
May they bring much joy to China as they have to us. Thank you for all the happiness you have given us. Keep us posted on these 2 lovely ladies! Safe journey!
Going to miss these two beautiful ladies♥ My heart is sad today
Take care my beauties♥
How sad to read this morning’s blog. Had not anticipated such a quick leaving notice. I, too, have watched these darling bears grow up and have laughed at their antics, but now I have tears of sadness. So lucky that I was able to visit the whole panda family at SDZ in January. Will be awaiting the pictures most anxiously.
A panda is a delight for all of the world, Lumbersome but agile. What a blessing that we were able to have these two babies for the time we did. Hopefully we will have more in the future. We will miss them on the Panda cams. Safe home Journey.
Su Lin and Zhen Zhen– have a safe and uneventful journey. I love you and miss you both already. Question? Was didn’t one of their keepers go with them?
so open-minded !zhen & sulin sure will miss you all,sdz panda staff
Ouch! I suppose it is better to not let everyone know about our beautiful, precious babies leaving us. That was a very well written post Megan and you are right, the girls will best serve all pandas by being in their native environment. It still stings pretty bad though : / Please keep us updated as you can. Thanks as always SDZ for the awesome job you do for all the animals and for us. Hugs to all the keepers who had to say goodbye to their babies. As tough as it on us, I can’t imagine how hard it must be for them. Try to have a good day all…
Safe and happy journey to our two sweet California girls. We will miss you Susie Q and ZZ and will not forget the joy you have brought us. Be safe, be happy, be healthy and have lots of babies. I am planning on a visit to China next year to see my child Tai and will be sure to stop and see the girls along with Hua Mei and Mei Sheng.
awwwwwwww. I’ve got bad luck. Just flew into San Diego last night from New Jersey to see the Panda Girls this weekend before they moved to China. I was getting nervous when I kept seeing “the girls will be leaving soon” but didn’t think they’ll leave on a Friday night. Will just have to settle for seeing the Yunior, Bai and Gao. Safe travels to keepers, vets and the beautiful San Diego Zoo panda girls.
As sad as it is to read about our girls leaving I can’t imagine how hard it is for all of you who have the priveledge to see and care for them every day. Hugs to all of you. Thank you so much for all your updates. I really look forward to hearing of Su Lin’s first (hopefully) cub next year! I am also curious about Mei Sheng. Is he a daddy yet?
Bon voyage Sweet Su and ZZ. Make us all proud. We will miss you!
Thank you for letting us know that Su Lin and Zhen have started on their journey to China. They will be dearly missed. I was so shocked when it was announced that Zhen Zhen was leaving with Su Lin and wasn’t quite ready for that news but it is good to know that the SDZ panda girls are entering the next phase of their lives together, or at least in proximity to one another.
Love the photos that accompany this story. They capture Su and ZZ’s beauty quite well! I wish them both well as they bring their unique California charm to the mountains of China. They will continue to make us proud.
I’ll really miss those two–but not as much as the Panda team at SDZ, I’m sure. You have all done a wonderful job caring for Su Lin and Zhen Zhen and hopfully, there will be more Panda cubs in SDZ’s future.
While a huge vote of thanks goes to all the staff at SDZ over the time the girls were with us, an enormous THANK YOU must go to Rita Petita for her incredible documentation of their lives. I’ll just bet when she’s photographing pandas, her camera lenses turn heart shaped
And to you, DoxieMom, your wonderful videos have provided many hours or laughter, fun and just plain adoration! THANK YOU. We will be looking at your photos and videos for many years to come!!
Zhen Zhen I hope you are allowed to find many high tree tops to bounce on and Su Lin that you find the same level of gentleness in your Chinese handlers you found in the San Diego nannies. Safe journey, long and beautiful lives are wished for you both with all my heart.
awe, sorry to see these two cuddly creatures go. San Diego will miss u girls!
I’ll bet our girls are having a fun outing of it … they make the best out of everything that comes thier way. Two Jet-Settin, happy Pandas, trottin the globe.
I’ve been looking at the blogs expecting the news. But I’m still sort of sad. They will be greatly missed by all. I bet that was the most fun the Highway Patrol has had in a long time. LOL
To all who have made seeing the Pandas at the San Diego Zoo and on the internet possible, I am eternally grateful for the experiences.
Su Lin and Zhen Zhen !!
Have a beautiful life in your new home. See you later in China !!
I hope that both Su Lin and Zhen Zhen have a safe trip back to the country of their ancestors. The news has already reached a German panda website pandanews(dot)wordpress(dot)com/2010/09/25/san-diego-bye-bye-su-lin-zhen-zhen/#more-2391
I don’t want to be sad because of their departure; I will cherish the joy that they have given me, and with all the videos and pictures of them that we can watch over and over again, I know I will remember them for ever. I also know that they both will be happy when and if they have cubs, you just have to look at a panda mommy care for her cub to know how much they cherish it. As more people travelled to China to see the pandas and with today’s technology and the bounds we are building for the panda lovers around the world, we will continue to be able to follow “our” pandas for years to come.
Therefore, instead of tears of sadness, I watched again my favorite video of Zhen Zhen and I have tears of joy and laugh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipZXRhxEFIo
Watch out China, Zhen Zhen ZOOM ZOOM is heading your way!!
I also found two new videos of Yun Zi with beautiful close-ups taken yesterday by DoxieMom and posted on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandalover19/
I also noticed that on Thursday an article in German and English was posted with pictures of Tai Shan from the end of May, taken by the same person who took the pictures of Fu Long. I particularly love the last two pictures with Tai Shan sticking his tong out… pandanews(dot)wordpress(dot)com/2010/09/23/bi-feng-xia-tai-shan/#more-2358
The article says the Tai Shan doesn’t climb up the trees anymore, and I am wondering if anybody knows if Mei Sheng is still climbing trees. Or if when male get older and wiser (?) they don’t do that any longer. The mothers have the advantage, since they have the excuse that they need to play with their cubs, to continue to do silly things if they want to…
#27 BOBBIE WOOD Grammmie really never did anything, except follow this link http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4376499491/
to a photo of Yun Zi by Rita Petita where he was laughing so hard that he had to hold his tummy—you know when you cannot stop laughing and your tummy muscles hurt terribly????? I instantly became a Rita fan, and have checked her Flickr page every day (sometimes many times a day) ever since. There are usually something new to see every day…..but then I discovered if I simply clicked on the photograph I could scroll down to read the comments and see the awards she was constantly winning. Over time I found out that she has been spending time with Bai’s family every week for many years. I know of no one who is more devoted to Bai’s family, or watches them so closely. She does not put up every photo she gets, but the ones she does put up tell a little of their story. She watched Su and Zhen each from birth, and will miss them terribly…..but I think when they start having cubs and cubettes Rita will be one of the ones you hear shouting with joy.
So you see I do nothing but direct folks to some of the finest photos to be seen of The San Diego Zoo’s Panda Family. I hope that my reminders help all of our new commenters and readers to join in the fun, and if for some reason, I am not here, that somebody else will pick up the habit so nobody misses out. None of us like to miss any of your videos so you be sure to keep them coming….you do a fine job.
So everybody do yourself a favor and put the lower link in your favorites, then try to get in the habit of opening it every day……..you will never regret it. Right now the particular photo of the link above is on page 57—-so there are many things to see. “His Majesty” was on the “Stone Throne”. Here is the link to Rita Petita’s Flickr page
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/
and please help any newbies to find their way there too.
Heart heavy today when reading the blog. But also very excited for Su Lin’s and Zhen Zhen’s new life in China.
Thank you to the keepers and vets at the SDZ for the excellent care they provided to these precious pandas that allowed them to thrive during their time here. And thank you for the opportunity to see them on the cam until the last day!
I hope you will provide coverage of their arrival in China and as much info as possible about their adjustment into their new habitat. Their beautiful coats will finally be put to the test in the cold weather.
Oh my gosh, I can not believe they’re gone! Just like that…
Wow, I hope they had a safe trip. Is the panda team able to get updates on the girls every once in a while?
Hope so. I’ll make a longer comment later.
So glad the girls are having a safe trip! Thanks SDZ for all you did for them!!
Peace, Love and Pandas CIAO!
Annie Panda
When did you know that Su Lin and Zhen Zhen would be leaving on September 24? Hope you girls have a safe trip and that you will missed by all.
Boy will the beautiful girls be missed; especially all of Su Lin’s antics. I wish the best of luck to them at their new home at Wolong Nature Reserve Giant Panda Bi Feng Xia Base.
#45 PANDA ADMIRER You don’t suppose our “California Girls” will be mistaken for “Surfer Girls” and listened to when Zhen Zhen asks for a Wave Pool to stay in shape surfing……..and to Su Lin when she wants a sandy beach by her pool so she can sunbathe in her little pink bikini???? What great photos those would make. I see a bunch of Princes with their eyes and ears up—-a bit of noses in the air too.
#49 AUNTI JACKIE Do you think they gave them some cash and let them do a little shopping along the way?? They are going to be busy the next few years, they have lots to learn and cubs maybe as soon as next spring for Su, so they should be allowed a special treat like that don’t you think??
A LONG TIME AGO I JOINED the San Diego Zoo Facebook Page so I could access the Photos and such, but now I cannot seem to find it—-does anybody know where it is hiding??? Or why it is hiding???? I have done several searches for it from several different places, but cannot ferret it out. If anybody has a link for me or information that will lead me to it I would appreciate it.
Moderator’s note: http://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoZoo and click on “Wall” for the latest updates.
Goodbye Girls. Safe journey. We miss you already.
So sad to see my panda cam girls go but have such happy memories of seeing them in the fur last November. I hope they have lots of cubbies in the future.
Lucilla: I’m agree with Grammmie.. we need a story..
Thank you so much, Megan. What a thoughtful blog you’ve written. We so appreciate you taking the time to let us know what’s going on!!
Bon Voyage to the Pandas. I do keep up with you all the way across the US in MOntgomery, Alaabama. I have quite a collection of you. Will miss reading about the babies and moms and dads in SanDiego. Wish you luck. HOping the zoo will still have some pandas, so that the keepers can take care of others.
HOpe you do well in the wild. WIll miss you. !!!!!!!!!!
#59 MODERATOR Thank you so much for the facebook link…..I will put it in a Cheet Sheat to keep it safe—until I loose it again. I will try really hard not to loose it….perhaps some other folks will get the address from your note and give it a visit too. There is a lot of nice photos available there. We cannot have too many nice Bai Dynasty Photos.
Su: ZZ, I wished you had let the nice gentleman drive the forklift. I am still a bit dizzy from the way you swung my crate around.
ZZ: Hee Hee, sorry. I had fun though!
Su: Yes, I could tell. Did you enjoy the inflight drinks?
ZZ: Yes, the honey water cocktails were especially nice when they came with the little boo umbrellas. Which movies did you watch?
Su: Of course I watched our cousin Po’s movie. He is such a good actor.
ZZ: Ya, ‘You cant put a price on awesomeness or attractiveness!’ Hee hee. I loved the apple snackies and the boo crackers that they served us.
Su: Oh, did you remember to bring your passport?
ZZ: Yes. I like my photo in it that Aunt Weeta helped me take.
Su: Let me see…..Oh, yes, that is nice with that big red bow. Did you pack that?
ZZ: Of course. Other wise how will our unckas and aunties know it is me when we send photos back?
Su: With the magic picture box Papa gave us, I can take lots of photos for Mama and Papa and all our SDZ friends.
ZZ: And make sure they are in COLOUR for Yunnie! HAHAHA.
Su: HAHAHA. By the time we see him, he will be a grown man.
ZZ: Ready to be a stud muffin. Did you get his wish list?
Su: Yes, he has given me all his criteria for his Forever Princess, hee hee, boys!!
ZZ: Where will we land?
Su: In Shanghai and then we will transit and fly to Chengdu.
ZZ: I like flying except I wish I was piloting the plane. I tried asking but the hooman said I had to rest.
Su: Yup. It is our first long journey.
ZZ: But I have you with me…
Su: And I have you….
ZZ: Also nice to have the nice doctor lady….
Su: And the keeper lady…
ZZ: Thank goodness, no sharpies….
Su: And hopefully no more shavings, my fur has grown back nicely, whew.
ZZ: I wanted a mohawk but the doctor lady did these nice squares on my tummy. I wonder if I can get the shaver and try some patterns.
Su: ZZ! Be more ladylike.
ZZ: Yes, sister (she flutters her eyelashes and poses demurely), I can do calm and serene too, hee hee. But only for a nano second, hahahaha.
Su: Your Prince will have a handful.
ZZ: Yes, there is lots of me to love, hee hee. I want a dashing Prince.
Su: Dont we all?
ZZ: No, I mean one who has energy to dash around with me, hahaha!
Su: Tats and piercings?
ZZ: (smiles) Maybe? If he has a motorbike, better.
Su: Ma will be horrified.
ZZ: Once the grandchildren come, she will be happy.
Su: At least half sis is already a hero mother.
ZZ: And you are going to be one too.
Su: Yes, I want to be and I hope to be a good mama.
ZZ: Hey, did you realise if you press this button, the crate tilts and the leg rest comes out. Weeeee! I am going to put on my eyepatch and catch some zzzzs. Dont want any dark circles round my eyes when we meet our Chinese friends and family, hee hee.
Su: Yup, and I will put on my black sweater to keep warm, hahahah. Rest well, Mei Mei.
ZZ: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
I am so glad I got to see Su Lin Thursday. I had no idea it would be the last time. I wish them well in China.
I think all of us folks that watch the SDZ pandas on a daily basis knew the rules when we ‘signed up’… the bears would ultimately go back to their homeland.
Still, it doesn’t make it any easier today. The bears are much loved by the entire Zoo staff and family, and will be as well in China.
Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will forever remain in our hearts.
Here is a link that may make you smile… and may get you busy doing a craft project to remember Zhennie. http://www.flickr.com/photos/poyee_lam0321/2222949388
#58 Grammmie… yep, the girls will be shopping – special new hats, the YunZi is a particular style that comes into mind.
Thank you Megan, for a very thoughtful and informative notice about Su Lin and Zhen Zhen’s departure. Although they are solitary in nature, I am glad that they were able to travel together, and to have the comfort of a familiar sound and scent of each other, and of Gaylene. It is somewhat ironic that almost exactly one year ago, the attempts to allow them to interact at the Howdy Gate were not as successful as hoped, and not as successful as Su Lin and Mei Sheng’s interactions. Perhaps that was due to personalities as well as physical age differences. Only they know for sure. But, one year later they had another opportunity to be near each other again as they made they way around the world to their new home at Bifeng Xia. Since it appears that there is one basic quarantine accomodation for incoming pandas at that base, it is likely that they will be staying near each other for at least the upcoming month. Hence their training to be in close proximity will pay off both for travel and for their quarantine. I hope the Zhen Zhen has the opportunity to interact with other pandas her own age since she is much younger to be making the journey than any of her siblings. Su Lin will likely go right into the breeding pool in the spring, but since Zhen is at least two years away from breeding maturity, she may have the benefit of being around other pandas, much like Fu Long has done. She and Mei Lan are the same age as I recall and may have similar introductions and acclimations to life in Chinese panda care. Best wishes for your new lives in your ancestral homeland. We look forward to postings about their trip as soon as available. My hunch is that they will be acclimated quickly similar to Tai Shan. I am curious to see if Su Lin climbs trees as much as Mei Sheng has, but since she is a year older than he was on arrival, she may not.
Oh my, this is harder emotionally then I thought. I had to back away from my PC for fear of my tears shorting it out. I wish them both a safe journey and know that both will make great mothers just like their mother was to them. To all the zoo keepers: Your love and compassion towards these wonderful animals shows in them everyday when we see them on the cams. You have no idea how much of you are in them! I don’t think we pandacammers would have it any other way. A very humble THANK YOU to all that care for these precious animals. Let us know when they arrive safe and sound. Blessings Su Lin & Zhen Zhen from Las Vegas, NV.
#143 DANIELLE, NY From Blog dated Sept. 15, 2010 Comment Section. I just reread your message and finally caught the question of “was Ying Ying unconcious CAUSING him to fall, or was he unconcious FROM the fall—then why did he fall”? I am glad I reread it since it brought a question I had not even considered. Now I wonder if the question was asked when Princess Lin Ping had her great fall. They had her anestified (I think I chewed up that spelling) and took her to the hospital for an MRI (or as she tells the other Panda Kids-they gave her a “Sharpie” and she was asleep for a long time, and she never got to see the big machine they put her in to take picures of her insides). I was surprised that they did not follow up the next day too-since often head injuries take 24 hours to show up the damaged areas. Perhaps they did follow up and we just did not hear about it. Please let me know what you hear about Ying Ying, and if I come across anyhting I will let you know too. I cannot imagine how all of those attending him felt when he finally moved, and they found he will live. The joy must have filled them body and soul.
I know this is a good thing and our girls will shine just as brightly in China as they did here but it made me cry when I realized they were actually gone. Americans abroad, I guess that is how we can view our pandas. They will always be a part of us here but they are going to live somewhere else now and do their part to hopefully eventually give pandas back to the wild.
The Chinese seem to believe that breeding cubs constantly is the way to achieve this. While I am not sure that this is the way, I have no doubt in my mind of the love and caring that the Chinese give the pandas. Our girls couldn’t be in better hands and I am sure both will contribute greatly to the program to save the panda. There they will have all the bamboo they need and a selection actually of males to choose from.
I wonder if they will notice that the pandas they meet there have different ideas of how a panda lives and acts. The Chinese pandas didn’t get the chance to have the love and care of their mothers, at least not for very long. Ours go with a very rich background of being raised by their mother and I believe that they are the better for that.
We will miss you girls but know this we will never ever forget you and the joy you brought to all of us. Thank you SDZ for all the hard work. It is always heartwrenching to give our cubs back but we are all so proud of San Diego and the way these cubs have been raised and we do still have Yunior. Soon Bai will be weaning our boy and then we’ll see what happens next.
Safe Journey sweet panda girls. You will be missed alot.
Are you sure the male pandas in China are ready for Su-lin anf Zhennie? Those girls can be a handful. I know the staff is sad because of all the love they gave them. I know they will make you proud. I wish the girls safe travel and a big thank you for allowing us to love the pandas even if we are thousands of miles away.
These giant animals are like precious teddy bears. It’s such a joy to see them lived and on the panda cams. It’s wonderful to hear Hua Mei is doing so well. For some reason Hua Mei has always been my favorite member of this family. It’s sad to have them return to China, but incredible that they will help to keep their species going and going and going.
Please keep us panda nuts updated on their arrival in China. Will they be in quarantine together? How long? I bet all the SDZ staff had a hard time seeing our girls go too. Thanks for the info.
I didn’t know the Pandas left yesterday. I went to the zoo today and I saw Bai Yun, her baby, and Gao Gao. I didn’t realize the other two pandas left.. ahhhh!
Words are hard, much like when Tai Shan left. I didn’t know Hua Mei or Mei Sheng. I began watching San Diego’s pandas after Mei Sheng left. So many missed moments. My heart aches again. Su Lin is so unique in her personality. So much her mother’s daughter. Zhen Zhen, my sweet Princess, my Zoom-Zoom, ZZ, or most affectionately, my Miss Precious. Talk about being unique. I always wondered what was going through her head while she was making her speedy rounds of the yards. Such a beautiful little sweetheart. These two girls are taking so many hearts with them. All I can say for sure is that China better perk up and pay attention, because these beautiful ladies will be taking China by surprise! They have no idea what is in store for them. Their gonna get their socks knocked off.
And they had better take care of our 2 little girls, which we know they will, but can’t help being defensive, after “losing” them. Say hello to your older sister and brother, and to your cousins, Mei Lan (at Chengdu) and Tai Shan, also at BiFengXia. What a beautiful gift, of all these beautiful pandas, the United States has bestowed upon China. Goodbye, Sweet Princesses. You are both so loved, and will be sorely missed.
Godspeed to you, our Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, San Diego’s sweet panda girls, and may you have a safe and uncomplicated journey to China today! I have enjoyed watching you both since you were born and will miss your antics so much! Wish there was a way to get around having to send OUR very special panda cubs back to China as it isn’t right! China has produced lots of pandas — let us keep ours here in San Diego where they belong and are so loved by many! I will always love you and will miss you both, Mei Sheng and Hua Mei! They should be here for us to enjoy!
ZZ: Guess what? In the loo, there are free colognes. I have here some ‘PAW’ by CK and PANDA by Pawmie Hilfilbear. Which one do you one?
Su: Both, hee hee. I love colognes….
ZZ: Especially with cinnamon…
(The two girls self anoint and have a fun time trying to scent mark each other.)
Su: Stop that, it tickles.
ZZ: Haha, Jie Jie, you smell good.
Su: We better behave otherwise the hoomans might come and shush us,
ZZ: I was listening to all the recordings of the Panda Grrls, we were good.
Su: And we will get better. We will now have Chinese input and Ping can send her vocals over the net and we can mix it in the studio at BFX.
ZZ: Tai said they have a groovy underground club scene. I cant wait.
Su: And Fooey will be there too. I hear he had a baby brother.
ZZ: Yup. And the Aunty in Spain had twins.
Su: More Panna Babies!
ZZ: There was an article by a hooman who said we should be allowed to die out. Horrible man…
Su: Some hoomans dont like Pandas and animals….
ZZ: YA, one lady threw a cat into a garbage bin (Shudders)
Su: And I read about some elepahnts in India who tried to protect 3 claves trapped on a railway line. But the train killed them all. Then other elephants came to stand over their bodies to protect them.
ZZ: Elephants are loving and are also good mothers like Mama.
Su: Can you imagine if Mama was an elephant?
ZZ: She would be soooooo cute! And we can all cuddle her at the same time. Are we there yet?
Su: Nope, a few more hours. This is a long haul n on-stop flight.
ZZ: OK the nice lady gave me some crayons and paper. I think I will help the hoomans design my new enclosure….What about you?
Su: I will always re-decorate. I like my trees in certain shapes and positions.
ZZ: I want lots of ropes and swings – Wheeeee. I am hoping for a jungle gym and maybe a slide.
Su: I wonder if they will give us a huge hammock each.
ZZ: They may not give us tall trees though. Ah Ying fell from the 4 m one remember?
Su: Ya. Thank the Panda God, he was sent back to this world.
ZZ: I wonder how it was like being 54 hours in the other world.
Su: If you could ask the Panda God one question, what would you ask?
ZZ: Hmmmm, can I have a multi-coloured fur coat please?
Su: ZZ! Naughty bear!
ZZ: I will ask the Panda God to bless Mama and Papa and help Yunnie grow up to be a good Panda Ambassador and a paws on Papa.
Su: Me too!
ZZ: No you wont. You will ask ‘Who is my Prince? Is he cute and smart?’
Su: ZZ! *BLUSH*
ZZ: Hee Hee!
Going to miss the beautiful girls. All the best to them! Looking forward to any updates about their journey and their arrival.
I couldn’t transulate the German news story. It seems to be getting more and more difficult to transulate anything….something to do with copyrights? It seems we have a bunch of room on our computers used up for nothing if we can’t use the service. Every once in a while I get lucky….but if I move from the page I loose it.
It is with a heavy heart that I write this blog. I am praying that my sweet and beautiful Su Lin and Zhen Zhen have arrived safe and sound in their ancestral country. Even though I knew their departure was imminent, I was hoping that they would leave sometime next week.
I am so happy that I did get to see you both a few times and had the opportunity to say my good-byes to you both. I know that you will have many happy days ahead. I look forward to seeing many photos of you both in the future. I send many virtual hugs and kisses to my sweet and fun loving pandas Su Lin and Zhen Zhen – you will always be in my heart. God Bless.
I uploaded to Flickr some photos of baby Su Lin on the day of her debut. Photos can be found at the following link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdrose24/sets/72157624908707001/
I am delighted to hear of Hua Mei’s latest cub!! I worked at The Nature Company in the early 90′s and “Adopted” Bai Yun and watched as Hua Mei grew up! I have now 5 GrandPandaCubs and 8 GreatGrandPandaCubs!!! So there!!! all my friends..and your beautiful Grandchildren!!!
Aww, I can not believe that the girls are gone! They have grown so much since last year, when I first started watching them. Wow, I hope they had a safe flight, did they go on the Fed Ex plane? I hope they’re doing really well right now, I hope they like they’re enclosures and everything. Will Yun Zi be leaving at age 3 too? When are Bai and Gao supposed to come back to China. It would be so cool if Yun Zi could go on the same flight as his parents and he could see Bai and Gao! Anyway, please give us updates on the girls as often as possible!! Thanks SDZ for all your work and love you put in for the girls! What would they do without the panda keepers?
Peace, Love and Pandas CIAO!
Annie Panda
P.S.
Lucilla- Cute stories, I really needed some of those today…
Moderator’s note: We don’t know what Yun Zi’s plans are at this time, but our loan agreement regarding Bai Yun and Gao Gao was renewed in 2008 for another five years.
Big hugs to the SDZ staff, I am sure you are sad and proud at the same time! I know how horrible I feel having the girls gone so I can only imagine how you all feel. I hope you are all very proud of the tremendous job you have done raising these girls. I am sure they have felt so loved and pampered. I hope they get the same attention in china. I know they love their pandas but I do not agree with taking cubs from the mother so early. What if the bears that eventually end up in the wild desert the cubs that young? Hopefully you cannot take away instinct.
I am so glad we still have yunnie here! I love Bai and Gao and hope we can have another cubbie in the future. I really hope some day I can get out there to see them. It is amazing how attached you can get to animals that you have never even seen in person.
Thank you so much zoo staff for all you do for all these wonderful animals. Thank you moderator for putting up with us emotional bloggers, I am sure you have your work cut in for you in the near future with this bittersweet departure.
Hi! WOW!!! That quick!! Just got the news about Su Lin and Zhen Zhen leaving SDZ for China last nite (Friday, 9/24) from your Facebook page. Boy, when you all keep a secret date, you stay with it! Seriously, I’m praying that Su and ZZ will have a safe trip to China, do well in their quarantine time at Bifengxia, enjoy their new home, and have baby pandas soon. I’m glad that Gaylene and Tracy went with them so that they will have a couple of familiar faces to look at while travelling. Hopefully, Gaylene and Tracy can send us some updates on how the trip to China went and how the 2 panda girls handled it. Gonna miss sweet Su’s sitting with her back to everyone on the cam while eating her boo, and ZZ’s zoom zooming around her yard at breakneck speed when she gets excited about something, and ZZ’s singing! The Chinese people and the keepers at Bifengxia are going to get a real treat with these 2 pandas at Bifengxia!
Well, now that just leaves Bai, Gao, and Yunnie at SDZ, for now. We’ll just have to wait and see if Bai can and does get pregnant sometime in 2011 and give us another cub. I think that she can do it!
Still no word from National Zoo about Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. Been watching them on NZ’s pandacams, and they are both doing good and going thru their normal everyday routines of eating, napping, doing behavior training sessions, and getting those all important toys and snacks to keep them busy and sharp. Read yesterday’s AZ panda update about Lun Lun, and they are no closer to a birth watch with her yet. They are still waiting, hoping, and watching Lun every day. They’ve been giving Lun ultrasound sessions a couple of times a week to get her back into that routine, but so far, nothing unusual has shown up on the scan yet. I can see that panda reproduction and pregnancy studies can be so time consuming but also very important to gather the necessary data in order to understand how female pandas go thru their estrus cycles and possible pregnanies. Why are female pandas so complicated??
Also, at National Zoo, the lion keepers have installed 4 lion cub cams so that everyone can watch both Naba and Shera with their new lion cubs. Go check the cams out, ok? These cubs are sooooo adorable!!
Gonna go for now. Will be back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Thanks for the stories, Lucilla–they really help. I’m sure ZZ really was disappointed she couldn’t fly the plane herself after her work with the Secret Bamboo Project.
Hope the flight was smooth and I can’t wait to hear all the details of their departure and arrival.
Miss you, ZZ!
Rose–those are adorable shots of Su Lin on her debut day. Thanks for posting them!
According to the Chinese blog of a Wolong keeper:
“Su Lin” and “Chen-chen” has arrived in Shanghai at 6:50 am today, is expected to take the 11:30 flight to Sichuan and arrived at home around 5 pm – China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, Yaan Bifengxia base.
China is 9 hours ahead of San Diego time so they are on the flight from Shanghai to Sichuan.
Just getting home from San Diego I read this with tears in my eyes. I went there Friday to see the girls before they left, but knew I was too late when I arrived, they were not there to wish safe travels too. I was able to see the best mamma panda, daddy panda, and the most beautiful baby boy panda in the world. I feel a huge sence of saddness that I was too late, but am very happy they are on their way to a new chapter in their lives, still with tears in my eyes feel very sad I will not see them here any longer. God be with you girls, I for one will miss you both VERY much!!!!
Panda keepers, I thank you for all you do, and am very sad for you as well. I know you all have a more personal connection with these two beautiful panda girls that we here on panda cam will never fully know. God bless you all as well.
Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will be sorely missed. Thanks so much for your update on Hua Mei’s eighth cub. Has Mei Sheng fathered any cubs yet?
Moderator’s note: We haven’t heard if Mei Sheng has become a father.
I spent the day with my dying best friend, as she was resting peacefully, I opened up my laptop and there it was…they are gone! The countless hours spent waiting to see my first baby; ZhenZhen galloping across the landscape or swinging on the tree limbs until you swear they would break, my heart breaking when she was weaned and watching her flourish independantly. Precious; that’s what she is. I have been completely enamoured with Lady Bai, her example of perfect parenting, a true matriarch…waiting for Yun Zi’s birth and the unbelievable opportunity to experience what is in the wild, an elusive animal.
It’s been a rough day, letting go is always the most difficult thing and the loss sometimes can feel endless. I pray that all of my “friends” have a safe journey, the joy I’ve received will never be forgotten.
LUCILLA YOUR STORY SURFACED AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME…….I was doing a late “check in” and hit the blog by habit. and there was Zhennie driving the forklift. There was no better time or place for a story than that one. Mollie has parts one and two waiting for her to open it in the morning, and I promised if there were more parts I would get them right off to her.
I think we may have to create some story teller awards for all of you who help us through tough times with a tear and a smile…..it is hard to feel a heavy heart when there is a smile on your face. AuntiJackie and I let the girls have some money and a little shopping time—they have had a busy life so far, and by next spring Su may be a mommy, and they both have Chinese to learn yet……this trip is their only chance to get out and about until they retire.
#84 CHANDA Congratulations—and you and Bai both are so young looking with all those children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
Just heard from some panda lovers visiting and volunteering at BFX that the road is lined with blue and pink balloons for the girls arrival. Hopefully we will get photos soon.
American-born Panda Sisters Arrive Home in SW China
english (dot) cri (dot) cn/6909/2010/09/26/1461s596403.htm
Pandas Unlimited member Anita just posted pictues of Su and ZZ in their new homes on Flckr. Why a long tiring day it had to be for them, but not that they are gotten there safely they can start to take in all the new smells and surroundings and get some good quite rest.
Thank you for let us know about thie departure.
I remember when Mei Sheng went to China everything was ok during the trip.
I hope they will adjust to their new lives quickly and become moms soon.
I’m looking for update about the journey.
ZZ and Su will be in my heart forever.
My heart goes out to Su Lin’s and Zhen Zhen’s fans. I became interested in pandas when Tai Shan was born near my home in the Washington, DC area. So when he and Mei Lan (from Zoo Atlanta) left this year, it really hurt to see them go after watching them grow up. My interest in pandas has extended to me following the blogs and pandacams for the pandas at the San Diego Zoo, the National Zoo, Zoo Atlanta, and the Memphis Zoo. There is one thing for sure. Although we may feel sadness for our pandas having to leave the U.S., we are also very proud of our pandas for the contributions they provide to panda research. For that, I must say that we will always love Su Lin and Zhen Zhen forever and a day.
I just read that the pandas have landed safely! I will miss them on the cam and in all the wonderful photos and videos and fascinating blogs, but I am sure we will find news and photos of their adjustment and successes (and post links!). I hope they like the food. I hope SDZ’s great breeding program will be blessed with more pandas to fill the keepers’ hearts and research and that Bai Yun and Gao Gao get to live out their lives with their California family.
PS Thank you SDZ for changing video formats so I can see the cams on my iPad!
In my previous blog, #83, I failed to mention a short video of Su Lin’s Snow Day, dated 4/27/08. This video of Su Lin enjoying a romp in the snow can be found at the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/sdrose24#p/a/u/1/lhklVFpA6NQ
I will miss watching you everyday. Love you both from Las Vegas
Good news everyone. Su Lin and Zhen Zhen arrived in Bifengxia Safely. Here is the link of news from wolong’s website. )chinapanda (dot) org (dot) cn/news/show_art.php?id=848&hl=cn You can check the latest photos of their arrival.
All went very well. So far, the two haven’t show the unsettledness that Meilan had during her first days in China but Bifengxia arranged vets and keepers to observe them 24 hours. Zhen Zhen wasn’t shy at all. She was checking out everything like a super star. They went directly into quarantine.
The girls have arrived safely at BFX – article and photos of them in their new quarantine area from the BFX web site at this link – if you will permit the link moderator?
chinapanda (dot) org (dot) cn/news/show_art.php?id=848&hl=cn
Sigh . . .
I noticed that the “Meet the Pandas” page was updated for Hua Mei, because it now says she is the mother of eight! Su Lin and Zhen Zhen’s will have to be updated saying that they moved to China, I think. Also, in the little paragraph under the Panda Cam, you will have to say “we currently have three giant pandas, but could comfortably fit up to six!”
Moderator’s note: It will be updated on Monday.
I came to SD in hopes of catching the precious girls before they left and my heart sank when I was told the little ones were shipped out the night we came. But as i was just reminded that all good things must come to an end eventually, I realize it is something that was agreed upon and they had to go. Luckily, I had the pleasure of seeing papa, momma and junior yesterday and it will break my heart to have to leave today but thank goodness I am able to watch them on the cam every day. Thank you SDZ for letting us bring these wonderful creatures into our lives!
According to the following article: “American-born Panda Sisters Arrive Home in SW China” english(dot)cri(dot)cn/6909/2010/09/26/1461s596403.htm After a stopover in Shanghai, the girls arrived at the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 3 p.m, they will arrive at the center’s Bifengxia base in Ya’an later Sunday.
I hope they had good flights and will get over jetlag and all the other changes that they will experience with as little stress and anguish as possible. I am sure all their human friends will do their best to help Su Lin and Zhen Zhen through this.
#83 Rose N – Thank you so much for posting the pictures of Su Lin when she was little, so cute and already so popular!!
chinapanda (dot) org (dot) cn/news/show_art.php?id=848&hl=cn
I saw the news from the wolong blog. Suddenly they are gone!! I live in Hong Kong. Actually their are geographically come closer to me, but… but they are gone!! suddenly!!
(sign..) But at least I am glad that the blog said they are doing good. ZZ checks her quarantine room and SuLin climb up on the bars.
For those flickr photostream which are dedicated to those pandas, they all belongs to Yun Zi now.
I will always miss these two bears and this is sad for me, yet happy for the situation.
just saw the arrival pics of sweet Su and baby Zhen at their new home on pandas live on….kinda made sense of what they said- Su looks more anxious that Zhen and had climbed the bars to the top of her cage like baby Mei Lan did- but, it said that Zhennie was totally cool with the situation and acted like a star status…snap….u go girl!!!
Su Lin and Zhen Zhen arrived at Shanghai PuDong airport at 6:40AM (Beijing time). They arrived at Ya’an at 6:25PM. See photos here:
chinapanda (dot) org (dot) cn/news/show_art.php?id=848&hl=cn
The first pictures of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen arriving in China:
www(dot)chinapanda(dot)org(dot)cn/news/show_art.php?id=848&hl=cn
The Google translation is not bad, but I was surprised to read that Su Lin was climbing on the fence of her enclosure; I was expecting Zhen Zhen to do that!! She may be saving her energy for something more spectacular!!
Nothing new about the cub in Vienna, the last two updates were about daddy Long Hui. Since he can not spend time with Yang Yang who is taking care of their cub, the keepers are keeping him active. Today is Long Hui’s birthday, he is 10 years old!!
www(dot)zoovienna(dot)at/news/neuigkeiten-rund-um-das-pandajunge/
Dee on Pandas Live On posted a great site to hear all about the panda cub at Zoo Vienna. The site is called “A panda baby diary” and it is really cute! Also, Happy Birthday to Long Hui! Ten years old, woo hoo!
Yan- Thanks for showing us the site! Perfect! Hopefully we can get some more updates on the girls often!!
Peace, Love and Pandas CIAO!
Annie Panda
P.S. On the search for a panda costume for halloween. I am determined to find one…
PLEASE, PLEASE tell me that their keepers from SDZ will be staying with Su Lin and Zhen Zhen until they get adjusted.
Moderator’s note: San Diego Zoo staff turned over their care of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen to Bi Feng Xia Base staff at the airport and did not accompany them to the base.
I guess they are tired, anxious and jet lagged.
Poor girls!
Missing them, but I know they will love their new home and enrich the breeding program. Is it possible that China will send us another breeding pair? The San Diego Zoo has had tremendous sucess in their breeding program and raised public awareness regarding the plight of the Pandas,
Anita has posted a picture of the entrance with the balloons that Carol #95 mentioned, as well as some other pix of the girls:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bartyork/5025317841/
It’s great to know that the girls are safe and sound in their homeland. They looked very happy despite having a very long tiring trip from US to China. The next thing I’d like to hear is which panda boys will be compatible with the girls.
I am saddened and excited all at the same time. But honestly, I’m trying really hard not to cry. Oh, silly me!!!! I got all misty eyed when I first saw Su at our convention, for heaven sakes.
They will be missed, but I feel better after reading the post……so well written, and hopeful for the future of the panda population.
Thank you SDZ for sharing your precious panda family with us. We will all await further news!
And you go, you, California Girls; show them what you got!!!!!! You will be loved in your new home, and loved from afar.
Glad to read and see pics the girls arrived safely!
Su Lin will settle down soon – it’s difficult to look at those kind of pics. Mei Lan did the same thing with climbling the bars of the enclosure when she arrived and was agitated from the flight.
Have fun girls and enjoy your new home!
Video from Chinese television (CCTV)! The girls arrival and transport on base. Gotta love how the Chinese press dotes on their pandas.
news (dot) cntv (dot) cn/program/zdxwzx/20100926/103133.shtml
Hopefully the girl’s Nannykeeper will be able to send us an update on the girls soon. I wonder how long the vet and the nannykeeper are planning on staying with them?
I have a question for the Panda Team… I like to watch the keepers in the morning when they are in the exhibit. It give me a bit of insight on what they do. Anyway, Yunnie was awake and on the stone throne. He was watching the keepers do their thing. One of the keepers came up to talk to him. He was looking at her, walked about the stone throne a bit. She then crouched down, still looking up him. He moved a bit around the throne, climbed on a branch, came back but never made a move to come off the throne. The keeper then moved a couple feet back and crouched down again. Yunnie watched her and then appeared to lose interest and the Keeper went back to her duties.
My question is: Although Yunnie does come down to play with the keepers and ends up in the tunnel… does he still at times feel intimidated and anxious when Bai isn’t around? Or has he learned that if he comes down to the keeper, he goes in the tunnel? Or maybe this was a new behavior the Keeper was training Yunnie? Her actions appeared to be trying to be more on the submissive side (the backing away and crouching down)…Thank you!!!
Ah, they’re safe.
Not a bit surprised that ZZ isn’t being shy. Of course not. This will be a great adventure to her, although I imagine she’ll get a bit bored in quarantine.
I worry about Su Lin, who is shy. I imagine she’s unsettled, at least. However, sweet Mei Lan really had difficulty at first, and now she’s settled and clearly very happy. Su Lin will feel better once she starts redecorating.
We had videos of Tai and Lani and Fu Long when they moved. Sure hope we’ll get the same for our girls. Also, Pandas Live On will, no doubt, be the best source for following our girls.
I imagine we’ll have to wait till tomorrow (Monday) for any travel diaries. Many thanks to the moderators who put this blog up on Saturday! Can’t expect you to work all weekend.
Just keep checking Pandas Live On!
More info from the Pambassadors program in Chengdu “CCTV with Xiong Bang & Visiting Chengdu City”
www(dot)giantpandazoo(dot)com/panda/http:/www.giantpandazoo.com/pambassador-news/cctv-with-xiong-bang-visiting-chengdu-city
Some very interesting info and beautiful close-up pictures of the pandas they are working with.
Thanks to SDZ for keeping us updated and for the useful article. Being informed about how is important the leaving to Chine fo Zennie and Su make sweeter the miss of them.
Hope the staff of SDZ will be able to give us any news from Chine about the life of our beloved blanck and white friends. In any case on pandalives on there are some photos about the arrive of Zennie and Su to China!!! wow – enjoy!
pandasliveon (dot) com/
Thanks to all who posted the link to the news article about Su Lin and Zhen Zhen’s arrival!! The photos and the translation are so heart-warming. I think it is so neat that they got to be placed next to each other
It saddens me that I can’t access the sites to see the pictures of the girls arriving. I have tried several times to no avail. Why can’t the website just be posted, it does pertain to the girls and pandas. Just curious.
Moderator’s note: We do not allow direct links to other sites unless they are social media sites like youtube and flickr. To access sites provided by others, just remove the “(dot) and replace it with a period.
Good luck Su and ZZ. You will be sorely missed. Enjoy your new home.
Zhennie and Su Lin are already home safe. You may check out some photos from this china website:
chinanews (dot) com (dot) cn/tp/2010/09-26/2556399.shtml
If you are using Google chrome, you may translate the website to English by one click or you can paste the link in http://babelfish.yahoo.com/ to translate it.
Good luck to the lovely girls at Sizhuan!
Here is a news video from CCTV showing both girls arrived Sizhuan airport.
news (dot) cntv (dot) cn/china/20100926/103313.shtml
It is in Mandarin, and no translation of the video. Briefly it says both girls finally arrive Chengdu Shuangliu Airport in Sichuan, and prepare ahead to Sichuan Bifengxia Panda Base.
Hi am hoping someone can help. When I put in the web search to look at the first pix of the girls arriving I get all kinds of garbled nonsense coming up (yes I did replace the (dot) with a real dot)! What am I doing wrong?
Moderator’s note: Make sure there are no spaces.
THANKS TO SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOU guys who sent links to photos and news from China and Vienna. Some may have been repeats but better that then none at all.
I also figured out that my little rant about translalters not working—I was just looking at them wrong.
Best wishes to Su Lin and Zhen Zhen….make yourselves to home girls….many adventures await you….we sure ho pe you enjoy them.
It’s crying time again. I understnd that they had to go, but somehow I wasn’t ready.Probably never would be. i loved them both so much.!! Hearing from you all i know that if we are sad,how can you stand seeing them go? Zhennie, the precious one, and Su Lin so beautiful too, and quiet and ladylike. I saw Su Lin up close,she came over to us when we were there in April. I will have the videos, and flickers, to keep them in my memory.Thanks to Doxie Mom and Rita et al.
But I will miss them so much. As all of us will. Chinese is a difficult language, but I am sure they will win that easily like all they do. May their TAO be smooth and filled with joy! Thanks Megan!
My husband and I were lucky enough to see both Su Lin and ZZ a few days before they left for China. SL was chilling and ZZ was hanging in his branches. Best of luck to them both in their new home
)
How is Gao doing in his new exhibit? I see him now sleeping… It will be fun to be able to watch him…He’s in SuLin’s old exhibit now, right? Did he spend alot of time marking?
Weegee: LP is now 125lbs? Wow!!!! How much does LH weigh? Thanks!
Moderator’s note: We’ll have a post about Gao Gao in the next day or two
If he was not spoiled enough already, Yun Zi is going to get even more attention from the keepers LOL!! Don’t miss the new videos posted by DoxieMom on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandalover19/
I didn’t know they already left the 24th, since I didn’t check the site the 24th. Is there any pictures of them? Are they already in their exhibit in Sichuan? What will they be fed? Do they have toys in their exhibit? I hope they are feeling at home. Did they act scared or are they comfortable in their crate?
I was staying at the LAX Hilton on Friday night, I could have watched them take off for their homeland. I had a sad feeling they had left and I wanted to visit the zoo yesterday when I returned to San Diego.
I am really sad that the girls have gone but happy to hear that they arrived safely at their new home.
Maybe I will visit them on my vacation at the end of October. They should be out of quarantine by that time. And hopefully I will have a decent camera to use instead of my mobile phone.
“To be loved is to remain in another’s heart forever. ”
Our beautiful ambassadors of peace- Su Lin and Zhen Zhen- may all your days twinkle on as the stars in the night sky.
Here is a story.
‘The Masked Sprayer’
One day Yun Zi plans a spraying attack on all the animals, keepers, and visiters
Masked sprayer grabs a mask from his toy box, and pratices his spraying “Gao headstand” one more time.
He goes storming around the zoo spraying the elephants, and even his dad (who tought him the headstand) Bai Yun, Gao Gao wonder who this “masked sprayer” is. When the keepers go in to give him his treats, he sprays the keepers, and the keepers throw the treats and make their way out of his exhibit screaming “I got sprayed by a cubbie!!!!!!!! ahhhhhh masked sprayer!!!” and masked sprayer makes his way to the lions exhibit and tries not to get chased down, he finds a female lion and the female lion is asleep “what a perfect timing to spray” thinks masked sprayer.
He sprays and the female lion wakes up and grows and masked sprayer being extra speedy (he has sisters and has had lots of experince running from them) jumps over the glass viewing area, and leaps like a monkey onto on of the visiters, and sprays them as they try to hug him, they run and scream “ahhhhh a panda cubbie is stinking me up!!!!!!” as many people mistake him as a skunk.
Masked sprayer finally stinked up and clamed the whole zoo. He makes his way back to the panda’s exhibit with Bai Yun and Gao Gao. As momma Bai Yun takes a swim in the pool to over ride the stink, and finally leaps out of the pool gracefully, and she screams “ahhhhh it’s spray….” as she runs. Bai Yun hides behind the tree, and Masked Sprayer rips off his mask and say’s “IT’S YUN ZI” and everyone screams YUN ZI!!!!
The End
Just watched the television link from China. Can’t believe the chaos and people photographing the girls through the crates. Can’t believe they are on this journey without familiar voices, smells and faces. I wish I was one of you guys who thinks it all good. I know they aren’t people, but nobody can tell me that this is going to be an easy transition. Darn now I’m all choked up again
There are so many wonderful, touching comments here…all I can say is, Zhennie, there is an emptiness in my heart now, and there always will be. You are like a daughter I had to give up. A whole in the shape of your sweet self is left in my heart. I will never be the same after knowing you…and Su Lin, what a beautiful girl we have gotten to know over these last five years.
Thank you, all the amazing panda team, for taking such wonderful, special care of these girls. I know my pain can’t be half of what you are all feeling right now. Like the Beatles lyrics, “life goes one,” but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt a lot, though.
Love and hugs and my undying love for you, Zhennie. Thank you for giving me indescribable joy these last 3 years, from the moment I saw you born, through all your growing into the beauty you now are, thank you God, for giving us these precious gifts.
I love you, my Zhennie. Don’t be afraid, don’t be sad. I am hugging you now with all my heart.
ZZ: Hello, Mama!
SL: Hi, Ma, Pa…
YZ: HELLO!
SL: Hahaha, hello, baby!
ZZ: We have arrived safely.
YZ: YAY!
BY: How was the flight?
SL: Pretty smooth. ZZ raided the plane toilets for cologne.
ZZ: And we self anointed. So we smell pretty good when we landed.
SL: And the airplane food was good too.
YZ: What did you eat?
ZZ: Apples and boo cake. We were given honey water to drink.
YZ: I like!!!
ZZ: And we cleared customs and imigration fast.
SL: We had no problems with the luggage too.
YZ: ZZ, did you get to drive the forklift?
ZZ: Hee Hee, yes. And it was fun.
SL: She gave me a headsche cos she lifted my crate.
BY: ZZ! How was the landing?
SL: Smooth and then we got onto another plane to Woolong.
ZZ: Did you know it means Five Dragons?
GG: Yes. There are 5 mountains there. I think one of them is the Five Dragon Mountain. Good to hear travel was smooth. How is Panda Centre?
ZZ: At the moment, we are in quarantine.
SL: And there are these cages with bars…
ZZ: Su climbed them faster than me even.
SL: I wanted to make sure they are safe for you.
BY: Yes, I told Su to look out for you.
ZZ: They say my name differently here.
SL: Me too. But the commands are the same.
YZ: I wonder what my name will sound like?
ZZ: The hoomans look different and sound different.
BY: Yes, most of them are Chinese. But uncles and aunties who love us are the same everywhere.
YZ: How about their booties? Have you managed to grab a pair?
SL: Not yet, hee hee.
ZZ: Some of them came and gave us boo and snackies.
SL: Ya, Papa, you will like the boo.
GG: I am sure I will, heh heh.
ZZ: It is really late here and the weather is cooler.
SL: I am glad I brought my fur coat.HAHAHA.
ZZ: I think we will be in cages for a month.
BY: That is to make sure you did not bring any sickness with you to make the other pandas sick.
SL: I can smell the other pandas.
ZZ: I hear some of them. At the moment, they sound a little different.
SL: I can understand a little, thanks to Papa’s Chinese lessons.
ZZ: I am getting sleepy.
SL: Me too.
GG: Flying will do that to you.
BY: Rest then, my dears. Did you get any shopping done in Shanghai? There you can get all kinds of nice things.
ZZ: YES! We managed to sneak out and I borrowed a truck and drove us to the Bund.
SL: She bought herself another red bow but made of silk this time.
BY: Hahaha, ZZ!
ZZ: Mama I miss you and Papa and Baby Rascal.
YZ: Me not rascal!! Me Cute Rascal!
SL: I miss all of you! even the cute rascal.
BY: But it is a new beginning, all of us have to make this journey. I had to do it in reverse.
GG: But think of it as a big adventure.
SL: It is. I think it is an honour to be a Panda and be part of the research and conservation programme.
ZZ: Hee hee, I hope I get to meet all the other kidults and to play with them.
SL: Oh, they welcomed us with balloons and many speeches. It is on China News.
ZZ: Ya, we were like movie stars.
YZ: Yay, my jie jies are superstars!
ZZ: (YAWN) I think ZZ needs to zzzzzzzzzzzzz.
BY: Bye Bye then. Love you. Send photos ok?
GG: Bye, girlies.
YZ: BYE BYE BYE BYE!
ZZ and SL: Zhai Jian (Till we meet again)
Lucilla: Great stories…. Thank you.
Britney: Thank you for your story too…
I must have missed the response from the Moderator stating the SDZ folks turned the girls over to the new nannykeepers at the airport. Sorry Moderator!!! Is that how the other 2 SDZ cubs were handled? I wonder why Tai and Lani had their keepers actually stay with them a while?
Glad to see the news that the girls have safely arrived in China. I will miss them so much, especially my sweet, funny, rambunctious ZZ! Wishing them an easy transition, & a full & happy life.
Lucilla, I did rather worry that ZZ would try to fly the plane! Glad she stuck with the forklift! Thanks for giving me a big smile.
It’s so sad to see Su’s enclosure empty…
According to a Google translation of a Chinese news account is this little statement: “ChenChen not shy.”
And the new keeper was “amused” when SuLin “climbed the bars” in her new enclosure.
ChenChen not shy. I love that! They ain’t seen nuthin’ yet!
Diana #146–I’m really surprised that the SDZ representatives turned over care to the Chinese at the airport, as the others who have gone “back” to China have had their keepers with them for a while.
Moderator–can someone address why the turnover was made so early for the girls?
Thanks again, Lucilla and Britney for the stories.
Always in my heart, Zhennie!
So our girls Su Lin and Zhen Zhen have started the next chapter in their lives, going to China to be part of the breeding program there. I could just kick myself that I didn’t get to the Zoo to see them in recent months — depression is a hugely negative influence of my life right now. I had not even been checking the panda cam or the blogs for several weeks, so missed out on a lot.
I am delighted to hear that the enclosures are to be “redecorated” for Gao Gao, Bai Yun, and Yun Zi. I know they will appreciate the changes, giving them new things to explore. Maybe I can get myself out to see them sometime soon.
Thanks to all at SDZ for all you do for our beloved pandas, not to mention all the other animals at the Zoo and the newly renamed SDZ Safari Park!
#148 Isn’t that Gao Gao in Su Lin’s old enclosure? He looks content with a big pile of boo. Did the keepers notice if he sniffed around to smell Su Lin’s scent when he was introduced to the enclosure?
Hi! Well, I was going to ask you to see if you have gotten any word about Su and ZZ making it to China safely, and I just read your note about the 2 girls. Thanks for the small update! Glad that they did get there safe and sound. Hoping for a longer update from Gaylene soon about the entire flight to China and how the 2 lady pandas handled it.
But, there’s another thing I wanted to ask you all to do. May you please redo the pandacam numbers list so that we can find out which panda is who on the pandacams? Will appreciate it alot! Now that Su and ZZ are gone, I’m guessing that Gao Gao will have more pandacam time along with Bai and Yuni as well as being out in the exhibit yard for everyone to see more of in person. I bet it feels kind of strange with just 3 pandas there instead of 5 pandas! Not as much noisy chatter between pandas now! I’m missing Su and ZZ already, but I am also looking forward to seeing if Bai can have another cub at 18 years old next year after Yuni has been weaned, and I am keeping up with updates from Atlanta Zoo about Lun Lun.
Well, gonna go and check the cams out again. Will be back later.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: The Panda Cam page will be updated on Monday.
Grammmie, those keepers in China said they were happier and more excitied to see Ying Ying came alive than to see a panda cub born. They tried everything they could and didn’t even think of giving up during the 54 hours.They gave Ying Ying’s massage non-stop.
#150 – Frances – When Mei Sheng went to China in November, 2007, the keeper who went with him (Lisa Stephens as I recall) had to give control of him to the Chinese when he landed on Chinese soil. The same was true with Tai Shan and Mei Lan in March, 2010. The pandas are the “property” of the Chinese government, and as such Chinese assume control and responsibility for the pandas on their arrival. In all cases, the US keepers accompanied the pandas to their destinations and were allowed to be with them for a few days to help in the transition. Mei Sheng had his US keeper the shortest time of all. The Chinese want the pandas to transition to their Chinese keepers as quickly as possible to make the whole process more smooth and less stressful on the pandas.
I am amazed that the keeper did not accompany the girls to Bifeng Xia. This is a first as far as I have been able to research. Did they go later, or were they not allowed to go with them at all? Must indicate that the Chinese think that the girls are able to adjust on their own without any past attachments to “hinder” their progress. Mei Lan needed the reassurance provided by her keeper, but Tai Shan adjusted so quickly that his keeper left sooner than she had planned. Maybe the Chinese have adopted a new protocol since they have had so many foreign born pandas come to Bi Feng Xia over the past year. At least 5 that I can think of off the top of my head. They have almost gone from one to the next immediately after the first was moved from quarantine. Since the girls are going through the process together and in close proximity, perhaps the smell and sound of each other nearby are enough to comfort them and help them adjust???
I too hope that their human travel companions were able to record some visual as well as written notes to share with the girls’s fans back “home” in the USA.
Dear Friends,
On the Pandas Live On website, there is the China TV clip on our girls arrival in Chengdu. A short translation of the commentary is this:
Today two Panda sisters from America have returned home. Su Lin was born on 2005 and Zhen Zhen on 2007. They flew by plane to Shanghai and then overland to Chengdu.
Male journalist: Our precious cargo here are the Panda sisters from San Diego. They were born there and this is their frist trip to their home village (homeland). Their mother is Bai Yun who was sent to USA. Su Lin’s name was given in a special way. A contest was held. Zhen Zhen’s name of course means Precious. They are in specially created crates. And we will only get to see them when they reach the Panda Centre (after quarantine I think). They will be well taken care of with dedicated keepers and will live in specially prepared quarters…(the sound trails off at this point)
I do not find anything amusing about Su Lin climbing her bars in her cage. I am very surprised that someone from SDZ did not stay with Su Lin and Zhen Zhen for a few days. As a matter of fact, I have cried my eye out and my heart is broken. It is bad enough that they have to leave the only home they have ever known!!!!
If the SDZoo signed on for an additional 5 years in 2008, what does that mean….? Will we lose all of our dear panda family then? Will China take them all back in 2013? Oh, there is too much sadness already, I think I should stop thinking ahead….
Peace, love and only happiness to our precious girls. Please love them even more than we do, China, if that can possibly be done.
#59 Lucilla in Singapore — Dark circles under her eyes! Great story!
#122 PANDALOVER We fear it was not the flight that shook Su Lin up—-it was us letting ZZ drive the forklift that unsettled her. If they ever travel together again we will have to say no to ZZ unless the crate on the forklift is empty. We think ZZ threw in a few extra spins because she found hem fun and did not know what she was doing to Su. And thanks for the video link.
#154 LUCY We could ONLY imagine their joy. and don’t you wonder what this might mean to a “Hooman” patient one day?? What hope this must bring to many, and Ying Ying will always be extra close to the group that willed him to recovery. How could we fit the word Miracle into his name?
Do I ever agree with some previous comments. It’s sad enough that the two panda girls had to leave the only home they’ve ever known, be caged and cooped up in a plane with awful noises around them all those hours, and then to have to endure the hoopla that was waiting for them with those photographers and others running around willy-nilly. To make matters even worse, all this took place without any support from our people who could have given the pandas some comfort and reassurance until they reached their final destination.
A big, big thanks (and hugs too) to all the people who have cared for our precious four pandas now in China. I know as sad as the rest of us are, the keepers and others in close contact with the pandas really have to have heavy hearts as they spent time with them everyday.
Our pandas did not return “home” — they returned to their “ancestral home,” the homeland where their ancestors were born, and to me, there’s a great deal of difference between the two. Their true “home” will always be San Diego, CA in the hearts and minds of all of us who love them and will miss them terribly! I only hope the Chinese really realize how special these girls are and will take good care of them!
I know this is a good thing for the giant panda population, but I am soooooooooooooooo sad. I will miss them both, but ZZ just seems so young. I feel like she needs another year or TWO to play and just have fun.
Thanks for the update and I’m happy to know they are safe in their new home. We will miss you sweet girls more than you can imagine.
Conversation with Bai Yun #33
(On 9/22/2010 Mid-Autumn Festival Night)
Yun Zi: Mama, Mama!
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
Y: I see some pretty girls on the moon chasing Lady Chang’e and Jade Rabbit, Mama.
B: Huh? Let me have a look.
Y: They smell like friends from around the yard here.
B: Oh, that’s Su Lin and Zhen Zhen.
Y: Huh?
B: They’re your sisters.
Y: Sisters?
B: Yes, they left their scents around the yard before you were born.
Y: Huh? I didn’t know I had sisters.
B: Some day you may meet them personally but that’s for time to tell.
Y: And what is that thing with wheels?
B: Oh, it’s a forklift.
Y: Forklift?
B: Yes. It gave me some fun rides transporting me from China many many years ago.
Y: Will I get to ride one, too?
B: Most probably you will on your way to China.
Y: China?
B: Yes, your native land.
Y: You mean the land of Shaolin and Wudang warriors?
B: Yes.
Y: And Kunlun, Emei, Tianshan, Wolong Mountains?
B: Yes.
Y: Wow Wee. Can’t wait to go to China.
B: In due time, dear.
Y: Oooh, look! Jade Rabbit driving the forklift.
B: And Lady Chang’e enjoying the ride.
Y: Could this be one of the best Mid-Autumn celebrations she had in many years?
B: I think you’re right, dear.
(9/25/2010 evening)
Yun Zi: Mama
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
Y: The smells are fading.
B: You mean those of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen?
Y: Yes, Mama.
B: They probably left for a faraway land.
Y: Why, Mama?
B: Most likely to prepare for suitors, dear.
Y: Suitors?
B: They will pursue and drive the girls up some trees.
Y: Sounds like fun, Mama.
B: That may be a matter of perspective, dear.
#137, Dear Dianna – LH’s weight’s around 120kg (264.95lbs), and I have no clue when did they weigh her. Anyway this September 28th, LH will turn 9 yrs old, don’t forget to tune in for her special birthday celebration.
HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY, my YOUNG and BEAUTIFUL mama LIN HUI……………………
#115 ANNIE PANDA…….THE FOLLOWING SHOULD GIVE YOU SOME idea how cute you can look as a panda.
“ANYONE ELSE INTERESTED IN THE “PANDA CHEEZE COMMERCIALS” IF YOU USE THE LINK I STUMBLED UPON looking for Lucilla’s reccommended “NEVER SAY NO TO A PANDA” you should have a great time. I used the words between the quotes in the youtube.com search box and came up eventually with a set of them. The music is in English and the same in each one, but it plays several in a row…..all quite funny. Some of them have some English words and many had English subtitles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwCWiDfr-fU
The link I just put above goes right to the show just put it in the address bar. The Panda may do some unkind things, but looks adorable like all Pandas”. It was from #129 me……you will see the panda commercials for cheeze, therefore a panda costume. Check at your local fabric store to see if they have a pattern that you can add to or take away from.
On the Panda Cam this morning I noticed a Panda on camera # 3. Since it used to be Sun Lin’s which Panda is now occupying that space?
Moderator’s note: Gao Gao.
OMG – so sudden!! I knew it was coming but I really didn’t expect to read this morning that the girls are gone! I’m lost! Watching ZZ from birth was such a joy! She was my first and always will be #1 in my heart. I wish her and Su Lin all the happiness and may they grow to be the best moms they can be. They should because their mom’s the best!! God Bless you girls!!
I found some pictures of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen taken yesterday by a volunteer in Bi Feng Xia http://www.flickr.com/photos/chet_pics/
She also posted pictures of Tai Shan, Fu Long, his cousin and roommate Wu Jie and many more.
Looking into older sets, I even found a picture of Hao Hao, Hua Mei’s 2009 cub taken on 15 March 2010
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chet_pics/4480743838/in/set-72157624457919815/
snif snif, I have tears in my eyes. Bye girls, may you live long and fulfilling lives in China, we will miss you.
It is not really news about the cub from Vienna, but you can see Fu Long and his brother’s family tree and they explain the connections to their famous relatives.
www(dot)zoobesuche(dot)net/2010/09/bi-feng-xiawien-fu-long-sein-bruderchen/#more-5072 You can get the translation in English by clicking on the American flag on the right. The translation is not all that good, one of the major problem to understand the text is that they translate Da Di’s name as “Since Sun”, Da Di is Bai Yun’s brother. Also, open the family tree before starting the translation; it will not open while using Google.
Question: Since the Panda bears have been exposed to English, do the keepers in China talk to them in English? Or in Chinese? How do the Chinese keepers communicate with the Panda bears since all they have heard is English?
Thanks.
Moderator’s note: Our keepers use English when speaking with the pandas. Pandas that move to China quickly adapt to new cues, both verbal and physical, especially if there are treats involved!
Question for our Chinese speaking panda friends: Are the letters “C” and “Z” interchangable in Chinese? I’ve noticed that Zhen Zhen is now Chen Chen and we know Thailand’s Zhuang Zhuang as Chuang Chuang….
Fu Long must have heard the news that his cousins from San Diego, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, have arrived at Bi Feng Xia, he climbed high up in a tree and is on the lookout!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chet_pics/
More pictures have been posted by another volunteer at Bi Feng Xia
http://www.flickr.com/photos/italytopaz/
Does somebody know if Mary from Brooklyn is posting pictures from her trip? Or any other volunteers presently in China?
I’m sorry the girls are gone, but since I had no training in how to care for the bears, I have to trust SDZ & china have the pandas best interest at heart. I am sure the zoo staff feels a terrible loss and I wish them well since they worked with the bears so long.
I live on the east coast and wished I could’ve seen them, but maybe one day I can go see them.
Best wishes to everyone.
Glad to hear Su Lin and Zhen Zhen arrived safetly. There is a real cute video on pandasliveon of Lin Ping and momma Lin Hui with their trainer Tom. Today Lin Ping is 16 months old and tomorrow is Lin Hui birthday. I think today is Fung Long’s daddy’s birthday.
As mentioned by another poster, you guys need to update the Panda Cam. I looked at the Panda Cam and I wasn’t sure if that’s Bai Yun or Gao Gao on the cam now.
Anyways, I went to the zoo this past weekend, and I saw Gao Gao sleeping on his back (so cute), and Bai Yun and Yun Zi in the other exhibit area. Yun Zi was up in the tree sleeping. He’s so adorable!!!
I just realized that Bai Yun IS larger than Gao Gao. When I see them on the Panda Cam I can’t really tell. But it’s nice to compare when one is actually there at the Panda Exhibit. I got to see them all. It was so nice.
Moderator’s note: The Panda Cam page has been updated.
#170 Danielle -Thank you so much. They look beautiful as always.
Good news that Su Lin and Zhen Zhen have arrived safely at the destination in China. I hope the two girls have many cubs!! And they will be missed…….
Thanks Danielle and everyone who provided links. I’m still sad, but I am happy that I will get to observe papa bear now. I saw him a little on Friday night and this morning.
I’m currently wayching Lin Ping’s 16th month b’day celebration live. She got a ton of treats and other goodies. What a spoiled girl! Direct link:
translate (dot) google (dot) com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zoothailand.org%2Fpanda%2Flivepanda.php&sl=th&tl=en&history_state0=
I am pleased that the two sisters arrived safely. Thank you and farewell sweet bears:)
just a little side note about the pandas in China. They had 65,000 applications for panda keepers, sure are alot of panda lovers out there. I know we all miss them and wanted them to stay but we all knew that this day would come,just think of it like having a foster child, you raise them, love and nuture and teach them well and then it’s time to let them go.
It’s very easy to tell the difference between Bai Yun and Mr. Gao. Not because of Gao’s ear, he has a smaller frame than Bai and his head is rounder. Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will be well taken care of. However, I really feel for the SDZ super keepers especially Kathy Hawk, who has been there from day 1 (and I’m sure more keepers) with the Panda Family. Of course, there is emptiness, although they have three gorgeous Pandas. Su Lin’s and Zhennie’s antics made a day of joy. I remember way back when… Bai and Shi Shi arrived. as well as Gao’s arrival. The China Keepters have to say, “how healthy and trained”. All due to the EXCELLENT work of the SDZ Keepers of the Pandas.
I’m planning to take the trip in May 2011 to China, Tibet and Panda Country! Back in 2005 I did visit Chengdu Panda Base and had the great opportunity to play with a year old Panda. This was the best experience I ever had. We were suppose to spend only two hours there, but told our personal guide, we would like to spend the rest of the day there and we did. It is huge, just imagine the Bifengxia Panda Base. On the base, which we walked throughout, there are only three specialties: the giant panda, the red panda and cranes. To keep the beautiful air and specialties healthy, there were “No Smoking” signs throughout.
Thank you San Diego Zoo and especially — the Panda Staff.
Here are two pics of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, they look calm and happy. Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43009010@N02/5030307336/in/pool-518319@N22
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43009010@N02/5029696911/in/pool-518319@N22/
As mentioned by Marie, if you couldn’t watch the live version, check out Pandas Live On website… they have a cute video and pictures of Lin Ping celebrating her 16 month birthday… looks like she got fruitsicles and some kind of stuff she smeared all over her coat. CK was wiping her down as she was eating her apples…(Marie-check out the credits at the end of the video… I think CK is officially known worldwide as CK now!
)
As Weegee said, the lovely and alway patient Lin Hui will have her birthday tomorrow. Another birthday celebration!!! Let’s see.. if it’s 2:00pm CST here.. that means it’s tomorrow 2:00am in Thailand.. so HAPPY BIRTHDAY LH!!! Enjoy your bearday!!
Yes, thanks, Danielle for pointing us to Chet’s pictures and commentary–the girls seem to be alert and inquisitive. I feel so much better. I’ll really feel better when I see pictures or videos of Zhennie acting goofy and zooming up in a tree–but for now, I exhale.
Thanks for all the lovely stories Lucilla. Sigh, the exhibit must look so empty. The photos of Su Lin and ZZ on Flickr are sweet. Glad that they arrived safely and seem to be settling in. All my love to you both, Su and ZZ.
Dear Ms. Moderator – I join those that are terribly sadden by the loss of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen to China, but I want to take the time to make sure you know how much I appreciated all of the hours you put in this past weekend, posting the comments from panda fans. It seemed to ease my pain a little, hearing from other fans and knowing I was not alone.
I’m sure you were tending to the blog out of the goodness of your heart and not getting paid for it. Thank you from my heart.
Moderator’s note: You are very welcome, Pamda!
Thank you Danielle in NY for the link to Chet Chin’s flickr photos of Su and Zhennie! I just can’t stop looking at them. They are so comforting to see our girls after arrival and looking well.
They’re gone!
I have watched the SDZ’s pandas almost every day since Tai Shan was born here at the NZ. Your bears all have been so interesting to follow. And who can forget the picture of Hua Mei hanging from the tree looking through her arms. She is as beautiful as her sire was.
I’d say that the ZSSD’s vision has been realized. You’re #1 in my book, and I can only hope that Memphis and Washington reach out to collaborate more with you on your truly stellar programs not just for panda conservation … for all your scientific expertise.
Lions, tigers, elephants, pandas. A whole generation learned to read from primers featuring these magnificent animals. It is sad that in my lifetime, they may go extinct.
Bai Yun is really something!
#163 Carolyn
In China we don’t ask “Birth Place”. On all the forms, there is one field for “Origin”. Even if one was born, say, in Beijing, s/he might fill the Origin field with Hubei, the home province of his/her ancestors. Chinese people feel very strongly about their ancestral homes, even if several generations have been living somewhere else. People are more related to and identified by their ancestral homes. Also China doesn’t grant citizenship based on “born in China”. It all depends on the parents’ citizenship. That probablys explain why the Chinese people hold on strongly that Taishan, Su Lin, Fu Long … are Chinese citizens, even if they were born in some other countries.
#174 Dianna: in Mainland China, people use Z in Zhen Zhen or Zhuang Zhuang. In Taiwan/HongKong or some other oversea Chinese communities, people use C instead of Z. If the rule is by majority, then Z is the correct one for Zhen Zhen.
very sad to not find anymore the name of Su and Zhen at the bottom of the pandacam number..
Yet, there are more cams for GAO GAO Yup!
Glad to hear the girls had a safe trip and are settling in at BFX. It’s weird to think of SDZ without them but they are in good hands and in a wonderful place in China. Hugs to their keepers and staff.
Moderator – do you know why Su Lin and Zhennie’s accompanying SDZ staff turned them over to Bi Feng Xia’s staff at the airport? Just curious. I can’t remember what the situation was for Mei Sheng. I was wondering if it was determined that it was better for the girls to have a firm end of one set of keepers and the start of their new ones rather than an overlap?
The San Diego Zoo responds: Su Lin and Zhen Zhen were escorted to their new home by the experienced staff of the Wolong Nature Reserve Giant Panda Bi Feng Xia Base.
#166 Weegee – from previous blog, thanks for the information about LP’s possible move to China next year. She definitely needs that extra space to roam. Happy Birthday to her beautiful mother LH! She is a wonderful mother just like her 1/2 sister Bai Yun!
Hi, again! I did see the updated pandacam number list, so now I know which panda is who on the cams! Thanks! Waiting for a good long update from Gaylene about the China trip. That will be very interesting to read!
Well, gonna go and check pandacams again. Will be back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
# 186 DIANNA FROM OHIO You are right about the keeper—after his name is (CK) and in addition his helper is now being called (Uncle Jack). I think it is really cute, and perhaps in time they will call her majesty (“Princess Lin Ping”) like we do too.
IT WAS SOMEWHAT COMFORTING to get to spend the weekend….even evenings with other commenters. I tear up a little when I think of the pain felt by so many of you who watched Su Lin and Zhen Zhen since they were born and raised…then I thought of how it might feel for me in two years time when Yunior is ready to make his epic voyage……how will I live through that????
I wish you all peace and comfort. If your wife/husband etc. says to you one more time that it is “just a Panda Bear” you have my permission to sew them into a Panda suit for a day so they can find out what adoration really is, since they do not quite understand. There are other things that can wake people up but we want to break no laws-icluding spouse/significant other clobbering. Our gentle giants would not approve either.
#192 Zheng: Thank you for explaining the “C”‘s and “Z”‘s…. I always thought I was spelling Chuang’s name wrong..
#174 Dianna from Ohio – Spellings of Chinese names
Historically, converting Chinese Mandarin sounds into Latin or Roman alphabet did not have much of a standard system until maybe past few hundred years. And then the most recent popular systems were Wade-Giles, Yale, and Hanyu Pinyin. Wade-Giles was used mid 19th century till about 1979 until Hanyu Pinyin was approved for common use in 1978. SDZ and NZ panda names typically use Hanyu Pinyin spellings. Some circles or countries still use Wade-Giles system or modified Wade-Giles. Here are some panda names if rendered using Wade-Giles system:
T’ien T’ien for Tian Tian
Mei Hsiang for Mei Xiang
T’ai Shan for Tai Shan
Shih Shih for Shi Shi
Kao Kao for Gao Gao
Pai Yun for Bai Yun
Chen Chen for Zhen Zhen
Yun Tzu for Yun Zi
Hua Mei and Mei Sheng spellings are the same in both systems. Hope this helps.
#175 Danielle,NY – Thank you for the links earlier today. Loved seeing Fu Long high in the tree. I’m positive he was on the look-out of the arrival of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. Somehow I think that image will be worked into a story by our talented authors!
#185 Pandalover – Thanks to you too for the links to the pictures of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen in their quarantine quarters. While I’m sure they would rather be “California Girls” in San Diego, they look pretty good for what they have been through. Certainly better than poor Mei Lan did when she arrived in China. I was so upset over her condition and disposition, and it seemed to last for days. Of course, she was my first panda and I was in Atlanta when she was a baby.
Also thanks to anyone I’ve missed who have provided links to pictures. It is wonderful that the Pambassador competition is going on in Chengdu at this time, and that there are so many other panda volunteers in China right now to provide some pictures of the girls.
Congratulations to Hua Mei, our little girl, on the birth of her baby. Miss you alot! It is very sad news for me to hear that Su Lin and Zhen Zhen are gone. I wish them well though. They will be extremely missed.
Thanks for the photos! Is it concerning to anyone else that ZZ seems scared and backed away in the corner? This breaks my heart!
I’m so happy that Hua Mei had her eigth panda. I wish I could see them myself in person. I hope Su Lin and Zhen Zhen are doing great in China. THis is my message to them: Ni Hao Ma?
It has taken me since Friday morning when I read that our girl pandas departed to deal with the shock. Wish the SDZ gave a send off to help us panda lovers deal with the move. It helped when TaiShan and MeiLan left for China. Also, the NZ and Altanta keepers stayed with the pandas until they reached their new home. Maybe, SDZ could do this in the future?
Wishing the girls a long happy life in their ancestral home and producing many pandas.
Trust the SDZ panda staff is able to move on, and the chinese staff will give them special care!
As hard as it is to say good bye to these beautiful babies (cried everytime I saw a pic of Tai and Mei when they were about to leave- and left) I have to say that I personally appreciate the fact that I didn’t know when the time would come to say goodbye to them. Like I said- it’s hard, but, this hasn’t been near as hard as it was for Mei Shen,Tai or Lani- as much as I’m going to miss them- I know this is their destiny. So- to the nannykeepers that took and take care of our babies- thank you- deep down, I really do feel that you all realize how much these bears mean to us, and how attached we become to them, and you’re not only thinking of their security, but, I feel you’re only trying to make the adjustment easier for us as well, and sometimes, not knowing is just less painful. So, thanks again- I appreciate all u do.
Since I was away this week end, I did not check in with the Panda Cam, but this morning I got the surprise of my life as I thought Su Lin and Zhen Zhen would only leave in November. Again I had a good cry. I know that they will make us proud of them. Hope that we get a lot of news about them since they are so far away. Maybe I should go and visit my nephew in China and make a detour and visit the pandas.
Did they leave by the Panda Express – Fedex?
Everything was done so fast.
Luv to all the pandas,
#124 Dianna from Ohio
Yun Zi could feel intimidated and anxious at time, but it does not have to be when Bai is not around. In the wild, cubs have to adapt to the fact that Mom may leave them for quite some time in her search for fresh bamboo. The most comfortable, secure place for the cub is high in the trees. In Yun Zi’s case here, it could be a sound that may have bothered him or he just chose to not interact with the keeper that day. In training, especially in early phases, it is very important to give the animal choices, to interact with the keeper or not. What the keeper was doing that day was to encourage Yun Zi to come down, and the goal was for him to shift into the bedroom with his mother. He is learning this and is realizing a special honey treat awaits him for a good performance. We have found that if we sometimes crouch down below him, it makes him feel comfortable and not forced to come down, and good, old-fashioned curiosity as to what the keeper is doing on the ground may motivate him to move. He is a smart boy, and as he matures and food becomes more of a motivator, he will be shifting off exhibit like a pro!
When will we have more information and maybe pictures of Su and Zhen?
I am sure we all are anxious to know how they are doing.
Will there be a post soon to update us?
Thanks!
Moderator’ note: We do not know for sure but hope that we will have updates in the future.
Thanks Moderator for your response to my query about the girls and the airport!
And thanks to all for the links to pictures. It is so comforting to see them through all the pictures of the folks who were actually there! Thank you so much for sharing!
#158 Judy: I absolutly agree! There is nothing amusing when a panda climbs the bars in a new unknown environment. The panda wants to escape, not to have fun.
#172 Danielle: I know the translation tool (Google Translation) on my blog sometimes provides pretty poor results, here is a short summary on my notes on Fu Long’s family tree: well, Pan Pan, progenitor of about 20% of giant pandas in captivity, is Fu Long’s grand-grand-father. Fu Long’s Grandpa Da Di is Bay Yun’s brother, Su Lin & Zhenie are Fu Long’s cousins. Tai Shan’s daddy Tian Tian is Da Di’s halfbrother, so Fu Long and Tai Shan are cousins too.
Danielle @ 170
Thanks for posting the links to my pictures.
I called the keeper yesterday (28 September) for an update on the two girls. By that time, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen have been here for more than 24 hours.
I was surprised to learn that Su Lin is doing better than Zhen. She is eating her leafeater biscuits from SDZ, and the local bamboo, apples and carrots. Zhen Zhen is still excitable and eating the local bamboo. Both are exploring their new yards and climbing the trees in the yards. The keeper is having a hard time getting them started on the local Sichuan dialect, but it’s only their second day here. I asked if I could volunteer to help with being the English translator but she said probably not as the girls are in quarantine, which they take very seriously here.
TO DEAR ANNIE PANDA THE VIDEO FROM THIS LINK ALSO has somebody in a Panda suit…..you can get a little more idea of how one would look after being made. If you are going to a fabric store take a copy of it with you. The staff of the fabric store would have no problem figuring out what you need and if they carry such things. Good luck and let me know how things turn out. If reallly good photos please……love grammmie
I used the fifth link down the list here and found a map just after it started. This would be the one I mentioned yesterday in these comments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnIjDPRyW14
This is also the link I was to put on Annie Panda’s answer.
http://www.ask.com/web?qsrc=999&l=dis&ar_uid=4bcf1f95c0fde6f4657eee73acf4eb358f4cef2e&siteid=15141&o=15141&q=Chengdu+Panda+Breeding&sq=1&ifr=1
This one above gives you the other choices.
Megan,
Thank you for the news about Su Lin and Zhennie.
I had a sad feeling that gentle Su Lin would be troubled about her move from SDZoo.
She was a homebody and comfortable with things as they were in her San Diego home.
I pray that she will do well in her Ancestral environs.
Zhennie can get acclimated to her surroundings wherever they might be.
As long as she’s a good girl she will get her bamboo and treats.
Our two young pandas will be missed and I hope they are provided with the same love and care that they
received in San Diego.
Since the Panda is a most revered creature in China, I know that Su Lin and Zhennie will be treated royally.
Su Lin and Zhennie, you are not forgotten by all we Panda lovers…..stay well.
Chet #212, thank you so much for your update about Su and Zhen. I’m so glad to hear that Su is doing well. It doesn’t bother me to hear that Zhennie is excitable. As long as she’s eating, that’s fine.
I’m also relieved to hear that they have trees to climb even in quarantine.
Please find out all you can and keep us updated! We are starving for news of them, although I know it will get better when they are out of quarantine.
They may be thousands of miles away but they are still our girls!
The one who has Daniel’s Cams has a story on FB about 4 women from the DC area who went to China to see Tai Shan. There is some great pictures of their trip and helping out with Tai the pictures are from the Washington Post.
Yesterday was Ling Hui 9th birthday there is a great video on pandasliveon showing her cake that Lin Ping took over climbing and rolling on it. It’s so funny also there a couple more videos and pictures of Ling Hui and Ling Ping together.
i well miss you Su Lin and Zhen Zhen i remember visiting the zoo you would make us laugh i hope i get to see you again in china it has been a sad good bye but its been a great day for panda conservation
#212 CHET (currently in Bifengxia Panda Base) It is so nice of you to transulate for us, but to volunteer to be an English translator for the girls is way beyond that. We, too, are very strict with quaranteen rules. Our entire zoo staff must remove their shoes upon arrival at the zoo and put on the pair there that have never touched anything but our zoo grounds, then redo the process on the way out. I must say I enjoy the captions and notes you write for Molliei’s photos–you keep me smiling or laughing whenever I need to. I think that many of us here feel better to get information straight from you. I think the Chinese people, and especially the ones who choose to work with Pandas are very much like everybody else in the world………and love our pandas as much as we do. I love seeing videos in any language but Enslish sometimes, because if the subject is at all funnny there is laughter—-and it sounds the same in all languages.
I take it, by your comment, that Su has not pulled down a tree yet , and ZZ has not shown her speed–going no where. They may think they have a demented Panda on their hands…..untill they get to know her. Since they would not let ZZ fly the plane after she drove the forklift so well, maybe if they let drive the truck on the last leg of the journey she might be more settled. If there is a golf cart handy you could take her for a drive…..if she gets to drive……Love Grammmie
# 211 Jola: don’t worry, your blog is on a zoo in a german speaking country. Of course you are writing in german, it’s the mothertongue. Thanks for providing translation tools for 15 languages for non-german readers. I appreciate it because you do not have to offer these tools. For sure, there sometimes is a “lack of translation” but in general the content is understandable. Just my 2 cents.
2nd update (30 September)
Both girls now come to Mrs Qu when she calls them. They also allow her to feed them. Zhen Zhen is eating the local bread but Su Lin isn’t.
Zhen Zhen’s yard has a big tree that she climbed up the first day and didn’t come down until the next morning! She only came down because she was hungry. Mrs Qu said she had not been briefed about the two girls so she hadn’t known that ZZ likes to climb, so she got a little worried when ZZ didn’t come down from the tree.
Su Lin’s yard doesn’t have big trees for her to climb. Their two yards have a common mesh fence through which they can see each other. This morning (30 September), Su Lin saw ZZ and barked at her and ZZ ran away.
pandasliveon (dot) com/giantpandas/2010/09/more-photos-of-su-lin-and-zhen-zhens-arrival-in-china.html
aaaah…..
Chet #212–I think Zhennie being excitable is just Zhennie. She loves to run fast and climb high.
Thank you Chet #212 and #221 ~ for being there for our girls and for letting us know how they are doing!!! Zhennie up a high tree on the first day doesn’t surprise me at all!!! Thank you also for informing Mrs Qu about her climbling skills. She will keep them amused I’m sure.
What is Mrs. Qu’s role exactly? Seems funny she hadn’t been briefed! Just like a substitute teacher walking into a classroom – I would have been sick with worry myself if Z had stayed in the tree all night. What a silly little girl. So happy to hear good news from an eye-witness. Thanks so much
Have been out of touch for a few weeks and slightly surprised to see them go already, but we know they are lucky Pandas and will have a great new home. Many thanks to the Panda Crew and all of the followers with great comments ….
Any Staff or Keeper could answer this one. I am very confused about the lighting of the enclosure with camera #3. It is dark out here in El Cajon, has been for hours, and yet for some reason the enclosure is lit as if it were early or late in the day….long shadows but bright to see everything until 9:29 p. m. when a the autopilot hit the switch. It looks like Mr. Gao is on top of the keebler tree, or he has decorated the top to look like himself. Maybe it helps when all of the ladies are vieing for his attention. Mr. Gao does like the girlies, but is sometimes confused by the adoration from the “Hooman” girlies.” All “The Cloud Child” wants to do is get out of the enclosure long enough to kiss every one of his Aunties and yes, shake hands with his Unkies too. He used to kiss the Unkies too, but he is growing up fast and thinks a manly handshake is the way to go.
Goodbye beautiful girls we have loved having you in San Deigo.
Hua Mei’s had EIGHT cubs at 11 years old?? Not surprised, considering her mom and dad. Has Mei Sheng had any cubs as of yet?
Best of luck to Su and Zhen!!