ac•cli•mate – to accustom or become accustomed to a new climate or environment; adapt
Next week, viewers of our Panda Cam will notice a change in our bears’ usual routines. Gao Gao will move out of his current exhibit space, and Bai Yun and Yun Zi will get the run of the front-of-house as we open a door that allows this pair the opportunity to explore both sides of our main exhibit space.
The purpose of this is to allow Yun Zi an opportunity to acclimate to an unfamiliar area while still benefiting from the security and comfort of his mother’s presence. With Bai Yun by his side, Yun Zi will likely view the new exhibit as an interesting place to explore and investigate. We want him to be comfortable here, because in the not-too-distant future he will be spending time there on his own.
No, we are not ready to begin separations between mother and cub. This acclimation period is not intended to be a short window, as are the actual separation steps. Instead, this is just our way of ensuring that the introduction of a new space does not happen at the same time as a weaning separation. We want him to adapt, to become accustomed to the exhibit so that it does not factor into any of the weaning stress he might endure.
In preparing for the weaning to come, it is inevitable that many of you would express your disappointment that the time of mother-cub association is coming to an end. We understand and appreciate your concerns. For those of you who have not experienced a panda weaning yet, I will take this opportunity to remind everyone of a few panda facts:
- In the wild, the inter-birth interval for pandas is two to three years.
- When a female dens up to give birth, she does not bring any of her previous cubs with her.
At some point, the mother-cub bond needs to be broken in order that the female can continue her normal life cycle. Certainly, most cubs aren’t happy with this prospect, no matter how sensitively we handle it. But this process is much less painful for Bai Yun. Our data demonstrates that with her later cubs she has moved through weaning with little stress and dives right into her renewed solitary life with gusto. And we have seen that within a few short weeks of weaning, she can become aggressive with her offspring should they happen to meet across a fence, as she did with Hua Mei, her firstborn.
As always, we will keep everyone apprised as we progress through the steps of weaning. But for now, enjoy this acclimation time—both for the bears and for their fans—as mother and cub explore the new space together.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Read her previous post, Sun Bears: Next Steps.
Note: Gao Gao arrived at the San Diego Zoo on January 15, 2003. We are celebrating the 8th anniversary of his arrival here with a small ice cake on Saturday, January 15. Keeper Kathy Hawk is making a three-layer cake for our famous panda dad and presenting it to him around 9:15 a.m. We hope you can come watch Gao enjoy his special treat in person or on Panda Cam!
Dear Papa,
I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!
On the anniversary of your arrival in SDZ and your subsititute birthday, I want to say: May you live a long healthy life and may every day be as glorius as today! Mama taught me that this is the most appropriate saying.
Unka Chuang Chuang told me to say Hi and he will send round double the usual, And he winked. I think you know what that means. Mama snorted and said that boys will be boys. What does that mean? Will I get the usual too?
I LOVE YOU!
Yun Zi, Son of the Most High Cloud, hee hee
Hia Goa…..
Happy Birthday to you, Bro-in-law… I’ll try to follow your advise this spring, wish me luck, eh?….Hee Hee Hee…
Tell Je Bai and Ah Zi that Hui and Ping say hi…
Chuang Chuang
Dear Suzanne,
Thanks for the reassuarance. I think it is the aunties and uncles that need time to acclimatize to the impending separation. Although it is inevitable and necessary, I guess I just feel a pang as Yun Zi and Mama are so close. However seeing their rumbunctious play, I can see that Mama needs her down time. And no separation means no new cubbies too.
And here is a shout out to the International Sexist Panda Male Alive, he of the furry feetsies fame:
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, GAOSTER! To More Good Years, CHEERS!
Blessings,
Lucilla
I totally agree, Lucilla. It is the ‘hoomens’ out here, suffering the pangs of separation, who are the most uncomfortable. Yes, Yun Zi will miss his momma for about a day, then he will charge right into his own world-of-panda, just like all the others have, and he will be just fine. We love you Yunnie! You are going to become a really handsome adult panda. We know, cuz you’re such a cutie right now!
I will be watching the changes and to see how Yun Zi will do. I bet he will just fine. What a great way to introduce him to his new digs. The way SDZ does to keep the animals calm and healthy is amazing. Thanks for the work you do.
The zoo has the best people. Where will Gao Gao go/ Will we still get to see him
during the day?
Love you blogs.
lu
Glad to hear that Mr. Fuzzy Foot Studmuffin will be celebrated again this year!
Yun Zi, enjoy roaming around the extra space because one day soon you will have your own space. I know you can handle it because you are a big boy now and have a mind of your own. Your mama needs her rest now as she may be ready for one more panda cub and if not that is okay too. Bai will enjoy her alone time with plenty of rest.
Happy Anniversary Gao Gao. 8 whole years at SDZ.
Our “little” Yun Zi is growing up.
Moderator, will Gao Gao be completely off exhibit? I will be at the zoo next week & was hoping to see him
Moderator’s note: Most likely. However, you’ll be able to see Bai Yun and Yun Zi checking out their expanded area
During my visit to the zoo last March, my friend and I spotted Gao Gao in his off exhibit yard from the Skyfari ride. It’s a short window. It’s easier on the ride up than the ride down. A zoom lens comes in handy for aerial photos.
Happy Birthday Gao Gao!
Will you have a video up of the Hunk Gao at his birthday party? :]
Moderator’s note: Not this time, but we hope to have the Panda Cam trained on him that morning.
I know this is not on topic but, last year panda fanatics were able to adopt Yun Zi, can I still adopt Yun Zi?
Moderator’s note: Sure! Visit our panda adoption page.
I was looking on the wishlist.
Re: “Grass For A Year” for $1,575.00, can people chip in and not buy it all at once?
Sorry for asking so much questions.
Moderator’s note: Not for this one. Sorry! But there are other items on this month’s Wish List for just $19: chew toys for chinchillas and floss for rabbits.
Rabbits need floss?
Moderator’s note: Yep!
It seems that the pandas at the San Diego Zoo are the only pandas in the US not having snow to play in!!
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=812800938347&oid=27671983814&comments&ref=mf
Snow would help acclimation…
How Funny! Wonder who’s on top? Thanks for posting.
Anne, I am not all that familiar with Ya Ya (female) and Le Le (male) from the Memphis Zoo, but I know that Ya Ya has big ears, so I would say she was at the bottom in that video.
The Memphis Zoo has posted a new video and I believe in this case Ya Ya is on the top.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=813121555827
Perhaps someone on this blog more familiar with Ya ya and Le Le might want to comment.
Yes, you are correct. I asked that question where the video was posted and someone told me Le Le is on the ledge and it is Ye Ye, his mate, on the lower level. And they wre bleating at one point as though they were laughing. So cute.
GAO GAO our main panda daddy!! So glad you are getting your cake tomorrow. I will be sure to be watching. You will need to build up your strength just in case Lady Bai decides she wants a visit after Yun Zi is weaned. Let’s hope she does! We all know you are the best at getting the job done.
Can’t believe you have been in San Diego for eight years already.
Suzanne: Thank you so much for providing us pandafans this kind and caring information to prepare us for what will be taking place with Bai Yun and Yun Zi. This will be the first time I witness the separation process, and since I’ve been following Yun Zi’s progress since his days as a babe in the den, I know it will be hard to watch the weaning take place. So than you for understanding our feelings and giving us such a good “prep talk”.
I am sure none of us on this blog needs to have more “excuses” to love pandas or may even be interested at knowing why, but I found this article published on the BBC website “Why do we love pandas?” www(dot)bbc(dot)co(dot)uk/news/world-12160538
And I thought it would be of interest to you as some of the explanations were given by Ron Swaisgood, Director of Applied Animal Ecology from the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research.
Thank you Suzanne for the update regarding the move of our dynamic duo next week and that the inevitable weaning process is about to begin. It will be both interesting and fun to watch Yun Zi explore both sides of the exhibit. No doubt, in the first few days, Yun Zi will be full of apprehension and surprises as he explores his new surroundings. I know our brave Yun Zi will adjust to all the changes about to start in his young life. The transition, under the guidance of the diligent Panda Team, will go smoothly. Good Luck to Yun Zi and Bai Yun.
I was very happy to read that our sweet gentle giant Gao Gao will have a party on Saturday to celebrate his Arrival Day. Good Luck Gao Gao – Many Happy returns. We are all blessed that the San Diego Zoo Panda Team Director selected Gao as a partner for our beautiful Bai Yun. They are the perfect giant panda couple.
Gao is very famous and well known in giant panda circles – so far he has fathered: Mei Sheng, Su Lin, Zhen Zhen and Yun Zi. Gao is not only a very special giant panda, he is also a very sweet and gentle soul.
Kathy, thanks for preparing a three-layer cake for our illustrious Gao Gao. I know he will enjoy it immensely. There’s no doubt that Gao will make short work of it. He definitely loves ice cakes – especially if there is some honey and/or orange glaze on top. I will be there to help celebrate with him and maybe get a slice of his ice cake.
Is there nothing that Keeper Kathy can’t do? She’s awesome… from birthing baby pandas to “baking” panda cakes… she’s my hero.
Moderator’s note: Mine, too.
Hopefully Rita Petita will post some pictures too!!
Don’t miss the beautiful pictures of Tian Tian and Mei Xiang’s Snow Day for Pandas
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=276456&id=32235087901&fbid=497509452901&ref=mf
Click on the pictures to enlarge.
Happy 8th Anniversary Gao Gao
Thanks again Suzanne for the great blog. I am sure Kathy is going to make an awesome cake for the occasion.
Any chance that Gao Gao may go into what used to be the classroom exhibit? (I forgot what that is called now…)
Moderator’s note: Plans have not been finalized yet; he will either be moved into his former off-exhibit area, or into the North Exhibit.
I apppreciate your patience with me………..I am just getting caught up and it is inferrred above that “topic only” is the order of the day. Does this mean no more stories and legends etc.???? It would be a shame to miss out on them.
Love Grammmie should that be “ifferred” or “implied”????
Moderator’s note: We just ask that readers keep to the topic of pandas for the panda blog posts.
Dear Grammmie,
Welcome back. When you have time to go through previous topics, you will still find stories and conversations and other delightful Panda tales. With this new format, some panda fans have created a conversational story adding their bits to the story. Fun.
Take you time but we await your comments and observations.
Much Panda Love,
Lucilla
I am so happy your back! You have missed so much.
Yun Zi is very near his weaning.
P.S If you have Flickr, you can sign the Panda Fanatics Club member list.
Don’t forget to check out all of Rita Petita’s pictures!! You’ll see some good fuzzy feetsies and up close with the Gao family….
awwwwwww looking forward to Gao Gao’s birthday party, will the live cam be on him for that ? And as I am at home I’ll be able to watch live, if you would let me know the time “your time”. I am looking forward to this now….
I like when the camera keeps getting adjusted so that we see something. Sometimes I have a laugh because we just see trees and then we see that someone is moving the camera to point it to one of them LOL
Moderator’s note: We hope to have the Panda Cam aimed at Gao Gao and his cake at 9:15 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Aww great cheers… am such a panda stalker !!!!
I must say Gao Gao is such a sleepy so and so, he’s been sleeping in the same spot and position for the last 3 days lol
That was so lovely to watch, well am still watching. I was glad he picked up the cake again, I thought he was just going to discard it. But ohhh noooo Mr Gao Gao wanted his bamboo first.
Then he dropped the cake in the bamboo and was determined to look for it and then he finally found it and proceeded with it further… awwww so nice…
Thanks for sharing
Straight from Boo-ly-Wood- “The Acclimator- Unleashed”, staring the Prince of Charm- Yunnie Z. ! Advanced theater showing: TBA. Are you listening out there- Oscar ?
On another note- A very, beary birthday to the one that started it all! GAO- oh, Wow-o!!
I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow, Gao! I’m so happy the SDZ sets aside a special day for you. And Kathy will be “baking” you a special cake. How very sweet of her! You know, Kathy is just the best!
Bai and Yun Zi were having so much fun playing in the water with the floating disk, and then wrestling right up near the walkway a few minutes ago. In fact sometimes it was hard to see for the people walking by. I’m hoping DoxieMom caught it all. And I sent myself a bunch of postcards! Kudos again to the camera operators!
Diana S., yes I did record the entire play session. Here is a sneak peek at some of the footage:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandalover19/5355710578/
…and hopefully later today or tomorrow I’ll post the entire play session out on YouTube (and post a link on my Flickr site).
Happy un-Birthday Gao Gao!!
Thank you DoxieMom!! What would we do without you to replay all our favorite panda moments?!
Doxiemom – Thank you for recording the entire play session. Too cute! How many Panda bears can surf on one board? I held my breath when it looked like Yun Zi was going to dive in from the tree. What a character
When they are separated, I wonder who will get the pool and the board? Note: Yunnie needs own surf board.
This session is a good as the recording of Zennie and the crate of shredded paper last summer.
Happy “Birthday” Gao Gao!
Looking forward to seeing how Yunior takes to weaning. As a long-time Auntie, I am used to this but I don’t know if I will ever make it through without lots of tissues. That’s OK with me though! It’s interesting to me that you not only know what you’re doing, and Bai Yun knows what she is doing, you know to write blogs to help us out also through the process. Thanks!
just watch the video from Doxiemom, That was great. Mom sure gave him a bad
time. But Yun Zi just keeps coming back for more. Great video Doxiemom thanks lu
Hi! Well, looks like things are starting to move in a couple of directions at the SDZ panda yards. Even tho Gao will be moved to another enclosure, we’ll still be seeing him on the pandacam. Yuni will have alot of fun with all of the new smells in the new yard that his dad was in. He’ll be doing alot of sniffing and scent marking. I think that having him get used to the other yard before he starts the weaning process is a great idea, plus he’ll be busy with his training sessions as well. Bai will be her own self, letting Yuni nurse when she wants him to, playing with him, eating her boo, and napping.
Atlanta Zoo has been closed thru this whole entire week thanks to that snow/ice storm that hit the Atlanta area over the last weekend. They have had a terrible time getting roads de-iced because of the unusual cold, freezing temps that they’ve been having every day and nite this week. The zoo’s maintenance personnel has had a big problem with the same thing trying to clear ice and snow off the walkways at the zoo, plus with the roads in bad shape, some of the keepers have not been able to get to the zoo for work. There are alot of them there making sure that the animals are fed, watered, cared for, maintained, and keeping their areas clean. The panda keepers that are there have been able to make sure that all of the pandas are in good shape. I also read about Yang Yang’s short stay outside in the snow! Apparently, he’s not liking the white stuff too well and went back inside where it’s warm. Xi Lan had some fun in the snow and even took a nap under the wood structure outside. He’s the total opposite of his dad! Lun and her cub had to miss out this time around but will hopefully see snow next winter.
Cubbie had his weekly vet exam on Thursday, Jan. 13, and here are his numbers:
weight 3.17 kg=7 pounds; tip of nose to tip of tail 51 cm=20 inches; tail 5 cm=2 inches; neck 28 cm=11 inches; chest 42 cm=16.5 inches; abdominal 42.5 cm=17 inches. As you can see from these numbers, the cub has done some growing over the last week! He’s also making another milestone as well. He’s been travelling with mom (in her mouth) to another den room, but this time he stayed in there with mom while she ate her boo. Then, the cub decided that he didn’t like this move, so he let his mom know about it–several times! Every time he squealed, Lun would pick him up and settle him down. Finally after all of that squealing for attention, he finally went down for a nap in that same den room while mom continued to eat. They eventually went back to the birth den later on. He will need to get used to these move arounds from one room to another room. Before too much longer, he’ll be following his mom from one room to another once he gets to walking good.
Well, that’s all of the panda news for now. Read a comment that Grammie is back to writing to us again! That’s great! Will try to catch up on her comments. Been missing her writings! I’m still missing the Carneys’ writings; haven’t seen anything from them in over 3 months. Hope that they are doing well.
Hope every pandafan is staying warm and cozy in their homes watching pandacams! Will be back later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Hey, Gao Gao! Happy Birthday to you!!! Hope you have fun with your boo, presents, and ice cake this Saturday, Jan. 15! Send video of your bday fun!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Dear Hao Hao,
How are you? Have you been learning lots at Panda Kindergarten? Make sure you make lots of friends and have lots of fun.
I am going to into Advanced Panda NannykeeperTraining soon. I will be teaching my nannykeepers to feed me and pat me and give me honey water when I touch my nose to a certain spot. Also when I want to give them blood for medical tests, I will out my paw for them to take blood. And they will learn that they have to reward me for that. Hee Hee, life is good hey?
I have trained them to feed me when I move into my own room and when I want to come down a tree. And although I like apples and other snackies, I managed to convince them only honey water will do! Woo Hoo.
Grandpa Gao Gao is having an unbirthday party today. He sends his love and he is going to break out his secret stash of boo beer from your Grand Uncle Chuang Chuang.
I am busy preparing to have my own enclosure. It is going to be cool. I want to have a disco mirror ball and you ccan borrow it for your dance routines.
Grandma Bai is having lots of fun playing with me and she is eager for you to visit so that she can also romp with you. At Chinese New Year, she is preparing some special treats including your favouritte New Year puddings.
Take care, dear niece and keep practising on those drums. I am thinking of doing a Drum Festival soon. What do you think?
Love,
Unka Yunnie
Dearest Dearest Papa,
Happy Arrival Day! I LOVE YOU LOTS! I think you are the bestest Papa a cubby could have!
Love and Hugs,
Yunnie
Darling,
What? We have been together only 8 years. My, how time flies when you are in love. My dearest, many blessings and love from my heart as we celebrate your arrival at SDZ. And I am so grateful that it happened. I can remember the first time we met. And I laugh when I watch the video of our last encounter when we created Yun Zi.
And I guess we should prepare for No 5. Spring Salsa, honey? Bring it On, I say.
Waiting for you,
Bai Baby
Thanks Suzanne, I have never followed a panda weaning, looking forward to learn more. Thank you so much for all the panda stories, very moving, beautiful and educational. And happy anniversary to Gao, that’s a cute picture of him on twitter!
Once Upon a Time in Panda Land, there lived a dude who was a toughie. He was so tough it was reported he could crunch boo in 5 seconds flat. No one dared to cross the path of the Dude. No one dared to ask him why his left ear was smaller than his right; it was obvious a part had been ripped off in a fight. It was rumoured the other guy had the worse end of the deal and he had slunk off never to be seen again.
The Dude was happy when he was left alone. He went to work. Got his pay. Sat down and ate his boo. Day after day, without a break in his rountine. On Sundays, he would get into his red convertible and go cruising down the highway to the beach.
One fateful Sunday, a Lady was visiting her cousin. And they were at the beach in their beautiful bathing suits, enjoying the breeze and sipping their boo milk shakes. The Lady stood up and decided to go and get some fruitsicles for her cousin. As she approached the fruitsicle stand, she spotted a red convertible drive up. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the Dude,
Was it his cute James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart vibe? Was it his cute chewed off left ear? Was it his compact, toned muscular body? Who knows but at that moment she was drawn to him. She turned and he turned. Their eyes locked.
He sauntered over.
‘Wanna go for a ride, ma’am?’ he asked politely.
‘Oh, I don’t talk to strangers,’ she turned away.
‘Well, ma’am, I am Gao Gao and you are?’
‘Oh, my name is Bai….Bai Yun…’
‘It seems we have been introduced and that means we are not strangers. So would you like to go for a spin?’
‘Oh, my cousin is waiting for her fruitsicle.’
‘I’ll wait for you with my fruitsicle right here.’
‘I’ll be right back, Gao Gao.’
Bai Yun skipped back to her cousin. They giggled and Bai Yun then went for a spin. And the rest is history.
4 cubbies later, Gao still has the red convertible. And if you look carefully at the SDZ Panda Cam, you will spot an itsy bitsy yellow polka dot bikini peeking from under the rock where Bai Yun likes to sleep.
Aw thank you for the post, a bit sad that mom and cub will be separating soon though… Also, happy “birthday” Gao Gao! I will be sure to watch the panda cam today,
Peace, Love and Pandas CIAO!
Annie Panda
Happy Birthday Beautiful Gao Gao!
It’s almost time for Gao Gao’s cake!
Happy anniversary to the great panda daddy and thanks to all the people at the SDZ who take care of these beautiful animals!
Just watched handsome Gao Gao receive his anniversary cake and present. Thanks SDZ for providing me with my own “enrichment” for the day!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put Gao where we can see him!
I want to bring my Mom to see him in February when the weather is better.
Please put him where we can tell him we love him!
He likes people!
Moderator’s note: We’ve just learned that Gao Gao will move to the North Exhibit next week, so guests can see him!
That great to hear!! I’ve gotten used to watching him sleep with all 4 paws sticking straight out.. or doing the sleep licking thing… You gotta love that bear.
That is fantastic news Moderator
Thank You! Thank You!
YAY! I was really hoping Gao Gao would go to the North Exhibit so visitors can still see him! You just made my day…
Kathy,
I don’t know what you put in that cake, but whatever it is, Mr Gao Gao is lovin’ it!
Happy Bearday, Gao Gao!!!
And thanks, Lucilla, for reminding us how it all began…
Happy Aniversary to Gao Gao. 8 years of proven stud-muffin-ship. Only in San Diego!
Congratulations to San Diego Zoo, for continuing to have success in the conservation field, working with so many species, both at risk and endangered.
Moderator: Remember the blog that Keeper Kathy posted on Bai’s birthday? She told us about when Bai arrived and how she bonded with her. I wonder if the keeper who saw Gao first when he arrived could maybe write up a little tribute to our Stud Muffin? It would be so neat to read about their first impressions… If they have time…
Thanks!
Moderator’s note: I’ll ask.
Gao Gao was simply adorable this morning as he checked out his cake, presents, and his huge pile of bamboo! I think he relished his cake created by Kathy! He had hidden it in two parts under his bamboo and saved it for dessert
Thank you Kathy and all the Staff for the fantastic care and fun you provide for all ‘our’ pandas 
It is going to be lotsafun to watch Yun Zi explore his new horizons in the coming days…can’t wait to see how high he will climb
wow one swipe and Gao’s gift boxes fly open! Are they tightly sealed or is it easy for him to open. Then someone has to clean up all that mess!
Happy Birthday Gao Gao!
I hope there is a video of Gao Gao and his anniversary cake — I missed it unfortunately.
But I saw him later muchin’ his boo and then taking a much needed nap. 
Moderator’s note: No “official” video, but we’ll be posting photos of the morning on Monday.
Happy Bearday, Gao Gao! You are one special Daddy Bear, and I love you lots!
What a great day for Gao Gao, He really looked like he enjoyed his cake and of
course he’s boo. I saw him sitting in the middle of the boo and eating and licking
his cake, how great was that. What a happy day for the dad.
lu
Dear Gao Gao,
I am happy to hear that you got your cake and present today.
Hope you had a wonderful day. You are very special daddy panda!
Love,
Seiko
I missed Gao’s birthday celebration yesterday, but thanks to Ryoko123, we have videos!
Gao & his cake: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvr-zUo898c
Yun Zi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3JCIkn4g0A
She also has tons more videos from the 15th!
Thanks very much Marie for posting the links to the videos.
Well, Suzanne, looks like most everyone here will be taking the weaning process pretty lightly. The comments aren’t as serious as I would think….I am one of those you mention that are uncomfortable with the weaning process. I appreciate all the information you provide, continue to provide throughout the process, I really do…..however, may I tell you a little secret? There are some people out here, and I’m almost sure you have met some along the way, that can get so absorbed with the animal world, every move, every joy, every sadness is so magnified, it’s almost never a better thing to be this way, but just seeing these animals, these most magnificent creatures living among us, that’s the beauty of it all. Then, when it’s time for a weaning, it’s too unbearable. Sure, it’s part of the process, part of reality, and it’s necessary. Maybe, I think to myself, if our pandas didn’t eventually have to go to China, SDZoo would keep the family together, happy, healthy, just lovin’ life forever and we have this perfect bird’s eye view with the help of our
San Diego Zoo, but, alas, that is not the case.
I am not upset with you, all of you panda family love these creatures more than words can say, I am upset with myself because I love these creatures to a fault, but please don’t be upset with me for feeling this way, out of it can sometimes come good things-contributions, volunteering, helping in the best ways we can possibly contribute.
I wish everyone the best of luck with the coming process. My heart hurts for Little Cloud as it did for my Zhennie, I know Bai will be fine, she is a most brilliant, brilliant, beautiful mother, she always comes through with the brightest, shining colors. Zhennie went on to be the beautiful girl she is. I know Little Cloud will make it too…I’m just too chicken to watch. Once in a while I may peek in, and when I finally have the courage to look on he will be the biggest, healthiest, strongest, most lovable boy we all know he is.
Thank you, Suzanne, and to everyone who loves these bears, even to a fault. This is my second weaning, ugh, the first taught me a lesson! I’ll stay away this time, I hate my comments to be a nuisance…
Auntie Kat
Thank you for holding Gao’s ‘bearday’ celebration this year! He has been the quiet hero in the successful breeding story of SDZ pandas and deserves to know that we appreciate him.
Happy Bearday papa!
Panda chair show:
blog (dot) sina (dot) com (dot) cn/s/blog_49246d3601017fjo.html
The chair was for the panda keeper. This is what happened when she left for a break.
Very funny–and the last picture is very sweet.
That was so cute, thanks for posting it! I just posted it on my facebook. Too cute not to share!!
I would love to see some video footage of our handsome Gao Gao enjoying his birthday cake. If anyone has it can you post the link? He is such a cutie pie!
Marie posted a video link for Gao’s bearday above, just look at Marie’s comment at 11:08 pm.
Better late than sorry! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, DEAR GAO GAO! YOU ARE A WONDERFUL BEAR! You can truly be proud of your offspring. Keep going!
I was looking through the past weaning blogs, and found some information on the weaning process.
Part 1
http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2009/02/03/weaning-zhen-zhen-step-1/
Part 2
http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2009/02/09/weaning-zhen-zhen-step-2/
http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2009/02/24/weaning-zhen-zhen-miss-independence/
OMG–Sunday afternoon and Yunnie is zooming around the enclosure and climbing up and down the trees like Zhennie! And now, time to play with Mom–woo hoo!!!
My husband took me to the SDZ as a Christmas present this year. We got home a week ago tomorrow. For those of you that have not been able to see a live panda, they are beautiful beyond expectation. Yun Zi is as cute as a button and I do think he knows it !! We were very lucky that the bears were up eating and playing when we saw them, Yunnie took his bamboo, ran up the tree, flopped down on his back in his hammock and munched away. I am sure I heard him say “Am I cute or what!!” I did ask to meet Kathy Hawk and they told me China wouldn’t allow that. Huh????? Maybe next time Kathy. Is it true China won’t allow the keepers to chat to us? The viewing area is smaller than I expected, very pretty and very clean however. Bai Yun is beautiful as is Gao Gao! Thank you SDZ for making this possible for us.
Moderator’s note: I’m sorry you were misinformed about chatting with keepers. It was more likely that Kathy was busy attending to her many duties.
Kudos to the ice cake maker Kathy Hawk! Is this your first venture into ice cake making? What a beautiful and colorful cake for our GaoGao. He loved it!
Dear Mother of my Cubbies and the most yummilicous Panda Mama ever,
Woman you rock! Thanks for the longevity peach buns you made with the bamboo shoot filling. Loved them. Also the noodles with the special toppings, emmm, emmm, all gone but the love remains! They went down well with the distilled boo sake sent by our Panda friends in Japan.
I am practising my flute so that I can play some songs for you in Spring. I am composing a piece called Bai Yun – A Fantasia in the key of G (for Gorgeous).
So till Spring, when we shall salsa again, my love.
Always Spring in my Heart,
Gao Gao
ps Tell that son of mine to get used to being alone cos I want to be with Mommie, hee hee. Give him a hug for me.
Yun Zi is pushing the supermarket cart for his Mama as they start grocery shoping for Chinese New Year Eve’s Reunion Dinner.
BY: Have you seen the Alboolone?
YZ: Mama, its over there at the SEEFOOD Counter.
BY: Can me 5-6 pieces.
Yun Zi ambles over and gets some. He sees some tiger prawns and picks up half a kilo,
YZ: Mama, look what I found!!
BY: Lovely, we can put them into bamboo tubes and barbeque them.
YZ: Can we have noodles too? I love oodles of noodles.
BY: Yes, my love. Can you go to the Pasta section and get Mama a packet of egg noodles, the flat ones, not the round ones, OK?
YZ: Sure. And can we add some mushrooms to the noodles?
BY: Yes, and some carrots….
YZ: Oooooh, cawwots….cannot…
BY: Why honey?
YZ: Cawwots are…..crunchy and healthy….eeewwwww.
BY: Well, I will shred them and when fried with the noodles, they will be soft and sweet.
YZ: Can we have sweet potatoes?
BY: I think Aunty Ye Ye is making Sweet Potato Pie.
YZ: Where are we having the Reunion Dinner this year?
BY: Atlanta. Auntie Lun Lun is just coming out of confinement and cant travel.
YZ: Yeah, we can see Xiao Lan again.
BY: He is sure growing fast. He wriggles real well. Lunnie is going to need lots of extra energy. That reminds me I must make a double boiled bamboo and ginger soup to drive out the wind from her system. Also a rich onion stew as well.
YZ: Will Ping be there?
BY: Yup. Her Mama is doing her spicy tom yam vegetable stew. And she is doing some spring rolls as well.
YZ: Goody and I will ask Ping to bring tht lovely Thai red rubies water chestnut dessert!
BY: And I am making the sticky ‘nian gao’.
YZ: Nian Gao!!! I love that sticky cake. Especially covered in batter and deep fried….
BY: Me too. Chinese New Year is not a time for diets. And we Pandas do not have to worry about our weight.
YZ: And Mama, will my jie jies and ge ge come back for the Dinner?
BY: Yes, of course. BUT don’t tell Papa, they want to surprise him. Hua Mei is going to bring all 7 of her cubbies too. Tai Shan is coming so he says he will fly his plane and get everyone there on time.
YZ: OK, hee hee, I wont tell him if you make it worth my while with a fruitsicle!
Bai Yun eyeballs her cubby and then she breaks into a smile.
BY: Chinese New Year is a time of joy so here is some munnie, go and buy me and Papa a fruitsicle as well. And then meet me in the car park next to Papa’s car. He should have had his fur trim by now.
And soon all 3 Pandas were cruising home from the shoping mall enjoying their fruitsicles, each thinking of what a wonderful time Chinese New Year will be. Gao Gao was thinking of sharing a pint or two with Chuang Chuang, Tian Tian, Le Le, Tai Shan and Mei Sheng. Bai Yun was dreaming of a table groaning with good food. And Yunnie was dreaming of a fun filled day with his cousins and friends – Ping, Xi Lan, Xiao Lan, his 7 nieces and nephews…Life does not get better than this!
Gao Gao’s 8th Anniversary Celebration Was A Huge Success – At 9:15 AM, Kathy and Julie carried the beautiful ice cake and some treats into Gao’s exhibit. There were colorfully decorated gift boxes placed in various locations around the yard. Shortly thereafter, the guest of honor, the “Gaoster” (cute nickname Lucilla), came sauntering into view. The visitors in attendance all oohed and aahed when Gao walked toward the viewing area. Many photographers were busy taking many photos of Gao. There is no doubt that our Gao Gao is a very popular giant panda celebrity who is loved by all.
Our own Kathy Hawk “baked” the ice cake for Gao Gao – thank you so much Kathy for taking the time to prepare the beautiful multicolored cake. After opening one gift box and eating the treats, Gao headed straight for the ice cake. Gao Gao enjoyed rolling the cake along the ground, picking it up, licking the wonderful flavors off each of the oval shaped ice cubes that were in a circle around the cake. It was fun watching Gao as he enjoyed his tasty cake.
Later, Gao decided to check out the huge pile of bamboo. It was so funny to watch Gao as he walked under the pile of bamboo and pulled it all down on top of himself. He disappeared from view for a few seconds and suddenly he popped his head out of the pile. That caused everyone to laugh out loud. Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating with Gao Gao on his special day – our one and only lovable Big Daddy.
Gao Gao’s 8th Anniversary video can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/sdrose24?feature=mhum#p/a/u/0/VMNtrjuDoLg
Thanks, Rose, for posting this video. That boy sure loves his cake!
Hi everyone, First I want to say Thanks for all you do, and I was wondering why our Pandas & Apes don`t have the bigger screen for the live web cams? The ones like the Polar bears and Ellephants have. Just wondering. : )
Moderator’s note: Panda Cam will change to the nicer HD format sometime in June.
New post on Pandas Live On:
http://www(dot)pandasliveon(dot)com/
Rose N, thanks very much for sharing your experience with us and posting the link to your video. It seems that Gao Gao has the same approach to eating his birthday cake as Bai Yun. They are waiting until it is melting a bit and easier to eat. I noticed that the colorful beads (I hope that’s the correct name for those things) at the top were the first to go. I checked the pandacam again around lunch time, and Gao Gao had eaten about half of the bottom layer of his cake and he was still going at it.
Hi Danielle, Thank you for your comment. The colorful beads were oval shaped ice cubes. I think Gao holds the cake for awhile until his paws start to freeze, then he puts it down and switches to bamboo. When his paws warm up, he goes back to the cake. Gao was “scratching” the cubes off the cake one at a time possibly to expose a treat underneath. I’m not sure – only Kathy Hawk knows the answer. Gao switched between the cake, the presents and the bamboo. Finally, he pulled the cake into the pile of bamboo with him and for the rest of the morning it was, cake, bamboo, cake, and bamboo…
Hi! Was just on the SDZ pandacam a few minutes ago, and saw Mr./Sir Gao Gao, the studmuffin eating machine that he is, laying on his back just absolutely enjoying his boo! He is something else! Saw the pics on SDZ Facebook page of the icecake that he got for his Bday Anniversary. Looked like he was enjoying that as well! I’m glad that he will be moved to the North Exhibit so that everyone that comes to SDZ can see him in person everyday. The rest of us will still be watching him on the pandacam along with Bai and Yuni, too. Read from the moderator that you all will be getting your new HD pandacam installed this June! That’s great! Now, you will be in the big time with HD cams along with the elephant and polar bear HD cams! Next stop, the apecam going to HD coming soon!
Also got on the AZ pandacam to see the little cub before it was shut down at 5pm EST. The cub was laying down in his birth den on the hay napping away. He was also moving his 2 hind feet a little bit while he was sleeping. You think that he was dreaming about him walking around and chasing his mom? Who knows?? This little fuzzy butt always looks cute and adorable everyday, tho! Atlanta Zoo finally got open today after they finally got the snow and ice cleared out. They have had some better weather with slightly warmer temps and some rain to help in the melting snow process. They are happy about that, but they will be ready when the next snowstorm comes their way. AZ being closed for one week was not as bad as what National Zoo in DC had to go thru last winter when they were closed for nearly a month, thanks to 2 monster snowstorms that buried the whole area and the zoo! It took them weeks to get all of that snow and ice cleared out and melted for them to get the zoo reopened. Fortunately, the keepers did make it in and had overnites in order to take care of their animals properly. This winter, NZ was closed for only one day from their first snowfall; they’ve been open ever since then. Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are doing great. They are just doing their thing, eating, relaxing, napping. DC maybe getting a little bit more snow this week. At least SDZ and WAP won’t have to contend with that kind of weather in SoCal. Just the occasional Pacific marine front that comes in with rain every few days! You guys have it pretty good there! And, the pandas are enjoying the nice mild winter weather that you have going on right now.
Well, gonna go back to the pandacam to see if I can catch Bai and Yuni doing something crazy!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Remembering Martin Luther King and his legacy today!
And of course DoxieMom posted videos of the celebration as well
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandalover19/5357920867/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLFr7Poma0w
Thanks Doxie!!
Oh yeah, speaking about Yuni! I was on the SDZ pandacam yesterday, and I saw Yuni way up high in a tree napping! Reminded me of Mei Sheng and his tree climbing going that high up! Yuni maybe taking after Mei Sheng in the tree climbing department! It was a very nice day with no wind either. Then, Yuni woke up and managed to get himself down the tree to the ground and did some sniffing around. You never know what kind of cute stuff Yuni will think of next! Smart little bear!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
The “Oh, no!” time has arrived… Yun seems to be meandering around the Enchanted Gao Forest with ease, including stepping into his dad’s trollie tree trunk den. Will Gao’s scent on Yun upset Bai during this transformation? Will Gao’s scent on Bai- if she goes into that area- bother Yunnie? Unfortunately, our little man today looks like he’s hooked on traveling… It will be interesting if Yunnie makes the break on his own or heads home to Bai at the end of each day……
Good questions!! I’d like to know too!
Although the scent of Gao is fresh in the exhibit, Bai Yun and her offspring are not unfamiliar with the male’s odor. We saw an active cub take advantage of his new space today, and Bai Yun appears to have taken the change in stride.
Yun Zi seems to be acclimating just fine. Hes running, climbing and just having so much fun in his new exhibit. He so much fun to watch
Looks like Yunnie is checking out his new digs on Cam 1. When I last saw Bai, she was asleep on the stone throne.. From reading Suzanne’s post above.. the gate is open between the 2 exhibits correct? And Yunnie and Bai can choose to hang out together or not, correct? He looks like he’s having fun..
Moderator’s note: Correct on both counts.
Yun Zi = Yun Zoomer. What a treat to be able to watch Zoomer zip around exploring his new area this morning. Anyone concerned about the camera moving too fast would have been upset, but the camera operator was right on Zoomers every move. From the pond, to the highest tree top, he was on a mission. When he finds his newest place to nap, it will be a long nap, but only after a large lunch to replenish his energy. He will be going for the big boo today for sure!
Yun Zi wants his mommy.
I’ve just been watching Bai and Zi interacting, well it looked more like he was snoozing and she was sneaking up on him.
I know that animals have memories, and just got to wondering what Bai would be thinking about having the gate open and access to the two areas. She will undoubtably remember this happening before and the weaning process. I know in the past once weaning has happen and she’d seen the youngster through the fence she told it to go away (think it was either Hua Mei or Su Lin).
She’ll take it all in stride but taking off my animal behaviourist hat and sticking on my anthropomorphicpanda lover one I wonder if she’s looking forward to a little peace and quiet or if she’s going to make the most of the time left.
I just saw Bai Yun and Yun Zi on Cam 3. Bai knows what’s up. Yun Zi is sticking pretty close to Mom.
Here is the link for some highlights from the first 1/2 hour Yun Zi was on Panda Cam this morning in his “new” exhibit! From climbing the ladder across the exhibit, to climbing the tree, to exploring the inside of the Keebler House, to splashing in the pool, Yun Zi was a non-stop, curious and adventuresome cubbie!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2F87XlQ96c
Also, I’ll be posting more clips from today out on my Flickr page today or tomorrow, http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandalover19/
Yun Zi had a Great Time this morning! And! DoxiMom has a video on her Flikr site for anyone who missed watching Mr. Dare-Devil strut his stuff
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandalover19/5367264981/
Thank You DoxiMom!!!
Thank you panda cam narrators for the wonderful footage of Yun Zi. I got lots of snaps of Yun Zi.
Well, checked the NZ pandacams, and other animal cams, to see if DC had any snow today. Guess what?? It wasn’t snow!! They had a mild freezing rain and freezing drizzle day at the zoo which prompted them to close it for quite a few hours until they were able to get the walkways unthawed. The zoo was reopened in the middle of the afternoon when the temps finally got above freezing–high 30s. None of the animals were outside, not even Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, for awhile today. This is the first icy weather that DC has had in a few years, but they got lucky that it wasn’t the blockbuster. DC should be pretty well thawed out tomorrow morning, Mei and Tian should be back outside figuring out what this crystal looking stuff is that is NOT SNOW. We will soon find out how they reacted to the ice on the ground!
Noticed the cam number changes on the SDZ pandacam page. Gao Gao has made his move to the other yard, and from what I have read, Yuni had alot of fun sniffing his daddy’s scent all over the place! I figured that he would do that anyway as curious as he is! Yuni doesn’t miss a chance at new things when the opportunity comes up for him. Before long, Gao’s old yard will be full of Yuni’s scent marking smells! Not too much chance to be on any pandacam today, but I will be home all day tomorrow, so I will get on the pandacams alot more!
CUL8R!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Does Yun Zi stay with his mom at night?
Moderator’s note: They are still together; the weaning process has not started yet.