Tuan Tuan training to have his blood pressure taken.
I was fortunate to be invited to participate in a workshop for the veterinary and curatorial staff at the Taipei Zoo and to give a talk on giant panda conservation at the 2nd Cross-Strait Symposium. The first day of the workshop I was treated to an extensive tour of the Taipei Zoo’s veterinary hospital and introductions to the staff, all of whom have adopted English names to facilitate communication with foreign visitors. Meg Sutherland-Smith of our San Diego Zoo’s veterinary staff and I gave talks on anesthesia and reproduction in giant pandas, respectively. We each then gave talks at the symposium on ultrasound and reproductive technology in the panda.
Outside enclosures for Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan at the Taipei Zoo.
It was wonderful to see old friends from Taipei, Hong Kong, and Wolong at the symposium and to make new friends from Singapore, Macau, and mainland China. But it was a special treat to tour the fabulous giant panda facility on the zoo’s grounds and to meet the pandas and their keepers. I was especially excited to meet Tuan Tuan, Bai Yun’s grandson and one of Hua Mei’s first cubs (born in Wolong in 2004). He is a gorgeous, large male with his grandmother’s sweet temperament.
The keepers demonstrated their training techniques by asking Tuan Tuan to present his arm to attach a blood-pressure cuff. He came into the training chute and placed his arm into the tube without hesitation and was rewarded with treats and lavish praise from his trainers. Tuan Tuan’s companion, Yuan Yuan, has been trained for ultrasound examination in preparation for a possible pregnancy next spring. The bond between the trainers and the giant pandas was exemplified by the very cooperative Yuan Yuan, who gently held the trainer’s legs with her back paws throughout the session.
The Taipei panda keepers and trainers were so proud to introduce me to Tuan Tuan. Knowing my connection to him, they understood when I tried to hide a few tears of happiness. In 1999, I had the privilege of performing the artificial insemination on Bai Yun that resulted in the birth of Hua Mei—without a doubt the highlight of my long career at the San Diego Zoo. Tuan Tuan is living proof that our conservation efforts are making a difference in the survival of this precious species.
Barbara Durrant is the director of reproductive physiology for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Read her previous post, Panda: More Thermal Images.
Thank you Barbara for this blog. I enjoyed it all until I read the part where you said you were the person who performed the AI on Bai Yun which resulted in Hua Mei being born. My eyes teared up and I had to take a break. What an incredible feeling you must have had seeing Tuan Tuan. Without you, it would never have happened. Thank You.
I am so proud of him too…and Mei Mei….we love her and miss her much, along with all the SDZ kids that have returned to China…..*tears of joy and some sadness*
Thank you for this incredible story about Hua Mei’s son Tuan Tuan. Those photos that you have posted here are wonderful as well. Congratulations to you
Thank you for the information but I can see only see picture 2 the other ones have an red X in the box.
Lovely account and very emotional for you Barbara. Unfortunately I am unable to see the photos included with this blog. Just have a white box with a red cross in the corner ):
On a happier note, went to see the Edinburgh pandas for the first time yesterday and fell in love with them at once. Photography is slightly difficult as they are behind glass, but I will work on it and must set up a Flickr account to share with everyone.
Moderator’s note: We’ll see if we can correct the photo problem. Thanks to you and Susan for letting us know.
How nice for you to see them:)
Me too. I cant see the photos of the 2 bears; just blan and two small red crosses.Nevertheless, a lovely account of how interconnected we are and that in the Panda World there is 6 degrees or less of separation. And a lovely reunion (Tuan Yuan) for you with Mei Mei’s offspring.
Lucilla
Thanks very much for this update about Tuan Tuan and his female companion Yuan Yuan!
It seems that it is the time of the year when we get updates!
Here is a picture, posted recently, of Hao Hao, Hua Mei’s daughter born on September 7, 2009
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kkshaw43/6500359313/
Many thanks to PandaGirl25 for sharing the picture!
And here is the update with picture about Hua Ao, second born twin son of Hua Mei, born on July 16, 2007.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9978685@N02/6516856319/
Many thanks to PannaLover326 for sharing this update!
Thank you for the information. I cannot see either picture. There is a red x in the both boxes.
Moderator’s note: We are working to correct the problem.
what a lovely post, and how exciting to think of great grandbabies
really enjoyed the blog -shed a few tears also
Dear Auntie Dr. Barbara,
Thank you so much for telling us about my big brother, Tuan Tuan. Isn’t he just such a handsome dude. Mama is so proud of him and so am I. Maybe when our all girls band goes on tour we can go visit him. Yunnie needs to check this out for us.
I hope you have a berry mahwe Cwispmas and a happy new year.
Love,
Hao Hao
Thank you for the sharing your meeting with Tuan Tuan with us..what a wonderful feeling that must have been for you. You should all be very proud.
Because of you Shi Shi’s gene’s are new represented in the panda population, and of course Bai Yun’s but I think given Hua Mei was Shi Shi’s only child – it makes it even more meaningful.
Yes, Shi Shi’s genes are very well represented given how prolific Hua Mei has been.
Very sweet story — I’m looking for a kleenex too!
In Memory of our friend Pam G. who wrote these wonderful poems about our pandas.
I had the idea that all of the American Pandas should get together for a Christmas party. This is the result:
A Christmas Visit from Panda Claws
“Twas the night before Christmas; in four US zoos
Pandas napped, or they played, or they munched their bamboos.
Black Panda stockings were seen everywhere,
but these were alive and were covered with hair.
Tai, Su, and Mei Lan napped by their mummies
While visions of fruitsicles tickled their tummies.
In Washington Zoo the Pandas were alone.
It was dark, cold, and snowing, the keepers gone home.
A soft, quiet bleat came from out of the dark..
Tian Tian sprang up and then stopped in mid-bark.
A figure appeared through the wall by his bed;
A fat, laughing Panda, but dressed all in red!
“Peace, my big friend,” he said, waving his paws.
“I come bearing gifts, for I am Panda Claws!”
“Now, let’s gather your mate and your handsome son, Tai,
And all of you put your paws over your eyes,
For we’re traveling to Memphis to pick up two more,
Where Le Le and Ya Ya await by their door.”
He gave four quick barks, touched his paw to his nose,
The world whirled around, and a cold wind arose!
Four Pandas spun high, then flew through moonlight
Over snow-covered country, a beautiful sight!
They touched down in Memphis just outside the zoo
And Panda Claws gathered the Tennessee two.
Six barks, a nose touch, and all paws left the ground,
Panda Claws cried “Hang on! We are Atlanta bound!”
The air was much warmer when they reached AZ
And the group was then joined by the Atlanta three.
“Now hang on!” Mr. Claws cried, “‘Cause I have to warn ya,
“The next trip’s a long one. On to California!”
He gave nine loud barks and again touched his nose
And more swiftly than eagles nine Pandas arose
And flew through the air like fat arrows, straight West,
While Lun Lun clutched little Mei Lan to her breast.
“Wheeee!” cried Tai Shan, “Mommie, dis is so FUN!
“But how can we fwy?” “Panda magic, my son.”
They landed at SDZ, silent as ghosts,
And with Bai Yun as hostess and Gao Gao as host
Had a huge Panda party, and there was no lack,
For jolly old Panda Claws opened his sack!
There were apples, and pears, fruitsicles galore!
Honey, carrots, sweet potatoes and more.
There were tender bamboo shoots, just out of the ground,
And wonderful scent blocks were all passed around.
Puzzles and boxes were filled with more treats
Until every Panda was stuffed full of sweets.
Then the adults sat down for a gossip and scratch
And Mei Sheng and Tai had a wrestling match.
Mei Xiang told a tale of a dastardly bee,
While Su Lin taught Mei Lan to climb a small tree.
Gao Gao showed Yang Yang his bamboo technique,
While Le Le licked honey from sweet Ya Ya’s cheek..
Bai Yun and Lun Lun and Mei Xiang compared
Cub-birthing stories, and den tales were shared.
Then Panda Claws rose, gave each bear’s nose a tap
And they all snuggled down for a Christmas Eve nap.
Then Panda Claws whispered in sweet Ya Ya’s ear,
“You’re going to be raising a new cub next year!”
He whispered the same words to Mei Xiang and Bai
Then went to Mei Sheng and whispered with a sigh,
“You will go Home soon, traveling far through the air.
A beautiful Panda girl awaits you there.”
Panda Claws said no more, but barked twelve times and then
Sent each sleeping Panda back to its own den!
And on Christmas Day when the Pandas were fed
In each den the keepers found cloth scraps, bright red.
And Tai Shan was singing amidst his bamboo,
“Panda Bwessings to all! Mewwy Cwisp Moss to you!”
Thank you so much for this timely posting of Pamela G’s poems. I love them even though every single time they bring tears to my eyes!
Another poem by Pam G
I just had to write another Panda Claws story for Christmas……this one is very long. My apologies for taking up so much space. And the best, happiest, and most peaceful of Holidays to you all!!
THE PANDAS’ BIG CHRISTMAS SURPRISE
“Twas the first of December at the Atlanta Zoo
And Lun Lun was pacing, not eating her ‘boo!
“What’s wrong there, my sweetheart?” Called Yang from next door,
“Did Mei Lan chew your ears again, dear? Are they sore?”
“Yang Yang, it’s awful!” She called in reply,
“But we can’t talk now: It will make Lani cry.”
So later that day while Mei Lan was asleep,
Lun Lun talked to Yang as she fought not to weep,
“I just got a message, and oh Yang! I fear
That we can’t celebrate Panda Christmas this year!”
” What! Why?!” Yang Yang barked. “This is worse than I feared!”
“It’s worse than that, Yang: Panda Claws disappeared!”
They sat close together as she told him how
She had gotten a message from Bai and Gao Gao.
A bird had been sent from far off Panda Home
To find Panda Claws or to see where he’d gone.
The world had been searched: Panda Claws was not there.
It was like he had disappeared into thin air!
“We must notify Le Le, Ya, Tian, Mei and Tai,
We can’t have the party if the bears can not fly.”
“Leave it to me,” Yang Yang said as he left.
“I’ll send birds out now. And don’t look so bereft.”
But Yang was sad too: Panda Magic is rare,
And old Panda Claws was the one Panda bear
With enough Panda Magic to fly over Earth
And take other bears with him, a gift of great worth.
The word spread to Memphis. The news was so bad
That Le Le and Ya Ya grew quiet and sad.
But at National Zoo was where it hurt the most
For the Tians had prepared to be hostess and host.
They had gathered the best, most delicious bamboo
And were ready to show their new home at the zoo:
The new trees, the waterfall, spacious outdoors,
And Tai Shan had practiced conducting the tours.
He’d been saving his appowz so that he could share
With Su Lin and Lani. That’s hard for a bear!
Now the party was ruined. Mei Xiang sat and cried.
And Tian paced and worried. Had Panda Claws..died?
**********************************************
Then, just before Christmas, a small bird came down
And landed where Mei Xiang sat slumped on the ground.
“There’s news from your Homeland,” The tiny bird cheeped,
“I’m to tell you that on Christmas Eve you may sleep,
“But just until midnight. Then you’ll hear a bleat.
“And you must go out to get your Christmas treat.”
“Then you found Panda Claws?” Mei Xiang rose with a cry.
“I can tell you no more,” said the bird. “I must fly.”
*********************************************
Well! I guess that I really don’t have to tell you
On Christmas Eve, no Pandas slept at THAT zoo!
Tian, Mei, and Tai lay alone in their beds
With Hope in their hearts but with doubt in their heads.
Then, just after midnight, they heard a soft bleat.
Doors magically opened. They rose to their feet.
Outside, it was snowing. The moon shining down
Gave a lovely blue glow to the snow on the ground.
By the light of the moon the three Pandas could see
A very large box standing near a big tree.
It had a big tag, which Tian took in his paws
And read, “Merry Christmas! From the NEW Panda Claws!”
The box disappeared, and standing right there
Were all the American zoos’ Panda bears!
There were Lun Lun and Yang Yang and Little Mei Lan
Who pranced over to kiss an embarassed Tai Shan!
Le Le and Ya Ya came forth side by side.
They saw the deep snow, and their eyes grew quite wide!
“Oh my! What’s this white stuff?” Su Lin ran ahead
And batted at snowflakes that fell on her head.
Then Bai Yun approached with a queen’s stately grace.
Beside her was Gao Gao, a smile on his face.
Behind them a figure in bright red appeared
With Zhen Zhen all tangled in his long, fake beard.
“Hold still, little sister!” He laughed merrily
And tugged off the beard. “Merry Christmas! It’s me!”
“MEI SHENG!!” cried Tai Shan, “Are you Panda Claws now?”
“I am for a day.” Mei Sheng said with a bow.
“See, with so many Pandas in so many lands,
“There’s just too much work for old Panda Claw’s hands.
“So he came in secret to me in Wolong
“And gave me some magic from his Christmas Song.
“Now he travels the East while I cover the West.
“Since my family is here, we both thought that was best.”
Then Panda Claws Sheng smiled and opened his bag.
“Let’s open some presents!” He read the first tag.
He handed out scent blocks and toys, treats and fruits,
Panda bread, crackers, and young bamboo shoots.
The bears ate and played, but the biggest treat, though,
(At least for the bears from warm states) was the snow!
Yang, Tian, and Le made a big Panda slide.
Then flopped on their bellies, and downhill they’d glide!
Bai Yun and Ya Ya rolled around in deep snow
And admired how the moon on their fur made them glow.
Tai Shan took the young ones and showed them around,
Then they played hide and seek with the snow falling down.
Mei Lan climbed way up to the top of a tree.
Zhen Zhen fell in a snowdrift where no one could see.
Su Lin, who was ” It,” dug her out of the snow,
Then tagged Tai on his grate, where she knew he would go.
Gao Gao made a snowball and swatted it high
And hit Mei Xiang, who laughed and threw one at Tai!
So, bleats and chirps rang through the bright, moonlit night,
As the Pandas chose sides for a huge snowball fight!
Then, laughing and panting, they sat down to talk.
Mei Xiang and Tian Tian served their best bamboo stalks.
As the bears munched and gossiped, Mei Sheng sniffed the wind,
“It is late,” he announced. “We must fly soon, my friends.”
“Our son has grown up.” Bai Yun whispered to Gao.
“Yes,” Gao Gao was proud. “He’s the world’s Panda now.”
They began their good-byes as Mei Sheng Claws arose
And put each bear to sleep with a tap on the nose.
Then, as Panda Claws had in the previous year,
Mei Sheng whispered into each sleeping bear’s ear.
He whispered to Lun Lun, to Yang Yang and Tian,
Spoke briefly to Le Le and Tai Shan and then
To Mei Xiang and Ya Ya he told the same tale,
“A new cub next year,” he said, grinning, “A male.”
To Mei Lan he said, “Little Lani, you’ve grown.
“Soon you’ll be a big girl with a den of your own.”
He stopped by Gao Gao and whispered for a while:
Something about girl bears; It made Gao Gao smile.
When he came to Bai Yun, he kissed her tenderly,
“Love from Hua Mei, Su Lin, little Zhen Zhen, and me.”
He barked thirteen times, touched his paw to his nose,
And out of the snow a huge whirlwind arose.
It lifted the bears, blowing higher and strong,
Disappeared in the sky, and the Pandas were gone.
And on Christmas Day at the National Zoo
Brian watched the bears as they ate their bamboo.
He said, “Brenda, I know this sounds awfully weird,
But I could have sworn Tai Shan was wearing a beard!”
Tai Shan laughed. “Some day I’ll be Panda Claws, too!”
Panda Blessings to all! Merry Christmas to you.
Thanks for posting this Maureen. I made copies of them all years ago and reread them each year. What a wonderful talent she had. We all miss her. Panda fans have many talents.
Also, I just checked the Wish List for Yun Zi’s tree. Still a ways to go if anyone finds then have an extra $10.00 to spend this Holiday Season. I did.
Moderator’s note: Thank you again, Lee. Here’s the Wish List link for others who would like to contribute to a panda-proof tree!
Yes, indeed I have contributed again to the tree for Yun Zi!! My Christmas shopping would not be complete without remembering our boy. I only hope we can get it soon. I can’t wait to see him when he sees this magnificent tree!!
Thanks for posting these, Maureen–it’s wonderful to be reminded of Pamela G’s work at this time of year.
What a lovely poem! I never knew Pam G as she was ailing by the time I started reading the blogs when Yunz was born. Thank you for sharing a Panda classic.
What a great story!
This is an update received by someone who adopted Zhennie:
Your baby panda is still living in Leopard Mountain, it’s very healthy. Its current weight is 93kg, every day it has bamboo of about 9kg, Wowotou of about 1400g, carrot of about 800g, apple of about 200g. Before this month it was very hot, but after the rain, it became cool. Your baby was very like the weather in October, it’s very energetic in days. These days it likes to play on the mountain or beside the tree, lives very carefree.
So Zhennie weighs about 205 lbs. now!
And thank you, SDZ, for the app that lets me watch the HD cams on my iPhone!
Moderator’s note: We’re glad to hear you like the new app. It just went live yesterday!
Will this app work for iPads too?
Moderator’s note: Yes!
What a wonderful visit with Bai Yun’s grandson! I’m always amazed at all you panda fans and how you keep up with all the “kids” of the SDZ pandas! It would be great fun to see a family tree.
There is a family tree on the website “Pandas Live On”. Those of us who keep up with Hua Mei’s kids do so because we’ve paid a fair amount of money to adopt them and other Wolong pandas through Pandas International and then we share the reports through various panda discussion groups. Interestingly, Hua Mei’s last son, Yang Hu, is still listed as being available to adopt!
I should have said that “those of us who get formal reports on the status of Hua Mei’s kids from Wolong” — my bad.
Thanks for the wonderful update!! How very special to see Hua Mei’s son!!!
Thank you Barbara for this blog. It brought tears to my eyes also, as with other bloggers.
The new HD Cam is wonderful. The best!
Moderator: When will we have postcard and an identification of each panda?
(At the moment I recognize each panda!)
Moderator’s note: It’s on our “to do” list
Dr. Durrant, thank you for this very touching blog. As we are all aware, because of the artificial insemination of Bai Yun, Hua Mei was born. Our beautiful Hua Mei thus far has increased the panda population by giving birth to eight cubs. I can see how it was an emotional experience for you to meet Bai’s grandchild, Tuan Tuan.
Thank you for your dedication to these beautiful giant pandas. It is greatly appreciated.
Any news of Su Lin and her son!
What a great post, it’s great to know that Bai Yun’s genes are well represented. What a wonderful post, hope to get to San Diego to see my favourite pandas.
i started watching the panda cam when very little was visible. just a grey area in a large round den.
hua mei was my first panda, and still tear up when i hear her name.
you all have made such amazing strides with the panda conservation and reproduction programs.
the world is a better place due to the wonderful work you all have accomplished.
thank you.
joan
Love the new cams but totally miss the postcard feature! Will it ever come back? Also, it would be nice to have postcards with the polar bears, too. We love to come up with humorous stories with the postcards.
Moderator’s note: The postcard and time lapse features will be available soon for Panda Cam.
I can’t wait for postcards!
The new HD cams always have the best views. I’m surprised at how clear the image is! I love seeing the pandas up close. It makes me feel like I’m there at the zoo.
It is wonderful hearing the good news about Hua Mei’s Son!!! I miss her so much but I am glad she is doing well and her babies as well. We love all our Pandas that have gone to China, and miss them too!
Nice the hear about Hue Mei’s son. Today to see the panda’s are out and giving a show on how to eat bamboo it awesome. Wish I could do that to a bamboo stalk and get it into shreds like they do.
Bai enters her enclosure and casts her eyes around. The fairy lights twinned round the trees were glowing softly. In the centre, the Christmas tree was decorated with animal shaped representing all the species in SDZ. They were coloured in red, white, blue and yellow representing the colours of her home land and her aopted home.
Giggles filled the air as Panda Grrrls 2.0 has just been rebooted with Hao Hao as the percusionist and she was banging the skins for all her worth. Zhennie was working on the harmony of ‘White Christmas’ with Ping. All the 3 were dressed as Santarinas. ZZ wore her signature big red bow in her hair.
Yunior dashes in with a tray of freshly roasted chestnuts. ZZ immediately calls a break and soon the chestnuts were disappearing pretty quick. Yunz was wearing his toque and his ‘Kiss the Chef’ apron.
‘So who do you hope will kiss you Unlce Yunnie?’ asked Hao Hao innocently. And before Ping or ZZ could jump in, Yunnie said, ‘Of course my Mama who is the best.’
‘Really, Yunnie? Really really really? You know Panda Claws knows who is naughty or nice!’ grins ZZ cheekily.
‘Hee Hee Hee, Uncle Yunnie, you are blushing!’ giggled Hao Hao. ‘Can I take a photo with you? Some of the girls in the kindy at BFX asked me to take some photos for them. Can, Unkie?’
‘Sure, come here and give Unkie a hug!’ smiled Yunnie as inwardly he was pleased that the Four Gigglers of whom he became fond of when he visited Su Lin were still keen to have his photo.
‘Unkie, they asked me to send you their love! Hee Hee Hee Hee!’
‘And did they tell you to send the giggles too?’ and with that Yunnie ran off as his boo stew was almost ready. His aunties were all in hte kitchen touching up their dishes. Ye Ye was stirring her gumbo and Mei Xiang was making boo wraps. Lunnie was preparing carrot roses to garnish her dish.
But where were the guys? Bai went to Gao’s underground den; his man cave where his pool table and Wii were. There were loud hoots and some were shouting, ‘Go Chuang Chuang, Go Chuang Chuang, Go Go Go!’
Bai rolls her eyes and decides that discretion is the better part of valour and decides to go and have a good soak before getting dressed for the party.
(To be continued)
I was just thinking that 7 of Hua Mei’s 8 cubs are older than their Uncle Yunior.
Dear Auntie Mary,
That’s right! Hee Hee. Only Hao Hao, that cute button of a girl, is younger than me. According to our Chinese custom, they have to address me as Uncle Yunior.Hee Hee Hee. But I am cool about it.
Panda HUgs,
Yunz
Hi Uncle Yunior,
Didn’t Gramma tell you that I am a month older than you are? But you are older than Mama’s latest, Yang Hu, who is still keeping her busy when he’s not sleeping up his tree.
I’ve been practicing on my drum set really lots. Playing with ZZ and LP is soooooooo much fun.
Love from your niece,
Hao Hao
So you are, hee hee. I lost track of the ages of your siblings. My bad. Do you know my dear? I am sending you some new scores for you to work on.
Love,
Uncle Yunz
Hi Uncle Yunz,
Oh girl! I can’t wait to see them and get praciticing. Mama and all my siblings, ZZ and Su Lin and her baby boy all told me to wish you and your Mama and Papa the bestest Christmas ever and a sooper 2012.
Love from your older niece,
Hao Hao
Wow, just read that at the National Zoo they are going to get frozen seman from Shi Shi at the San Deigo Zoo for Xiang Mei if it doesn’t work with her current partner naturally. Wow, Shi Shi genes will live on in her cubs.
How is Su Lin and her babe? Haven’t heard anything for awhile. Hope they’re doing great!
Has bABY SWEET NO NAME GOTTEN ONE YET? sU lIN PICTURES PLEASE. LOVE THE DESCRIPTIONS WE ARE GIVEN OFTHE BEARS BY THEIR ADOPTED PARENTS! wE ASK ALL THE TIME FOR OUR GIRL’SPICTURES AND INFO. AND WHAT IS HIS NAME?
How much would it cost to adopt Su Lin’s Sweetie noname? Can more than one person get together to adopt him? And give him a name?Can the two bears get adopted together? We may have to do that to get any news at all!
Answer please!
Virginia, please contact Pandas International. They facilitate adoptions for the BFX and Wolong pandas, including the offspring of ‘our’ SDZ babies. You can google them for their site address.
Thanks so much~ i will see what needs to be done. Like the Smithsonian, Daniel, he was not aware of how much is going on and so was able to give handsomely. I knowthere are many many people who are unaware of the PAnda population both here and elsewhere.
Perhaps there is a group or person who may be interested. So many wealthy people these days.Possibilities abound.
Thank you again Miss Brooklyn
The new app is wonderful……I have my eyes in panda trek back and couldn’t be happier, thank you SDZ for doing this for us!
Hi, you all! There is very good news coming from National Zoo today about pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, and NZ’s panda conservation program there. A person named Mr. Rubenstein has donated a $4.5 million grant for their panda program for the next 5 years! This is a great huge milestone for NZ! That money will be used in the continuing research and conservation efforts for the pandas. That will also cover costs of medical care, habitat remodels, training, education services, and other areas. Also, NZ has announced their 2012 plan for the breeding season. They are going to have the late Shi Shi’s frozen semen available at their facility if and when Mei Xiang and Tian Tian do not have a good mating scenario. That should bring a huge smile on you all’s faces in that Shi Shi’s genes could be passed on should Mei Xiang get pregnant thru AI procedures. It has been 6 years since Mei had her son, Tai Shan, and research is ongoing to see if she can get pregnant after not being in that condition for so long. Past studies have raised concerns of female pandas not being able to conceive after 5 years. So, keep your fingers crossed! This grant money will be used to fund that research as well. If you want to read more about this, go to the National Zoo website for more detals about this wonderful grant.
I cannot believe that Hua Mei’s son, Tuan Tuan, has grown up so quick! From reading Barbara’s article, Tuan is a very well behaved young adult when they do his medical checkups. I hope that he will be the father of many cubs in his life! Hua Mei has done a very good job raising this big boy!
In the meantime, NZ has a brand new baby kiwi that hatched out on December 11, 2011. This little cutie is a week old today, and the kiwicam is back!
Hope all of you are enjoying the Christmas holidays and not stressing out too much on the shopping! Will be back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
What a heartfelt story, thank you for sharing that with all of us.
Happy Holidays to everyone at the SDZ!!!
Thank you for this wonderful post, Barbara! We do not often hear of Hua Mei’s Tuan Tuan. What a wonderful experience for you!
Hello, I can longer see the pandacam on IE 8, or my Ipad even though I’ve downloaded the new Ipad application. What are the computer requirements to view the pandacam’s new HD cams? Holp. Going thru withdrawal even though I was just at the Zoo last Thursday and Saturday.
Moderator’s Note: You should be able to view any of our HD cams using IE 8 and iPad. We recommend restarting your computer and/or browser. If that doesn’t work, try downloading a different browser such as Firefox or Google Chrome.
Just wanted to take a moment and wish all of our dedicated panda keepers, and all of the staff at the SDZ a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2012.
A special holiday wish to our dedicated moderator who makes these notes possible.
And last but not least Mr Gao, Ms Bai and Yun Zi, may your every panda wish come true in 2012.
Apparently it has been wayyyy too long since I have visited the panda cam ! Today is the first day I noticed the new, clearer, bigger viewing cam for us viewers !!
Thanks SDZ !!
I havent been away entirely as I have been preoccupied with the 3 bears over at the Tundra !! =)
Awesome SDZ !
I just read about giant panda TianTIan painting a picture at National Zoo as a type of enrichment . Will SDZ be doing the same? I would love to see what BaiYun or YunZI or GaoGao will draw for us if they have the opportunity to do so
Moderator’s Note: We have no plans to do so as of now
I heard the same thing. What a great way to get money for panda research, I would certainly purchase paintings from our precious pandas.
Moderator, can you suggest this to the SDZ powers to be…..think money, think panda research, think panda fans with art hanging in their houses…….think everys happy
Happy holidays to everyone!
To all the staff at the San Diego Zoo
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings.
Without your caring, concern and comfort the animals and the fans would not have had a wonderful year. Thanks you.
News from China – they plan on releasing 6 giant pandas into the wild in 2012. I was under the impression this was to be a 5-10 year project
Do we have any? Not Zhennie hopefully! Are they PAndas that are raised in the Semi-wild?More info please!
This initiative is from Chengdu, while Zhennie is at Bifengxia, so no. I am always a little scared that they will try to send Zhennie to the semi-wild, as they did Su Lin-but I think she’s safe for now.
THANKS Frqncis. After Su Lin, I am really concerned about our girls.
Chinese errors are possible. Zhennie will b e watched and so that is a help. Perhaps we just love our Pandas so much that it is like they are our children or grandchildren in my case. I have a plan that needs more thought for success. But stranger things arehappening every day.(little miracles)
A beary, beary Christmas to our beautiful bears and to the wonderful SDZ staff who take such good care of them! Many thanks for the good work you do.
To all of the SDZ pandas and other critters, their nanny keepers and all the folks who maintain, view and contribute to this blog, the very happiest of Hanukkahs, merriest of Christmases, happiest Kwanzaa and best New Year.
It has been such a pleasure to follow this blog in 2011 and can’t wait to see what 2012 will bring.
Peace, love and pandas!
Happy Christmas to everyone at San Diego Zoo from Scotland. Really enjoying the new cameras and especially seeing Bai Yun, who sometimes seems to play more like a cub than a mature adult Giant Panda.
We now have a panda cam from Edinburgh zoo, which everyone can enjoy – just remember we are 8 hours ahead of West Coast America.
Finally, what news of Gao Gao? I have not seem him for a very long time. Hopefully all is going well as he recovers.
Happy holidays to everyone (human and animal alike) at the SDZ! Wishes for a safe, happy and healthy new year!
Merry Christmas to you dear Moderator, and your assistant; all the nannykeepers at the zoo; and everybody else and all the animals at the zoo!!!
The Merriest of Christmases to our beloved pandas!!
And to all the bloggers out there in pandaland!!
Love the new cam for pandas. Really good view today, Friday.
I saw on the news where the peguins are annoyed that the pandas are next door to them in Glasgow. The penguins are now sitting up on a wall and letting droppings fall on the tourists. They are planning to put up some plastic to protect guests.
Merry Christmas to all!
Happy Holidays to all the pandas, panda fans, nannykeepers and moderators! May all our panda dreams come true!
Blessed Christmas and a Joyful New Year are my wishes for all the dedicated staff and volunteers at SDZ and special shout out to Mr Gao Gao, his always elegant and beautiful wife Bai Yun, and the Panda of my heart YUn Zi!!
Uh oh!! HD pandacam down!! What happened to it? Hope the IT guys can get it fixed and back up online!
HAPPY HANUKKAH, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY KWANZAA, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone at SDZ, WAP, their families, friends, and all of the animals!! Enjoy the weekend!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: Florida is having a WARM Christmas for the first time in about 5 years! YUK!!! Was looking for a cold Christmas, but not this year! Oh well, maybe next year…..
A warm Christmas? Sad!
Chari
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL THREE PANDAS!!
Chari
Dear Bloggie,
WHAT AN AMAZING CWISMAS PARTY! Thank you Thank you Thank you Santa Paws. I am soooooooooooooooo happy! I know my new year is going to be fantastic.
The music at the party was great and the Panda Grrrrls were singing all the lovely carols. All the Mamas and Papas were dancing away. I think I saw my Mama give Papa a little kiss when they danced under the mistletoe.
The Uncle Pandas and my Papa did a lovely top hat and tails dance with all the uncle pandas kneeling and asking the auntie pandas to marry them again. All the auntie pandas giggled (WOMEN!!!!).
THEN you came. I heard your sleigh bells and then you landed it. AND you brought all our China relatives!!!! Hua Mei and all her kids, Su Lin and her kid, ZZ and Sheng Ge Ge and Tai Ge Ge and even Fu Long, Mei Lan Ge Ge….IT WAS A REAL PANDAMONIUM of a PARTY!
But Santa Claws, how did you get it? My present – The personally autographed poster of Miss Panda Universe 2008 and her number and email address….I am still floating….Dearest Sweetest Yun Zi, Thanks for all the support and love. Have a blessed 2012. MPU 2008 XOXOXO. WOOOOOHOOO. Even AJ does not have her autograph…hee hee hee….my heart is turning cartwheels…..I am in love….in love….thank you thank you…..
Ahem, I am grateful to the Panda God for making sure Papa is OK now. He stood up and his speech made Mama cry cos he told her how much he loved her. Who knew my Papa could write poetry and sing? Hee Hee.
But what was so great was when all the young ones, myself included, paid tribute to all the uncles and aunties and our ge ges and jie jies. ZZ was upset that she was now a JIe Jie. But then later she played with Hao Hao and our other neices.
I am having the best Christmas ever and all of us Pandas want to wish all our hooman uncles and aunties, our nanny keepers, volunteers and all who help look after us and love us,
A BEARY MERRY CHRISTAMS FILELD WITH LOVE, PEACE, JOY OF THE SEASON!
Muack Muack,
Yunz
To all the humans and animals at SDZ a happy holiday season as well as the very best for the New Year and more pandas. Lots of love from Austria sends you Ruth
Merry Christmas to all the pandas and staff. I hope they all get a treat; yes, the staff as well as the pandas!
Happy Christmas from the UK. Just been watching Bai spend ages licking her nose, almost snake like flicks of her tounge as if she’s got a taste on it.
Merry Christmas to all at SDZ and thank you for the beautiful new cam. I can’t wait until you have the ID for the pandas up as it is hard for me anyway to be sure of which one I’m looking at. I know Bai well but I’m thinking that Gao Gao and Yun Zi are a bit too much alike these days. Our little boy isn’t so little anymore.
The new cams are absolutely wonderful though.
Thought you might enjoy this short video by W. Burke of Honolulu, HI.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/86799970@N00/6571660547/
Thank You for providing the Link!!! Wonderful!!
That was so cute, thank you! I just love Gao Gao.
Thanks so much for the link to the Gao Gao video. Looks like our old guy is really just a kid at heart.
I tried and tried to get info on adoption of Su Lin/her sweet baby no name, but my computer stops me-it is not safe.And so I appeal to you all to give me some particulars. According to your info it is $ 100.00 Dollars. But the rest Icannot get.
Safely. And I cannot get into China for the info.If one gets Su Lin, will it get her baby too.?And how detailed is the info? Can we get just general info or can we get pictures of them together?Do we go through Pandas Live on?
I think we all would like info on that,but It is apparently,for me, impossible without jepordizing the safety of my information.
Can you advise.? Maybe Ican find a way to adopt the two of them. To follow their lives. Via the SDZ?
Sorry to ask but was away is it Bai Yun and Gao Gao on came now? Did Yun Zi
get into trouble again?
Susan: Gao Gao is in the enclosure with the big green hammock. Bai Yun is in the enclosure with the “stone throne” (her usual spot). I think Yunnie is back in what used to be the classroom exhibit (now north exhibit??). Last Saturday when I visited SDZ Yun Zi was having quite a fun day moving all around that place.
Thank you that is what I thought. I was hoping that Yun Zi was not in trouble again as he can get himself into.
Whoever is manning the cam — GREAT shot of Gao Gao!!! Thanks!
Agreed!
What a beautiful shot of Gao Gao! So good to see him back — and the cam is wonderful!.
Yup!
Happy New Year to Bai Yun, Gao Gao, and Yun Zi. I just love watching them eat their bamboo, which seems to be a lot lately.
Does the Panda Family have any New Years Eve plans? Maybe bamboo cocktails with Fruit Ice cake.
Thanks for the great camera work.
wishing you all a healthy and happy New Year
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL 3 PANDAS AND THEIR SDZ KEEPERS!! Hope everybody will have a much better year in 2012!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
A very Happy New Year to all the pandas, their dedicated keepers,. all the staff at the SDZ and all the bloggers with so much info.. You have made me laugh during a trying year. May we continue the panda spirit in 2012…hopefully new cubs to watch
And may Yuni be paroled 
He & Po (ZA) are so much fun to watch. 
Hey, I forgot to tell everyone–my hubby and I will be married 23 years on Saturday, December 31, 2011, New Year’s Eve (today)!! We have had our problems, but we have made it this far! Love my pandas as always! Have a great weekend, you all!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Congratulations. 23 years is nothing to sniff at. What a wonderful wife you must be. Panda lovers are always loving and dear. Have a wonderful New Year no.24
Congratulations, Chari! Marriage means working very hard on it every day. So far we have managed 34 years, for better for worse. But it has been worthwhile!
Happy Anniversay Chari!
And a Happy New Year to one and all!
Happy Anniversary Chari and Ruth, way to go. Wishing you many more!
Happy New Year to all the two- and four-legged ones at SDZ as well as to all my fellow bloggers. Thanks to all of you for providing marvellous blogs, photos and videos during the course of this year, which has been appreciated very much.
Best regards from Austria
WISHING THE PANDAS AND THE STAFF A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!
HERE’S TO 2012!!!
Happy New Year to all the Giant Pandas at SDZ and their keepers, not forgetting the wonderful Moderators. All the best from Scotland!
Happy New Year to the pandas and the people who care for them and love them.
Haven’t written anything here in a long time, but wanted to get on and wish the panda world a very special happy new year! you are all, furry and flesh, the most wonderful of all! May everyone have a peaceful, happy, healthy and fulfilled 2012! Especially my Zhennie…xxxoo
…and thank you for sharing, Barbara, what a beautiful story!
love and peace to all animals,
auntie kat
a healthy and happy new year to all -
KK bleating sweetly: Jia Jia Dear, have you packed?
JJ: Packing.Kai Kai, we are only going in March. I have added a can of sun block and also my bikinis.
KK: They are building an aircon enclosure for us so it should be cool.
JJ: Ok but we are going to Singapore right? The other pair is going to France right?
KK: Yes, they have started French classes.
JJ: Lucky us, they speak Chinese in Singapore.
KK: And English and Malay and Tamil according to what I goggled.
JJ: Cool. I always wanted to learn other languages. Do we need to pack our own boo?
KK: They will provide.
JJ: And I want to bring my entire collection of Kung Fu Panda knick knacks.
KK: Whatever you say, my love!
Lin Hui (honking): Chuang, where are you?
Chuang (hurriedly): Here dear. I was napping.
LH: Napping again? You need to start working out, Spring is almost upon us and we are going to have another baby.
CC: Errr, ok…
LH: He will be big and strong like you. Yes, it would be nice to have a boy this time.
CC: Whatever you say, my love.
Bai Yun bleating: Gao dearest, can you get me my favourite honey cakes with carrots?
GG: Like right now? Hun, I am watching the English Premiere League match.
BY: But darling, I am soooo hungry and I want to make myself strong for the Spring Salsa.
GG: Whatever you say, my love! Look half time is here, I’ll dash to the bakery. Whatever you do, dont change the channel.
Tian Tian (singing): You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are blue…..
Yang Guang: REALLY? You are not pulling my paw?
TT: You never know dear, how much I love you! Please don’t take my Sunshine awaaaaaaay. Hee Hee Hee Hee.
YG: Whatever you say, my love. Women, they giggle so much.
Le Le: I got some tweats from the Nannykeeper. You want some?
Ye Ye: Yes, dear. Will you kindly pass them over here, my darling?
LL: Here you are my honey bunny.
YY: Thank you ever so much, my Sir Cutie Pie.
LL: So in Spring….
YY: Yes, what are you thinking of?
LL: You know…maybe we could…
YY: And so we shall…
LL: Whatever you say, my love!
Mei Xiang: How sweet of you to get me a box of fruitsicles in every flavour I love! You are my sweetheart!
Tian Tian: I couldn’t help myself. If it makes you happy, it makes me happy.
MX: So dear how did you like my Christmas present?
TT: The iPAW2 was awesome! I get to game with Gao, Yang and Le Le and sometimes CC too. Woo Hoo, Panda Guys USA unite!
MX: I am glad my husband enjoys his toy…I mean gadget so much.
TT: Whatever you say, my love! And I am glad I have you as a wife.
Lun Lun (honks): Yang, can you come and give me a paw with Master Yang Po please?
Yang Yang: Yes, Ma’am. Of course Ma’am. Immediately Ma’am. Now what has my cute adorable son done now?
LL: He has messed up his room and wont clean up.
YY: Boys will be boys, hee hee.
LL: Hun, speaking of boys….now that we had 3, I want a girl. A nice cute sweetie pie of a girl.
YY: What if she becomes a cute tomboy of a girl? With my genes, she might be a Xena type of girlie, heh heh heh.
LL: Heavens, she wil a pretty, ballerina type panda cubette or my name is not Yang Lun Lun.
YY: Errr, actually it wasn’t right? You were renamed after that actress….
LL turns and gives YY the eye.
YY (gulps): Whatever you say, my love!
Well, I made it to the zoo and it is amazing. So big and so much walking. I finally got to see the Panda’s up close and it brought tears to my eyes, so so very exciting. I went through three times! Amanda ( I believe her name is) who took the Panda pictures was awesome, so much fun to joke around with her. I love the pictures, so cute. My Husband and I had a great time in all. Now for some disappointing news. The escalators were down and I couldn’t see the apes. I had a massive heart attack 4 months ago and was afraid to climb all the stairs. Then at the Panda Cafe, the girl there must have been in a bad mood, not very friendly. But the worst was the gal at the Panda picture pick up place, she literally snapped at my husband, and I was really surprised. We just stood there and looked at each other. But, all in all the zoo was fun and it was really great to see all the animals. Oh, the elephants were really great, so smart and so huge! I got to see Bai and Gao up close but Yunior was not out at all, sigh. So, if you get a chance to go, you will have a great time. This was my first time to be in San Diego and I absolutely love it there. Great weather and food.
Moderator’s note: Thank you for sharing your experiences, both good and bad. I will certainly pass on your comments to the appropriate departments.
Hi! Well, that cold weather I was hoping for for Christmas weekend has FINALLY come down here to Florida! We’ll be in the 40s tonite, in the 30s tomorrow nite. Highs will be in the 50s for tomorrow and Wednesday. Oh well….! Hope that this nice cold weather will be here for Christmas 2012.
Have you all read an article on the MSNBC website a couple of days ago about a group of researchers finding a wild panda eating animal meat? I thought that was very interesting, and that could indicate a small shift in the pandas’ diet that will ultimately include eating meat at some point. With their habitats in serious jeapordy and the bamboo under constant threat from heavy rains, landslides, heavy snows, the wild pandas will have to start “reinventing” themselves to survive. The polar bears are also in the same situation with the low ice shelves in Arctic waters every summer that they have depended on to hunt and eat seals. They will have to go to land alot more often to hunt for other types of meat to survive. Animals have had to do this reinventing for themselves for several millenia, and pandas and polar bears are on the verge of maybe doing that in order to keep their species going. I’m always rooting, hoping, and praying for all of the wild animals in that they will somehow find ways to keep going, live, and survive in an ever changing world and climate. They will have to or they will be gone forever! This is where all of us humans come in to try to help these animals stay alive for others to see and learn from them thru education programs and conservation efforts.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Hey Lucilla, wonderful story as always. wanted to point out tho that you keep getting the female panda at Memphis Zoo wrong. It is Ya Ya and Le Le, not Ye Ye and Le Le.
Hi Teresa,
Thanks