The cub at one month of age.
At the first panda cub exam last week, our staff had a very brief, three-minute opportunity to examine the cub and get some data on its weight and health status. The first exam is always very short, as we are keen on ensuring the well-being of Bai Yun by not keeping her away from her cub longer than is comfortable for her. During last week’s exam, the cub was very vocal, and Bai Yun certainly noticed. This made it all the more imperative to move quickly.
In anticipation of a second exam, the husbandry staff has been acclimating our little panda to their presence and touch, with the goal of making the cub more comfortable with being handled. A more comfortable cub is a less vocal cub. A less vocal cub means that mother bear is more relaxed while out of the den. A more relaxed mother bear means longer opportunities to get data on the development of this endangered species during the exams.
The acclimation process has involved the keepers securing Bai Yun in her sun room while she is eating. They then sit quietly at the mouth of the den and speak softly to the cub. They reach out a gloved hand and gently stroke the youngster while talking to it. One of our keepers made a sweet discovery while doing this: if she placed her hand under the cub’s head, it would press itself down against her hand and wrist, effectively snuggling in to the warmth of her palm.
This discovery came in very handy yesterday at our second cub exam. Once our team had gathered, Bai Yun left her den for breakfast and the door to the bedroom and den was closed. When a keeper reached into the den to pick up the cub, we realized that the desensitization efforts were paying off–the cub did not vocalize. It was much more relaxed about being touched. Once lifted from the den floor, and again while held at the exam table, the cub snuggled its head into the palm of the keeper.
The cub obviously felt much more secure this week. Our little panda vocalized very infrequently during the exam and with much less intensity. This meant that Bai Yun continued to eat peacefully in the sun room, uninterested in what was going on behind the closed door. Because of this, we were able to give the cub a more thorough exam this week, and the youngster was out of the den for about 9.5 minutes.
I know our panda fans are very interested in the cute and fuzzy aspects of our littlest panda, but for me the big story this week is how well the keepers succeeded in improving the cub exam experience for our cub and mother. I am very proud to say that the well-being of our animals is something we take very seriously, even when our animal is a tiny little creature whose ears and eyes aren’t yet open.
See more images in our Panda Photo Gallery.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research.
Thank you for the update. At what point can the sex of the cub be determined? Are the sex organs so small at this one month age that it is too difficult to determine?
The cub looks more alert this exam which is good to see. Again thank you for the video too!
This is my first cubbie experience and I am so hooked! I’d rather watch the Precious cubbie than TV. Thank You Jennifer and Keepers for keeping us posted. I was just sure their were times when Mom was eating or sitting on the baby. I love watching Bai swing her back legs around. Thank You to the San Diego Zoo for the camcorder on the Pandas, and Elephants and….
Kris in Idaho
watching the 2nd exam video, I really thought the cubbie was asleep for most of the exam (except for a couple squawks). from the blog description, it sounds like maybe the cubbie was awake but just much more comfortable with the people doing the exam. it could be the first cubbie who likes having physicals!
Or a cubbie that loves massages!
The video of the panda cub’s 2nd exam is incredible. It brought tears to my eyes.
I forgot the ears are closed up too at this point.
Love the chin cuddling.
Thank you for the posting!
Darling video, such a little sweetheart. Brilliant strategy to familiarize the cub to your voice and touch. I noticed the camera tilt upwards one morning last week when the cub was alone. I guess that was when you were on a “getting to know you” visit. Two questions:
When do the eyes/ears open? And at what age can a cub “potty” by himself without mama’s stiumulation? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it addressed.
Thanks for the update and keep up the great work!!
Wonderful post — congrats all around on making the little cubbie so much more comfortable with its exam. I watched the video last night and could see how much quieter the cub was during the exam. I can see how this is a win-win-win-win situation for all: good for cubbie, good for Bai, good for keepers and vets, and good for us panda fans who benefit from the information you give us about the little one. So congratulations again — may all future exams go as well as this one!
P.S. like others, can’t wait for word on the gender of the new cub. 
That has to be the sweetest image, the cub snuggling into the keepers palm. Brilliant idea, win-win all around; Bai Yun and cub are more comfortable, and the Panda Team gets more information for research.
Yesterday after the exam Bai Yun left the cub for over 50 minutes to finish her breakfast (I assume). Excellent camera work on the close ups of the cub ~ Thank you!
2012-08-30 Cubbie Closeups during Bai Yun’s Long Breakfast Break
http://youtu.be/c54_rasCW5s
And this morning while the cub was undergoing “tactile desensitization”, Yun Zi had some camera time before the cam switched to the 33 day old cub. Later Bai Yun made an interesting entry into the den, and proceeded to give the cub a bath, and then nurse.
2012-08-31 Friday with Yun Zi, Bai Yun and Cubbie ~ Day 33
http://youtu.be/dcHfydlxwOk
Thank you so much for the darling exam video and precious photos. It will be fascinating to watch this cub’s development compared to his/her siblings.
I’d have given a lot to be the caregiver holding this precious baby and stroking it. A genius idea!! The baby was almost smiling.
I pretty much said the same thing, Lou, when I watched the video. What a privilege it would be! (Then I’d have to fight the impulse to plant a little kiss on the top of its head!)
Only one??? Or do you figure that after one another thousand wouldn’t matter??????
My, what a big belly! I just love that chubby cubbie belly…it’s so squeezable! The baby is just precious…I can’t wait to find out if it’s a boy or a girl.
I have been watching the panda cam and following since day 1. I am absolutely fascinated with the growth and development of this little cub AND by how wonderful Bai Yun is to her baby. It is amazing to watch.
I was hoping for an update as I have been watching in the mornings when mom leaves and the cam view changes to the play yard. How exciting. That baby is just so wonderful to watch.
were you able to determine the sex of the cub?
Moderator’s note: Not yet.
Thank you, thank you for the latest update. I could almost feel his/her little head and body relaxing into the hand. How wonderful to experience that. Love the updates and seeing the babe grow.
What a cutie. I was watching the other nite and mama was sure malling her baby around. She seem she could.nt get the kid the way she wanted. she must have turned it upside down. I could just guess the kid was really swaking like crazy. But after 5 kids she knows what to do. Have really love watching the too interact and how gentle mom seem to be.
Thank you for the update and the video of the exam.
lu
I love how the SDZ staff treat the pandas like the rare, precious jewels that they certainly are. Getting the cubby used to being touched by humans just shows the nannykeepers are more than willing to go the extra mile to make sure Cub #6′s life while at SDZ is full of contentment and trust. And love.
Just got on the pandacam, and the little cubbie is all by himself on the floor of the den napping away! He was soooo still, too! Apparently, Bai was out of the den to get some dinner and water, and do her bathroom routine. By the time I get back on the cam again, she’ll be back in there snuggling up on the cub! I did watch the video of the cub’s second exam yesterday when it came out, and that little head nestled in the keeper’s hand was so precious! Yep, this one has been alot quieter than the other kids Bai has raised! Hope you got some great pics of that for your panda picture wall!
Gonna go for now and get back on that cam! See ya!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Such a great article and such an achievement for you all making sure that Cubbie and Mama are well taken care of. I love how you all take such pride in what you do, and such care to ensure the safety of both cub and mom. Clearly the cub is progressing fabulously, both in adapting to outside “intervention” and with Mama’s wonderful nurturing and milk. LOVE love love these posts! Keep ‘em coming!
can’t wait to see the little one moving around and exploring, I remember it was so much fun watching Yun Zi looking around.
Does Bai detect the camera above the den, she looks up like she can see or hear it moving around.
great videos and shots of the mom and babe. Great to see Yun Zi today, boy what a big boy he’s gotten, remember him when he was the cubs size
Kathy, when Yun Zi was young I could have sworn that she knew, posed for it, and one time stood on her back legs, straight up, to growl at it. I have a photo of the moment~but it is without sound, you would have to take my word for it (we had sound on the den cam for Yun Zi). Let me know if you wish to see the photo with her teeth really close to the cam.
Thank you Suzanne for this very enjoyable update. I loved your description of the cub’s snuggling into the keeper’s gloved hand. What a wonderful idea! The Panda Team has invented a panda cub pacifier.
I am happy to hear that the cub is doing well. I’m looking forward to watching the continued growth of the cub on the Panda Cam. Many thanks to you and the entire Panda Team for keeping us all informed.
Now that is an inventive name~~~~~”A Panda Cub Pacifier”~~~~~~~and I bet there would be a rush of fans if they called for volunteer “pacifiers”.
Was just there Wednesday and got to see the wonderful Gao Gao and dear Yunior put on quite a show for us! Can’t wait for the new cubbie to be out and ready for visits! Cannot thank you all enough for the experiences and opportunities you provide, both in person and online. <3
Are Gao and Prince Royal Fluffy Butt still celebrating the new baby??? Gao best slow down on the use of hs Boo Beer or when the families around the globe drop in for a Meet and Greet he will have none to serve his guests.
So incredible…I watch Bai Yun and the baby cub daily…Love the updates…I was so glad to see this one today…Such beauties…You guys are so lucky.
Maybe you’ve answered this in other posts’ comment sections, so forgive me if it’s a repeat.
What does a panda cub smell like at this point in time?
Saturated by the scent of den bedding; it smells like bamboo
Sorry. What does bamboo smell like?
Need any volunteer cub petters?
She is such a wonderful Mommy. I just love their play time together when she tries to tire her little baby out with bath/play. I think it’s a girl based on the interaction. It is fun to watch baby sleep and wiggle around but I would also like to see what Mommy does on break if the cameras are capable? Thank you all for everything you do!!!
Thanks Suzanne for this update and video. We are so fortunate to be able to see a panda from birth onwards. I will never tire of watching the cub-rearing skills of Bai Yun. I think every first time human mother should watch the cam to see how it is done. They could learn a lot.
Well it sounds to me like Bai Yun has a commercial opportunity here….not only to teach great Cubbie raising to the other new Panda Ladies, but she could include People Mothers too.
And before we know it, mothers all over the country will be spinning their babies around during bath time!
Such a wonderful video! THANKS
You all are doing a great job with this little one.
There are so many heart warming pictures and videos on this page that I just keep going back and forth between them all, trying to decide which is best. Gosh that little butterball is so cute!
Thank you…
Thanks to the keepers that think of the wonderful things to keep the animals so comfy….that isnt something they teach you in school. I think “Mother instinct” helps with keeping the cub more comfy in the exams. What baby..animal or human wouldnt want to be held in a comfortable position. Thanks again for doing just wonderful work and thinking of such great ideas to keep things more calm for mother and baby.
‘Little One’ is so cute. Much, much more at ease this time than it’s first exam. So exciting. Thanks so much for sharing and fantastic thinking on the keepers part to keep ‘Little One’ calm.
I love that the little panda is getting comfortable with keepers touch and sound — but will this create problems for the little bear if he is returned to the wild? Have the Chinese used this strategy in their programs?
Thanks — I’m kinda a panda cam junkie — adore every single second and all updates. Can’t thank you enough.
This cub is not a candidate for release to the wild. Only cubs born in the semi-wild in China will be candidates for release.
I thought they are all candidates for release into the controlled semi-wild environment, in China, just as Su Lin was released last year and I assume Z, will be released soon as well, neither of them were born in a semi-wild environment. What was the exception with Su Lin ?
It made me sad to learn Su Lin was released, but hopeful she will thrive, and do great.
Moderator’s note: Su Lin was placed in the semi-wild environment, not released into the wild.
Wow….. I can’t wait to see the latest Fountain of Youth for Bai Yun as will Chubbie Cubbie # 6 be as big of an influence as Yun Zi was ? Great Camera work as each Cub has been an improvement in seeing Bai Yun’s interactions clearer and easier to see, now if we only had a live microphone in the den to hear the interactions that would be Heaven… Now that the parent Company I work for is based in SoCal and Lynn’s Main Doctors are in SoCal I hope once she gets out of the Hospital again in NY, and is able to travel we’ll get to see Cubbie # 6 once it gets out on exhibit and before Yun Zi goes to China… Keep up the brilliant work that you do and hope to be at SDZ from NJ beary soon…
Wish I could be the one to pet and reassure the cub!! That has to be a great experience.
Can’t wait to find out if we have a him or her!! Still think it’s a her but either way it doesn’t matter. I certainly understand the need for SDZ to be certain before the announcement is made.
Thanks for the great video and update.
Wonderful video. Thank you SO for the update but now I’m really jealous of the keepers! I’m a great cuddler so if you need help…………………..
Doesn’t it make you wonder why it took 6 cubs to find that out? We all know it from raising puppies, kittens and our own kids or holding somebody ele’s baby-but then I did not think about it until it was mentioned. On the other hand I might have stroked it instinctively if I were there and it was upset. I heard from another blog that Cubbie Cubbie has Yun Zi’s tail tip~~have you heard or seen this?????
Bai seems so happy with this little creature………such a delight to watch them together!
And isn’t it sad that somone posted that China had a panda with a baby and took it away from its mother…how sad, and don’t know why.
Usually, if the cub is permanently taken away from the mom, it’s because this is the twin and a panda mom, initially, can’t take care of 2 at once. China has honed the process, at several of their centers, of taking one away for a while (and taking care of it) and then switching with the other twin, so that both get momma-time.
So envious of your jobs!
Thank you, Suzanne for the update and the gorgeous video of this “oh so sweet” little cub. This “keeper’s comfort” idea is super. The cub looks and for sure is so comfortable snuggling into the keeper’s palm. It shows how touching makes all creatures feel relaxed and happy. The cub is too cute for words! His/her fuzzy fur looked so real on the screen so that I could not resist “touching” it imagening how soft it would feel. Since starting to watch the panda cam some years ago I noticed that the cub’s tiny claws are pink and later on turn white. Is this a sign of the growing process? May be somebody could answer my question, tks.
Thanks to all of you taking such good care of Bai Yun’s baby.
Also, cubs’ noses are pink while they are very small, but turn black as they grow.
OMG help me!! I am in love with a Panda Bear!!
Heather there is no help for you, along with millions who join you in that love.
How many pounds is the cubbie since the last checkup.
Moderator’s note: The cub was 2.2 pounds at the 2nd exam.
‘heard about birth on the radio – been watching since day 1 – check every time I go to computer – have become an obsessive baby panda watcher – sent info on site to friends all over the world. What a privilege to watch ‘live’ – any time of day or weeks. Thanks to all involved. Beautiful baby seems strong and healthy – mama is super attentive and gentle.:-)
I love seeing the cub alone sleeping…seems more time alone as mom
eats… that’s a good sign…
thank you keepers for such good care of the cub during the many
exams to come and especially love the 2nd exam !
the cub loves the caresses ….
Thank You !
Many human parents could take lessons from Bai Yun (and others of the animal kingdom). She never seems stressed or impatient. Always seemingly as charmed by her little bundle as we are. Is it my imagination or is her tummy filling out a bit now that she’s eating more regularly? Not that she was exactly skinny before but … ya know.
Peggy it is a mixed bag~~~Bai is wonderful but no saint. Someday I will guide you to photos of her opening the cub’s mouth to retrive apple or snacks…Yunior and the rest had to fight for them. There is even a photo on Rita Petita’s Flikr Stream where Yunior is falling back first from the Stone Throne because Bai was in a hurry to make sure he was not hiding snacks for later. He could only move them around in his mouth at that point, but I don’t think that made a difference to Bai.
Have gotten my grandma addicted to watching the cub now… We just love to see bai yun taking suck good care of the cub…… They always look so peaceful also jus got to see the cub alone for about a good 15 mins… It was nice to see the cub sleeping so soundly… Just checked back in agin an mom has returned an are both sleeping… We can’t wait for our family trip out there in Oct to experience the pandas in real life an not just watch from a camera…. Thanks so much for the great post can’t wait to read the next one
I recall several years reading (or hearing on the IZoofari chats) about the keepers seating outside the dens and speaking very softly to the cub.
Now it’s been taken a step further to the gentle stroking…a happy cub, happy mamma and happy keeper
As I watched earlier. Bai was gone for quite some time and when she came back she had a huge leafy stock of bamboo – dinner in the den
Each cub is different, and sometimes it takes a bit of an individualized approach to achieve our goals. It’s just nice that our keepers have found something unique that this cub seems to respond to so well!
I’m not familiar with SD Zoo programs, but are there any opps for us local here in So Cal to interact with the animals? I would absolutely volunteer to spend some time monitoring these magnificent animals (pandas and others…)
Moderator’s note: We offer many different types of volunteer opportunities, Paula. Please visit our Volunteer at the Zoo page for more info.
i keep rooting for the little one to try and sneak out of the den lol today it was so close great job you all do. i am starting to wonder if we all dont need baby panda annomous. i sure do i can jus sit here and watch it all day and night
Dawn…One late, late night I saw what happens when the Cub(ette) is not in the den where she expects it to be….you do not want to see the hysical and emotional pain that Bai goes through when that happens. The good thing is it will be some time before out of den strolling happens.
What a wonderful idea, ensuring the cubbie is comfortable with keepers voices and touch. All the Giant panda team come up with excellent new ideas and we admire and congratulate you.
Cubbie is looking so Panda-like now. Amazing how quickly they develop.
Hope everyone is having a relaxing Labor Day Weekend
Here’s video from Friday ~ one of the most beautifully lit and relaxing bath scenes. Such love and patience from Bai Yun …
2012-08-31 Spin, Lick, Rest, Repeat ~ Bathtime for Cubbie
http://youtu.be/yK22xYtBhFA
This is a highlight video from Saturday ~ including Bai Yun eating bamboo in the den, a nursing/bathing scene with leg twirls, and closeups of Bai Yun’s 34 day old cub sleeping peacefully in the bamboo.
2012-09-01 Bai Yun and Cub ~ Bamboo Saturday ~ Highlights Day 34
http://youtu.be/6gekIfc0lj0
Thank You, DoxiMom, for these videos! This little cub has the cutest round tummy! I love when the baby stretches after being bathed
Bai really loves her little one!
I love watching the cubbie doing his exercises.
It must be the HD camera in the den – I don’t remember seeing Bai twirling her other cubs(round & round , up & down) – maybe she did & we didn’t see it, This cub must have a stomach made of steel
Dizzy cubby 
I love watching Bai with her cubs. She is such a good mom ! Bai is so animated with her cubs, its endearing to watch.
I will never forget the day when I was watching panda cam and this was when
Su Lin was about 2-3 mo old, (I think) so she was still small, and Bai had just entered the den after a little “mom time”, and as she entered, she did a summersault over Su Lin, and picked her up in her paws and held little Su Lin over her head ! I felt it was a once in a life time shot, and I was a part of it !
Makes one wonder what she had in her breakfast that day! Panda-nip?
I loved watching her do that with Yun Zi too. Having only had Yunior to compare with I woud say that this is something all of the kids get delighted by.
I saw her somersault into the den when Zhennie was little too–I always thought it was so funny and so sweet.
This den scene is soooo cute. Bai and baby are sleeping side by side. The first day I have seen this. Tiny seems to be comforted by Bai’s belly breathing against his fur. Bai is resting as she looks out of the den- her chin resting on her paw. Congratulations, Bai. Part 1 of raising baby is done. This cam is awesome!
She’s getting stronger every day. Have no doubt she’ll be following her mother right outside the pod in two weeks. I think this is “her” baby. Gonna be just like her.
Some panda news:
Si Xue gave birth to twins on Aug. 15 at Hetaoping, Wolong, China–one girl, one boy. Si Xue picked up the female cub after she was born and started to take care of her. She’s a first time mom, and her maternal instincts kicked in right away. A couple of hours later, she delivered a baby boy panda cub, and the keepers were able to take that cub from the den and delivered him to Bifengxia for handraising since Hetaoping did not have a cub raising expert on hand to help them with twin swapping.
Hua Mei gave birth to her single 8th cub on Aug. 5 at Bifengxia. This cub is another boy for momma Hua. Hua Mei now has her mom beat in the number of cubs born, and that includes 3 sets of twins! Hua Mei just turned 13 years old on Aug. 21, 2012.
Some of Wolong’s pandas that were sent to other panda centers and zoos in China after the devastating 2008 earthquake are making their way back home to the new facility that has just opened up in Wolong Reserve in late August. Two of the pandas came from Yunnan Safari Park, Kumming, China. More than 60 adult and baby panda cubs were evacuated from the severely damaged/destroyed former Wolong Panda Center after the quake hit in May, 2008 to safer places at zoos and other centers.
Feng Yi took a trip from Guilin Zoo back to Bifengxia in August where she is settling in very nicely.
Rau Hin gave birth to one cub at Adventure World, Wakayama, Japan on Aug. 21st. The cub is a girl. This is Rau Hin’s 5th cub after 3 successful pregnancies (2 sets of twins?). Ei Mei is the proud daddy!
Bao Bao died in his sleep from deteriorating health and old age at 34 years old at the Berlin Zoo, Germany on Aug. 22nd. He was a gift from China to Germany in 1980.
AND—
Singapore will be receiving 2 pandas from China–Jia Jia & Kai Kai–on Sept. 6, 2012. They will reside at Wildlife Reserves Singapore in the River Safari section. People will be able to see them there around early December after quarantine and acclimating to their new home.
Was on the pandacam earlier tonite, and Bai has her baby on her big arm uncovered where everyone can see him (or her) very clearly. They were both getting some nap time in.
That’s all for now! Going back to pandacam!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Chari….since Lucilla Teoh lives in Singapore do you suppose she will have time to help Yunior with his writings? Well stories and letlters may be fewer and farter between but who can blame her with her home town having it’s own beautiful Pandas.
To have a better idea of proportions and how much cubbie growing, what is the width of the bedroom? How wide is the door?
C6: Mama, I am moving! I love moving! Wheeeeeee!
BY: Careful, Little One. Your legs are still not strong enough to support you. Soon though you will be able to walk and trot.
C6: I can’t wait. And also to meet my brudder, Yunnie, so we can play. I want to learn how to climb trees and swing from the branches.
BY: Ahem, that will be later, my love.
C6: Mama, I would love a spin cycle now, can you twirl me round and round?
BY: With a wash and dry as well?
C6: No, Mama, I am very clean already.
BY: Hmm, let me check.
C6: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Mama, that tickles, hee hee hee, your tongue is so rough yet soft.
BY: The better to clean you with my dear.
C6: And your snout has such warm air.
BY: The better to dry you my sweet.
C6: Your teefies are soo big and strong.
BY: The better to carry you, my dear.
C6: i’m hungry. Is the MMB open?
BY: The Mummy Milk Bar is always open for you, my chubby cubby.
C6: Nice flabour today.
BY: Special tonic just for you, my bao beh.
C6: Sigh.
Darling Yunni:
It is very nice that you keep us up to date on the private doings in the den. I bet you have fond memories of you and Mama in the den together too. I was luck enough to catch a lovely photo of you and mama each of the last two nights the Den door was open. You both were in the same pose, side by side-Big Mama and little you~just like you guys often were on warm nights on The Stone Throne.
My Favorite part of the Den Days was when you found your two front feetseis, and then your two other feetsies. In time you were able to get two at a time in our mouth, then 3, but I never knew how you got four feetsies in your mouth at the same time. They must have tasted really good since you used ever muscle you could to get them inside.
Write to us all agian soon….Love Grammmie
COOL :Chari news: thanks for the update. Our boy is anxious to get out and about as soon as he can see. At least Bai is letting us view the baby these days. And thanks to Doxie Mom for the photos.
Hello, here a mail from The Netherlands (Europe).
We watch everyday at the pandas from the webcam and we enjoyed very much watching the cub and his mother
from day 1.
Please continue the broadcasting of the lovely images.
Kind regards
Els and Peter Bieze
Stadskanaal
Holland
Moderator’s note: We hope you continue to watch our panda cub grow, Els and Peter!
I did not really know Bai Yun before the birth of this cub. but I feel like recently as she’s gotten more relaxed, she sometimes crosses her hind legs. this reminds me of a yoga lotus position. except she likes to do it lying on her back. she is sweet and it is good she gets to rest a little more deeply. cubbie looks pretty content just lying on the ground right next to Bai Yun. I think cubbie only gets regularly rattled when it feels stuck on its back and not sure how to get upright.
its Monday at 7 pm and I wonder why Bai Yun tends to playfully bite the cub?
She was doing it the other day too. Really wakes the cub up who, at this point, I think is a rather passive cub that wants to sleep a lot.
I remember Yun Zi moving around more and I dont’ remember Bai Yun going after him until he was older.
Just hoping she doesn’t hurt the cub with her love bites.
Question…..Please forgive me if I seem ignorant of these things, but I am, so, I would like to know if anyone besides myself get’s scared at how roughly mama handles her baby recently? She really rocks him around sometimes!
Thank you.
Vickie
Of course we all seem to have some jitters with every birth we witness on our computers, but after a while you get used to it. Just think back less than a month ago whe Bai was 1,000 times bigger than Chubbie Cubbie. But as usual Bai seems to know what is best, her treatment will get rougher as time goes by and the cub(ette) gets stronger and more bothersome but by then a lot of us will be used to her actions again. I also wonder if it is possible in the wild for Mothers to give birth to 6, let alone be able to raise them.
I don’t think you need to worry. Remember, we are watching on a cam which probably makes it seem rougher than it is. Bai Yun wants her cub to be squeaky clean and she has to do the licking thing to stimulate the cubs bowels, etc. I doubt that a single claw or tooth has touched that cub yet. Bai Yun knows exactly what she is doing. As far as the twirling goes, how else would she turn the cub and get every spot.
The nanny keepers are there keeping a eye on things and we have to remember that the cam was not a HD cam before. The keepers at the
San Diego put safety first for all the animals big and small. I have been able to visit 3 times and everyone at that zoo is great and do a top rate job.
Bai Yun provides a lot of loving kisses for her cub. Most of what we see is pure affection. Both Mama and baby seem to enjoy all of it. I don’t see the baby crying when he’s been tossed around. I have seen him crying pitifully when he gets on his back and can’t seem to roll over when his Mama is gone.
Thank you so much to all of you who answered my question with great reassurance. The wonder of all this is truly amazing to me and I will be watching for as long as we’re allowed – then…it’s a road trip in my future to San Diego! After all, a new panda aunt must see in person one she has come to love :- ) Thank you all again.
Vickie
You are supposed to say:
“My name is Auntie Vickie and I am a Pandaholic”.
Keep your eyes open~~the Panda Cam is on 24~~7~~365. The only way away from it is loss of computer, or power, or other breaks we just must take from it…..but you are in good welcoming company.
And Vickie, if you would like a nice way to get to know all of the Pandas in the Gao~Bai family just take a trip through the Flickr stream put up by Rita Petita. She visits the Pandas almost every weekend~~both days~~and even some night in the summertime when the night zoo kicks into gear. Her Pics are fabulous and I never tire of going down any of the trails. It works in reverse……latest photos posted come up first, but you get to see each cub or cubette from the day it went into the area called the classroom (before renovations) the first day in the Great Outdoors. For some reason they have not granted anybody den access. She has been so faithful to them that when she went to China last year to visit Zhen Zhen (She had left for China the August before) seemed to remember her, and even though she did nothing to encourage it but be who she always is with the Pandas, preferred to be on the side of her enclosure where Mollie was with her camera. ZZ always seemed to love having anyone to perform for. The day after she left Yunior found out and made up lost posters, showing her with a camera for a face. He adores her, and always smiles for her camera.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/
Just got on pandacam, and little baby cub is all snuggled up between Bai’s big arm and chin, and they are both having a very good nap together! He’s done some growing, too!
National Zoo’s panda page has a video about Mei Xiang that was taken from CBS News This Morning that was put on their page on August 24. When you all get a chance, go to the NZ website panda page and take a look & listen! Also, since the NZ panda keepers wrote their update about Mei Xiang’s second uptick on her progesterone levels on August 20, it has been 15 days since they announced her changes. So, we are still waiting for something to happen pretty soon! As of Sept. 4th, she is at 127 days gestation time. I also got a chance to get on their pandacam, and pandacam 1 is on her den that is all filled up with a large bamboo nest with her usual cuddling toys in there somewhere. Mei wasn’t in there, but I’m thinking that they will keep pandacam 1 trained on that den for quite awhile until Mei has her 2nd baby panda or not. I’m gonna stay positive, tho! Mei WILL have cub #2!! I hope that you all are with me for Mei!
Gonna go back to the SDZ cam and see that little cutie cubbie again! Thanks Bai for showing off your little baby a whole lot more!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
When is the cubs eyes going to open?
Moderator’s note: We expect the cub’s eyes to open when it is between 40 to 50 days old.
This cub seems to be more visible than past cubs. I wondered if, with Bai Yun’s age, she might be more prone to fall asleep and roll over on the cub. But the little one seems to have it’s head or whole body visible most of the time.
Is it possible we are seeing an optical illusion??? Perhahps it only looks like Bai is flat on the den floor when face down, but with her bottom in the air perhaps more of her is in the air too. It could create quite a good size cavern for the baby to move arund in. When on her back the cub(ette) is in her arms or on her chest most of the time.
Watching Bai Yun tend to Cubbie #6 as he/she thrives is such a joy. Thank you for giving us this incredible view.
Video from Monday, Labor Day, highlights include a close up of cubbie, nestled in the bamboo, waking up and rolling over on his/her back; Bai Yun eating bamboo laying down in the den with cubbie in her arms; 7pm PT bathing and nursing scene.
2012-09-03 Bai Yun’s Labor of Love on Labor Day
http://youtu.be/KEA7VR1E4Go
Adorable, DoxieMom! Thanks for sharing…
And in the last half of that video are a few times when it seems like Bai is looking straight up at the camera.
aaaaaaaaaw…another confirmation, all living things need to feel warmth, security, and a loving hand to grow and thrive…
soo sweet.
thank you.
Conversation with Bai Yun #39
Cubbie #6: Mama.
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
C: I think you are really, really, really beautiful.
B: Even while your eyelids still closed, dear?
C: Yes, Mama. And I will elaborate.
B: Oh, of course, dear!
C: The other day, I said I liked your mouth.
B: Yes, dear.
C: Well, I also like your nose.
B: Oh?
C: It’s such a high mountainous peak.
B: Thanks.
C: And it’s got powerful olfactory sensors.
B: Yes, of course.
C: And when you sneeze, it blows all cobwebs out the den.
B: No, no, no, maybe not quite that powerful.
C: And you have wonderful paws and claws.
B: Hee hee.
C: Very strong with sensitive action.
B: Ha ha.
C: And your neck…
B: Ooh!
C: Such exquisite and supple curves.
B: Sigh! (swoon)
C: And your paws with no claws…
B: What?
C: You have so many…
B: Now where did you get that idea?
C: Oh, they stroke my cheek and chin.
B: They what?
C: They massage my neck.
B: Oops!
C: What’s the matter, Mama?
B: I owe you an explanation.
C: Huh?
B: Mama does not have paws with no claws.
C: You don’t?
B: They are hands of our wonderful human caretakers.
C: Humans?
B: Yes, dear.
C: I don’t understand.
B: Someday you will see them.
C: Really? And will I lick them?
B: Maybe, maybe not. But please don’t give them baths.
C: Yes, Mama.
More, more, more! Priceless.
LOve this!Thanks for such a cute sweet conversation..
I just love, love, LOVE these conversations!! so much fun!! More please!
Adorable!!
Thank You P. Wong~~~~The Voice of the SDZoo Pandas.
Washington is saying that Mei Xiang is in the next stage of hormones, they’re saying that she should either give birth or end her nesting within the next few days. Maybe she did get pregnant this time, she had AI instead of natural breeding. Wow, it would be great to watch 2 little ones grow.
question: about separation, Po in Atlanta is going to be 2 years old and still not separated from Lun Lun and is still nursing even though he’s over 100 pounds, when they do separate them, is Po going to have a harder time without Momma then Yun Zi did, he was much younger …. ???
I also wonder about Po (and mommy – she did wants to play & nurse) But I think I remember FuLong (Vienna Zoo) was still nursing he was shipped back China
I believe they are letting them wean themselves naturally rather than a forced weaning.
This should mean that Po and Lun Lun will be more than ready to go thier own ways and it’ll be less stressful all round.
Fingers crossed. Can’t wait to see my first baby Tai has a little sister or brother. Still miss him so much!
Little Windy or Stormy is by herself! And HOLLERING! She is definetly earing her name! Viva little Storm Cloud!
Watching Bai right now, nursing her baby, is it me, or does anyone else see
her ever so gently rocking? I swear that’s what she’s doing!
She also rocked sometimes when Prince Fluffy Butt~~I mean Yun Zi~~~ was young.
I have loved panda bears since I was a baby in a crib with a stuffed panda teddy bear. I am deeply touched in my observations via the “panda cam” of the maternal nature of the mother panda towards her panda cub. She is most loving and kind and seems very attentive to her baby. Whenever I watch her she is cradling and kissing it like she is so proud and just loving on it and loves to play too. When she sleeps the baby is on her chest or tucked inside her arm in a safe place as I have only seen the mother panda sleeping on her back or side. It is clear to me that she is a good mother. And I got to thinking that human mothers could learn alot by watching her with her baby.
I agree, Janylee! I think it should be required viewing for all new moms! When moms leave the hospital: “Here is your baby’s birth certificate and your mothering video. Check with your clinician for the right technique for foot juggling, spinning, and nipping your newborn.”
Fingers crossed for National Zoo Panda Mei Xiang – keepers think she is days away from either a new cub or the end of pseudo-pregnancy! Let’s hope it is the cub!! It wo9uld be so much fun to have another U.S. cubbie!!!
this is some great work, thanks a lot!
just wondering, why does mama panda keep putting straw on bb panda?
It seems to be a toss up between hiding it or to keep it warm.
dear doxie mom thanks so much for the weekend updates. i was gone with no internet access for the holiday. first thing i did when I got home was look for your clips. Thanks again.
I just saw the little one looking up at the camera, so cute. I love the second exam video, The strategy is a win-win, I would give anything to hold that little round precious baby.
I wonder if the new cub has a certain smell to it…kinda like a new puppy or new car?
Between the nest and the Mother’s diet~~Bamboo.
Seriously? During all those panda exams with the previous 5 cubs, you guys never tried to sneak in a little indulgence with petting and such? Glad to see that such restrictions are over with–you wouldn’t have been able to stop me! (I would be *such* a pain to you all, if I was a keeper!) I know, you’ve all tried to keep things as close to events as they would happen in the wild (without the dangers, of course) and in the wild, there’d be no hairless 2-leggers (ei. humans) petting cubs when Mom went out to eat. But just now, I’ve noticed that Bai Yun ‘pets’ her cub while she nurses it (I want so much to say ‘her’). Anyway, the exam was a joy to watch, good to see the baby obviously happy, and good to hear that strong bark at the beginning too.
The baby is amazing to watch — and Mom really knows how to take care of it. What a treat to check the webcam several times a day. Good job, team! Poo-Bear (the baby) is a joy to watch.
Btw… Just in case there is a need for female name, another possibility is “Gao Wa”, means Gao’s child or daughter.
I want to name her “Windy” or “Stormy” to honor her conception. Maybe to honor her Papa we could call her “Big Storm” or “Big Wind” or “Big Rain”
Please Mr. P Wong, what would that be in Chinese? We know Gao is big.
Stormy describes her personality when her Mama is gone!
Thank you!!!
Chinese terms associated with “storm” generally portends tragedy, disaster, or other misfortune. Best to abandon that type of name. “Wind” is not typical for female names, nor is “gao” (for the most part), so best reserve for male gender. “Rain” has more flexibility. A nice female name for a panda can be Xiao Yu Dian, means “little raindrop”. This was a nickname of a female character I came upon when I read a 20th century Chinese novel some years ago.
this gets my vote
Love that one toooooooo!!!!!!!
I hope you are keeping a list P Wong. You always have great suggestions and interpretations! Looking forward to the naming game again!
what great videos from DoxieMom, getting some great views of the little one. Thanks for getting the postcard up and running, I have dozens, probably hundreds of postcards. Amazing how Bai Yun just flips that little one all over the place. She’s so gentle and obviously knows what she’s doing, I’m sure in the beginning she wasn’t so comfortable flipping the little ones.
question; I know that male pandas know when it’s time to mate with the female, does the mail sense when the female starts the nesting ritual??
Moderator’s note: He is long gone from her life by that time.
Bai and Cubbers are laying face to face — almost nose to nose — and it is absolutely enchanting!
Thank you Suzanne for the update on Bai and cub. He/she is so cute. I think it is a girl but only time will tell.
I am loving seeing this cub, bai does not seem to hide it as much lately. I guess it does not to keep as warm? I watched her with Yunior and I am always in awe of her parenting skills, so warm and loving. i do miss Gao and Yun Zi, how are they doing? I am sure the Chinese keep close tabs on the new member of their family, do they contact you to offer congratulations on the great work you do there and the birth of the new cubbie?
The Chinese did contact us and offered their warm congratulations.
You are all so awesome at the sdz…especially for letting bai do her own rearing of chubbie cubbie. It does my heart good to be able to see bai with her little one. I swear I see her rocking and patting the cubbies little bottom as she feeds her baby. I really feel blessed to be watching, so thank you to all who give their time to these precious bears.
Will there be a cub exam on Thursday?
Moderator’s note: One is scheduled for Thursday.
Moderator: Why does Bai pant so heavily at times? It’s almost alarming to watch.
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
The last 2 nites I have seen Bai Yun really panting, is she ok?
I have a feeling that the cubbie is a boy, i hope
Although it’s been warm in San Diego, Bai Yun does have the benefit of climate-controlled bedrooms. However, panting is a normal behavioral response of many mammals to heat, allowing them to cool their bodies. Bai Yun pants to thermoregulate. Staff monitors her closely and makes note of such behavior, but we haven’t seen anything to concern us.
thank you, Suzanne. That helps!
I know that the team was not able to get the length of the cub at the first exam. Were they able to get the measurement at the second exam?
Moderator’s note: 12.2 inches (31 centimeters).
Jia Jia: Hey, what’s that sound?
Kai Kai: Relax, it is an animal. We are in a zoo.
Jia Jia: So there are animals other than pandas here.
Kai Kai: Errr, we are the only pandas here!
Jia Jia: Oh.
Kai Kai: That is why we got to fly first class and having govt ministers feed us and welcome us. We are VIPs.
Jia Jia: So what other animals are there?
Kai Kai: I guess the usual, lions, tigers, elephants, hippos, rhinos, bears…
Jia Jia: Yippeeee, I have never been to a zoo before. Do you think they will allow us to visit the other animals?
Kai Kai: Maybe. Anyway we have to spend a month here.
Jia Jia: A month! Uh oh, I am going to need to go shopping. I need cushions and some wall hangings and a lamp over there. I need to buy some paintings for the walls. AND I need a tree!!!!
Kai Kai: Chill, after a month, we move into our $7 mil mansion with our own rock pool and waterfall.
JIa Jia: Woah! Fun. Any trees?
Kai Kai: As many as you can bring down!
Jia Jia: Wheeeee!
Kai Kai: Here!
Jia Jia: What’s this?
Kai Kai: Your S Pass. It is a work permit.
Jia Jia: I am listed as an entertainment artiste! Oh, I better bring out my feather boa and my long ribbons.
Kai Kai: I am listed as a pistol packin bamboo eater. I better practise. Hmmm, lookee here a bunch of boo.
Jia Jia: What nonsense! You are so not listed as a pistol packin bamboo eater.
Kai Kai: Look it up in the dictionary under Panda.
Jia Jia: Humph!
Kai Kai: See here. My iPAW says it is a black and white animal that eats, shoots and leaves. HAHAHAHA!
Jia JIa: Oh no, I opted for 10 years with him!!!!
Kia Kia: Hee Hee! Eats shoots and leaves, wahahahaha! I’m good, I’m good.
Having never been to the SDZ, I was wondering if each of the three pandas have their own enclosure, or are they all together in one. Also, does gao gao have any time with his new son/daughter or will bai not allow it?
Moderator’s note: Each panda has his/her own enclosure and bedroom area(s). Of course, Bai Yun is currently sharing her space with the cub! We only put Gao Gao and Bai Yun together during the brief breeding season. Bai Yun would not tolerate the presence of any other panda while she was caring for a cub.
Must be doing another exam this morning!
Moderator’s note: Yep!
Thank you for the camera views of the exhibit area this morning!
As I watch Bai Yun these last couple of days, it looks like she is nibbling the cub. what exactly is she doing? That cub is getting so big so fast. I been watching since Day 1 and its funny how now the cub likes to sleep having its own space. Not so cubbled up in its moms arms.
Moderator’s note: Nibbling is just one of the ways she stimulates and cleans her baby.
How GREAT is this??? Could watch all day. I am sure you have answered this a hundred times – but is BYLB (Bai Yun’s Little Bun) a result of natural mating with Gao Gao or was she artifically inseminated? He is so successful at making babies maybe you should lend GG to Smithsonian in DC. Poor Mei is on her last chance.
Moderator’s note: All of Gao Gao’s cubs have been the result of natural breeding.
The SDZ sent Gao frozen sperm ( in a first class sear
a few years ago but even the mighty Gao’s sperm didn’t help 
Am so anxious to see this week’s video of the exam. The cub is growing so much. I do remember the speed of their growth as have been tuned in since Mei Sheng was born. I do love each cub and, of course, still love to see Bai Yun’s wonderful care of each one. I am especially caring of this cub, as it probably will be Bai Yun’s last one. What a wonderful Mom she is, and what a beautiful cub she has to take care of.
Many thanks to all at SanDiego Zoo who give us this wonderful opportunity to watch all of a panda’s beginning of life.
Helen
YAY another exam this morning!! Hopefully we will get some news on the sex of the baby. Love all the updates you guys give on this little one! Thank you so much for keeping all of us updated on this adorable baby…
Wonderful close up of cubbie………..who is possibly the cutest little bit of Gao and Bai I’ve ever seen. Yikes……….he/she is total cuteness.
I’ve watched the new Panda babies for years and it still amazes me. I love these little babies. *L* Congrats on finding the way to calm this baby. As you said it will make the exams much easier for Momma and for the baby. Well done you all for the execellent care you give them.
While we wait word on the results from Exam 3, here are 2 videos from this morning … footage before and after the exam. The 2nd one ends with the little cub doing a 1/2 roll as Bai Yun left to go finish her breakfast
2012-09-06 Bai Yun and Cub: Pre-Exam 3 Bath and Nursing Session
http://youtu.be/G1VS0vEAoKk
2012-09-06 Bai Yun and Cubbie, Post-Exam 3
http://youtu.be/PT82LrgFMgc
As I haven’t had time to respond to individual comments, thank you in advance for watching and for your kind and insightful comments.
The exam is up on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1eHFC0LaCI&feature=player_detailpage
There still no word on the baby’s gender. As with everyone else, we’re dying to know!
Did you look at the Youtube title and the description? It’s a boy
So according to information we have learned regarding naming Panda’s and the history followed by the Chinese… we are suggesting instead of a translation saying Trent… we use their philosophy and add more depth to the name, such as:
Yong means brave or valiant
Han means just Brave
Shao means young
Nan means Son
Qi Shi one who enlightens many
Nánhái means boy…..
So ….it might be Yong shao Nanha (Brave young boy) or Han Nan (Brave son) or Han Nan Qi Shi (Brave Son who enlightens many)
they can call him Yong or Han Nan or Qi Shi…BUT WE can call him Trent ♥ or Tè lún tè ♥ i wish you name him afther this little boy he with god now and die the day the bear was born.