Hi, panda fans! I can almost see you.
For most of the last week, panda mother Bai Yun has been given access to her garden room at the San Diego Zoo’s Giant Panda Research Station throughout the day. She hasn’t really been out there much, though we have noticed her sitting in her sunroom and looking out to the grassy garden floor. It’s as if she is toying with the idea of exploring, but not yet sure if she should indulge herself.
We offer garden room access because it is the natural progression for a postpartum panda to need more time away from her cub, not because she tires of caring for her youngster, but because nature requires this of her. A wild panda isn’t provided with high calorie, nutrient-dense biscuits, yams, and carrots each day. Instead, she must rely on the nutrition provided by bamboo, which is comparatively nutrient and calorie poor. As her appetite comes back online from her postpartum fast, and the energy drain of lactating for an increasingly hungry youngster take its toll, mother panda must spend more and more time out of the den meeting her dietary needs.
Of course, Bai Yun is not a wild panda, and she does benefit from regular feedings by her keepers. She can count on twice daily provisioning of the best bamboo we have to offer, and a nice pile of supplemental foods to boot. She doesn’t have to wander far or be gone long to meet her needs. But she still seems to have that drive to be out of the den, away from the cub, for periods of the day. Surely those among us with children of our own can relate to the need for a little “me time”?
And so we have offered Bai Yun her garden room. In the past, once she determines that it is time, she will move outside during the day and rest atop her platform. She seems to enjoy the breeze, the sunshine, and the opportunity to interact with her keepers. Bai Yun is still very close to the den and can easily hear the cub should it vocalize a need. But there is something about emerging from the darkness of the den into the light of a warm fall afternoon that seems to be of value to Bai Yun.
At the moment, she’s taking that emergence slowly. Today, after the morning cub exam, she chose to lie down in the bedroom, a few feet from the den. She was actually napping with her head hanging out into the sunroom. This absence wasn’t driven by hunger; she just wanted to be out of the den for a bit. She is beginning to seek that “me time” at her own pace. We expect that over the coming week or two we will see her explore that garden room and settle in atop her favorite platform in the corner.
Speaking of the cub exam, our staff managed to get their hands on the little guy in the den this morning. With an abdominal girth of 12 inches (30.5 centimeters), and a length of 16 inches (41.5 centimeters), you can understand why he reminds me of a sausage: he’s nearly as big around as he is long! Historically, however, he is not our heaviest cub thus far at 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms). So he’s a petite sausage, I suppose.
Mei Sheng started out a little lighter than his sisters but became one of our larger cubs after several months. Whether or not our newest panda cub will follow in his eldest brother’s footsteps remains to be seen.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Read her previous post, Panda Cub Gets Keeper Comfort.
View more photos in our Panda Gallery…
Click to enlarge
I see the little fella has his eyes open!
Any video on today’s exam?
Will a video of the 4th check up be available? This cub is so adorable I can’t get enough of him! I bet the keepers do anything to be available on Panda cub check up day!
Thank you for the new update!
Yes, I’ve noticed that the cub is left alone for longer periods of time in the afternoons. Everyone wants and deserves “me” time, especially Bai Yun. She’s a great mom. Though, I don’t know how much bamboo is needed to barricade that door. (Will Bai clear out the den sometime or will the keepers do it?)
I’m glad for the Panda Cam as it brings joy to my day. I love watching Bai Yun cuddle the cub, pat it’s butt and go nose to nose with him. I clap when the cub works hard to roll himself over. I smile when I see him waving either of his feet, especially when he’s stuck on his back or Mom is giving him a bath. I think he may have picked up his Mom’s happy of tapping the foot. Now that I know the cubs eyes are open, it’s especially wonderful when both of them are staring out towards the light.
The cub sure is growing fast.
I love watching them too. She s such a good mom and they are so sweet together. Just makes me think about the real life lessons.
So great to see the lil guy growing up so fast ….Bai Yun is such a great mom! Thanks so much for your update!
Sounds as if Bai is very settled with her cub and is looking forward to enjoying the sunshine again. Just as we are, as we anticipate our holiday in San Diego in October. Look forward to seeing Gao & Yun Zi and maybe even you Moderator!
Any videos from this exam today to which we might look forward?
I, too, have noticed that Bai Yun has been leaving the Little Guy more often and for longer periods of time. Yesterday I was watching as Bai came back and seemed to be almost twirling the baby. As I watched this I noticed that the baby was moving more and more. This activity seems to be helping the Little Guy gain strength. I love watching Bai as she “plays” with her new baby. Is there a video of the new exam?
I’m just watching this adorable little fellow at 22.21 pm here in England. He is just utterly gorgeous !!! his mum is too, thank you so much or sharing him and his story with us all. He’s stretching and grinning and I’m so jealous of all of you who are caring for him and mum.
Lots of love
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Is there a video of today’s exam? Love those! Does the age of the father a factor in the sex of the cub? Does the father ‘control’ that like a human father does?
WOW he is getting so big and cuter every day!! Thank you so much for the update, I can totally understand why she needs more and more time away from the little one.. Was hoping for a video
with my animal obsession I always look forward to rewatching the weekly video over and over again I know it’s a little pathetic… but I am just grateful for what you guys provide and it totally makes me my day 
It looks like his eyes are opened. They look shinny. What a darling, darling babe. I love watching at various time during the day to either see him by himself or Bai laying with him. I especially love it when she’s holding him and cuddling. Oh how I wish I worked at the zoo and was one of their handlers. The little sausage seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. Thank you again for all the information you provide us adoring fans.
Now that Momma Bai is leaving the den more often and for a longer period of time, do you “the keepers” help take over feeding the cubbie, with some other kind of milk when Bai is not there? Does the little one still require a feeding every 2hrs, or can he go longer now that he is growing bigger?
Moderator’s note: He doesn’t need any help from us. He’s got the best care-giver in the panda world–his mom! Whenever he lets her know he’s hungry, she is there for him.
Baby seems to looking around now.
Moderator’s note: His eyes and ears are beginning to open.
So glad to hear all is well in Panda.and. Bai Yun is such a wonderful mother. I’m sure she wants that me time but she doesn’t want to be too far away from the “petite sausge”.
Thank you for the updates! I hope we can get some updates on Gao Gao and Yun Zi as well in the near future.
Do we get a video of the exam? Sorry if I seem anxious
Moderator’s note: Video will be posted soon.
He is absolutly adorable……
He is so cute! Can’t wait until he walks!
Sorry~he is not going to walk…..In my mind’s eye I see him DANCING. I was just reading back a bit in the comments from other postings in our blog and found that I am not the only one who might feel that way…..P. Wong’s conversation with Bai Yun #40, on 10-10-2012 talks a lot about rythum and mentions several of the dances in Pandalife. My “insight” into his dancing future was based on dress and type of movements. I did not even remember dancing coming up before….I bet P. Wong and I are not alone out here. Does everybody want to dance?????
I’ve seen a video of Lin Ping where it looks like she’s dancing. But, she’s a very talented girl.
I want to dance…with any giant panda that would allow me.
And a big one too. She was as big as her mom at one year old. I understand her Poppa is humungus.
A petite sausage! How adorable! Is there a Chinese equivalent name for that???
He is so sweet and cute …. and I can’t wait to actually see his eyes being open. So far have missed those opportunities.
Thanks for the explanation about “me time” for Bai. As a mom, I can certainly relate …. I just “worry” about the little butter bear.
THANKS!!! You guys are SUPER!!
Thank you Suzanne for the update on Bai Yun and the little one.
Love keeping up with the growth of the little guy.I check the Panda Cam many times during the day…feel like it is my baby to watch over. Thanks for haveing the updates and the Panda Cam.
Just wait until he is allowed to go outside and starts right in trying to climb trees (or in Yun Zi’s case a young bush), and looking for a hammock high in the climbing structure…..you will be in pins and needles while he tries to keep his bulk from falling while holding on with just his front feetsies. After he falls-as he certainly will-you will hold your breath until he scrambles up, shakes it off and goes right back to it…….just like your kids. You will be anxious about him being hurt, and at the same time cheering him on because you just know he can do it this time. I am not sure how we all survive beeing parents, and Panda Aunties and Unkas.
He is just such a little cutey. The new photographs from todays examination are fantastic – look forward to the video footage. At what age do panda cubs wean from the mother??
Moderator’s note: 17 to 22 months or so, depending upon the mother.
Zoo Atlanta’s panda Po is almost two (on Nov. 3) and he’s still with mom Lun Lun. They decided to let her wean him naturally. I still see him nursing on the cam. It looks a little weird as he’s about as big as his mom, but so far she’s not turned him away.
The video is adorable. In the exam I always see the gloves being used..but I was wondering about hair hanging down? I know the baby wont grab at the hair but if hair was to fall on the baby? Kinda like at a restraunt? Maybe I worry too much! The little guy is now bigger than the dog I rescued…she is 3 lbs and is 7 yrs old.
Moderator’s note: Although he may look cute enough to gobble up, we don’t worry about hair.
I am hooked on checking the welfare of the baby panda and his mum, Bai Yun, several times a day. They are both just adorable. Thank you for making the webcam available. Several of my friends are now watching his growth daily.
If anyone deserves “me time” it’s Bai Yun! She knows when she leaves the den her little boy will not be all alone because the nannykeepers and thousands of Panda Cam watchers will be “babysitting” until she returns.
The cutest little sausage I’ve ever seen.
Hello little sausage bear! I can almost see your eyes too! <3
Can't wait for the video!
Thanks Suzanne for the update. We have all noticed that Bai Yun leaves him for longer periods and that he is getting much more comfortable with her being gone. I love watching him when he is awake and stretching his limbs. Nothing is frantic anymore and I wonder if Bai makes any noises to let him know she is close by? It would be soothing for him and let both of them have their own space.
I love him. I cant believe how big he got since the last exam. Watching the panda cam now he is laying right aside Bai Yun head. Too cute. I read that now Bai Yun will be spending more time out of the den, so when will this little guy start to follow her and when will they be moved out of the den?
Moderator’s note: It’s all up to cubbie and Bai Yun, but the denning phase usually last 90 to 100 days.
My daughter made fun of me for watching the cam for a solid 40+ minutes last night waiting to see Bai come back into the den and pick up her cub. I can’t help it…there is something so amazing about watching how she picks up her baby. She is such a wonderful mother!
Thank you Suzanne for the panda cub update. I love the photo of the cub saying: “Hi, panda fans! I can almost see you.” This little guy is precious.
It’s great to hear that Bai Yun is able to take a break for a little “me time”. Your description really explains the value of me time and how it helps her. This was very interesting. I like the little “sausage”. 12-inches around and 16-inches long… even his measurements are cute.
I’m looking forward to Bai Yun taking the cub out for some fresh air in the near future. It will be lots of fun to watch.
I think his name should be Móhú de érzi which means Son of Fuzzy.
I’m really curious about what thing is developing that allows eyes and ears to open. Muscle development? Brain development? Nature dealing with cleanliness issues?
The eyes and ears opening correlates primarily with neurological development.
Thanks! Thank you for all you do at SDZ!
adorable picture. interesting to see chubbie sausage’s eyes opening. thanks for the explanations of Bai Yun’s behavior.
I just love this story, as I do all of them. I found the sausage comment, so very funny. It was really cute. He is so darn cute, and he is so much fun to watch. The other morning, he was sleeping next to Super Mom, and he had one of his arms up in a way that made him look like he was giving Momma Bai, a high five. It was so cute. I think it is so cool to be able to snap pics of them. Thanks so much for that, I really appreciate it. I have a folder started with those in my email.
nickname suggestion: Jimmy Dean (at least until he’s 100 days old, then he can have something more traditional)
White Cloud….what a beautiful name! Bai Yun and her cub have greatly changed my life! Each day I stop by to watch as a means to reduce my stress and enjoy nature. What amazing creatures. She has me checking into all things “Panda” these days! In that I have learned that it is common for a Panda to have two cubs, and yet to focus on only raising one. Has this ever been true in Bai Yun’s case? Has she ever had two?
Moderator’s note: No, but her daughter, Hua Mei, has had three sets of twins.
“he” “little guy”, did I miss something? Is it a boy? For sure?
Moderator’s note: Yep! See post Panda Cub Exam 3.
Wow, thanks, did not see that one! Too cute!!
i just got a computer a couple weeks ago and found out about the birth of the new little baby panda that you have at the zoo. i have really enjoyed watching how bai yun takes care of her baby.i haven’t been to the zoo for awhile and am planning a trip down very soon.the pandas and other bears are my favorite animals at the zoo.baby boy is just adorable:)
Hi! I’m glad that momma Bai is starting to find that ME TIME that she’ll be getting now because before too much longer, that ME TIME will practically be gone when this little guy starts to work on his walking, running, climbing, snitching little bits of food from his mom, playtimes, etc.! Take advantage of the quiet time now, Bai!!
Read the update about the cub’s vet check, and 4 pounds is a great healthy weight on him! And if I read it right, he’s starting to open up his eyes and ears? Oh boy! Once he gets to seeing and hearing real good, he’ll start working those legs and go exploring! Momma had better get her rest now before she really gets busy with her cub!
A belated birthday—Yang Yang at Atlanta Zoo on September 9th! He turned 15 years old and is the proud dad of 3 kids–all boys–Mei Lan, Xi Lan, and Po!
Been checking in on the NZ pandacam to see what Mei Xiang is up to just about once a day, and she has been in her den quite a bit either sleeping, licking herself, playing with her cuddle toys, and barely eating anything at all. I’ll keep watching her until we see her have a cub or not!
Gonna go and get to bed. Writing this at 3am EDT in Florida!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Did you see…! New cubbie at NZ Atta girl
]
At 4:30am EDT, just saw the pandacam, and the little cubbie is laying down on his little tummy with all 4 legs and little tail all tucked under him. Then, momma Bai started to cover him up! CUTE!!!
Well, today, September 13, is my birthday! I am now the BIG 6-0!! 60 years old today! What a milestone! Anyway, gonna enjoy my bday with my family and watching the pandacams!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Happy Birthday, Chari.
Hi Chari Happy birthday for the 13th What a great milestone! I have had 4 more birthdays than you!
Happy 6 Chari! You’re just a kid.
I’m sorry I missed the opportunity to send you birthday wishes, Chari! I’ve “seen” you here in the blogs for many years, so I feel like I should know you! I hope you had a wonderful birthday.
Soon we will have a chance to name the little one?
Bai Yun is enjoying her breaks, I’m sure. She SO deserves it
Wow his eyes are open!! Welcome to the sights of the world little one.
He is growing so fast…..
Thanks for the update
The baby “sausage” still has tantrums I see. I watch often, late and earlyand see the wee one alone. working hard to get from front to back often. Little feet going and going. So cute!!!How fortunate we are to be able to see this happening!~ Mama does take time out and sausage has many watchers over himself. In case of emergency?? HaHA. Bai is such a dear girl, but wait until the “treats” appear!!
I tried to find the blog from Yuni’s baby days but wasn’t able to locate it. It was about calcium depletion in lactating Giant Pandas. I was wondering if there have been any studies, or perhaps, Bai will be the first to be studied on calcium depletion in an older GP and the effects on her bones…While Bai is nursing, will she receive calcium supplements? Thank you!
Bai Yun does get vitamin and mineral supplements in the form of her biscuits, which are formulated to be extra-nutritious. We are not aware of any physiological studies on calcium depletion in lactating female pandas.
This cubbie does look like a little sausage… I have one of my panda stuffies on the chair beside the computer to remind me how he looks in person. Of course, I have had to change out the stuffies since he was born.
Question… can the pictures in the photo gallery/slide show be modified in such a way to include the date the photo was taken?
Moderator’s note: I’ll put that on my to-do list.
When you really think about it, the cub’s eyes being closed at birth serves another purpose. Can you imagine how scary it would be to see those large teeth coming for you when you are that teeny, tiny? And then there are Mom’s claws. Much safer to not know until you are little bigger and you have more of a sense of how loving this large creature is.
Isn’t nature grand?
They should name him Peter
Peter Panda!
Oh My! Peter, I need to share this story with you! Last week my four year old great niece got to see the third exam video and when she was asked by her mom what the baby panda should be named, she replied, “Pete!” Therefore, you have another panda-fan who also has chosen your choice
When would the baby come out of the den? I will plan a trip to the zoo around that time. Watching his development is fascinating, thank you so much for letting us be a part of it.
Moderator’s note: He won’t be on exhibit until at least December, when Bai Yun feels he’s ready and he’s able to walk well and navigate the exhibit’s terrain.
The video is sooo cute! That lil’ chubby cubby aka ‘lil’ petite sausage! is so content! Loves all the human massages! Good job everyone! Thanks for taking such good care of our babies!!!
How are Yun Zi and Daddy Gao Gao doing, these days?
Moderator’s note: They are doing well.
yay the video
what a rolle polle cubbie. I would love to hold him. <3
Thank you so much SDZ!!
Thank you for the new video. It was great! I didn’t hear him make a peep? Or did I miss something. Wish the videos were longer
(hint hint)
Thanks for all you do … it’s a real treat to have this inside view into the Panda world.
Moderator’s note: I’m told he made just one little squawk.
The moderator is correct: the cub was quiet throughout most of the exam, even though he was seeing people for the first time!
My mom and I have been watching the pandas ever since the baby was born, and it really means a lot to us to be able to watch them in their natural state. We lost both of our pets not too long ago, and our home has felt really cold and empty without their presence. These pandas have given us a sense of warmth where there has been sadness, and it has given my mom and I a chance to share a common interest and to strengthen our bond. Recently we went on vacation, and my mom bought me a beanie baby panda as a souvenir, because she knew that it would have a special meaning to me. The name on the tag is ‘Bonsai’. It would mean a lot to me if you would consider naming the cub after the stuffed bear my mom got me on it’s 100th day ceremony. I would like to honor her for being there for me through everything, and for all the trials that she has had to suffer through in life. Seeing the panda cub and his mother is a reminder of how important my own mom is to me, and how both I and the cub are so lucky to have that special person in our lives. A mom is truly the best friend one can ever hope to have.
Moderator’s note: It’s nice to hear how our pandas can bring such comfort to so many! We’ll soon have information on how to submit name suggestions for our newest cub. Stay tuned!
Pandas were used to get my Daughter and Granddaughters closer~~all of us closer too. How nice of Bai Yun and Chubbie Cubbie in helping us with our emothinal lives. Have you noticed lately that when Bai is in the right possition, and CC cuddled next to her that she is pulling the front paw up by her head so that we have a clear view of them both. Bai Rulels ! ! !
On a side note, I was wondering if you will have a video feed of outside the den once the cub is old enough to follow Bai-Yun. It would be sad to think that once the cub is grown, we will no longer get to watch it as it learns and grows. Just a suggestion, but if you have a cam feed on another animal that isn’t as popular as the giant pandas, it would be great if you were able to switch out the cameras so that we could have a crisp, colorized view of them.
Moderator’s note: Panda Cam will follow the cub wherever he is, plus show pappa and big brother from time to time.
The fun is just beginning. You think Mom is rough with the cub now just wait until she moves him by the scruff of the neck or knocks him off a branch
This will be the 8th cub I’ve watched and still wonder how they hit the ground so hard & bounce right up 
Momma is right there snuggles BUT DON’T TAKE HER FOOD. 
YES “All Food is Bai’s Food” is one of the most imprtant things he will learn. And he will learn to eat the snackies fast, because she lives for snackies, including opening his mouth to make sure he is not hididng a bit of apple or carrot. She would say she is checking for or taking food that is too big or hard for him and might swallow whole and choke. It is not that she is a bit of a pig~~~well yes I guess that would be it.
I do hope that HIs Big Brudder Yunior will tell him about where he Stashed his snackies, on the top of the Stone Throne, near the base of a tree, if it was not remodelled out of exsistance.
I would like to share a Panda Cam video of Bai Yun having breakfast in the den with her cub. Bai Yun is busy eating but at the same time she is carefully watching the cub. The video can be found at the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxoxXvGmNoA&feature=plcp
Thank you for sharing the video….I had not seen that, and it was really cute. Love watching CC motorng around a bit before he climbed up on mommie~i bet he was looking for the lower milk bar.
Thanks for the exam report. He is really doing well. Took a couple of photos today. Am off the Athens tomorrow for two weeks in the Aegean and won’t have a chance to see his growth until the very end of the month.
Hope everyone continues to enjoy watching this little muffin grow and grow.
Moderator’s note: Safe journeys, Mary!
Hi everyone! This is my very first post. I have been watching Momma and baby since one week after he was born and have been addicted ever since! This is so miraculous to watch and I thank everyone there for sharing this with the world. I too, like many others have started a Panda folder for all my snapshots. I arrive at work and bring up the PandaCam. It’s up all day at the office and as soon as I get home! My Dad thinks it’s like watching paint dry…. but I find it absolutely amazing. What a great Mom Bai Yun is! I also find myself anxious to see the petite sausage up on his little legs. How long do you think it might be before then? What is the norm?
Again, just thank you thank you thank you for sharing these wonderful creatures with us. What a great job you all are doing!
Moderator’s note: Welcome, Deborah! Our cubs start making forward progress on their own by day 73. Our little guy is now 46 days old, so he’s got a few weeks to go.
When checking SDZ panda cam today I noticed that I had not done this for quite some time, not because I am not interested but owing to my job where I have got no access to a PC during most of the day. So I did miss quite a bit in the meantime which I am now trying to catch up on. First of all many thanks for the two videos of Bai’s baby boy and the reports. I sort of “knew” all along that it would be a boy. Congrats to all of you! I am so sorry to have missed out on Bai’s 21st birthday. ” Better late than never, dear Bai, all the best on your 21st birthday and hopefully many, many happy returns! You are a panda mother supreme and has given me and all the other panda lovers so much joy and happiness which I am very grateful for. It took the blues away sometimes. The latest addition to your family is too cute for words, but so were all your other babies which you and also your husband Gao Gao can be so proud of. But you do know this already. I wish you and your baby all the best for your time together in SDZ. Lots of love from Austria, Your devoted panda friend
His back leg triggering from the scratches is one of the cutest things ever!
I also noticed and am amused by how tickly he is. It just had to be a boy!
I just enjoyed yesterday’s video, thank you for that. The little one was so relaxed, he seemed to sleep a lot through it. He seems to be the size of a big house cat now altho ( hopefully) plumper. And I hope my doctor never tells me I’m almost as wide as tall! Had to laugh at that!
I am so in love with this little guy. She is such a wonderful mother. Can they see the webcam? It looks like she is staring right at it and then tries to cover the baby with the bedding. LOL
There’s a cute name for him that Mary called him, “Little Muffin” only in Chinese it needs to be.
Thank you again for sharing this wonderful adventure with us.
I find myself checking the webcam during the day_just a quick peek to see how Bai n her cute little sausage r doing. He’s been active f awhile now w his little legs moving a lot. Can’t wait to see him at the next exam_gets cuter each time.
When will the little sausage be on exhibit, for how long initially, what hours? My hubby n I wud like to fly down fr Calgary to SD f a few days n spend some time at the zoo to visit Gao, Bai, Yun Zi n Sausage. We thot of flying down right after Xmas but we didn’t think the little one wud be on exhibit yet. Thanks.
Moderator’s note: We can’t say for sure when cubbie will be on exhibit, other than sometime in December at the earliest. Typically, the cub would be out in the mornings only to start.
I was checking on Bai and baby this morning 0600-0630 ET and I noticed Bai was up for a little while getting sick. She looked like she was trying to clean up whatever came back up a few times before she left the den. Is she doing okay today and what was it that possibly made her sick?
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun was not and is not sick. She’s fine.
I travel for my job and am currently in Africa for a couple of weeks. My home is in Edinburgh where I’m a Panda Mummy to Yang Guang and Tian Tian, and I’ve followed the apple of Bai’s eye since his birth.
I’m in awe of Bai and her incredible mothering skills, and I’m sure I can’t be the only person who feels that she really loves and emjoys her time with him, she seems to smile (I know this sounds mad) and lose herelf in that little bundle.
So far from home, catching up on the website makes me a little less homesick for my beloved edinburgh zoo.
Thrilled to see a new exam video tonight, what a treat.
That chubby little saucisson gets cuter by the day, doesn’t he? I wonder if the keepers measure that!
Don’t let Bai Yun fool you. Yes she is a competant and wonderful mother, but she is impatiently waiting for him to get a bit bigger so zhe will have a “toy” to play with. She often got impatient with Yun Zi when he would sleep for hours when she wanted to play. Sometimes getting close and gazing at him~~willing him to wake up~~other times waking him up in an effort to convince him play was more important than sleep. He would sleep so long often we wondered if he was a “stuffed” Panda.
OOOh I just realized we’ll be in San Diego for Thanksgiving. The rest of the family memberships. I bet we can work in a trip to see the pandas.
Come on a visit to the Pandas, and work in a time with the family..
Perhaps Chubbie Cubbie needs a NIckName. From viewing the video of his exam #4 I see that he not only still moves a hind foot like scratching, when tickled near his ear, but he also likes being stroked from his head towards his back, just like every puppy I have ever known. How does everybody feel about a nickname of Puppy???? It susre seems to fit to me. Think of the attention our blog will get when somebody sees that if you “click” here you will see Bai Yun and her Puppy. There is not really anything to click on, but if there were I would look, wouldn’t you????
I just enjoyed watching Bai Yun snacking on bamboo in the den while the cub, covered by boo leaves, sleeps at her feet. Too cute! This is the first time (with this baby) that I’ve seen Bai do this behavior, but to me it’s a sign that Bai and cubby have moved to another stage in their mother-son relationship. She’s now comfortable with having him lay beside her instead of sleeping in her arms.
Suzanne, you were wondering if Bai brings in some boo stalks to eat or just make a new nest with, well, I caught Bai on the pandacam with THREE stalks of boo IN THE DEN eating them while her little baby boy was napping by the wall of the den in front of her at 9:45 pm EDT (6:45 pm PDT your time), and she was perfectly comfy eating her dinner in her den! Cubbie is very comfy in his own little spot napping! Love them both!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
I let my eyes go to the bit of screen where CC is on my screen, he is doidng an imitaion of Bai as a beach ball
When baby is alone and sleeping in the den, something is moving me to cover him with a little blanket.
I was thinking the same thing love to get a blanket and cover him up
It’s about 90 degrees in SD today — so I think the den stays nice and cozy.
Keep up the good work! You know anyone viewing the webcam or the video would trade places with you in an instant just to be in the same room as a baby panda! You do have the best jobs in the world!
I am curious about something. A few times, when Bai is cleaning the baby, she looks like she is getting rough. It is almost scary sometimes. Seems like she is cleaning and disciplining at the same time. Is this normal behavior? I just wonder sometimes if having another baby at her age, not sure if that is too old, can be harder for her and maybe she gets irritated.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun’s cleaning technique is totally appropriate for a panda. Please don’t worry, Kathy. He’s in good paws.
Thanks for reassuring this worried mom. I will try not to worry anymore.
Not sure if you mentioned this before, however, how many teeth does the cub have at this point?
Moderator’s note: None of his teeth have erupted yet.
I see we get to name the newest cub. Being it is the year of the Dragon, they say these babies have great blessings. Where do we submit names???
Moderator’s note: We’ll be providing that information later today. Be sure to check back!
Lóng de érzi báiyún I have it!!! Dragon son of white cloud!!
Boy, Bai gave the baby a good going over this morning and then left the den. The little sausage was tring to crawl. didn’t get to far but he was trying,Get ready Bai your boy is on the move
Dà érzi báiyún BIG son of Bai Yun…this includes Gao Gao…
At what age do the babies start eating solid food?
Moderator’s note: They start mouthing bamboo at 7 to 9 months.
What’s the metal pan doing in the den? (around 10:30 Central time)
I think mommy is going to give cubbie her own exam lol
What’s going on? Bai Yun has a suitcase in there. Is she planning some travel? How cute!
So it’s her serving dish. She might want to use it as a barrier to keep baby inside, not that he’s planning on leaving soon.
Thanks for all that you do for these wonderful animals and for answering questions so promptly.
I just checked in on panda cam 11:38 EDT, and it looks like Bai Yun dragged a dish or something into the den. What is it? Also looks like cubby is telling her a secret, he is up against her right ear. It’s so cute!!!!!
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun dragged in her metal serving dish. All is fine.
Friday 9-14-12 0855: What’s that square thing in the den? Does Bai Yun now have a purse?
Moderator’s note: It is her metal serving dish.
Just checking in for the day… and this might be a dumb question, but what is the square thingie in the den with Bai? And did she bring it in? Everyday is a new and exciting day with these two. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Moderator’s note: It is her metal serving dish. She brought it into the den.
I just noticed a “container” of some kind in the den with Mom and little bit. Looks like a small handbag…??? I’ve never seen this before.
Thanks for your help and all you do for these beautiful creatures.
Moderator’s note: It is her metal serving dish.
Thanks for that info. Bai seemed totally unconcerned with it, so I knew it was something familiar to her….just not to us!
What did Bai bring in the den? I checked a couple of minutes ago, and was surprised to see a square thing. Like a floatation cushion from a boat; are you expecting lots of rain (lol)???
Moderator’s note: It is her metal serving dish.
Maybe Bai Yun is having guests to dinner. If we see silverware service, a vase with flowers, that sort of thing, it would confirm my guess.
Maybe she’s having relatives over to meet the baby.
Thank you!!! Almost looks like a pillow!
Just came across this site today and I have to say it’s so heartwarming to watch the momma and her baby. Reminds me of those days when my youngest and I would snuggle and nap and nurse and nap for extended periods of time.
A great distraction during the busy day during a break!
Sent the link home so my kids can see the pandas too!
Thanks so much!
Moderator’s note: You’re welcome, MO. We hope you enjoy watching our panda cub grow!
Ah, the joy of motherhood and breakfast in bed. I guess cubbie wanted to be fed at the same time Bai Yun wanted here breakfast. I thought it might be a serving pan (looks like the big ones used here at the University of Maine), and also figured all was okay, because I know none of you would allow Bai Yun anything dangerous. Thanks for letting us know for sure what it is.
You ought to auction off the metal serving dish!
Bai Yun: I learned a new frisbee game. We should trademark it.
Looks like Bai Yun is getting some me time!
Good for you momma – a little fresh air is good for the soul – little guy looks like he was missing his blankie – but settled in nicely. I would have such a hard time being nearby… I would keep wanting to go in and hold him when momma was taking a break! 
I am loving the zoom in shots of the baby when he is alone. I just can’t get enough of watching him wiggle and kick. If there was sound I would never look away! I love him he’s soooooo cute
omg he has gotten so big its not even believeable just got done watching the video and man has ha grown.. me and my grandma have become so attached to this little gut that we check in daily to see what there doing weather its sleeping or shes giving him a bath or shes out eating and hes alone on the den floor just like right now…. what a good zoom in
he looks so helpless laying there all aone like that… cant wait to see when he starts to crawl and move around a little more 
How cute! The baby is sitting up on Mama’s arm to nurse. What a big boy!
I’ve just been watching cubbie trying extremely hard to roll over:-) How cute.
I enjoy catching the kid trying his best to roll over when he’s stuck on his back. I actually clap when he does it successfully. After one successful turnover session, he went right to sleep *LOL*
I also love it when he shakes that leg!.
its so cute!!!! i love pandas !!!! hes name must be chom chom
cutie patootie…..
thanks, S!
p.s. how’s the weather there? l.a. is miserable. just watching Bai, she looks like she’s really panting….
Moderator’s note: It is warm here today, but her den is attached to an air-conditioned room and keepers would intervene if she was in distress.
I know everyone keeps asking about Bai panting but it’s getting hard to watch the past hour. She’s not having an easy time and I”m watching her now laying on top of the cub and her stomach is going a mile a minute.
I’m worried.
Moderator’s note: Please know that our keepers monitor Bai Yun and cub closely throughout the day and would get help for her if something was amiss. No need to worry–that’s our job!
Moderator, you take such good care of us too, thank you
Moderator’s note: You are very welcome!
Watching the cubbie is wonderful therapy … especially when he’s alone and on his back. Here’s some footage showing him stretching and yawning and doing leg lifts … building up those muscles of his
2012-09-12 Close-up Cubbie Cuteness on Exam Day
http://youtu.be/U3eoSh-L05E
For those of you that might want to see Bai Yun bring in her metal serving pan this morning, here’s the video …
2012-09-14 Bai Yun, Cubbie and the Pan !?!
http://youtu.be/SU-YlZHFHS0
I caught it when it was in the room and was sad that I missed her bringing it in. DoxieMom, you’re a treasure for putting the video for us. That is one strong pan as Mom sat on it *LOL*
Now I wonder how the pan left the room. Did Bai Yun take it out or did a keeper had to save the pan?
While watching the “Pan” video I also had them on the live cam, and it was hard to figure things out. In live action he was alone until she came in and played with him and left again. Now she came back and took him somewhere.
As for the Pan~~I sure hope it was disposble….and along with this video I bet you could auction it off to aquire more enrichment items. As of right now Bai has not brought CC back to the den.
In some shots it looked like she was putting the pan over him….made me catch my breath fearring he might inadvertainly get crushed, then she seemed to try to sit in the pan….that was really funny since she would really only be able to fit one foot at a time in it. I waited to see if she put CC in the pan, but no. Now she has returned to the den with CC and it looks like it is time for washing and feeding.
The pan thing kind of reminds me of the time she and Yun Zi had a “donut” enrichment item that she also tried to sit in….even though Prince Fluffy Butt could barely fit in it himself.
It looks like KIng Fluffy Butt is now going to be smothered in kisses, and groomed within an inch of his fur. She has checked to see if we were watching, by staring at the webcam, then showed off His Highness before beginning to smother him some more.
Have a Panda weekend….Love Grammmie
Thanks DoxieMom for sharing. I melted.
I cry every time I watch a video of this perfect creature. He is so beautiful. I am so grateful you share his progress and I love watching the PandaCam every day.
thanks for posting the exam videos. I really enjoy watching the cubbie getting pampered. he looks so relaxed and content. it’s like getting a physical at a spa. I also like watching the cam when the cubbie is wiggling around trying to flip over onto his belly. I imagine his cries are like a category 5 hurricane. I don’t know if he remembers how to flip from the last time or if he somehow just does it accidentally. but when he’s on his belly again, it’s all calm and good.
It is amazing to watch Bai interact with baby! It is almost human like the way she holds him, naps with him and tends to him…We laugh at the way she holds him like a football, but still so gentle! Thank you for making my day so much brighter!
Thank you Suzanne for this informative blog as I’m very interested in the behaviors of both Bai Yun and her cub during the denning phase. I was wondering if you’ve updated the Cub Contact Chart that you posted in the the August 24th, 2009 blog “Panda Cub: In Due Time” as I’m curious as to how Cubbie #6 compares to Su Lin, Zhen Zhen and Yun Zi. Thank you all for your time ~ much appreciated.
Suzanne responds: Not at this time.
Bai Yun is getting a lot of alone time today. I only saw her with the cub one time so far. The cub seems fine without her, too!
When cubbie is solo in the nest and his mouth is opening, is he crying or vocalizing or just yawning?
Guess Bai Yun felt it was time to introduce the little one to the bedroom. She took him out at 7:04pm. I hope he has bamboo bedding out there unless the cooling floor is a lot better for him.
…and Mom brings him back 5 minutes later
Is she supposed to take him out of the den? I just watched her come in and take him out of the den? I don’t think that is supposed to happen.
where did mom take cubbie for a few min I watched her first put stuff over the cub then come and picked him up and took off with him I know she is back now but it was pretty scary
8:00 … Ears, tummy, tush, toes – spin – toes, tush, tummy, nose. Bath attack after a nice supper.
We love watching the panda cam. We will be in San Diego in October (from the UK) and looking forward to visiting the zoo. Will we be able to see the baby panda?
Moderator’s note: No, the cub won’t make his public debut until December or January. But Gao Gao and Yun Zi will be ready for you!
I know Bai Yun is an absolutely wonderful mother, but when I was watching the cam last night about 8:00 p.m., it appeared she was tossing the baby around rather roughly and was biting him. He’s in great shape, I know, but I can’t help but wonder about her behavior. Do you monitor the video, and can you comment on this behavior?
i was wondering where he went last night
I am a Missouri first grade teacher and have been watching the baby and mom panda all weekend. I created an entire unit of study for this week and now can’t see the live cam. Is something wrong with it?
Moderator’s note: It’s working fine on our end. Please try again.
Is he walking now i cant see him lol awwww
I have been watching the panda cam since soon after the baby cub was born. I have become quite attached to both mom and cub. Our own pets passed away this past spring..within 6 weeks of each other. Our home has felt empty. Bai and her baby cub has added warmth once again..if not in our home..in our hearts. I watch the cams almost constantly when I am online. I noticed tonight that Bai Yun had went out of the den..the baby was sleeping. I was watching about 40 minutes later and saw the cub removed from the den. It’s been over 3 hours and Bai and her cub have not returned. I am becoming concerned that something may have gone wrong. Worried in Tennessee.
almost bet she took him last night to the bedroom i think it might be cooler out there for the 2 of them
Was there a weekley check up yesterday ( 9/19/12) ? if so will we hear about it and or see a video soon? Love to see them.
Moderator’s note: An exam was scheduled for this morning. We’ll post a blog, photos, and video later today.
I watched our adorable cub last night around 8 pm and later but never saw Bai Yun, am watching now this morning 10 am (pacific standard time) and again no mom. Has she been in and out, mostly out or am I just missing her?
Moderator’s note: You’re just missing her.
Aha, Mom came back, checked him over and left again. Now I don’t have to worry about him, and I can leave the computer and continue with my life!!!!! for now. How many of you feel the same way?
I do! I watch often, and have been so enthralled to see what a good mama she is
Cuddling and cleaning… sweet to see them snuggle together.
I see you have not updated the weight graph.
Moderator’s note: The weight graph posted with this blog is accurate for the date the blog was posted. To see the most current weight comparison graph, see the post Panda Cub: Exam 6.
I am mesmerized by their relationship and the wonder if it all!