I can almost see you now!
The Giant Panda Team at the San Diego Zoo completed another exam on our little cubbie this morning. The calm, 53-day-old cub didn’t make a peep while he was weighed, measured, and examined by veterinarians. While being scratched behind his ear, it triggered a super-cute kick reflex in his leg that had everyone in the exam room saying “aww.”
The newest cutie weighed 4.9 pounds (2.26 kilograms) and is 16 inches (42 centimeters) long. Veterinarians noted that his eyes are almost open now. They believe the cub has some vision, but it is likely limited to light and shadows. His chest now measures 12.5 inches and his well-fed belly is 14.5 inches around.
Bai Yun has started taking her boy out of the den and into her attached bedroom area while she eats bamboo, so don’t be alarmed if you check in on Panda Cam and find the den empty. She’ll return him soon.
Members of the Panda Team have nicknames for the cub, but we are still taking suggestions for the cub’s official name through Monday, September 24. Just click here to submit your name idea!
Check out more pictures in our Panda Photo Gallery.
Click on the Giant Panda Cub Growth chart below to view in larger format
Thank you so much for keeping us informed on the latest. I’ve become such a fan…and an addict! (and it’s legal)
Oh these cubs are so beautiful, I feel like I know so much more about them than I ever did. Thank you , They make my day!!!
wen will baby panda start walking
Moderator’s note: At 14 to 15 weeks.
He is soooo adorable! I just watched the exam video on Facebook and love the way he kicks when his chin or ears get scritched! Look at all those incredibly cute yawns!! He is so good! Not fussy at all and just such a happy little guy! I wish I could figure out how to do Pinyun. I would name him Big Happy Cloud!
Hi Debi, I vote for Big Happy Cloud! Pinyin is easy here, go to
http://tool.nciku.com/pinyin-translator/#results
type english in the upper box click translate, and the pinyin translation will appear in the lower box. You can cut and paste it from there. I’ve tried some sayings that it won’t take, maybe because the Chinese would never say it that way the way I said it? Good luck, it’s fun!
Happy Cloud in pinyin would b “Le Yun”
Le means happy, and Yun means cloud.
I don’t think they name panda for three characters, so i didn’t put big, big is “Da” in pinyin.
I agree with you, the Pinyan is very confusing to me too. I actually gave up on it.
So cute! And Bai Yun is a champion Mom!
aww..he is sooo cute n so good not even a squeak it makes my heart ache. I wish I could hold n cuddle him. SDZ folks…you are doing an awesome job! Can’t wait to fly down n visit the little wee fella n his gorgeous family.
Iris – Calgary – Come to the panda convention on March 23, 2013 in San Diego and meet your fellow panda fans! Next year will be the 4th annual gathering and we expect many people to sign up. Check out the pandafandom page on FaceBook for more information.
no other word for it but aaawwww
How precious!!! I love his paws and those long nails. I think that is so amazing. I love the little leg kick as well. He is indeed special. Bai you are such a special mom.
i can’t believe mom doesn’t hurt him during the spin cycle with the lenght of her claws. Amazing!!!
Too cute how he gets what I refer to as a “thumper reflex”, just like my puppy does. He is one happy and healthy little panda cub. Thank You for all the updates and keeping us informed about how fast he really is growing.
My 2nd husband called that being twitterpated.
How could he get any cuter???????
The little one just did an excellent job of attempting to crawl after Bai as she left the den. He turned around and used all four legs in the correct crawl pattern, then he rolled back down into the center of the “nest”. It does seem that the edge of the den has a higher layer of nesting material than the center.
The SD Zoo (and camera volunteers) does such a good job giving us access to these precious babies.Just hope that Chinook will have a cub(s) and there will be a camera in it so we an observe the development of a polar bear or two or three. Many thanks!!!!!
Awwwww! Thanks for the great update. He is precious and so comfortable. You, of course, have us spoiled with all of the information you provide. Will you post a new graph?
Moderator’s note: Sure! I wasn’t sure if anyone was interested in those.
Love to compare
Thank you
Moderator’s note: You’re welcome. As long as there is interest, we can continue to post these.
Absolutely interested. I enjoy studying them like I do my own kids’ growth curve charts. Thank you!!
love the charts.
Baby Boy Panda is so beautiful and adorable. I want to hold him and hug him. How lucky you Panda caregivers are to be able to be that close to him….I am checking in everyday to see his progress. Just love him!
I’ll say it—AAAAWWW!!!! We just have to say that word over and over again every time we get on the pandacam to see this little cutie butterball! Just read the vet exam report, and his weight and measurements are really good for him, especially that tummy measurement! He is one well fed little guy thanks to momma Bai! Just took a look at the NZ pandacam, and Mei Xiang is doing her momma thing, too—feeding her 4 day old cub. It was really quiet for once when I was on the cam watching them. This tiny cub is a real squealer when Mei moves around or when she’s hungry! I guess I’ll call her Squealey until they find a good name for her in 96 days! Still hoping for a girl for Mei this time!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Me too Cheri! What a sweetheart Su and Zhennie are. We can hope!
When will he be in the enclosure for us to see in person?
Moderator’s note: He’ll probably make his public debut in December or January.
What else can you say about the little cutie but AAAWWWWW.
Today was a great day on the panda cam, and we he went missing I just knew he was getting his exam! Thank you guys so very much for all of the updates and videos. And thanks for explaining the pinyin thing, I’ve been trying to do it all week!
In reading a past posting by Suzanne Hall, dated Aug.11, 2011, she mentions a ceruloplasma test that is an indication of a panda pregnancy. Did SDZ use it before the recent cub’s birth and did National Zoo use it before the birth of their cub?
Measuring ceruloplasmin (CP) in the urine of giant pandas is a new technique. This protein has been shown to increase in the blood of pregnant women and dogs but has only recently been used to unlock the secrets of early pregnancy in the panda. We did measure CP in Bai Yun’s urine this year, and by mid-May we confirmed that she had conceived. Researchers at the National Zoo did not measure CP in Mei Xiang’s urine and were not certain she had conceived until her cub was born.
No wonder, I didn’t seen panda cub around 10:30PM last night. Bai Yun taking him out the den…
Okay, Panda Team, don’t tease! What are your nicknames for the
little guy???
p.s. It’s been 3 days since I checked in, he is growing soooo fast!!!
He is just waaaaay off the cute scale! The little leg kick/reflex reminds me of my sweet Golden Retriever, Rusty, who passed away 31 July. He had a reflex just like that when I brushed his side just in front of his back legs…and he’d do it standing on all fours! (well, three, anyway). So cute!
I woke up last night to check on the little guy and found him gone. Can we say addicted here because I went into an absolute panic. I was frantically searching for the number to call the zoo to see what had happened when in came Bai with the little guy dangling from her mouth. This is a new experience for me to watch this so thanks for letting us know not to be alarmed.
Moderator’s note: Be sure to read a post from September 2009, when Bai Yun did the same thing with a tiny Yun Zi: Pandas: All is Well.
I may be worse…….I watched the empty den for a very long time until he was back…the empty den transfixed me.
Thank you so much for the link. I can not tell the SDZ how much I appreciate the fact that we are able to see the interaction between Bai and her cub. It has brought a whole new perspective to my life.
What a cutie, but did you see those claws already? He is saying – “come on guys, you are interrupting my nap” – lol Keep up the good work, Bai Yun, and all of SDZ – you guys and gals rock!!
Ok, so Bai had the baby!! In t he sunroom. At least she brought it back!! Shades of YunZi and his foray to get home to his nest. Gets possible. When it’s nose goes black he will be a boy!
Needed that reassurance. Thanks a bunch!
Too bad he doesn have genetic markers on his paws.Maybe later?
He is the spitting image of his father.
I agree, Deb. I think he is destined to be small but mighty just like Gao Gao, even minus the webbed toes.
Thank you Jenny for the update on the little cub and Bai Yun. It is good that she is taking her little boy out with her to her bedroom so she can spend more time there eating and just being out of the den longer.
He is just adorable…and really couldn’t be any cuter. It is wonderful to be able to watch him grow week by week. They do grow fast. It won’t be long until he is up and around and running after his mom. It is great to enjoy each stage of his life. We are so lucky to have the San Diego Zoo give us the opportunity to see him up close. Many thanks to all.
Helen
Just saw the video of the cub’s vet exam, and I saw that little foot moving up and down when one of the keepers was scratching behind the cutie’s ears! How CUTE was that?! He was very mellowed out, yawning a couple of times, and trying to keep his eyes open! That is just one adorable little fuzzball, and I wish I was there to give him a little hug!
Just watched Bai somewhat playing with her little boy, and she was turning him around alot, nudging on him alot, and giving him a few licks to keep him clean. He’s not ready for his mom’s rough and tumble playtimes yet! Wait a couple of weeks, Momma!!
Back to the pandacams!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Thanks for the new video of the latest exam. He certainly is a mellow fellow and really loves the chin scratching — looks like it makes examining him a lot easier than if he were squirming and crying. You are taking such great care of this little treasure, and we panda fans are thrilled by all the reports, pictures, videos and most of all the cam where we can see him as often as we like…
…and Mommy took the kid out on an outing again at 7pm. Such a great mom
4 mins later, They are both hanging at the door of the den
. Mom is half in the den and the other half in the bedroom.
I have a question about the measurements listed above.
16 inches is from where to where??
I have a panda stuffie that I believe is just about the size of this new cutie pie. I just have to imagine the stuffie weighing the same as a 5 lb bag of sugar.
The measurement is from the nose to the tip of his stubby tail.
Thanks Panda Team! I was wondering the same thing.
Thanks for the update…just love the San Diego Zoo.
Awwww is right. Bai has this one “on the road” early like Zhennie:)
I watch Yun Zi when he was born and become a hugh fan. Now there is another boy, and my friends think I’m a fanaitic (sp) but I don’t care. I was just a the zoo last week, I just love that place and I’m not a youngster. It is a great place to go.
I noticed the kick/scratch response in one of the earlier exam videos and absolutely adore it!
Cannot BELIEVE how sweet and cute and cuddly he is!!! Love those eyes … and his wavy little tongue! and I wonder if he’ll keep his little ankle whites?! Such a darlin’!
Can’t wait to know his name!
How about “sweetness”? “Tianmi”!
There is a special place on the PandaCam website for you to submit your cub names, but it is not on this blog.
Moderator’s note: Here’s the link to submit a name suggestion…through September 24.
…. or ….
“Love Bear” “ài xióng”
oh my goodness. I can’t believe how large he has grown already. he is curled up in a ball in the den. he’s a mini version of his earth mom, Bai. he could be called Sleepy. he looks so happy and dreamy during those exams.
It doesn’t get any cuter than that! Of course he doesn’t complain, the nanny keepers & vets are gentle compared to how Bai handles him. He’s so calm w/her. He just goes along for the ride! Love that boy!
I don’t imagine I’ll ever get tired of watching & learning about these giant Panda’s. However, I could easily get distracted by a couple of baby polar bears! Just as I have been w/the new baby elephant at the WAP. She’s adorable! I hear she has a name now!
I have decided to view this video each night before bedtime. I’m sure it will send me off to a sleep since it is so calming. Then I will have beautiful dreams of pandas running around the mountains of China. Oh, I’m feeling a little sleepy now. Thanks so much for sharing the videos of his exams. I love watching the panda cam, but the chance to see him in color is so special. Blessings to SDZ for all the wonderful work you do for this remarkable species.
Greetings from Australia
This little guy just keeps getting cuter and cuter – just wait till he can see his nanny keepers and chase them. Thanks Jenny – the staff at SDZ are quite simply the best! keep up the good work
Do you suppose he will be taught the family trick of trying to snatch a shoe worn by a NannyKeeper, while they are wearring it?????
PS – next exam please give our little boy a huge Aussie hug!
he is the cutest bundle of joy
) and a pleasure to watch 24/7 thank you for the best web cams in the world xxxx
That is just too darling for words! My heart is bursting with love for this little one, and also Bai Yun! ALWAYS Bai Yun
when our little guy
opens his
mouth
during
the exam, is he yawning or trying to suckle?
‘I WUV WOCK N WOLL, DA DA DANG!!’ and the little one shakes his tushie for all his worth.
Mama Bai sits just outside the den grinning. Like all mothers, she is fascinated by the amount of noise her little one can make.
‘Mama, can I have drumming lessons?’
‘Why, my dear?’
‘I wike music and Ge Ge says drummers get the girls.’
‘You are too young for girls. Maybe later when you are older and bigger.’
‘WOW, you mean I will grow some more?’
‘Yes, you may grow as big as Papa or even Mama.’
‘Hee Hee, I wike that.’
‘Then come here. The milk bar is open.’
‘Cool, mewk is the best. And on tap too. Mama, My ezam was good no?’
‘Yes, the nannykeepers are very happy with you.’
‘I wike it when dey pat my tum tum and tickle me in my ear.’
‘They are checking your ears to see if they are forming OK.’
‘Oh, dey are OK right?’
‘Well, you can hear me right?’
‘Yes, Mama. I know the sound of your voice anywhere. And I wuv how loving is your voice, Mama, especially when you sing me dose cubby songs. Mama, can you sing me one now? I want to nap.’
‘Hush little baby, don’t you fret, Mama is here to care for you….’
‘Sigh, dis is the life.’
Soon Cubby No 6 aka Xiao Gao was hugging his Mama’s paw as he dreamt of chasing butterflies and plucking flowers with his Ge Ge Yunnie.
This is so beautiful. thanks cubbie.
It is amazing how tiny he looks on the cam and how hefty he actually is.
6 am on Friday What an adorable picture. I cannot say enough about it, especially at lrgest size.The baby is growing and butterball too cute. Good job all of you. Escaped problems from going with mama to sunroom. Happy days are here again!!
‘Get up, son. Its time to go.’
‘Go where, Mama?’
‘For our stroll outside, just a Mama and son thing I like to do.’
‘Oh goody, Mama, I wike our chitty chats.’
‘Now, Mama is going to take you out. Where would you like to go?’
‘I wanna go and visit Papa and Ge Ge.’
‘Well, lookee here, who do we have here?’
‘Hey son. come to Papa!’ and Gao Gao hugs the little tyke gently.
‘Baby bro, how’s it going?’
‘Oh oh Yunnie Ge Ge, you are my hewo! Mama tells me all about your adwentures. Take me wid you next time OK?’
‘OK, I;m thinking of going on a visit to Auntie Mei to see our new cuzzin.’
‘Oh Oh I wanna go! And I can teach the liddle fella what to do.’
‘So Mama, can we go?’
‘Yunnie! Not yet. Too soon. Wait till he gets to his 100 days.’
‘Oh yes, the 100 days ceremony!’
‘Wats that?’
‘Hey bud, that’s when you get your name!’ grins Gao Gao as he surveys his little boy.
‘And dear, we will have to organize the big birthday party too!’
‘Party?’
‘Yes, little one. You’ll love it. There’s cake and candy and apples,’ drools Yunnie.
‘Oh, I can only dwink mewk tho.’
‘Don’t worry, Ge Ge will help you with the cake, hee hee.’
‘Ge Ge, can we go for a wawk? I wanna ask you some thing.’
‘Sure, liddle one. I think Papa and Mama want to be together too.’
‘Ge Ge, can you tell me what does a boy panna do?’
‘Hee Hee, you re-decorate trees…’
‘YUNIOR!’
‘Yes, Mama, I’ll teach him the good things. I will take him to visit the takins and the red pandas OK? See ya later. You two behave!’
‘YUNIOR!’ glares his Mama as his Papa giggles.
Thank you for including your panda fans in the exam room. He is such a good patient. What a great idea to touch and pet the panda to make it feel comfortable during the exam and any changes that might be needed. He is such a cutie, BaiYun is such a great mom and has beautiful cubs. (Gao Gao) a great dad.
Next Tuesday, will be going to the SDZ. Last March, didn’t get to see YunZi, who was not on display. Am anxious to see him.
Moderator: When will they put the tree together for YunZi? TNX
Moderator’s note: Probably not until cubbie is out and about. Right now we are keeping things calm and quiet at Panda Trek.
He looks so relaxed that he could almost fall asleep. Wasn’t it Yunnie who was so relaxed during exams that he used to “melt” into the examing table?
I just love you guys so much, such a great exam, and the closeup of that cutie. When he was yawning, I just want to kiss him. I enjoy reading your stories, really love the way you word everything, makes me laugh. I am so very jealous of the ones who actually get to touch that cutie. Wish it were my hands, and believe me, I would not let him go. Good job San Diego Zoo, and good job Bai and Gao, without you two, he would not be here for us to enjoy.
What’s been blowing my mind is watching how this little guy is SO DETERMINED to walk!!! I don’t recall any of The Amazing Bai Yun’s other cubs being this focused this soon. She’s going to have her paws full when he’s completely mobile!!!
I know you are trying something new with the rubbing, but has any other cub been this mellow? Also, who was the most rambunctious cub?
Thank you so much for this video. It always amazes me how much just watching the pandas can cheer me up. I have been going through some really bad depression and this little guy is the best thing in the world to me right now.
I usually wait until there are names to vote but if Big Happy Cloud makes it, I will vote for that. I know sometimes the names we give you are considered girl names in China, I just hope this isn’t one of those.
I have to state again how much I appreciate SDZ staff and the Panda Cam. I have yet to be able to use the Panda Cam at the National Zoo. I realize that the birth of the second panda there is a very big deal and people are so excited and all but there seems to be but one video to look at yet. We are so lucky to have such a great system at San Diego that I can’t say enough about it. I am not trying to talk down National at all mind you. I am elated that they have a new panda cub and so excited for Mei Xiang. She appears to be doing well and the baby is healthy and thriving. My being able to see the cub isn’t the primary thing of course. It is amazing in fact that there are so many wanting to see the baby that the cameras are still overwhelmed. It attests to the love that Americans and everyone else have for pandas in fact.
So I will watch our little boy instead. He was sprawled out on his back yesterday and so cute, just like mom in fact. Growing like a weed and too soon he’ll be out of the den and climbing everything.
Peggy–there are two cams at the NZ–look for the link just below the cam you are trying to watch. Hope this helps.
Oh–forgot–another bit of news–the NZ very recently got a large donation from Ford Motor Company and they will be updating all of their cams to HD like the SDZ cams. Both the cams in the den plus the cams in the indoor exhibits and outdoor yards are to be upgraded. The NZ depends strictly on donations and what they are allotted from the federal Government since they do not charge admission there.
Hi Peggy,
Something that took me a while to discover on the National Zoo site is this: When you first visit the page where the cam is located, the cam is covered by an advertisiemernt and you have to click the x to get rid of the advertisiement before you can see the cam. They are the same size and I looked over and over again and couldn’t find the cam. I have never had any trouble seeing either cam 1 or 2 no matter when I tune in so I wonder if you are being ‘tricked’ the same way. They do stop after 5 minutes but you can just click play again.
Although sound is nice, I would not exchange the sound from National for the wonderful updates our keepers and bloggers give us on Bai and cubbie. Having recently seen several other zoo cams, our updates on what’s happening are out of this world!
Hope you find the cam.
I haven’t had any problem using the NZ cams since the beginning. At first there was a screen with a red boxed X top right corner, and I clicked on that and the cam came on. Now I don’t see that at all, just the cam on.
Hi Peggy -
I was having such a problem I went to the troubleshooting link. My problem was that I was using a different browser. When I switched to Internet Explorer, I could view both cameras just fine, and also hear the baby vocalizing and Mei Xiang breathing (I have the volume at max).
If you’re already using Internet Explorer, I don’t have a clue what the problem might be.
I switch back and forth between SDZ and NZ panda cams several times a day now. If the female pandas at any other zoos have babies, I’ll be adding them to my viewing routine.
Best Wishes in solving the problem of viewing all panda cams. I wouldn’t want you to miss out on any of the fun oooohing and aaaahing over these totally adorable babies and their wonderful mothers!
You can shrink two or three windows, and have many cams engaged at the same time, and enlarge the best action when it happpens. There is also a multi-cam site….if you wish you know about it let me know. It has sound on any cam that provides sound.
Nonny, keep all of your fingers and toes crossed and say a ton of prayers for Ya Ya in Memphis, ok? I understand that she is on pregnancy watch and the MZ keepers are really hoping for a live cub birth real soon! If and when that does happen, you can add Ya Ya to your pandacam watching list! Lun Lun in Atlanta is still raising Po right now. Lun and the keepers won’t be weaning Po until late winter/early spring 2013. They decided not to wean him this year because that would put Lun past her usual normal estrus cycle since Po was born in November. They do hope that once Po is weaned, Lun Lun will have her estrus cycle in the spring, try to have a mating session with Yang Yang or have an AI procedure done. We will see next year.
Anyway, have fun watching the 2 baby pandas now and hope that there will be 3 baby pandas to watch later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: I’m goofy for pandas, too!!
Awwww. Sweet little Panda
What a strange picture coming from the den cam……it looks like Bai is standing on her head with feet up the side of the walls….maybe it is the camera angle? Cub appears to be in a normal position. It is about 11:11 am on 9/21.
Bai seems to have had lots of fun yesterday, maybe we can get the bears a “reality” t. v show. I think Yunni would love it and be ready to organize any writing needed, and if Gao Gao has his Boo Beer and a nice Cigar he will be content….How about “the Real Panda Babies of the USA”? The Moms could be wise instead of goof balls like the ones in our guilty pleasures of today……and the kids can have lots of adventures. It will also give the moms a chance to demonstrate good parenting so everybody will be very quiet when they come to visit at the Zoo. I would pay extra to get to watch them!
Conversation with Bai Yun #41
Cubbie #6: Mama.
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
C: I really enjoyed the paws with no claws experience.
B: Oh, that’s right. You had your 5th medical examination yesterday.
C: Yes, Mama. And you know, I was thinking…
B: Yes, dear.
C: Maybe I should write a manual on how to face cubbie physical exams.
B: Oh? You mean for the next cubbie?
C: Like what to expect when paws stroke the chin, then the neck…
B: You mean the leg kick reflex?
C: Yeah. Well, I wouldn’t say it was unnerving, but it was totally unexpected.
B: Yes, of course.
C: And though it was unexpected at first…
B: I totally understand…
C: One may take full advantage of it once one is acclimated to the idea and sensation.
B: So what is your take on it?
C: I believe it is a great opportunity…
B: An opportunity?
C: Yes, a great opportunity to innovate new rhythm and syncopation patterns.
B: Whoa! And some revolutionary concepts, too?
C: And just think…
B: Hmmm, maybe we should incorporate into our spin cycles?
C: Hmmm, hadn’t thought about that.
B: Or maybe our rock and roll milk bar feed routine.
C: But let’s say we organize a nice garage band…
B: Oooh! And we’ll ask our caretakers to join in?
C: Yeah, ain’t that swell?
B: OK, we’ll put that on our to do list.
C: Thank you, Mama.
B: You’re welcome, my sweets.
This is so funny, I love to see the “leg kick reflex” incorporate into the spin cycles.
getting closer and closer to our visit in october cant wait!!! i am excited about getting to meet all the pandas in person and then ill have to make a trip back when i know the cub is on display some time next year…. he has gotten so big so fast its so hard to not want to know how to own one my self
i hope that he gets a good name that fits his personallity and calmness he so badly desirves 
Watching how sweet Bai Yun is with her cub and how sweet the cub is and how fun Yun Zi is to watch play….my question is…. am I correct saying Panda bears are very dangerous? They look so innocent and it is hard to believe they can or would hurt you but they will given a chance right? I know polar bears will kill you but they eat meat. Just trying to educate myself. Thank you .
Panda Team responds: No matter what giant pandas have been made to appear as, they are first and foremost a BEAR. They can be aggressive, and they have all the tools to be so. An individual actually encountering a giant panda in the wild is very unlikely; pandas can smell you from a far distance away and can flee from you so that you would never see them. Field researchers have a very difficult time finding giant pandas.
But are there instances when a giant panda in the wild isn’t bothered by a human? I ask because I’ve seen a video of a Chinese panda scientist who’s studied them for years and he was able to get very close to one in the wild to take pictures. The narrator of the piece said the giant pandas had gotten used to seeing the researchers and became quite tolerant. They did have to wait till the mama bear was away eating before they could go into the cave to check her cub.
tanda -
It might be fair to say that virtually every mammalian species who gives birth to live young and suckles them should not be crossed, and that they will harm or kill someone who messes with their young.
We get a slightly skewed impression from watching these adorable animals on zoo webcams because the adult animals are used to the presence of zoo personnel, from vets to feeders, so the daily contact familiarizes the animals with the presence of humans who respect them and would not hurt them, but I venture to guess even they couldn’t get near the newborns of any species without due caution.
Notice, the people tending the pandas don’t take him out of the den when Bai Yun is there, and they don’t interfere in any way with what happens naturally between Bai Yun and her babies. I’m thinking they know that if they went near her cub or tried to touch it with Bai Yun present, the lovable Bai Yun wouldn’t hesitate to be very un-lovable toward the humans she’s seen daily for years. (Ditto NZ’s Mei Xiang and her new cub. The keepers observe the same things we do on webcams and have no contact with Mei or her baby.)
Remember the comments about a ‘hands’ off approach’ with Bai Yun for this and her previous births? I notice they do that with other animals, too. As long as mama is caring for her young in expected and normal ways and the infant is thriving, there’s no need to intervene in any way. This is the closest we’ll see to normal mother-baby interactions in the wild as long as the zoos have webcams and we can look in on their world.
Observing from a web cam or from the inside of a vehicle is fine…, but all of the animals in zoos are still wild animals and must be respected as such, especially those with babies to protect, because if humans cross their boundaries, they could be seriously hurt or even killed by animals they’ve known and interacted with for years. Adorable, cute, and cuddly as many of the animals are, especially the pandas, they are still wild animals.
Never mess with a mama who has young to feed and protect.
I wouldn’t even cross boundaries with a domestic dog or cat who has babies. It’s just not healthy. I will admit, though, that of the female dogs who have inhabited my childhood home (and were spayed) some 60+ years ago, they transferred their protective instincts to include us kids who were very young at the time (lots of family stories where the one dog, in particular, was so protective of all kids). I also had one cat about 40 years ago who used to wait for me to be with her to deliver her kittens; long story there, but it is unusual. As children, kids in my family were taught to respect the boundaries of animals on the farm, so we carried out those habits as adults and ended up with pets we both respected and loved. But I still wouldn’t cross any boundaries of a mama animal of any kind, most particularly if they have young ones to protect and feed.
Well said Nonny..Love Grammmie
I just watched his 5th exam video and can’t stop smiling! He is absolutely adorable..he looks healthy, happy and content. His fur is looking so much more like mom’s. Love the yawning, too! Can’t wait to see him walking around and exploring his home. Cudos to all the caregiver’s…you are special people!
Several times now but especially last night, I saw what appeared to be several small mice (I would say they were large cockroaches but they had tails) crawling around the den. The baby was alone for quite a while and the mice crawled over the baby a few times. Poor guy was all rolled up tightly into a ball. I’ve also seen Bai Yun digging up the den as if looking for bugs. Does anyone clean her den and are these mice/bugs an issue for the pandas? I’m worried about the poor baby all alone!
Moderator’s note: Keepers assure me that what you are seeing are bugs close to the camera lens. Bai Yun cleans out her den daily, replacing soiled bamboo with clean pieces. She would not tolerate mice in her den!
Hi Karen, I know the exact bugs you’re talking about, it seems that there are 2 and they are always on a mission to get somewhere in a hurry. I rather like bugs ( go figure ) so when I began to notice them pretty much every night a long time ago I decided to determine if they were on the nest or the camera. I finally was able to determine they’re on the camera as the moderator explained. You can see that when they get to a branch or something that would cover them if they were on the ground they aren’t covered. They just move so darn fast, part of nature.
But, giant pandas will eat small rodents, I have read. But I know there are none in her den.
If you go back a few weeks and read the comments sections you willl not only find out how we felt about the bugs, but one large one that (to me) seemed cockroach like was a moth. It happened at the same time I noticed the way they moved so fast and realized, before confirmation, that they were near the camera, giving an optical illusion of speed and size. Just a day or two later Yunior wrote a little story like the one beow in this section, Chubbers called it a Fairy Mothe, and had a conversation with it. After reading that I never worried again…..Love Grammmie
It has been a long time since I have posted a comment but what can you say when you see such a lovable little panda. He is so cuddly and cute. Nothing seems to bother him. I have been racking my brain for a name to do him justice – there does not seem to be a name worthy of this cute little rascal.
Luv the little character.
How do you say “cute little rascal” in pinyin?
Been checking both pandacams at SDZ and NZ today, and everything is looking great so far! Both mommas are taking very good care of their cubs. On the SDZ cam, Bai was in her den with cub, then she left to have her me time again. Chubby was all by himself having a nice nap right smack dab in the middle of the den. He can really curl up into a ball, too!
Got on the name suggestion page, and I put in about 6 different name combos from momma, daddy, brothers, and sisters names, and I hope they all mean something. I feel that the reason I did it that way is because I think this maybe Bai’s last cub at her current age of 21, but you never know about next year with her, tho.
I forgot to mention one thing about Ya Ya’s gestation days on my last comment. Based on Carol’s statement that Ya Ya had her AI procedures done on the same day as Mei Xiang’s, which would be around April 30th, I counted at least 142 days of gestation time thru Sept. 19th. There maybe one or two days either way of April 30, but that’s the best guess and count that I came up with. I looked all over Memphis Zoo’s website and Facebook page to see about any news about Ya Ya, and there was nothing, so Carol must have gotten the info from some very good reliable sources in Memphis. All I’m praying for is that Ya Ya has a very successful pregnancy and birth of her very first live cub very soon!
Not much else going on, so I’m going back to the pandacams!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Bai Yun is having busy day. She foundChubbers very near the den door when she checked up on him at 7:12 pm so she took him with her…where I do not know. Earlier today she BURIED him in bamboo in the den. She is being funny.
Thanks for the quick reply about the bugs! I’m glad the baby is okay. He is so cute I feel like I am panda-sitting when I keep watching the cam!
I was curious about when the baby is alone and he’s on his back, he seems to get very distressed and tries frantically to get up. Often he stretches out his arms and legs completely and opens his mouth widely. Is he wailing or crying? I’d love to get a video clip of one of these moments with audio as I’m curious what he sounds like!
I think the cub is doing what you see. Stretching, exercising, and yawning. He knows how to flip over now. I have seen him do it! Don’t worry! Wait till you see him in the top of a tree, then you can say a few little prayers! But he won’t get up there until he can handle it. At the San Diego Zoo, they have methods to keep the cubs closer to earth until they are ready to go airborne.
‘OK, Di Di, now move the back paw forward, then the left and then you shake shake shake that bon bon! Yay! You’re good,’ yells Yunnie as he teaches his baby brother how to shake his groove thing.
‘Ge Ge, I dont know when I move my front paws. Do I do it at the same time?’ Cubby No 6 tries and he promptly falls over. He somersaults and sits up grinning. ‘This is fun! I want to do it again’ and with that he runs, jumps, shakes his tushie and plops down and somersaults.
‘Baby Di Di, you are good. You got a shot at the Pandalympics! You can win a gold medal for Mama and Papa.’
‘What is a gold medal? is it good to eat?’
‘Hee Hee, a gold medal is a reward when you win at playing, my dear di di!’ smiles Yunnie as he lifts his baby bro up and gives him a twirl.
‘Hey, Yunnie Ge Ge, you twirl like Mama! I wuv that, do it again!!’
‘I remember from the time she twirled me!’
‘Again, Ge Ge, Again!’
Soon, the two brothers ended up on a bed of shavings and No 6 was trying to hide while Yunnie looked for him. Then they heard Bai Yun return with her shopping.
‘Mama! Mama!’ yelled No 6 as he ran to his Mama. She dropped her bags from Beardoff and Bearneys.
‘Hey, Mama, those are nice Manolo Bearninks!’ remarks Yunnie giving his mama his best charming smile.
‘Charmer!’ she teases pinching his cheek. She picks up No 6 cooing,’How’s my little one? Hungry? Mama knows just what you want.’
‘Oh goodie, mewk!’
And before long, No 6 was curled up in the den dreaming of Pandalympic glory.
Dearest Yunnie~~I knew you would be a good big brother, and a big help to Mama~~but I never dreamed you could write about it so well. If it were in poetry form they might call you Yunnie Allen Poe. His poetry was very dark, but yours would be full of light, love, and everything good…Love Grammmie
This cub has to be the most mellow of Bai’s cubs–a mother’s dream. What a mellow fellow! She deserves it with #6. And such a cutie, although I suspect that doesn’t matter to her at all.
Wasn’t the baby due a vaccination of some kind? How did that go? I’m glad to see he’s so healthy and content. Bai is an amazing mother. I would also like to know if you believe this will be her final cub. She’s getting up there!
Moderator’s note: He has not had any vaccinations yet.
he’s got white heels on his back legs
Very cute.
Why did she keep biting and flipping him around today?
I see Bai Yun is blocking her doorway so the cubbie can’t crawl outside. I remember her doing that with yun zi. This is all just so wonderful to watch. Thanks SDZ.
Is it my eyes or is this baby boy short with a big belly?
My suggestion for a OUR baby’s name IS ‘YU YUN’ wind cloud.. I THINK IT IS MUSICAL AND it was translated for me by P.WONG. After birth of butter ball (my nickname for him now). I Loved
stormy” too but P.Wong said no way not for a Chinese baby.I liked “tiny rainbow” too.
Virginia
This one will be hard to choose. So many want to name him. Lots of fun though!
I am going to make a prediction….I am predicting this little cubbie is going to be more fun than and rowdy than we expect. He is still really young, just wait until he gets his feet under him. I think he is going to be as active or more so than yunnie.
i read from Chinese local blogger that Ying Hua, female panda in Beijing Zoo, gave birth recently. She only mated Mei Sheng this year. So the father should be Mei Sheng. Is there any way to confirm?
That’s very exciting. Maybe Danielle or Charlenek can confirm for us!
I look forward to hearing about this also. After all, if Mei Sheng was the only man in Ying Hua’s life this year, then the cub would *have* to be his, wouldn’t it? Especially after losing the Washington cub, which I won’t be over for a long time, it would be nice to know that another cub has joined us and does well…
We heard from someone on Facebook that Mei Sheng did not mate with Ying Hua who gave birth to a son at Bifengxia on September 5. Ying Hua had apparently mated with a wild born panda, Bai Yang.
Apparently Mei Sheng had mated with Hai Zi. But Hai Zi has not given birth this year, at least not yet…
Mei Sheng did NOT successfully mate this year and so has not sired any cubs.
I assume you all are seeing Bai frantically looking for the cub under the bamboo at 6:48 pm PDT on Sat.
Hope she finds it soon. What a panic!
I think you caught the tail end of her cleaning the den or redecorating it. Before she started, she took the little one out and place it somewhere safe. Then she went shoving lots of bamboo to the other side of the den. When she was satisfied, she went out and brought the little one back inside
6:50 bai couldn’t find cubbie, scratching like crazy through the boo looking for him…he was just in opening of the den, she went out and brought him back in. She really looked distressed for those few seconds. My heart was breaking for her.
No, Mom knew where cub was all the time. She took him out before she did a pawsweep of the den.
Jusy,
You are absolutely right, I saw it happen again tonight, but from beginning to end. geesh, I panicked the other night. I was ready to cry, i felt so bad for Bai. Now I know better, thanks.
Dear Sweet Little Cousin at NZ,
Farewell, Rest in Peace. Heaven has one more angel.
Love,
Hua Mei, Sheng, Su Lin, ZZ, Yunnie and Little 6
San Diego Zoo Global responds: We are saddened to hear about the death of the panda cub at the National Zoo. We would like to offer our condolences to the staff at National Zoo who have worked so hard to care for the mother and infant. Baby pandas are born very small and undeveloped, making their care in the first days very challenging.
I am absolutely heartbroken for Mei and the Smithsonian staff on the loss of our national panda cub.
I was saddened this morning to hear of the loss of Mei Xiangs little cub. She realized that their was a problem and made noise that alerted the staff they were able to retrieve the cub and started CPR to no avail. This loss is tragic in that they had so much hope this year.I’m sure that I join everyone in sending condolence to the Zoo and the staff who worked so hard to have a positive outcome this time
So, so sad this morning. In switching back and forth between San Diego and National Zoo found out that the National Zoo’s baby panda passed this morning. They aren’t sure what happened but very sad morning.
tl baby died. Investigate hormones,mother, bamboo, parasitic problems, and mostly cleaning supplies at th ZOO, and especially use at Panda areas. until you solve this, and Japan also, you cannot try for anotherpregnancy. Pay special attention to cleaning supplies and poisons. Which Bamboo is normal there?
VA .S.
Baby animals at zoos die all the time. Baby animals in the wild die all the time. Pregnancy, birth, and death are all natural occurrences which constitute life. We are saddened by the death of this baby, but that is not a reason to stop having babies. If creatures stopped having babies when one died, there would be no life at all. We live, we die, we learn. Rest in peace little baby and may you have another little brother or sister next year to carry on your memory.
Very sad news out of Washington, D.C., heartbreaking. We are so lucky to have had so many cubs born here, and I can’t help but give credit to Bai Yun for her amazing mothering skills, as well as her wonderful caretakers. I feel so sad for Mai Xiang. Baby pandas are so fragile and vulnerable.
We are heartsick over this!!
devastating news from National Zoo
Good thoughts to all those concerned.
Oh, just saw the so very sad news that NZ’s Mei Xiang lost her little panda cubbie….it passed away at 9:17 am this morning. This is what the NZ’s Newsletter said: “We are brokenhearted to share that we have lost our little giant panda cub. Panda keepers and volunteers heard Mei Xiang make a distress vocalization at 9:17 a.m. and let the veterinarian staff know immediately. They turned off the panda cam and were able to safely retrieve the cub for an evaluation at 10:22 a.m., which we only do in situations of gravest concern. The veterinarians immediately performed CPR and other life-saving measures, but sadly the cub was unresponsive. We’ll have more updates as we learn more, but right now we know is that the cub weighed just under 100 grams and that there was no outward sign of trauma or infection. We’ll share information with you as we learn more.” I am so sad for the NZ Panda staff and of course Mei Xiang. It is heartbreaking.
I know exactly what you mean, I think a lot of us spent Sunday the same way, absolutely miserable. I’d wished every blessing on Mei Xiang’s cub and staff at the Smithsonian National Zoo, and that what happened in the ’70′s with the first two pandas’ offspring would NEVER repeat itself, but it has. All we can do is wait for the result of the necropsy and hopefully find a preventable problem so that it doesn’t happen again. I have a hard time with death, if you’ve noticed. But what absolute guarantees do any of us have? We can only work hard, do our best, learn as much as we can and pray and hope.
My heart is broken and my prayers go out to everyone at the national zoo and mostly mamma panda. God bless them and RIP baby panda.
I’m so sorry to report that the NZ lost their cub this morning. We are just devastated.
Sincere condolences to the National Zoo and all it’s employee’s for the loss of their baby panda. I know it is a sad day there, especially for all those that work so closely with the pandas.
It is being reported that Mei Xiangs cub has died. I am absolutely heartbroken.
Poor Mei Xiang on the loss of her little cubbie, what a heartbreaking story to hear that her cub has passed
We are so lucky to have had six healthy panda babies. The National Zoo just lost their week old baby panda. Very sad for everyone. I am thankful for the SDZ dedication and our excellent momma Bai, as all of our cubs have survived.
It’s so easy to take for granted the gifts Bai Yun has given us all. I am beyond bereft at the sight of Mei Xiang grieving for her cubbie. She looks so lost and distressed. Dear keepers, what can they do in the next hours and days to help her?
I just read that the newborn Giant Panda at the NZ was found dead. My heart hurts to think of that. Our chubby cubbie was already precious, but we’ll cherish him all the more now
The tragic loss of the NZ cub shows how fragile and insecure the early days of a infant panda can be. We are so very fortunate to have had six healthy cubs. We can never take their survival for granted. I feel devastated by the loss, but can only treasure the SDZ cub even more.
I’m devastated – just found out that Mei Xiang’s 1 week-old cub died this morning at the National Zoo. This is so heartbreaking. The cub seemed healthy.
After all the sadness, I turned on SDZ cam, in time to catch a half step by “our” little one. Made me smile! Thank you. Does the cutie make any sounds other than his cry? It almost looked like he kinda “barked.”
I have to laugh at Bai when she’s sitting there, holding a wiggle worm, and she lifts her face to the cam. It’s as though she’s say “See what I have to put up with?”
Does the cutie make any sounds other than his cry? It almost looked like he kinda “barked.”
I’m heartbroken to learn that the National Zoo cub has died. I’m certain everyone extends their thoughts to the National Zoo family at this time.
I’m also very greatful that our little guy seems so healthy & happy.
I just read about Mei Xiang’s baby at the National Zoo. I’m heartbroken. My heart goes out to everyone involved and to Mei…. So sorry to hear this sad sad news. Rest in peace little one.
Condolences to Mei Xiang and the DC Zoo keepers. I am deep in tears reading about the baby panda cub dying. It is sooooo sad. We have all waited so many years and now, after one week of life, the cub is dead. I am totally heart-broken.
How heartbreaking the news from Washington D.C. My heart goes out to all the staff at the Zoo and to Mei Xiang. The cub seemed so healthy and I know everyone is devastated at the loss. We are all in tears. Life is so delicate for these cubs and I guess our success here makes it look easier but we know that it really isn’t and it makes us so much more grateful that we have had so much to celebrate and we love our cubbies even more.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all at National.
I am so sad to hear the cub died at the national zoo. The poor mother! I cried when I got the email from the zoo updates. Moderator….do you think the cub being so loud was because he had internal problems? I am simply heartbroken and when they mentioned the mother’s distress call I fell apart. Bless her heart. Do they sedate the mother to calm her down and how long will she mourn?
I am sad to hear that the Natiional Zoo lost its baby panda, and they haven’t found a reason.
Very sad news that the little cub at the National Zoo died this morning. Knew something was wrong when the camera was off this morning.
After 4pm EDT Florida time, Sun., 9/23/2012.
I finally got on my computer today after doing some other stuff around the house, looked at my MSN website news page, and got the shock of my life—Mei Xiang’s tiny baby panda died today!! I was not only shocked but stunned at this news! National Zoo has been waiting for this cub for over 6 or 7 years since Tai Shan was born (2005), and now they have lost this little cub! One thing is for sure, tho. This is NOT Mei Xiang’s fault in the loss of her cub. She has been a very good mom when Tai Shan was born and raised by her, and she was just as good a mom now in taking care of this little cub this week. Everytime I got on the NZ pandacams, I would be hearing Squealey squeal and squawk every time momma Mei would move around or shift her tiny cub into a warm position on her big arms or chest. Late last nite was no different when I checked the cam, and they were both having a nice nap time–it was quiet in the den for once which meant to me that her cub was getting more comfy with mom and probably starting to grow her black and white hair in by now. My condolences and prayers go out to the entire National Zoo staff, keepers, vets, and Chinese colleagues that are a large part of this huge undertaking for Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. The article said that Mei Xiang was in distress about her cub earlier this morning and that alerted the keepers to the den to find out that the cub was not moving at all. They finally were able to take the cub out after about an hour, and there will probably be a necropsy done to find out the actual cause of death. This is a great loss to the NZ family, and there will be a next time for Mei Xiang in 2013. This tiny cub would have been 100 days old on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th, if she had lived long enough (still think that this was a girl!).
On the SDZ cam, Bai and chubby cub are facing the den door napping just feeling whatever cool air there is coming towards them. Nice pic of them, cam people!
Well, with heavy heart, I will go for now and check on Bai again and also check on the MZ pandacam to see what’s going on with Ya Ya. Keep praying for Ya Ya, you all!
Well, it’s Bai Yun all by herself with a cub for now, and we are still waiting on any news from Memphis Zoo about Ya Ya on whether she is pregnant and having a cub herself.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
I too, am heartbroken and in tears. I am so sad for the loss to Mei and all of the great folks at the National Zoo. I am wondering how new mother Pandas grieve when they lose a little one. How is she to be consoled? What a loss to all of humanity.
Thank God for Bai and her cubbie. I’m so glad that they are healthy and growing and strong.
I read when Panda Shin Shin (aka Xian Nu) at Ueno Zoo, Tokyo, lost her little newborn n firstborn male cub a few days after birth just a few mths ago, she cud be heard moaning n groaning loudly f more than a week b4 she settled n had to cope w her loss…it was heartbreaking for the panda team n keepers. As a 1st time mother she bonded n cared for her little boy eventhough she was clearly exhausted; sadly the cubbie was found w milk in its lungs. UZ waited 20 yrs f this little cubbie but it was not to be. I feel very sad f Mei Xiang n the WNZ panda team; I try not to think abt it. Now it makes me even more determine to enjoy Bai’s little fella n watch him grow.
I had to come here quickly and see our lovely Butterball taking a pleasant nap. I am so sad and in tears over the death of the cub at the National Zoo and the mother’s distress call. So heartbreaking.
bai yun’s cub looks like a cotton candy at this age .very cute ..i got him a name “Cotton Candy”…For meixiang’s cub i m very sad ..very very sad ..
Watching Mei mourn is just so sad. The loss is devastating to say the least.
its such sad news today with losing such an angel today. i feel so bad for the nz keepers and Mei Xiang.
I am heartbroken to hear about the loss of the baby panda at the NZ. They waited so long & were so excited about the birth. Cub sure sounded robust. This makes our cubbie in SD even more special.
maybe i should not blame meixiang or national zoo when things has not been made clear……or maybe the cub born with defect ….i m very sad for losing this bootiful cub.
Yes, we do not know why the cub died and it doesn’t sound like it was Mei’s fault and it is possible that it wasn’t anyone’s fault. Sometimes it just happens. I’m sure they will look very closely to see if there was some problem and of course they never had a chance to see the cub close up and do any exam so there could have been a problem healthwise that would have been found later anyway. It is just all very sad. I hope this doesn’t mean that Mei will now be returned to China.
I am truly saddened by the death of the little cub in Washington but I’m more saddened for Mei Xiang, they have a video of the dead cub and Momma bleating in distress on Panda Live On, not sure why they would share those sounds but I’m going to be haunted by her cries in my dreams for some time.
My sincere condelences to the wonderful folks at the Washington Zoo, my heart goes out to everyone over the loss of this special little cub.
I am very thankful when I see our little boy bundle here at SDZ and realize how lucky he is to be here given that they they are so small and fragile.
have been watching n.z. cam. mei started making mournful grunts around 5p e.t
she just left the birthing den and is now eating.
my heart is heavy.
so very sorry for the loss of this new cub. we all waited so many years for this birth, and now after one week this prescious cub is gone.
joan
Rest in peace, sweet baby.
God bless momma and father. So sorry for your loss.
Our sincerest sympathies to Mei Xiang and the NZ keepers for the loss of her wonderful panda cub! All the more we appreciate that SDZ has a great and thriving baby cub and the past babies that have grown to delightful pandas that gave us and continue to do so with happy memories. … and many appreciation for the zoo keepers for being superb caretakers!
So so sad about the loss at the Nationa Zoo! Just saw the cub for the first time last night with Mei Xiang and was shocked to learn today that it had died.
So sad to watch the NZ cam right now. She seems confused and looking for her cub. Also licking herself a lot, perhaps drinking the milk her body is producing for her lost cub? So heartbreaking. I wish they could give her a toy or something to help get keep her mind occupied for a bit. She looks so very sad.
As everyone esle is, I too am so sad about Mei Xiang’s cub. I feel so bad for her. It makes us appreciate this special little bundle even more as if that is possible. It is hard for me to look in on Mei, I believe they have feelings just as people do.
I did see Bai doing her housekeeping yesterday and for just a minute I was afraid she lost the cub in there also! I should have known better, she is to great of a mom to do that! I have not yet seen her carry him out of the den, I keep watching though.
I feel so sad reading the descriptions of grieving Mei Xiang. condolences for the death of her cubbie.
I was wondering how long will Bai Yun’s chubby fella be nursing? would you expect him to nurse for the full time that he is living with Bai Yun? (I think it was around 18 mos. with Yunior)
Moderator’s note: Yes, 17 to 18 months is typical for Bai Yun’s cubs.
short term for Cotton Candy can be CC.. let s call the new baby ” CC “….
Believe it or not, coming here and watching Bai and Gao Jr. has been very healing today. My heart breaks for Mei Xiang that she won’t get the experience of mothering another cub to independence, and I wondered if watching the SDZ cub would be too painful in light of the NZ tragedy. I’ve shed a few tears watching this healthy, robust, chubby cubby doing his leg lifts, trying to crawl, and nursing and thinking how unfair it is that Mei’s cub will never reach these milestones, and then realizing it’s unfair to begrudge Bai her happiness or SDZ their pride in this baby. We should all be happy we have Gao Jr. and rejoice that, even for one short week, we had another precious panda life to love.
In this time of great sorrow in Panda world, I would like to thank the San Diego Zoo for having this venue for all of us Panda lovers to share our grief and express our love for these beautiful creatures. I just wish that the National Zoo had a similar system in place where we could feel as though our condolences and sympathy were seen by and shared directly with those who give everything they possibly can to care for Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, in good times, worrisome and anxious times, and sad times.
Can I ask the Moderator if SDZ shares all these comments with the National Zoo?
Thank you again, SDZ, for all you do for us! When I share the SDZ Pandacam site with friends, I warn them: Once you’re a Panda fan, you’re forever a Panda fan!!!
San Diego Zoo responds: We have been in contact with National Zoo to share our condolences and have shared the comments we have received from panda fans as well.
Such a sad day for the panda family of this world! I have not seen any video but not sure if I could stand it. This chubby little boy @ SDZS is so much more valuable today now!! Please keep up all the wonderful work you do in trying to ensure this wonderful animal continues to be a part of our world. The work you do is invaluable.
This morning when I checked the NZ panda cam it was showing colored stripes and I naively thought baby was out for its first exam. Then I checked my e-mails and was stunned to read the letter sent from NZ announcing the incredibly sad news of the baby’s death. I had to leave home for the day and just recently got back. I checked the NZ cam again and there is Mama lying in her den buried in bamboo. My tears are flowing to see this loving mother in mourning. My prayers go out to the panda staff at NZ as they also mourn their loss and that they will be able to comfort Mei Xiang as she works through her sadness. I’ll miss you Little Cubbie!
Dearest Xiao Mei,
All of your sisters mourn with you for your loss. We can only imagine how you must be feeling now. We will all come and visit soon. Praying for you to gain back your strength and your sunshine smiles.
We send all our love to the little one who is now resting in peace.
Much love and hugs,
Bai, Lunnie, Ya Ya, Ah Hui
Thank you SDZ for allowing all of us to mourn the National Zoo’s loss on this blog. It’s bittersweet today to watch your beautiful baby, I am so happy watching little boy grow up but am so sad for Mei and her little one. I’m from the DC area and we have been waiting for a cub for so long. This is so devastating for Mei, and all those at the DC zoo. It is so heartbreaking watching her in distress today, looking for her cub. I pray she will be alright as this has to be extremely hard for her with having had so many pseudo pregnancies in a row and now this.
Please never forget how lucky you are to have had so many healthy cubs.
just head the news of Mei Xiangs loss n HLN. So Sad. I just found the web cam for her 2 days ago and was all excited to be able to watch another cub grow so fast and now I have tears in my eyes as I type this. My heart goes out to all that were involved with Mei and her offspring and everyone that was looking forward to going to visit them. I’m so so sorry for your loss.
Yes, and thank you dear moderator for all your hard work over the weekend, no less… When the news broke yesterday, I thought to myself, “Uh oh, the SDZ moderator is going to have lots of comments to sort through in the morning.” But when I came here yesterday, I was surprised to see that some condolences had already been posted. Thank you for all that you do!
Moderator’s note: You are very welcome, Lil.
Another camping trip
Bai just came and dragged cubbie out 
It seems like Bai took cubbie out of the den so she could clean
It was a riot to watch her – she scooped up piles of bamboo with those big paws. Dust was flying everywhere. When she got done so went outside and brought cubbie back to a clean den 
I saw that cleaning frenzy too! Bai had bamboo flying everywhere! It was so funny! I love watchng her, can’t get enough of Bai and butterball.
Is there a camera that is outside the pandas den? I love watching him and want to see where his mother takes him and what they do. If not could you put one in?
Moderator’s note: Yes, we do have cameras outside of the den, but she usually takes him out when we don’t have our volunteer Panda Cam operators to follow the action.
In case anyone was watching between 7:45pm and 7:58pm, Bai Yun did not lose the kid. Mom took the kid out to the bedroom. She returned at 7:54pm without the kid. Bai wanted to tidy up the den so some paw shoveling was involved. Did you see her pick up bamboo and turn it around several times? I guess she was trying to decide whether to break it up or not. In the end, she just laid it back down and went to bring the little one back in.
It’s nice to watch Mom take care of everything. I guess the keepers will come in tomorrow and help her out by tidying up a bit more. I wonder how much bamboo is spread around the bedroom.
oh my what a site tonight mom in the den and little man in the bedroom. guess she wanted some me time one way or the other lol i had seen her take him out not 5 min before its so good to see her and the cub inter act with each other
Hi! I did check the NZ pandacam earlier today, and Mei Xiang was laying down on the indoor room floor just outside her den door in a sad way covering up her face. It felt like that Mei was crying for her little baby that she had just lost and looked a little bit depressed.
Hopefully in the next couple of days or so, the keepers will work towards getting her busy with training, giving favorite snacks that she loves, letting her outside for some fresh air, and just be there for her until she gets back into her normal regular routine.
I was also on the SDZ pandacam, and the cam people did an awesome job getting a great closeup on Bai’s baby boy napping in the den. That was awesome!! I also read a lot of other people’s comments on this page about what happened to Mei Xiang’s baby panda, and everybody had the same sentiment for the loss–praying for Mei Xiang and the NZ family. That was a great outpouring of care and sympathy for Mei and National Zoo!
Well, gonna go and get back to the pandacam to see how Bai and baby cub are doing.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
I am so sad to hear the news on tv about the baby panda at the national zoo in Washington D C. I just found out when I turned on the news. I send my condolences to Mama and Daddy Panda there.
Then I watch Bai Yun and her baby and am happy that all is well at SDZ.
Does anyone know how the mama panda is doing at NZ?
I know that the keepers at the San Diego Zoo are mourning with their counterparts at the National Zoo.
I have been watching Bai and her cub which makes me feel better. I do believe animals mourn as we do and Mei is doing hers. We never know with such fragile little lives what happens but I am glad we had that week.
Bai is so cute when she is cleaning. The other day I saw she was trying and covered baby Gao and he tried to get the bamboo off just couldn’t do it but mom realized and got it off.
I am so very sorry for Mei Xiang and the National Zoo keepers and staff. It sure shows us how very precious wee one’s life is. It is indeed a miracle that he is with us.
I had to rush over to this website today and check in on the Panda Cam (on my bookmark bar!) to see beautiful Bai Yun cradling her little guy to help me with my sadness over the loss of Mei’s baby in Washington, DC. An affirmation of life in the wake of a huge loss… I wish Mei could have had the same happiness as Bai clearly has.
I keep the cam running for hours on end, just can’t put if off!
Bai Yun is so special, she will leave her little one alone in the den for quite some time, but every time she returns, she scoops him up in her arms and without fail she will look straight up at the camera almost as if she is saying ‘Yeah yeah ok I am back, I know you are watching’ LOL! she makes me laugh, and her movements are so classic! I would watch all day and night if I could
THE most special thing to watch on the net!!
‘What have you got there Little One?’
‘Mama, I made a heart shape from the boo in the den.’
‘That’s very nice and who is it for?’
‘For Auntie Mei, I thought…I thought….it might make her smile and not cry so much.’
‘That’s nice. Auntie Mei needs some alone time and then we’ll go and see her, OK?’
‘OK and I wanna hug her to say it is OK. My cuzzin is with the Panda God and God will look after my baby cuzzin really well.’
‘I think Auntie Mei knows that but she misses the wee one.’
‘Me too.’
‘Me too, dear little six.’
I am devastated by the news of the death of the National Zoo’s giant panda cub. I live in New York, but my kid sister lives in Maryland and I was already making plans to go see the newest little one. My heart goes out to Mei Xiang and her devoted keepers. My spirits are being uplifted by watching Bai Yun tend to her boy. She is such a great mom. Poor Mei Xiang was a good mother, too, but it wasn’t meant to be. Better luck next time, Mei!
The death of the NZ cub is very sad. What can be done to help the mom, Mei Xiang?
I know this is not about about our beloved Bai & cubbie, but hope you can give an answer.Regarding Mei Xiang in NZ, will her body still be producing milk and if so how does she cope with this? Such a sad and unexpected occurrence as has been said before.
I love watching this cam, but it is so sad the news from Smithsonian National Zoo, the little cubbie died please spare a thought for them all. thank you .
‘Hey, Little Six, come and get it!’
‘What? What? Ge Ge, what do you have there?’
‘Its a cuppy cake! I went down to the store and got it just for you!’
‘YAY, nice cuppy cake…..but Ge Ge, I have no teefies yet. How can I eat the cuppy cake?’
‘Oh, we can dip some into a glass of milk, yummy!’
‘Oh goodie. Can I try some strawbewwy mewk?’ pleads No 6.
‘Sure and after that, we can go for a ride. I built a cart and I will pull you around the zoo. We can go visit the polar bears and the sun bears. Also lions and elephants….’
‘Yipeee, I want to go now! What are we waiting for?’
‘Have the cuppy cake first and the glass of milk.’
‘Oh yum. My tum tum is getting round round. Maybe my name will be Yuan Yuan or Fei Fei. Hee Hee. I can’t wait for a name. Can I vote for one?’
‘Hee Hee, maybe we can flood the votes for Chubby Cubby?’
‘Hee Hee, I love what Mama calls me now.’
‘Let me guess, ‘YOU THERE!”
‘Hee hee, how did you know?’
’3 years ago, I was there in the den and Mama will call ‘Hey you there, come here!’ and then it will be lick, spin, lick, lick, spin spin…’
‘I wuv the spin cycle.’
‘The 4 paw one?’
‘YA, that is way cool!’
‘And does she sometimes reverse the cycle?’
‘Does she ever!! Where’s Mama?’
‘Little Six, sometimes Mama wants to be with Papa. That’s why I am baby sitting.’
‘Oh, ok. Is Mama and Papa dating?’
‘Ahem, they are way past dating. They are married.’
‘Oh is that worse than dating?’
‘Better. Then the cubbies come.’
‘OK, Ge Ge. But Ge Ge I am hungwy. Can I have that cuppy cake now?’
‘Never fear, not only is the cuppy cake coming right up and I will warm some strawberry milk for you and then we’ll go for a ride.’
‘Yipeee, Yipee. I wuv you Ge Ge.’
‘Little One, you are so special. I wuv you too.’
I feel the world is coming to the end after the little one die in NZ. I’ve already plan trips so see the little guy grow in person. Can’t stop the tears… My heart is broken.
My dear liddle brudder,
When I look at you sleeping there, I think about what an exciting future you have. So many dreams and possibilities, little one. When you are 3, you will go back to our homeland China and meet all our relatives, all the sissies and our one big brudder and their children.
Tomorrow, baby brudder, I will carry you up a tree so you can see far away. You can go high up and see the whole zoo. Our home in SDZ is real cool. All the mamas are looking forward to seeing you on your 100th day. There will be a party. I am planning some fireworks and some dancing.
Ge Ge is just so happy that you are healthy and cute and adorable. Now the aunties have another cubby to OOOOOh and AAAAAh and AWWWWW over. And I am ready to check our the chicks. I will teach you all about the ladies. Papa has taught me some salsa moves. I can’t wait to share them with you.
I am so happy I can be a hands on Ge Ge. Ge Ge is going to have so many adventures with you.
Love,
Yunnie
I too was thoroughly saddened when I received an email from the National Zoo alerting me to the death of their latest cub. I just couldn’t believe it, and thought how devastating it must have been to all concerned back there. They have worked so hard to get a new cub, and then to lose it is such a huge loss. My condolences to all concerned…
How blessed we are to have SDZ’s little guy! And now we can fully understand why the staff there has to keep such a careful eye on the development of the new cubs. Thanks to all of you down there for doing all that you do for these lovely creatures.
I just looked away from the cam for a few minutes and suddenly there’s a jungle of bamboo in the den!
Bai Yun and baby are still sitting where they were before. Does someone deliver bamboo into the den for Bai Yun to clean her den/eat in there? I’m curious!
Moderator’s note: Bamboo is brought to Bai Yun’s bedroom, and she then brings what she wants/needs into the den.
Karen, I just uploaded a video of Bai Yun stirring up the bamboo in her den.
For awhile I thought she lost her cub and was searching for him.
Here’s the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHA3Zs9CA_w
That was a great video, Rose! How are you able to do that?
Deborah, thank you. I have a screen capture program, which allows me to make a video of what is on my screen. There are many screen capture programs available. Just Goggle screen capture
Rose… thank you so much! Truly appreciate you doing the videos and sharing the info with me!
Just now (1:50) Bai was really bouncing the little one around. Did you happen to see that? Huge movement on her part.
I am new to posting comments here but I have been watching this little cub since the day he was born. I live in Pittsburgh and here we are dealing with the loss of our sweet cub at the National Zoo. It is devastating. I just wanted to thank the San Diego Zoo and everyone who posts comments here for the amazing outpouring of caring and support. It is wonderful to see and makes this horrible time a little easier to endure. Watching Bai and her cub has helped me a great deal. I just hope Mei Xiang will be ok and have another chance to be a mom. Thank you again to the San Diego Zoo and the moderates of this site who patiently answer questions and who graciously let the NZ community grieve and connect here. It means so much.
Welcome JIll. During normal times you would hear that often…..stick around and read back through some of our blogs, and comment sections. There is a wealth of information in both places. We are often a bit goofy, and several creative folks give personalities and voices to our Pandas. Those times are fun~some posted since yesterday morning made me smile even in tears. We work together, so we will mourn together, and recover together, along with all Panda lovers of the world. Be sure to visit often and let us know you are here.
Thank you Grammie. You all have been a great source of comfort through this very sad time. What a nice group of people you have on this site! It’s really wonderful. Watching little number 6 is truly a joy as well. You just have to smile when you look at that fluffy little guy!
I just want to say Kudos to all of you for creating such an amazing den for Bai and her cubs. I love the roundness of it, with the entry for her, plus the opening in the back for cub snatching when it is time to do an exam or any other emergency. I think it is an ideal set up, and very cozy looking. Bai does an amazing job of keeping the boo fresh and padding it well! I was wondering if the den created for Chinook and the polar bears is similar?
When you mentioned the “cub snatching” door I figured out why we have cams 24/7. We are the “cub snatching police” to make sure that zoo personel do not try for more “cub time” than the physical exams and “paws without claws” sessions allows. We know we would snatch as much as we could~~what better folks to keep an eye on everybody. They catch Casino cheats by using the best reformed cheats they can hire~right. We know how tempted we would be. Love Grammmie
Chinook’s den is quite different from Bai Yun’s. Giant pandas use old- growth tree trunks so they the nice, round shape is really great for Bai. Polar bears dig their dens. Often the actual den is quite small compared to how large polar bears are, as small as 2 x 3 x 6 feet! In the area Chinook was born, the females dig into the frozen peat to give birth as the snow is not built up enough yet. Once enough snow has fallen, they build added rooms. Chinook will have a small den that is 8 x 5 x 4 feet and an adjoining room that is her normal bedroom area. All will be filled with her choice of how much or how little bedding. We’ll provide it for her to do as she wishes.
The round shape den at SDZ has a well-thought design. It looks and functions like a hollow tree trunk and/or a cave which most of the bear including panda bear use as a den in the wild. Not only it works as a shelter, It seems to have lots of real functional advantages for the animal. Round shape den with opening on the wall gives keeper quick access to the cub when it’s needed.
I am curious if Momma is bringing the bamboo in to keep baby from crawling out of the den? Is this something they do in the wild?
I also want to thank the zoo for providing this window into such a beautiful experience.
Panda Team responds: It’s not likely that she is building a fence; it is probably just a byproduct of eating bamboo in the den.
Panda team…. When Yun zi was starting to crawl around Bai did indeed block the doorway with bamboo. I know for sure you know a lot more than I do but I think she will and is blocking the doorway on purpose. Lets wait and see. lol It seems to me that one of the panda team posted that Bai was blocking her doorway so Yunnie couldn’t escape when he started to crawl.
I noticed yesterday that the cub had crawled to the exit of the nest then fell asleep right there, so it looked like at one point he had intended to follow Bai Yun who was not in the nest. I also noticed when Bai Yun returned at some point it was obvious that the cub could see her. I don’t know how much detail of course, but his eyes can see his mom now.
I keep smiling when I see the bamboo in the den and how cushy it seems to be. I remember when one could see the floor of the den when cubbie was first born. I often think that Bai and Cubbie will be a foot from the ceiling camera by the time they no longer live in the den! I actually saw Cubbie ‘sitting up’ last night because of the way the bamboo floor held him in position. He was facing the wall just to the left of the den door, looking just like a little nursing Bai. So cute.
Still thinking of dear Mei and how this loss must be so abrupt and confusing to her mothering instincts. Wishing comfort to all who loved the cubbie.
I watched some den cleaning and refurbishing today. I really cannot say if all or part were recorded or on the den cam, but at the very end of her labors, before settleing in with the cub, Bai sat in the center and made an almost 100% turn in the bamboo, giving that little dent in the center that CC keeps rolling into. After all was to her liking she picked up CC, then did something I have seen a few times in the last few days. She rocked forward and back 2 or 3 times, ending on her back with CC on her chest for washing and feeding. It looks like he is getting heavy for her.
I just couldn’t believe it yesterday when I saw the announcement and the tears just poured out. We all love our pandas no matter where they are but of course the American ones are so close to our hearts here. If we lost one of ours in San Diego we’d be devastated beyond belief so it wasn’t hard to understand how devastated the staff at National Zoo and the people in D.C. and those on the coast there felt. It just breaks your heart and every time I see it today on the news or see Mei the tears well up again. I know she is hurting and we’re all mourning right along with her. Hopefully she will get the chance to try again in the future.
I was devastated this morning when I heard about the Mei Xiang’s little cub. I can’t get over how quickly a little life can be snuffed out. I hope there is a Panda Heaven. I’m sure that the National Zoo did all they could possible do to give that little one a good start in life.
Thank you SDZ staff for working so hard to keep our pandas safe, healthy, well fed and happy so that we can enjoy them as our own children.
Over the past 24 hours I have tried to find those special words to express my sorrow over the loss of our baby panda in DC. Let tears speak. It is so sad a moment.
I don’t mean to sound rude but at this stage of development is it typical for chubby boy to be growing faster in width than in length? is that just my imagination? also during the rest of his development, will he tend to grow rounder faster than longer (do those relative growth rates keep varying)?
I even observed spurts in one direction in my kids. Two weeks they were hardly ever hungry then for two weeks you could hardly keep up with their appetite. Then ever few weeks their clothing got shorter. Luckily they gained height and then gained girth making some things last longer.
I think we are seeing in our Chubbie Cubbie what looks like larger than longer, but maybe it is just short legs that give that illusion. Everything must be right since he is passing all of his physical test without even studying. I check often…he naps through study hall all of the time.
thanks. I enjoyed your reply for its humor. I don’t actually feel like there’s a problem with the chubby lad’s growth. I’m honestly just curious about a cub’s growth patterns. this is the first cub I’ve ever seen. everything develops so quickly (maybe not as quickly as an elephant but you know what I mean).
He is taking after his daddy Gao Gao!!
Even more reason I am hoping that his name reflects our pride in Gao Gao and his contribution.
I find myself checking in on our SDZ cubby often, to reassure myself that he is all right. Thank you for allowing us to share our grief over the loss of the precious infant at the NZ. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not the only one shedding tears.
Little else has been on anyones minds since the sad announcement yesterday. It occurs to me that the real answers we seek are that it was Unavoidable, that there IS No Blame to assign, and that the Cub Did Not Suffer. If we could know those 3 things I think we could get past the shock and anger and just mourn a loss that must occur a whole lot more in the wild than in managed care…Love Grammmie
Grammie, what you said was pretty much true. There is really no way for anyone to know how many baby panda cubs have died in the wild over the years because the researchers and scientists are not able to see that at all when they are out in the mountains trying to see and count pandas. Mei Xiang was a very good mom to this miracle cub and this was NOT her fault at all when her cub passed away. Mei is doing ok right now, and she’s going thru her grieving process in her own way. She’ll back to normal in a few days. Looking forward to seeing if and when Mei will do it again in 2013, and that’s the hope that we have for Mei Xiang.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Thank you Grammie. Such words of truth! And you are right, if we could get some assurances it would help. It is just so sad to see Mei lying in her den.. I haven’t seen her cradling a toy the couple of times I checked today but I think that would just about do it for me!
God Bless little panda – watch over all your family from heaven!!
Grammie,
There may never be a definitive answer for the NZ, but with possible ascites fluid and abnormal liver coloring and hardness, it sounds like the death could have been the result of liver failure – perhaps due to biliary atresia or hepatic cysts. There would have been absolutely nothing that the NZ could have done to prevent this outcome – the abnormalities in the liver leading to the failure would have been present from birth. I am not a veterinary pathologist, but what I have been told by individuals who work closely with those kind of specialists is that a neonate like this could have appeared normal – to us at a distance- until the the liver disease reached a “tipping point” and then the crash would occur very swiftly.
As sad as this “wrong” event may be, what never ceases to amaze me is how often nature manages to get everything right. Just like this beautiful little boy cub here at the SDZ.
Thank you Katygirl, your detailed explanation makes perfect sense. It does bring me some comfort to know that nothing was done wrong by anyone, not the keepers, not the veterinarians, and most certainly not Mei Xiang!
In human babies the condition you describe is thought to occur in one in every 10,000 to 15,000 births. There’s no way of knowing what the occurrence is in giant pandas.
Rest in peace little one, your all too short life brought much joy and happiness to the many hearts you touched.
Thank you all for your notes….Love Grammmie
Thoughts and prayers for Mei Xiang at the National Zoo whose six-day-old cub passed away recently. This AP article (www (dot) statesman.com/news/nation/condolences-pour-in-for-6condolences-pour-in-for-6-day-old-panda-2466072.html) says the oldest panda known to have given birth in captivity was 19, but wasn’t our Bai Yun 20 years old, recently turned 21?
Moderator’s note: Yes, Bai Yun was 20 when she gave birth and almost broke the world record as being one of the oldest females to give birth in a managed-care facility.
I find myself checking on our little one often, and especially now. My heart breaks for Mei Xiang and her little one. As my tears flow I wish I could take away some of her loss. My condolences to the panda team at NZ.
I am so terribly sorry for those at the National Zoo. They have tried so hard for a cub, and it looked as though they finally were going to have one as successful as Tai Shan. We see now how incredibly fortunate we’ve been here at San Diego. Clearly, it was no one’s fault, but how terribly sad. My heart goes out to the NZ panda keepers and to those on the east coast who waited for this sweet cub for so long. After such a cruel blow, it seems they ought to have earned better fortune in the future, and we will simply wait for next year.
Poor tiny thing. At least Mei Xiang was able to give it all of her tremendous love during all of its little life.
I kept an eye on Chubbie Cubbie while working on my emails, study hall is over. He slept through the whole thing until Bai came to Pick Him Up, and they are out of camera raange right now.
Monday nite, 9/24, 8:55 pm EDT: Was watching the pandacam for awhile and little man was napping in the den by himself. The next thing I saw was Bai coming in, picked up cubbie, and BAM!–disappeared!! Hopefully, the weather in San Diego has cooled down quite a bit, and they can enjoy some of that nice cool air and gaze at the stars, and get some shut-eye! Cubbie must be enjoying these little outings by now!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
9:10 pm EDT: Bai and cubbie back in the den!!
Didn’t stay outside for too long! Little guy apparently can see better because he was really looking for the milk providers on momma’s stomach! He found one and started nursing! Momma making sure that he didn’t get away from her.
Bye!!
Chari
The death of the National Zoo baby panda shows us how special the work to protect this endangered animal is. Thank you San Diego zoo for allowing us to express our sorrow. May our thoughts and prayers comfort everyone working so hard to protect the pandas.
You know Lou I was just thinking the same thing. I look at our cub and at Bai hugging him close and I think how well she is caring for him. I know he is older and probably past any major issues for health in that way but something like this does make you think about it more. I have no anger about the loss at NZ. It is just so much sadness that it happened and for Mei. I think the cub was probably not well right from the start and there was nothing anyone could have done to make it any different. She was too little for any vet to even get to her and perhaps some of the noise made was a distress signal of sorts or maybe not. She just wasn’t destined to be here long and we have to accept that fact and let it go. It is such a shame because it has been so hard for NZ to get another cub. You wonder why it is so difficult for some pairs and for others it seems easier. i say seems because we all know that it really isn’t, even for our own. That is why we treasure our little one all the more.
What a picture tonite, moms laying on her back and one leg is off the side and roly poly is laying between her leg and chin. How cute is that.
lu
I love the way Bai pulls her top paw back to her cheek~giving us a clear view of Chubbie Cubbie. Do you think she does this on purpose, or we are just lucky that she sleelps this way????
I just saw a new move on Chubbie Cubbies part. After a nap, Bai left and he continued to sleep~for a few minutes. Then he woke up and was not happy to be in the upturned turtle position in the middle of the den. He rocked forward, then back then forward all the way over~the hard way~his bottom was in the depression in the middle. It was such an excertion that he immediately took another nap. I suggest if you find any naps missing you frisk him for it….surely these naps are not all his own……love grammmie
I saw this too and that was quite a flip he did! Luckily she pads the den well. He probably bumped his adorable nose. And yes, quickly to sleep he went! He loves sleeping on his belly with his head on one side. So cute!!
now little chubby boy is so round and happy. he doesn’t even mind sleeping on his back. in fact, I think he intentionally rolled onto his back.
I could not imagine to watch Mei Xiang, it would be too traumatic. I just take comfort that chubby laddie is growing into a fat buddha baby.
take that back. buddha baby still does not feel comfortable on his back. maybe he rolled over accidentally while still asleep.
From St.Annes-on-the-sea,
Lancashire, UK
It is 19:15 UK time, Monday 24/09. Bai Yun was playing with the baby. There were large bamboo leaves dangling above the baby. I was worried for a while hoping the bamboo shoots would not poke him especially near the eyes.
Meanwhile, it is very heartbreaking to see Mei Xiang. The time is 19:37 Mei was wailing, searching frantically for something in the bamboo leaves. It looks like she is going round the den searching for the baby. She looks confused.
It is now 20:09 (15:11 EDT) Mei Xiang walked out of the den for the first time, I felt relieved and am happy, to see her sitting and eating bamboo for a while. At one point, she scratched her right back against a rock. She also pulled a large bamboo into her den. She ate a bit, then fell asleep.
When I switched back to San Diego Zoo Panda cam, the baby was on her own. She was on her back with her tiny paws and feet in the air struggling. She tried to lift her head up many times and there were bamboo leaves all over him. It was funny but at the same time I was worried.
At 20:42, the camera moved away from the den. I knew Help was on its way.
At 20:43, the camera was back and the bamboo was removed from the baby. He was sound asleep on his side in Dreamland.
Baby, you are really cute and adorable.
From St.Annes-on-the-sea,
Lancashire, UK
It was the last day to submit names yesterday. I chose the name GAO YUN. BAI has given us 6 healthy cubs and GAO has given us 5 healthy cubs.
All these years, the 6 cubs have given us so much happiness and pleasure that money cannot buy.
In light of the tragedy at the National Zoo, Washington DC, we must not forget how lucky and grateful we are to watch the 6 Happy Cubs grow.
In recognition of Bai Yun & Gao Gao, and especially Bai Yun who cared so much for the cubs, I named him GAO YUN.
Thank You
We were thinking along the same lines. One of the names I submitted was Gao Wu Yun (Tall or High Storm Cloud) in recognition of his parents.
Gao Yun, Wow, the perfect name, I wish I had thought of that. And I hope that name wins, when I look at him I can see him with that perfect name!
How old is the baby panda?
Moderator’s note: As of today (September 25), he is 58 days old.
It is extremely sad news about the baby panda in D.C.
I love watching the panda mom and her baby on the panda cam at the S. D. Zoo. I think baby pandas are about the cutest creatures to ever exist! Every time I look at the little sweetheart, my heart swells. I wish I could hold him so badly. And the tenderness and love between momma and baby is truly poignant. It has brought me to tears.
Why is the camera outside now? Who are we watching?
Did the baby have another exam today? I’ve been seeing Yun Zi’s enclosure for almost an hour now.
excitement; saw Yun Zi, what a beautiful big boy. Little brother must be having an exam, looking forward to the next video and report
worried, worried, worried. I saw Mama dig baby out of a pile of bamboo an hour ago, pick him up, and then the camera switched outside. Please tell us baby is OK.
I was watching as well. I am a nervous wreck. At work and can’t even concentrate. Is cubbie okay? Please let us know.
Moderator: the pandacam has been on Yun Zi’s exhibit for quite awhile now, is everything okay with our little cub?
Moderator’s note: There was an exam this morning, so the camera was switched to show Yun Zi. But now it seems to be stuck and we are working to resolve the situation. The cub is fine.
Thanks for the quick reply! I think everyone’s a little paranoid these days. So happy to hear he’s fine.
We are really hypersensitive now. Thanks for your patience Moderator.
Video of Zhen Zhen at Emeishan in Leshan.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/86799970@N00/8023178288/
Thank you for the video of our beauty Zhen Zhen!!
Fun video, and very pretty panda. Thank you for sharing the link.
oh goodie another exam
can’t wait, thank you SDZ!
love and good wishes to all the NZ for lil baby’s passing…so sad… :’(
but on a better note…lil chubby cubby…is he ok? normally his exams are on thursdays! just worried…thank you for all your kindness to our little (big) guy!
Moderator’s note: Yes, he’s fine. We don’t have a set day for his weekly exams, that’s all.
Phew! Thank you so much!
<3
Yes we are all a little paranoid about our little man, after the sad news from the National Zoo. He is so much more precious to us these days.
Can’t wait to see the video of the latest exam! Maybe he got his first vacination today??
What a mellow little guy. Can’t wait to see him in person. I am coming to San Diego in the Spring!
Thanks Danielle for Video of beautiful Zhen Zhen / great close ups /she is such a ham.
Doxie Mom has posted an adorable video of our chubby cubbie practicing his moves for the Pandalympics, Junior Division. He’s pretty good! But while he practices, he keeps opening and closing his mouth. Is he verbalizing while he exercises?
Anne I think in excertion it is all in the way you “hold your mouth”~isn’t it???
the National Zoo has put up a link on there page If you would care to send your condolances to them
Seriously, can anyone explain what Bai is doing with the little guy? He looks as though it is painfully rough. His mouth is wide open as though he is shrieking while she pushes and tumbles him around in her paws and gives gentle chews to his legs and body. He seems to be crying, though we have no sound, so don’t know. Is this part of his training on how to be a bear? Does she smell the scent of his having an exam earlier today? Please help me understand what is going on with our wild thing.
Moderator’s note: This is how she cleans and plays with her cub.
Bet he can’t wait to get bigger and play back! I’ve read other posts about this but never seen it. All I ever see is napping, until today. : )
A lot of us refer to it as the “spin cycle”!!!!!
does aanyone know how to get the panda cam to work at the NZ. I am running IE version 9, and when I go to the site, the cam is all black, and there is no where to click on anything, I can hear sound, but no video..please help if anyone can. thanks.
my family just visited the zoo we love the panda it was pretty much the best part of our day.
I was just watching the Cam and Mama was cleaning/nibbling behind his ear. Baby’s little back foot started waving, just like you mentioned in this blog post! Tooo cuuuuute!