Bai Yun is taking good care of her cub and herself.
Bai Yun and her cub are doing well, and their relationship has been evolving in predictable panda ways. As the cub grows, he can get bigger bellyfuls of milk with each feeding, which is followed by longer periods of sound rest. This means Bai Yun has more and more free time. What has she been doing with that free time?
Bai Yun continues to increase her time spent feeding outside of the den. She is taking in large quantities of leaf eater biscuits and produce. She is feeding on increasingly more bamboo as well, although she is not quite back to pre-pregnancy consumption levels. Bamboo feeding is a process, and it takes time, so as her intake continues to increase, we can expect her to be out of the den for longer periods. As the cub grows, the demands of lactation will also increase, so she will need every calorie she can get her paws on to ensure an abundant milk supply. Luckily, our keepers stand ready to assist.
Sometimes Bai Yun comes out of the den to rest on her own. She can most commonly be found only a few feet away from the den door, in her bedroom. This allows her a little extra space, some cub-free time, and some fresh air. The air in the bedroom is also a little cooler than the den, as our AC unit feeds directly to that room. Perhaps this has been a factor for her during some of our recent heat waves.
She has been utilizing the garden room, too. Those long-time viewers of Panda Cam will recall her favorite platform in that area. She’s taken several recent naps there. Sometimes Bai Yun takes the cub out with her. She’ll head out to the bedroom to feed or rest and plunk her youngster down beside her. Often the cub is asleep during these forays.
Occasionally, he is awake and squirming on the floor next to his mother. Once, Bai Yun even placed the cub on the scale in the bedroom, and keepers were able to use that opportunity to record a weight for him (thank you, Bai Yun!). So far, she has only introduced the cub to the bedroom; the garden room remains a destination for some future date of Bai Yun’s choosing.
Sometimes, Bai Yun can be observed wrestling with her offspring. She’ll turn the youngster around in her paws, nibbling at him playfully. At this stage, the cub is not able to return the play with much vigor, but watch closely—that will change soon. We’ve already seen the cub mouthing his mother’s paws, gnawing on digits. One element missing from your play-bout experience is the audio that staff can hear. Throughout most of Bai Yun’s play sessions, the cub is silent. Obviously, Bai Yun’s play activity is not bothersome to him. It may even be good for him in some way. Certainly it seems important for Bai Yun in some way we don’t yet understand.
None of what we have seen with Bai Yun since the birth of this cub is unusual or unexpected. She’s been the excellent mother we anticipated she would be. The cub continues to grow and develop in a way that pleases us. Mother and cub appear perfectly panda, both physically and behaviorally.
And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Read her previous post, Pandas: Me Time.
I love all the update!!! Can’t wait to see the week 7 Exam video!!!! Bai Yun is such an amazing mother!!!!
Have you thought of installing a camera outside of the panda den? When both mother and cub leave, I would love to know what they do out there.
yeah me too..where does she take him? no fun look’n at a empty den
i love watching the panda cams
I watch the web cam everyday, I think she is a brillant mother the way she watches her cub and picks him up and places him on her body it’s very cute. I could say they are lovely but all San Diego pandas are lovely. Can’t wait to come and see them next year.
I so enjoy this site. Watching these beautiful pandas makes me smile and laugh everyday. Thank you so much for sharing the miracle of Bai Yun and her gorgeous cub.
Sincerely, Carolyne
Thank you for the write ups. Waching this little peanut grow and witnessing the relatioship between mom and cub has been a facsinating experience. I appreciate the care you all put into ensuring the pandas health and keeping their habitat and culture as natural as possible. Thank you.
There is simply no other quite like our beautiful momma, Bai Yun.
Is there any way to add the audio to our panda cam viewing? Sometimes it looks like the cub is yawning, other times maybe crying (hopefully not!!!). To hear the mother panda and her offspring vocalize, would be wonderful to witness.
Moderator’s note: The cameras are not configured to stream sound.
Pandas don’t seem to be “talkers” The NZ panda cams have sound but I don’t remember many vocalizations from the pandas (when Tai was a newborn you could hear him squeal but Mei Xiang was a good mother also so he was fairly quiet)
Thank you for the information. We need to remember that animals are very intelligent. The cub is getting plenty of food, attention and survival skills from Bai Yun. Just remember that mommy knows what she needs to do for herself to keep in good health for her cub.
It does seem that the cub is playing with Bai as well, it’s fun to watch.
Catch and Toss…
What a wonderful update of Mother and Cubbie. I appreciated the additional details about diet, AC, walkabouts in the Garden Room, and the scale.
When reading the blogs… I am16 again and reading teen magazines eager for any bits of news… obviously, I am a “bit” older now!
Signed Mother and Cubbie’s #1 fan!
what happen to the webcam?
Moderator’s note: Technical difficulties. The bears are fine.
Watching Bai Yun and her cub on the pandacam has been such a treat for me. I tune in many times a day when I want to smile or relax.
Are there any picture of Bai Yun’s bedroom and garden?
Moderator’s note: No. Sorry!
If they are the same rooms that were used when Yun Zi was a cubbie, check out the youtubes by DoxieMom dated Nov 2009 or later. It will give you a sense of hoe the rooms are laid out. You’ll also see what scale Suzanne is talking about.
It’s so exciting to hear all the news about Bai and baby
Can’t wait to see them both outside!!
Was there an exam today?
Moderator’s note: Yes. We’ll have a blog post, video, and photos about the exam later ready later today.
I’ve noticed Bai Yun bringing in branches of bamboo and eating them inside the den. Because the view is black and white, can you tell me if the bedding she has inside the den is green like the bamboo branches, or are they straw colored?
They start out green, but dry out over time and change to a brown-yellow color.
Laughing at her putting him on the scale for you. What a good panda mama she is!
I check on Mommy and cub off and on during my day….They make me smile also. Last night I got the feeling the little guy wanted to be put on his tummy but Mom kept picking him up… Wonder how long before he takes a few scoots or steps? :-]….He is wide as he is long.. sooooo adorable….
Lou Peterson
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Watching Bai Yun and baby is the best stress relief in the world. I can’t wait to see how much he weighs. I have seen him grow right before my eyes!
This is such a wonderful and informative happy post! Bai and cubby sound fantastic. I think she twirls and roughs up her little cubby gently to prepare him for heavier bear play in the future. Strong limbs, climbing and running skills must come of being stretched and exercised when you would rather take a nap! It probably helps the digestive system too, since he isn’t walking yet to keep things moving naturally! You can tell she really loves her cub so much! What a perfect Mommy she is!
I was wondering if someone cleaned out the den. Earlier today, BaiYun brought in a ton of bamboo then it looked like she was trying to clean or organize it but it was being thrown everywhere. Now after the exam, it looks less cluttered.
Can’t wait to see the baby go outside with mom and start crawling around. He’s such a joy to watch.
Thanks for the update, love these guys. I actually saw the baby move from his back to turning over last night. He’s adorable. I feel such happiness just watching them
i AM SORRY i MISSED THAT! i HAVE BEEN WATCHING FOR THAT TURN OVER. SO IMPORTANT! aND SUCH QUIET-NO TANTRUMS)
Can’t wait to read about the name they will pick for him, hope they use mine!!! This is the nicest site I ever saw in the zoo. Thanks You
Thank you Suzanne for the Perfect Panda update. Enjoyed reading about the panda’s trips back and forth with her cub.
Enjoyed the quick peek of YunZi this morning. Our family was at the zoo last week on our vacation. Watching the boys eat their lunch and special treats was delightful.
Looking forward to the Panda Convention next March.
Suzanne,
Thank you so much for the wonderful blog. It is very informative and answers a lot of questions; for me anyway. Can’t wait for the 7th exam info. On my days off, I basically keep the cam on all day in its own separate tab, so I can check in…This is my first experience with a baby panda and I am totally in love with Bai and Cubbie. You are all very special people, with extraordinary gifts to give to these beautiful bears. Thank you all for for the opportunity to witness on a daily basis the lives of this endangered species. Bess you all!
He is just so cute! I’ve been following the panda cam since the birth of Mei Sheng. I’m finally getting to come out to San Diego and visit around Thanksgiving. I’m so excited! I can’t remember at what age the cubs usually start coming out into the exhibit, but I’m hoping to catch a glimpse of this cutie pie.
Moderator’s note: He won’t be out until December or January, but Yun Zi and Gao Gao look forward to your visit!
Thank you for this excellent blog post. My sister and I continue to be Bai Yun and the little guy’s biggest fans. We’ve caught her picking up the cub once or twice with her mouth and “dragging” (that’s how it seemed to us!) him out of the den. Quite funny to watch!
Thanks for the update. It’s reassuring to know that chubby cub is progressing nicely and that Bai Yun is in good health. Keep up the good work xx
Wow can you anticipate having a young one running around the enclosure in Scotand???? They will like the amunt of snow fall there more than here. Yun Zi gets to surf a lot more than to ski,but that is the price he pays for living in paradise.
Thank you for the wonderful update! I love hearing about the possible sounds cubbie could make, since we don’t have any audio with the Pandacam. He is such an adorable chunky monkey, and it’s wonderful to know that he is progressing perfectly. And indeed, Bai Yun is the world’s BESTEST mom ever!
I was just wondering if we could ever hear them, is this something you might work on eventually? I would love to hear them.
Moderator’s note: Possibly some day, as technology improves. At least we have weekly videos that include sound.
I’ve been following the cub since birth and enjoy these updates. I check on Bai Yun and baby at least four times a day and so far have sent over 100 postcards to myself. I’ve also told anyone who will listen about San Diego Zoo’s baby panda. Everyone there is taking such good care of the pandas (and all the other animals). Keep the updates and videos coming! Is there any way of getting audio?
Moderator’s note: The cameras are not configured to stream sound.
Thank You for the updates. Looking forward to the next cub update from his exam earlier today and the video. He is growing so fast. Bai Yun is such a wonderful mother. Also, is there a cam set up in the bedroom?
Moderator’s note: No, but there is an HD cam ready to record the cutie in the garden room.
Enjoy keeping up with Bai Yun and her beautiful baby boy, watching them bond and reading the SDZ blogs…..Can’t wait to see baby boy “play” with Bai Yun as he grows bigger and stronger! He is just adorable….
The real fun has not begun yet. I remember Yun Zi when he got (well he thought he was big enough) Big enough to decide what would go on, and fought with Bai. The swings at the nose tip looked like he really meant them, but he hardly ever connected. I am sure when he connected it was like a kiss on her nose. She and the other Panda mothers probably had a good giggle over the boys trying to start a fight with Mama. I would love to be a fly on the wall when the ladies get together for Boo Tea and chat about the kiddies. Maybe one of our creative writers will give us a taste of what goes on……..I miss our great litte stories when we don’t have 3 or 4 a day.
I was happy to see a different view this morning with the keeper placing a red ball, snacks and bamboo for (I am assuming) YunZi.
What snack/fruit was left on the rocks? Were they apples?
I was also wondering if each panda has a favorite enrichment toy?
One of Yun Zi’s favorites, when he and Bai still shared a space, was the big blue things that look like styrofoam, but they are much stronger than styro. He learned to surf on them in his little pond. He was not fond of getting into the pool, but liked floating on it. He took afternoon naps of heroic proportions, so we were able to throw a Stuffie into his hammock and the nanny keepers never knew we shared duties of taking him to the good surfing beaches around town. They thought the stuffie was him napping and we were okay as long as we watched t he time.
Yun Zi’s favorite toys: The disc in the pool he uses as a surf board, the hanging mirror, and any kind of substrate, like Lomax, mulch, and pine shavings. His favorite scents are earthworm, honeysuckle, and cinnamon spice.
Bai Yun’s favorite toys: The hanging spindle to get treats out of and the plastic donuts. Her favorite perfumes are wintergreen, peppermint, and spearmint. She also likes cinnamon spice.
Gao Gao’s favorite toys: The black tub or tray that he can sleep in with mulch, hay, or pine shavings. His favorite scent is clove bud or rubbing alcohol. He also likes cinnamon spice.
As always, Suzanne, thank you. And I love “Perfectly Panda.”
I have heard the keepers in the blog tell us many times that for Bai Yun food is a great motivator~~~~Just how many apple slices did it take to get her to deliver Chubbie Cubbie to the scale for you?????
As for straw on the den floor, I always thought it would be yellow/goldlen colored because it looks like straw, but it is Bambooo Green, right?????
I think Bai Yun’s wrestling may be to stimulate her cub to use his muscles–he’ll need them to support his tummy! Considering how little a newborn panda is, it’s not surprising he needs to exercise.
Was there an exam today for the panda cub because the panda cam was on the garden room?
Watching the new little one grow is a huge thrill, even though I have seen this happen for previous cubs. Bai Yun must be the most famous panda in all the world. She is such a fantastic mother. Has any thought ever been given to installing a better camera in the den, one that gives a sharper picture, even in color!!? The one in use sort of looks like the image one would get from a surveillance camera in a bank or other business.
Could the cub exam videos be longer, like two minutes long? He’s just toooo cute.
Thanks for such a joyful post. Also, the picture of Bai Yun is beautiful. She looks so happy! What’s to complain about? She’s loved by millions and taken well cared for. All she has to do is pass that on to her cubs. Can’t wait to read about his check up, see the lucky one who got to bring him in, and watch the adorable video, Thanks for all you do for us!
I just watched mom drag a sleeping cub by his feet out of the den and he didn’t even flinch!
i SAW THAT LATE ONE NIGHT TOO!
mAYBE IF SHE PICKS IT UP TO CUDDLE IT STARTS SCREAMING.
Great update, Suzanne! How wonderful to hear that both Bai and baby are doing so well. They certainly appear to me to be doing well even when I don’t understand why she seems so rough with the little guy at times. But I’m sure it has a purpose, and he does seem to endure it well. (Well, not that he has any choice in the matter!!!). Thanks for keeping us informed. It really is a delight to watch these two and see how things develop for both mom and cub.
What an awesome blog…..thank you for all the updates…i have seen her do all those things you mentioned. I believe there is a definite positive reason she is doing that and that it is excellent for the cub. Wouldn’t it be great to know though? You guys all do such a wonderful job with all your animals…real professionals. That’s why i am sure you have all the successes that you do.
It’s wonderful to her Bai and her cub are doing so well. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you Suzanne for the update on Bai and her cub.
iN THE PICTURE OF THE CUB ON THE SIDE, IT IS EVIDENT THAT AT HER EYES THERE ARE V SLOTS.NAMELESS SU IN’S BABY HAS THOSE VERY EYE SLOTS. THAT IS HOW I KNEW HIM. BEFORE I GOT THE PICTURES. OH WHAT A CUTIE PIE HE/SHE IS. BUTTER BALL WILL GET BIGGER? MY GOODNESS. BAI WILLNEED MUSCLES TO PICK HIM UP.I SEE THE BABY FUSSING WHEN HIS MAMA MOVES HIM AROUND. HE HOLLERS ENOUGH WHEN SHE LEAVES HIM ON HIS BACK. THAT IS A TANTRUM TO END ALL TANTRUMS. WHOO HA! oNE NIGHT MY DAUGHTER AND i WERE WATCHING AND SHE WAS ASLEEP-THE BABY NOT BUT ON HIS BACK. sUCH A CARRYING ON, STARTLED bAI AND SHE HAD A HARD TIME WAKING UP .AND THE BABY JUST KEPT SCREECHING. POOR MAMA. BIG LOVING!
Oh that was such a lovely post! It is wonderful to hear about their adventures when out of our sight. Bai Yun started the playtime with her cub weeks ago, a little bit at a time and while I don’t know what purpose it serves, it seems to be a wonderful bonding time between them. Maybe it does help develop muscles and coordination, maybe it is just because pandas are so playful, maybe it is mom’s way of letting him know he is loved. For me it is such a precious time for them and my eyes leak often watching those moments.
He seems to be getting cuter and cuter every day. I would give up a weeks check to be able to hold him, as I’m sure many others are too. Bai is a great mom.
If it were not dangerous FOR him (germs and such), FROM his bear of a mama for touching him, what a great fundaiser it would be. Perhaps we could ask Yun Zi how he felt about it, maybe he would give bear hugs for paychecks to raise capital for research????
Is it possible to touch the Mamma Panda and pet her? This is a first for me, watching the pandas and I am simply loving it. Such a good Mom and the baby couldn’t be cuter! I just want to eat him up!
Moderator’s note: Although she and her cub live in the care of humans, Bai Yun is still a wild animal and should not be petted. Keepers are able to handle her cub for now, but after a few months, they will no longer do that because it won’t be safe.
It’s so enjoyable to watch Bai Yun with her adorable baby cub! Such a tender and loving mother. Thank you for the wonderful care you give to all of the giant pandas there! And thanks for keeping us informed as to baby cubs development the exam videos are fantastic
I Love Bai Yun so much I think I would lay my life down for her
… That special bear has a place in my heart for ever and ever!!
I have been told that, in person, some grown men on first sight of Bai Yun, burst into tears at her beauty. Can you imagine how us girls would be if there were a one way mirror on a flat side of the den so we could see Bai and Chubbers up close~~~we would be basket cases. But then we would loose the mystery and the magic of the moment.
it is funny but Bai Yun looks like she is smiling in that photo. thanks for making comments about the way that Bai Yun plays with little gordito (little chubby). it’s fun to watch their interactions.
Bai’s smile is the result of the thickened black lines at the cornerss of her mouth, and slim nose, making lines up to her eyes from her mouth…..but I like to think she is just happy.
that’s a good point. I would tend to agree. but also in that photo, Bai looks like she’s eating one of the foods she likes. I forget, she’s into apples or yams.
Apples, Yams, in general all SNACKIES. Remember one of the 3 special commandments…”All food is Bai’s food”. She follows that rule even with her babies when they start getting interested in their snackies~~~I mean Her snackies. She loves her babies to pieces and will go to any lengths to get one little apple slice from Prince Fluffy Butt. Rita Petita has an interesting run of Photos the day she smelled apple, and knocked Yun Zi off the stone throne in an atttempt to find it, which she did~and ate it. One photo shows him in flight, nothing touching the Throne after she pushed him aside. If anyone is interested in seeing them let me know and I will look them up for you ….Love grammmie
I can just imagine Yunior flying in the air. that made me laugh. I mean, I hope Yunior had some cushioning at the time though. watching old videos of cubs falling off this or that branch, they somehow survive.
yes grammmie, i am definately interested..please post. thanks
DEBBIE FROM PA.
I have the Flickr link for the photo, Thanks to the Photographer Rita Petita,and I got a bit of stuff from Doxiemon, and when I read the commments I FOUND THIS LINK TOO.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4421760018/in/set-72157623448081721
AniaKC1 (31 months ago | reply)
Rita, we must have been there at the same time…!!! I didn’t get a photo, but my son managed to capture it on video. (If you’re interested, it’s at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3soFYM5qP4M) Anyway, just wanted to say that I love your photos and envy you for being able to go visit so often!
What a joy it has been watching and observing Mom and baby boy! I find myself checking in on them all day long. Thank you San Diego Zoo!! I love pandas soooo much!!! xxoo
I am so glad there is info to read, I wondered why Mom was gone so much and that maybe the camera had stopped. I just read she has to eat more bc baby is eating so much. Love being able to see this.
…and you all are perfectly panda caregivers!
love, love, love this update, Suzanne, so sweet.
yesterday,I saw an arm reach into the den and touch the cub.What was that all about?
Moderator’s note: That was a keeper acclimating the cub to human touch. The Panda Team began this quite a few weeks ago, and have found that it has helped the cub be more relaxed during his vet exams.
It must be a pleasure for you to write these posts, Suzanne, with everything going along so well. Perfectly Panda ~ about sums it all up for sure!! We are so blessed to have such a wonderfully perfect little panda to love!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write these updates for us!
Noticed the panda cam is showing that the video is unavailable with a multi-colored screen. Are mama and baby OK?
Moderator’s note: All is well with Bai and her baby. The cam just had some issues…
what happen to webcam notworking?
Moderator’s Note: Sorry about the delay. We are aware the camera is down and are working to get it up and running! Thank you for your patience.
Hmmmm have you moved the ONLY camera outside? Now we cannot see inside the den anymore?. I wish there could be two cameras inside and outside…It’s nice to be able to see them sleeping through the night.
Having panda withdraw! (.Sad face.)
just wanting to make sure there is no problem for Mom and Baby Poo Bear…
Moderator’s note: As you can see by now, they are fine. The den camera, on the other hand, had some issues but is back online as this is written on Monday morning.
I feel very priviliged to have the opportunity to witness such a beautiful thing as Bai Yun and her cub. The experience is priceless, as are they. Thank you San Diego Zoo!!!
It’s so amazing to be able to watch Bai Yun and her cutie pie live. Yesterday I’ve seen the cub taking a few steps, but while trying to crawl to the exit, he just accidentally rolled over to the other side of the den. It was sooo cute!
Thank you thank you thank you for the cam, videos and blog updates! I really appreciate them! Cheers
I was on vacation since 10/8 then I got home and my computer had problems so I didn’t get to see baby until today (10-12). Boy has he grown! He is such a darling and Bai Yun is such a good mother. I was glad to see both doing well. I sure missed them.