It finally happened, I was able to help with a cub exam! I have been waiting for this moment since my first look at the cub during my night watch shift. As we began setting up for the exam, my excitement quickly turned to nervousness, and my mind raced. There were cameras, researchers, veterinarians, nutritionists, fellow keepers and supervisors, and it was up to me to keep our celebrity calm!
Then it was time: Bai Yun shifted out to her breakfast, and she was calm. Now was my chance to pick up the cub, weigh him, and bring him out for his exam. I picked him up and placed him on his blanket, along with several bamboo leaves that I had to clean off of him so he would be camera ready. I gently placed him on the scale; he weighed 7.26 pounds (3.29 kilograms)! Now out to the cameras, the veterinarian, and the nutritionist for his exam. He did so well! He made a few vocalizations here and there, and he is getting much more mobile–he even crawled–but the veterinarian and nutritionist were able to conduct a thorough exam. Success!
Jennifer Chapman is a keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read her previous post, Night Watch: Mission Accepted.
omg! He is just a fur ball. You can see how much he has changed from week to week. Mom is doing a great job. Thanks for the update. Did not see how long he is this time?
I Have been watching the progress of the Baby Panda hes lovley thanks for letting us in uk the change to see the Baby Panda .everyday i have to go have alook .now my friends are watching mummy panda is doing a great jib
Is there a problem today with the pandacam, I keep seeing the outside yard, and haven’t seen the inside of the den at all today.
Is everything ok with the baby and mom?
Moderator’s note: All the pandas are fine.
Thank you
i am so obssesed with pandas i watch the panda cam every day
and i am only 10 years old!!!
something is wrong he is not moving…somebody check on him!!!
Moderator’s note: Please don’t worry. Keepers check on the cubbie frequently.
Hi. I am an addicted newcomer to your pandacam. I love to watch the mom & cub! Does the camera light disturb the pandas’ rest? Is the “bedroom” made from straw? Thanks for pandacam!!
Moderator’s note: Welcome, Gen. The camera light is actually an infrared illuminator that allows us to see in the dark. It’s really black as pitch in that den at night, and even during daylight hours the den is very dimly lit. Bai Yun pads the den with strips of bamboo.
Thanks so much for the answers. Now I can watch pandacam guiltlessly! Technology is terrific.
Bai Yun is such a fantastic mom! So lucky to have her as the SD Zoo’s resident momma. Her little boy seems to be thriving under her care.
We watch our little cubby all day at work, we just love them all. I was wondering if you were able to go into there area to sit and play with them? Also were is the 3 year old.
Moderator’s note: Keepers can open a small side door in the den and reach in for some “touch” training. Three-year-old Yun Zi can be seen by Zoo guests and sometimes on Panda Cam.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful panda moments. I had the opportunity to hold and pat the pandas in Bifengxia China. I also visited them in Chengdu. It was a dream come true, so I really do understand your excitement in having the opportunity to hold your new little cub.
Where is the panda picture gallery? sorry, I can’t find it. Thanks
Moderator’s note: There is a link just about the Panda Cam that says “Photo Gallery.”
Oh thank you thank you thank you! Prince fluffy butt didn’t disappoint. I think I notice his pink nose starting to turn black. No mater. He’s still my Prince Charming!
ohh, I was not expecting an exam so early in the week. congrats on getting to calm chubby. that must be exciting to watch him crawl. I guess maybe he is getting mobile enough to leave the den now although I still have not seen this on the cam. I’m guessing it is still Bai who takes him out.
Dear Brudder,
Ge Ge is so proud of you. You aced your exam! Soon soon, Ge Ge will take you tree swinging and also surfing. I heard you want to ride a harley, I will ask Papa’s friends and we’ll go cruising, K?
Love ya,
Yunz Ge Ge
So cute!
in the early evening, somehow it seems like chubby is curled up into a small black and white tennis ball. maybe it’s an odd camera angle or the bamboo incline. I wonder if he figured out how to sit and curl his upper body down and around his tummy.
You people just can’t wait the whole seven days to examine Gao Junior, can you? If it were me, I’d be finding excuses to examine him every day; he’s just too cute!
A dream come true for you
He is a cutie and crawling right around the corner 
Wow he got so big he moving around lot more,And he so cute.He has good Mom she like bring her food with her in baby room
I love hearing his squeaky voice! he’s so cute I can’t stand it..I watched him everyday on cam..
What a cutie, wriggly little ball of fluff! I’m always amazed at how big he looks with humans for comparison. He looks much smaller on the den camera and in Bai Yun’s arms. It looks like his black fur is losing more of that “baby” gray fuzziness and becoming a richer black like mom’s. *sigh* How quickly they grow up!
He is so gorgeous!! I wish I could hold him
Can’t wait for him to really start moving around and exploring. Bai’s going to have her hands full! Great job caregivers!! You do a wonderful job bringing us all the new updates and pictures. How proud you must be 
OH! I’m so jealous. What a lucky person you are. He’s just so darling. Can almost feel his sweet little body.
Thank you for all the updates on the little celebrity and his star of a mother.
Jennifer, Thanks for the update. You’re so lucky to get to hold this darling baby boy. You look pretty happy about it too. He seems calmer than he did last week. I guess he’s getting used to the new sights and sounds. Thank you for giving us so much insight into the world of giant pandas.
Jennifer, you are a lucky woman!
I wish you would have put a video for this exam like the others. The pics are good but the video is a lot better for us to really watch the little guys activity.
Moderator’s note: We do, indeed, have a video up! Check it out here.
He is adorable! Thank you for sharing this experience with us!
Thanks for the write-up Jennifer. I hope you have ordered your 8 x 10 copy of the two of you for framing. He has been practising his crawling in the den so next week she should put on quite a good show for everyone.
How lucky you are to have such a cool Job!
SD Zoo…best zoo in the country!
Here goes…..Which photo will you be using as your Christmas Card this year??? If you send easter Cards there should be plenty to choose from for that too. Love seeing them…..Love Grammmie
You’re so lucky to get to hold him, we’re all jealous! He’s so squirmy, I would be afraid that I would be the one to drop him!
Wow! He is so big, every week I’m totally amazed by how big he is, and he looks so healthy! When I see him in the video close up it’s hard to imagine Bai Yun handling him in her arms the way she does like he’s so lightweight! Thanks for the wonderful update and congrats to you Jennifer, good things come to good people!
Jennifer: Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us — as I always say to you fortunate staff members down there — we panda fans are green with envy!
How amazing it must be to hold one of these adorable fuzzy little guys and watch them develop “up close and personal”! You have a job so many of would LOVE to do… May you have many more great experiences.
And thanks to all responsible for the great video of the exam — what a cute little fuzz ball he is. I truly feel there is not a cuter baby creature on the planet! Panda cubs are #1 in my book…
What a personality boy! He is going to be hysterical to watch as he gets older. I think now he reminds me more of Zhennie than Yun Zi.
You have the best job in world. I wonder if he will be like his brother. He is a mover and like to move things around, Won’t that be fun. Like all of the other comments, would love to hold him too. Thank you for the update and your reaction of holding him.
You have the best job in the world. I wonder if he will be like his brother. He is a mover and like to move things around, Won’t that be fun. Like all of the other comments, would love to hold him too. Thank you for the update and your reaction of holding him.
Oh, Jennifer, I can feel you’re excitement through the blog. You lucky girl! Thank you for the update.
Oh my goodness! I am melting from all his cuteness! He has really got big and wonderfully fluffy! What an adorable face he has! I wonder if he will be interested in shiny things when he starts to walk around during his exams. Wasn’t YunZhi like that? I vaguely remember him always heading towards anything shiny!
Yunior seemed to be very interested in leaves and flowers when he finally got to roam,,,,,
Well done! I am so jealous
my biggest dream is to be able to touch a Panda Bear one day….of course, for me it would have to be my GREAT love.. Bai Yun, but I know that is an impossibility so I will just keep on dreaming instead !
Boo Boo is getting so adorable! He is such little cutie pie! I love to hear his little squeaks. Too too adorable!
When the nest is empty where is mom and baby?
I’ve read in other blogs that she will take him into her garden room while she eats or naps out there. She’s taken him out more and more lately! I’ve seen her in the den with chubby cubbie most at night.
This mellow fellow is going to be a bucket of worms. lol I just know he is going to have us all laughing at his antics very soon. The video was great and well worth waiting for. I think by next week his nose will have all the pigmentation and will be black. I will be glad when he walks so we can watch his mommy chase him. lol When do you think mommy will have him in the garden room? After he learns to walk?
How exciting for you, Jennifer! And what gorgeous photos of you and Bai’s wee one. What a dream come true.
That little boy is just so very cute, and all of you can be so proud. I know all of us aunties and unkas are!!
I saw some old footage when Yun Zi ventured out of the den to go exploring on his own Bai’s bedroom. I know you switched to HD cams since then. Does this mean that SDZ can no longer stream bedroom activity because it is no longer a public cam? It seems Bai like being out in the bedroom because it is more spacious and the babe goes where she goes at night. At night, is the bedroom lighter than the den?
Moderator’s note: Correct, we don’t have a camera in Bai’s bedroom. When the HD cams were installed, the older cameras were removed. And, while we understand everyone (including moderators!) would love to be able to view Bai and her cub in the bedroom area, we can’t install one at this time because they are using the space. We won’t have the opportunity to install an extra cam for quite some time (general timeline: after this cub is no longer using the area).
Dear Nannykeepers,
I am on to you! You did not have to exam Chubbers again. It has been less than a week. Just an excuse to cuddle him, right? He told me he was hugged, cuddled and squeezed and maybe even KISSED.
Now do not spoil my little one or he will be incorrigible like his Papa. Yun Zi had to be taught to mind his manners because he was also squeeled over and spoilt silly.
I do thank all of you for the loving care for me and my family. If there is any spoiling to do for Chubbers, it will be done by me, thank you very much.
Panda Love,
Queen Bai
Moderator’s note: Dearest Bai, you know the first rule of nannykeeping is: Don’t kiss the bears. We scritched and stroked him, but kept our lips to ourselves. The only kisses the sweet boy knows are yours–as it should be!
So sweet!! Now I need a tissue!
OK OK, no kisses took place. He was very excited at being able to see all the hooman unkas and aunties who have no claws and under the guise of examining him were scritching and cuddling him. Hee Hee, Chubbers is quite a darling isn’t he? And such a sweetie and such a nice round panda shape. Btw I loved the videos of all his exams and I sent the links to all our rellies. Also the photos. GG and I have our own family album and some of No 6′s pix have made it in. Some think he is more like ZZ than Sheng or Yunz. What do you think?
Love,
Bai
Guess who will makeit to San Diego as of the 25th? Me and my daughter too.John has to work. Lots of performances in the fall. I will finally get to see Gao GAo in the flesh or fur as it were.And of course my darling Yun Zi! Last year there was a fire drill happening and YZ was up a tree(Mama said go and he went. ) I lasted so far. Hope all you youngsters of an indefinite age are still here too.
Kisses and hugs are the order of the week.Halloween awaits.
Moderator’s note: Have a WONDERFUL time!
Ms. Bai Yun,
I have watched since you oldest son Mei Sheng was born and Chubbers(cute) looks like him. Chubbers has that little twinkle in his eyes that his brother had. Oh and I see mischief coming your way. I adore your family and thank you for sharing them with us.
Your friend in New Mexico
Dear Cyndee,
My boys and girls are all precious in their own way and they have inherited their father’s mischievious sense of humour and my love of life. This little one whom many of you call Chubbers has loads of energy and wants to start exploring even before he can walk. I am sure he will be a pawful.
Being his mother, I am partial. So I think he will be quite an auntie killer and a breaker of hearts. Sheng, Yunz and he will be the Three Romeos as they search for their forever princesses.
Thank you for loving my family.
Hugs,
Bai
You are one very lucky person being able to hold this little dreamboat! He gets more gorgeous every day and his mum is so gentle with him. She knows exactly what he needs.
This little guy is definitely star material!!!
Watching Bai and chubby cubbie has been such a joy. I’ve watched a few videos of her with her previous cubs on YouTube and she seems so enraptured with cub #6. I know that it’s far too soon to tell if this is going to be her last baby or not, but her interactions with her baby reminded me of a quote from one of my favorite books:
“But the last one: the baby who trails his scent like a flag of surrender through your life when there will be no more coming after – oh, that’s love by a different name. He is the babe you hold in your arms for an hour after he’s gone to sleep. If you put him down in the crib, he might wake up changed and fly away. So instead you rock by the window, drinking the light from his skin, breathing his exhaled dreams. Your heart bays to the double crescent moons of closed lashes on his cheeks. He’s the one you can’t put down.” (The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.)
Oh boy… it’s a double tissue day.. that’s really beautiful — thanks for sharing.
another great story
posted above the story instead of below it.
‘Ge Ge, Mama is always cuddling me!’ wails No 6.
‘Chubbers, is it cos she wants to smell you?’ asks Yunnie who is grinning away.
‘She says I am so cute and nice smelling and….Ge Ge! I am so tired. I wanna sweep all the time!’ moans Cubby No 6.
‘That’s her tactic to make you tired out so she can get her sleep!’
‘No fair. And when I want to go out she drags me back….and Ge Ge, she then spins me and licks me and bwows raspbewwies on my tum tum! AND she…she…she falls asweep on my tushy!’
‘Now now, come, let me give you a hug, little guy. Soon you will grow strong and then you will be able to climb trees and play with neat toys…..and I will take you out for a day at the beach!’
‘Ge Ge, what is beach?’ asks a puzzled Cute Cubby No 6.
‘That is a lovely place with fine white sand, water and surf boards and cute girlies in their bikinis….and picnics with sausages…pizzas…’
‘SAWSAGES! That is what some aunties cawl me!’ laughs the Cute Chubby Cubby No 6.
‘Well, you look more like a melon now. Hahaha.’
‘Ge Ge, what are bikinis?’
‘Well, you don’t have to worry too much now. It is what some girlies like to wear.’
‘Do we have to wear them too?’
‘No, we are guys so we wear cool bermudas, colourful shirts and great shades.’
‘Nice, I want nice shades. Ge Ge, you know what I want most in the world now?’
‘What, my dear liddle brudder?’
‘I want to play with you!’ and with that Cute Chubby Cubby No 6 flings himself onto his brother as Yun Zi lifts him aloft and the 2 boys giggle and squeal while Bai Yun was at the fur salon getting a trim.
Awesome….LOL : )
I am so amazed at how gentle his mom has been with him. He looks like he will be a “paw full” for her once he gets more mobile. He is just so sweet. I hope there will be a cam outside when he goes out. We would love to see him tumble around and explore.
OMG can you say cute all rolled up in a ball of fur!!!
Thanks for the update.
Jennifer: How is one chosen for the special opportunity to hold the cub? Draw straws? Heehee….
What a little cutie. He brings tears to my eyes, because I love him so much. I wish so bad, I could hold him, but good luck getting him back. It is really funny watching Bai Yun do her thing with him, cleaning and grooming him. It seems sometimes like Bai will look up at the camera, like she knows we are watching her. She is a good mama. I have to say, maybe he is not as wiggly as Yun Zi, or maybe he just isn’t yet. He is starting to get like a toddler, when you are tending to them, they don’t want to stay still.
OK, I’m totally smitten. Congratulations to you, Jennifer,for your time with all that adorableness (probably not a word but it fits).
Baby cub is so-o-o-o cute — I want to hug him! They grew up so fast just like one’s own children and grand children! We get so attached that it’s hard to think about them cubs going back to China eventually! I was so fortunate to finally get to the San Diego zoo and see the other Pandas in September — my life dream and on my “bucket” list. I feel blessed. You all are so fortnuate to be able to hold the babies — and may I add you are great handlers and keepers. Thanks for all you do! Thank goodness for Panda Cam — I watch it every day – some times too much — don’t get much done!
I was watching Bai and the Prince this am and noticed Bai was having a little trouble gettiing the bamboo thru the den door. Do you cut it up to make it easier for her or does she break it up herself? Love the new exam video by the way. Thanks again.
Moderator’s note: We cut open some of the thickest stalks, called culms, to make it easier for the pandas to reach the pulp inside, but as for trimming the branches to den-friendly size, that’s all Bai!
He is too cute w those upturn eyepatches n I love his little squeaks..he is going tb a charming little boy. I wud not be surprised if he leaves the den soon..he n his super Mom hv been going to n around town often..maybe to say Hi to Daddy Gao n bro Yunnie on the way. Looking forward to cubbie n Bai entertaining us.
Love the pics, love the video! What a little chunk he is! Would LOVE to get the same opportunity you did, Jennifer!! Lucky you!!
Naming Day coming in a few weeks, yes?
Cubbie IS so tiny-looking when he’s in the den …. forget how far up the cam actually is and how BIG mommy is!
Since he is spending more time away from the den cam. are there any plans to add cam to other areas?
Moderator’s note: We hope to add more cams to the other areas, but that won’t happen for quite a while because we don’t want to disturb Bai and the cub. We can’t add a cam to an area that they are using, because, well they’re using it!
REMEMBERING YUN zI. WILL THIS ONE LIKE TO TAKE BATHS, RUN AROUND IN THE TREES OR JUST HUG MOTHER EARTH. TIME WILLTELL. AS WIDE AS LONG AND GROWING!! BUTTERBALL ,HOW ADORABLE CAN HE BE??SPOILED BY ADORING KEEPERS? WHAT DO WE THNK?COULD BE!!
bUTTERBALL HAS HIS OWN SONG. “mR… five by five< just as short as he is wide" NOW THAT HIS EYES ARE OPEN,HE HAS BROWN EYES. YUNNIE HAD BLUE ONES, FOR A LONG TIME.THEN THEY WENT BLACK.
tHE DIVOTS IN BUTTERBALLS EYES ARE STILL THERE-jUST LIKE SU lIN'S CUBBIE HAD.FAMILY APPEARANCE JUST LIKE BLACK SHRUG TYPE NOT IN CUBBIE OF SU lIN.hE HAS A SHORT HEAVIER BLACK -LIKE A SMALL JACKET. jUST A REALLY GOOD LOOKING FAMILY EVERY ONE.
IQTYPES. oh ZHENNIE HOW WE MISS YOU.!!
In the last image, the little dude looks like he’s thinking “What you lookin’ at?”
Wonderful job, Jennifer, keeping cubbie #6 calm and writing the blog. Your enthusiasm was evident, and totally understandable. He’s a darling boy!
J L, San Diego posted a quote above, part of which was “But the last one: … He is the babe you hold in your arms for an hour after he’s gone to sleep.” Yesterday morning around 6:50am Bai Yun had cubbie on her tummy, laying there while he slept. At times it appeared that she was sleeping too. I tried to capture the essence of this scene in video:
2012-10-09 Bai Yun and Cubbie #6, Quiet Time before his 8th Exam
http://youtu.be/NkAdG5h63rk
Wow, cubbie had a growth spurt!! According to your FaceBook post he is now 20″ long. Do we know what his chest girth was for this exam?
I totally enjoyed their quiet time, thank you for that. I love how cubbie squirms and fights and then at some point gets tired and becomes limp for his mom. As if he’s saying OK OK, just do want you want, I’m exhausted!
LOL, Jennifer! For your first time carrying and holding the precious panda cub, you really had your hands full! He was a squirming, squealing live “bear rug.” What fun and joy you must have felt. The smile on your face told it all. Great job and I hope you get to do it again soon. He does appear to be on the verge of getting away from everyone surrounding him. Hold on tight, but not too tightly.
Thanks for sharing.
Do we know when the cub’s name will be announced?
Moderator’s note: In November, after the elections. We’ll announce the date well in advance of the reveal.
Any word on when you will start installation of Yun Zi’s new indestructable tree?
To the staff: Now that Bai is dragging baby “tank” out and about, WHEN will you PLEASE start showing Yun Zi again? He is missed so very much. Thank you.
What bear are we viewing now
Question… can someone move the camera so we can see the whole encampment if we can’t see the den? Anything is better than a pipe!
Thank you! I miss Bai and Baby!
Agreed!
Hope nothing serious is going on. We’re spoiled and not used to watching the visitors go by the cam I guess. I checked out the NZ and everything is pretty quite there too. And of course Atlanta’s off the air now. Siigghhh!
Moderator’s note: Everything is fine. Sometimes there is nothing to see!
Thanks Moderator. Your always so patient and polite.
What a cutie pie! I’m so envious… grrr
Wish I could hug him too.
it was nice to get glimpses of Yunior and Gao Gao in full eating action this afternoon.
wow, is that big Daddy, it is, haven’t seen Gao Gao is awhile, he’s looking good keepers, what a great job you’re doing caring for our aging panda Daddy.
What a cutie, he just gets cuter every day.
Gao Gao is the panda version of George Clooney — he just gets more handsome as time goes by. What a heartbreaker.
And those Fluffy, Furry, Sexy Feetsies….they are the cutest thing about him.
Dear All,
My Papa has been named the Sexiest Male Panda Alive becos some aunties think he is like Mr Clooney. Some others think he is like Humphrey Bogard (?) or Bear Pitt. Mama says he is his own unique self and she loves him, furry feetsies, half chewed ear and all.
I think my Papa is suave with a touch of goofiness. I hope to grow up like him with my own Forever Princess too.
Love,
Yunz
It is 5:12pm…can anyone tell me if I’m seeing Yun Zi or Gao Gao on cam? I can’t tell the difference.
You can easisly tell Sweet Daddy Gao Gao from everybody else~~look at the ears if available. He is the only one with 2/3 of his left ear missing (from when he was a baby and rescued in the wild. His face is very round, his nose broad not pointed like Bai’s, and he has fluffy furry sexy feetsies. I hope these points help….Love grammmie
Gao Gao is missing 2/3 of one of his ears and is about 20 pounds lighter than Yun Zi, if that helps at all.
If this helps Gao Gao only has a half of ear and is very small compared to Yun Zi.
Heard on local news today that its 26 days till the naming. Hope they got that right. I plan to be there and have lunch at Alberts restaurant. Last time we received a lovely photograph of Yun Zi in black envelopes.
I so miss the bedroom camera but I understand, Loved it when Yun Zi climbed the fountain in there.
Moderator’s note: It may be 26 days until the cub is 100 days old, but we haven’t announced the naming date yet.
I am so sad to see an empty den all day. No more views from the ‘Scales’ room,nor the platform outside ?
Will that change,please,please ?
Moderator’s note: We’re working on it!
So this means that once Bai doesn’t use the den anymore, we won’t see them again until they are on exhibit? No other cams?
Moderator’s note: We’re working on it.
Ah, they grow up so fast. Every time I look there is no cub in the den today. lol He is growing up too fast! I miss him!
I know which picture to use for your Halloween or Thanksgiving greeting cards…. The third one! Your gorgeous smile is just as bright as the cute little Baby! You can send a 5X7 or (if there’s enough pixels) 8X10 photo to everyone in your circle of family and friends. [I don't do 'scary' Halloween, just cute, and he's Cute!]
Oh, and don’t forget a copy for your scrapbook or journal, properly dated with your full name and that of the cub’s when he gets a name, and location of photo, and such, of course. [I'm a genealogist, so documentation is everything.
]
Nearly everyday, I drop by the Panda Cam to get my baby Panda fix. He’s just too cute for words!! I am so envious of the keepers, vet techs and vets who get to hold and interact with this adorable little boy. When he finally goes on exhibit with his absolutely fabulous mom, Bái Yún, I will be so sad. Most likely they will both abandon the den, so without other Panda Cams, I will miss those precious moments between mother and son. I am hopeful by the moderator’s response that one or more cameras are in the works. Please, please, install them soon before this little miracle gets any bigger. Thank you.
Hmm, I thought we were able to see another indoor cam in a room that has a platform the cubs got onto and mom pulled them down….shall wait and see!
Moderator’s note: Before we switch to HD cams, there were cams in the bedroom and garden room. However, they were removed when the new cams were installed.
You won’t miss anything! When Yun Zi was growing up, we got to watch as he wandered into the bedroom and then outside. It was wonderful to watch!!! It’s going to be equally delightful with this little boy.
Moderator’s note: Yun Zi grew up while we still had the older type cameras. When we upgraded to the HD cameras, the old ones were removed. Unfortunately, we were not able to replace every cam with an HD version, so there are areas that the cub access that we are unable to make available for viewing. We are working on getting another cam, and will let everyone know when it is up and running.
my nickname for Gao Gao is Mr. Funny General Sir. (historical fiction) he used to serve in the military. he was in a bloody awful battle where he lost a good chunk out of his left ear. but his valiance saved his troops.
now he is retired at SDZoo. one of his favorite spots is reclining on a lazy boy rocking chair under a pile of bamboo. his favorite eating is bamboo culm (which is measured and cut to his needs by magical elves) and biscuit bread (which is steamed in bamboo baskets by winsome fairies). the elves and fairies love Mr. Gao Gao as do I.
I see we have gotton a new Creative Folk, with an interesting point of view……….Love grammmie
I actually think Gao Gao is the George Clooney of the pandas — more and more handsome as time goes by. But I don’t think he would have as many girlfriends — we all know that madame Bai Yun is his one true love.
And he best remember that too or Bai might trim his other ear…….
‘Honey, you ready to go?’ yells the Gaoster in his red cadillac as he awaits his beloved Bai.
She ambles out of the fur salon where she had a post-natal treat. Her fur was beautifully groomed and coiffed. She had a mani and a pedi. Bai Yun was glowing and she looked a divinely radiant yummy mummy.
She got into the car and soon the happy couple pulled up to a secluded part of SDZ which has become their favourite picnic spot when they had time off. Yunnie was happy to brudder sit as he wanted hands on practise of looking after a cubby.
Gao Gao had packed a lovely picnic; boo spring rolls, boo sandwiches, fruit salad with loads of apple bits, honey clusters, yam cake with honey and boo beer for him and ginger tea for his still nursing wife.
He spread the black and white blanket on the grass and soon the couple was happily tucking in. He gazed at his adorable wife and smiled.
‘What are you looking at, my dear sir?’ asked his wife as she sipped her tea.
‘The most beautiful girl panda in the world and how after so many years of marriage and 5, count them 5 cubbies, she is able to make my heart go bada boom bada boom.’
‘Oh Gao, you say the darnest things,’ smiled Bai as she popped a sweet potato cake into his mouth.
Gao Gao grinned and he slowly leaned in and gazed into her eyes. She smiled invitingly. Then her Approw phone rang, ‘MAMA! MAMA!’ It was Cubby No 6 using Yunior’s phone.
‘Mama, where are you?’ asked Cubby No 6 excitedly.
‘With Papa. What’s wrong? What happened?’ asked Bai anxiously.
‘Nothing, Mama. I just called to say I wuv you! And I miss you, OK? Bye Bye!!!’
‘Bye Bye, Baby! I wuv you too!’
Cubby No 6 turns to Yunnie, ‘You were right! She and Papa are busy, hee hee, we can go out of the den and play and she won’t know, hee hee, lets goooooo!’
Bai turns to Gao Gao and growls, ‘Now where were we?’
‘Ge Ge, this milkshake is real yummy. I wike the flawer. Almost as nice as Mama’s milk….yummmmmmm,’ sighs No 6 as he leans against his Ge Ge.
Yunnie’s heart swelled with pride as he felt the little body lean against him.
‘Ge Ge, when I can stay outside of the den, what is the first thing I should do?’
‘Well, sweetpea, maybe you should smell the flowers and rub against the tree trunks and touch water,’ suggests Yunnie as memories come flooding back of his first day out 3 years ago.
‘I wonder what my name will be. I wike Sausage but Mama finks it is too funny. Chubbers is too cute a name when I am big and strong wike you,’ muses his little brother.
‘You will always be my Di Di,’ Yunnie softly whispers as he strokes his brother’s head for he had fallen asleep. Yunnie gently carries him and places him in a nest of boo in the den. Yunnie settles outside guarding the entrance for he knew his Mama would have a major hissy fit if his brother got hurt under his watch. He checked the time and realized his Mama and Papa had gone for nearly 3 hours.
‘Must be having one of their secret picnics, hee hee,’ thought Yunnie as he brought out his iPAW and jotted some thoughts on his blog about the joys of having the cutest chubbiest cubby as a brother.
Can you tell us if he spends any time awake while out of the den and is he trying to crawl or walk yet?
Just out of curiosity, what’s the temperature in the Den where they sleep? I am constantly seeing Baby Panda lying by himself with Mama Panda gone. I am wondering if he gets cold without any blankets!
Moderator’s note: No blankets, but fluffy fur and a fat layer!
Just read that the NZ panda cub died due to underdeveloped lungs and so could not get enough oxygen. We hope that she did not suffer much and am sure that she is in panda heaven
)!
Are the lungs “naturally underdeveloped” like the panda cubs’ other body parts (e.g., eyes, ears, etc) when they are born and just develop more when it is born? If so, we are all so lucky, our little SDZ baby panda is in good health. Thanks to Mama Bai’s loving care and the SDZ zoo keepers!
I’m a longtime fan dating back to Mei Sheng, but haven’t blogged for awhile. My daughter is a budding zoologist, and we just made our first trip to SD this summer. The care and exhibits are truly unsurpassed. What a joy!
I learned from 20 years of breeding dogs about surfactant, a substance produced in the last days of gestation that keeps the tissues of the lung from sticking together and allowing air in. We’ve learned that premature puppies can not survive, because they have don’t have sufficient lung function. Given that Mei’s cub was 4 ounces at one week of age, I suspect that she weighed less at birth–a factor that could definitely point to the cub being premature. If the cub was born amidst the surfactant development, I wonder if she had just enough to survive as long as she did, but not longer, and shortened gestation is what ultimately led to her demise. It also makes me wonder if this could be what happened to the Ling-Ling cubs at the NZ in the 70s, 4 of 5 of whom died after a few days. Perhaps prematurity is a wider phenomenon than we have previously known, and Mei’s little dear will help us learn more to sustain the species.
After reading about the cause of death of Mei Xiang’s cub I just had to come visit our Chubby Bubby. My heart still breaks for her and my heart rejoices for Bai. I love our little fluffyness and so hoping for a polar cub this year! Fun to see him napping again in the den!
we just read that the NZ panda cub did not have enough oxygen due to underdeveloped lungs so she died. We hope she did not suffer much and wish her joy in panda heaven!
Do panda cubs develop their lungs more when they are born, just like the ears and eyes, color develop more after birth? We are just so fortunate panda cub#6 is healthy. Thanks to the loving care of both superb Bai and SDZ keepers!
Ok NOW I am befuddled!! f f The fire alarm, horrid noise maker, went off last r2:50am. No fire, and nol baby butterball, and no Bai Yun. Where were they? And before 8 am not anywhere either! What is going on?? She took Yunnie everywhere in her mouth or dragged him or held him and went. What does she do with butterball? All night out? Is that the mommy’s night out with no baby??
Too old to havae a heart attack so I just stay awake and hit the computer and den. NO NO BABY anywhere??
Whither did she go with our butterball?
Moderator’s note: They were likely out in Bai’s bedroom just beyond the door of the den. We no longer have a camera operating in that area.
Is there any particular reason the den is kept pitch black? It doesn’t seem like other zoos or the Chinese do this.
Hmmm, no idea, but the success with pandas at the San Diego zoo is stellar! Awesome San Diego zoo!! Those working to save the pandas are to be commended!!
Since the cublet’s birth, I’ve been sending postcards to myself every day, but they’re not coming through today. Is the postcard feature still working? I MUST have pictures of him and his mom!!! Thanks!
Moderator’s note: I just sent one to my coworker as a test, and as of noon PDT, the postcard function is working. (She was very happy to get it, too!)
I find that no matter how many times I make sure to say they are not junk my computer still sends them to Junk….I have to check all the time. I can have the computer on for hours and say they are not junk 3 or 4 different times, and stilll hotmail calls them junk. Be sure to check that and Deleted files before you empty them. I have no idea why my computer is so stubborn about this, I do send them to inbox by clicking NOT JUNK but it refuses to learn.
Panda shot of the day – ZA’ s Lun & 23 1/2 month Po cuddled up together, backs against a log, eating bamboo.
No signs of weaning yet 
Please let me know, who is LUN and PO and where do I see them? Thanks
Zoo Atlanta also has giant pandas. Lun Lun (mom) and Po (son #3) are generally displayed on Zoo Atlanta’s Panda Cam. ZA only streams from 10am to 5pm Eastern Monday to Friday. The other pandas there are Yang Yang (dad) and Xi Lan (2nd son). Find out more about them here:
http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/animals/mammals/giant_panda/meet_the_pandas
Memphis Zoo also have a giant panda couple. However, finding info about them other than their names is not as easy as it is at SDZ, NZ and ZA.
Jusy, I have the same problem with Memphis Zoo in not having regular updates on their pandas, Ya Ya and Le Le. I have been trying to find out more info about Ya Ya possibly being pregnant since I read from another person’s comments that the MZ panda keepers have Ya Ya on pregnancy watch. They do have a pandacam that’s on 24/7 on the MZ pandacam page. MZ is also on Facebook and Twitter. Hope that we get some kind of news about Ya Ya real soon!
In the meantime, keep watching SDZ pandacam and see if you can catch Bai and little boy!
Chari :}
Sheryl,
Check the Atlanto Zoo website.
Po is Lun Lun 23 1/2 month old cub residing at Zoo Atlanta. Researchers decided not to wean Po at the usual 18 months. They figured when Lun got sick of Po nursing & stealing her food she would wean him herself. But she has made no move to wean him. Po weighs 100 lbs. and I have seen him still nurse
Just google Zoo Atlanta and then click on panda cam – the cam is only available from 10am-5pm ET
Zoo Atlanta said on their panda blog that if natural weaning doesn’t happen soon, the zoo staff will have to intervene.
Thank you so much to all who gave me the info. The Atlanta zoo’s camera isn’t on now but I watched some interesting videos of Lun and Po. Maureen, your story about Po not being weaned yet is fascinating, I wonder if that’s how it is in the wild. I once had a mama cat who let her lone baby nurse until 12 weeks, the baby was eating cat food AND milk! Sounds like Po.
Maybe we could start a little fund to get a extra camera or 2 if it’s not to expensive after all we bought a cooler for bamboo i’m sure we could fund one or maybe we could get private funding
I would contribute for another cam.
He just keeps getting cuter every week!! And mom continues to amaze me how wonderful she is as a mom. I know several humans who should take lessons from her. She is amazing!!
This is the 3rd baby I’ve had to watch from birth. Each time is so different, but so amazing. I can’t believe how calm this baby is and how fast he is growing. I wish I could be there and doing your job.
If any of you observed the cam around 2 p. m. today you got to see the Halloween costume Bai is working on…..The ultimate Two Headed Panda. It is really cute~hope you got to see it.
LOL If you catch it at 3:05p, it will be the headless cubbie. Well more than the head. Mom left the cubbie sleeping and I think a third of him is outside of the den.
Wonder if he rolls himself enough, he either roll back into the den or out of it *LOL*
I tuned in at 2:10 and saw the same scene as you / thought the same. Was weird.
Me an the family were at the zoo on Tuesday when w got to the pandas I was so excited first we saw gao gao he was just Chillen under his tree eating an I didn’t want to do anything by just stand there and watch him eat all day Long…. Then we walked up a little bit more an there was yun zi up in a tree but came down an sat just like dad grabed a stick of bamboo an ate.., at this point I really didn’t want to leave….. Thank you SDZ for the great visit we had
Moderator’s note: SO glad you had such a panda-ful day!
Debbie from Pa.
Posted October 8, 2012 at 9:54 PM This is for Debbie in Pa.
You answered an item I mentioned in a comment area or two back, and I just read it. Sorry it took so long but for several days every time I started reading I also started sleeping. I will look them up and post them to you as soon as I have them….Love Grammmie
Oh, thank you Grammmie, I will be waiting anxiously. Love our momma Bai, and I wasn’t around during Yun Zi’s 3 years. I have been watching you-tube videos from doxiemom to see Bai, Gao Gao, and Yunnie. Her videos are awesome, does she work for SDZ? And I have been watching prince fluffy butt since he was brought into this world, and I am addicted. Can’t turn off the cams. Thank you for responding.
No problem Deb, I woke up in the middle of the night and before sleep overtakes me I was checking things, came across my list of photos below and had a good time cruising them. Rita Petita has won many awards from her peers, but suprisingly few of these have them. I even enjoy rereading the comments after each photo…Love grammmie
Debbie from Pa.
Posted October 8, 2012 at 9:54 PM This is for Debbie in Pa.
Re: Photo of Bai Yun and Yun Zi the day he learned to fly.
I have just gone through 60 pages of thumbnail photos, there is a stack of them here, but I haven’t found THE PHOTO yet. I am going to send a note to Rita and see if she can send me in the right direction. There were 25 to a page on those 60 pages, and that might be why I missed it, or it may be filed under Bai Yun’s name, something I have not thought of. Enjoy these I could not resist, or go to this link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/
and enjoy all of them…there are many to see. All I did was put Yun Zi in the search box, and when asked for all or just hers I went to just her. Enjoy, and keep reading the comments, as soon as I have it I will give you a janggle. Love Grammmie
PHOTOS FROM SOME OF THE PAGES
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4820121526/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4395395758/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/5251439585/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/7460534988/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4356731522/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4751579355/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4709376106/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4465554585/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4393371089/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4589179482/
one of my all time favorites
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4572991301/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4608177744/
dear grammie and rita, thanks for sharing the pics. I had no idea these were in cyberspace. Really enjoyed the great shots.
Dear Grammie and Rita,
Thank you very much for sharing the pics. If you ever want to compile and publish the pictures in a picture book with other pandas – Sullin, MeiSheng, ZZ. etc – we will be your avid customers and be gladly waiting in a long line to buy your book!
Thanks again!
Absolutely we would buy more than one book if these are ever compiled and published. What a wonderful gift to be able to view these!! Thank you!
… and we know there were some very lovely poems/songs/narratives written/posted by others that will enhance this book. It would be so wonderful for it to be a joint effort for every panda fan! I think it will be a nice tribute to all the SDZ pandas that we love and cherish! Rita and other photographers have very lovely pictures and Grammie has some nice videos, maybe a DVD insert with the book
.. T-shirt printing is a lovely idea, too. I got a shirt a while back from the SDZ panda shop which featured Bai-yun painted by an artist. I am always proud to wear her 
I, for one, would love to have this as a go-to-spirit-uplifting book to have
!!! … and maybe, a portion of the book sales will go to panda donations for treats/projects… The possibilities are endless!
Just got on the pandacam, and I finally saw little boy on the cam with just his rear end showing! He’s laying down in the doorway of the den taking a nap, and what you see is fluffy butt! (Close to 7pm EDT in Florida.)
It took her awhile to get thru her grieving/mourning stage after her cub died, but her hormones are showing normal levels, she’s eating all of her boo, biscuits, and snacks. She’s also going outside in the mornings, and then coming back inside and napping on the rocks. Her den was cleaned out yesterday. They did have a camera in the den to document Mei’s nest building skills, and you can watch that on the NZ’s Youtube page. The agreement between National Zoo and China is still in effect thru 12/5/2015 for research in panda reproduction, mother and cub behaviors. Hope Mei can be able to have another successful estrus cycle in 2013, be pregnant again, and have a very healthy cub.
National Zoo has finally received the final necropsy report on Mei Xiang’s little girl panda cub that died almost 3 weeks ago. We already knew that her liver had some discoloration to it, but now we have a better explanation about her liver. The cub’s lungs were underdeveloped and could not produce enough oxygen to keep the liver functioning in a normal way and have good color on it. That was the report’s final determination of how Mei’s cub died. Heard the news about this tonite and went to NZ panda page for more info.
About Mei Xiang, she’s back to her normal self! FINALLY!!
Now, I have to find out something about Ya Ya in Memphis and get back on the pandacam to see Bai and little boy.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Hello,
I love, love, love watching this little one grow. I am from the Washington DC area and we were all so sad about the death of the little cub several weeks ago. We all watched Tai Shan grow up on webcam. I could not get enough of him and I feel the same way about this little guy. It is so life affirming to watch! Thank you so much for having the web cam. No matter how tired I am when I get home at night I always tune in to panda cam to check on “my baby”!
Regards,
MAB
I was heartbroken to hear about Mei Xiang’s sweet little one and watching the video of her distress cries and seeing her cuddle her toys as though they were her baby absolutely shattered me. I’m glad that they found out what happened, and hopefully now that they know the cause of death they can use that to help prevent future mother pandas and cubs from the same type of tragedy. I’m hoping Mei Xiang will get the chance to be a mama again soon. I’m glad you are enjoying our “chubby cubbie” grow up. I hope he helps heal some of the pain for you and everyone else who was so excited to watch Mei Xiang and her little one.
I’am new to all of this. So nice to get home from work and read the blogs to get all caught up on chubbie’s day. Then I can watch until I go to bed. lol I just love this little one. I wish I could have watched the other cubs of Bai grow up. Thank you Grammie for all of your post. I have learned alot about the other cubs.
If I have been helpful then I am very happy. I try to get the facts straight, and the giggles flowing. It is nice to hear that I have done something right. Love Grammmie
I was at the zoo last Friday visiting the wonderful Gao Gao and Yun Zi, when the moderator mentioned that the pandas poop so often, they even do it in their sleep. Thanks Gao Gao for just now proving that live on Panda Cam this early evening!! Lol.
Glad we get to see the other boys while Mom has Chubby Cubby out in the bedroom. Hope the cam gets turned back onto the den before everyone heads out for the night. Thanks again to the SDZ team for all your wonderful work and feeding our panda-loving addiction.
when Bai used to be in exhibit, I admired her style of going to the bathroom. she would often be sleeping on top of the rock formation (which looks like a tv-shaped cave, where Gao Gao currently lives). she would just kind of lift her tail off the side of the rock and let her poop drop to the ground. she did not even seem to look at what she was doing. so it felt very mysterious whether Bai was just a tidy bear by nature or if this was some kind of accidental behavior.
to me, Yun Zi also seems to be a bit discreet about going to the bathroom. not always but sometimes when he is awake, he seems to favor going to the bathroom in the bushes to the side of his pool.
sometimes I wish they would not go to the bathroom so close to their food. but oh well. hopefully it’s just not a health hazard.
Oops….I meant narrator, not moderator in my original post.
But, yes, you’re right about Yun Zi. While I was there, he finished up a marathon bamboo-feeding session. He made his way behind the bushes, did his business discreetly, stopped for a quick drink and climbed up the log where he settled in for a nice, long snooze.
His next in age to him sister, Zhen Zhen is also very descrete, and keeps her lady parts covered all of the time, even excercising while hanging by her toes from the trees. We are talking about a very lady like princess….Love Grammmie
Can you imagine how things will happen when these three boys get into a bit of mischief when Bai is off doing her Mom things, or getting a bit of time for the spa treatments she loves. She will have to rely on Chubbie Cubbie to keep the others from getting into trouble……those other two boys have already done some mischief. Well we will just have to hope that a little guy we call Cubbie Cubbie among other names will be wise and able to keep his big brother and daddy in line….A prayer might help….love grammmie
I am so beyond disappointment about not viewing the cub when it starts to walk and goes into the bedroom to sniff around.
Isn’t there any way a camera can be hooked up in there? We are going to miss the best parts of the cub learning to walk and explore.
We are going from the den to the big outside in December but we will miss the fun stuff inbetween all that.
I am really down about it all.
Sure I like to watch Yun Zi outside but watching a new cub explore is priceless.
Do you know yet when the panda will be on exhibit? Even approximately?
Moderator’s note: Too soon to even approximate. Sorry!
I wish there is an electronic device that can be put on the panda baby/mommy so that wherever they are, the panda cam in that area will go on. Then we wont have any panda-less moments.
Moderator’s note: Remember, there are no longer cams in the other areas.
This is where a cam on every bear’s head would be nice, seeing what they see. I guess that would only work with Bai and Chubbers, when they look at each other. When they do that in the den, and then Bai checks the cam to make sure we see them, I just melt…….love grammmie
It’s 8:15pm…lol…is that gao gao’s white head I see in the dark eating boo or YunZi
Moderator…you said there is no longer cameras in some areas. Will we be able to watch the cub after he leaves the birthing den?
Moderator’s note: We have people working on it.
i just checked in to see Bai Yun and her beautiful cub, and there is nothing up where there used to be Bai and baby..just a gray empty box. Hopefully, something is being done so we can watch the cub progress from learning to crawl to a lively little walking youngster. Have fingers crossed as so many have learned to love the mom and cub. It would be sad to lose his first steps and all the happy little moments that come along with them.
Helen
Why is the pandas cam only showing the garden room, where Gao Gao(It hink) is?Is the baby panda and Bai okay? Do you know when we will be able to see them?
Moderator’s note: Everyone is fine. Bai has been taking the cub into her bedroom just outside the den, and there are no cameras there. Instead of showing an empty den, we switch to one of the other pandas.
So why is it better to look at a log for hours instead of the den?
Even if the den is empty most of the time, Bai does bring the cubbie in now and then.
Enough of the log!
Moderator’s note: We are looking into what’s up with the cam.
Just wondering how many different areas with cam? Now (8:10 cst) showing room with a pole? no panda’s in site
Thank you for the wonderful update on the exam #8 Jennifer. He is so precious.
Moderator: 6:15am we saw a pole in the outside exhibits. Which exhibit and what is the pole for? Don’t remember seeing it. Thank you.
Moderator’s note: Without having seen what the cam was on at that time, I’m guessing what looks like a “pole” is actually the trunk of a young tree that has been wrapped to protect it from bear claws until it is older.
I LOVE him, when will the camera be back in the den. Missing him so
Do not despair. As much time as Bai and Yunior went to other rooms they still found their way to the den, in fact the last two nights the den door was open (they were in their front enclosusre on view all day by then) they both chose to sleep in it, side by side, as if saying goodbye to an old friend. They will explore more and more~as they should, but you will still see them sometimes….us older by one cub folk just got lucky last time, but the photos and pictures are so much clearer now yo do not have to explain what it is folks are seeing. In time you will wake up in the middle of your sleep period to find mom and baby playing in the moonlight, or the light of some light forgotten, and watch in awe at the beauty of the moment. Love grammmie
Oh no! Does this mean the den cam is over? I miss our little Boo Boy! I love watching his first steps going out the den. Remember when YunZi fell out of the den? Big first step, but he was determined to get to Mommy!
Does baby boy know how adorable and cute he is?
“Pandas that make you go AWWWW….”
San Diego Zoo you have sooooo spoiled us, we just want more and more, thank you for all you do.
Where oh where has my Gao Gao gone
Oh where oh where can he be
With his ear bitten short
And his paws grown shaggy
Oh where oh where can he be
(oh he’s probably sleeping next to the rock or under some bushes)
About those Paws of his……….They are Fluffy, Furry and Sexy~~Not Shaggy. His are the bestest ever Feetsies on record. Uh Oh, now you know how I am going to feel when I hear from Bai about the comment about her Fluffy Butt that I wrote to a note below. The last itme I did that she called a press confereence…..you don’t suppose she will have me picked up in a Black and White (our local law enforcement colors), or have my retired cop step son do the honors???? Oh for shame…..love grammmie
Help!! Bring back Chubby Cubbie, please please please!! We’re having cubbie withdrawal pains. LOl We love him so much.
So we’re back to panda pole dancing… but where are the dancers? And where’s my chubby cubby? Haven’t seen the little sausage this morning. Sniffle, sniffle.
The cam’s been on the same, empty, lonely spot for more than 12 hours. I volunteer to come monitor the cams!
Moderator’s note: We love our volunteers. If you’re interested in joining our volunteer corps, you can find information here.
Such fun reading all the comments and learning so much about my favorite animals at SDZ. Hope to get back for another visit in December. It’s been three months since my last visit and I’m so longing to be there again!
This is my first time viewing a baby panda. I clicked over one day just to see him and never left. I would much rather look at the empty den waiting for the little cub to show than to look at an empty yard waiting for one of the other pandas to show. I do appreciate that the SDZ even allows us to view the animals but bring back the den view until the little guy finally leaves the den permanently.
Personally, I would rather look at an empty den than a log.
Please change the camera.
We have been looking at nothing but that log for hours!
Where is the panda baby and his Mama? Please let us know at least that the cub is Ok. starting to get worried
Moderator’s note: The cub is fine. If Bai Yun takes him out of the den and into her bedroom, where there is no camera, the cam operators may choose to switch the camera to an exhibit.
are all the pandas – Bai, Gao, yunnie, and baby#6 – Ok? WOuld it be possible to see Yunnie or Gao if Bai and Baby are away off camera somewhere?
) Thanks in advance…
I agree with Jan. I prefer to see an empty den than a desolate outdoor space. Please bring back the den camera. We are hoping for another glimpse of our beloved cub.
So this begs my next question (keeping in mind that I’ve only been here since a week after chubby cubby was born). Is this all we can see of the outdoor exhibit? Or is there more out there? Can it be zoomed out or something? Once in a while I can see the tops of human heads but that’s something I can see all the time! Hahahahaaaa xxoo
Moderator’s note: The cameras can be zoomed and panned by the operators. We are trying to find out why it has been in the same position for such a long time.
Deborah and Eda, and everyone……
Do you live in the greater San Diego Area?? If so and have the funds and health to get to the zoo you can join the volunteer program, and perhaps run the cam yourself in time. We get the best shots from the Meeercats (the volunteers) than any other place because they do not have to try for something on the way past to do something else, they are dedicated only to the cam lever. Volunteers are very important, and if you are alone otherwise a nice way to meet some new folks, and you could work those hours when most have families to take care of. Anyone in the Greater San Diego area should give the volunteer program a try, the worst that can happen is that it does not work out and you stop~~the best could be that you love it and get some of the best close-ups ever!!!!! Love grammmie
I may do just that. My husband is deployed and I’m a self employed florist, so I would love something new to keep my free time occupied.
Hi Mods,
Can you please put the cam on Yun Zi’s exhibit when the cub and Bai are not in the den (they rarely are there anymore).
Thanks,
Mark
Good morning moderators. When I checked in last night….well early morning hours, I saw the cam situation and felt very sorry for the flood of notes about cams you would get today. I do not know why I am always sure there is nothing wrong, but there never is. I knew there would be a flood of worry, etc. that you would have to deal with. I know that moderators are not respondsible for the cam and can only pass on the messages you get to the panda team, who will deal with it as and when they can. You guys are doing a fine job and everything you can do to keep the pandas on the cam.
Love Grammmie~hoping you have a quiet weekend.
Moderator’s note: Thanks!
I second what Grammie says. Technology is great when it works and causes lots of frustration when it does not. Hope your tech savy people solve the problems.
We’ll all be so happy when we can see them again.
Thank YOU!
We know the camera problems are not the moderators fault and don’t mean to gripe at you but we have no other way to communicate except through you.
We do really appreciate all that you do for us.
Thanks!
Moderator’s note: No worries! I understand the frustration.
Please note that often times, when no volunteers are available, the job of operating the cams falls to the keepers. I am sure we can all appreciate that they have many things to do throughout a busy day and are not always able to respond when a bear moves off camera.
Oh my! There’s a strange creature in the panda yard! And it’s wearing sunglasses! ; p
Penny~~is this your first on cam Nanny Keeper sighting??? They are a sight to behold. Sometimes they dress up as yellow monsters just to scare the cubs for fun, and we all have a good laugh….love grammmie
I have not seen pandamom and baby for few days. Every time I checked pandacam, it showed empty den or outdoor area. Did they find a place where not be captured on camera?
I miss them so much.
It looks like we’re only going to have access to live panda cams in the other zoos, rather than SDZ.
Hope we can get to see the new little guy on his naming day! A bit on TV, if nothing else.
Dang …. have missed seeing Gao Gao or Yun Zi ………….
I didn’t mean to sounds so negative. We’re all just a bunch of panda addicts and miss our “fix”!
Thank you for fixing the cam! We can see Mama and baby in the den now
… We really appreciate it!
Bai and the cubbie are back!
Thank you!!!!
Bai Yun and little one are back. Thank you, SDZ. Now everyone can take care of their fix
SDZ Panda withdrawal is not a good thing.
Mama and chubbie must have more room in her bedroom to eat and play and sleep? Miss them.
Finally, the web cam is back…. I take panda cub photo every day. Try to documentary
thanks for coming back to cubbie.
is Gao Gao ok? did he oversleep? I did not see him eating brunch.
I just lov to see him all snuggled up and snoozing until Bai comes to nabs him! And that cute little butt! lol
If you don’t know this, you may want to have your techs look at the cam setup again. It’s not a constant stream like it was in the past. It streams for a couple of seconds, stops and then resumes streaming and so on.
Moderator’s note: Thanks for the heads up!
Here’s some sweet footage from Thursday
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
2012-10-11 Mr. Fuzzy Britches is Fussy
http://youtu.be/0AwjlTxc_lU
There are just not enough words to say thank you. Absolutely adorable.
I think I see the little fellas problem. He starts twisting his bottom half to the left, but by the time he gets to the other half he starts tying to go right~~that will never work. He must be in a growing spurt where everything suddenly is uncoordinated and we all look a bit foolish…Love grammmie
Why is latest exam only a slide show and not a video?
Moderator’s note: There is a video, too! Go to the video page and click on “Panda Cub Getting Bigger” on the right hand side.
Bai heard the cry for help. Poor chubbie he tried so hard to roll over himself. She picked him up and calm him down and off to the bedroom to rest.
Oh goody! There he is, looking extremely adorable, sleeping, dreaming, as his little legs and paws move, pretending he is climbing trees! So sweet! My, he is so chubby! lol
Dear Bai Yun,
I realize that, with Gao Junior getting bigger, the den is getting smaller for both you and your cub. I also realize that the den must be getting incredibly boring after weeks and weeks and weeks of paws on mothering, and you long for less enclosed spaces and more freedom to move. However, there is no Panda Cam in those less enclosed spaces, and the millions of us Yun-Gao fans around the world need our “cubby fix” every day because we are addicted to watching you and your beautiful widdle boy as he grows. So, could you PLEASE just drop your cub off in the den for a little while every day so the fans can watch him? Please? Pretty please with sugar cane and honey on top? We’d appreciate it! Love Auntie Deb E.
I do not know if your note will get a respondse, but I know mine will, it has before~~~so lets give it another try.
Bai Yun you are lovely, and have the most beautiful and handsome cubs and cubettes in the world. It is not hard to tell a Bai Yun Child….they all have your Lovely Fluffy Butt………Love Grammmie
P. S. You guys have my back~~don/t you?? She was a bit upset the last time I wrote about her Lovely Fluffy Butt. I am not sure her advancing age will make her any less sensitive about this statement, so if you see something black and white coming at me in a hurry…………………
Advancing age, Grammmie? As for No 6, he needs his exercise so I bring him out. I will try to drop him back in the den for his naps but he is so excited being outside. I love his spirit and he is sooooo cute. Ahem, that’s the Mama in me speaking.
Love,
Bai with the lovely fluffy butt, Mother of many fluffy butted cubbues
Thank you Bai, we all love you. By the way am an old lady of 66, and have 2 offspring. First I had a cub, then a cubette. They are fully grown up now since I had them by the time I was 20 years old….love gammmie.
LOL…my sentiments exactly. Well written.
Dearest Moderator: My heart goes out to you having to put up with all of us panda fanatics out here harping about the panda cam and not being able to get our cubbie fix. I sooooooo appreciate your kind patience and understanding. I am not sure I would have been as pleasant with all the negative comments coming through. I too was VERY sad not to see Bai and baby on the cam and was frustrated by the monotonous view we had for so long. But I held back from complaining because I didn’t want to add to your grief. At any rate, we are all so pleased to see our fuzzy little one once more, and I again thank you for putting up with us!
You’re the best… 
Well said ……… I have to confess I’m one of the whiners about the cam situation.
With no camera in the bedroom anymore (I think that is the room you mentioned) then when the cub is no longer in the den, when will we see him again? When he is outside in the public area? At what age would that be?
I just checked in to see if there were new photos on Rita Petita’s Flickr site, and found a lovely photo of Gao Gao awaiting me. we never knoww if we will get one photo, a whlole bunch or nothing new, but I find it worth the trip. I keepthe link in favorites, and I created a shortcut for my desktop. Love Grammmmie
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/
Thank you Grammie for that, what a beautiful page. Love the pic of Lupita too!
Would love to see a new growth chart. Pretty please?
Moderator’s Note: Your request has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
Chubby cubbie just flipped over! He was on his back, made it onto his belly, and faceplanted into the nest. It was so cute. I wish I had gotten a screen grab, but I was too delighted to think of it.
4:02 a. m. Out of the corner of my eye I see the den is no longer empty…..Bai Yun is cuddling our Chubbers, and rocking, when she is not the huge black and white Beach Ball. Even when all you see is and empty nest just hang on with the window of your screen in a corner so you can catch a movement~~that way you miss nothing. I was prepared to see nothing, but rewarded in a few seconds with the lovely sight I have now….Love grammmie.
P. S. It is getting much cooler during the nights in San Diego~~~I think they might be inside for the rest of the night.
Touching interaction at about 4:40 AM when Bai Yun entered the den and scooped up cubbie to give him a full body hug…her love for her cubs never fails to captivate and amaze me…
Debbie from Pa. There is a note in the last Blogs comment section answering you about the the phot of Y
I meant to say “about the photo of Yun Zi flying off the Stone Throne (that is what we used to call the empty top of the “rock cave” below the black hammock”. There is a photo of Bai Yun in that hammock and it was made for Yun Zi when he was about half the size of her full grown head. She tried getting into it with him, sometimes would fall asleelp with her head resing on it, while shes gazed at Yunior until she fell asleep. Bai can be a very funny bear. love grammmie
Debbie from PA. There is ananswer to your photo link in the last blog comment ssection giving you the good news, from
Rita Herself. The Bonus is that I reread the comments under the photos and found a link to the whole sequence on video…..so enjoy everybody…..Love Grammmie
Grammie and Rita,
Thank you for the links to the pics and video. Let me tell you, It broke my heart to see Yunnie get knocked off of that ledge right after being woken up…poor baby. That was a long fall! I would cry if I saw Bai do this to her new cubbie. I hope they don’t put any snackies by him. Keepers will have to give him his in secret…lol.
Anything we see happen in videos has been survived, even when we think it easily not knowing what goes on in the wild.
I just saw someone going in to the den for the cub! they quickly turned the cam out of camera range. Another exam perhaps? Or another excuse to cuddle him?
Such joy & love concerning San Diego’s cub. After reading about the problem with the week old cub at National Zoo I keep thinking about Mei’s den at birth & after the birth. There was so much bamboo -and that large ball – were the keepers able to see the little one. I was able to hear it, but
never able to see it. It probably did not make a difference, but I was bothered by the amount of bamboo. I think that when Po was born, we could actually see the little guy pop out.
Tai Shan had an EXPLOSIVE BIRTH …..had he still been in the USA when Moma had another baby he was ready to jump right in to help…..with a catcher’s mitt. I bet somebody has handy the video of his birth, then his photo if he got to help with a second miracle. Tai FLEW from the birth canal to the nearest wall, head first. Pandas can fly under the right conditions. So far I have not come across the birth video, but my search of Sooperpanna got me the photo of Tai Shan ready to help momma with births after him~~~be sure to note the Catcher’s Mitt…Love Grammmie
http://www.flickr.com/photos/45944933@N00/3502670805/
Just below the NZ panda cam there are links to other video of Tai – his explosive birth is one.
Using your hints, Maureen, I found the “EXPLOSIVE birth” video here:
animal(dot)discovery(dot)com/video-topics/wild-animals/national-zoo-giant-pandas-videos/baby-panda-tai-shan.htm
Enjoy, everyone!
Than you P Wong….I usually work from the bottom of the comment section up when clicking everything to read. I did happen to get the one closer to the bottom, so I know that the other folks have at least a more mature mother to watch.
For an hour on Thursday afternoon, we were treated to a closeup view of mother Bai Yun snuggling in the doorway with her 74 day old panda cubbie. Here are highlights from that precious time:
2012-10-11 Bai Yun and Cubbie: Den Doorway Delight
http://youtu.be/FBkNGYohJSA
Thank you to whoever enabled us to see this view
Thank you DoxieMom from the UK – I love your videos. Because of the time difference I miss so many of the cute moments, but thanks to you I get to see them.
Doxiemom, you are awesome, thank you!
DoxieMom: I left a reply on YouTube but just wanted to add my thanks here as well since this was just the most precious video yet. I love them all, but this was just so sweet to see them cuddling by the door to the den and brought tears to my eyes to see their sweet togetherness… sigh… thanks so much for sharing!
When I visited this summer, the panda moderator told us that this would definitely be Bai’s last cub, that “she was done.” I know that 21 in bear years is about 70 in human years, but still remember that bears can reproduce relatively late in life as they don’t have menopause. I just read that it’s a “full go” now for Chinese scientists to inseminate Mexico City’s Xin Xin–who is 22 now–in 2013.
Moderator, if the Chinese don’t consider this impossible, why has it been determined that Bai won’t be bred again? And also, didn’t I learn here years ago that Gao Gao’s sperm had already been tried in trials to inseminate all three of the Mexico City girls? If Gao’s little swimmers can’t do the trick, I can’t imagine whose can!
Thank you!
If I might say a word about this, there is more success with natural breeding than with AI. His little swimmers may be the best on the block, but using AI is tricky. Love Grammmie
To tell you the truth I had mixed feelings about Bai breeding again. It may be that her body is designed to be pregnant every year or 2 years if left in cub, but that does not mean she is not stressed by constant pregnancy. I think having Bai for a few more years is better than one more cub. It embarrases me that I did not know about the den cam until Yun Zi’s day of birth, and I have loved watching Bai with her cubs, but I do not think a 70 year old (if that conversion is correct) has any business having another cub to care for no matter how good she is at it. The tole on her body might be too much…then we would not have Bai to love and the Nanny Keepers would have to play Bai’s part in the process. Yes they are trained for just that scenario, I bet they would rather not have to cuddle and train the cub all by themselves~~right Panda Team????? Love Grammmie
Ahem, I prefer to personally salsa with King Gao thank you. And if we can it will be 2014. ot it marked in my calendar.
BY
I don’t know if this applies to pandas and animals in general. I remember in genetics we learned that past a prime age for women, having children would increase the chances of genetic diseases to their offspring significantly. Would this idea apply to Bai as well?
I guess Bai Yun listened to our request for her to leave her little precious one in the den while she goes out.
HI! I got lucky two days in a row–yesterday and today!! Saw little boy in his den napping! YAY!!! He doesn’t have a care in the world right now! Momma’s out haing her me time again, but she’ll be back later to take care of her little boy. Nice to see little fluffy cub again!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
We certainly appreciate the new HD cams, but it makes no sense to have one in the den and not one in the bedroom. We are missing half the fun.
WUPS!!!! Just watched Momma Bai walk into the den, pick up her little boy, and walked out at around 5:45 pm EDT!! Looks like another nite under the stars! Hope it doesn’t rain on them! Gonna miss seeing little fluffy butt tonite!
Chari
6:14pm pst and baby is getting a bath from Bai Yun. he is really resisting and want to get away. Question: now that the cub is getting much bigger, is he defecating on his own or does he still need a little help from mom. Thanks so much for reviewing our responses and inquiries.
At 6:43p.m. and they are both in the den. I think a lot depends on just where and when Bai wants them to be. I am just glad that she is taksing King Fluffy Butt with her, instead of leaving him on his own like she used to do with Prince Fluffy Butt. I think together for them is best, even when we miss out on some of the fun~~~the point is for them to be together. In time they will settle into their own routine….Love Grammmie
Has the cub started to walk outside in Bai’s bedroom on a more stable flooring?
That room was always so much fun to watch before since that is where the action started with Yun Zi.
Thank you
7:22 p.m. and Cubbie is waking~doing his crunches, which brought momma running to make sure he is doing them right.
I had seen this last line before but never really understood it, unilI was searching for a video of Tai Shan’s birth at the National Zoo in September or October 2005. I did not know where PandasLiveOn trying to find out if the video was mentioned there……but they only go back to 2007 in their archives. I thought you might as well enjoy this too.
The Panda by Donna Word Chappell
A big old pudgy panda bear walked into McDonald’s one day.
Ordered a Big Mac, fries and a Coke, and ate it all right away.
He paid his bill at the counter, then with a great big grin
He pulled out a big water pistol and shot the cashier in the chin.
He sauntered out to the sidewalk; the cashier followed him there.
Drying his face he said, “Why’d you do that? It wasn’t really fair.”
“In the encyclopedia, friend, the answer can be found.”
The panda said, and then he left, saying, “Well, I’ll see ya around.”
The cashier looked it up that night. What he saw he couldn’t believe.
The encyclopedia said, “Panda — eats shoots and leaves.”
Have a great day, everyone!
my treats for Sat. evening.
Sir Chubby was really quite squirmy when Bai was holding him. she let him down a couple times. once, he actually started to slowly crawl away but she picked him up again after a step forward (including a front paw and a back paw).
later Bai returned and held Squirmy Shermy with her body outside but her head graciously inside the den door. finally when she came to take Fat Man/Little Boy to the bedroom, she bit and lifted him away by his backside. hopefully he’s pretty thick-skinned by now, but oh dear…
(in the afternoon, there was an extended period when chubby boy looked like he was doing a head stand. I think Bai left him in that upside down position where she is cleaning his booty and he just fell asleep that way. it must be more comfy than it looks or it was a weird camera angle.)
It’s 2am here in California. I just checked in on mom and baby via the panda cam and they are sound asleep and cuddling face to face, oh, it is sooooo precious!!! I took a picture, the camera is a great feature on the site to capture such darling moments!
I’m waiting for my mom to get ready so I can take her to the airport and decided to check in on Bai and Prince Charming. Ohh, how adorable they are all cuddled up. He must be dreaming he’s walking cause the legs keep going. Sweet Dreams my little Prince.
It is 5:54 ct. Just checked in and saw half of Bai’s leg in the den for a second on now its gone! LOL
A big thank you to Rita Petita for pointing me in the right direction to the Flying Yun Zi Photo at this link…………….
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4421760018/in/set-72157623448081721
And for hose who like action I found this video in the comments below the photo which shows the whole thing…thanks to Aniakc1
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!
Everybody can enjoy their great work without having to hunt it down. Remember I did nothig but enjoy them and pass them on for you to enjoy….it all started with Rita Petita and Aniakc1.
THanks Grammie, Rita and Aniakc1, All I can say is “Holy cow!” I knew momma pandas could be a little ruff with the baby’s at times but this clip was quite a surprize for me as well as Yun Zi!
Thanks, Grammie. This brings back such fond memories of Yunior’s early days and gives us a hint of what we can look forward to with cubbie #6′s antics in the near future. Can’t wait!!!
If you weren’t watching the Panda Cam around 12:30pm PDT Saturday, you missed the following. Bai Yun had been gone for over 5 hours, and she returned to tend to her cubbies needs
2012-10-13 A Squirmy Cubbie goes for a Spin
http://youtu.be/tuvwCq4c8Wg
2012-10-13 A very Determined Cubbie takes some Steps
http://youtu.be/vIbVALMdtWA
That second video is so funny. The irresistible force meets the immovable object! Are those his first steps (at least recorded)?
Great clips. Wish I was more savy on the computor. Thanks for all your dedication and time you put into this. What an effoet by all to help save the pandas. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over.
That second video is hilarious…Bai Yun had him pinned down pretty good, fluffy butt is definitely persistent. She must be sleeping with one eye open. lol
Good morning Moderator, I just got home from the airport and tuned in to the panda cam. We seem to have a strange picture. It almost looks like an air hockey table. hmmm?
Thank you/Thank you/Thank you Doxie Mom/ don’t leave /stay w/us/those 2 were awesome of King Fluffy Butt/ he is on the way to walking. OMG too cute.
Grammie, I totally agree that natural breeding is the most successful, and Sir Gao has been a great contributor to conservation by being able to do it–and with a female 50% bigger no less! I personally echo the sentiments of a blogger somewhere in this chain above–Gao Gao is the George Clooney of pandas!
What I meant to imply was that if Gao’s little swimmers didnt do the trick with these girls years ago when they were younger and in their prime, what makes Chinese experts feel that there is a chance now with non-Gao sperm and a now-older female? When we see the efforts that science will go to to breed a cub the hard way, I just wonder why it seems so certain that Bai will not be bred again. (And look at it this way: If Bai did have a 2014 cub, she’d have to stay beyond the 2015 contract end-date!)
Moderator, Could you please take a stab at my original questions about this? Thank you!
Moderator’s Note: These are all great questions and they have been sent to the Panda Team for review!
Thank you, Moderator!!
We are by no means certain that Bai Yun would not be bred again. That will be determined at a later date. At this point we are focused on ensuring the success of her current brood.
They are right~great questions…………….and on the other hand of trying Gao’s sperm now is that AI had been much improved as the years pass by….he even tried to help out his Sister-in-law Mai Xiang a few years back, things have improved since then too. He does seem to have greaat swimmers, doesn’t he???? And he seems so willing……
Just wondering, when Bai Yun and cubbie stop denning, and they are both out in the garden room, how will the keepers be able to sneek cubbie away from Momma for his exams?
The keepers have their ways.
I get the impression every time I tune in to the camera to see Baby Panda sleeping, here comes Mama Panda to wake him up and give him a bath or something.
Poor Baby not getting enough sleep.
LOL I’m on the other end. When I tune in, babe is either sleeping or been cubnapped by Bai Yun.
You should feel special to see all that action. The babe does gets lots of sleep. If you look closely on some of those baths, babe is asleep. I caught one where Bai twirled him good and he slept through the whole thing.
That is one of the good reasons that Bai has such a low cub loss rate, the cleaning helps keep infections from forming…..or she is a germaphobic????
It is so cute watching baby boy look for his (mouth piece) to get some of momma Bai’s good ole milk. I just love everything about him and she is the greatest super mom ever. I can’t wait to see him stumbling around and getting into everything.
just viewing Mama Bai and Baby at 12:54 PM and they are by the den entrance… Thank you for the close up of the cam, what a wonderful sight
Thank you camera operator! How awesome to have you change perspectives as Bai Yun and cub interact in the den during the noon hour. What a treat this is! I am hereby glued to the scene now as baby tries to make his escape but is constantly thwarted by vigilant mom; housework will have to wait.
7:12pm ct Omg I guess Bai thought she needed a tree in the den. lol She is so funny to watch with chubbie.
A Message From Gao Gao Junior to his fans:
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLPPPPP! Mommy’s baffing me! Again! Make her stop! I wanna gets down an’ pwatiss my walkin’ an’ she picks me up an’ baffs me! hewp me! PWEEZE!
We would love to help~~but Mama would take us apart and put us back together again….I think she scares us.
I just found this 7 year old video on YouTube of the birth of Tai Shan and what went on in the background. I am sure somebody has posted this link years ago or maybe recently, but perhaps it may be nice to see it again.
I am not quite sure about how the HTML tags & attributes works here, but here goes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecF2npBGaoo&feature=endscreen&NR=1 .
Hope that link works.
Thank you so much Betty for showing that video. It is not the closest I have seen of Tai Shan “Hitting the Wall”, but it was a fine job you did in finding it. I had no trouble watching it, so it worked just fine. Did you get to see the photo of Tai suited up to help mom last year when they had hoped for another baby? The catchers mitt had us all in stitches…love grammmie
Yes, grammie, I did! I am amazed at how the staff managed to get Yun Zi to sit still long enough for them to pose him and take that sweet picture of him.
Or was it photo-shopped? Very clever!
Usual evening in the den. Bai and her HUGE stalk of bamboo, the cleaning & grooming of poor cubbie and then the frenzied cleaning of the den
Bamboo and dust everywhere – too funny:) Bai is a great housekeeper 
Oh no baby is missing along with mom….mom must of wanted to show him something….at least she didn’t bury him under bamboo like she seemed to be doing when fixing the den.
I love it when she plays with Chubbers looks like she gives him raspberries on the tummy and he kicks just so cute.
Bai and cubbie are so precious. What a love fest!!!! I think it is so funny when Bai flips cubbie upside down and stands him on his head to clean him up. We are so lucky to see what goes on in the den of a mother and baby bear. I always thought bears just slept in the den. lol Good job SDZ.
Moderator…you do such a good job answering so many questions. I keep watching the questions about whether or not Bai will be bred again, I didn’t think it had been decided yet has it?
Moderator’s note: The Panda Team will evaluate her health after she has weaned this cub to determine if another breeding may be possible.
there were some moments on Sun. when the camera was a little closer up on Sir Fluffy Butt II. I am amazed how much he has grown in such a short time. it is pretty miraculous how far he has come along from being a tiny and helpless pink-skinned baby. thanks Bai and staff for helping this development along.
thanks Bai and staff for helping this development along.
That line was so well written I just had to repeat it here…Bai has her own staff, and that should not surprise anybody, but I doubt her NannyKeeperes think of themselves as Bai’s staff, but maybe they should.
11:21 p. m. Oh happy days….I logged on to an intese cuddling session. You just never know when they hit or how long they will last.
For those interested inthe Wild release program the front page news of PandasLiveOn tells of the Oct 11, 2012 release of Tao Tao after two years in three sections with his mom, and he headed for freedodm and a Bamboo forest. Read it for yourselves at
www (dot) pandasliveon (dot) com/
just remove all spaces and (dot) relace with a period or dot. The first story on Oct. 11, 2012 is about the release of Tao Tao to the wild, which he embraced. at full speef, heading for the nearet bamboo grove. His only contact has been with his mother who taught him how to be a bear in the wild. From right here we are going to hope that the only thing we hear about him in the future is that he adapted to the wild, met a nice panda girl, and got his genes into the gene pool. He does not know humans, or any other panda except hs mother, as it should be. The Panda God be with you Tao Tao.
A great way to start another Monday morning at work: to see Mom and her precious cub. Thank you!!
Bai giving Chubby Bubby a bath! He is such a sleepy little guy. Is this normal for cubs this age? I know he is busy growing, so that might explain it, but for some reason I remember Yun Zi as being more active in his den than this little guy, and spending more time moving about, trying to get his feet under him. This little fellow seems like he prefers sleep over anything!
Moderator’s note: If you’ll look back at blog comments from 2009, when Yun Zi was small, you’ll see the same concerns from Panda Cam viewers
Everything is fine and normal with our little guy.
Thank you! Didn’t mean to sound pesty. I just could not remember since this is only my 2nd cub watching time! I freaked out over my 2nd kitten, after having a cat for 18 years! I worried the way she was so active one minute then suddenly crashed for an hour the next! Play hard and sleep hard, was what the vet told me!
Moderator’s note: You’re welcome. It’s fun to look at the 2009 blog posts of Yun Zi’s first few months. You’ll see the same questions and concerns expressed there and should help reassure newer panda cub viewers that all is as it should be.
Amazing!!!! Can we all believe this little fellow was the size of a stick of butter 11 weeks ago? I imagine he will weigh over 8 pounds this exam. He will probably be walking in a couple of weeks. He did take a few steps a few days ago. Good job Bai.
Thank you, thank you for the cam In Bai’s bedroom
Wonderful shot of Bai on her platform 
Moderator’s note: I believe that is Yun Zi.
Actually, we had Bai Yun on the cam in her garden room for a bit this afternoon…
Is the cam showing Yun Zi again now? Why is he always so dirty? It seems he didn’t pick up Bai Yun’s cleanliness traits.
And that is why she is the only one called the Teflon Panda. The only ones who come close is the ones like Princess Lin Ping who get at the very least a wet wipe down every day.
Gao Gao looks MUCH cleaner in comparison.
Not Bai Yun clean, but nowhere near as dirty as Yun Zi always seems to look either!
He’s a boy playing in the dirt
It is 12:57. Are we viewing yunzi or gao-gao? Is little chubby, cubby having an exam today
?
Moderator’s note: Yun Zi. And no exam today for the little guy.
It is so very nice to see Yunzi again (even if it is just his back). We miss him very much… well, wihsful thinking to see another video of the cute, little one
… maybe sometime soon!
1:56 PM MST…..I’m looking at the Panda Cam which is focused outside. The picture is in color and I know it’s a panda, but I can’t tell who it is. What’s more, from the camera angle, I can’t tell which end is which. Too funny!
The bear sleeping on his right side on the cave is Gao Gao…. Bai Yun and cub are fine, just out in the bedroom where the Panda Cam can’t see.
Is the baby out of the den? Please change the cam back to the den before the operators leave for the day, I’d much rather see the den in case Bai Yun and baby return instead of Yun Zi’s dirty bottom.
That would be Prince Fluffy Butt’s Adorable Little Dirty Bottom!!!!!
It’s 2:00 PST and it looked like someone pulled the little cub out of the den with Bai Yun quickly following. Is it another exam today? Does Bai Yun get stressed seeing her baby taken away?
Moderator’s note: No exam today. I’m not sure what you saw, but no one would pull the cub out when Bai Yun was there. Instead, the little guy “hopped” out of the den and Mom followed him.
Nobody pulled the cub out – he had crawled out from under mom, ended up on his back, and the rolled over into the bedroom. Mom got up from her nap to pull him back in for a brief cuddle. Then I looked away for two minutes and they were both gone!
Heather, I saw that and it was funny. Bai took a moment to decide whether she would get the guy back inside. You missed part 2. He escaped from Bai again. He crawled all the way to the opening. The last push from his hind legs made it looked like he “jumped” out of the den. After that, Bai decided to follow since the kid insisted in going out. It would be funny if all they did after that was to just snooze in the bedroom as too much rolling around just poops out the little one.
I see mom plopped the kid back in the den so she can go gallivanting in her rooms. All that escaping from mom is sure tiring.
Thank you so much SDZ for letting us catch this with our own eyes.
I was also watching … cute baby sleeping and then Bai pulled him closer and he wiggled away from her … rolled onto his back … and … woosh … he was just gone … took a moment to realize he must have slipped or rolled right out the doorway … mom pulled him back … I should have continued to watch because I missed part two … sure is fun to watch!
You’re right! I did miss the second adventure. I’m so glad that DoxieMom captured it so I could see it. This cub is too cute. Can’t wait until he really starts motoring around – mom’s going to be even more worn out! I hope he has another exam soon – really want to see his growth again – he seems so big now!
I saw the “roll over” exit from the den when he was on his back, but I have never seen him do that “hopping” maneuver, so I mistook his second “exit” as someone pulling him out. Thanks for the clarification.
Moderator’s note: You’re welcome. You witnessed quite a milestone today!
Rats!! I missed it!! Any video of the hop out there?
There will always be video, unless the Panda gods conspire against the “Hoomans”
Cubbie tried & tried to leave the den
He crawled about a foot and then fell off the step, could imagine his surprise as he went “splat” Mom look surprised for a minute before she went after him 
It’s 5pm EDT here in Florida. I just watched the pandacam and saw something really funny in there today! First thing I saw was little fluffy butt in the den taking a nap by himself while mom was out. Then, mom came back into the den and started to clean and nibble all over her cub. Then, she let her little boy go, and he started to use all 4 legs and feet to start moving towards the den door. That kid is crawling, you all! Then, before I knew it, this little guy moved out of the den pretty quick and mom was going out to get him! Chubby cubbie has started to do his own exploring now, mom! Get ready; he’ll be running from you before too long!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
St.Annes-On-The-Sea
Lancashire UK
This afternoon I decided to watch the cub on the cam . Usually at this time I will be out feeding my “little Darlings”, the Goose, Swans, Ducks, Canadian Geese, Moorhens and Coots at the lake and ponds nearby.
I was treated to a captivating moment.
14:48 UK time (6:48 am in SDZ)- Bai Yun had an early breakfast. She was eating bamboo in the den while the cub was lying on her feet. Shreds of boo kept dropping on top of the cub. It looked hilarious.
When the cub moved, Bai licked him for a minute and then pulled him to her chest and nibbled him all over. The cub must have like this nibbling. He fell asleep once more on her left paw.
Bai Yun thought Oh! good! I can continue my breakfast.
At 15:01, Bai pushed the cub’s head and he rolled over on his tummy. Then Bai Yun put her head down on the floor and I thought she was going to clean her den. I like to watch her cleaning. Instead Bai lay on her back and eat bamboo for 2 seconds.
All of a sudden, she pushed cubbie aside, put her head down again and started tossing bamboo all over. Cubbie woke up dreamy and sat there perhaps wondering what all this boo tossing was about.
After that Bai picked him up and nibbled his tummy. Cubbie opened his mouth as if screaming “Hey! that tickles”
15:08- Bai Yun put Cubbie head down and nibbled him in the stomach with his two tiny feet wiggling in the air. “Hey! Mummy do you know I am upside down!”.
Then Bai continued kissing and nibbling him and I could tell the cub was trying to escape a few times but Bai pulled him back.
!5:14- Cubbie freed himself and sat near her but the kissing and nibbling continued.
15:17- Cubbie fell asleep finally while Bai sat there staring at him.
15:20- Bai nibbled him again and I thought aloud “Oh! No! please don’t wake him up again”.
All of a sudden, Naughty Bai picked him up, then pushed him with her right paw and then walked out the den. Cubbie was cuddled up asleep in the middle of the den.
It is funny but I feel sorry for the little cub.
Another Unforgettable moment and an entertaining afternoon for me.
Cynthia: Thank you so much for chronicling these tender moments! I loved your description of what was taking place as if you were keeping a journal. Feel free to share more observations from your home over in the UK…
Monday afternoon around 2pm , after having been left alone for over 5 hours, cubbie had some energy to burn after sleeping and nursing. While Bai Yun tried to rest, cubbie make a break for it, twice landing outside the den!!
2012-10-15 Cubbie’s Great Escapes
http://youtu.be/j1HtgeOeot4
Doxie Mom you did it again /make my day/ I loved the ending where King Fluffy Butt take a flying leap out the door……too darn cute.
I saw this happen. It is pay back for Bai. Since she comes in and wakes him up. She wanted to take a nap so bad and chubbie thought it is time to check things out. LOL
Wow! What a great video! Poor Mama is so tired and little one is just full of energy. Most of us Moms can totally relate to this situation. Thanks for all your videos and especially capturing these wonderful moments.
Thanks Doxie Mom.
How cute was that? The Little One just wanted some of that California sunshine.
Thanks DoxieMom
Thank you, DoxieMom. I knew I could count on this to capture this momentus occasion. 3 successful escapes from Mom before being reeled in again. Thank you for letting me experience it again.
Love this video Doxie, and thank you very much for it. it’s one of the moments in the cubbie’s life that I’ve been waiting for…. it is a true Great Escape!! He did it! I am so glad that you captured it…what fun! There are many more fun things to happen, but this is a milestone in his young life.
Absolutely adorable! Thanks, DoxieMom.
It is really nice to see Mom getting the recognition she so well deserves. You guys are kind to let her know how you feel about the videos she provides us with. Love graammmie
This is fabulous! He was so determined to get out and play! She was so determined to keep him inside so she could nap! lol
St.Annes-On-The-Sea
Lancashire UK
I forgot to mention Mei Xiang earlier. It was 13:54 UK time (5:54 AM in SDZ).
She was playing with a log in her garden. She looked happy trying to find what was inside the log. She then rolled the log until it stopped at a tree.
I am glad to see she is up and about. Then she sat down to breakfast,it was 8:56 am in Washington DC. I have never seen Pandas eating bamboo leaves like the way she did. I have never seen Bai Yun or Tian Tian & Yang Guang from Scotland eating bamboo leaves like that.
Mei Xiang really likes Bamboo leaves!
It is good to see she is happy and healthy now.
at about 5:55 pm tonite Bai is cleaning cub and has him upside down.
At this rate she is either going to break his back or teach him how to strengthen his stomach muscles.
She must do this upside down thing for a reason. He sure doesn’t like it.
I am looking at the camera right now.
Is it the same Den Baby Panda is sleeping in right now?
It looks kind of different!
Greetings from Connecticut!!! It is 9:24 am est. Could someone do me a favor and remove the bamboo tree Bai has uprooted right in front of the cam?
Thank you.
hah, Bai is trying to get a moment alone from the Pandarazzi
Thank you Cam operator! It is so nice to see Yunzi again.. He is such a handsome, “little” boy
Conversation with Bai Yun #44
Cubbie #6: Mama.
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
C: I think you’re amazing!
B: Oh, you’re making me feel self-conscious, dear.
C: You’ve got the best tasting milk bar.
B: Yes, it’s fed by the best bamboo cultivars of the region.
C: And your x-ray vision…
B: From the nice carrots, sweet potato, and beet supplement leaf eater biscuits.
C: I could never hide from you.
B: Hehehe.
C: And I bet you see behind your head, too.
B: Hehe, shhh, somewhat…
C: And you can smell everything!
B: You said it. It’s multi-directional and multi-dimensioned.
C: I can’t escape your wash cycle.
B: Yup, must be vigilant to keep my baby clean.
C: Now about the milk shake recipe…
B: Huh?
C: After I drink all that milk and you shake me up…
B: Er…
C: What flavor’s been my milk shake?
B: Hmmm, I’d say it’s reminiscent of beet and bamboo.
C: And was there any churned up butter and whey?
B: Well, let’s say it’s a nice blend of coprophagy.
C: Huh? Capro what?
B: Nevermind that. So what were you up to when you attempt your escape to the bedroom?
C: I thought I’d weigh myself on the square shaped platform.
B: But you just got weighed few days ago at your 8th exam.
C: Well, I would like to chart the data on a more granular level.
B: OK, then make sure you report your results upon your 9th exam.
C: Yes, Mama.
P Wong will you be visiting Gao Gao or Yun Zi again soon??? I first read you in a Gao Gao interview~and would love more of them…and the newer folks deserve to hear them too.
And knowing those nannykeepers Exam No 9 will be soon as they just want to scritch and stroke and cuddle Chubbers. Hmmm, when he grows up, they will all go into withdrawal……
Anyway, nannykeepers, I am watching you!
Missy Bai
Chubbers is lauging cuz momma is turning him all around and raspberries on his tummy. He is even being taught to stand on his head. Momma you have to stop it or he is going to lose his milk.
12:32 PM…there he goes outside again! We’re going to have start calling him Houdini
Oh goodness! I just saw the most amazing steps out the door for cubby! What happens at the edge of that nest? Looks like he fell off a cliff! Is it a matter of inches or less? Are the keepers able to observe him in that next room? Would they take a picture for us to see and put it on the next blog they start? Too fun!
Moderator’s note: The den is perfectly flat on the floor–no ledge at all for the cub to fall from.
Great! Thanks for letting me know!
Good question, Pat — I’ve been wondering that too! I’m glad to hear he doesn’t fall a few feet to the floor out there!!!
looked like Sir Chubby crawled out of the den. then I think he rolled onto his back. then it looked like he may have been snatched up by Bai?
these paws were made for crawling
that’s just what I will do
one of these days these paws
are going to crawl all over you (Bai Yun)
-this is what Chubby sings when Bai is cleaning him upside down
Another good one….but how do I get it out of my head now??????
Love it!!! And yes — now that tune is playing in MY head too!
Wow! It seems like Gao Jr. likes to venture out on his own a bit. Yesterday I saw the little tyke walk out of the den when his mother was asleep (or so he thought). Nope. Took no time at all for Bai Yun to rouse herself and go fetch her little walkaway son (can’t say runaway yet, he doesn’t move that quickly). Now I watched him leave the den *again* and within minutes, there’s a large shadow cast inside the entrance, followed by Bai Yun herself, then she was out again, no doubt intent on recovering her boy. I watched Yun Zi do this once, back in the day. Did all the cubs do this?
1:18 p.m. Pacific time. So nice to see our “boys” again….they are the two handsomest Pandas in the whole western United strates. It must be lunchtime since they are both attacking a pile of bamboo
Seeing the boys was fun, but we are back to King Fluffy Butt, the real star of the show lately.
Early this morning I clicked on the cam and much to my surprise, there was either Bai Yun or Yun Zi sitting on a metal platform eating fruit and carrots. Can anyone tell me which one it was? and where that cam was located?
Moderator’s note: That sounds like Bai Yun enjoying a snack in her garden room.
Thank you for the quick response. I thought that was her, but wasn’t really sure. She is so white…: )
Ahem, I was named Miss Teflon Bear cos I like to be pristine. Hence you see me scrupulously cleaning Chubbers so that he is as clean as can be.
Love,
Bai
And there is no other quite like she. Best Mickey Mouse Ears, She got them at the Disney Store.
Actually Mr Mouse gave me a pair when I visited him and Minnie with Gao Gao when we were courting.
BY
AAAHHHH HHHHAAAAA, nice…Love grammmie
3:45 ct:Thanks I enjoyed seeing the other boys. Cam back watching chubbie.
Special thanks to the camera operator today! Great close-ups and far-outs of panda buddies. I wish I knew how to tell who is who. Sometimes the camera catches a sign with the name, than I know: Yun Zi! Did Bai ever got on the camera while munching her boo?
And the little one is adorable when he slowly crawls through the den opening, and next you see…the Chubbers rolls out the door..Love it!
For those of you that missed cubbie’s big milestone today, here’s the video
2012-10-16 Cubbie Follows Bai Yun Out of the Den!
http://youtu.be/wydvag6j8tU
While this cub may be the smallest (so far, in relation to his siblings), he’s more than making up for it with his spunk and determination. This is such a great age to watch panda cubs. Thank you for allowing us to see the whole family today.
BRAVO! And thanks for capturing the moment, DoxieMom.
Doxiemom, I don’t know what we’d do without you…Thank you sooo much.
I also wanted to say thank you for the daily videos. I can get my day caught up while I’m at work until I get home to turn it on.
I saw this today. Mom came in, nibbled on fuzzy, let him play and then tried to direct him to eat. One thing I have noticed is that he would rather play than eat. After that she squashed him down and practically ran out of the den. There he was going “mom, you forgot me” and up he went crawling after her. As he was going along he ran splat nto the wall of the step. He shook his head as if to say “I hope this isn’t a concussion”. After he got his bearings he toddled out of the den. A short time later here he comes back in mom’s mouth. She threw him down and made it very clear that she didn’t want to have to come back and he had better go to sleep. Next picture he’s sound asleep.
Thank you, DoxieMom, for another, great video! I was waiting to see something from you. And sure enough, you caught another magic moment of cubbie’s life, that I missed. And I loved the special kiss that Bai gave him today: she lifted & hold his head with her paw to give him a kiss on the cheek. PRECIOUS!
I actually tuned in and saw this happening in real time. It certainly answered my previous question…yes he is starting to crawl and walk. What a little champ!!
Thank You DoxieMom! I have been watching Bai and Prince Fluffy Butt almost from the beginning of his birth. This has been my first time around watching Bai or her cubs. It’s been a blessing in so many ways
I haven’t had as much time lately to focus on the panda cam. I would have been really sad if I had missed him leaving the den as that’s a major step in his growth. I had to really laugh when I saw her bring him back into the den. It seemed to me as a human mom would do her own child “now now,you aren’t old enough to play outside alone yet!” 
Funny video. Cub didn’t crawl out the den but rather rolled out.
Thank you Doxiemom!
Having watched many cubs from NZ, ZA & SD it’s easy to mix them up when they reached milestones. It seems this little cubbie walks in a straight line instead of going round & round in a circle
It seemed like days before they finally got their legs under them & their bellies off the floor before they headed out the door 
Ha, I am glad I am not the only one who can not tell them apart! I would love to see Bai hanging out outside the den while the cubbie is asleep. And may be she was already on camera munching on her bamboo or cookies, and I though that was Yun Zi….
Is Yun Zi still growing or he is already full size? He seems huge to me.
Yun Zi is not full grown yet; he weighs a whopping 185 pounds and is still a teenager! He will be full grown and mature between the ages of 4 and 5. He may one day be as big as his grandpa, Pan Pan, at 300 pounds.
300 Pounds~~WOW!
It’s 4:13 pm (MST) n chubs is sleeping on his side looking so adorable…love the little twitches w his paws n feet n a cute angel smile…he must be having cubbie dreams of walking, running n climbing trees..sweet
It is 6:14pm ct. Bai just stuck her head in the den to give chubbie some lovin and then she took him out the door! lol
He is such an amazing blessing!
Can we get a clue about the naming?? PLEASE!!!
Moderator’s note: Soon.
I was wondering the same thing??!!
Soon~~~~now why does that sound familiar???? Oh Yes~~~what Bai told Gao every time he came to call during cubbie making season. I am going to go look for it and add it on to this comment when I find it…it was a gem!!!!
Is there an exam today?
St.Annes-On-The-Sea
Lancashire UK
How many times does Bai Yun clean her den?
It was 7:34 am UK time, Bai was cleaning her den. She was hurling boo all over her. Cubbie was not there.
I suddenly realized it is 23:34 in San Diego. Does she clean her den at night too?
She sat down and ate bamboo and then brought Cubbie in. She then started spinning and nibbling him all over as usual. Cubbie was resisting and started wiggling all over.
Bai decided to feed him and he became all quiet and fell sound asleep. Bai continued the licking, the kissing and the nibbling all over but he did not even budge. He slept like a log.
7:55: At one point, it looks like she wanted to munch his right leg. Then Bai licked him in the butt. I noticed she likes the butt best. Cubbie wiggled his feet and scratched Bai’s face. Bai quickly pulled his tiny feet apart and gave him a mouthful of nibble, as if saying, “That’s for scratching me”.
All the spinning and nibbling continued with the cub sound asleep. I think Bai finds it exciting nibbling a sleeping cub.
At that moment, I saw a few moths crawling on the cam. I think they must be having a good view watching these two.
8:14: Finally after 45 minutes, Bai tired herself and she stopped.
8:15: Bai pushed Cubbie onto the floor and then lay down beside him.
8:19: Bai walked out the den. Cubbie was rolled up like a fluffy candyfloss.
It is funny. Once Bai left the den, all the moths disappeared except one. Perhaps the moths said to each other “Hey! Excitement over! Lets go to bed!”.
8:48: Bai returned and started nibbling, kissing and licking Cubbie all over again. This time the dreamy cub woke up and Bai had to try to lick him back to sleep.
Bai then starred at him lovingly, perhaps thinking to herself, “Hmmm! Am I looking at a mini Bai Yun or am I dreaming? Isn’t he adorable?”.
9:07: Mummy Bai eventually fell asleep.
Another enthralling moment for me on an early Wednesday morning.
It is lovely to know you are enjoying Cubbie watching to the fullest. Only someone so enthralled with the process could describe it so well. I happened to catch a glimpse of him too. Does it seem he dosen’t mind sleeping on his back so much now,?? That has to be it or the camera or the camera and cub are stuck in one spot…..Love grammmie
Once again, thanks for the blow-by-blow description, Cynthia…
Nice post…
This cub is hating his morning bathtime right now. Bai Yun is cleaning him up big time. I’m watching and its so funny when you watch the cub cause all he wants to do is go or sleep and Bai Yun isnt letting him do either. Very cute!!!
Any new baby exam video coming? Also, when a name is chosen for him, do you reveal where it came from? What is the actual date of the naming?
I can hardly wait!!
Moderator’s note: He’ll have his next exam sometime this week, and we’ll be sure to take photos and video. Look for naming info next week.
Have been busy at work and missed a few days. Hasn’t our little prince grown! I can’t believe how big and fiesty he is!
My (our) lil’ chubby cubby is so stinkin adorable! He looks still tiny when mommy is around but when you see him on exam days, that’s where you can really see his growth! O how I wish I could give him lil’ raspberries!
P.S. I hope someone translated my name of “chubby cubby” in Chinese! lol
Thank you zookeepers for keeping us reassured time after time that mommy & chubby cubby are a.o.k. when we feel they are in distress (ie: rapid breathing, etc.)…xo
Moderator’s note: You’re welcome, Bon. We don’t want panda fans to worry about our panda family.
Our little guy is getting so big, and Mom seems so confident. She’s such a good mom. Glad she can leave him and get some “me” time to rest, eat, and gain strength to handle him in the months to come.
I like to say she’s no longer a “stay at home” mom. Good for both of them!
1:01 p. m. pac. time~~~If the dude in blue leaned in any closer to photogrqph Gao Gao he might have ended up sitting in his lap!!!!!
That would be fun to sit on Gao Gao lap and give him a big hug.
agreed 110%
NO ONE gets to sit on my Gao’s lap, thank you.
Missy B
And when Bai Yun speaks it is the last word!
…it’s 4:05 pm EST (1:05 pm in San Diego)…Does anyone know if this is Bai on camera, seating next to the pile of red cookies and eating her boo in front of the bedroom? Is that what she’s been doing all along, while her little one, who is probably just inside the bedroom (because the den was empty a moment earlier), is dreaming his sweet dreams?
Moderator’s note: That’s Gao Gao right now.
Haha, I can never win! Thank you so much for navigating me through. At least I guessed right that could not be Yun Zi.
It looks like Gao Gao is so close to the glass you could just reach over and touch his arm! Does anyone ever try to do that?
Moderator’s note: There is a moat to separate Gao Gao from his adoring public.
Wow whom ever it was that made the comment Gao Gao is a bamboo eating machine wasn’t kidding!!! lol He is awesome. It is really nice to be able to watch him and the other bears sometimes. Thank you.
i was right about cubbie turning into a fiesty one. lol I don’t think we have seen anything yet!!!!
Thank you, What a nice suprise about to leave work so I had to check in and there was Yun Zi my first chubby that made my day and put a smile on my face.
A HUGE HUGE THANK YOU to whoever was manning the camera around 1:45 pm today. Several uninterrupted minutes with Yunior has SOOOOOOO made my day. He has been missed beyond belief!!
You’re right …what a shot
was that my Yun Zi I saw, wow, wee, boy you’re getting big, love you lots,miss seeing you
Yesterday we had a great view of panda parents Bai Yun and Gao Gao, as well as their teenage son, Yun Zi. Bai Yun was in her Garden Room, Gao Gao in the Main exhibit, and Yun Zi in the Keebler exhibit. For those of you having a bit of confusion as to who is where, here is a short video identifying the Pandas and their exhibits. Hope this helps
2012-10-16 Which San Diego Zoo Panda is on Panda Cam
http://youtu.be/1EFJ5UPyS5I
Thank you so much for posting this! I have been wondering which is which.
Thanks Doxie for that little tutorial and thanks to the cam operators for increasing our viewing time with the whole family. I may be getting the hang of recognizing distinguishing features, but I think I’m still “panda blind” when it comes to Bai Yun, Gao Gao and Yun Zi, lol.
Thanks, DoxieMom. It’s good until SDZ decides to shuffles the giant pandas around in the outside areas when Bai and “sausage” is ready to come out. If you look at a giant panda’s left ear and it’s not round-like, that’s Gao Gao. He lost part of it when he was young in the wild.
Thanks again Doxie Mom / this should help folks who do not live close as we do in SanDiego. We get to go to the zoo often. Yes we are blessed.
DoxieMom, Thank for the video on the 3 bears. It was delightful seeing them do what they like to do best…EAT! Appreciate your videos on mom and her cubbie.
AWESOME! Makes it very clear now. Very helpful, DoxieMom, many thanks.
I totally confused the rock structure with an entrance to a bedroom…I guess it is easy to do since I have not been to the Panda exhibit in SDZ and do not know how everything looks (bedroom vs garden room vs main exhibit, etc). Thank you again, you are incredibly helpful!
Dear DoxieMom, How did you know? I’ve been wondering how I was going to figure out who is who. What would we do without you? Thanks.
Thanks, DoxieMom! Although I have no problem identifying “who’s who”, it was just nice to see shots of all of them. I had a real “awwwww” moment with YunZi since I haven’t seen much of him lately, and miss him. He’s got a special place in my heart…
Deborah (aka PandafanDS)
If you were not watching at 6:59 a. m. pac. time……you would not know that it was Chubbie Cubbie outside the den door. Bai Yun came in, stuck her nose up by the camera, then sat down and picked Chubbers up, hauled him through the den door for nursing. I guess she was checking the camera to make sure all is well, before taking a more active role for whomever does the video~~which may turn out to be Doxieimom.
Thank you Doxie Mom for sorting out the panda rooms for us! Now if only I could talk you into adding subtitles to the Elephant cam for me. Thank you for all that you do.
Thanks to DoxieMom’s comparison video, I can now tell by panda’s face who is who. Not afraid of losing track of them after being switched around to new exhibits when it’s time for Bai and the cubbie to live in open. I think Yun Zi has a more elongated face and nose than Gao, and Yunni’s teeth are much whiter than Gao’s, and of course Gao’s special ear helps too.
Very much enjoyed watching Yun Zi having breakfast in his hammock and Gao munching on his treats. Thank you, camera team, for awesome job in getting me hooked on your panda family
Trip to SDZ is a must one day from the East Coast!
when Little Round One is not feeding, does he try to bite Bai Yun? sometimes it looks like his head is moving all over her front side. I wonder is he missing her teat or is he playing?
Oh, look at this feisty ball of fur….Mama Bai is having trouble in restraining our little tank and has to use her body weight to pin him down…but he keeps crawling away from under her! I can just tell, she will have full paws with this one!
saw Bai pounding (scratching?) on the den walls with her paws about 10-15 min ago….could that be a sign of frustration/distress? Never saw her done that before…She was trying to get the cubbie to fall asleep for at least 30 min after the nursing sessions, but he wouldn’t…She finally gave up and left…,returned back in 3 min or so….
Hee hee, panda baby gate! This little guy is full of beans even more so than Yun Zi and Zhen Zhen!
Be careful speaking of Bai’s “her big Mama Bai rear end” since if you hear from her personally you may get a real dressing down.
Dear Renee,
WHAT are you saying about my extra fluffy generous rear end? And I think it is a natural and a good way to keep my son within boundaries. I will use what I have. Thank you kindly.
Panda Hugs,
Mz Bai Yun
Its 6:30 pm on Wed. and its funny to see Bai munching away on her bamboo while she hold the cub tight with her feet. He so wants to move away.
Nature vs Nurture question – Bai is such a great mother to her cubs and since you have allowed her to raise them until they are approx. 18 months old – does that make a difference in how her daughters raise their cubs or is it just their instinct to nurture their young or both? Are Hui Mei, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen allowed to raise their own cubs? Do any of the researchers notice any difference?
Bai was born in the early days~~the first at her breeding station in China. Her father was wild~~~Pa Pan (for more information about him put his name in any search engine, or this blog search area) and Mother Dong Dong may have been captured…I cannot remember. I do not have information as to whether the cubs and cubbettes were taken away at 6 months as thy did later, or at 18 months that seems to be in use now that the breeding poplation is at 345. Before arriving in SD Gao was given a chance to breed naturally, even though he was raised in the breeding center (he was captured young due to injuies and lack of a mother) but he was estimated to be younger than 1 year old when rescued. At the time of his arrival in SD he had not bred naturally but he made up for it once he met his love Bai Yun. Both were probably minus a mother (who teahes the young how to be a bear young) and that did not stop them from making a cubbie on their first try, and every encounter except for 2011a year ago, their onyl non prouctive meeting. Well it seems there is natural, nurture from their prospective staff members, the very best of luck that they were a perfect match, we could not know until they met. Once in a while you can hear them quietly singng “O happy days”….as they should……Love Grammmie
Moderator’s note: Dong Dong raised Bai Yun fully. You can read her story in the post Farewell to Panda Dong Dong.
Good questions, I would be curious to hear the answers too. I also was wondering if over the years the panda team found any differences in Bai’s motherly care for each of her cubs and can tell if she favored one over another or knew the cub’s personality and adjusted her techniques? Is Bai a very special mom who has amazing child care instincts and talents, or she is pretty much typical panda mom? Thank you fro answering.
We don’t have any data on how Bai Yun’s daughters have raised their cubs. They are in China. We can only say that Hua Mei has been extremely successful as a mother, and Su Lin encountered some typical first-time-mom bobbles. As to whether or not Bai Yun has shown differences in rearing technique between cubs: the short answer is yes. Some of this difference we attribute to her growing experience as a mother and some is likely attributed to different personalities in cubs.
Thank you, Panda Team! As always, fascinating and quite educational.
Interesting question, with ongoing studies. For example LunLun (ZA) was taken from her mother at 4 1/2 months.Her cubs Mei Lan & Xi Lan were weaned (with zoo help) at @ 17-18 months. Now staff is wondering if she is ever going to wean almost 2 year Po. Is it Po or the fact Lun missed her mom
Thank you both for the Dong Dong story and the cute Yun Zi Growing up Video…..great work as always.
shhhhhhhh baby sleeping all by himself! (10:30 cst) was surprise to see him at this time, usually den is empty. I assume Mom is out snacking b4 bedtime.
That was before mommy woke him for a late dance at The Balboa Park Balloom. Balboa Park is located around the San Diego Zoo for you folks who have not gotten here yet. It is a lovely place for a Zoo and the animals are more active now that it has cooled off~~So come one all to the zoo and perhaps you can get into the ballrom late one night to watch Bai and Chubbie Cubbie cut rug. I hear the only dancers with hotter feetsies are Bai Yun and Gao Gao when they step out for their Spring Salsa Cubby Making Special. We are not sure becasue Gao Gao rents a limo and the entire Ballroom for him and his love.
‘Ge Ge, I am sooooooooooooooooo sleeepy…..Mama is always baffing me!’ howls Chubbers as Yun Zi drops by for a chat.
‘Hee Hee, that is how Mama manages her babies. She tires us out so she can have her boo in peace and her special trips to the mall. But she also loves to play.
‘PLAY! I wuv playing with Mama. She da best. I learn how to do a head stand the other day! I got woozy!’
‘Soon my dear brudder, you will grow big and strong and you can play harder with Mama.’
‘Mama is so bootiful. When she wooks at me, I feel so wuvved.’
‘Yup, Mama is a beautiful lady but she can be fierce when she wants her treats. Never let her find you with an apple slice…..She will turn you upside down and inside out to get her apple slices.’
‘Hee Hee, I bet I can hide them vevvy well! Hee Hee, under my tushy!’ grins Cubby No 6.
‘HAHAHA, that is not going to stop her if she smells dem apples. But you must learn the INNOCENT look. Now one, two, three, INNOCENCE! Big eyes, Big eyes and blink once and then again…..Mama, what apple slices?….Not bad, not bad, you learn fast!’
‘Hee Hee, that is cos I am innocent!…..HEE HEE HEE, Ge Ge, that tickles! HEE HEE HEE’ and the 2 brothers play and enjoy each other while Mama was having a day out with the Gaoster.
super cute, thanks for these little vignettes of how they really spend their days
Isn’t it nice of Yun Zi to take a break from playing and boo eating to help us understand what goes on in the day to day life of the den??? Between him and the interviews with P. Wong we certainly understand life at the San Diego Zoo and the Pandas.
WOW..its 12:30 cst..and baby is still alone sleeping.!!!!…I am surprise by this, very unusual !!!..can someone pls explain where is mom???? hope baby wont spend the nite alone
Moderator’s note: She is never far away, always within earshot of her cub. She could be in her bedroom, sunroom, or garden room.
When is his next exam(9)?
Moderator’s note: This week.
It is 3:30am ct: I had to look in on Bai and chubbie before getting ready for work. Omg it was so funny to see Bai all covered up with the bamboo like a blanket and their he is up by her head as she was bathing him and now they are napping.
Just looking at the panda-identifier. Aren’t they all beautiful! I always wondered why so many panda fans named Gao as their favourite, and now I see why. He’s a handsome old chap, and I love his rakish ear! Bai is quite ladylike when away from her cubbie – I’ve only ever seen her in mummy-mode. And didn’t know about Yunnie when he was growing up, but he’s a cutie too.
The SDZ panda fans are very lucky to be so close to their boys – at Edinburgh they are in a glassed-in exhibit, and though beautiful, are often quite far away. A trip from Scotland to SDZ for me, I think, just as soon as chubby cubbie is big enough to greet visitors!
And Cara you did not even mention his Fluffy Furry Sexie Feetsies~~~He has the best feetsies in the Zoo. I am told by a friend who gets to visit often that it looks like Yun Zi is growing his feetsies just like Daddy.
Just for the record Bai Yun can be a very silly bear just like all Pandas. Once the Denning stage is over you will see her play with Chubbie Cubbie like he is her own personal toy…….or gaze at him like he is the love of her life…….especially if he has a hammock that she would like to try out.
I like pandas when was it born they are so darn cute!!!!!done
Moderator’s note: Our little cub was born on July 29, 2012.
Good Morning Panda People~~~although the den is empty I can see just a bit of black and white fur beyond the entrance of the den. So Chubbie Cubbie is not out getting examed (hugged, squeezed, kissed and all of those fun things that go with gettting your hands on one of these creatures), besides they have been doing exams mostly in the early morning hours, 6:45 a. m. pac. time is not considered early to some folks.
The new exam video should be a scream, especially if they have him on the floor, since he has been practicing “Keep Away” with his momma. He ought to be all over the place…..I hope the staff on hand are quick!
It is nice to wake up in the morning to see our handsome Yunzi
… Possibly, an exam today for the little one 
?
Oops, Sorry, I think it is Daddy Gao …
Watching yun zi eat his boo…never realized how much work pandas have to do to eat it. Is the inside softer than the outside, and does it have any flavor or sweetness to it?
Moderator’s note: It is softer inside and must have flavor of some sort, as pandas prefer some bamboo species over others.
If given the opportunity I’d like to taste the bamboo because I’m always curious how they could like something so much that looks like so much work to eat! I’ve always had to taste test my pet’s treats and some meds, all those different flavored dog treats all taste the same to me, like cardboard! Can’t tell the difference between peanut butter and liver flavored!
Hi Sheryl. You may want to be on the lookout for zongzi. It is an East Asian dumpling that is commonly served during Dragon Boat Festival season occurring approximately June. The dumpling is made with sticky rice and wrapped in bamboo leaves. The leaves give the rice a nice aroma but are not actually eaten (too tough and fibrous for humans). Sweet zongzi varieties may have the rice mixed with sweetened red (azuki) beans and “salty” or savory varieties may contain pork, sausage, chestnuts, gingko nuts, mung beans, duck egg, peanuts, etc. Yum!
About 5pm yesterday Bai Yun was in the den with cubbie, and a little bit of everything happened ~ Bai Yun pawed at the den’s ledge, “nested”, ate some bamboo, gave her 80 day old cubbie a “spin bath”; then when she was working with the bamboo some more, cubbie rolled off the den’s edge on the bedroom floor
2012-10-17 Busy Bears: Scratch, Dig, Spin, and Tumble out the Door!
http://youtu.be/ueJtNtGRrOs
This video is so funny. Only way he gets out the door on his own is to just roll out! Bai looked surprised at his move!
Thanks Doxiemom!
Love these videos
Momma panda seems determined to keep cubbie in the den unless she’s the one taking him out 
Youo have heard of “Full Charge Nannys”, well Bai likes to think of herself as a “Full Charge Momma”~~cubbies to do only what She Decides and When she Decides it.
Doxiemom, thank you…..awesome video. You catch the most precious moments.
Since I have only been here since a week after fluffy chubby was born, I’m not familiar with the faces, etc. of the older pandas. Still a LOT to learn! So… can anyone tell me who is laying face down in the tree fast asleep? Thank you!
Moderator’s note: That is Yun Zi.
ah… thank you so much!
Was there a cubbie exam today?
Moderator’s note: Yes. Look for a blog post, video, and photos later today!
oh, goody.. : ) thank you!
How much input does China have in deciding when & how cubs should be weaned from the mother pandas? Or does each zoo get to decide how it’s to be done? Was curious because Atlanta Zoo has decided to let their latest cub be weaned naturally from mama Lun Lun, meaning they won’t separate him from Lun until she shows signs of weaning–like not letting him nurse, not wanting to play with him, etc. So far she has not turned him away when he wants to nurse and is still very tolerant of his pestering & wanting to play with her. Po will turn 2 on Nov. 3.
Moderator’s note: Each zoo makes its own decisions on panda weaning.
an article I read also said because po was born later in the year in Nov by time he would be 18 mos.the normal breeding season would have passed, plus this was a great opportunity to see how Lun reacts to having him around so long.
Looks like the good Mama Bai still helps the cubbie to empty his bowels, etc. At what age do baby pandas become independent in respect to this? Thank you.
Panda Team responds: Cubs really begin eliminating on their own when they are crawling. Another factor in this is the den: panda mothers need to ensure that the den is kept spotless. So while Mom and cub are in the den, the cub will still be dependent on Mom for elimination.
Aha…Bai is also a perfect housekeeper! What a woman, ah? Thank you!
Bai appears to be so clean on the cam. Is she really that clean because when you see the other bears outside, they always have a dirty backside? She seems to keep her den and cubbie immaculate!
Moderator’s note: See post So Much for Teflon….
Okay, I hope I wasn’t the only one who just saw this…..1:42 PM San Diego time – cubbie is somehow sitting up (didn’t see how he got there) and was tapping his foot like mama Bai Yun does! Anyone else see it or did I just imagine it?
I did not see it today, but I did see it myself sometime this week, and thought I was just “seeing things”. I did not trust myself like I should have. Actually I have seen a lot less foot tapping by Bay Yun than I did when she was “denned up” with Yun Zi.
There would clearly seem to be a combination of nature and nurture in what determines excellence in mothering. I”m thinking of Lun Lun in Atlanta, who was separated from her mother at the tender age of 4.5 months, and she’s been a great mother, so nature must be a strong factor in her case.
It would be interesting to see what kind of mothering capabiilties Hua Mei’s daughters will have.. Since she’s been bred on almost a yearly basis–with 9 cubs already!–her cubs must be taken away pretty early, supposedly before the next breeding season, which makes mom/cub time only 7-8 months. That comparison will shed some real light on the effect of nature, that is the correlation between time spent with mom and future mothering skills.
PS. Atlanta has announced that Po will be weaned starting in January if he hasn’t started on his own by then.
January will give lun time to get ready for breeding season in 2013
It is 3:08pm is this Bai I am seeing, or Yun Zi…it looks like Bai Yun?
Moderator’s note: Yun Zi.
Thank you, I realized that once he moved and I saw his dirty little bum bum…lol
His face is so beautiful, especially full screen. I am so in love with this precious family.
l have been watching mom and panda cub every day since he was born,I have booked flights to come over in December 26th.Will I be able to see panda cub ,will he be out in the enclosure by then ? I am coming all the way from Scotland for a week.
Moderator’s note: We wish we could guarantee a cub sighting when you come, but we can’t promise anything at this time. However, we look forward to your visit, and you should see at least two of our panda family members!
Finally, Little Cloud is being shown on cam right now, haven’t seen him in so long. What a big, beautiful boy he has become! Not so long ago we were watching him in the nursery with mommie Bai. They grow up so fast, literally, right before our eyes.
Good to see you again, beautiful boy.
…and thank you to the great clear cams, so up close and personal with
these precious ones…
xoo
My…..Prince Fluffy Butt certainly had turned out handsome / and he likes his boo like Dad. Saw him today up close / Thanks
And I think Chubbers looks just like Yun Zi when he was this age. It is almost like they have a special place behind the scenes where the keepers can just stamp out another cub every 2 years…….
It was good to see Yun Zi today. His baby brother is doing exactly as he used to at that age, s l e e e e p !!!! Even when his momma flips him around, rarely does he open his eye’s, or fight it. Then it’s back to sleep. Remember the many visits to the ZOO just to watch Yunior sleep! Ugh!! It was frustrating because of the long lines and they have to keep them moving. Thank God for memberships. I’m sorry you all can’t live here w/memberships. But the SD ZOO does take care of us with this awesome camera & Doxiemom continues making great video’s for us all. Thanks Doxiemom!
I’m excited, shouldn’t we be getting an update today?
Moderator’s note: It’s posted.
Today is my lucky day. Panda cam switch to Gao Gao, Yun Zi, then switch back to the den. Gao Gao always make my day. He is really a funny guy.
Went to ustream.tv zoo thailand and watched as two men were wiping down the pandas, giving them a bath I guess…do our keepers do this with our pandas?
Moderator’s note: No, our pandas are responsible for their own baths.
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