Keeper Juli brings in the bright-eyed boy.
Today, keeper Juli and I got to work with the cub during his 9th exam. I had not held the cub since exam #2, and he has grown significantly since then. It is amazing and a privilege to watch his daily milestones.
Now 11 weeks old, he is 21.6 inches (55 centimeters) long and weighs 7.2 pounds (3.3 kilograms), which is the same weight as last week, but he is more active now, climbing out of the den by himself. PK Robbins, the attending veterinarian, did notice that his little canines are starting to come in under his gums, and he is starting to get a spot on his tail.
Jennifer enjoys her special time with the cub.
This little guy definitely loves the camera, as he was trying to crawl toward our Zoo photographer, during the entire exam, raising one front paw, followed clumsily by the other. PK said it was “like a toddler holding onto the furniture.” His physical development is on track for a panda his age. He is just starting to stand up on all four paws and is working on his balance.
Jennifer Becerra is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read her previous post, Panda Cub Exam 3.
View more images from today’s exam in our Panda Photo Gallery.
Click chart to enlarge.
He’s getting a spot on his tail! The Gao Gao spot!!!!
Christine in NJ
What’s the Gao Gao spot?
lol Yes, I guess this seems minor amidst Chubby’s overall wonderful-ness, but about a month ago, many here were noticing how much the little one resembled Gao Gao. Indeed, he seems to have the small, compact body and the rounded muzzle and wide cheeks of his dad, and several posters were wondering if Chubby had his dad’s “telltale” tail spot. At the time, the word from the moderator was no.
Now, you have to understand that I hold Gao Gao in high esteem. He’s pretty valuable in the panda world, where not too many bears in captivity outside China breed naturally. On top of that, he’s wild-born, so his genetic contributions were unrepresented before Mei Sheng, and on top of that–iterally!–this small bear has been able to can breed naturally–and very quickly if you’ve ever seen the video!–with the much-larger Bai Yun. But ultimately, I just find him about the most handsome bear in the world, with that big fluffy head, compact frame, and rounded nose that always seems to make him look as if he’s smiling. I’m delighted that Chubby seems to be a Gao Jr., and all the names that my daughter and I submitted used his name in some way so as to honor him for all he’s done. So the tail spot is just another way that Gao, Jr. seems to be turning into his father, a joyous thing for me!
Breeding video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMz1ozPWF0Q
I thought I was the only one that thought this little one resembles Gao Gao! I love that. I’m glad one of the cubs looks more like him for once. I hope the name will reflect it too
I agree with you both! I think he’s going to be like his papa and I’m very happy about that. I am also hoping his name reflects who his dad is too.
Yun Zi was named to honor Bai Yun and it’s only fitting that Gao be honored as well…after all it takes ‘two to salsa’
The cub is the spitting image of Gao Gao. He couldn’t look more like his adorable daddy if he tried. It’s about time one of the cubs took after Mr. Gao in the looks department!
My husband and I call him Lil Tuger. Thanks for giving us this once in our lifetime experience and it’s free. Nothing worth while is free anymore. You do a wonderful job with these Pandas.
Hi Christine,
Love the Gao Gao spot!! Thanks for that informative reply! I just started “watching” the SDZ with the advent of Bai Yun’s little cublet, so the history of his father, mother, and siblings is all new and fascinating to me. I watched the video of Gao and Bai’s breeding session and noticed that he is much smaller than she. It was funny how, at the end, she casually sauntered back into the building, while he ran off in the opposite direction! You know so much about Gao. I’ll have to find some pictures of him to see just how handsome he is. All the name suggestions are cute, but Gao Gao was left out, so I voted for “Yong Er” (Brave Son) because it is in reference to his dad! Take care and have fun panda-watching. What a great hobby!
He was the 1st panda we saw in person…I felt jumping up & down, I was excited
Now all the cubbie needs Gao’s webbed feet 
Maureen I think there has been some confusion about the telltale Gao Gao thing. Gao has his second and third toes of his left hind foot webbed, and all of his kiddies do too, EXCEPT Chubbers.
I do not know about any spot on Gao’s tail (I will consult a friend who sees him every weekend to make sure) just the webbeing between toes 2 and 3 of the left hind foot. The kids webbed toes are identical to their Poppa’s. I think that somehow we got the tail dot and the webbed toes mixed up. I do remember when watching my first cub (Yun Zi) that when he started showing his tail dot that there was a big “bruhaha” about how he was the only one in the family that had the tail spot….but I will double check……..Love Grammmie
I was unaware of Gao Gao having a spot on his tail, I thought only Yun Zi had it in the family…..perhaps some longtime watchers could clue us in. One thing that all of the Gao Gao kiddies have EXCEPT Chubbie Cubbie is a 2nd and 3rd toe webbed on the left hind leg. It seems so stranage to have the one who looks most like him should be the only one without this distinctive marker of his.
It won’t be long until he’s zipping around being even more of a handful to Bai than he is now! I love that he vocalizes but when he’s being scritched, he is a happy little boy and doesn’t make a peep. He seems so well-adjusted to his great keepers. All of you are doing such a fantastic job. Thank you!!
Yes. It is so great that he has a relationship withthe keepers alrready.You can tell that he is used to them and their scent. What fun it is to watch him on the floor trying to walk toward the camera. He is blooming like a rose! Bai dotes on him as much as we all do!!He is still a little sausage but that bodes well for him.
12:30 lunchtime and the baby is screaming and having a big tantrum!! He is the screaming est baby !! And Bai cant solve his problem so she lets him scream. He doesnt like twirling around, he wants all bai’s attention, do not put him down, he wants to eat?? even Bai just kind of shrugs and sits and lets the wee one fuss. Too funny for words. My daughter saw it too. We didnt know why the tantrum this time?
He is so good with all of you!! Jst little peeps like a dog or cat. No screaming. Funny~~
Maybe he’s teething and crabby as human babies often are while teething.
I am thrilled to learn that the little panda cub is thriving and healthy! Watching him interact and cuddle with Bai is a joy to watch!
Zoom Zoom the second! Look at him go! I got to watch him tumble around after Bai on the den cam earlier in the week, but it’s even better seeing him scoot around in living color.
what darling, is his hair soft yet? Mom still drags him about. More fun to watch, Thanks for the update.
He is really getting strong. Too bad his back legs and feet don’t want to cooperate with his front legs. He’ll be crawling soon. I noticed on the growth chart that so far he is the smallest of the six SDZ babies. His brothers were so much bigger at the same time. Maybe he’ll catch up with his brothers. He is so cute!!! Thanks again for the video and post.
I tune in 3-4-5 times a day. I’m not ashamed to admit that I am a real addict! What a sweet baby, and what a good mommy….
Words can’t say how cute the little one is
Mom better get rested up now before he figures out how to move those back legs better 
Cubbie on the move 
I just love seeing this little chubbie cubbie up close. He is just growing so much. Great job Bai!
His Royal Fluffiness is such a fountain of cuteness! So adorable as usual! Thanks for the update.
Love this little guy, he is so cute. BaiYun will have her paws full in a short time. He is a determined little boy, and will keep her on her toes as he grows. They will have a wonderful fun-filled time together, and we are so fortunate to be able to watch them. Thank you all at SanDiego Zoo, it is very much appreciated.
You guys are the best!!! I love how you let us watch the camera and see his exams it’s a real treat and such joy to my day and heart! Thanks so much for sharing and how very lucky you are to hold and touch such a previous animal. Mum is adorable too. I love how I got to see the outside of her den very cool… Someday I will make a trip back to the zoo. Thanks again for sharing you guys are the BEST! ; )
He is so cute and beautiful! He really is well-mannered, isn’t he? Look at those inquisitive eyes! I just want to cuddle and kiss him, but Bai probably would not approve!! Thank you for showing us such lovely closeup videos of Prince Charming!
He’s so cute! Please change the cam back to the den before the operator leaves for the day, we need to see the baby’s cute face.
Wow he is big boy.He growing so fast and cute.I hear talk he said hi
Yes, and then he asked the photographer which was his best side for filming. He wants to present a pretty picture……..
this is my second time watching Bai Yun with a little one and it is just wonderful, i was wondering though has mom had her check up yet?
Moderator’s note: She had her annual physical prior to breeding season. There is no need to take her from her cub just to give her a check up.
what a cute little guy, momma watch out, there’s going to be no holding him down soon, poor momma
What a cute stage. You can still get your measurements without having to much trouble. Next week maybe a different story.
He gets more adorable every day…I was up watching Mom and baby boy late last night and watched as Mom holds and plays with him… she was rolling him over and over. I know there is a reason she does this but he just wanted to get down, maybe take a few steps….she is so loving…It warms my heart…Thank you for fhe updates….
L. Peterson
Ohhh, once he gets his back legs coordinated with his front legs, watch out! He will not stay on that blanket long! He still looks small in the den, but so big during the exams. His growth pattern seems to indicate that he might take after his daddy – Gao Gao is small but mighty, having fathered five cubs. What a guy!
Wish you had these checkups more often, like every other day. LOL. We all so enjoy hearing him and seeing him up close. I think I speak for everyone when I say he brings a big smile to people around the world.
I can see it in the photo JENNIFER you were indeed almost going to kiss his head weren’t you??? You better hope Bai Yun does not see that….she might decide to make life hard for the keepers and give up on her great housekeeping duties….then where will you be????
This cub already has loads of personality, it will be great when he gets his own name in the near future.
I’ll just bet Gao Junior takes off walking sooner than any of his siblings. He’s motivated! If he can’t crawl or toddle out of the den, he’ll roll out! I’ve watched him do it!
It’s true the saying small n mighty. We noticed that at Chengdu n at the Bifengxia Panda Kindergarten. The smaller pandatots tend tb always on the go, get along w all n r able to keep up w the bigger ones if not better..some of the little ones can swim n the biggest one is so afraid of water. So cubbie #6 might turn out tb a little energizer battery…go, go, go.
That would be “Go Go Go” with “Pandatude”.
Thank you for the latest update. I, like so many others, wish we could personally be in the exam room with him.
Which rooms have Bai taken “sausage” to? Has he been taken to the sun room and/or garden room? Or has the furthest Bai has taken him to is the bedroom?
Moderator’s note: So far, I believe, she has taken him no farther than her bedroom.
Thank you, San Diego Zoo, for allowing us to share your pandas, and ALL your wonderful animals, with you. How blessed you are to experience these wonderful creatures up close and personal. I can’t think of anything that could come close to being as adorable as a giant panda cub…except maybe a polar bear cub! (I’m not giving up hope for one (or two!) of those at the San Diego Zoo one day.
Well we’ve all been there with the locomotion. Part of the body is willing but the other part isn’t quite up to it yet. He gave a good try of it. Do we know if there is discomfort for him when the teeth come in? He is so laid back I suppose that might make him a bit slower to get the crawling down but I thought watching him with Bai one day that he was looking like he was getting into the fun of playing and trying to play back so he is motivated. Pretty soon he is going to be tumbling about and next thing we know he’ll be out and up a tree half the time.
He’s such a curious guy! To me it looked like he was thinking what’s this? Who are you? Then someone rubbed his ear and chin and he was like Oh yeah, now I remember! All at the zoo who has any hand in taking care of the cub has done such a good job of not only helping his mom to keep him physically healthy, but he has no fear either which I love to see, he has a very comfortable life. It’s hard to believe such a big cub is that same little guy lying alone in the nest or Bai tossing him in her arms! Thank you for the update and video, I love it and I can’t wait to hear his new name!
Thanks to all the zoo folks for such wonderful care of this little guy and all the animals. This little boys weight is lower then the rest…I noticed Yi Zun is on the top of the chart. This little one is so much more active this time..usually it seems they are falling asleep. I like the picture of him trying to bite the thumb of whoever that was. So precious pictures thanks again.
ain’t nothin cuter on this whole planet!!~
you go little gao man, soon the panda trot begins, what fun.
joan
He is just so adorable! He looks certainly eager to crawl and hopefully, the hind legs will follow soon.
We are always looking forward to these exams and the videos, photos, and write-ups that follow. They are such a highlight of our day. Thank you for sharing! We hope they keep on coming every week. About how many more routine exams will the baby have?
Moderator’s note: We do weekly cub exams until the cub gets too large to safely handle.
Oh he is just so adorable!
I’m amazed at how much he has grown already. Great job Bai Yun. Thanks so much for sharing. 
AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Heartbreaker – i’m in love.
If he has teeth coming in it is no wonder he is so restless. I am sure his gums hurt just like a human baby teething. He is sure alert and interested in what is going on, really cute. He was a handful last night for Bai Yun.
Doxie thanks again for the videos.
I always look forward to the pandatot’s exams. Love his cubbie talk..a small, bright, happy n healthy little star he is. This one must take after Gao Gao.
Gah!!! Cubbie’s getting big so fast! Spot on the tail too! <3
he is a cuttttteeee pie!
The baby cublet is too cute for words! He’s growing up too fast, though! When is voting going to begin for his name?
SDZ panda team: Thank you for all you do in taking good care of your charges and for the updates, videos, and webcam. Watching Bai Yun, her cubbie, and other mysterious pandas today (who were busy eating and eating!!) is something I look very forward to several times a day.
Moderator’s note: We hope to have cub name voting begin sometime next week.
Adorable!!! Thanks for sharing with all of us!
moderator….why do the bears move the bamboo from the right to the left side of their mouth when they eat? That is so interesting. I know when you ask the bear why they do that they didn’t answer you.
thanks
Moderator’s note: Good question! I’ll as the Panda Team.
The pandas split the bamboo with their canines and rotate each side and take bites using their back molars. This is for even wear and tear of the teeth. It keeps their teeth even and healthy so they last for a long time. Bamboo is a very hard grass to eat.
Does anyone know what spooked Yun Zi at around 8am this morning? He was eating on his hammock and suddenly scampered up the tree in his exhibit. DoxieMom caught the moment on Youtube.
I just watched it again and noticed around 1:18 (when the camera zooms out) you can see the top of a ladder in the front of the image. Maybe a worker was doing some maintenance on something in the viewing area before the zoo opened and it spooked him enough to cause that reaction.
I saw that too and wondered! He ran away and hid on the tree. He was looking in the direction of the public..I wonder if there was a noisy kid or so..
Thank you so much for sharing the joy of Baby Boy Panda with us! We are the front office staff of a Minor League ball team here in Pensacola, Florida, and he and Bai Yun have captured our hearts. We watch them on a daily basis, and cannot wait for the progress reports as he grows. Thank you for taking such great care of these magnificent creatures, and for sharing them with us. GO SD ZOO!
Florida Folk, how nice for you to not only enjoy our Cub, but to join in the comment area too. Have you guys considered seeing how many folks have RVs so you can all get together to Caravan out here to San Diego to see Chubbers “In The Fur”? The Southern states are usually nice to travel most of the year and there are many things to do and see here too. How you could drag yourselves away from in front of the Panda enclosures is beyond me, but there are actually folks out there that are not Panda People. I have heard that Bai Yun is so beautiful that grown men have burst into tears at their first sight of her. That is one good looking bear! Think about making a trip during off season. We would welcome you. I know next summer at the Black and White overnight camping trip to the zoo Chubbers will be the main attraction, with his mommy, and either Gao Gao or Yun Zi if he is still here. Once he is on display you will have at least 3 bears to see.
Since butterball now sitting and trying to crawl and moving little legs and arms about,does Bai yun take him to the sun room? or to the garden room? He disappears for some long times in the pm’s.?Will he go st night lik yun Zi did ?
And sleep next to the wall with Bai protecting ?
I used to love watching Yun Zi get up on the shelf with Bai Yun, climb over her until he could start to wiggle into a pocket between her and the wall, then settle in between her and thewall for a nap. I thought he did it to keep warm, but maybe for security too.
I remember when he was still a little pink thing, now he’s grown so big! He’s a cutie for sure, will be as handsome as his daddy and brother for sure. Or maybe he’ll be a pretty boy and take after mama? We’ll see, he’s growing so fast then next thing I know he’ll be out exploring the habitat.
That’s my baby bro, a quick learner! Runs in the family.
Yunz, the proud elder brother
How exciting, the baby is learning to crawl! I love how he is becoming a handful when mommie is trying to groom him, especially when he is upside down. A few more tries and his walking adventures begin. Oh my, will Bai have her hands full with this rambunctious fur ball:)
Dear Nannykeepers,
Thank you for lovingly examining Chubby Cubby No 6. He thoroughly enjoyed being scritched and stroked. He is practising his walking and will soon be a rover. I note he has not put on weight. That won’t do and I shall make sure he is well nourished for his next exam.
I am still keeping my eyes on you. I know it is tempting to squeeze that juicy tushy.
Love,
Bai
Good for you, Bai! Thank you for taking the charge and making sure that this cute cubbie of yours eats all you say he should. You are one amazing panda mom.
Dearest Bai;
I thought you might want to know that Jenniffer almost kissed him. I did not see a kiss, just a suspicious photo~but keep your eyes on her, Chubbers is very cute and looks very kissable~He is,, isn’t he?
A well wishing friend.
Hee Hee, Chubbers is not only kissable but squeezable and as a Mama I just want to blow raspberries on him all the time. Ahem, as you can see, Grammmie, I love my cubby. And contrary to all the speculation, I love all my cubbies equally. I play with them differently cos they have different panda personalities.
Yes, Jennifer, I got you on my radar. I saw that almost kiss! Humphh.
Love,
Bai
when Bai Yun says, “I’m going to bite your butt!” it is not an empty threat.
it is fun watching baby chub doing his crawl-roll. he and Bai are amazing. it was nice to catch peeks of Gao Gao and Yunior.
What a cutie kid!! Just want to eat him up, so sweet and cuddly!
Boy, the money SDZ could make letting the panda fan club hold him, I know I’d get back in line over and over!
Thank you for sharing with the sweet 9th check up video!
The panda cub and his mom are very swetty and lovable.
I spend a lot of time glued to pandacam to see what they do.
The panda cub is growing and he’s becoming more beautiful!
I have a question for the moderator: When is it possible to vote for one of the approved names?
Thank you very much,
Angela
Moderator’s note: We hope to open the polls sometime next week.
I felt so privileged this very early morning, (10-19-2012 12:34 CDT), watching Bái Yún meticulously give her extremely cute little boy a full body bath for about 45 minutes. No body part was neglected. There were times during the grooming that were comical and amazing along with moments of such tenderness. The parts which made me laugh out loud include the cub appearing to be in a stupor though his mom was vigorously washing and handling him. He was in such a deep sleep, he didn’t even stir when mom had his entire head in her mouth! (Must be the Giant Panda “speed wash” for the ears & face) Another comedic instance was how mom catches some ZZZs in between licks. She’d groom his front paws/legs, take a snooze for a few minutes then, awaken and continue where she left off. The absolute funniest scene was Bái Yún concentrating on the cub’s nether regions while he was lying tummy up upon her belly. She took one of her momentary snoozes with the cub’s bum inches from her face. This totally cracked me up!!
During this special interaction with mom and cub, I couldn’t help thinking about how gently zoo staff handle this precious babe when mom tosses him around like a football. Of course the staff’s TLC minimizes stress on the little one when away from mom surrounded by bi-pedal, mostly hairless creatures.
Near the end of bathtime, little cubby finally began to stir. Bái was doing some last minute touch ups on her son’s face when he stretched forward and licked his mom’s mouth. The scene was so endearing tears formed in my eyes. As humans, we tend to anthropomorphise animal behavior. Whereas I wanted to believe he was giving mom a kiss, I think he might have been attempting to reciprocate the grooming. It was so sweet and so tender I can’t help but think not only instinct was driving their behaviors…..it was love.
http://s659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/DexGypmom/Virtual%20Zoo/?action=view¤t=BaiYun_Cub.jpg
I sure hope the picture attaches because it’s so sweet. Mother and son cuddling after the bath
The baby was eating clum the mother has in her mouth, but kisses are fine too! Maybe the baby screaMS BECAUSE SHE HOLDS IT UPSIDE DOWN AND CLEANS.?
Hello Virgina: The cub was licking the outside of her muzzle; I saw his tongue. Maybe this is how the cub initiates mom to open her mouth and allow him at the contents in her mouth but I did not witness this. Could be Bái Yún’s mouth was empty. Unless you are addressing someone else’s post, it did not appear as though the cub was vocalizing as most of the time he was astonishingly asleep. He did not wake up until the very end of his bath when mom flipped him over for the umpteenth time and placed him in the nook of her right arm. It is then when the cub reached up and licked her muzzle. Wish I could have snapped a pick but was too slow on the button.
Mary Beth, you did all the right things. Love is never wasted, and butterball gets fussy over cleaning and twirling and licking . So if she sleeps thtis good for mama .Very observant, thanks. Culm is some (mush?) she has in her mouth and she gives it to her little one for nourishment. (I learned that from yun Zi and his mama and the keepers. Dont know how it is initiated.
I love the pose you caught them in~~I have seen it many times but ususally only try for a shot when they are face to face….I think I will try your way too.
Since Yun Zi is still with us, can he have his swing back. Doxie Mom has a darling video of yunnie with his explorations of his new toy. It is getting cooler and outdoor activcities will be welcome by Gao and Yunnie. Please.
Yun Zi’s swing is one of his favorite toys. We do offer his swing as enrichment periodically. If he has it all the time, he ignores it, so we try to keep it a “novel” item so it’s exciting every time he gets it. The swing is a heavy toy, and it does take two keepers to hang it up and take it down.
Hello from France !
I look at these lovely pandas since September 12 with great pleasure and interest. I also proposed a name for the boy! I’m a little upset for his weight today. Bai Yun does enough milk for him? Sometimes cubby seems try to suck his mother unsuccessful….
).
Thank you moderator reassure me !
(My English is not very good, sorry!
I hope you understand me
Moderator’s note: Baby animals often hit a growth plateau, and this cub is no exception. Plus, as Jennifer mentions in her post, the cub is much more active now, burning more calories than before. We’re not worried at all about his growth and hope you continue to enjoy watching him as much as we do, Laurence.
I will second the moderator’s comment. The nutritionist who examined him yesterday indicated that it is very common for animals to hit plateaus during their growth. If you look closely at the growth chart, you can see that some of our other cubs hit plateaus as well. Nonetheless, they were healthy bears who did just fine, and we are confident this little guy will too.
Thank you, thank you, moderators for re-assuring! I was worried same as Laurence, since the last exam results. And also recalled recently seeing cubbie being antsy while nursing, going back and forth between all four mom’s tits, like looking for more milk and not finding it…
I am glad to hear you consider this weight drop normal for a fast growing cub. The little guy added 14.5 cm since Oct 4 (!!!), so Bai needs to provide a massive supply of milk to keep up with this rapid growth. It is very comforting to know the mom and the baby are in good hands of best Panda Team. Thank you, Team!
Your reply enjoy me more and more of that stirring swinging Pocket’s Cubbie ! That’s great !
Thanks to you Suzanne and Moderator
Laurence I think your English is quite lovely, and better than many other folks who have never spoken anything but English.
Thank you Grammmie! Of course I make progress by reading all these posts ! … Cubbie’s followers have a so charming, amusing or… emotional way with words for describe relationships between this family’s Pandas … !
Many of us stumble through in French. Such a beautiful way of expression. How happy we are tht you are there!! Welcome!! We are many, many panda nuts.Number 6 is special(er)
Thank you for your warmest welcome Virginia… Now Cub-Nut I am and Cub-Nut I stay ! And as you, very happy of this link between our countries, thanks to number 6 !
Cubbie # 6: Let me figure out how to get out of here. Mama is HUGE.
Bai Yun: Now where did I put that baby gate for the den door?
Panda Team: Let’s call Zoo Atlanta and find out about that “Go get your cubbie” command that they taught Lun Lun!
Love it Laurie.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/pandacam/
Please turn off the light because it makes the panda mother & cub very uncomfortable. We watch the screen for more that 2 weeks. We very feel that the light disturbs them very much. The panda mum tried to use the bamboo to cover the light many times. So, please turn the light off, please, please……. please.
Moderator’s note: The light is actually an infrared illuminator that allows the Panda Cam to see in the dark. It’s really black as pitch in that den during the night, and even during daylight hours the den is very dimly lit.
I was wondering if his lack of weight gain is of any concern to the team at this time.
Moderator’s note: Vets say baby animals sometimes plateau until they hit a growth spurt. They are not worried.
I’m curious – does the fact the his teeth are beginning to erupt have any effect on his appetite? Could that also be a factor in his lack of weight gain this week in addition to his increased activity or growth plateau?
When the cubs start teething, you will start to notice a few other behaviors. We have already noticed him chewing on bamboo, but he is not consuming it. You will see some sensitivity when Bai Yun nurses him as his teeth start showing. This is not a factor that he has maintained his weight for the last week.
Thanks for the response! Always love to learn more about these awesome bears.
You go Mr. Cuddles….I love to watch the interaction he has with Ms. Bai. It is a wonderful bond that they have……..Glad to see all is well and he is a healthy boy! You all do such a wonderful job keeping up with both mother and son. Thanks to all of you
Looks like, according to chart, that he is lightest baby so far. His big bro Yunior really set the bar high being the heaviest!
But also such a cutie too! Take a look at his video with his swing. That is a genius budding boy.Doxie Mom video
He is just so awesome and beautiful !! I wish i could hold him too
Definitely the perks of your very difficult job:-)
What a sweetie!!
Watching Yun Zi eat his bamboo is very interesting. He tries to make sure he uses his back teeth on each side equally. Did he learned that from Bai Yun or is that instinctual?
It is possible that all pandas use this technique – switching sides while chewing. I am pretty sure I saw Gao doing this too.
Great job on keepers part, they are keeping him healthy and happy as is his mom! I love watching them interact.
What a treat to see both Jennifer and Juli get to handle Bai Yun’s little bundle of energy. He makes the cutest noises, and those back legs will be under him in no time. Thank you for the growth chart ~ it’s interesting to compare all of Bai Yun’s cubs.
Yesterday morning we were lucky to see Yun Zi for quite awhile, and the camera followed him, and did some special close ups (a huge thank you to whomever was controlling the cam!)
2012-10-18 What Caught Yun Zi’s Attention
http://youtu.be/8ns1lXyiIRQ
We’ll never know what caused his actions, but he was back to eating shortly thereafter.
Thanks for sharing that video of our handsome yunnie!
The camera shifts and focusing were fantastic, so thanks to the operator and thanks Doxie for recording that interesting interlude. It almost looked like Yun Zi was afraid of something, maybe a butterfly, lol.
I saw that before he moved so quickly he had his left leg draped very sexily off the side of the hammock, perhaps he was surprised by his Panda Stalker and figured to move before caught on camera. You know how the “Ratzzi” are taking pictures and such. Also when he got behind the upright log and peeked his face out~~~I have seen that pose on film too.
I just rerolled the “great escape” and with the clues to what and where to look for a ladder top I saw it riht off. You have to pay attention because it blends in with his hammock~but it is there, and I think we can safely insure that was the excitement.
DoxieMom: Thanks for sharing this — he certainly seemed on “high alert” — sniffing the air, and gazing cautiously at whatever set him off. Boy, it sure was good to see him and to see how great he looks — what a handsome panda he has grown into!
What an interesting video of Yunnie. He really did have some experience that caught his attention! Does Yunnie have ,more dirt in his habitat that the his mom and dad do? He has such dirty buns. lol Yunnie I ordered you an outdoor shower so you can get cleaned up. lol
He is absolutely adorable:) He will be scooting around in no time and Bai won’t have a moment’s rest! Thanks for the terrific updates on our baby boy. It really is such a joy to watch him grow:)
Thank you for sharing with us!!!
What a beautiful baby! I would so love to hold a panda cub; no wonder it is such a delight for everyone who cares for him. Thank you for the update!
Exam 9? What happened to #8?
I have a few questions:
Where do you get the bamboo that the Pandas eat>
If you grow it on the premises, how are you able to grow so much of it on a continuous level, considering how much bamboo each Panda (20-40 lbs or more per Panda per day) eat every day.
Moderator’s note: See My Moment with a Black and White Celebrity for exam #8 info. We grow bamboo for the pandas on grounds at the Zoo and at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. See Plants: Species Collection: Bamboo.
Is it Bai Yun we see on the outside cam or another Panda? At times Bai Yun seems to be in two places at the same time. You are to be congratulated on your cam set up.
Moderator’s note: It could be one of our two other pandas. Sometimes, if the cub in not in the den, our wonderful camera volunteers may switch the view to a panda who is visible.
Hi again from England
I look forward to the weekly exams. I fell in love with Gau when I saw him in June and I enjoy watching Gau jr on the webcam all the time. Love that I can get it on my Ipad too. Tickets all booked, see you in June
Karenxxxxx
Moderator’s note: We’ll be waiting for you, Karen!
Gao Gao has an eye for the Ladies like you too……..but not when Bai Yun can see him.
Cuties
I cannot offer enough “thanks” to the Zoo, the keepers, cam operators, posters, the Pandas themselves for this website and it’s information and cameras. I grew up choosing Pandas rather than dolls but live in the midwest where our closest zoo might extend to 1 sq mile at best. There is no chance for me to personally meets or see these creatures I love so much and I just found this website about 4 weeks ago. I have it on my desktop window, my cell and my tablet and constantly look in on these two darlings. PLEASE keep up the good work, the information and camera work- you are giving me a dream come true and you are so blessed to be able to be with them in person! Thank you for all you do!!
Give them a hug and kiss for me.
Moderator’s note: We’re glad you found us, Ruth. Be sure to check out our other animal cams, too!
Welcome to the Panda Gang Ruth, it is nice to have you with us. (That sentance just gave me a vision of us all in our motorcycle jackets, black visored hats (or ears) riding in a group lead by Gao Gao on his Harley.) Believe me you will see odder stuff than that here.
Thanks for the welcomes SDZ and Grammie. I am thoroughly enjoying the conversations especially the information from long-time viewers and from the locals who can actually visit these precious gifts. I wish the videos of the exams were longer, like 10 or 15 minutes since most of the time on the cam Cubbie is sleeping or in the ‘wash machine.’ When he gets active, it must be outside the den away from the camera- or when I’m sleeping, don’t know which. I love to see Mommy cuddled with him, but can’t hardly wait to watch the play and tumbling – to see his mind grow, too. I love how they grip things with their front paws, I never knew that they did that before. I’m learning so much and I LOVE to learn!!
This whole website is truly the highlight of my days!
I just watched him crawl slowly out of the den. He is so adorable. I thought mom would put him back in but no. He is out in the sunshine of San Diego. cute cute cute!
What a wonderful blog. Glad to see Jennifer and Julie enjoying some time with the little cub. Happy he is doing so well.
My husband & I really enjoyed our 2 visits to San Diego Zoo last week and it was very special being able to chat with Anastasia and Alysia(apoogies if I have the name wrong). We learnt so much from them.
One thing we meant to ask – we know Giant Pandas are solitary creatures, but do Yun Zi and Gao Gao ever meet at the mesh gate between their exhibits?
Thanks again to all at SDZ for making our holiday so memorable. BTW, we also loved the sunny, warm weather. It’s freezing back here in Scotland
Moderator’s note: We’re so glad you enjoyed your visit to our zoo, Lynn! The howdy door between Gao Gao and Yun Zi’s exhibits is closed at this time. You might enjoy reading a blog post from 2005 about the time the howdy door between Gao Gao and his firstborn, Mei Sheng, was opened: http://blogarchives.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2005/09/09/howdy/
Thanks for the quick reply. A very interesting blog from 2005. Even then Gao Gao’s first interest was his boo. Thanks for clearing up that puzzle for us. On another matter, any idea what seemed to spook Yun Zi yesterday morning? Most unusual behavior from him.
Lynn, we had some very high winds in San Diego a couple days ago, so one of my first thoughts was that maybe something blew over or got knocked over in his exhibit. I obviously can’t say for sure, but it would make sense, given the time of day. It was particularly windy in the morning!
I read the blog given and had a big surprise. There were 34 users of the comment section, there were many questions, and not one single answer. Now it could be they later were addressed in another blog and not the comment sections then, but I just could not stop at the end of the author.
Cubbie was using his crawling skills again today around noon … not once, but twice he managed to get out of the den. And a huge thank you to the camera operator who had the den cam set up at an angle such that we could see cubbie maneuvering around the bedroom floor in front of the den.
If you missed the “action”, here’s the video:
2012-10-19 Cubbie: Friday’s Freedom Falls
http://youtu.be/nxYUlkcM4to
Seeing Yun Zi again this morning was one of the highlights of my day. Thank you!
Thank you so much for posting these videos; they allow us to catch up on activity we would otherwise miss. I was amused at Bai’s housekeeping after Cubbie’s first exit. She certainly brought in a lot of bamboo!
Thank you for the video. I enjoy watching him so much. He is so funny just like mom. Now I’m all caught up for the day activities. Now I hope I get to see some good stuff tonight.
Thank you, DoxieMom, for all of these wonderful videos! They are truly a “best of” the day’s activities for those who can;t watch every moment. Poor Bai! For a moment after the Cubby’s first escape, she curled herself into that tight ball as if she thought he was safe and sound in her arms in there! Then when she did all of that nesting, I almost wondered if SHE needed some comfort and rest! She makes everything look so easy, its easy to forget that this must be pretty grueling energy-wise. Admiration to both great mothers, DoxieMom and Bai Yun!
Me too. Adorable Yunnie and we all love him so much. He is such a personality!! Saw the treed one. That is what he was taught to do by Bai. Up a tree and fast!
This cub is funny. He is always rolling out. I remember Yun Zi slowly learning to walk out the den doorway and he would pause to look at himself in the shiny door frame.
But then that shot was taken from the bedroom into the den angle back in the day.
Conversation with Bai Yun #45
Cubbie #6: Mama.
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
C: That was a nice trip to the human den yesterday.
B: Oh, you mean for your 9th physical exam?
C: Funny. There weren’t any bamboo shard pieces.
B: Well, it’s not quite a den though.
C: Well, then could it be a bedroom? There was a scale there.
B: But there’s no drinker, so it’s not anything like our bedroom.
C: Oops. You know, I forgot to report my daily weight for the week.
B: That’s all right. I’m sure our human friends will extrapolate the data.
C: They also checked my gums.
B: Well, I believe they were probing for teeth, not just gums.
c: And I showed them my Superpanda flight front paw crawl, hee hee.
B: Yes, your legs are getting stronger.
C: And following the camera was fun.
B: But don’t ignore handstand practice, too.
C: Yup. Thanks for putting me to sleep in headstand position, Mama.
B: Mama knows best, dear.
C: And Mama, I don’t see the humans doing headstands. Anything wrong?
B: I never quite figured out that one, dear.
C: Shall I teach them someday.
B: When you’re ready, dear.
I look so forward to these little dialogues–thank you so much. Does anyone know if there is a way to somehow do a search that would produce all of P Wong and Yun Zi’s entries together without going back through years and years of blogposts?
I heard that there is compolation by sombody, but I am not sure who….does anybody have information we might persue??? I did go back and read all of the Panda Blogs, but that was 3 years ago, and there is as that much since then as there was then. You will find that skimming through the comment sections to gather them yourself not that hard…..you get used to what to look for so you can go fast. Or a few people might each take some of the comment sections to skim and collect to share…….
I also love that those creative folks give both personalities and voices to our Pandas. If we are going to imagine conversations anyway they might as well be entertainiing, and, when possible, educating too. In the past Yun Zi has been involved in Adventures of the past and present, and been an Eco Warrior Supreme.
I’m an English literature professor, and I find them charming even by those standards! P Wong here, as always, manages to subtly incorporate real happenings into his humor. His tone is completely serious and earnest for the bears, but who can help laughing out loud when CC6 notes ever so thankfully how Bai puts him to sleep on his head?! Beautiful! I know P Wong’s go back at least through Su Lin–they’d make a great little book capturing the subtleties of personality in each of the bears.
Moderator, Do you have any computer capability to extract all of the P Wong entries over time into one place somewhere? And Yun Zi’s? Thank you–I know we ask a lot of you!
Moderator’s note: That would be a lot of info to go through, and your moderator has many other tasks to do. I’m sorry.
Dear Moderator, I never meant to imply that you should go through all of the entries individually–I’m so sorry! I thought that perhaps your computer had the capability on that end to, say, pull up all of the P Wong entries and do the work for you. You do so much for all of us, I’d never dream of asking you to do such a labor-intensive task–especially if it’s one I might find too daunting to do myself! I’m so sorry.
Moderator’s note: No offense taken, Christine!
Hello Christine,
I am only able to address my “P Wong” posts and am not sure if this helps…
After going through my notes, I believe my first post was in 3/2006, a poem/song. Then the “Conversation with” posts began in 6/2006. Since I posted almost every month, you’d have to check almost every Panda blog thereafter to catch the rest of the “Conversations”. I apologize I don’t know any easier way to go about it either.
Thanks for the interest. Hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.
P Wong
Hi,
I help Yunnie and his family write their stories and letters. They are lovely bears. A friend gathered P Wong’s and the bears’ writings. I am happy to share. Not sure how to.
Peace,
Lucilla
If you are on FB, you can message me and I will pass you my collection of stories.
Lucilla
Lucilla, Thank you for voicing Yun Zi in such a wonderful way for us all to enjoy! I’m a bit backwards and must be the only one on the planet without a FB account, but this definitely gives me the best motivation I’ve had to date!
P Wong and Lucilla aka Yun Zi and family~~~I for one, can never get enough of your stories and interviews. I wish there were some every week, well every day but I am trying to not be greedy. I make sure to pass them on the family and friends who do not have my hours to read the blogs and comments~~they love them too.
Hi,
I write when I am inspired and also when a letter triggers a response in the form of a story. Sometimes, I do help Yunnie and his family reply to some letters. Hee Hee Hee. Right now, I notice some have started to write creatively. I hope everyone enjoys these whimsical stories, If they r not your cup of tea then skip them.
I started chronicaling Yun Zi’s adventures not long after his birth and thereafter when he was old enough, he wanted to write his own stories so I helped him and stories appear under his or Bai or even Gao’s name. Chubbers wrote an entry too.
This family has given us so much joy and I love them and hope to see them in the fur.
PANDA Love,
Lucilla
Panda Love and Hugs,
Lucilla
P Wong,
Yes, I do indeed love reading them–and have since your Su Lin posts! It’s on my list of things to do when I want to avoid everything else I MUST do!! Thank you for your great contributions–and please feel free to write more often lol!!
A friend connected me to your web site shortly after Bai Yun’s cub was born and I’m completely hooked! He has grown so much. He makes me smile and laugh with his current antics. Thank you so much for sharing him with us and taking such wonderful care of him and his mommy and daddy! Long live our beautiful pandas! <3
This is so addicting! If I’m not careful, I could sit and watch the Panda Cam 24/7! They are just so darn cute and amazing!
Let uscount you as one more Pandaholic….you are in good company.
It was about 5;30 cst. It was so funny watching Chubbie chasing after mom again. He was almost out the door and then he rolled back into the den. He got stuck and tried to make it out again but he wore himself out and now he is snoozing. LOL
These may be questions that have been asked and answered before. Spending so much time watching Bai Yun and her cub makes you feel as if you could just go in there and be near them because they’re so cute and cuddly. But, a panda bear is a bear. Do these pandas have any up-close interaction with their keepers? I realize they do when they are cubs but as they get older does there come a time when it’s no longer safe to be near them?
Moderator’s note: They are absolutely wild bears, and we treat them as such. Once a cub gets too large, any up-close interaction is done with a protective barrier between bear and Panda Team member.
Thank you for your quick response. It certainly is hard to imagine Bai Yun or her cub being a wild bear. Pandas seem so docile but I am sure any bear, especially a mother bear, would always be unpredictable.
Until they get too big (about a year old) some keepers play with their cubs
A good example is Brian & TaiShan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GdjQKCKhfQ&NR=1
Love the video~~~looks like a fun job to me. Our keepers interact with the babies until they are about 1 year old (depends on size and strength) but not in the same way. They use their contact to train for certain behaviors for health checkups later, or to get them from one place to another if they do not cooperate, but not ususally for just froliccing. They do encourage the bears to allow themselves to be touched by treating them to a bit of a back fur scratch, and things like that, and practice in presenting themselves for examinations, medications and such.
Thanks for the info. I’ve watched the panda cam & read the blogs since SuLin was born
Had to switch back & forth between SDZ and the NZ and then came MeiLan (ZA) to it was 3 to watch. 
Zowie! Wouldn’t all of us panda fans just LOVE to do this? Thanks for sharing — sooooooooo adorable!
I have internet explorer 9 and adobe flash player 11.4, but panda cam section is blank. Have SD Zoo changed its webcam specifications again?
Please do not use the flash light, it will hurt the panda’s eyes badly in the future.
Are you concerned that the cub has only gained around 1/2 lb in the last two weeks? He is at the low end of all the cubs. Just wondering…
They mentioned above that it’s normal for baby animals to plateau before hitting a growth spurt. He may just take after his daddy and be a little guy, too!
At about 11:30 p. m. Pac. Time Bai Yun and Chubbers came back into the den, got too close to the north (top of camera port) side of the den, she sat with him clenched to her chest, his back to her, but often they ended up lip to lip again. I watched enough to know it was not a bath session, this was hugging and whatever. Every once in a while she would hug him closer and rub the back of his head with her nose. This was no spin cycle.
I am 66 years old and married 3 times, I know what snuggling is like, and this was snuggling! Eventually she laid them down, snuggled some more and then put a few bamboo leaves over them.
I stopped to take some photos and now she is cleaning the den….who knows what and why. Get getting a clear spot for a nice bath, even though it is not quite Saturday here.
Grammie, if you watch the breeding video from March of this year, you’ll see that, in the midst of his strenuous workout trying to stay atop the much-taller Bai Yun (!), he actually strokes her quite a bit and seems to kiss or bite her playfully too. I think you’re quite right that there can be more than mere functionality to their interactions, something indeed emotional! Like love!
Dear Ms Christine from New Jersey,
After 4 cubbies, my beloved Gao Gao and I definitely know how to enjoy our Spring Salsas. We are wild animals and we love each other. Gao Gao came to SDZ when I was at a low and he helped me by loving me. Of course we snuggle and he gives me kisses etc. This being a family blog I wont go into details but I am sure you know we have ways of expressing our feelings for each other. Grammmie says he has eyes for the ladies. I think she is referrring to Yang Yang. Gao is loved by the ladies and he is charming in a George Clooney/Humphrey Bogard kind of way. But he is a one lady bear man, thank you.
Panda Hugs,
Missy Bai
Lol Thank you, MRS. Bai! I have to recognize your monogamous, married status, now, don’t I?! Count me among Mr. Gao’s many female admirers who know what a special lady you must be to have so captured his heart! Human Hugs, Christine
The creative folks give not only personalities to the Pandas, but a voice too. You might form a group to get the things you want from previous blogs, each taking a good share of the comments setions, then gather them together. Once you know what to look for skimming through the comment sectiolns is not that hard….Or you could try to contact the person doing the writing to see what you can get if they have a file.
Thank you!
baby Chubbers is large enough that you can see him breathing while he sleeps. every time I think he cannot get any cuter, a new exam video proves me wrong. he seemed quieter during the latest exam (#9) than the last 2.
I would like to thank the moderator(s). Not sure if there is only one moderator or several. I have learned a lot about pandas just by reading some of their comments and reading the older blogs which they refer to to emphasize a comment. I notice that the zoo is fastidious about picking up the animal droppings. With the elephants they just herd them into another area when they do this. However Bai Yun is in and out of the den with apparently free access to her bedroom and garden room. So, how do they clean up her compound and get fresh bamboo to her?
Moderator’s note: We have ways! Each area of Bai Yun’s “house” can be sealed off, so if she is in the sunroom, that door can be shut so her bedroom can be quickly cleaned and fresh bamboo laid out for her.
Thank you so much for answering my question. Didn’t know it was called Bai’s “house” so learned something else new. I’m going back now to take a peek at the little guy in the “nursery”.
Some of us got to see that on Friday or Saturday, from the cam system, when an empty “room” had a door closed, then a keeper entered and started cleanning.
I have enjoyed watching the cub grow. When will the name selection begin?Has anyone yet realized that the cub will be 100 days old on election day? I hope that doesn’t obscure a great news item.
Moderator’s note: The naming poll should be ready sometime next week.
I hope there is a lovely naming ceremony like the one I attended for Yun Zi.
I would go on election day.
The one thing I really miss with this new format is the fact that the comments are not numbered so I find I have to scroll down to where I left off.
Was much easier remembering the numbers.
Thank you.
Sometimes when I watch Bai Yun and cubbie, he seems to want to nurse, and Bai moves him just when he gets a good suckle. Am I mistaken on what i am seeing. And could this be why cubbie didn’t gain any weight this exam? I did read the above about the plateau and him getting more exercise, but I was wondering about bai moving him.
maybe the fact that we call him chubbers and chubby cubby shows that Bai has noticed too and has an instinctual method of making sure he’s not too chubby to walk! I’ve seen her sitting and just watching the cub try to walk or roll over. Who knows?
I have seen this a few times and not sure what it means. Is she providing enough milk for him, or does it get to the point where she just has an instinctive plan as to when he will suckle a lot and then sleep or when she prefers to keep him awake and possibly follow her out to get his meal! It looks like Su Lin sort of plateaued around this time too, but sad to see Yun Zi as the highest on the scale and Sausage at the lowest. I wonder if this means last cub for her, as well. He is so adorable. I hope he chubs up more!
Cubbie is getting plenty to eat or he would not just sleep most of the time–he would be fussing. Just look at him. Does he look undernourished? He looks like a football.
I have complete confidence in Bai Yun’s mothering; she’s probably a better mother than I was.
AMEN!!!!!!
It is 1009 cst: Cam is now working. I just saw Bai push chubbie off her chest. He just rolled off of her like a ball. lol. She just wanted to snuggle.
What a JOY … just viewed Prince Fluffy Butt / he was climbing / sliding down the trees / and eating boo / showing off for his fans…too darn cute..my he is a handsome bear. Not a baby anymore. Please show him again soon / we miss him.
Debbie….Bai Yun does a great job being a mother!! Maybe Bai gets sore, cubbie is getting teeth, bear teeth! The keepers would not let cubbie starve and know what they are doing. Just enjoy watching.
I do enjoy watching and Bai is absolutely a wonderful mother, I can watch them all day, they are all a beautiful family. I just wondered, but you are right, she has done this 5 times before, and she knows what she is doing.
Here’s a short video from Saturday’s footage showing Bai Yun enjoying some “me” time in her beloved Garden Room while her now 12 week old cub sleeps in the den. You’ll see the shelf, the climbing structure and the doorway in/out of the Garden Room.
2012-10-20 What Bai Yun does while Cubbie sleeps
http://youtu.be/JbEtvtQV6_4
Thanks DoxieMom! One thing for sure…Bai Yun’s backside wasn’t so snowy white when she went back inside.
Thank you for capturing and posting this. But Bai is so dirty! What happened to our Teflon Bear? She really does need time for herself.
Thank you DoxieMom for the short video. That was nice to see her out of the den.
Some days the baby gets very frustrated at not being able to find a nipple tht is full. Is that normal yet? he fusses and Bai gets upset. I think you had better check on the length of feeding time that is feeding not fussing and trying to find one.Baby gets frustrated and so does Bai Yun trying out areas. Maybe there is a slight problem??? Please check or pass this on.!!
Thanks Doxie, it’s good to see Bai Yun relaxing for a while in her special places.
wonderful video as usual, doxiemom….thank you. It is nice to see Bai in her garden room. I especially love when sh had her head hanging off the platform…love her.
Thanks again, DoxieMom! Wow, what memories this brings back when Bai Yun spent time with Yun Zi out in the garden room. I had to laugh at how dirty she got when she is always so clean! I really look forward to the day #6 comes out into the garden room with his mama…
Where do the Panda Cub and Mom go at night. I look for them often at night and they are not in their nest. Thank you for letting us see them. They are so adorable!
Right outside of the den is Bai’s bedroom. This is where they are spending majority of their time when cubbie is not in the den. Courtesy of DoxieMom, here’s an old video when Yun Zi was just starting to explore on his own that will give you a layout of Bai’s suite — den, bedroom, sunroom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF6FEfCyoqM
Jusy: That was great — I remember watching Yun Zi through this whole period and was captivated by him just as I am cubbie #6. Interesting how much better the picture quality is now even though we can’t watch the bedroom.
And is it just me, or is there a LOT less bamboo in the den making it easier for Yun Zi to move around as opposed the den right now for #6 — seem like there is SO much bamboo in there…
Enjoyed the video of the layout of Bai’s suite. I wish they still had the cams out in those areas. Yun Zi was beautiful as a cub. Sorry that I did not see him grow up.
Thanks sooooooooo much for this video…gives you an idea of the lay out…now I can understand where they go when they leave the den..Has the baby been outside yet?
Moderator’s note: I don’t believe Bai Yun has taken him out to the garden room yet.
This is the first year I’ve watched the bundle of joy. I always wondered what Bai’s suite looked like. With the help of DoxieMom, all those Yun Zi videos were a great help.
Oh, bottom of the sunroom is the entrance to the Garden Room. I’m assuming the gated area, top of sunroom, is how the giant pandas get to the outdoor exhibit areas.
Isn’t there a platform in the bedroom. I remember Yun Zi trying to get up on something flat.
He did finally climb up on the water fountain!
What a young man he is now!
Yes, there is a platform in the Bedroom. I thnk it also doubles as a scale and is only about a foot or less off the ground. The platform in the Garden Room is higher off the ground and has a branch to help the giant pandas get up it.
I’d like to take a warm water garden hose and some soap to that back end, what a shame, it was so nice and clean before!
Linda I like your question! Where does Bai and cubbie go at night? If it rains does she take him inside?
Debbie…I know you love watching the bears:) I was just thinking how bear teeth must feel. lol I watched how close they monitored Yunnie and know they are doing the same with this cub so I don’t worry so much this time around. If he doesn’t gain weight this week I would imagine they will look at all the records to see how normal or not normal that would be and act from there. Keep smiling;)
Hi! Well, after getting on the pandacam for about 2-3 nites in a row and not seeing Bai and little man, got lucky tonite! Just saw Bai all hunched over her little man, then she got up, left the den, and there he was–napping on the den floor just looking so peaceful and quiet! Also, I watched the video of the cub’s 9th vet check, and that’s the cutest vid so far of the cub trying to do some crawling! Cuteness alert on that face!! That is the cutest, most adorable face to look at–heart melting! To all of the panda keepers that have had the privilege of holding, cuddling, hugging, and loving this cub, you are making the rest of us jealous–in a good way!
More fun to come from little man!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
We highly suspect some kissing going on….but it is hard to blame them, we know we would be hugging and kissing.
Around 1 am California time, as Bai Yun and His Royal Cuteness were sound asleep, I went over to the Bi Feng Xia panda cam.
On the 1st panda cam, there were Panda A and Panda B. To those not familiar with that location, there is a 2 story structure with a ladder on the right. Panda A was on the top and Panda B was on the bottom.
Panda A started coming down the ladder and for whatever reason it stuck its head between the rungs of the ladder and suddenly its butt flipped over. So now the poor panda has the head and one arm on one side of the ladder and the rest of the body on the other side of the ladder. It was frantically trying to grab something. Panda B calmly comes along and stays under the ladder so that Panda A could rest its head on Panda B. Once Panda A was able to grab the ladder, Panda B went over and grabbed the foot paws of Panda A, so Panda A could get its head out from between the rungs.
No wonder we are all so in love with the pandas. You can feel the love they have for each other just by watching them.
How nice a story, and nice of you to share with us. Do you have a link for the area you were in, I know I would like it, and I bet lots more of us would too. Just remeber to “break the link” by substituting (dot) for the periods in links that we call a dot. If you do that in one or two places it becomes legal in case the other area is a blog with ads and such. When we want to use one of those links we simply repair it by reversing the process. Many of us get some of our best information and other Panda news and information from the links we post to each other here on the blog comments. We appreciate the things contributed by others..Thank You….Love grammmie
Grammmie, I found Bi Feng Xia panda cam thru Daniel’s Multiple Panda Cam Feeds website. The panda cam is at http://home(dot)comcast(dot)net/~dreidel/pandacams/bifengxia/bfxcams(dot)html .
There are 3 panda cams:
- The first cam has Panda A and Panda B. Very rarely do you see both of them together, so that is why I was so excited to see what had happened earlier.
- The second cam has Panda C which is either eating or sleeping or scratching.
- The third cam has the twin young pandas. They are usually lying high on a platform resting and eating or frolicking on the ground. They even have a 2-person swing set. I have seen workers sweeping the ground and bringing them bamboos.
Because of the time difference, I think the cams are off during their night. Or they replay a tape of earlier happenings, I think.
When it is night time here, I usually go to panda cams from other parts of the world. Got to be able to find at least one panda awake!
Thank you for the info. I had to google to get to the web sight.
‘Ge Ge, I have so many names now, I am confused.’
‘Why do you say that, dear Di Di?’ asked Yunnie as he held his baby brother up and gave him a lick on his nose.
‘Hee Hee Hee, that tickes. I am called No 6, Chubby, Chubby Cubby, Chubbers, Prince Fluffy Butt, Cublet, Xiao Gao, Gao Junior, Gao Zi, Little Gao Man, His Royal Fluffiness, Zoom Zoom the second, Sausage….’ giggles Yunnie’s baby brother.
‘What does Mama call you?’
‘She calls me many things…..none are my name. She tells me I will get a name real soon. Why is that? I thought Mama and Papa will give me my name.’
‘Well, in China, we have a custom. We celebrate the baby’s first month and we then name the baby on his or her 100th day.’
‘Why?’
‘In the past, many babies did not live long. So every milestone is a celebration! In this Zoo, we invite all the Aunties and Uncles to give us our names. So now, all of them have suggested names. The Zoo with our aunties and uncles in China will narrow down the names and ask the public to vote. The name with the most votes will be your name.’
‘COOOL, I am getting a special hooman name!’
‘Yes, and on that day Mama and Papa will give you your secret Panda name which only we pandas will use and only we pandas will know.’
‘Double COOOL! I will have 2 names, a hooman name and a panda name. Ge Ge, what is your panda name?’
‘I can’t tell you till you are 100 days old. Then we will have our special naming ceremony and we will tell you our family’s names. It is going to be super fun cos Mama always thinks of something special for each of her cubbies. And then Papa will take us out for a treat. This time, he and I will take you out.’
‘Ooooooh, I can’t wait. Many hooman uncles and aunties say I wook wike Papa. Is that true?’
Hee Hee, maybe. Hard to say. You will grow some more. Papa came by a few times but you were sleeping.’
‘Why didn’t you wake me? I want to meet Papa!’ wails Chubbers.
‘Mama said it is more important that you sleep and grow bigger. When it is time, you can spend as much time as you want with Papa. Now is her time with you.’
‘Ge Ge, you gotta hewp me! I am tooo kleen! See see not a spot of dirt!’
‘Hee Hee, wait till you get to roll in the lomax and in saw dust!’
‘What’s that?’
‘Come, rest against me and Ge Ge will tell you of the Tale of the Roll in the Saw Dust Box, OK?
‘Gee you are fun, Ge Ge. I wuv you wots and wots!’
‘OK, I wuv…l mean…I love you lots too.’
Ahhhhhh. What a nice way to start the day! Thank you!
I love watching the bears, especially since the new little cubbie arrived. I wonder, tho, sine the cam is switched back and forth between the bears now, how do we know which one is which.
Moderator’s note: Right now, if the panda is in a large, outdoor exhibit, it is either Gao Gao or Yun Zi. Gao Gao has one ear that is smaller than the other, so he is often easy to identify. Other viewers may have special identifying tips for you, too. Happy watching!
Just a suggestion: first I look for the ear / then if it’s a close up / the long brown fur on his paws is DAD..and he is a lefty eating the boo/ but Yun Z is also a lefty and uses both hands(paws). Now they are both the same size one has to look closer. Hope this helps.
Thanks for that tip on identifying Gao Gao. I did notice the large brown fluff on his paws. I don’t remember that before. Has he always had that, or does it shed at different times of the year?
Moderator’s note: Gao Gao has always had his fur sleeves (or slippers) on his back paws.
If they are munching, look at the stalk thickness. Gao Gao’s teeth are not so good so he has many of the thinner stalks. Yun Zi can break down the thicker stalks.
If there’s a hammock there or a tree trunk with a hole, it’s Yun Zi.
If there’s a stone cave, it’s Gao Gao.
If there’s concrete block walls, platform, it’s Bai Yun in the garden room.
The descripton of Gao Gao says he is a “bamboo-eating machine,” but the few times I’ve seen Yun Zi recently, I’ve been stunned at how fast he eats. I have been watching pandas eat bamboo since Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing came to the NZ in 1974, but my jaw was just hanging in amazement. He looked like, well, one of those big wood chipper machines that devour newly-cut trees! This would seem to give “bamboo-eating machine” new meaning!
I agree—Gao Gao hardly ever goes up trees and such, but like his mother Yun Zi is a tree bear. He loves his hammocks, is goofy, and quite lovely to look at. The others are right about Sweet Daddy Gao Gao’s ear and 4 paws having the Furry Fluffy Sexiness going for them. A freind who sees them both often says she thinks Yun Zi might take after Daddy with the paws, but it will take time to tell. It is great that you guys are asking questions….it gives us a chance to onload from our minds some of the facts we have collected over the years. I hope that anyone seeing I am mistaken about any facts lets me know so I can get them right….Love Grammmie
agreed. today I saw Yunior climb the vertical tree trunk on the left side of his climbing structure. I never saw that before. on another site, I’ve watched one-year old’s climbing vertically up but I was somehow surprised with Yunior’s size that he could still do it.
to me, Yun Zi chews vigorously and Gao Gao chews methodically. Gao Gao sometimes flicks his tongue just out of the left side of his mouth.
Yun Zi likes to sleep in the climbing structure.
I hardly see Gao Gao roll but I would really like to.
they are both handsome.
Who else but LEFTY [dad] would lay down to eat his boo…..so happy to see him close up/ he is so beautiful. What a face ? Thanks for showing the boys this day. Prince Fluffy Butt also. He just goes and hangs around. Too darn cute.
I love watching all the pandas! I was wondering though, in the last exam there was a mention of a black spot on Chubbie Cubbie’s tail. Is there some significance in that or was it just a notation?
Thanks for all the work you do with our beautiful pandas!
Moderator’ note: Gao Gao has a white tail tip, and many fans were wondering if the new cub had this trait as well. It seems that he does.
Correct me please, if I am wrong….all of the Pandas have white tails, but as a youngster Yun Zi developed a black spot on the tip. Eventually the spot grew in size and has become more pronounced. I do no remember talk of any other tail tips in the Gao, Bai family….but I could be wrong.
As for webbing, I was lead to believe that at the time Yun Zi and all of the other Gao gao cubs, there is webbing between the 2nd and 3rd left rear foot, Chubbers being the only one who doesn’t…..and I hope I am not giving incorrect information
Moderator’s note: I’ll check to see if the spot is white or black. I could be mistaken (gasp!). It happens.
It’s a white tail with a black spot on the tip of the tail. And originally we thought this was a Gao Gao trait, but we found an old picture of Hua Mei and she had the black spot, too. So it must be a Bai Yun trait since all six cubs had this.
Speaking of long brown fur sleeves on the paws/ has Gao Gao always had them ? or is it since he is older? Do any of the siblings have that trait. ? I have been wondering .
Gao Gao has always had his fur sleeves (or slippers) on his back paws. We only assume this is because of his small size. He also has slightly webbed toes on his rear paws. None of his offspring have had the furry slippers, but his first four have had slightly webbed rear paws. This new cub is the only offspring of his who doesn’t have webbed rear paws.
we often speak of how much we appreciate our keepers but some times we don’t really see other things that they do. The news had a video this morning on local channel 4 N.Y. from colarado zoo A Taipir gave birth to a baby and couldn’t break the sac. Keepers who were watching the cams rushed in and broke the sac they tapped the eye for a reflex and got none,they put their mouth over the babies and a few puffs later the baby was breathing and up and about.This is what a keeper does and Thank you to all of our keepers for what they do even if it’s not so glamourous.
Very well said!
Thank you panda keepers!
I saw that too, it was beautiful
here’s the article and the video, it’s so heartwarming
www (dot) dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2220777/Moment-Denver-zoo-keeper-saved-baby-tapir-giving-mouth-mouth.html?ITO=1490
I totally agree!!!
Amazing story, Barbara — thanks for sharing. Yes, we need to appreciate the hard work of these loving, caring, dedicated keepers!
I saw that video, too! The mother was looking on and appeared very concerned. How exciting when the keepers ran in and saved that little life! He’s soooo cute. Did anyone see the video of he tortoises?
12:04 PM. The den is empty…but is it? I think that Cubbie is buried in the bamboo, upper right. Can you verify?
Moderator, please – I have been watching the Pandas since Mei Sheng was born, and I remember a poem by Pam G called, I think, “Song of the Den.” I think, as I remember, that she might have used it again for one of the girls.
I loved that little poem. Is there any chance I might find a copy of it somewhere? It is often in my mind as I watch Bie Yun and this adorable little guy. Would be much appreciated if you had any idea where I might find the poem. Thanks, Helen
Moderator’s note: I found two of Pamela G’s poems in a 2009 post about tiny Yun Zi, 15th Exam: All Boy. Look for her comments dated 12/11/09 at 10:11 a.m. and 12/12/09 at 7:01 a.m. I hope one of these is what you had in mind.
I saved links to several Pamela G poems… here is one
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kjdrill/5050455502/
kjdrill photo
Thank you AuntiJackie, That is definitely part of the poem I have been searching for. I remember it very well from when Mei Sheng was in the den with Bai Yun. I think it is a beautiful poem and so suitable for Bai and her cubs. The poem can bring me to tears.
I will also look up the Moderator’s suggestions, too. Thank you Moderator.
I am so happy that I finally asked about the poem.
Thank you both,
Helen
I loved Pam G’s poems, have never forgotten them.
If you still do not have it let me know and I well send you a link right to it…..I read it just this afternoon, looking on PandasLiveOn blog, using the poetry button to get started. It was in a Flickr photostream. Love grammme
Great minds DO think alike.
The link given above my comment is the right one, the last line mentions “the song of the den”.
I have been watching Bai and her cub for awhile now as the little one has been nursing. mama has tried picking up her baby several times now to cuddle it and he is so fiesty and keeps wiggling away! not ready to sleep and cuddle yet I guess! he wants to be where he wants to be! bai has actually tried holding him down with her paw and he just keeps wiggling away! quite funny! very energetic cub! mama is going to have her paws full with this one! seems to be very healthy and full of alot of energy! happy to see that!
I love watching Bai interact with sir Chubby. that’s my little prayer every time I click the video link. I find it equally amusing when he is like a flat log while being flipped around (with legs stretched long), or where he is wriggling and almost looks like he may scratch Bai. actually his wriggling action reminds me of someone training for the olympic pommel horse competition (gymnastics). I think he’d be just great!
Saw Bai Yun at weight room? and she didnt have the baby.At 2 pm the wee one is sund asleep after wakig and excercisiong. How adorable can one little creATURE BE???!!! aLMOST THERE.
Yeah…yun zi…happy to see him. Can he use that hole in the tree to sleep? Is there bamboo in there for him?
I was wondering when the list of name finalists will be posted so the fans can start voting because frankly I’m getting tired of referring to the cub as “The Cub”, “Gao Junior”, “The Little Man”, “Chubby”, “Chubbers”, “Prince Fluffy Butt”, ” The Little Sausage”,or “Baibee” among the many, many, many nicknames he’s been given. He needs a FOREVER name, one that, I hope, honors his precious father, Gao Gao.
Moderator’s note: Soon!
Well Deb I hope you have a good sense of humor, you will need one. Yun Zi got most of his nicknames AFTER he was named in cerimony. One of the ladies who helps run the Zoo’s blogs, was the one who came up with Yunior. I gave Chubbers his King Fluffy Butt name, because I had given Big Brother his Prince Fluffy Butt name, and did not want to take it back, besides the new cub looked so hefty when born I thought he was going to outgrow him….he sure fooled us. I think he is just short and pound for pound denser than Yunior was. Somebody, above, commented on the fact that Gao Gao although shorter and lighter than Bai Yun was able to get her to do whatever he wanted her to in the deepest Passion they show, to enable good breeding. By the time she is inviting him into her side of the enclosure she is so carried away that she does whatever he wants her to, and it pays off in cubs. They have met 6 times and have 5 cubs to shhow for it. (That would be 6 seasons, not sessions.)
It is 9:25 PST, Bai and her cub are sleeping so sweet together. Cubbie is quiet and so is Bai. It is good to see them rest together.
When I need a lift in my day (husband is out of work) I come here to the San Diego Zoo Panda Cam to see the new panda cub. He always brings cheer to my heart and a smile to my face. Thank you Bai, Gao Gao and panda keepers for brightening my day
Conversation with Bai Yun #46
Cubbie #6: Mama.
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
C: I think you have a beautiful smile.
B: Oh?
C: When I was a tiny newborn, I admired your smile by feeling inside your mouth’s cavity.
B: That’s right, during the time you were small enough to fit in my mouth and with no eyesight to guide you.
C: And I would dream I would run circles around your uvula once my legs had the power to do it.
B: Wow, that would have been fun, huh?
C: But now that my legs are stronger, I’ve grown too big to fit in your mouth.
B: Well, as things change, your circumstances also change.
C: So now I admire your smile from outside your mouth with my eyes open.
B: Hee hee.
C: I love the pointy canines and your straight front teeth.
B: They’re very good at tearing up bamboo.
C: And your muzzle, chin and lips that frame the smile.
B: And they have very sensitive tactile qualities.
C: Then your tongue that licks your chops and gives me baths.
B: Yes, it’s got great length and range of motion.
C: The pink color contrasting with your black and white fur.
B: I love the color scheme.
C: The flexible tape measure recoil action…
B: Hee hee hee. And you know what?
C: What?
B: You have a nice smile, too.
C: Really?
B: And your tongue has subtle reciprocative action.
C: Huh? But it’s not as long as yours.
B: It’s the quality that counts, dear, not the length.
C: What does that mean?
B: In due time when your day is come, you will know what I mean.
C: Is life really that complicated?
B: Not as complicated as you make it.
C: Huh?
B: Hush, now let’s resume our licky-licky-nibble tongue duel and enjoy life, shall we? En garde!
C: HEE YAH! Hee hee hee. Yes, Mama.
Thanks, such a sweet story. The struggled Bath Time is so fun to watch.
Cute story!!
Two panda bears were lounging on two deck chairs sipping juices.
‘Honey, what are you thinking?’ asks GG a little nervously as he caught a faraway look on his partner’s face.
‘Wha….oh, I was just thinking of Yunnie and No 6′s weddings….’ smiles Bai Yun with a smile.
‘Hmmm, they are gonna be like their Papa and settle down with a hot babe!’
‘Darling, you were lucky that the hot babe turned out to be a good mama for your cubbies.’
‘You gonna interview their forever princesses?’ asked GG quizzically.
At that moment, a trolley was wheeled out with the most scrumptious sandwiches and wraps. Gao Gao licked his lips. HIs wife picked up one and offered it to him. He wolfed it down in one gulp.
‘Sweetheart, chew, take your time, there’s more good stuff.’
‘Can’t wait. So are you going to choose our daughter-in-laws?’
‘I am checking the stud books to see who are the best candidates.’
‘But dearest, matchmaking is sooo last century, kids today want to go and find their own princesses.’
Bai Yun leaned in and gave GG a little peck on his snout.
‘You are so cute when you get all worked out. But we were matchmade and all of our kind will have to be to continue our species. However we can have fun with this. Ooooooh, she is so cute with lovely ears. And see this girlie has such nice eye patches and snout……’
‘Baibee, we have to return soon as Yunnie wants to go for baseball practice. He says Chubbers has been given a bottle and wants to watch cartoons.’
‘In that case, let’s bring on the mains and I want dessert.’
‘Thought you’d never ask!’
Lovely conversation from the most adorable couple.
Your youngest son is cuter by the day… only if I can hold him.
Looking at another bear….maybe Gao Gao? Sitting against a pole, outside, eating boo with his left paw. A munching machine! A wee while ago Bai was nursing and bathing Sausage. I wonder…possible exam going on? He would have been well fed and washed, ready for an appearance!
I think I am looking at Bai Yun she is on her platform which room is that?
Who is that sitting on the platform right now? So confused! Wish I had been here years ago so I knew who was who. I love all the pandas so much and really want to have it all straight in my head! Thank you!
Moderator’s note: The platform is in Bai Yun’s garden room.
I THOUGHT that was her but never saw her outside like that! Just always with chubby cubby boy. What a treat! She looked so relaxed. Love that momma!
Love, love the new HD cam in Bai’s Garden Room; it’s as though she were just on the other side of the screen! Thank you!!
And, by the way, love the new cam in the exhibit too! My guess is that is Yun Zi on the branch behind the leaves.
I say this every time we have a new cub, but we have really come a long way from the days when we strained to see fuzzy glimpses of Hua Mei in the den. And we were all thrilled and amazed at the technology then.
Thank you, SDZ, for all you do to make these wonderful animals so accessible to all of us — cams, blogs, videos, etc.
Moderator’s note: On behalf of San Diego Zoo Global, you are most welcome, Lisa. We HAVE come a long way!
Greetings from Connecticut!!!
My exact same thoughts!!! I just LOVE this website. A HUGE PANDA BEAR HUG to all who make it happen – especially the star(s) of the show!!
GaoGao is so cute and handsome…just looking right now to see if there is any chance to see his fluffy hind feet… any pictures of those in any archive?
Deborah..Yun Zi has the hammock, Bai has the ledge and Gao Gao has what looks like a cave door to his den. Hope this helps. I learned it from others.
Thank you so much, Tanda!! It does help. Now I can practice my panda memory cards! You have NO idea how much I appreciate the help! LOVE my newly found panda family and all the SDZ folks for all they do. They’ve made my experience truly wonderful!
Was there an exam today after all? Or is one scheduled for later on this week? Anxious to see his progress again….actually I really want a new video with his adorable little face. Cannot get enough of the cutie.
Moderator’s note: Yes, the cub had his 10th exam this morning. Stay tuned for the results!
I watch every day and yet this morning the cub seems to have almost out grown Bai’s arms. Such a growth spurt over night!
He sure is wanting to get down.
What was the Pandas name that was playing in the tray and gambolling around outside?.Have great fun watching back in England.
Just checked on the little cubbie as I was on my way to bed. Bai Yun came into the nest from outside, grabbed the little fellow by the bottom and took him out with her. Too funny!
I am in aw of Bai Yun and baby…It is a rare gift too see true bonding and motherhood all in one package…thank you for giving me a chance too see these remarkable and beautiful pandas
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