Mom knows best?!
Since I work in different areas around Sun Bear Forest and the Giant Panda Research Station at the San Diego Zoo, several days can go by before I see Bai Yun and her cub, during which a lot can change. It has been such a privilege to be able to see what a great mother bear she is and how handling her cub can sometimes be so gentle at times and other times look a bit rough. No matter how she is handling him, we all know that she has proven herself five times before that she knows what she is doing.
I know that there isn’t sound on Panda Cam, so unless you are near the den, you wouldn’t know that the times she is being gentle with him he is often just “going with it,” being quiet and letting Mom do what she needs to do to keep him clean and healthy. That being said, sometimes I don’t have to even be near the den to know that she is dealing with a cub throwing a tantrum! At those times, for whatever reason, he doesn’t want Mom to clean him, and he isn’t shy about letting the world know. But again, Mom knows best, and she has to make sure that he continues to be healthy, so she has to keep him clean. He will wiggle about in protest, and now that he is getting stronger, he can really wiggle! Throughout his tantrum, Bai Yun is diligent in her mission to keep her cub clean and healthy, and usually by the end he is worn out and ready for a nap.
Speaking of naps, he does do a lot of napping, but as of late we have seen him practicing his crawling and walking outside the den more often. Of course, after a big practice session, whether his mom is right next to him or resting nearby, he will have to take a nice long nap to recover. Before too long, he should be strong and big enough to go on more adventures outside of the den and even outside of the bedroom. Bai Yun has access to the den, a bedroom, a sunroom, and a garden room, all of which she could carry the cub to at anytime or maybe help him with a nudge or a boost here and there.
This is certainly an exciting time as the cub becomes more independent with each passing day. Although regardless of how independent he is, Mom will still be there to remind him she knows best!
Jennifer Chapman is a keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read her previous post, Exam 12: Confident and Curious.
At this point, how far away has Mom taken him from the den?
Bai has taken him to visit the various rooms of her suite. If you look at the comments in the prior blog, DoxieMom has posted a beautiful clip of them in the garden/sun room shared doorway. It’s in color.
The only rooms the cubbie can travel between is the den and bedroom. The other rooms have a higher step/ledge separating them. Yesterday, he mastered the small one between the den and bedroom
Why aren’t there cameras in the other areas so we can watch when Bai takes the baby into them
Moderator’s note: There is a camera in Bai Yun’s garden room.
Bai Yun is very devoted to the cub’s care, and I always assume she’s following her maternal instincts. I was wondering, though, is there some developmental advantage to Cubby spending so much time upside down? Is this the panda version of the human infant “football hold”?
It makes him readily available for Mom to take care waste management until he can do it himself.
Mods, when will he be able to do this himself?
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.
It’s practice for when they get older
. For some reason pandas love to sleep with their head hanging down over over tree branch or in Bai’s case her platform or throne. It’s funny to watch 
Yes, Bai Yun is a great, caring mother. It’s a privilege to watch the little one grow and Bai Yun cleaning and rough-housing with him.
So late in the afternoon yesterday, we saw Sausage try several times to get back into the den, and I smiled and clapped for each try. I was wondering if Mom gave him a nudge up.
I’m sure DoxieMom will post that video. It was fun to watch it “live” and rewatch it again.
She did capture a clip of him getting back in the den all by his self
Here’s the link for DoxieMom’s video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYHYpMasbl8&feature=youtu.be
The video clip is posted in the prior blog if you want to see it.
Yes I can see Mom trying to clean him he get mad.She always bring feed in the denroom and she always punching a way the baby poor baby.He does take lot naps that part growing up.He so cute
Temper tantrums! I love it!
Thanks for your report, Jennifer. Good to know the #6 is capable of announcing his needs.
I’ve noticed how much Gao Gao seems to enjoy sleeping on the “stone throne”. Wonder if it still has some scent residue of Bai Yun.
Laughs … thanks for that insight. I see his little mouth open wide during the times that I assume he’s having a hissy fit. He’s just a typical kid! He is so cute though – I think even Bai Yun thinks he’s darling. She is certainly a good mom.
Ahh, thank you for the update. I bet this cubbie has LOTS to say.
Bai is amazing and one smart panda. Her devotion to her cubs is a sight to behold. And lucky you, Jennifer!
I really appreciate this post today. I was wishing the panda cam had sound, so we could find out how the little guy is reacting to all Mom’s attention.
Saturday morning, about 7 a.m. (CA time), I enjoyed watching him explore his “nest” (did not know he has access to other rooms–just thought the opening was to the outside). He was crawling around quite a bit, and gumming some bamboo, as one of the vets predicted he’d be doing soon.
This morning, Bai Yun was doing some active burrowing with Little Guy asleep nearby. Did anyone else see her inadvertently swipe and he rolled right out the door? I’m sure he said something then, because he was soon back in her arms nursing. I have total trust that she’s an excellent mother, helping him develop strength and independence.
I’m a 4th grade teacher, and my whole class enjoys watching the panda cam throughout our day. For homework, the students had to write a paragraph on which of the 6 name choices fit best and why. There were some great reflections! After they were presented, the class voted on our one choice from our classroom computer (they got to vote on their own from home). Some of the students had great reasons for their favorite. One of the boys pointed out that Water Dragon would be fitting because 2012 is the Chinese Year of the Dragon. Another girl liked “Big Ocean” because, she said, “like the Pacific, this cub is joining two cultures” (I’m recommending her for the Gifted and Talented program!)… In the end, “Miracle” got the most votes. One student pointed out, “All babies are miracles!” And, although I didn’t vote as the teacher, I admit I like that one best since I marvel at the technological wonders that allow us to watch this miracle in progress! Thank you for letting us be a part of it all.
We are looking forward to the live stream of the naming ceremony tomorrow, and are certain the baby will grow into whatever name he gets!
Moderator’s Note: Thank you for sharing that! We are so thrilled your whole class is involved in the panda naming, enjoy the ceremony tomorrow!
Lol. I saw that this morning, too – knocked him right out the door like a croquet ball. I was glad to see she made it up to him with a nice snack.
That is great that you share this experience with your class. Something like this would have been so cool growing up. Thank goodness for technology and the generosity of the SDZ to share with us!
I saw that too! i could not believe it, she threw him right out! Poor baby!
I see future zoologists in the making
it could have possibly changed my path had the cam been available way back then!!!
How amazing your students are! I voted for Miracle.
I am so anxious for the baby naming ceremony tomorrow. I am also anxious to see him come bounding out into the open as soon as Bai Yun feels he is ready. She is the boss and it sounds like he is learning this fact. I picture him like a two year old, “me do, me do”. He thinks he is ready but mom knows better. I didn’t have much luck catching him on panda cam this weekend. I did enjoy seeing the guys out in their yards enjoying the weather and fans.
Have a fantastic day and please hurry back tomorrow to let us (who may not be able to watch) know his name.
Thanks for all you do for all the animals. I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate all the cams. They make my life a little less stressful.
What an adorable cub. I would love to hold him. You handlers must be in awe at being able to be around him and cuddle him. It’s great!
I have a question regarding the other pandas at the zoo. Are they always separated from each other or do they get time to play together?
Moderator’s note: As pandas are solitary creatures in the wild, we keep them that way at our Zoo, too.
It has been a privilege and a delight to watch Bai Yun and her little cub! He has grown so much and it’s such a pleasure to watch him and his mother in the course ot their daily activities! Although we can’t hear the noises he makes, at this point he is expressive enough that we can imagine the sounds he makes when he’s put out with attention from his mama! Thank you for making video available to all of us; I watch him every day and celebrate every little milestone he has!
Thank you so very much for all the information that you all provide to us the pandalovers!!!!! So very addicted to see beautiful animals!! I just love them!!!
I just love this little guy, and his mom. Mom takes good care of him although I sometimes worry that she’ll hurt him when throwing the bedding around, so I’m glad when I see that he’s allright. Even though he’s buried in the stuff. I guess his mom knows what’s right. Can’t wait to find out his name, I’m sure it will suit him.
Bai certainly has her paws full with him! Can’t wait to find out his name tomorrow!
Love from Iowa
He’s got a huge day coming up tomorrow, she wants him to be at his most handsomeness. Thank you Jennifer for the very imformative post. I’m so looking forward to finding what cubbys name will be. I’m still hoping it’s Rain Drop since he was conceived amongst the rain drops.
I also hope his name is Rain Drop! Knowing Daddy hates rain, think how much sacrifice he had to endure during rainy cubby making ceremony
It has to be Yu Di 
Thanks Jennifer, your information is always informative, always great. So we have a typical normal baby that just doesn’t have time for Momma’s antics! Well, regardless of being a baby Panda or any other baby, nothing new here, they don’t want to be cleaned! All Mothers know this and always get their way! I have always trusted Bai… you go Bai, you do know best!
NAME DAY TOMORROW!! Can’t wait to see this on Ustream at 1 pm EST here in Florida! Now this little fluffy butt chubby cubby will finally have his official name that we all can call him by after tomorrow! Watched Doxiemom’s video of little man going in and out of his den all by himself today! CUTE!! Thanks, Doxie!
Was on the pandacam and it was showing another panda’s yard instead of the den. I think that might by Gao’s yard because I don’t see the large green hammock, but Gao was not around.
Still have not heard one word from Memphis Zoo about Ya Ya over the last month or so on whether Ya Ya was actually pregnant or not. May have to call or email them to find out what’s going on there.
Hope everyone was able to read that article from the MSNBC website about the wild pandas’ bamboo situation due to the warming climate. It’s dated Sunday, November 11, 2012, and is a very important article about the wild pandas’ situation in the Chinese mountains. Not only the warming climate has had an affect on the bamboo, but heavy snows during the winter, flooding and landslides are a problem, and landslides from earthquakes are also a huge problem in making sure that good bamboo can still grow in the mountains.
Well, gonna go back to the pandacam and check on the little man that will have a name tomorrow!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Chari~~~~is calling him by the name given like we call Yun Zi -Yunior (from a moderator) Yunni, and all of the other names we seem to have for his big brother???? We seem to be a group of nicknamers~but always wth love. love grammmie
I have to laugh…no one is calling the cub “mellow fellow” anymore. He has a mind of his own for sure and when he gets those hind legs to cooperate with his front legs I think we are going to see a little tornado. He seems so spunky and fun loving.
I was very glad to see your post, Jennifer. I was watching yesterday when Mom was being rough with Baby, holding him upside down. She then walked out of the den, looking angry, and Baby just lay there. I was a bit concerned for him, although I know the Zoo has always said what a great Mom Bai Yun is. Thanks for the update!
is the naming ceremony going to be broadcast or taped at all?
Moderator’s Note: Yes, we are going to be live streaming the ceremony so everyone who cannot attend will be able to see it. All of the information about the ceremony and the live broadcast is in this blog post. http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2012/11/05/panda-naming-ceremony/
Thanks for the update! I love watching her interact with her baby. It’s been so much fun watching, I was finally lucky enough to watch him crawl out and then watch Bai Yun go bring him back in the den. He’s so funny.
Thanks for the info about mom and baby. I trust that you guys keep your eyes open and that if their is a problem going on you will step up and help. You guys are great. I have enjoyed watching the panda family.
Hi! I’m from Saskatoon , Sask. Canada. I visit San Diego Zoo Yearly . My Friend lives in San Diego It’s my Favourite City. I love the Panda’s , my son says I’m addicted Who couldn’t be. You Folks are Super. Can Hardly wait for the Name Tommorrow Our little chubby Cubbie. Sincerely L. Boser
Linda, you should join us at Panda-monium 2013, the 4th annual panda convention in San Diego. This year, it will be on March 23 & 24. Email pandaconvention@yahoo.com to get the information and registration package. Also, on Facebook, search for “pandafandom” and you’ll get to the page that will have updates on the event. Hope you can come!
I didn’t get to see the other cubs growing up, so I’m curious if this little guy is more advanced in some areas than the other cubs were. I know he seems to be the smallest in size (so far), but he also seems very willing to go out and conquer his world whether his legs are willing to follow or not.
Really enjoyed the lastest information on your (our) Panda cub. Such a joy to watch him grow and start to venture out of cam shot, knowing Bai is not far away, Will be watching to learn his name and I do have a favorite. My biggest thrill will be when he’s out for the public to see. I’ll be there soon clapping to see this true miracle. Do love those B&W creature. Arvin, Ca.
2:43 PM….I can’t see the left ear, but judging by the fuzzy front paws, I think it’s Gao Gao chowing down. Question: he seems to have a shaved spot on his left forepaw, or am I seeing something else?
Moderator’s Note: You are very observant! Gao Gao had some blood drawn for a routine medical check up.
Thank you for your prompt response! Hope all is well….
Perhaps you will get the moderator’s favorite of the week award…..
thank you jen for the update.
when i see bai bathing,nursing and playing with her little prince, my heart feels so warm.
she has been magnificient for her whole life.
hugs to the bears,
joan
He maybe another Yun Zi, always in trouble, better get that tree ready. I have really enjoyed watching him grow, like Yun Zi, Its really be a learning time. thanks for all the information. A great place to go.
I am so happy that Bai was able to conceive once again this year. no one knew for sure if she was getting past her prime to conceive or not! she is a very healthy bear and has all her needs taken care of. maybe that is why she was able to still have cubs at her age!
cubby is a joy to watch on the cam…..he is such a little rolley polley guy! looking at him, you just want to hug and squeeze him. what a delight and such a wiggley little fellow. mom knows when to get tough and when to be gentle just like we do with our human kids!! lol thanks for the up-date!
Hi everyone…I am originally from New Hampshire, and it is good to see that people from a lot of different states are enjoying the San Diego Zoo animals. My birthday is Wednesday, November 14; I will be 67 (although when I feel good, I feel like “39″), and this is a Great Birthday Present to watch the ceremony. I love watching all of the animals on the cameras. With television being so BAD now, it is just great to have this option. Where have the censors gone for TV?? If my two sons were young again, they would not be allowed to watch TV. I am hoping that everyone has a Good Holiday Season and a Good 2013. God Bless All!!
Thanks for the update on Bai and her cubby Jennifer. I really enjoy watching them and watching the cub crawl around now.
Will they be taping the ceremony I will be working and I really want to see it! Thanks for the update I hope we will be able to see chubby when he starts going outside it makes my day watching them leaves me with a happy feeling!
Moderator’s note: Yes, you can watch it live via UStream or any time after that on our UStream page. We’ll also be preparing a short video of the naming ceremony highlights.
Great story about mother and son. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for the update! It is frustrating not being able to hear at times, but your description was great!
Having watched Bai Yun mother all six of her cubs, I know that she is a very loving, but strict mom! The Soon To Have His Forever Name Cub is learning his boundaries with Mommy Bai and how far he can go before discipline is given. About a week ago, I saw Bai sitting calmly in the door of her den, but I didn’t see the cub until his head popped out from underneath her body. She was sitting very gently on top of him, so I assume he got a bit too rambunctious for her and a “sitting” was called for until he calmed down. Yunni got sat on quite a lot when he was a little cub! I don’t think anything will top what happened when Hua Mei bit Bai’s nipple out of spite one day, and Bai cuffed her so hard Hua Mei landed halfway across the outdoor enclosure. That was the last time Hua Mei ever bit Bai Yun! Bai demands R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Nice anecdotes Deb E., thank you for sharing, I never witnessed such scenes but I noticed that Bai Yun plays (and play fights) much more with her sons than with the girls.
I love your post! Everything so true and perfectly well said !!!!!
Thanks for the update, Jennifer. Can’t wait for the big day tomorrow!! Will be glued to the computer at UStream waiting for the big announcement.
thanks for the info. now that makes me pretty curious what the little guy sounds like during a tantrum. during the bathing sessions, chubby one is more inclined to swipe at Bai’s nose and eye area with his legs. I’ve been wondering if his claws are developed enough that he might accidentally hurt Bai. I guess her coat of fur protects her so maybe his contact could feel more like stroking than a serious protest to bathing.
Lately I’ve seen a lot of cam time on Yun Zhi and it bakes so much more sense now that Bai roughs her cubs up in a playful and loving manner. Yun Zhi falls out of trees, rolls around, bounces like a ball, tips over, etc. and is fine, stands back up, starts running around again. I can’t help but remember Bai tossing him around with all four paws like a basketball during bathing sessions. And now with the new cub, the same thing! He will probably be a healthy, rolly polly bear, active, playful and bouncy! Bai is an amazing mother!
‘Honey, if you straighten your back feetsies and push forward, it will be easier to move,’ purrs Bai as she watches Chubbers make attempts to climb out of the den.
‘Mama, I am tuff, I can maaaaawk……it’ and with that Chubbers tumbles outside.
Bai peers out with a smile. Her cubby was on his back. He had a huge grin.
‘Did you see that! Mama, I am a big boy now!’
‘Mama has noticed that you are getting bigger,’ replies Bai as she picks up her cubby in her arms.
‘Mama, I am a 100 days old and tomowwow I get my name. So Mama we need to tawk.’
‘And what sweet things does my cutie patootie want to tawk about?’ asks his Mama as she nuzzles him.
‘Hee Hee, Mama, I fink you need to tweat me like an older boy, you know, no more diaper checks and……waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, Mama Mama I said noooooooooooo more diaper checks! No faaaaair1′ yells Chubby Cubby as he is upended by his Mama.
‘What? I can’t hear you son, you need to speak clearly, hee hee hee,’ giggles his Mama.
She tickles him and rolls him around. No 6 giggles all the way.
‘And what does my dear son want to talk about huh?’ asks his Mama all wide-eyed innocent looking.
‘Mama, I wan…I wan…’
‘What does my sonny wanny want from his Mama Wawa?’
‘Mama, I wan you, hee hee, to pway with me! Hee Hee Hee!’
‘I thought you’d never ask! One Trubo Spin Cycle coming up!’
‘HEWP! HEWP! I WUV YOU MAMA!’
‘And I wuv you much much my son!’
I love it.
‘Ge Ge….Ge Ge….oh, who is dis?’ asks No 6 as he spots another panda standing behind Yun Zi.
‘HERROW! I am No 4, your jie jie Zhennie!’
‘JIE JIE, JIE JIE, woo hoo’ and No 6 runs into the arms of his sister.
‘Why are you here?’
‘Hey, a few of us decided to come back for your naming ceremony. We all want to see our baby brother. Sheng is with Papa catching up. Su Lin is at the mall buying stuff with Mama cos she is cooking dinner tonight. And I thought I will come and give you a first tree experience.’
‘Hee Hee, Ge Ge has brought me up a twee.’
‘There is tree climbing and there is TREE CLIMBING. Hee Hee, Yunnie is at intermediate level while I teach the master class. Climb onto my back and I will bring you up now!’
‘Oh boy Oh boy, wheeeee!’ and No 6 threw himself onto his sissy and away they went.
Yunnie took out the videocam and took a video of No 6′s first lesson in Pandasnastics. ‘Hmmm, he could be a contender in 2016′ mused Yunnie.
I love your stories, they are absolutely enchanting.
Thank you!
Lucilla
Master Gao Yun Zi’s scribe
Whenever I watch the cam around midnight I always catch Bai Yun cleaning little
No. 6. How often do panda mothers clean their babies? And when do they
normally stop this cleaning routine?
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.
How does Doxiemom get all of those great pictures. I never look at the right time.
Thank goodness we’ve got Doxie Mom!!!
Happy Naming Day, you big fuzzy peach! Hoping the UStream link works at my job!!
Moderator’s note: If not, you can always watch it later at home, as the ceremony will be archived.
If you have a slow internet connection, the live stream may sputter and stop. In this case, you may try catching up later by watching the archive that may require a less intense connection.
Well he big day has finally arrived! Our little Prince charming gets his name! I was just watching him and Bai sitting in front of each other in the den and it almost looked like they were playing pattycake. It was so cute. Then Bai went into her cleaning mode. Get out of the way whoever you are! Lol
Thanks for this window into panda life! I understand that the grooming can get a little rambunctious, but sometimes it looks like there is a playful tone to their interactions. Am I just projecting, or do mothers and cubs ever exhibit playful behavior at this stage?
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun enjoys play sessions with her cubs from an early age.
I always have confident with Bai’s mothering skill, she is the best! Her handle of the little is just great and fun to watch.
Thank you for the great update. Bai is such a good mama and this little guy has so much personality! I can’t wait to find out which name was chosen.
How to find the ceremony! I have logged into every place I can! SD Zoo, you need to make this easier! I won’t be sending any more donations, I am sooo angry!
Moderator’s note: The UStream link is posted on the Panda Cam home page and in the blog post called Panda Naming Ceremony. You can still view the ceremony as often as you like on our UStream channel: http://www.ustream.tv/sandiegozoo
Sometimes technology can be frustrating, it seems to be a love hate thing, but it is here to stay.
Like you, this morning I was only getting the video, then I started looking around and noticed a Login at the upper right corner. I did not have a Login, so in seconds, I signed up and was verified, then signed in and was waiting for the ceremony. So I guess I want to say, don’t be upset with SDZ, please. From their end, they took all the steps to provide the live ceremony to the world, it was up to us to take the steps to Login to USTREAM. I am sorry your experience was not good this morning, but I think a video will be available. Cheer up, nothing lost, your fine.
BTW: I am not affiliated with San Diego Zoo in any way. I have always wanted to live in San Diego after I visited my first time, I live hundreds miles away. That being said… to the best of my knowledge San Diego Zoo does not own or operate USTREAM or vise versa. The two are at opposite ends of the business spectrum.
I have gone to USTREAM and all I keep getting is old taped videos. I can’t find the live stream for the naming ceremony anywhere!!!! WHAAAAAAAAAAA
Moderator’s note: http://www.ustream.tv/sandiegozoo
Ok… go it! Either I was early… or they were late! OR I WAS JUST SO DARN EXCITED!!! Congratulations Xiao LiWu!! You ARE our little gift! XXOO
Loved the naming ceremony! Thank you for setting it up so we can watch from home.
Huh? Can’t read the words below the panda cub picture! Please have the designers of the naming ceremony (1) start ON TIME (2) tell us in big words so we can understand just where we go to view the ceremony (3) make it possible for us to READ the name! I just waster 45 minutes and will rely on the media to tell us the name, thank you very much!
They said the name multiple times, not to mention the ceremony was about a lot more than just the naming of the cub. It was about the history of our relations between SDZ and China in protecting this precious species, reflecting on the past, present and future, not to mention the traditional dancing. How is this a waste of time?
I’m sorry you were disappointed in the naming ceremony.
Reading the Naming blog, I discovered that they could not start ON TIME because a special guest was stuck in traffic. It’s a shame real life happenings was so inconsiderate of our time.
The link for the streaming was posted on main Panda Cam page, first paragraph. It was also posted in the Naming Ceremony Blog — http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2012/11/05/panda-naming-ceremony/.
I’m sure the name was big enough for the audience that was present. It was a shame the technician did not zoom in for us.
The media and everyone commenting in this blog will tell you what the little one is called
. I bet SDZ will even post it on their Facebook page.
I think we were very lucky to have the opportunity to watch it live and from the comfort of our home or office. I remember the days when there was no cams, and us Pandaholics just had to stand in line for a glimpse. No complaints here
YAY! Just watched the naming ceremony — awesome as usual. Love our little babies new name “Little Gift” — so sweet!! Thank you San Diego Zoo — it was great seeing it streamed live!
I got it and did watch it.
finished watching the ustream of the naming ceremony. I was very impressed with Ron Swaisgood’s speech. it seemed to achieve many goals (recognize cross cultural collaboration) but I felt like I learned in that talk a similar amount of information about panda conservation as I did reading a whole book.
glad Little Gift has a name (although I might revert to calling him LSG – little sausage gift – or another nickname); it will take time to remember the Chinese spelling. (liou xiwu? guessing)
sorry, Xiao Liwu (dyslexic memory).
also just caught Little Gift walk back into the den. what a feat. he is an amazing baby.
I call him Bunchy Butt because his weight appears to have bunched up at his rear end.
looking online for a pronunciation for the chinese name, there was this article (with pronunciation explained in the first paragraph):
www (dot) imperialvalleynews.com/index.php/news/california-news/2287-san-diego-zoo-panda-cub-is-a-little-gift-named-xiao-liwu.html
(however the rising and falling tones are hard for me to imagine)
this site can be used to hear the Chinese pronunciation of the pinyin characters:
http://www.mdbg.net/chindict/chindict.php?page=worddict&wdrst=1&wdqb=%E5%B0%8F%E7%A4%BC%E7%89%A9
it is not obvious but if you hover your mouse over the button with >> on it, then a row of buttons will appear, you can click the speaker to hear the Xiao part, then you need to repeat separately for the Liwu part.
The public has spoken…
小礼物
Xiao Liwu
little gift
pronunciation: Xiǎo lǐwù or shah lee woo
Yes, six is a lucky number. Sausage is the smallest of the bunch based on the charts so far. I guess he takes after Papa Gao Goa.
Wonder what kind of nicknames you’ll get, little one? I also wonder what your family is going to call you. Will you share your secret name?
Hi! Just watched the Name Ceremony on Ustream today! Had a little bit of a lag on my computer that I don’t know how to get rid of, but I did see the whole thing.
YAAAY!!!! The name I voted for won the votes!! Bai’s little gift is named Xiao Liwu, and it fits him! I’m a happy camper! I’m really glad that this name got the majority of the votes because this little gift of a baby panda boy may be Bia’s last cub that she will ever have due to her age range. By the time Xiao is weaned in 2014, Bai will be close to 23 years old, and her chances of having another cub at that age is a question mark. But, as we all know, Bai has been able to pull things out of a hat when we are least expecting it! She’s a strong panda and a great mom!
It’s sooooo nice to say the cub’s real name instead of chubby cubbie, fluffy butt, and all of the other nicknames that everybody has had for him!
Was on the pandacam, and there is a panda up in the tree branches sound asleep! Is that Yuni or Gao Gao? My guess is that it’s Yuni in that tree!
Gone to run an errand then will be back to check pandacam to see Xiao and momma Bai!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Do you know yet when he will be on view to the public?
Moderator’s note: We do not yet know, but we will alert everyone when his public debut date is determined.
Whooohooo!
I voted for baby panda’s name!
Dear SanDiego Zoo team and panda bloggers,
Hello from Istanbul, Turkey
Just after learning our “Little Gift”s name officially in the live stream, I wanted to thank each of you for such a joyful experience. Sharing this moment with many people all around the world, I have appreciated all your efforts once again. You should know that, from the moderators to the veterinarians, keepers and bloggers (great stories and video captures), what you do means a lot for me.
Looking forward for the next exam….
Ok, hello Xiao Liwu (LIttle Gift), now you have a cute name! Congratulations all and thank you SDZ for live streaming it for us, who could not be there in person.
Excellent choice on the name!
I cried tears of joy while watching the whole ceremony on cam! Welcome Xiao Liwu! A perfect name for such a precious little gift to us all! I can’t wait until he has been told his name and what Bai thinks of it! I would imagine she is very excited to hear her son has an official name now, like all her other cubs!! Such a happy and auspicious day!!!
Will there be an exam today?
Moderator’s note: No, too much excitement for one day.
For the hoomans *LOL*
I think Xiao Liwu would not have minded some hooman scritches and squishies.
Hello and welcome Xiao Liwu ! A very nice name for a very nice little panda ! I loved the joyful naming ceremony. Thank you, San Diego Zoo for this emotional moment which has gathered people of any countries !
It was exciting watching the naming ceremony here in Scotland. Thank you so much for allowing us to enjoy this delightful little bundle every day. He is a Little Gift to so many of us around the world. Looking forward to his next exam.
Thank you to SDZ for sharing the momentous occasion for our “Little Gift”. I was watching the live stream and the pandacam on another with little one sleeping soundling with Mama Bai, unaware of so many fans eagerly participating in this event for him
. There was a lag in some instances but did not mind that a bit 
.
Thank you again for all the efforts that SDZ does in sharing a bit of miracle for all of us viewers!
Yunnie boonie you are so funny and precious, you do know that Little gift is an addition for all of us and not a replacement in our hearts for the rest of his family…right? Think about it everyone…SDZ…has been able to breed Bai Yun and Gao GAO six times successfully, what a great accomplishment . I think we would all be amazed knowing how much knowledge goes into such a venture.
Moderator’s note: Just to clarify, Xiao Liwu is Gao Gao’s fifth cub, as Shi Shi fathered Bai Yun’s first cub, Hua Mei.
Five hits is still good so the compliment still stands. Right? Lol
Moderator’s note: Absolutely!
Chow Lee Woo? Any offical English translations we in the US can relate to? Thanks!
Moderator’s note: Try sshyaoww lee woo. I know it’s going to take me some practice!
Part of the confusion of pronouncing Xiao’s first name is that the letter X is pronounced differently in different regions. This is the way it is pronounced in Sichuan; the consul was obviously from another part of China. I watched the comments while he was speaking. Lots of not sure..
It is like See-ow Lee Ooo. Hee Hee
Yoooon zer
He is sleeping soundly in the den. Sweet Dreams, Xiao Liwu! Happy Naming Day! xxx
Quite amazing to be able to watch the naming ceremony live in Scotland as we were eating our evening meal. Xiao Liwu is a lovely name, It may take some time to remember how to say it but I will try. Very much enjoyed the whole ceremony and what an interesting speech from Ron.Only SDZ can achieve this type of success.
Yes, it will. I can foresee calling his name being shortened to Liwu, Li, Wu, or Wuwu (woowoo) as Xiao is hard for westerners.
Thank you for having Ustream live to us who couldn’t be there in person. I would also like to thank everyone for picking a name that had my name (different spelling but same sound) in it. The funny thing is that I didn’t pick that one. I do like it though.
What a beautiful name for such a beautiful creation.
What a joy he is to watch.
The way they pronounced it today at the ceremony almost sounded like Sallylee Woo. A bit girly and now what can his nick name be out of that?
Thank you for the baby picture of him in the red envelope.
Lovely time and lovely lunch at Alberts! Met a nice panda fan there who joined us for lunch.
Perfect weather too!
Thank you SDZ for transmitting the naming ceremony live. Was able to watch it here in UK as it happen.
When Liwu grows up his initials will still be a great name: XL……!
Good one!!
WOO! WOO! There he is
Well, I have been duly chastised by most posters since the naming of Baby Chow (that is the only part of the name I can figure out in English). Some of us can’t see as well as some others, or hear as well, either. It is unfortunate the the “moderator” can’t explain to people that some of us are disabled, seniors, and have physical difficulties. I do think they could have made the words larger for the millions of us who couldn’t attend the ceremony, like me, for the very reasons I listed above, age, physical health, etc. Now, I would be so appreciative if someone would write out the name in a manner that English-speaking DONORS can understand how to pronounce!
Moderator’s note: Try pronouncing Xiao Liwu as Zhow LeeWoo.
I found that the posts being shown on the right during the ceremony were very helpful. Fun conversations and easy to read comments with the name included. Some parts of technology incorporating with others.
It’s been an exciting day! That’s not the name I voted for, but I think I can wrap my tongue around it…..and it certainly fits: he IS a gift. I’m grateful I could see the ceremony from the comfort of my own home. Thanks.
San Diego Zoo is the best!
Wow what a great name! The video that I watch was nice. i still want to call him chubbie cubbie.
So glad to greet Little Gift’s name, I’m going to have to work on the Chinese pronunciation! I thought I wasn’t able to get on today until I saw on Twitter that the ceremony was running late, so I hung around and flash! it came up when the ceremony started. I was hoping maybe Bai’s keepers had given her a special frozen cake or whatever to keep her occupied, and Little Gift would have been brought out in person from behind where his picture was. Sounds like fun to me, but maybe a nightmare to the zoo staff ? Well it was fun anyway, I can’t wait for the day when I WILL be able to visit him at the zoo!
Thank you so much for allowing us to watch Xiao Liwu’s Naming Ceremony live. I felt very privileged to be able to attend this momentous occasion by way of Ustream. Ron Swaisgood’s talk was very informative, the festivities were enthralling.
Here are a couple of new videos. The 1st shows some of the in/out den activity that occurred last night. The 2nd shows highlights from today.
2012-11-12 Xiao Liwu, Little Gift, has a Busy Evening
http://youtu.be/DrHZ0-3A5w8
2012-11-13 Presenting Xiao Liwu, Little Gift
http://youtu.be/huQBCW_IzT8
Yep, DoxieMom, you caught and I got to relive it. Last night, I was so surprised about the part where Liwu watched as Bai Yun came into the den with a look to her saying “See, Mom, I got back in by myself” and her response was to give him a paw to flip him onto his back
Thanks for doing all these videos.
If and when he can get his behind / King Fluffy Butt / working he will be a movin piece of work. He is sure trying hard. Too darn cute.
WoW! SDZ!! Thank you so much for that big gift in my email inbox today!! What a beautiful picture of Xiao Liwu!! THANK YOU AGAIN! I smiled from ear to ear when I saw that cutie pie, Xiao Liwu, look at me with his bright eyed curiosity. Loved the naming ceremony on UStream, although for a bit I was worried that I’m missing the live stream, thank goodness I didn’t throw the computer out the window before the ceremony started
Thank you! Love ya’ll for what you’re doing!
It was unfortunate that the guest of honor could not attend his own naming ceremony.
It would have been nice to have a monitor set up on stage with the panda cam pointed at him during the ceremony. Altho depending on what he was doing at that time, many of us may not have been listening to the speeches.
Did anybody pay attention to the tails on those performing dragons? They were wiggling nonstop throughout the performance. Especially towards the end, I think it was the green dragon sticking its tail right at the camera for several seconds.
Speaking of wiggling… when Bai Yun is munching in her den and the panda cam is pointed at her head, every time she chews, her ears wiggle. It is so cute… the bamboo is going up and down and her ears wiggle in tandem. Has anybody seen that?
I recently noticed that Yunnie’s ears wiggle as he eats boo as well…it is especially noticable when his ears are pointed to the side instead of straight ahead. Quite cute and it made me smile at dear Yun Zi once again.
Yes, I noticed the wiggling tails on those lions, too. I’m not use to these lions as they were not the same as those I grew up knowing or seeing in Chinese acrobat shows. I also noticed the name of the club was on the lions neck. Sometime else that was unusual to me. Generally club names are placed on flags or banners carried by standard bearers.
I think the noise and bright lights and all the people would have probably been overwhelming to Xiao Liwu, but he is world famous regardless! I’ve seen headlines in newspapers from France and Japan talking about his naming ceremony, and of course he is all over the news here in San Diego.
I never thought I would be so emotional for the naming of cubbie, “Xiao Liwu”, but the water works started as soon as they pulled that curtain away. I guess I just love him so much; I felt honored to witness such a beautiful event, that I’ve never had the privilege of doing before, as “Little Gift” is my first baby panda. Congratulations to SDZ, China, and all the people involved, and an extremely heartfelt THANK YOU!
Xiao Liwu has the best Mom ever! I would love to be one of Bai Yun’s cubs and receiver her loving care every day…what a treat
Thank you Jennifer for this delightful post. I can picture everyone near the den holding their hands over their ears and saying geez enough already when chubbs is throwing a tantrum. I’ve noticed at times when he is throwing these tantrums she will pick him up and cradle him in her arms in an attempt to try and calm him down. Well that’s my interpretation of what she is doing.