Victoria, in the center, holds Xiao Liwu on her lap. Panda fans everywhere turn green with envy.
Yesterday was Xiao Liwu’s 13th exam. Thirteen might be unlucky for some people, but for me it was my second opportunity to assist with an exam; my first one was six weeks ago (see post Panda Cub: Exam 7). It was definitely a different experience this time around. To start, we now perform the exam on top of a special carpet on the ground in the Giant Panda Research Station. This transition happened a few weeks ago when the young cub began attempting to crawl. He was an adorable wiggly worm as I tried to hold him still while the veterinarian and nutritionist attempted to examine and measure him.
At 15 weeks of age, he weighed 10.3 pounds (5.7 kilograms) and is 25.1 inches (64 centimeters) long (see growth chart below for a cub comparison), and our veterinarian, PK Robbins, noted that his first four teeth have erupted through his gums.
The best part is that his crawling seemed to bring him up into my lap, not away from us as one might expect. It appears that our sweet panda baby enjoys a good cuddle! At the end of the exam, we backed away to observe the improvement in his crawling with no impediments. Xiao Liwu is progressing nicely, getting his rear feet under him as he crawled. We have even witnessed him crawling back into the den, which is raised about 6 inches (15 centimeters) off the ground.
Stay tuned for future milestones!
Victoria Girdler is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
Click on chart to enlarge.
Note: Photos from the 13th exam are now posted in the Panda Photo Gallery.
I cant wait for the video. i look forward for each week of the video
Goodmorning pandas and care givers, I was wandering if Zunny misses his mom, it seems with all of that bonding they did for 18 months it would have been very hard for the little guy not to have moma around.
Moderator’s note: We can never say for sure if he thinks about his mother now, but we do know that he is a thriving subadult.
I just love love love this baby boy!!!!! He is sooooooo adorable!! Thank you SDZ for all the wonderful developments on these beautiful pandas!!!!!
I agree, I absolutely adore this little darling! My dream come true would be to hold him!! I look at all his pictures every day and watch the videos of him over and over. I imagine I am one of the caretakers, that would be the most amazing job and privilege!
Yay, Xiao Liwu is over 10 pounds now! Our cuddly, wiggle worm has progressed so much in just one week. Love watching him climb up his 6″ step.
Xiao Liwu was a very determined little ball of energy yesterday afternoon, and this was on top of having his exam in the morning! This is probably the most fun I’ve had doing a video in awhile ~ the subject matter was just so inspiring.
2012-11-15 Xiao Liwu: Romps, Rolls and Returns!
http://youtu.be/17fnKvSFgN8
So much goes on in this video: walking, climbing, tumbling, biting Bai Yun’s nose, swatting her face. Xiao Liwu is at such a fun age
I love the spot in the video (5:50) where XLW is trying to climb back into the den. Bai Yun is right there watching him, but she lets him do it himself. Such a great mom!
OMG great video, thank you for posting and sharing, DoxieMom. The small guy creeps so sweetly.
i wa watching that live he was a ball of engery
I happened to turn on the panda cam yesterday just in time to see this! I laughed when he tumbled and rolled right out of the den!
D~Mom it is very nice to see you gettting so much recognition from greatful blog readers. Your videos are just wonderful…..Love Grammmie
We LOVE Doxie Mom! If we are about to have Pandaholic attack for lack of seeing THE Xiao, Yunnie, Bai and Daddy Gao she gives the best fixes and saves us from going over the edge! Not sure we could go without Doxie Mom now!!!
I’m so glad you posted this, DoxieMom! How fun to watch young Xiao Liwu in action and being so spunky. He’s getting feisty and more and more mobile — just love watching him even when he’s sleeping. Thanks again for the YouTube post!!
and it’s so true what someone said before, around the 5 minute mark our kid spent a lot of time looking at his reflection in the shiny wall area near the door of the nest exit. I hope he likes what he saw, I do! Made me think of twins; I read that in China they have the twins alternate spending time with mom since pandas normally will only take care of one cub. Then at some point mom has bonded with both cubs and will take care of both of them. I don’t know the age but they’re still young. It would be fun to watch the 2 cubs play together in the nest!
It is fun to watch two five month old twins play with mommie and each other. 5 months seems to be about the age they allow both to drive momma crazy, no wonder she doesn’t seem to mind if they are taken away at about 6 months of age~~as is my understanding. Perhaps they get to stay longer now that the captive population has blossumed. Does anybody have better or more recent information???? I wish you would share it with us??? love grammmie-
What a curious little guy he is! I love how he was playing with his own reflection in the side wall of the den’s exit. Very cute video, thank you DoxieMom
Xiao Liwu gets cuter every day.
I LOVE the way he rolls out of the den. 
He may be on the small side like papa Gao but he is determined 
Simply adorable! His entrance is far more graceful than his exit. LOL
He looks like he is asking his Mama why that cubby did not want to come out and play.
Thank you so much DoxieMom, you are a real star for posting your videos for us all. xxxx
Please tell me there is video of this exam! What a cutie!
Moderator’s note: Our videographer is putting on the finishing touches. It should be ready soon.
Nice Video….I slept in so everything was ready for me. I am practicing to be a Panda some day.
Just wondering… Is your Panda suit Black and White OR Black and PINK?!!!
what cutie, would love to hold him like a few hundred more. Looks like he
will small like his papa. Thats ok, we still love him and its fun to watch him gain more things to try and do.
Staff you are the best.
Still hoping to see the photos with the blue background posted somewhere, if someone has seen them and can direct me to them. I think the new official name fits nicely, but as a nickname I like Chubbers or Cubbie is cute. Has anyone noticed the black patches of his eyes have been shaped like a heart?
I like to think when Bai is poking Cubby with her nose that she’s blowing goobers on his tummy making it a tickle and in bear, Cubby is giggling. Without sound on the cam, I guess I make up my own.
Also, I have a question for the Panda Team; I read an article in my research that stated the scent of a mother panda was presented to the adult daughter and she became so happy and animated rubbing the scent all over herself. I have to wonder if in Bai’s bathing methods, she is somehow covering Cubbie with her scent, or cleaning his scent off – both as a measure in the wild to hide the existance of a baby panda. I don’t know where the female’s glands are, or if it’s mixed in her saliva? I would think if this reaction came from a grown panda, that during the nursing time the scent of the mother is dominant to the nose of the cub- but how does she do that? There must be some importance of scent to the Panda, do we understand it yet or is it still in study?
Moderator’s note: Three images from his official “photo shoot” have now been added to our Panda Photo Gallery. Regarding scent, pandas have shown they are able to distinguish individuals by scent. They have a complex and important scent-messaging system, and identifying individuals plays a role in their social communication. You might enjoy reading the post Pandas: Unraveling a Mystery and Panda Perfume, which includes the anecdote about Bai Yun responding to her mother’s scent after so many year..
Thank you for the information and the beautiful pictures! I enjoyed the Mystery post and love learning about the Panda. I really appreciate SDZ’s staff and all their efforts keeping the information flowing and these blogs are quite fascinating.
Moderator or Panda Team~~~has Bai Yun been tested with odors of her children, and if so were they equal reactions or perhaps stronger from the most recent cubs? If this kind of test has not been done would you consider doing it in the near future, after Woooo is done with needing mom so much. That way there could be 6 cubs to test on, and one of them not Gao Gaos, which might make a difference. Perhaps this is something that your interns could work on. I wanted to make sure there is lots for everybody to do, since it may cut down on “Don’t Kiss The P. Bears”…..Love Grammmie
Moderator’s note: I don’t believe the Panda Team has done testing of that sort. The focus these days is on our panda hearing study.
That’s right Grammmie!!! Another excellent “To Do” item!! Need to keep those Interns busy and out of trouble with Bai, she does not like them doing the kissing thing on her baby!!!
Have you started a list of these “To Do” items?!
I am gratefull all the nannykeepers love my cubby. I think he is very special as are all my cubbies. He loves to play and he loves being with hoomans. I just dont want him growing up spoilt and a brat. Hence the no kissing rule and why I keep a watchful eye everytime he has an exam. I give in to temptation every time myself. I kiss him, blow raspberries on his tummy and also hug him etc. So I know it is hard to resist this bundle of fur. His other siblings were just as bad, they all had their own personalities. Hee Hee Hee.
Dear Beautiful and Most High Bai Yun,
There will be no kissing your precious babies and love of your life Gao, we watch out for your rule… everyone is reminded… We will just look on lovingly and wishing it was us being BAI kissing the pink ball of fun fur!!! Please give an extra kiss and raspberry and a hug to your perfect baby Xiao for us. We love you Bai. We will remember THE Rule… Don’t kiss the P. Bears!
Love,
Beverly
We are keeping an eye out for you too!!!
thanks for the post and explaining the height of the den entry. I was curious about that. considering his plumpness, I am quite impressed he can push himself back into the den. yesterday I saw him make a brave attempt but maybe he got tired and seemed to roll in the opposite direction. XOXO XLW.
Yes, Victoria, I am definitely green with envy. I wouldn’t mind holding Xiao Liwu still for his checkup.
He is definitely at an age where he is exploring everything that is available to him. Now, the little one just needs more practice in exiting the den
He gets an A++++ for his entrances.
So very cute! Thank you for posting those very adorable pictures!
Waiting anxiously for the video! Thank you again!
Four teethfies!! WOW. Poor Bai Yun!
His cuteness is simply unbearable! Can’t wait for the video!
We are envious. I too saw him climb back in the den. Mama appeared shortly after and he nursed so I thought maybe he was giving the “I’m hungry” sound. Thanks for the updates!
About when do you think Little Gift will be going on exhibit?
Moderator’s note: Not until at least December or January. He has to get sturdy and confident on his feet. It’s a big exhibit out there!
He is cuter than ever! Xiao Liwu is the King of Cute
He is so friendly! He is getting control of those hind legs now and is so cute. I love the way Bai Yun makes him behave and learn. I got such a kick out of her shoving him back into the den in that video Doxiemom posted. That is really important for him to learn to stay where she puts him, if he were in the wild he could get killed if he wandered away from the den. He is getting big now and ready to take on the world. Yunnie Boonie here he comes. lol
Wow he growing to fast slow down.He moving round much better.He so cute
I am so totally in love.
Thank you for a longer video this week! Woot!
Thank you for the update on this little gift. He is just too cute.
He has really big eyes. Thank you for the video.
Thank you for the exam video as always. I look forward to it every week!!! He is getting so big, and just as cute as ever. How lucky the handlers are.
Happy Thanksgiving to all at the SDZ!
The little tyke has such a mellow personality still!!! The SDZ keepers and handlers are much to be envied for being this close to him!
… and what a darling walk! Well, just about everything about him is just too lovable…
Thank you for the video… though sure still wish it is a little longer
… maybe just can’t get enough of his cuteness!
Lucky indeed for all the caretakers who get to have a little panda cub climb into their laps! He seemed a little less vocal during this exam. I’m not sure if it was simply due to editing or Xiao Liwu becoming more comfortable with his human family.
Moderator, do the pandas seem to have particular keepers they are drawn to or is it anyone who brings in more bamboo or treats, lol?
Panda Team responds: Keepers do form bonds and the pandas do respond to our voices. For example, Bai Yun has had a longstanding relationship with Kathy, our most senior keeper, but is also very keen on interacting with all of her keepers. She knows where her bread -or biscuits- are buttered!
She is a wise bear!!!!!
Perhaps somebody long with this blog will remember the name of the blog written by Kathy Hawk about the first days when Bai Yun was here at the San Diego Zoo. It seems they were soul mates from their first day together, and the blog telling about that early time was wonderful. It was so well writtten that I almost felt like I was theree seeing it unfold……Love Grammmie
Grammmie, I read that article several weeks ago. It was special and well worth the read, I enjoyed it so much. It shows so much about Bai and how she has a special bond with Kathy, also how they interact, it was so touching, sweet and amazing. That is one very smart P. Bear!!!
Maybe the Monderator can post a link here for the people to read.
Miss Kathy and I have been great friends since I arrived at SDZ. She wrote about me a few times. Here’s the link
http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2010/09/07/bai-yun-through-the-years/
BY
Kathy love affair with Bai
http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2010/09/07/bai-yun-through-the-years/
I found the blog I believe you are referring to, Grammie. It is titled “Bai Yun through the Years” If interested, put this name in the search box to find the entry. I have long wanted to hear about Bai’s early years and this blog only added to my admiration for her pandasonality. She is one in a million.
Thank you moderator and to the others for the links to blogs on Kathy’s relationship with Bai Yun. It was wonderful to read about how special their relationship has been and to confirm how incredibly rewarding it must be for all the keepers to work with such amazingly fun and intelligent animals.
What color are pandas eyes normally? They look to be grey, but I could be wrong. Do all pandas usually have the same colored eyes or are there some with different colors?
Anyway, Xiao Liwu seems to know how to pose for the camera. What a cutie!
Panda Team responds: Panda eyes are dark in color. The lighter gray you may see has to do with light reflecting off them in photos and video.
Matt our baby Panda has a big brother living nearby. We think he has been coaching him on camera work to look his cutest…..Love Grammmie
St.Annes-On-The-Sea
Lancashire UK
The video that was posted was very exciting. It shows how good he can walk now.
Thank you Grammie and Gao Gao for your replies. I will update you on
Gao Xing & Bai Xing. If they have cygnets next spring. I do not know how to post photographs to you.
Most of the SWANS here belong to the Queen. I am not only feeding this pair but another 3 more pairs, I am learning their behaviour every day.
I will not be writing to the blog until mid December. I will still be checking on little Cubby now and then. Take good care of your health, Grammie.
Is St Annes on the Sea a little town down a long steep hill and setting right on the ocean? If so, I’ve been there.
I have never been to the UK, but my ancesters were, Scottish on my father’s side, English on mom’s side. Perhaps some fossil records of Giant Pandas will show up there eventually. We will miss you but hope you have a good time while away.
I have been trying to read the posts, but my little corner window is showing Bai and Wooooo playing so sweetly in the corner screen that it is hard to not stop taking postcard photos.
Cynthia you need to find a freind, neighbor, family member~somebody to help you learn photo tricks and such. If you belong to social networks they often give you a place to see and post photos. The only reason I joined facebook was to see the photos that the San Diego Zoo posts there. I don’t use it a lot but have joined a network of Washington D. C. Panda Nuts. They are talking about Wooo a lot, they love him too. Love Grammmie
St.Annes-On-The-Sea
Lancashire UK
Thank for your two replies St.Annes-On-The-Sea is beautiful quiet town situated near to the river Ribble estuary, leading to the Irish Sea. The Open Golf 2012 was held here. Tiger Wood was here.
It is not on a long steep hill. It is near to Blackpool, the famous sea side resort. Lancashire ir known as the Red Rose County.
Thanks
Hi Cynthia… St.Annes-On-The-Sea sounds so beautiful and peaceful, I would love to see it someday. I am sure the swans you named are wearing their names well, yes, I have been following along with you. BTW, you are so lucking that Daddy Gao wrote you, I would just faint, he is so handsome!!! Take care and will look forward to hearing from you in December and also hopefully about the little cygnets next spring too. You need to start thinking about their names now!
I see why Xiao Liwo don’t always want the lovin from mom, he wants to save some to give to you guys! I just luv that face of his. So he is doing good going in and out of the den.
aaaah Julie… and for you too! That is so sweet! We would have to be berrry, berrry careful to not “Kiss the baby P. Bear”!!! (Ö)(Ö)
Today, as is any day, a great day for Panda watching~~~~my Mini iPaw just arrived, and my son is setting it up. This means I can read your posts, and emails or just enjoy watching Bai and LiWu enjoy their playtime like they are right now in my corner window~~~No gap is needed I can take it with me. I guess since I have the mini iPaw I can enjoy swapping stories with LiWu since he has a mini iPaw too.
oooooh! I think I am NEEDing an iPaw tooo!
He is just so cute!! I love watching him grow. I finally got to witness his time playing with mom and his attemp to crawl out. So fun to watch
He is so precious!
Since nicknames were mentioned, I wonder if you can share some of the nicknames the panda team has for Bai Yun, Gao Gao and Yun Zi?
My heart just melts at the video. I’d give so much to have this cutie climb into my lap! Congratulations and thanks to everyone at Panda Station for the excellent care our black and friends receive, and for the interaction with all of us who are totally addicted.
Omg he’s crawling! Now the fun begins! He is sooooo adorable. Love love him!
What a joy this little guy has been to my daily routine……..I check him out first thing in the morning and just before retiring (and truth be told, several times throughout the day)! Thanks SDZ for all that you do in caring for him. Oh, the exam videos are wonderful. I have shared them with friends and family. Can’t wait to meet Xiao Liwu when I’m in SD next August!
He’s getting soo big each time he ha an exam he gets bigger and bigger each time so glad to hear he’s doing so well
Xiao Liwu is downright adorable this evening. He got himself up into the den and is rolling around. Seems to be enjoying his new-found movement.
Have a lap available here in Mich;
Four year old grandson would love to snuggle with a real panda 
He does have his plush panda named “Po” 
Does he know that Po is one of Woooo’s cousins???? I guess it is okay for him to “Kiss His P. Bear”.
Grandson knows all about every US panda since Tai Shan. He loves the video “A Panda is Born” about Tai
He wants to watch DoxieMoms utube videos when he visits.
It seems every night about 11pm ET Bai scoops Woo up and out of the den they go. Wonder what they do
They go to the Balsoa Park Ballroom to work on their dance steps. They must be ready for the all important first view the Press gets, one day before they premiere thier dancing style for the rest of us.
I have fallen in love with our little guy–those eyes, little legs and his plump tummy–could he be any cuter? I love being able to check in any time during the day or night and just watch even if they are just cuddling. It’s so amazing how big and quickly he is growing from week to week. It must be an amazing experience for the staff to have him come to them—it looks like he is just as curious and wants to show you affection as you do for him! We all hope the weekly exams and videos continue for a long time –we’ve become so attached to him and Mama. Sending hugs to both of them-and have a wonderful Thanksgiving to a great Panda team and all at the SDZoo!
Aaaaaah! the much-awaited medical exam! Not that we worry about his health though
Well let’s pretend to be serious; what’s the body temperature of a panda?
Thank you in advance for your answer, Panda Team!
That is a really good question I had neveer thought to ask….and does it go up when you loose control and “Kiss the P. Bears”???????
So my good veteranarian, little gift just crawled into your lap?? Ok, we will let you get away with it Now that all is, this time. He looks around and focuses.Good job littl Liwoooo. theVisitors at tthe ceremony are entranced and the ladies are iWOOOO. Poking him again???We hear those squeals. And his picture says[ “look at me I am very serious today.”"Heis so chubby, he has a hard time getting his belly up, and so cute! Noisy today, and his commiunication skills re coming long. He has changed tones with his squeak. IS he talking to you all? HMM HMM.
I love the end when he crawls away…..he’s getting so good at crawling. Love it!!! Thank you Victoria for sharing your turn at another exam!!
He is so adorable!!! OH, to have him climb into your lap!! Thanks for sharing.
My little chubby cubbie is as cute as ever. I love how well he is crawling, since the last video. He is definately a handful. I thought it was really cool how he crawled towards you, and if that were me sitting there, I would just melt, and then cry with joy. Baby Liwo, I just love you so much, and you always put a big smile on my face, with a few tears.
Look at those teefs and look at him walking! His back legs are catching up with his fronts! Question for the panda team: about when will he start losing his baby teeth for his adult teeth, and do panda cubs experience any noticeable discomfort when teething like some human babies do?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded.
We cannot give you an exact time of permanent teeth eruption in the giant panda, but approximately one year of age (perhaps even earlier) is a reasonable estimate.
As for teething pain, we certainly see animals increase mouthing or chewing behaviors when they are ‘cutting’ new teeth. It is difficult, though, to say whether this is comparable to human teething pains, as human and animal pain thresholds/perception are likely variable across species (and individuals).
Thank you for your response! I’ve loved watching him grow up. Very thankful today for all of your hard work loving the pandas and keeping them happy and healthy!
It is 11:15 P M west coast time and mommy and baby are sleeping so peaceful. mommy has baby snuggled under her chin. Simply beautiful and loving.
YES!! I am green with envy! What a wonderful job to have
Trouble is, if I was a Panda Keeper, I would possibly squease them too hard out of sheer carried away love and the desire to feel them from the outside in! and do some damage! lol!
Just as long as you “Don’t Kiss The P. Bears”.
My BIGGEST dream is to be able to touch Bai Yun…wow…I would die f.or that opportunity one day, but I bet you don’t let anyone touch her anyway
Here’s another fun video showing some highlights from Friday afternoon. Around 2:15pm PT: Bai Yun played effortlessly with 110 day old, 10+ pound Xiao Liwu. He was able to get to her ears this round. Then at 3:45pm a keeper stopped by and played “bamboo” with him. Afterward he showed his proficiency with a walkabout, and dealing with that 6″ step ~ and his mastery of both.
2012-11-16 Xiao Liwu’s To Do List: Play with Mommie and Keeper, Tumble and Climb
http://youtu.be/H6DoyDKO4mM
Thank you all for your very kind comments about the last video.
Thanks again Doxie for the great work you do with the Bears. We appreciate it very much especially when we cannot be at the screen all day. You make our lives special.
Thanks so very much for another adorable look at our bears. I really can’t get over how much Bai loves to play with her baby. Is there any other animmal species that gets so much enjoyment out of their offspring?
A very Happy Thanksgiving to the great staff at SDZand my fellow Pandaholics.
That was a great video! And to see one of the keeper put her arm in the den. He is so cute when he see’s his reflection in the den.
Way too cute Doxie Mom, Thanks. I am positive I saw Bai SMILING!!! I played it back several time, she is smiling at 2:44 through about 2:48! That was the best, I bet she is having a ball with her pink ball of fur!!!
Oh Doxie, that was to precious, I especially loved Xiao Liwu on top of Bai’s head. You capture the best moments! Thanks again.
Thanks, DoxieMom — What a joy to see him playing with Mama and the keeper and getting in and out of the den (“out” definitely needs work!).
Can’t thank you enough for these videos since I’ve missed so much of the cam action lately. Mille grazie!
Thank you, Doxie Mom — all that you post is so appreciated.
i was watching the cam this am and saw Bai standing with a big chunk of bamboo in her mouth. It looked like she was trying to find a place to put it in the top of the den. I’ve seen her do this a couple other times too. Is she trying to hide her and Xiao Liwu or does she have something else in mind?
bonny, have you ever thought of asking Bai Yun, or even Yun Zi to ask momma what she was up to?????
I was talking with my mother about the Zoo’s Panda’s and how they are on loan from China. She asked an interesting question. If the Panda’s are trained here with English speaking keepers is there a language problem when they are moved back to China and their new keepers speak Chinese?
Panda Team responds: Pandas that move to China quickly adapt to new cues, both verbal and physical, especially if there are treats involved!
Oh how he has grown in such a short time, he is really getting around good and he knows his Nanny Keepers! OMG!! OMG!!! My little heart would pound so loud and hard, it think it would jump out of me if he crawled in my lap!!! then I would not be responsible for anything afterward!!!!!!!!! (O)(O)
“Don’t Kiss The P. Bears”……..
What?! Who me??!!! aaah… I would never do THAT!!! You have been talking to Bai!!! She would catch me in a heart beat!
A word to the wise~~”Don’t Kiss the P. Bears”. You sound a bit guilty Beverly~~”What you been doin’?”
Yes, pray tell, what???
Missy Bai
I remember the Tai Shan dvd in which one of the staff at SNZ mentioned wanting to kiss the cub “but you can’t”, she said. I assumed it was because a) anything contagious that we might have that does not affect us but could affect the cub (there are 57 different ailments we carry which we don’t notice that affect cats and the veterinarians reading this already know this) and b) Mama-Bear Mei Xiang may take exception to our scent being on her baby. So I expect the staff at all zoos are experts at practicing restraint. But baby Xiao Liwu obviously has affection for all of ‘his people’ which I sure is very rewarding…
Well, I was walking in the count yard around the hugh four hundred year old oak tree that I have been telling about P. Bears in San Diego Zoo, when I ran into a hugh limb of the tree… all of a sudden I was in the den and I THINK I was holding Xiao, then I looked up and saw Bai with her paws on her hips, then a hugh furry paw came into view…OMG!!! then I heard “Don’t kiss the P. Bears!!! I woke up under the oak tree… funny thing… I think there were some longer brown fur on top of my head!??!!! I not sure what happened!
Well Dear, if you were unconcious I suppose that you cannot be held accountable. Think really hard now, did you kiss the P. Bear???? If you have a headache when you think about it you probably did and the Brown Fur was a muddy Paw that Bai Yu lowered onto the top of your head rather hard in punishment. But it was worth it, wasn’t it??????
yes ma’am… (.)(.)… my head hurts… (.)(.) ooo@oo! Yes! it was!!!
You know, just to be sure of course… maybe I should come over there and HOLD Xiao just for comparison, in the name of science of course… please don’t let Bai crown me again!
Ladies, I am by nature a gentle lady bear and am a genteel well brought up girl. I do not go around swatting hoomans, even those who attempt to kiss my babies. I will always use gentle persuasion first! Thank you for loving Xiao Wu. As he would say, ‘Wuuuuuuuuu to Yooooooouuu!’
You are the lovliest, nicest, sweetest, most gentle P. Bear Mother we know. We have not forgotten the Bear Hugging night that Yunior organised for us, and the gentle hugs you gave us. Sometimes in fun we write silly tales to each other, and tease, but we know you will not crown a Hooman, Your Imperial Majesty Bai Yun.
During the last 15 or 20 minutes I have been taking a series of photos of you and Liwooooooo. It started with you just having your face in the den, and eventually you were in, and he coulod not be seen, but shortly after (I guess he was finished nursing), the 2 of you lay together for a nap, but then you cuddled him very close and really went to sleep, you guys look so sweet. Sleep well Lovely Bai Yun, the Hoomans will watch over you and Liwoooooo for as long as you need us to…..love grammme
Dear Bai… Grammmie said it best, as always. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of visiting with you and yours, we all admire and love you so much.
There must be a mistake in the weight given, 10.3 pounds (5.7 kilograms).
10.3 pounds = 4.7 kilograms
5.7 kilograms = 12.6 pounds
It seems that in the chart 10.3 pounds (4.7 kilograms) has been used.
5.7 kilograms would have been a big jump for Xiao Liwu!
Thanks.
Baby WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO all tucked up and asleep!
He is SO FUZZY!!! Glad to see his belly finally clear the ground to crawl!
My whole family gets happy when we say “Baby WOOOOOOOOO!”
So does he, when you say it……..
I love Baby Wooooooo, Tooooooooo!
when XXLW starts to go on public view, does that mean either Yunior or Gao Gao will go off public view at the same time?
Moderator’s note: No, Bai Yun and Xioa Liwu will be given access to our north exhibit, which is usually closed. Yun Zi and Gao Gao will continue to have access to the main viewing exhibits. It will be a great opportunity to see all four of our pandas!
thank you. from the past videos it looked like the young cub had a different exhibit but was not quite sure. that would be fun to see all 4 pandas in one day. I’m not sure I could make myself leave to see the other animals.
It is 3:34pm cst. Just checked in on little woooo. To see him streach and put his paw over his face was so cute. Then he rolled over and fell asleep again. He must be extra tired today.
What a good time watching Xiao Liwu practice entering and exiting the den! Like a kid who crawls up and down stairs, the kid crawls down backwards with his bum. Well, that’s what cubbie is doing — down with the hind paws first.
Though I just saw Bai Yun show up the kid by doing the right way *LOL* She entered and exited while the kid was working on entering.
Knowing that Kathy Hawk wrote the Bai Yun early meetings I decided to try another way to find the blog I had reccommended in the previous comment section. I am not sure if this is “The One” but it is so good I decided to send you the link for your enjoyment. Kathy it seems has spent the most time with Bai Yun since she arrived at the SDZoo, and seems to know her the best. I think they are soul mates. Enjoy…..love grammmie
http://blogarchives.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2010/09/07/bai-yun-through-the-years/
Bai Yun through the years.
Thanks for the history lesson Grammie. That was definetly worth checking out. Very touching. I hope Bai has many more B’days to share with us. I also hope the powers that be decide to let Bai and Gao spend the rest of thier years at the SDZ. I would be a shame to take them away from so many who love them so much and the home they know so well.
here’s a page where they brought the same text over to the current blog format (that way you will still get the images). I agree it is a very touching account by Kathy.
http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2010/09/07/bai-yun-through-the-years/
FYI, found by searching for “Kathy”. when I tried to search for “Bai Yun”, this one did not come up.
When I went to the link given by Mosaic I found, at the bottom of the blog portion, above the comments, “A Yun Zi Story” about the scary yellow monster who rescued~~or interferred with his enjoyment in the rain at a part of the moat he had not expolored before…..lots of fun reading some of the old blogs, and fond memories of blogs read before. I just hope the name is correct. Following through on the squares below the blog can take you all sorts of places…Love Grammmie
I got the name correct and here is the blog link.
blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2010/02/23/a-yun-zi-story/
thanks for sharing. that was a funny story.
Getting all of these precious moments on record must be a boon for the research on these Pandas. What a good job you all do saving these moments for us to enjoy. This is a gift that most of the world doesn’t even know about. Thanks for your diligence. Mom and baby are sleeping nose to nose. If they were in the wild we wouldn’t see this. We’re honored and blessed.
My hubby wants to know if that’s a light in the den at night or is that some other kind of light. Thanks.
I believe the moderator told us that it was an infrared camera and it’s actually very dark in the den.
The den is actually dark. The Cam has an infrared lens. That is why everything is in grayscale. We go wow when enough natural light shines into the den for the operators to switch it whereby we see it in real color.
I found for you an old and useful Moderator’s note
: “The camera light is actually an infrared illuminator that allows us to see in the dark. It’s really black as pitch in that den at night, and even during daylight hours the den is very dimly lit”.
The same question was asked earlier. This is the answer that Suzanne provided:
The den is dark. It is equipped with an IR illuminator that allows the cameras to see in the dark.
What Appears to be a light is an effect of the night vision camera in use in the dark den. The reason we get a bit of color, like right now. is that the edge of the den doorway is being lit by the sun, bright enough to show color.
Sorry if I am sending this twice – I cannot tell if my question was sent successfully or not.
CONCERN: On the ground near the water there is a greenish rectangular cover or lid? that flips open when the panda steps on it. I am concerned this is a lid that should be secured down? Thank you.
Moderator’s note: Your concern has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
Grammie,
The story of Bai was so beautiful. Thanks for doing the research so we can look into Bai’s past and future.
So glad for anybody who enjoyed it.
All I can see is feet in a TUB is that DAD ? Too darn cute I shall go back and view more.
Oh My Gosh! Did Daddy Gao get a tub of fresh Pine Shavings? I missed it, oh no… I have only seen it once and it was funny especially when you consider WHO it is, Daddy Gao goes into child mode!!! Just too funny!
This papa isn’t a family man, he loves the single life and being a playboy and all the fun it brings. I will bet the throught that he needs to be responsible for helping raise his growing family has never crossed his mind! But we know that the “ladies love the outlaws”!
2:19est.time Something just happened to the panda cam. No more picture.
over the weekend watched Bai Yun doing her housekeeping. may have been Thurs. or Fri. where Bai tried to fluff the bamboo on the floor but there was one bamboo stick in the way so she kept scraping that instead. finally, the stick just broke (reminder – don’t make Bai Yun mad). on Sat. evening, Bai got into her head down position ready to make bamboo fly but then she decided to roll onto her back instead. nice to see she’s still taking some “me” time.
Thanks for fixing it so quick. I guess you didn’t want all the panda fans to start having withdrawl symptoms.
Thanks everyone for the info on the camera. We’re not tech savvy.
He’s waving at me. He’s waving at me. So cute.
He told me earlier that he was going to do that if he saw you watching….I am so happy he made you happy.
When he was waving at SA, I think I may have spotted a little extra tuff on his precious paws! Maybe he needs to be checked for that now and of course with looong video for us to see too.
Moderator… is there some kind of problem with the camera? I noticed it on my Android last night and here online today. It’s the pixels. The picture isn’t clear in spots… pixelated if you will. Not just in the den, but outside too? Thank you!
Moderator’s note: Are you still having viewing troubles?
I’m wondering if the pandas feel fear in the dark, and which animal would be a panda’s natural enemy. These pandas are so fortunate and I wonder if they roam with no fear at all, even at night “feeling” they are safe.
Oh no Mama Bai is cleaning Xiao Liwu behind the ears.
discipline, bear style: for those of you who think that maybe Bai Yun is rough, check out this mother’s method
www (dot) dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2109443/Discipline-Mummy-Bear-style-Cub-given-roar-disapproval—finally-getting-hug.html
Great set of Photos showing Parenting Brown Bear Style.
I have been addicted to watching Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu almost since he was born. I have missed watching them for the past week as I lost my husband a week ago. This is the first time I have been online and I thought to check in on them. Without trying to sound dramatic, sitting here watching this wonderful mother and her baby have brought such a comfort and peace to me. Thank you Bai Yun, Xiao Liwu and Safari Park.
Moderator’s Note: So sorry to hear about your loss, Penny. It’s wonderful that you find such joy in the pandas, especially at a time like this.
The moderator said it best.
I am sorry to hear about your loss as well, Penny. I think this “Little Gift” heals many of us. I wish you peace, Penny.
Thank you all for your kind words. And I apologize for writing Safari Park instead of San Diego Zoo. We have been to both so many times I should know better.
I was watching Woo trying to get up and Bai pawing him to stay in place while she slept. Suddenly the cam switched to the dark outside exhibit at 5:55 pm.
Not good idea.
OMG! OMG! The Meekkats are up to something!!! It is around 6PM PST. The cam is showing out side and it may be Bai’s area… maybe we will get to see Bai and Xiao go dancing in the moon light!!!
Be sure to check in at night from time to time when they are in their “raising the cub” enclosure that will be occupied by the two for a great deal of time. They do “Play in the moonlight (well they did when Yunior was young), and are fascinating to watch in that moonlight….Love Grammmie
As I read back through some of the comments I realize I am giving some of you guys nicknames. If I do this to you, and you find it offensive please let me know so I can stop on yours. Yunni doesn’t seem to mind what we call him as long as it is not late for snackies~~~Well that goes for me too. Some folks are not having fun when their given name is messed with so wise me up, okay?
Some nicknames end up longer….Like Sweet Daddy Gao Gao and Chubbie Cubbie…so there may be many types…..Love grammmie
No problem… you can call me anything, I will just keep dreaming of fluffing the sides of the P. Bears beautiful faces!!!
You need to take a good look at the East Coast Bears…..They have cheeks that look like their fur fluffers work almost exclusively on their cheeks.
Will do… later.
I hope Doxiemom got video of Gao Gao in his tub, I missed it. I still can’t get over how fun panda’s are. I don’t recall the polar bears doing this, do they? I don’t watch them much but they are beautiful bears. When I do watch they just seem to sleep.
Polar Bears are simply Pandas that forgot to put on their Black long sleelved jackets, tall black boots, and slip on their Mr. Mickey Mouse ears.
Oh yea… Polar Bears are NOT P. Bears!!! P. Bears are only Panda Bears. Just want to make sure everyone knows the difference about P.Bears!!!
Don’t Kiss The P. Bears…….either kind.
Wise advise!
lol mom has the camera partly blocked whats she trying to tell us
The little man just melts my heart, too cute. he makes any name beautiful. I need to hug him, please at any cost!
I posted a question over the weekend but it appears it have disappeared. I was wondering if there is a language problem with the pandas being trained here in the US by English speaking keepers and then going back to China were they speak Chinese? Do the Pandas seem to understand commands regardless of the language spoken?
Panda Team responds: Pandas that move to China quickly adapt to new cues, both verbal and physical, especially if there are treats involved!
9:05 AM….Papa Gao Gao is happily settled in his tub, munching away. Love those fuzzy paws!
I also adore those Fluffy Furry Sexie Feetsies. They caught my attention fully at first sight. Once in a while you will see them on other captives, male and female, but not often. From the stories I read it sounds like Sweet Daddy Gao Gao offered to stay with his “Hooman” Nanny Keepers, and all of that was before he knew that in time he would get to travel and meet his Lady Love, Bai Yun the Beautiful. He is also smart!!
Bai Yun is 21 right? How old is Gao Gao? He is simply a love bug. No wonder the 2 have such fun loving cubs together.
Moderator’s note: We believe Gao Gao was born in 1990, making him one year older than Bai Yun. You can read brief bios on our pandas on our Meet the Pandas page. Each includes birth dates.
Around 7:45am this morning, Bai Yun was pacing back and forth right outside the den entry (awaiting her breakfast), and Xiao Liwu was watching her. Back and forth she went … and he finally made a very giant step toward being able to exit the den in a controlled manner
Here’s the 3 1/2 minute video:
2012-11-19 Xiao Liwu Steps Down (out of the den) to Follow Bai Yun
http://youtu.be/TT-eZ4VoRNc
Well done, young man!!
It did take him some time~~part of it I think was to try to get the good looking kid by the door to come with him~~but right you are, outside the den on all fours instead of his normal Rock and Roll. D~Mom you give good video!! Thank you, Love grammmie
Question: I know Xiao Liwu’s mom stimulates him to make him pee and poo when he is just a baby. At what age can he does this on his own?
Thanks
Jennifer
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.
Oh my goodness…2:37 PM: Gao Gao is flat on his back in his tub, those fuzzy feet in the air. How relaxed can you get!!
I was lucky to catch the view also. Bear in a Tub…Too darn cute.
Thanks Meerkats for the fabulous cam shots of the sweet and most handsome P. Bear Daddy Gao in his beloved tub asleep after eating his prized special Boo! And for the most Beautiful Lady P. Bear around, THE Ms. Bai, I don’t know how she does it, but her white is Sparkling White, she is even more beautiful than yesterday!!! Maybe she could gives us some beauty and exercise tips!
So sweet, Bev. He sounds like a rapper P Daddy Bear GG da Man!
he he he that is funny! I can not stop giggling!!
She has given 2 special tips already. First she says “get off your Bottom and climb a tree”, something she has done since she has been able to walk to a tree. The other is a strict diet of Bamboo chewed almost non stop with occasional snackies mixed in. You will soon be as lovely as she, but I bet you are already lovely….Love Grammie
P. S, Madame Bai did Ii get the first two rulesl right????
I just remembered Rule number 3 from our Madame Bai….Have all of the babies you can, since chasing babies is a goodway of getting rid of a pound or two……….Who has time to eat when trying to teach the cubbies their best behavior?
Never as lovely and as beautiful as The Madame Bai!!! That would be a dream come true!
Mom and baby asleep in the doorway. Another precious moment. Enjoy, he’s growing so fast. Thanks SDZ.
Is there even a picture of Gao on the tub. I’ve missed lots of good sights today. Sigh!!
Does Bai eat during the night?
Moderator’s note: She eats whenever she likes.
Is that hay in Yun Zi’s box.. he sure eats that like health food. smiles. Smiles. Smiles, Using a new iPad, ??? All the time.
Moderator’s note: Bermuda hay.
It did melt my heart to hear how much he enjoys interacting with his keepers and the veterinary staff. Looks like all of those ear scritches in the den when he was just a peanut really made a difference; wonderful job, panda team!
9:57 AM: Cubbie escaped the den just as Mama was coming in. “Not so fast, young man,” she said…and brought him back in by the scruff of the neck. I could watch them all day.
caught that scene too. what amused me was that for maybe 5 or 10 min. before that, XXLW seemed to be dawdling at the den door. I had a running bet, is he or isn’t he going to exit the door? right as Bai came in, he seemed to tumble out almost accidentally. (“you can check out any time you want but you can never leave”… Eagles) no escaping Bai Yun’s bath.
Exactly! It seemed as though he was admiring his reflection on the shiny sides of the exit and he couldn’t quite make up his mind whether to go alone or wait for the other handsome cubbie.
that’s too funny.
here are three photos of Gao Gao in his tub (from Mon. morning):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51947371@N07/sets/72157632057635073/with/8204288080/
hopefully Doxie Mom shot a video too. I have more photos but my process to stitch photos together is more time consuming than practical currently.
The link to Gao Gao’s video is listed in the next blog, as well as a couple of new videos for Xiao Liwu and Bai Yun.
Will our handsome young man have an exam today?