The 2013 T-shirt for Panda-Monium
Hi, panda fans!
We are announcing PANDA-MONIUM 2013! The 4th Annual Panda Convention will be on March 23 and 24 in beautiful San Diego. Emailed invitations have gone out to everyone on our list from previous conventions and to anyone who has already provided us with their email address. If you have not received an invitation and are interested (and who wouldn’t be?) you can email us at pandaconvention@yahoo.com. Everything is included in the invitation package: itinerary, info on venues including the Crowne Plaza Hotel and how to reserve your discounted room, the San Diego Zoo Experience, Reception and Panda Celebration Saturday evening, registration form, and T-shirt ordering form. It is all in there.
The Zoo Experience includes a presentation by Suzanne Hall, senior researcher at the Giant Panda Research Station. We have been honored to have Suzanne in the past and have so enjoyed her talks and company. There is a question-and-answer session at the end of Suzanne’s presentation so you have the opportunity to ask her those questions you’ve been wanting answered! Of course the Zoo Experience also includes our early morning entry into the Zoo to see our beloved bears. AND we will have the opportunity to see our newest little cubbie, Xiao Liwu. There’s also a wonderful breakfast buffet in the Zoo’s Rondavel meeting room and a private Zoo bus tour. The Zoo experience includes your Zoo pass for the day.
Our Reception and Panda Celebration is Saturday evening at the Crowne Plaza. Details are in the invitation about some of the awards we will be presenting while others will be kept under wraps until the celebration begins. It’s fun to wear black and white (but not required), and you could even win Best Black & White Attire. We have awards and door prizes, hot and cold appetizers, a no-host bar, and most of all, mingling with panda fans. It is always fun to put faces to names we see on the San Diego Zoo’s panda blog and Facebook.
A photo of this year’s T-shirt is above; same heavyweight tee, same company as the last two years.
We hope you are as excited as we are in presenting this year’s package for the 4th Annual Panda Convention. We are limiting registration to 50 people this year, so sign up as soon as you can. See you in San Diego!
Donna, Laurie, Velia, Carolyn, Diana
My birthday is March 26th. I should start dropping hints now
It doesn’t help that I live in Connecticut. I’m sure the convention is worth every single penny, maybe if I start saving my pennies I’ll have enough to buy a one-way ticket 
Oh good idea about the one way ticket! I am flying in from Baltimore but I bought a round trip ticket. Will have to remember for next year!
My birthday is the 27th of March. I just got all the info about the Panda convention. I so want to go. Just have to put my request in for vacation and Here I come. Been watching mom and Xiao Liwu part of the afternoon He is growing all the time. She is such a good mom. I wish we could see them when they are gone into the other room. Thanks so much SDZ for sharing all the pandas with us.
fun
Look forward to spending the day with everyone at the Convention in March!!
Thanks for putting this together for us Panda Fans!!
And yes, Elvis Panda will be in the Building
See you in March, Deb!
I just got a newsletter from Pandas International saying the panda cubs born in 2011 at Bifengxia and Wolong have been named. Su Lin’s cub is named Yun Hui (囩汇). The newsletter does not have the translation and I can’t figure it out from Google Translate.
Cloud Brightness ?????
Already signed up. Registration check in the mail
Cool Kalpana! We’ll look forward to seeing you again!
Thank you so very much, Moderator, for the posting about the convention. You and all the kind folks at the SDZ deserve much praise! We have met so many new and old friends via the blog.
We look forward to seeing you and the deputy moderator during our time in SD in March! And many new pandafans too.
Moderator’s note: You are welcome. We enjoy meeting panda fans, and we always learn something new from Suzanne Hall’s presentations!
Hurray
Looking forward to seeing you guys again, Linda!!
I’m looking forward to this. I met a couple of panda-loving ladies during the ceremony. I cannot wait to see them again! And sausage bear and the other pandas! <3
We always look forward to meeting more pandafans, Jade.
I will be there too. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Everything is booked and paid for and I have started making my lists of things to bring. Whenever I get into list mode, I know there is no turning back. It puts me in my happy place.
Yayyy Lee! It will be fun to see you and catch up again.
I cannot make it to the fun day but just want to thanks all of you for giving me the opportunity to watch this adorable cub and his Mother together it has make my life so happy!!!!!Thank You and Kisses to Mom and Little Gift!!!!!
Off topic: Gao Gao question: He seems to be really enjoying that beautiful grass hay in his tub. Is he able to get his nutrition from that? I am aware of the comments concerning his teeth, and just wondered if the hay was a good substitute or just a diversion.
Moderator’s note: It’s just something fun for him to snack on or rest upon! Who knew food could be so versatile?
And who knew what a joy of fun you have given us Panda fans / to view him in that tub sleeping. Too darn cute. Never get too old to have fun even the animals do.
Gao Gao knew…….
It’ 2:35pm PST – Is that Gao Gao or Yun Zi sleeping in the tub? Too cute!
Moderator’s note: Gao Gao.
Well Gao Gao made my day. Liwu is adorable and Bai Yun wonderful but it was so nice seeing pappy bear enjoying life. I love Yunnie boonie as well. lol Gao in that tub is such a hoot. What a guy.
It makes me think he might be a Red Neck Bear!
Is that Yun Zi in the tub sleeping? He looks so small in there….lol.
Moderator’s note: It’s Gao Gao.
Oh never mind, I see fuzzy feet, it’s Gao Gao…how cute, I see his teefies!
I’ve just noticed Gao Gao sleeping in the tub. My oh my, he’s a riot! lol
Too bad I can’t join you panda fans at the Panda – Monium
Have a good time and take tons of pictures!
I wonder if each person coming to the convention is bringing a package of Cinnamon for Yunior………
Maybe another year, Bozena? And yes, there are usually lots of photos after. Thanks for the good wishes
Debbie from Pa. One way to tell Yun Zi and Gao Gao apart is the paws, Gao Gao has paws that have like brown fuzz on them and Yunnie doesn’t. Also Yunnie has the area with the hammock. Hope this helps, it took me forever to figure it out and others helped me so wanted to pass it on.
Also Yun Zi has The “Keebler Elf Tree” and cave in his complelx, also known as his bachelor Pad. Yunior has a picture of Miss Panda 2008 In his bedroom, Gao has photos of Bai Yun, and one each of the kids, those are the only female potos Bai allows him.
Dear Grammmie,
It is MIss Panda Universe 2008, a title my Mama won a long time ago. She won’t say when. Hee Hee. Ms PU8 and I have become email/SKYPE pals cos last Cwissmas, Santa gave me her email address and phone number. Hee Hee. She is soooo nice and gentle. Hee Hee.
Hugs,
Yunior
how do you register for the Panda convention?
Moderator’s note: Just send an email to pandaconvention@yahoo.com
thanks. I just got the paperwork. Will send it out in the am.
Yay, Kathy. Looking forward to meeting you!
I just emailed myself a post card of Bai and babe napping right now. So cute! And thank you, tanda, for validating who I thought was who with Gao & Yun. So nice to finally know who I am looking at! I only began following the cam for Yun’s first year and now this new babe’s. Thinking on going to the convention. That may just hook me for life!
Jenny in SF, we’d love to see you at the convention! And it’s guaranteed you will be hooked on pandas for life!! Now, that’s an addiction that offers you nothing but good.
DEFINITELY would like to know more about Pana-monium! Have been thinking of planning a trip to CA to see the Little Gift after the New Year. He’s such a cutie! This would be perfect.
Jenny you are welcome. Yun Zi has that pond you see so often as well. Also Gao has one ear that is smaller because of an injury.
To all of you going to Pandamonium 2013, HAVE FUN!!!! By then, little Xiao will be walking, running, climbing, wrestling with mom, trying to steal her snacks, playing with all kinds of toys, and just continuing to bond with momma Bai. Did anyone get a video of Gao Gao in that tub? I missed that today! Gao’s his usual funny self again!
My Pandas International email newsletter came in today, and here are the names of the cubs that were born in Bifengxia & Wolong, China in 2011:
Mom Xi Xi–first cub, Xi Zai; second cub, Yun Duo.
Mom Su Lin (our favorite girl!!)–cub Yun Hui.
Mom Jin Zhu–cub Cao Gen.
Mom Zhang Ka–first cub, Zhang Xiang; second cub, Su Shan.
Mom Fei Fei–cub Yun Tao.
Zhang Ka’s 2nd cub was named after Suzanne Braden. Suzanne and her husband were in China this past September to visit the panda centers, and Dr. Wang asked her to name one of the cubs after her. Suzanne was very surprised at the request and also honored to name a cub after her. Suzanne Braden was the 2nd daughter from her family, so she decided to name Zhang’s 2nd cub, a girl, Su Shan, which was translated to Suzanne. That was a special treat for Suzanne for all of the hard work that she does for panda conservation in China thru her PI organization.
Well, been on the pandacam over the last couple of days and nites, and Bai and Xiao have been in the den off and on either playing with each other or sleeping, and Bai doing her den cleanout. Last nite, I watched Bai and Xiao all snuggled together in the den napping, then about 5 minutes later–GONE!! They disappeared into the garden room for some star watching! I think they were trying to catch the Leonid meteor shower last nite! Tonite, little Xiao was by himself at the den door napping. Gonna get back to the cam to see if he’s still there. I did watch Grammie’s latest video of Xiao working his way to the den door, falling out of the den, and working his way back inside the den. TOO CUTE!!! I also watched the video of Xiao’s 13th vet exam, and he is really starting to motor with all 4 legs and feet under him now! He was working it out for everyone in that room, and he just loves people!
Back to the cam, you all!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Dear Chari~~I don’t know how to capture videos~~some days Ii can barely type and pproofread, it must have been The D-Mom, she is so famous for the great videos we get, but it is nice of you to love them. We will work in this, D-Mom videos, Grammmie Yakkity, Yakkity, Yakkity, Yakkity…….
Here’s a video of Bai Yun’s grandson, Yun Hui (son of Su Lin). The cub with the white toed back right paw is Yun Hui.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pandalover19/8188481542/
If the stars align, you can watch him on the Explore.org Panda Toddler cam (check their live cam times) when they are not showing reruns
Is the family in Germany and their two cubs, Fooey (his affectionate nick name) and Fu Hu related to Bai Yun in someway??? Fooey is the only other cub I have had pointed out with white toes on one foot. In the Project Bamboo papers, a few comment sections back, you get to see the the humor of one of the ground crew of the space shuttle painted the toe of the one flight boot of Fooey, white.
Grammmie,
Our friends are in Austria, near Germany. Fu Hu just left for China about a week ago and he slowly adjusting to life there. Fu Long of course is totally at home now in China.
Love,
Yunior
Thanks for the info. I watch that web cam when babby is out of the den. He is so funny to watch. He loves that glider they have. Love that white paw.
Can’t wait!!
Every nite around 10:30/11:15 I check on mom and boy, they are all curled up and sound to sleep. What a beautiful sight. Wish I could come, but
I don’t have any one to come with me.
It’s 5:47 am. PST and Xiao is sleeping just like his papa — on his back; legs straight up. Too cute!
Very excited for this! Just got an e-mail that my payment was received. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone; this is my first panda convention!
Moderator’s note: You’ll have a great time, JL!
Good morning. I’ve been checking in on Bai and Xiax Liwu since 7am est and they must have had a busy night, they’re still sleeping although they’ve moved into a different position. They’re all tuckered out
They look so adorable.
About 6 this morning, Woo was laying on his back, wedged between Bai and the wall, and squirming restlessly, flopping his arms about, trying to right himself. . He kept rapping Bai in the face and she kept putting her paws over her face. She tried one first but that didn’t suffice. Then she put both paws up shielding her face from his front paws. Finally, she sat upright and scooted way over to the side in a half upright position. Woo worked a little longer, finally righted himself, and snuggled down. Bai waited for a bit and then snuggled down beside him.. She certainly didn’t want to be bothered but you’d never know it from her patience. So sweet.
Can someone tell me what the panda in the outdoor enclosure is eating? It looks like hay??
Moderator’s note: Bermuda hay.
Just tuned in. Yunnie seems to be enjoying himself munching on something. It looks like grass. Is that what it is?
Moderator’s note: Bermuda hay.
Woooow, it’s a dream come true for me…
It seems that I will be able to come for Panda-Monium to San Diego from Istanbul…
Moderator’s note: WOW! We look forward to your visit, itirka!
That’s great!!! All the way from Istanbul!! And I’m fretting on how to get there from Connecticut
Just goes to show that when it comes to loving Pandas, there is no bounderies.
I think you’ll get the prize for longest-distance-to-come!
Whew–glad we got that worked out itirka!! It took a little work but we finally succeeded! LOL
The response has been phenomenal. It has been a full time job for me answering emails since this blog got posted. Thanks again Moderator!
Moderator’s note: My pleasure!
I am sooo happyyy,
Thanks a lot to everyone who helped me in this very loooong way
And Janis, just two hours to New York and ten hours flight… then you are in Istanbul….
My flight will take 14.5 hours from Istanbul to Los Angeles and then a couple of hours for San Diego… I am sure it will worth it
You will love San Diego! It’s a very easy city to fall head over heels for.
Does Bai Yun have the den door blocked with bamboo so woo woo can’t escape? lol It won’t be long before he is running around playing with her outside.
It’s now 1:51 est, and Bai is still sleeping. Is she okay? Is she a bit under the weather? I know she’s moved around, but since I’ve been visiting the panda cam, I’ve never seen her this immobile. I’m worried.
I must be seeing things. I went back and now Bai is gone!!! You guys aren’t messing with the videos are you?
I promise, this will be my last post. Bai must be okay, she’s now chewing on Xiax Liwu. It’s in color too!!! Usually, this time of day, I don’t see her in the den, therefore, my concern. Sorry to be an alarmist.
tee hee hee…Janis had a little pandic attack…(been there, done that!)
You got that right Jenny!!! Since coming to the panda cam site, I’ve become completely obsessed. It’s the first thing I look at in the morning when I come to work. Right now it’s 7:37 am est and Bai and Xiax Liwu are fast asleep, with Xiax Liwu sleeping on his back with all four paws up in the air. This is a good time to say that I’m so thankful for all the people who make this panda cam happen: the handlers, moderators, keepers and to all of you who write all the entertaing posts. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Would love to come in March but it is just too far to travel from Scotland, especially having been in SDZ just last month. However I will watch all the coverage with great interest. Perhaps Suzanne might write a blog about her discussion with the group. Just an idea.
That would be a great idea!
The Den Cam was in color, Xiao Liwu is on the ledge awaiting Bai’s arrival. After a lot of wiggling and squirming while he’s being groomed, Xiao Liwu nurses. At the end of the session it appeared he dropped off into a milk coma.
2012-11-20 Xiao Liwu’s Milk Coma
http://youtu.be/aRKc21_K5ck
Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu played, she nibbled on his paws, she groomed him, he used his newly erupted teeth to try to bite her … and he tried to climb on her while she was laying down
2012-11-20 Xiao Liwu: Mommie and Me Time (in color)
http://youtu.be/UkvgDya0leY
For those that missed seeing Gao Gao eating Bermuda hay yesterday, here is some footage from both the morning and afternoon. Enjoy!!
2012-11-19 Gao Gao: A Day in the (Tub of) Hay
http://youtu.be/isessR9NF6c
What a treasure, seeing Gao Gao in his tub. After the usual bamboo, the Bermuda hay must seem like angel hair pasta!
DoxieMom….I have no idea how you are able to capture all of these wonderful videos, but I am SO grateful that you do! Multiple hugs and thanks.
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing DoxieMom! such precious moments!
Thanks for the videos DoxieMom, as usual they’re great. I saw the Mommie and Me Time live, but didn’t see the clip of Gao Gao. He looks like he’s in heaven
While watching Liwooooooo leave the den a question suddenly jumped into my head~~~How did the idea of the keepers getting to stroke and cuddle him get started????? I think it is a great thing that it is so helpful for exams and such, and the Nanny keepers must have been beside themselves with joy at the assignment~~~Don’t you wish the idea had come up sooner???? Do you think He is different because of the attention?????
Okay so it is 3 questions, I took more than 3 photos too! Love grammmie
For you, Grammie… Mei Xiang doing Stevie. After seeing her doing it, I understand why it’s called the Stevie.
Mei Xiang Dancing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cofTUddnC2o
Thanks Jusy, has anybody heard from someone who has the link for Her Stevie/Tai Shan’s escape from mom through the hole in the door??? It is priceless.
Did the staff clean out some of the bamboo in the den? Today it looks so flat and there is nothing on the lip where Xiao Liwu goes over to get into Bai Yun’s bedroom. He has been in a out a couple of times and is having no trouble doing that any more. So cute to watch.
Yes, Bai Yun brings in the bamboo, fluffs the place up and the house elves (aka The Keepers) tidy up later *LOL*
I’ve seen Bai Yun bring stuff in but have never seen her take it out. I think that would be fun to watch when her fluffing sends all the bad stuff out the den door. Though the kid is generally at the entrance ready to escape when Mama gets into a cleaning mood.
YunZi’s enclosure looks like it was hit by a tornado (or a supped up panda)
Happy Thanksgiving to all
I’d go with the supped up Yunior…….
Wishing everyone at SDZ a very nice, great Thanksgiving Day with families, friends, and the pandas (and other animals)! Enjoy!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Wow! Just saw the cubbie’s 14th exam video. He was so calm and quiet this time around, although somewhat spooked in the beginning. He was so attentive and so much mobile this time around. Just amazed at how fast he is growing. Sooooo Fluffy!
That is why he is sometimes called King Fluffy Butt……
Sounds exciting.hopefully one day I’ll be able to attend one of these conventions. This is the only time I wished I lived closer to CA…lol!
Happy Thanksgiving to all my Panda pals & to all that take care of them & the lovely people on the blogs. You make me feel like I am not alone in my love for these beautiful bears. I am a cat lover usually but I love this group of pandas. <3 <3
A story for my baby
One day Xiao Li Wu was trotting in the bamboo forest. He was happy so he sang his song, ‘I am a xiao li wuuuuuuu, I was made for yooooou, I come as a gift of looooove, please love this xiao li wuuuuuu.’
Xiao Li Wu loved looking at the flowers and the insects. He thought butterflies were flying flowers. He loved feeling the sunshine on his fur.
Soon Li Wu came to a stream. He saw little fishes in the stream. They looked so pretty. He tried to touch them but they quickly hid among the rocks. Xiao Li Wu slipped and fell into the stream. Thank the Panda God it was a shallow stream so Li Wu was able to sit up in the water.
The cute cubby was splashing and enjoying himself. He did not see a large shadow come up behind him.
‘Hey, who switched off the sun?’ he cried out. He turned and before he could cry HEWP, he was lifted out of the water by Mama Bai.
‘WHAT DID I TELL YOU? Keep clean and do not stray far from home. was calling and calling you. Its time for lunch, young man!’ growled Mama.
‘Look at you! You are all dirty. I need to give you a bath first. I don’t want my fur dirtied by you when I feed you.’
And with that Mama Bai marched Xiao Li Wu home for a nice bath. Xiao Li Wu was still happy because he got to see fishes. He tried looking for fishes in his bath tub but he could not see any as the soap bubbles got in the way.
As Mama scrubbed him, he smiled at her and sang, ‘Mama, you are my Ta Li Wu! Every day you give me a li wu of love! I love yoooooooouuuuuuu!’
Ta Li Wu — Big Gift
Well Madame Bai I now see where your writing children get their natural skills from. Obviously Hau Mei is too busy having babies and raising them to even write her name…..and Su Lin is busy raising her little one too…..but it is nice to see that you are not going to sit around wondering what to do with yourself if you do not happen to have a baby to dote on….as you dote so well. Gao does a lot of napping, so it is nice to know that you can fill your time with loving writting. Your stories are very good for helping to raise all kinds of babies. Let us know if you need a bigger iPAW to store your storie on….love grammmie
Aww i feel bad for the cubbie right now. It is late at night and Bai just wants to sleep and the cub just wants his mom to let go of his hand cause she is holding him down. Let him go Mom !!
Another Story for my Baby
One day, Xiao Li Wu decided to take a boat ride since it was a beautiful sunny day. There was a light breeze and Xiao Li Wu caught the scent of some lovely flowers. As he neared the river, he saw his ge ge, Yun Zi standing next to the blue and yellow boat.
‘Ge Ge! Ge Ge! I am here!’ yelled Li Wu who was excited to see his brother.
‘How’s my wuuuuuuu wuuuu?’ called out Yunnie.
‘I am gooooo gooood, hee hee!’ and he jumped into his brother’s arms. Yunnie places him into the boat and places a float round his brother. He climbed in and they were off.
As they sailed down the river, Yunior pointed out Mama Duck taking her ducklings for a swim. They waved and Yunior called out, ‘Quack quack quack?’ Mama Duck giggled and replied, ‘Quack!!’
Li Wu was happy he started to sing, ‘Row Row Row your boat….Wu Wu Wu…Xiao Li Wu is rowing down the stream….’
Yunior was soon pulling towards the bank where he had planned to picnic with his brother. He tied the boat and lifted his brother safely to shore. Soon the 2 brothers were lying on the picnic blanket and eating boo sandwiches prepared by Mama Bai. She also packed bottles of boo pop, apples and a delicious yam pie. Before long, the basket was an empty one.
Yunior taught Xiao Li Wu to make a daisy chain and to blow a dandelion clock. Xiao Li Wu giggled and giggled. He thought his brother was the smartest ge ge in the world.
Later that night, he was regaling Mama with all they did. She laughed and was glad her two boys had a great day together.
Wonderful story, I am so glad I start reading from the bottom as I usually do to blog comments I am rereading and checking for answers, or new questions. I love all of the stories I read here…..but we all know my absolute favorite (and busiest) writer is Prince Fluffy Butt…assisted by Lucilla. She is a great teacher. I hope she is taking good care of her health, and her cats too. If you have not met her, try to, she is a lovely person to get to know. Love Grammmie
Will the pandas get any special Thanksgiving treats…..like sweet potatoes? I can’t remember if it’s this zoo or the National Zoo that gives their pandas sweet potatoes.
Moderator’s note: Ours get yams.
Looking forward to attending the Panda Convention in March. Last year it was so exciting seeing the videos of BaiYun and Gao Gao romantic weekend in the rain and having Suzanne speak to us about all the work to make it a happy ending. So now we get see Xiao Liwu! What a gift!
Moderator: Have the I pad winners been notified?
Moderator’s note: I believe so.
I am so excited!!!! We made the list! (Well, our money got there on time
) Absolutely can not wait to meet everyone else!
We are looking forward to meeting you too, Jenny!! Our meet n greet on Friday night is always fun. It is our first chance to put faces to names!
Are we able to purchase a T-shirt if we’re unable to make the convention?
Panda Jines:
Yes, you certainly may order a t-shirt! Please send an email to pandaconvention@yahoo.com requesting the ordering and shipping information. I will get a reply back to you.
FYI to all. Panda-Monium 2013 is sold out.
lived in SD 3 years and fell totally in love w/ the pandas! how do i join the pandafan group?
Is it too late to sign up