Jen is thankful for Xiao Liwu.
I was the fortunate one to help out with Xiao Liwu’s 14th exam on November 20. We have been thinking about nicknames for the little guy, and most seem to like Liwu or Mr. Wu for this newly active one. This exam was a challenging one, as Mr. Wu is starting to crawl more and climb on his keepers. For this exam, we decided to let him explore some new toys, such as a black Kong chew toy, a green ball, and some bamboo leaves. He wasn’t too sure about the Kong. He seemed to like to look at it, but when he touched it, he got a little nervous. He is just learning what different substrates feel like: two weeks ago he felt grass for the first time in Bai Yun’s off-exhibit garden room, and he wasn’t sure so he cried for his mom to pick him up.
Mr. Wu is working on perfecting his skills of climbing in and out of the den on his own. He will have to get more comfortable out of the den and in the garden room before he makes his exhibit debut. We are excited to share this little cub with all his fans in the future. As keepers, we rely on Bai Yun’s cues to let us know when Xiao Liwu is ready to go out into the exhibit. She likes to make sure all her cubs can walk and climb up a tree before they go into a bigger space. We are hoping he will be available for viewing sometime in January.
Jennifer Becerra is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read her previous post, Panda Exam 9: Crawling.
I do love your blogs. BUTTTTTT I’m having severe withdrawals this morning as the camera isn’t working. H E L P!!! Thanks for your loving care of Bai and baby boo, excuse me, wooooo.
Dear Jennifer, Thanks for the blog. Personally, I prefer Mr Wu. You also answered a question I had last week. I had been wondering if Bai got to partake in the Bermuda grass that GaoGao and Yunnie enjoyed so much. Good to know she got a treat as well. Afterall she’s the best panda mom ever. I guess I knew all along your team wouldn’t forget her. Was that thier Thanksgiving Day treat?
your live cam is unavailable. will it be up later. I am talking about your panda cam
Mr. Wu!!! I think it’s a wonderful and fitting name!! Oh, our little darling cried for his mama when he touched grass, almost brought tears to me eyes. Jennifer, what a beautiful picture of the two of you. What a treasure to keep.
You and all the others do a terrific job and what perks you all have
I see where the panda cam is up and running. I’m not bored at work anymore!
Mr. Wu, that’s very cute. I too, have been thinking of nicknames and the best I could come up with was Little Wu. I like Mr. Wu
It will be very fitting as he’s sure to cause trouble in the near future with his momma.
I think it was just last night (1:30 am) I saw him sitting up with his straight little back, while she was trying to sleep and I thought, oh no… here we go. Bai was trying to get him to lay down. He wasn’t having any part of it, he wasn’t hungry either, he was just crawling all over her. It was pretty funny. Oh the fun begins!
I JUST LOVE WATCHING HIM LATELY MORE THAN EVER. HE SEEMS TO GET AROUND BETTER. JUST LOVE HIM!!!
I want her job! Heck, I’d be willing to be an UNpaid assistant. What a thrill it would be to hold this baby.
Me too. What a neat thing to have happen !!! I was going into withdrawal this am when the Panda cam was down. He is the cutest “little gift” ever. Mr Wu. very neat name for a very neat little Panda Cub. To hold him would be my dream come true. thank you so much for sharing him with the world.
absolutely me too
you people are amazing. I get to go to see the little guy a lot via computer. I love that zoo and went there quite often until I moved so thanks so very much for caring as all of you do. it makes my day. God bless all of you.
Mr. Wu is a great nickname. Thank you, that gave me a good laugh.
We call him “Meaty Liwu”! Love this guy! I wish I could have seen him try walking on grass the first time.
That is so cute and funny
Would it be possible to have a longer video from Xiao Liwu’s next exam? I really enjoy hearing his comments and seeing his reactions to new things.
Checked in on Mr. Wu but camera not working…so dissapointing …can’t wait to see him everyday! I love the narrations of his escapades they make me giggle picturing him screaming for MaMa to get him off the grass….reminds me of my kids first reactions to putting their bare feet on the grass….HA
I got so excited last night because it looked like Mr. Wu was standing for the first time. After a while he tipped over and it looked like he fell asleep. So Cute! I too am addicted and keep telling everyone about this website. I think my poor little dog is getting jealous.
I saw the video.. he really wasn’t too sure about that Kong! He seems to climb more on the keepers than Yunnie did… The Nannykeepers have done a very good job with Wee Wu! Kudos!
Thank upi for the update…I like the nickname, Mr. Wu….he’s a cute little panda cub!
Mr. Wu! Oh, that sounds just perfect! What a lovely picture of you and this curious not-so-little-anymore chubby…Loved the post. I was curious about the things he got to explore and you answered my question. Thank youuuuuuuuu! Btw. I suffered severe panda withdrawals this morning when the video was unavailable. Goodness, I’m addicted to this cute and adorable furry family! I’m giggling at the thought of Liwu hay screaming for his mama… lol
Mr. Wu. Perfect!
love the nick name to.Sounds better than little gift.
I love this little guy and get so much enjoyment from watching him, thank you for letting me into his world.
I keep the Panda Cam open on my computer and several times a day and into the night, I look in on little “Wu” and his Mom. The opportunity to watch this baby grow on a daily basis is truly a gift and gives me hope. Before moving to Austin from southern California, my family and I visited the San Diego Zoo many times. It is truly a remarkable place and the work you do in caring for some of the most endangered creatures on this earth is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
Will you guys be able to announce the date when the lil guy will be making his first visit out to the exhibit? I live in Ausitn but would love to be there for this event.
Moderator’s note: We’ll certainly let everyone know when his public debut will be, once WE know, of course.
Yes! They don’t know until Her Imperial Highness Bai Yun tells them.
I’m visiting the Zoo the week of Christmas – I hope he’s ready to say “hi!”
Moderator’s note: Heidi, Xiao Liwu probably won’t make his debut until sometime in January.
Have just enjoyed watching the keepers preparing Yun Zi’s enclosure. They put out a box, which they filled with treats. 2 questions – from what was the box made & what was put inside for Yun Zi?
Moderator’s note: Bermuda hay was placed in the box for Yun Zi.
I like the nickname little guy he sure is.He learing new things well get used to it soon playing toys he well.So cute
May I please just be a fly on the wall when you do the next exam?
I think Liwu is a great nickname and easier to day than Mr. Wu. He’s so adorable.
LiWu is perfect.
Wait until Bai or Yunior get hold of this nickname! A new story . . . . .
From your fingers to the best storyteller’s ears!!!
Wu = Thing, so he’s Mr Thing – funny.
Does Liwu have a white spot/patch on his back right leg? He seems to have one in the pics and videos.
I know that sometimes pandas do have quirks in their markings. There was a panda at Vienna Zoo called Fu Long with a white paw!
Moderator’s note: Yes, he has a white patch on the outer part of his back right leg and some white spot on the inside of his back left leg.
Graham, Yun Zi and Xiao Liwu’s big sister Su Lin’s little boy Yun Hui also has white toes on one of his back legs! Fu Long and Yun Hui share a common grandpa, Pan Pan!
Su Lin’s baby boy has the same white toes as Fu Long on his right foot. So funny! I’m assuming that Fu Long wasn’t his daddy, correct?
Moderator’s note: Correct.
Haven’t had the chance to see Mr. Wu at all today — he must be out and about with Mama Bai — enjoying the nice. Maybe they’re enjoying a picnic on the grass. Yun Zi has been in the trees most of the day so far — he such a handsome guy — been nice catching glimpses of him today.
Whoop! Mr. Wu is back on the LiveCam, cuddled with Mama. Did he have a checkup today?
Moderator’s note: Not today.
…and a scant minute later, Mama is gone, but Mr. Wu is snoozing away
Hi…. Looks like Yunny needs someone to play with, maybe his daddy. watching him today he was just walking around and on his swing looking for something to do…. how about some more treats in his box.
thanks for the post. I appreciated hearing your take on XXLW’s response to the Kong toy (I thought that was a Kong). he seemed scared but he did not cry out so now it appears more like he was shy towards the toy.
today I am thankful for Yunnie’s many demonstrations of the panda roll. he has been pretty active when I’ve flipped on the cam.
Thanks Jen for your blog of info. That was good info to know. And I love Mr. Wu for his nickname.
i love Mr. Wu. perfect
Mr. Wu is a great name and a little mysterious. He is getting stronger everyday and I love watching him learning about this big world. Bai is such a great Mom and will let all of us know when Mr. Wu is ready for his public debut. I can’t wait to see the video of his first minutes out in the big world.
Thanks to all of you for the wonderful job you do. It is because of you that SDZ has such a great record with breeding Pandas – oh, and Bai Yun, of course.
I second this!. You all are just awesome!!
Can’t get enough of Liwu and easy enough to say — (my favorite since “Mr.” should be reserved for the reference to proud Papa Gao-Gao in my opinion). It’s so fun to check on them during the course of the day and night (sometimes the time flies by and I realize how long I’ve been watching them!) and it’s amazing to see how quickly he is growing and developing. So fun to watch when Mom clearly wants him to go to sleep and he will have none of it, just like toddler would. Yun Zi does look a little lonely — although we don’t see everything going on with his activities. It will be a great day when Liwu can meet his big brother and we can witness Mom with her two big babies. I hope we will be able to witness that one day. So much more to look forward to and congratulations on all of your dedicated work!
Moderator’s note: Just to clarify, Yvonne, that Bai Yun and Yun Zi will not be put together.
Pa Pa Gao is thee boss. But I think we all like our different pet names for so many personal reasons. I LOVE “Mr. Wu” as when I had my first son over 22 years ago the nurse at the Pediatric Doc’s called him “Mr. Adam” and it just cracked me up. (I was an extremely nervous new mother – I wish I had known anyone like Bai back then!).
I love him so much and really love his nickname. I was looking at the video clip of his 14th exam, again, and it had be really laughing when the toy was put towards him, I’m assuming that was the Kong toy. The way he reacted was too cute. He definately was not sure of it at all. I really appreciate being able to snap pics on the panda cam. That is the greatest feature ever, and I have quite a collection to look back on, as Mr. Wu continues to grow. Thanks so much for this wonderful opportunity, and to the great work the San Diego Zoo is doing. I am jealous of every person that is involved with the pandas.
Kathy I have over 500 snaps to go through to see which to save, and I have not gotten down to the directions on how to snap on my Mini iPAW–no snaps in a week–since I caught Her Imperial Highness, Bai Yun, and King Fluffy Butt dancing in the den. I am loving that I can lay back with my swollen foot up slowly typing this to you. I can visit other sites, check out the Panda action, with something light enough to hold with one hand. This is the life!!! Do you think Yunior might loan me his hammock, or do I have to share it with him in his enclosure??? This is the life-and I store my postcards in my mailbox.
Ugh, that’s the worst nickname ever. He’s a baby panda, not an adult.
It’s bad enough he got a horrible name that isn’t really a name at all (it’s like calling your child “Precious”), but he isn’t even a gift because he’s on LOAN from China!
Can’t please all the people all the time. Ironically enough Zhen Zhen means Precious. Check out “Meet the pandas”
Just because we don’t “own” the pandas, it doesn’t mean that they are not gifts. The research knowledge (let alone the opportunity to interact with such a lovable creature) gained from having these pandas at SDZ is indeed extraordinarily valuable and will remain even if/when the pandas are returned to China. A gift need not be tangible.
Would Bai Yun and Yun Zi fight if put together? China puts bears together don’t they? I did read someplace that panda bears like to own their own territory. Is that true.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun would not want to share her space (or food!) with another panda. China sometimes puts young pandas together, but not adults or adults with subadults.
Hi Jennifer,
Yes Mr. Wu was definitely not sure about the Kong chew. When he withdrew so quickly from it like he was scared it sounded like the staff was laughing. It was pretty cute. Missed the touching grass moment. He is doing really well. I know we are all impatient for him to “hurry up and grow more” but he is happy and healthy which is all that matters. He will make it out to the enclosure in his own good time.
Could someone please tell us why Gao will pace, drop down and roll over once, then get back up? He does this several times in a row. It reminds me of when I was little and the schools taught us when on fire, stop, drop, and roll. Is he bored? Is he playing? I’m worried about him!
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
That is Yun Zi, not Gao Gao. Yun Zi does what we call “anticipatory pacing” when he knows his keepers are in the area getting ready to feed him his next meal. Sometimes he does this when he is not happy with the type of bamboo he gets. There is no need to be worried about him, as he is monitored throughout the day.
Thank you for explaining that. It is such a strange behavior to drop to the ground and roll like that. Maybe you should ask him his preference of bamboo from the ala cart menu so he stays happy!!
When I saw him doing it in person, it was almost like he was saying, “Notice me! Look how cute I am! Don’t you want to feed me?” Almost like he was flirting. Especially with the bleating he was doing.
Yes, I think teaching him to read at least enough for him to be able to point out his choices on a menu might be good.–are you going no teach him?–you don’t get to kiss the P Bears!!!
I saw him do that the other day around 3:30, which I was told is close to his dinner time. He was pacing, flopping on his back and bleating, and climbing into his tree and peering back towards the back of his exhibit. He’s definitely a smart panda!
Once Bai Yun is in a more normal enclosure you will see her start pacing the enclosure quite briskly before she is taken off exhibit for clean-up and fresh food distribution. I used to think she was power walking to maintain her lovely panda figure. She may pace from a half hour to an hour.
Mr. Wu is a great name for our little panda.
Just saw that the Panda Monium 2013 is sold out!! So excited to see that we have so many panda fans. Mr. Wu will be so excited to see us in March!!
It is? I was hoping to come, but maybe next year.
Mr Wu is a great nickname. My friend and I thought that Xiao Li sounded a lot like Charlie and so we have been calling him Charlie Wu. But Mr Wu is great too.
Everyone on your staff does a great job educating us all about pandas. I live in a very rural setting and have been fascinated by the black bears for a long time. I have only discovered this site in the last few months. Through your posts and videos I have learned so much about the differences and similarities between the black bear and the great pandas.
I have a question. I notice that Xiao Liwu’s weight has been on the lighter end of the normal range. Are his other measurements indicating that he is growing to be smaller in length and height than some of his other siblings? Thanks again for all the wonderful information you share with us!!
Moderator’s note: Welcome to the world of pandas! So far, Xiao Liwu is on the small side, but he could be a late bloomer. We’ll just have to wait and see, but he is healthy and active, which is all that matters.
I wish I could work with the pandas! Liwu is a great nickname, but you should save the “Mr.” for his father. Its fun to watch Liwu with his mom, but sometimes it seems as if BaiYun needs 5 minutes of peace.
You all are doing a super job…please continue!
Kay I think you are right, Bai certainly could use an extra 5 minutes to herself, how about if you go by the zoo Friday after work, and take Bai out for a couple of Virgin Strawberry Daiquiris? Love grammmie
One day Xiao Li Wu was lying on his back playing with his feetsies.
Li Wu wascounting, ‘One toesy, Two toesy…’ He was fascinated by them. Just then his Mama entered the den.
‘Well, well, well, MR WU, how are you today?’ asked Missy Bai.
‘Hee Hee Hee, Mr Wu is Wuuuuuuunderful. Ha Ha Ha,’ he giggled at his nickname, ‘Mama, what is your nickname?’
‘Mamas do not have nicknames,’ declared Her Royal Highness.
‘Weally? Hee Hee, can I give you one?’ asked her son as he tried to climb her butt.
‘And what would that be? said his mama raising one eyebrow (if she had them) at this suggestion. She knew the hoomans have called her many names. Some of which she found hilarious.
‘I fink you are a Mewk Mountain Mama!’ said her little imp.
Bai Yun stood up so she could look down at Li Wu. He gasped when he saw how tall and big she is.
‘And would Mr snugglepuff wuuuuu wuuu like to climb the Milk Mountain Mama?’
‘Oh would I?’ and with that Xiao Li Wu flung himself on his Mama who giggled as he tickled her as he climbed his first mountain.
what a coincidence. I think of Bai as mountain mama. but I also think Gao Gao sitting up looks a lot like a mountain too (his head is quite small compared to his widening belly). but back to the mountain mama, it reminds me of John Denver’s Country Roads song.
nice story.
Love the updates! No matter what my day is like I can click on the Panda Cam and just feel stress melting away….Just a few minutes of looking at their beautiful faces just makes my day.
Thank’s to everyone involved in the care of all the Panda’s!!
I agree with you. I never thought that watching a panda growing up would be as “a stress reliever”. It is great.
Thanks Jen for the update and the keepers favorite nicknames! Sounds like January it will be for a quick trip to see the little one.
Love the nickname Mr Wu. I was thinking his name sounded like Charlie Wu to me…:). It was cute on the exam when he got a little taken back by one of the toys. He loves going to his keepers. He seems to really want to be in your laps & be patted by you. This seems so much different than Yunnie. He is such an affectionate bear. I agree with one of the prior suggestions to have a little longer on the videos of his exams. they are so interesting to watch. Also will we be able to “adopt” Mr. Wu?
Thanks for all you do SDZ. Also many thanks to all of us Pandaholics out there that keep everything very interesting.
Moderator’s note: Here’s more info on “adopting” Xiao Liwu…
Mr. Wu sounds great, and he is gorgeous!!!
I smiled to read of this little cub’s nickname. We refer to him as Little Woo-woo. He is an absolute joy to watch and I love the weekly exam videos. He is so adorable. Thank for you sharing with us. Yesterday I went to visit the two “Scottish” pandas at Edinburgh Zoo – Yang Guang and Tian Tian. They are so beautiful and we hope they will produce a little cub this coming year. The good news is that a new panda cam is being installed – I am hoping that it will be as good as the San Diego cam. Whilst speaking with the keepers, the topic of conversation was…the San Diego cub, and Yun Zi the cinnamon kid.Thank you to all at San Diego zoo who give us such pleasure watching the pandas, not forgetting the polar and elephant cams which are also super!
Maria–please be sure to send us the link when your cams and blog are up and running……love grammmie
Hi, the link is www (dot) edinburghzoo.org.uk/pandacam.html The public cam shows only Tian Tian – she sleeps a lot but may be more active during our night and your morning! The members cam shows Yang Guang – he is gorgeous. Hopefully the new cam will be an improvement on this. I took lots of super photos but I don’t think there is a facility to post these here. Also wanted to thank doxiemom for all the super videos of Xian LiWu.
BY: Why hello, Lunnie Mei Mei, haven’t heard from you for a long time. How’s it going?
LL: Bai Jie Jie, how is Mr Wu?
BY: Hahaha, he is a rascal. A bundle of energy. He has 4 teeth and boy is he using them.
LL: HEE HEE HEE, WATCH THE EARS!
BY: Tell me about that. Managed to save them. Still as round as the moon, hee hee hee.
LL: Po is going to be weaned soon. He is such a big boy now.
BY: He is so adorable. You have brought him up well.
LL: You are too kind. I am fortunate to have 3 great boys.
BY: For Christmas this year I was thinking we could take the young ones skiing.
LL: I was thinking of somewhere warm like Hawaii.
BY: Hmmm…hulas and luaus
LL: And cute surfer dudes!
BOTH: Hee Hee Hee!
Missy Bai, I didn’t know you and LunLun were such good chums. You girls have fun on your Christmas vacation wherever you go. Hee Hee Hee!
Bonny you would be surprised what the girls talk about when the four USA lady pandas get together. Some are related-in laws, others are just really good friends. They chatter just like us “Hooman” ladies do. They gather at Bai’s private spa, poolside, in their bikinis sipping Long Island Boo Tea-well. you know how we chatter-everybody ends up blushing. They help each other, and Yunior will have to care for both baby cousins/brothers. He will be one tired panda-get in touch with him if you w
Want to offer to help him through the day….love grammmie
Dear Bonny,
If you read some early posts, us USA sistas are all good pals. We get together for spa dates and share cubby rearing tips. And of course we just enjoy catching up. Some of us are related too.
Missy Bai
Don’t forget that you also share tips on getting the Spring Salsa just right so they can be mommas again, or for the first time. You guys share your wonderful, beauty tips, and didn’t somebody bring you some nice cream for stretch marks, Bai? Let’s hear it for the panda ladies.
Dear Bai Yun, Please be patient with me. You could say I’m as young as Xiao Liwu when it comes to finding my way around in cyberspace but I’m learning. One day at a time. TY Bonny PS. Maybe I should join the sisters for a spa date and pick up a few pointers
I don’t think Hubby Gao and Hubby Yang are going to be very happy about these surfer dudes
Maybe we should all go help Yunnie take care of the brothers and cousins. First dibs on holding and playing with Mr. Wu! LOL We could make it a yearly event. Break out the bikinis ladies.
It seems to me that there were some secret files. Of text messages or emails between the lady pandas–does anyone else remember that???
Just watched Liwu try to crawl out of the nursery. He thought he had completed his escape, but Mom pulled him back inside. He did protest!
I bet in no time the lady pandas train us to fix their “tea”, hand out nicely folded towels, prepare their chilled appetizers, serve & clean up afterwards. Then, if we still have a bit of energy they might let us get close enough to touch their babies. The. Panda ladies are smart–look at how well they have their Nanny Keepers trained………..
Since Xiao Liwu is so young – shouldn’t he be a “Master” instead of “Mr”?
That’s it! Somehow Mr. Woo didn’t feel quite right but Master Woo fits perfectly. It’s just right for now. When he gets older, moving to Mr. Woo i a great right of passage. Thanks!
Exactly! That’s what I was going to say; Liwu is still too widdle to be a mister like his Daddy Gao. He’s a master!
I used to call his big brother Master Gao Yun Zi.
I’ve been calling him, and will continue to, GUNG HO……
Mr Wu fits, so cute. My heart tickles when I see Mr Wu, picture and videos. Only if I can hold him…
Whats been the average time for the baby pandas at San Diego Zoo to fully get good with crawling? How is Xiao Liwu doing compared to the others? It seems like Yunzi got it really fast compared to Xiao Liwu, but I may be wrong.
Moderator’s note: What we call a coordinated walk is generally achieved at five months of age. Xiao Liwu will be four months old tomorrow.
Awesome, he is right on track. Thanks for answering my question.
Really, Auntie Nannykeeper? I will be 4 months old. WOW, I am da man!
Mr Wuuuuuuu Wuuuuuu Wuuuuuu
Mr extreme cuteness Wu is playing with a straw. It’s so fun to watch.
Wow! Mr. Wu is a squirmy one today! I can’t wait to see his antics in a few months when he is out and about. He is such a joy to watch.
I am awaiting the baby panda trot
It’s 11:51am, est, and Mr. Wu is traveling around the den, stopping, or falling over, gumming boo, backing out from the den, hopping back in again. He’s having so much fun. What a pleasure to watch. Not much work is getting done this morning
As soon as I was done, I went back to watch him, and now he’s sleeping, he must have tuckered himself out
I agree with one of the comments; Mr. Wu is more difficult to say than Liwu. I like the sound of Liwu much better. Seems to fit him better.
I’m on the east coast and was watching around 9:45 am and him and BaiYun were playing with each other. I then realized it was only 6:45 am there and thought to myself “I wished I had that much energy that early in the morning.” They were so cute together.
Is it often dark now in the den for some special reason?
Moderator’s note: It’s an overcast morning in San Diego.
Moderator–maybe kristina is asking because we are seeing the den in color more often that we used to? In color, we are seeing that the den is actually really dark–as opposed to how it looks when we see it by infrared camera.
Moderator’s note: It’s the same camera, but the available natural light that comes in through the bedroom determines the image quality. For example, the way the sun is streaming through my office window right now, I can hardly see my computer screen from the glare!
Around 8:15am PT, Xiao Liwu was alone in the den amusing himself, (and countless panda cam viewers, no doubt), playing with bamboo that was left in the den. This lasted until about 8:50am when he took a short panda nap. (I’ve sped up the footage.)
2012-11-28 Xiao Liwu: Mr Wu and His Bamboo
http://youtu.be/X_RAp5OOc8I
Thank you! I would have missed so much cuteness without your video.
Precious. Just precious. Thank you once again DoxieMom!
OMG DoxieMom! You did it again! He is just so darn cute! He had me in stiches! TY TY TY
Loved that you got this DoxieMom. He practiced his walking, rolling over, sitting gnawing on the boo and standing. That was pretty cute when he stood up and of course tumbled over afterward. Good job!!! It was a precious time. So cute laying on his back playing with boo.
As is your way—Way To Go D-Mom
Perhaps he will grow up to be just like Sweet Daddy Gao Gao who was a bamboo eating machine, when his teeth were better.
Ohhh…. he is just getting so FAT! lol I do think it would be in his best interests if he came to live with meeeeeeeeeeee.
Laura, how kind of you to offer that kind of help without any hesitation. The world should be aware of you……love grammmie
Personally I prefer the whole given name. After going through all the work of the naming process, why call Xiao Liwu anything else.
Besides, we just had a House of Representatives person whose sexual behavior was not nice who name is Mr. Wu. I don’t think Oregonians would be happy with calling this dear panda Mr. Wu.
I would venture to guess that something negative could be attached to any given name, it might prove impossible to find any name. As for nicknames, it seems to be in human nature to do that. I think in time everything will shake out, and somebody will come up with something appropriate. Love grammmie
There could be an objection to any name–you call him what you are comfortable with since there is a 5 cub history of multiple nicknames, they will pop up…love grammmie
Why is the camera pointed at an empty metal corner?
Where is my little fuzzy butt?
Moderator’s note: The cub is in there. Look carefully.
Is xiao liwu still going to have exams? He is getting large. I don’t remember how old Yun Zi was when they stopped doing weekly exams. Time will fly by now that he has started to walk better. I sure hope the polar bear is expecting. Do they examine the polar bears like they do the panda bears for pregnancy? It seems they don’t post much information on the polar bears. I wonder why?
Moderator’s note: Yes, we will continue weekly panda cub exams until he gets too large to safely handle. Our polar bear gets a weekly ultrasound check, but no news yet.
Tanda, since the keepers got him to love them first maybe he will be easy to handle for a few extra exams!!!
Day 2 and no Mr. Wu for me… bad timing on my part — and super busy with work : ( but very cute shots of Yun Zi enjoying his perch up in the tree!
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Wu.
Woo hoo!
love this…what fun!!
Yes….and the last line is “and I’ve got a little gift for you”. tee hee
A good one Jenny!!!
Here’s 2 1/2 minutes of footage that includes Xiao Liwu taking some steps in the bedroom. As long as he stays toward the front of the den, I can capture footage when the cam is in color
2012-11-28 Xiao Liwu Walking in the Bedroom
http://youtu.be/lN_g-wHkjKw
Thank you for another wonderful peek into the life of Her Majesty and Master Woo. I am so fascinated with Bai’s changing reactions to Xiao Liwu’s walking close to the den door and out into the bedroom. Remember when if he even inched that way, she pulled him back with a quick paw? Now she often watches and I imagine pride in her gaze, At the end of this video, she even led the way with him scampering after her. Such amazing, beautiful animals!
So great! Did you happen to capture tonight’s episode of “Big Time Wrestling”? I was laughing so hard I cried.
We’re in the next stage of cub-watching: Mr. Wu has discovered his feeties, his boo, that little cubby-reflection on the den wall, how to pummel Mommy about the face, how to get in and out of the den reliably! It won’t be long til we can see him in the garden room…and then the exhibit! I’m totally excited!
Me too but I don’t want him to grow up to fast. I’m loving these clumsy moments.
Is Liwu o.k.? He and mom were wrestling and suddenly he fell down and hasn’t moved for at least 10 minutes. Mom left the den.
Liwu can go to sleep faster than you can say “Boo!” He can also deal with Mama Bai Yun giving him a twirly tongue and nibble bath while snoozing.
I guess when a kid wants to sleep, he is going to sleep no matter what.
It’s only his milk coma, I think.
Right on Mr. Wu. I love the nickname!! Fantastic:)
8:09 PST -
Whao! Bai Yun is alone in the den chomping down bamboo but Xiao Liwu is nowhere in sight! This is the first time I ever see Bai Yun alone in the den. Where did you go, Mr. Wu?
Ah! The first time you’ve caught that. Bai sometimes like coming back without the little one so she can fluff up the place or nibble on some boo without worrying about Liwu. When she’s ready, she will go out to the bedroom and bring him back him. I imagine he’s either snoozing out there or practicing his walking.
I’ve taken to calling him “Widdle Wu”.
When he is weaned, I will call him Mr. Wu. Loved watching him play by himself in the den and then playing again with Mama Bai today. How much joy he brings to the hearts of panda fans worldwide!!!! 
Looks like I will need to plan a trip to SDZ after the first of the year. CAN’T WAIT to see our Widdle Wu in the outdoor setting!!! 
Xiao Li wu’s face lit up as his brother Yun Zi approached the den. Yunnie was a fun brother. Mama had fed him and had wanted to go to the stores with Gao Gao. Yunnie was asked to cubby sit for a few hours.
‘Ge Ge, Ge Ge, comes and tells me a stowy, please?’
‘Hey, aren’t you supposed to be having your nap?’ asked Yun Zi.
‘I needs a stowy to sweep, hee hee.’
‘OK, have you heard the one of the Princess and the Apple?’
‘You mean Snow White?’
‘No, I mean White Cloud, hee hee.’
‘Ge Ge, quick, tell me the stowy about mama, hee hee.’
Yunnie cradles LiWu and starts.
‘Once Upon a Time, there was a young panda princess named Bai Yun. Her parents loved her very much. She could sing and dance very well. She also loved climbing trees. Her favourite fruit was the apple.
One fine day, she was out in the woods playing with her friends.Their mothers had packed special lunch baskets for the young ladies. When they were hungry, they laid out a large blanket for their picnic. After they had eaten, the young ladies took a nap. In her basket, Princess Bai had kept one apple as a treat for herself. She loved apples so much and was happy she had a nice red ripe apple for her tea.
Suddenly there was a storm and all the ladies ran to take shelter. Princess Bai Yun ran quickly and managed to find shelter in a small cave. As she sat waiting for the rains to stop, she started to sing.
‘Who is that disturbing my rest?’ yelled an old lady panda. She was asleep at the back of the cave. She looke tired and had matted fur.
Princess Bai had been brought up to be polite and respectful so she apologised immediately to the old lady. The old lady smiled.
‘You must be Princess Bai Yun. I am Lady Mei Li. I used to work for your grandparents till I married and moved away,’ said the elder panda.
‘How do you know who I am?’ asked a puzzled Bai Yun.
‘Your grandmother had the most perfectly round pair of ears and you have inherited them, my dear Princess Bai Yun,’ smiled Lady Mei, ‘plus I had helped nurse you when you were a wee cubby.’
‘Dearest Auntie, may I be so bold to ask, why my esteemed lady is here in the woods?’ Bai was curious but careful not to offend her elder.
‘I have fallen on hard times. After my husband died, my cubbies went overseas to work. I was left in our village which was soon destroyed by hooman activities. I have been walking for days, if not weeks, to come back to my home town to see if I can find shelter with my own people.’
Bai’s heart went out to Lady Mei and she reached into the basket and offered her the apple. She also insisted the elder panda follow her home.
That evening after Lady Mei Li had a bath and a warm meal, Princess Bai brought her to meet her parents. Bai Yun’s parents recognised their former courtier and immediately offered her accommodations for as long as she wanted.’
And when Yunnie ended, he noticed LiWu was fast asleep like little ball. He texted his mama to ask for a double boo chocolate swirl latte as his reward.
In the early morning hours (PAC. Time) about 2 to 6 or 7 a.m. I noticed a change in H I H Bai Yun that I noticed very little of until then. As she rassberried his tum tum, played, bathed, allowed him out of the den door, as LNG as he came right back, etc. her ears were held very high on her head, just like Unka Mr.Mickey Mouse gave them to her. There were many inquiries the first couple of months about Bai seeming to breath heavily, I even noticed you could count her breaths by only seeing her head–I was a little worried too, but now I know why….with Yunior it was only a matter of a few weeks, not months before she looked like she was enjoying her new “toy”. Last night he became her Woooo Woooo Toy. They hardly were out of each other’s company but for a few minutes at a time, and her ears stayed up except when they napped. Until I saw the ears up I did not realize what had been missing. Now the real fun begins. Little Wooo Wooo is in for lots of action, lots of fun. Wooo is more sure of foot, and to me, seems more in control of what he does & how he does it than his big bro Yun Zi. The first 2 boys may be big like Bai’s line, but I think he will be a well grounded Panda, just like his daddy..stocky but strong. I often wonder if she sets the boys on their heads to teach them how to properly scent mark. She is the only teacher he will have, & Yunior certainly practiced hand standing while in the den….I did not see the girls or Mei Sheng in the den–did anybody noticed hand standing by them while in the den???? Love grammmie
Grammie, are you a night owl or watching reruns? I miss so much during the night time.
I do have a bit of a problem with sleep. I am one of those that as soon as it gets quiet and dim my mind starts thinking about any number of things. The longer I remain quiet the harder it is to drop off, and the faster my mind spins. There are some movies that I have seen so often that they allow more to drop off, but just like now-3:30 am, sdzoo time I often wake up, and am wide awake. On the other hand I sometimes sleep 16 to 18 hours a day for weeks at a time, with much of the sleep in daytime hours, so I watch over the Pandas while the rest of you sleep. It is my pleasure to take on the duty. Love grammmie
Happy 4 month birthday to Master Wu!! And kudos to mama Bai.
So great! we are living in Copenhagen Denmark, looking as time we have –love it.
The Keepers are fantastik, can tell you copenhagen Zoo ‘s Elefants are giving birth to 2 Kalvs in 1320, the first one in February month. at home here, we are always looking at yours Elefants, and now the Panda Kindley,
Moderator’s note: Fun times ahead for your zoo with baby elephants on the way, Rudi!
baby wu, doesn’t seen to be doing well this morning 8:30 Tn time, he acts like he is drugged or drunk. Is he o.k. When are you going to do his next exam?
Moderator’s note: He is fine, and his exam is this morning.
Did Xiao Liwu have his exam today? If so, when will we get to see the video? I look forward to it as I do watching the cam.
thanks
Moderator’s note: Yes. We’re working on it.
Have you noticed that it’s almost impossible for Bai Yun to keep the rascal in the den nowadays?
Liwu is hidden under bamboo, I am wondering if that is something a mother would do to hide her cub in the wild. Very cute.
Moderator’s note: Yes indeed!
We hope the little guy will be on exhibit in July/Aug 2013 as we have just booked a week long trip to San Diego to visit the zoo again – this will be our fifth visit to this special zoo with an extra special reason to visit this time to hopefully see Xiao Liwu and his mummy Bai Yun, as we have followed his growth since he was born. Thanks for all the updates and special video clips and photos you show. Counting the days to our visit already…….
Moderator’s note: We look forward to your return visit!
Mr. Wu – love it! I was calling him wu-wu, so undignified. I got laughing one recent day when he was on his back and like a turtle trying to roll over. Maybe he was doing it on purpose, but it was a hoot. I also saw Yun Zi recently eating his bamboo like a chipper-shredder. I bet Mr. Wu will be a bamboo eating machine like the other men in the family. This little guy is lucky to have such a great family and he is always going to be a little gift – just with a nickname.
LOL He is so funny when he lays on his back he reminds me of a turtle too, It’s fun to watch him roll back over.
I watched Xiao Liwu play nibble on his bamboo yesterday it was so fun to watch! He played for a long time and then fell back to sleep, he really is good at entertaining himself now LOL
I meant Mr Wu LOL
Moderator,
please pardon my “newness” to the panda program, but do the keepers have any kind of ongoing social contact with the adult pandas other than giving them food and treats? If so, or if not, why? I would think it would prove fruitful to have or develop that contact in order to further research the potential for adaptability of adult pandas with humans to a more mutually beneficial society especially with the humans encroaching on their habitat.
I’m more curious because in the China videos, all the cubs seem grouped together without an adult panda, just a keeper. Since Pandas are reportedly “loners” all their adult life, why would they group up all the cubbies if they are destined to live in isolation as adults? The Pandas appear perfectly happy (adaptable) living in groups. Do the Chinese report that cubs learn quicker when they are in groups of their own age?
Moderator’s note: Welcome to the wonderful world of pandas, Ruth! Our keepers absolutely have protected contact with the bears, which means there is a physical barrier to keep all involved safe. Keepers work with the pandas daily to reinforce trained husbandry behaviors or to teach those behaviors, such as presenting a paw or opening a mouth for inspection. Bai Yun is trained to accept ultrasound procedures, which requires close, yet protected contact.
As for China’s cub-rearing practices, what you see is an artifact of the early weaning process common in China. Cubs are removed from their mother at about 6 months of age, far earlier than would occur in nature. To counterbalance the loss of the social relationship with their mother, cubs are given the opportunity to peer-foster, living in groups. China’s panda experts have been very successful at transititoning pandas from the group nursery as first-year cubs to housing 2 to 3 subadults together and eventually housing them separately as young adults.
Thank you for the information! I found it very helpful. It just appears to me that Giant Pandas are quite intelligent enough and have the capacity to respond and be taught a more social interaction with humans than the other (carnivorous) bears. I can’t recall any other mammal who’s babies are born as helpless as the panda, as most of the mammals I recall hit the ground running. I would also believe that weaning the panda cub early would allow the mother bears to produce more cubs, thus assist the process of stopping the endangerment of extinction with a quicker production. I’ve wondered since as a mammal the mother Panda has four nursing spouts whether in more lenient, abundant environments of the past they were capable of having a litter (up to 4) cubs at a time. Then because their food source is becoming so scarce, their instinct drops their production to one. The cub-peer groups would cause the new Panda generations to be more social with each other, fitting a tighter environment. It’s is so cute to watch the cub groups play with each other like kids on the playground at school. I just love the Panda- such a fascinating critter!
Will there be a panda-cam in the garden and other outside areas of Bai Yun’s area so we can continue to watch little Wu? If not, is this camera something us panda-fanatics could fund raise over the internet so that those of us not able to attend the SDZ in person could still keep up with his progress? How much US$ would be needed?
Moderator’s note: There is a cam in Bai Yun’s garden room, but cubbie hasn’t yet gone there much.
Are the camera different? You can hardly see in the den anymore?
I’m ready for some exam video from today….will it post by days end? Need to see Xiao Liwu close up….
Every time I peek in he is sleeping! I look forward to seeing him active in the exam video! Does anyone know if he keeps to somewhat of a schedule as to when he is awake/asleep?
I seem to catch him moving around between 3-4Pm.
I check in several times aday but 8am eastern time has been the most consistent time for me to catch some great Mommie and Mr Wu play and feedig sessions. Good luck.
4:27 on West Coast. He woke from his nap and is screaming out of the pod for mommy to come feed him! So cute!
Hello pandapeople,
I’d like to suggest Xiao Xiao. Easy to say. Cute. Distinctive. He appears to be a rather feisty lil guy doncha all thing? Always protesting. Had to laugh watching his 15th exam. XX is on the move. Ain’t gonna be many more exams
I am totally in LOVE with this cuite patootie
. I’ve always been a panda fan, and I remember when I was a child and we went to the Washington DC zoo and saw the pandas. I’ve been to the SDZ as an adult, and even then I spent a disproportionate amount of time watching the pandas 
. We’re actually going to the SDZ on Dec 26 and I was SOOOOOOOO hoping “Mr. Wu” would be big enough to be outside. I’ve been watching the panda cam regularly and sharing the videos with my kids, so they’re getting hooked too and we’re all hoping to see him. MAJOR pout to read that he probably won’t be out in the viewing area until after the first of the year 
. Is there a way to see him anyway? Is he visible in the den?
Moderator’s Note: We’re so happy that you will be visiting us! Unfortunately if Xiao Liwu is not ready to be out in the public viewing area at that time, the only place to see him will be on the Panda Cam.
i think the panda is cute and i want to cume and see him.
i wonder what the baby pands name is?
Moderator’s note: His name is Xiao Liwu, but keepers have nicknamed him Mr. Wu.