Xiao Liwu is just one example of our panda conservation program’s success.
Of course, the birth of Xiao Liwu was more than a joyous occasion; it was also a historic milestone for giant pandas and the San Diego Zoo. With the birth of Xiao Liwu, Bai Yun became the second-oldest female to have ever given birth in captivity, as well as the most successful panda mom outside of China. And, thanks to Bai Yun, our Giant Panda Conservation Program became the most successful breeding program outside of China. This short list makes me incredibly proud! And I also have to admit that it is simply wonderful to have yet another incredibly cute panda cub to watch every day!
Our giant panda story really began in earnest back in 1996, with the arrival of Bai Yun and Shi Shi. Back then, we really knew very little about giant pandas. At the time, we knew that giant pandas were solitary mammals and that they fed exclusively on bamboo. We knew that pandas were seasonal breeders, and that the females were only receptive to breeding for a few short days during each cycle. We also knew that giant pandas were critically endangered and that the track record for captive breeding was very poor. We knew that we had a daunting task ahead of us and an understanding that because giant pandas garner immense public attention, the world would be watching us as we embarked on this critical conservation mission.
Under the leadership of Don Lindburg, we put together a Panda Team that included scientists, animal care specialists, and educators. Ron Swaisgood made incredible inroads at the Wolong breeding center in China and initiated more than a decade of invaluable scientific discovery regarding giant panda behavior and communication. Throughout this period, numerous people from the Giant Panda Team visited Wolong to do conservation research (including myself), and members of the Wolong team visited us here. These exchanges proved invaluable for scientific research and for improving how we managed giant pandas, during the breeding season and beyond.
Since the birth of Xiao Liwu, I have spent much time thinking about how much we have achieved in the past 16 years, as well as about how much we still need to learn about these amazing animals. The plight of giant pandas has improved in some ways since 1996, but they are still critically endangered, and so, through our conservation research program, and with the support of our many friends, we continue to work toward a brighter future for giant pandas.
After I gave my presentation to our Circle of Friends, I spent a great deal of time speaking to people in the group. It was incredible to experience the outpouring of interest in giant pandas and the support for the conservation work that we do. As I looked around the tent, I saw a number of people who had been volunteers in support of our conservation programs over the years: volunteers who had been part of our panda research team in San Diego, and volunteers who have helped us connect our giant pandas to the public at large. I feel a deep debt of gratitude to all of our supporters, without whom we could not have achieved everything that we have, for giant pandas and the other species and habitats we work with.
Thank you all for your support, and I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons!
Megan Owen is a conservation program manager for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Read her previous post, Polar Bears and Climate Change.
Thank you for this blog, I always knew that the zoo was the best outside of China in the panda field. I’m one of many that is a hugh panda fan. Thank you for the care and loving you give these animals. It really shows.
lu
I’m new and this has probably been answered before–but why is there no pandacam in the next room Mr. Wu keeps motoring into?
Megan, excellent blog. I wish to thank the San Diego Zoo for sharing their panda family via Panda Cam, and for all the informative blogs that you have posted over the years.
Here’s 8 minutes of highlights from 5-7am Pacific Time this morning. Xiao Liwu was really giving his back leg muscles a workout, climbing all over his mother.
2012-12-07 While Bai Yun Slept (Highlight Reel)
http://youtu.be/39WXTf8RBKs
I received my “Adopt a Panda” package in the mail yesterday ~ thank you so very much
Moderator’s note: Thank YOU, DoxieMom, for adopting a panda!
Didnt look like mama was getting too much sleep…LOL. Cute film. Thanks DoxieMom!!
Oh my gosh — that was so cute. I think my favorite part was halfway through — when Mr. Wu was trying to climb onto Bai’s back. He looked like a little explorer — trying to climb to the top of the mountain. He was nothing if not persistent. They are just the sweetest animals!
I so enjoy watching this little darling, but the other day Mr.Wu was trying to climb on his mom, I was so annoyed with his mum, she pushed him off twice. He fell, I did’nt see him after that, boy was I glad to see him the next day, thought he might have been hurt. Hopefully those spots are’nt too high for him. I know he’s an animal but it hurts to see him being pushed by mom!!!
D-mom you did it again. As I watched with delight I realized how little I know about the time you must be spending to give us all of these highlights. First you must have to watch all of the stuff recorded just to know what the highlights are. Then you decide what to keep, or not, and join the keepers, provide beginning and ending text, and uploading the finished product to a site or sites so that you can post them to a blog that gives the rest of us a chance to see, in a few minutes, something that you have spent a great deal of time preparing. Thank you hardly seems adequate under the circumstances, but until something better comes along it is all we have. Thank You………love grammmie
OMGosh, Doxie…that was wonderful…I especially liked seeing Xiao Liwu sitting at the feet of Bai. I imagined what he would look like sitting next to momma…no more, thanks to you.
Oh, my! Just too precious for words. I loved every minute, DoxieMom — thanks for sharing since I didn’t see ANY of this and was so glad to have it preserved so perfectly. It just warms my hear to see they way these two interact with each other — sooooo sweet!! I really appreciate your posting those videos so we can see the heart-warming moments we miss…
Where do you live, DoxieMom? Did you really sit by the computer that time of the day? What a dedecation! Thank you very much for your exellent videos!
Thank you, I never get to see them in action, they are always asleep.
It should say, while Bai Yun tried to sleep. That was really cute. Just like a child to not let mom sleep. Thanks Doxiemom.
Thank you for this blog Megan and an ever bigger thank you for all the sharing the SDZ Global team has given us, the non-scientific panda fans. We have learnt so much and we are there when you need us too.
Wishing you and everyone at the San Diego Zoo a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year.
Thanks I love panda bear they are so cute
I remember standing in line for hours just to catch a glimpse of Bai Yun and Shi Shi. So grateful for the cams, we can see all our pandas at the touch of button, thanks
Excellent blog. Thanks for sharing. It’s 2:50pm est, and Mr. Wu is being his adorable self….gumming boo and sitting up in the panda position. Can he possibly get any cuter? OMG I just love him.
Thank you for sharing SDZ’s history with the pandas. Very interesting and provides us with a background on these pandas. Started following the pandas at SDZ with the birth of SuLin.
Today I adopted a panda and anxiously waiting for the panda package to arrive!
Moderator’s note: We thank you, Diane, for adopting a panda and helping with our conservation efforts!
thanks Megan. that is a timely post gently reminding us about the long terms goals for pandas living in China. I often look to the panda cam for entertainment or just general cuteness (stress relief) but it is good to think of the larger picture.
Megan,
Hazel and I have been following your work with the pandas continuously online since 1996. Sandiego Zoo has been been doing superb work with pandas, and at the same time providing enormous enjoyment for us and many many online followers. Your current panda cub, as with all his predecessors, is a joy to behold. We wish you every success in the future.
Long live the giant panda and the amazing San Diego Zoo panda team, one and all!
The world is a brighter, more beautiful place with all of you in it, furry and otherwise…
Cheers!
Oh my goodness, did Yun Zi bust another tree, he’s running around, through his water and generally being silly and his tree is broken over.
Wonderful blog, Megan! I’m glad you had the opportunity to tell the SDZ panda story; it needs to be told far and wide so that as many as possible will know of the zoo’s dedication and zeal in its contributions to giant panda preservation. Thank you to the San Diego Zoo for allowing us into the giant pandas’ world via the webcam and the blogs. We feel like we are part of the journey and we willingly help however we can in the work that you do.
Warmest wishes for a blessed holiday season and a very Merry Christmas to all the scientists, animal keepers, veterinarians, nutritionists, administrators, and all others who help keep the zoo running day to day! You are all doing a great job!
I echo that sentiment! Many thanks to you all
Thank you for sharing the outstanding history of San Diego Zoo and their conservation activities. The wonderful and careful treatment of all the animals, including my beloved Giant Pandas is something to behold. Then they even share it with the world via cams! Thank you so much San Diego Zoo, I would go to the moon for you!
I have known for a long time San Diego Zoo has always been outstanding in all their endeavors and that is why I am very proud to say I set up an monthly donation to San Diego Zoo Conservation and even did an adoption and plan on another adoption around the corner. I don’t have much, I pray it helps.
Moderator’s note: It does indeed help, Beverly, and we thank you!
Laughing hysterically…xiao liwu is climbing on top of bai’s head..she has to reach above her head to get him off…what a handfull….LOL…LOL
That was a fun shot. You will also find it in the video from Doxiemom above, she caught it in his “Busy With Bai Time”, or perhaps we could call it “Momma Is A Good Sport”, or even “Wuuuu Wuuuu Over The Mountain”–whatever it is called it is cute….do yourself a favor by giving yourself a few minutes to watch it..love grammmie
What a wonderful story, what a great job you have with our great black and white friends, we’ll all jealous, wish we had your job …..
congratulations to the wonderful job all the SDZ staff do taking care of the worlds endangered species
Bai was loving her play time with Xiao Liwu as much as he was playing with mommy. He looks big alone but with his mommy he is still pretty small. Bai is so sweet and little gift is so fun, his plans are to love life!!!!!
Dear Aunties and Unkas, Nannykeepers,Vets and all at SDZ,
My family, the Gao Gaos, would like to wish one and all a Very MERRY CWISMASS with both ta and xiao li wus to all. We pray this will be a time of great joy and laughter as you meet with loved ones. Don’t forget your furry pals too. My family will gather round to wait for Panda Claws and sing silly songs. Mama will make lots of delicious food and Papa will play games with Wu Zi and me. AM looking forward to it so much.
God Bless and lots of love,
Yun Zi
And, Yunz, we can’t forget our friends who will be celebrating Hanukkah beginning this evening. Happy Hanukkah to you all.
A Happy Hanukah to all our Jewish friends!
The Gao Gaos
Dear Precious and Fun Yunni, We love how you enjoy life so much and how you can find fun in just about anything, you are one of a special kind of P. Bear. Oh, thanks for teaching Wu Zi cutie baby all the wonderful ways of stealing everyones heart, you have done a fine job, outstanding in-fact!!!
Merry Cwismass and have as much fun as you want precious one, I love you.
Hugs and Air kisses,
Beverly
Here’s a fun video from Friday afternoon around 2:15pm … we got to see Yun Zi in his newly redecorated exhibit. Wasn’t too sure how our big guy would handle the change, but he seemed to be having a lot of fun sliding down the logs that were once his walkway.
2012-12-07 Yun Zi Shows Off (in) His Newly Redecorated Exhibit
http://youtu.be/XN6P-oc4N-A
Thank you for being there when all the exciting things happen! He created a new playground with an awesome slide.
Moderator: Is it time for the cement tree we all donated for Yun Zi?
Moderator’s note: Plans are underway for the installation of Yun Zi’s artificial tree, which many of you helped to fund. That should happen in just a few months!
Thank you so much for sharing the video. Yunnie was so excited and very much a fun sight to behold! Laughed quite a bit at the young tyke! Thanks again!
thanks. I was wondering if those logs had come down by accident but your youtube comment indicates that it was a purposeful redecoration. I enjoyed watching Yun Zi thoroughly explore every which way to go up and down the new route to his Keebler tree (back right). it was especially playful to watch him slide down backwards on his belly. may just be me but I thought around 1:38 Yun Zi seemed to try to get into resting position (even though the log was now at a 70deg tilt). it was nice to finally see how he could sleep up there in such a precarious looking position. I imagine Yunnie may miss his sleeping perches but he seemed to be quite engaged exploring the environment change. all is well in the Yuniverse.
Thank you Doxie Mom, that was so much fun to watch, only the best from you, you’ve done it again!
Ok, here is what I am seeing… Yunnie is looking for that limb that connects to his hammock!!! and which is the horizontal limb precariously located (of course!) to sleep on!!! and his swing!!! Who ever took off with those things is in real deep poo!!! Maybe Santa could bring him his beloved goodies along with EXTRA toys!
But the darling fun sweet natured Yunnie sure has fun looking for them in the mean time!
Megan: Just want to add my appreciative thoughts for all that SDZ does for the pandas and how marvelously they share all of this with the adoring public. I would never have known so much about pandas, and would never had the opportunity to watch them so regularly if it had not been for the San Diego Zoo, the panda program, and the fantastic panda cam and blog. I am looking forward to a visit later this month and then again in February after our little gift is on display. I could just hang around the panda exhibit all day and watch them. They really bring a lot of joy into my life as they do for so many of us panda fanatics. Thanks again for all you do…
My dearest little cubby,
As I sit and watch you sleep, my heart stirs with such strong feelings. Mama wants to protect you from all harm, teach you to grow up to be a good panda boy and help you stay strong and healthy.
I d pray to the Panda God to help me be a good Mama to you and your other siblings. I am so grateful that Hua Mei and Su Lim are good Mamas in their own right. Now for Zhennie….hee hee hee, that one will need a strong husband who can chase her up a tree. My boys are good boys; Sheng is such a gentleman and Yunnie is a sweet teenager when he is not re-decorating.
So Wu Wu, Mama hopes you understand when she has to bathe you, insist you do certain things in a certain way, Mama wants to teach you the ancient ways of our people. We have survived thanks to the hoomans and we are blessed with SDZ as our home. One day, we may all return to our motherland. My dream of that day is that our people can live in harmony and freely with the hoomans. The aunties and unkas who love us are many. But son, there are some who hate us and wish we are no more. Yes, there are some like that. So Mama has to teach you well so you will be a good ambassador for our people to the hoomans.
Little one, you are in a rush to grow up. Soon, soon, you will be your own bear and Mama will let you run around and do as you please. But Mama (and Papa) will always love you.
To my little Wu Wu with lots of Mama’s love,
Mama Bai
Dang it, Bai, you just made me cry. What an absolutely sweet post. We hoomans who are you and your family’s fans love you very much and hope that your dreams for your children, grandchildren and beyond will come true.
sniff, sniff… me too. I love you Bai, I hope all your dreams and wishes come true, you are the best P. Bear Mommie anyone could ask for.
Dearest Her Imperial Highness Bai Yun: I hope that Mr. Wuuuu understand today’s Lesson/Writing so that when he is a papa himself he can remember how you raised well, and how he must work hard to keep you proud all over again. We think your cubbie/cubbette is the cutest baby to observe today on.
the SDzoo blog site. Honk if you agree, love grammmie
Dearest Grammmie,
This Mama thinks ALL her cubbies and cubbettes are cute. Wu Wu has his own charms for sure, HONK.
Missy Bai
We are so blessed to have the hard-working people at the San Diego Zoo looking out for our Giant Pandas! Without these people, we would have no idea how to make Pandas happy and ready to reproduce. I suffer from depression that gets much more severe in the winter (Ontario, Canada) and I know that if I am having a hard day, I just turn on “panda cam” and I am smiling in a few seconds! So, thank you once again for all of your hard work and love, I shudder to think where we would be without it. A world without Pandas? That would be hell to me. As I stated a few days ago, a visit to San Diego is on my “bucketlist” and I know for sure that one day, who knows when, I will get to see all of these magical creatures up close and somehow let them know that we love them all, regardless of how far away we are, thanks to Panda-Cam and the wonderful people at the San Diego Zoo.
p.s.-just because I spend hours watching them does not mean I am “Panda Obsessed” like my family keeps trying to tell me, right? LOL!!
p.p.s.-I am secretly hoping (and writing it everywhere in the house) that someone will buy me the lovely Panda package to reflect my love for these beautiful babies. Fingers are crossed *wink* !! I sincerely hope that you all have a wonderful holiday and can relay all of our love to those gorgeous Pandas.
With Much Appreciation
Jules (just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Sorry, I am back for a second! I just checked “Panda Cam” one more time before bed and there he was, that adorable baby that we have loved for months, sleeping! They look almost unreal they are so perfect, am I the only one who thinks so? Maybe my family is right and I am on Panda “overload”! Just kidding of course! He is absolutely gorgeous and looks so peaceful, but I miss seeing him and Mommy together all the time. I know they have to be independant, but I loved it. Did I mention that baby was born on my 52nd birthday? Maybe that is why I am so infatuated by this ball of fluff? Great job everyone! Goodnight
Jules
A birthday marked is an excellent deal. You and Mr. Wuuuu will share that for all of your lives.
Jules– here you cannot tell an overload from an all out nut, so just go with your heart and you will be in fine company.
It is about 10:45 PST on the West Coast and Bai Yun is nursing her son-with-many-new-teeth. It is a good camera view to see Mr. Wu nursing and I am imagining that she does feel some discomfort due to the new baby teeth. I noticed she put her paw on his head and moved him slightly, maybe a bit of pressure to encourage him to “take it easy.” Hard to believe he will be nursing for many more months. She has an abundance of patience.
could you move the cam just a little, so we can see the outside of the door. It fun to see Mr. Wu getting away from mom. It is so cute when he falls out the door.
Thank you for the wonderful blog. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to visit two breeding centers in China and get up close and personal with the pandas. It was exciting to learn about the centers and their work with the pandas. I would like to wish you and the San Diego Panda crew a happy holiday ….and continued success.
Now that the tree is gone from Yun Zi’s exhibit, where will his swing go now?
I wondered about that also.
Trust him to find a way. His big sister Zhen Zhen could entertain a crowd, and herself with a piece of soggy cardboard, and a tree branch-who needs a swing.
Yun Zi is missing out not only the swing, but the hanging ball with the mirror on it too…poor baby.
Well, looking at the PandaCam, we know where YZ’s swing is.
Thanks to all at the SDZ for the great information you share. You have come so far since the 1990′s! I was wondering what you thought was the most important factor in enabling these animals to breed more successfully in captivity (nutrition, habitat, etc,)?
There have been a number of factors that have contributed to the increased success of captive breeding. Factors include management during courtship and breeding that facilitates naturalistic communication between male and female pandas, twin swapping, and the development of a “panda formula” for neonates in the nursery. All of these have been important, and the success should be generally attributed to these and other improvements in panda care and management.
Shortly after 9am SD time, the live cam switched between Gao Gao and Yunzi, both sitting and eating bamboo. And wow! I realize I can tell who’s who just by looking at their faces (not by their enclosure or furry paws). Much thanks to the many close up pictures of them I’ve seen. I feel like I’ve graduated from panda school of some sort!
Hooray for you Fay.
Moderator: why is Yun Zi’s tree down? That’s his favorite sleeping spot.
Moderator’s note: Stay tuned…
10:56 Saturday AM. Somebody is in a Bermuda hay-induced stupor! So funny and endearing.
Just saw Mr. Wu cruse around the den and look at himself in the wall was so cute. Then he just laid down to sleep. And also to see Gao Gao rolling and slowly eating his hay! You just have to love them.
(Forgive me that I can’t distinguish one panda from another, except Little Gift, of course). There is an adult paceing all over, high and low, without stopping except to scan an area. I am only guessing here…is this Mom looking for her cubbie? And where might he be??? My fingers are crossed that his care team is administering nutrition. THAT would make me so happy.
Bai Yun always knows where her cub is. Don’t worry! The other Giant Pandas at San Diego Zoo wander around their enclosures all day and all night. That might be what you are seeing. They are busy in their own worlds and everything is going just fine.
MariJane—–that would be a first, none of Bai’s Chubbie Cubbies have ever required supplimental feelings, and as you know this one is very chubbier because he seems to be short. They each need to distinguish themselves in some way, so rather than be the last he is the first to really be built like his Sweet Daddy Gao Gao. Unless he or Bai were ill there would be no way the Panda Team would interfere. I just watched a recent video of them, both looked just fine, and I caught them (mostly him) on the den cam, and they still looked fine…..I am sure there is nothing to worry about. Love grammmie
I too get concerned about enough nutrition for baby. Just wondering, at what point would the panda team pull the cub & give it a supplemental bottle? Is an actual weight loss the only time? I know Bai is an excellent mother but there are times when for whatever reason with humans & animal mothers they don’t produce enough milk and there’s no way to know except if the baby is gaining weight.Just watching the cub nurse & he flits around from one nipple looking for another. Would the cub be more vocal if he was hungry?
Mr. Wu gets an exam every week but a vet and a nutritionist and every is fine. I would say a tiny weight loss might be due to his increased activity
Fighting with mom burns up those calories 
I have no idea of what their criteria might be, but they would intervene if it looked like he needed help. In the wild his life might still be considered in danger–but in managed care he is not anywhere near in danger unless a big unforeseen event disrupts us. How could anything bad happen with all of us Aunties and Unkas worrying ourselves silly over him. Even though I watched Yun Zi from day one growing up I still worried about Bai rolling over Mr. Wuuuu in her sleep– I just didn’t tell you guys about it. He has passed so many critical stages that life ahead looks good for him–we can all breath again. Love grammmie
Another fun video to watch … a sped-up highlight reel of all the times Xiao Liwu tried to leave the den and his successes between 6:15 and 6:50am Saturday morning. Bai Yun has her paws full as this cub is very determined to get his way
2012-12-08 “I Don’t Wanna Be in the Den, Mommie”
http://youtu.be/sDeWUh3xfrg
Absolutely adorable. DoxieMom! Wow, Widdle Wu is gaining strength in those legs and can move out of that den really well now. Poor Bai Yun has to keep hauling him back. That last scene made me think that Bai Yun was saying, “Sigh…I give up!” Thanks for sharing!
D-Mom—–Nothing but the best from you, we can count on it every time with you, we thank you!!!!
Never tire of watching the two of them interacting. Thanks once again.
Mr. Wu is on the move. And doesn’t want mom slowing him down. Sounds like a toddler to me!
DoxieMom,
Thanks SO Much for your YT videos!!
They are Terrific and I can watch them for Hours!!!
If you want to see cute pandas *acting*, I found 2 movies. If you have seen these movies, you can atest to the immense panda cuteness. Obviously the storyline is geared towards the younger audience.
“Amazing Panda Adventure” (1995) is a little not enough panda cuteness and they do use animatronics in some scenes.
“Trail Of The Panda” (2009) from Disney used no animatronics nor cgi. It is in Mandarin with English subtitles. My copy had Spanish subtitles and I dont understand either Mandarin or Spanish, but there was enough panda cuteness to keep me happy. According to one review, the panda that *played* the mama panda was one of the casualties of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.
I envy the young actors who got to interact with the pandas.
Betty those movies sound good–where did you go to locate them? I would like to enjoy them too, but do not know if they are here, Netflix, or some other Place I have never heard of. Thank you for any help you might be able to give us……love grammmie
Hey Grammmie,
I found the movie “Amazing Panda Adventure” and “Trail Of The Panda”
at Amazon.com.
They have these plus Many more and books about Pandas!!!
I have fallen in Love with Xiao Liwu and his Mom!!
SO darling!!
Just looked in on him and he was curled up, sound asleep. Mom wasn’t with him.
Yun seems to like his new digs, but where will he sleep. He slept up on the bridge piece all the time.
Does Yun Zi ever go into his cave? He really loves his new tree, how cute.
I think I was right when I predicted Liwu was going to be a bucket of worms, he is going to be even more playful as he grows. I can hardly wait to watch him play outside, that I am betting is goiing to be a real treat for all of us.
I just love this page, the cam and pandas! I have even made a “panda lovers” page on facebook. What I would LOVE to see is sound in the den, Any possibility of that ever happening?
Moderator’s Note: Currently there are no plans to add sound in the den. So glad that you enjoy watching the camera!
Just checked in on Bai and Mr Wu (12:11 am Eastern), and there they were sleeping, Little Gift in Bai’s arms. Ms. Bai sure does love her little man! : )
I wish there were words that were stronger or could convey more depth of meaning, but I can only say: Thank you, SDZ, staff, vets, moderators, and all the people behind the scenes that we don’t know about, for ALL that you do, not only for this most special Panda family, but for all the beautiful and precious animals in your care. You guys are PRICELESS!!
Happy Holidays to you all!!!!
Moderator’s Note: You are so very welcome!
You are so right, Martha. It is hard to convey the depth of thanks we owe to all at SDZ and to these wonderful blogs, commentators and mods. I feel a little more hopeful for the future of these beautiful P bears. I’ve learned so much.
Thank you SDZ for many teachable moments.
12:30 am and 2 precious bears are cuddled up together sleeping. What a beautiful site.
12:30 am eastern and 2 precious bears are cuddled up together sleeping. What a beautiful site.
Thanks for showing the video of Wu trying to get out of the den. Mom sure is having quite the time with him. Mr Wu is growing. Will there be any time that you could put the sound on in the den? I am sure that would be a converstaion to hear from both mom and baby. I wanted to go to the Panda-Monium in March but I didn’t get my reservation in on time. Is there any way that I could still send it in? The blog was very interesting about all the studies that SDZ does concering the Pandas. Wishing you all that take care of the Pandas a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hopefully I will be able to come to the zoo in the near future.
Just turned on the Panda Cam 8am and is that a blankee in the den with mom and Wu ? they look so comfortable. So sweet.
No it looks like a piece of bamboo laying underneath them. They look so sweet. Bai is smiling.
Day 1 Story 1
Xiao Li Wu was walking in the bamboo forest one lovely sunny day with his Mama and Papa. They were going for a picnic. Ge Ge Yunnie had gone on ahead to set up the picnic table and food.
Wu Zi was so excited, he refused to hold his Mama’s paw and ran ahead of his parents.
‘Wu Wu, come back! You don’t know the way, you’ll be lost!’ called his Mama anxiously.
Li Wu slowed down for his parents to catch up. He spotted some squirrels in a tree. Being a friendly panda cub, he went to greet them. The squirrel family chatted with him for a few minutes before Li Wu’s attention was drawn to a long green rope in the grass.
On the long green rope were red diamond shapes and the rope was moving. Li Wu was fascinated. He ran towards the long rope. He caught the tail end of the rope. Suddenly Mrs Squirrel screamed!
Li Wu stopped in his tracks. The rope suddenly raised itself off the grass and there were a pair of eyes at one end and a mouth. In fact there was a forked tongue and sharp teeth.
‘Whaaaat doooo we haaave heeeereeee?’ asked the angry green snake.
‘Hi, I am Xiao LI Wu. I am a panda cub,’ smiled Li Wu who was starting to feel a little scared.
‘PLOP!’ a huge nut hit the snake, then another. Mr and Mrs Squirrel were throwing them.
‘Run, Cubby, Run,’ yelled the squirrels.
And Li Wu trotted off as quick as his little legs could carry him. Blinded by is tears, he tripped and fell. He cried out.
Suddenly he was scooped up into the arms of his Papa. His Mama cupped his face and was raining kisses on him. ‘Little one, you are safe now!’ murmured his Mama.
Before long, Mr and Mrs Squirrel returned and narrated what had happened. Bai Yun thanked the squirrels repeatedly.
Then she turned to her little boy who was shaken. She had no heart to scold him. She held him and asked him gently, ‘What did you learn today, Wu Wu?’
‘Not to run off by myself? Not to grab strange things?’ sniffed Li Wu.
‘Good boy, that’s my boy,’ said Gao Gao as he patted his son on hsi head.
‘So next time listen to your Mama please!’ chided Mama.
‘OK, I am a xiao li wu, a special li wu wu wu wu cos I am Mama’s li wuuuuuuu,’ sang the baby cubby as he buried his face in his Mama’s comforting fur.
Bai Yun,
Thank you for your posts!!
Love Reading them. They are So Sweet and imaginative!
lol Have to say, they do make me “weepy”.
Please keep writing them.
Dear Puppy Girl,
Thank you kindly for reading the stories my friend helps me write. Our paws dont work well with a qwerty key board. I love making up stories for Wu Wu and about Wu Wu.
Panda Hugs,
Missy Bai
Dear Bai Yun, they are most precious and a happy reason to scour the blog for new stories each and every day.
Just after 2:00 am—very early Sunday morning I tuned in to the cam to find Bai Yun and Mr. Wuuuu sleeping soundly and comfy on the den floor. Peace at last!
It is a good thing I checked back in on the den at about 3:30 am SDZOO time. Earlier Bai went out for a couple of minutes, then cuddled up around Mr. Wuuuu and they both went back to sleep. As I opened the cam —-they were still cuddled up, but Mr. Quick Feet decided it was time to check out the stars. He was caught by the Warden—–I mean Bai Yun who was holding him under herself and trying to assure him that Quickl Feet were not needed at this time. I will be checking again. Before I go offline for the night but do no intend any more reports, unless it is something incredible…..love grammmie
thanks for sharing. it is amazing that Bai remains quite protective of Mr. Xiao Li Wu even though he has started to challenge her sleeping schedule. Warden Bai must do acrobatics in her sleep to make sure Li Wu doesn’t get into trouble.
He has the upper hand–when he sleeps he sleeps, but she has to sleep with one eye open–otherwise who knows what kind of trouble he might get into. Poor Bai is as bad off as most of us Moms.
Dear Friends,
I am happy to let you know I have now achieved the highest level in Cubby Blocking. I wear my black belt with pride and I will serve the Panda Mamas’ Guild with I hope distinction as I nurture Wu Wu to be a good panda.
Panda Love,
Bai
I think it’s so darn cute watching cubbie trying to venture out of the den & Mama Bai keeps pulling him back inside. She’s going to have her hands—paws—full keeping him where she wants him now that he’s getting to be more mobile.
Ok I thought I was seeing things, but I think I just saw a nanny keeper reach into the den with Mr. Wu and took out some boo he was playing with.
Oh someone is looking awfully cute in his den!!!! Rolling around like a fluff ball!!
Cyndee I think he would have to work hard to look anything but adorable. It makes you just want to hug him close and never let go! Oh for a world full of Pandas so we each have our own to squeeze!
I see that we have a night view of big brother Yun Zi in his hammock, I bet we don’t have any other view tonight. As long as there is a bit of light we might see some action, but I understand he was very active today, so it might be a slow night if he is sleeping to have energy for tomorrow’s fans in the zoo. A Panda’s work is never done.
I just checked the cam again, Yunior popped his head up, looked around, then dropped right back down to sleep again. All is well in local Pandaland-Yunior is watching over all……goodnight……love grammmie
Why no camera tonight???? boo hoo -:( Watching Bai and Mr Wu cuddling and sleeping helps me to relax and go back to sleep when I’m having an insomnia night… Love watching Mr Wu grow up! Bai is SUCH a good mommy..
I couldn’t figure out what was going on and after checking every thing on my end, I finally gave up, went to bed, it was a restless night. I missed them too and find them relaxing to watch to go to sleep as well.
Day 2 Story 2
‘Hey, Bai Jie Jie, how’s it going?’ asked Lun Lun as Bai sashays into the restaurant.
‘Looking hot!’ wolf whistles Mei Xiang.
Ya Ya shoots a pix of Bai on her approw5 phone and immediately posts it on her BearBook page.
Bai Yun gratefully takes a seat and a sip of her long island boo tea. The cafe thoughtfully provided a footstool for her to put up her feetsies.
‘Now, don’t get me wrong, having a cubby is one of the greatest blessings a panda lady can ever have but boy, am I glad to have this day out with you girls,’ declares Bai as she scans the menu, ‘Hmmm, can I have one of everything? All the dishes look so yummy. What are you having? Sorry I was late but Wu Wu wanted one more feed before he went to play with Yunnie.’
‘I have decided on the boo carbonara, Mei is having the grilled boo with approw sauce and Lunnie is having a Texan Fried Boo Steak,’ answers Ya Ya.
‘Wow, can we share the boo spring rolls and I will have a ginormous boo stew!’ decides the new Mama.
‘So, tell us, how is Wu Wu and is No 6 a charm? Hee Hee Hee,’ giggles Lunnie.
‘Girls, I know I am a proud Mama but Li Wu is one cutie pie. He is so sweet and he loves his physical exams. Gues what, he tries to spend equal time with all the nannykeepers so he goes to each one for a cuddle and a scritch. And the sweetie said I was the most beautiful Mama ever!’
‘Ahem, you are the only female panda he has ever seen, of course,’ adds Mei Xiang.
‘Well, a gal can dream can’t she? And of course Gao Gao is sooooo attentive. If you recall, the whole world saw us in the mud THAT day and I have not let him forget it. But he has been showering me with flowers and sweet love notes every day….I think I am falling in love all over again…’
‘Hey, do ya think you can you get the G man to speak with our husbands? Teach them a thing or two about handstands and singing love songs? I’ll be mighty grateful,’ asks Ya Ya.
‘Ha Ha Ha, he kinda wrote the rule book, I guess. I am glad his sons are all good boys, whew. I was a little worries that Yunnie would make me a grandma cos he was so infauated with Ms Panda Universe 2008. So Lunnie Mei Mei, how’s Po?
A sweet smile appears on Lunnie’s face. It is a face all mothers have perfected when talking about their children.
‘Mr Po is getting to be quite his own man. And he finally learnt the commands from the nannykeepers. I was so embarassed when he kept refusing to shift. I had a hissy fit but Mr Po was as calm and as nonchalant as can be.’
‘Like his Papa?’ smiles Mei Xiang.
‘You said it! Yangster is Mr Happy Go Lucky!’
Bai Yun has been looking through her parcels and starts giving lovely wrapped gifts to her sistas.
Ya Ya squeals with delight when she sees she has been given a pair of Jimmy Boo heels. Mei Xiang got up immediately to go and try on a lovely aquamarine dress from Bearlentino, And Lun Lun slowly opens her present and she grins.
‘You KNOW me so well. This is exactly what I have ben wanting to get. My, this bo charm bracelet has 3 cubbies, boo, and my name in Chinese! Thank you, Thank you!’ yells Lunnie.
Ya Ya quietly says, ‘But Bai Jie Jie, we did not get you anything. Let me buy you lunch.’
‘Sweetie, the fact that I can come out and be with you gals is such a present to me. I almost hugged Yunior when he suggested he would bring Wu Wu for a trip around the zoo…..Hmmm, I think Gao Gao out him up to it though…’
Mei Xiang returns to the table to a chorus of applause from her sistas. The dress hugged her curves nicely. At that moment the food arrived and soon the ladies were silent as they enjoyed the food prepared by world renowned chef Beardon Pamsey.
The rest of the afternoon was spent at their favourite salon getting all the treats a lady panda needs such as a massage, face peel, body wrap, manis and pedis while sipping delicate jasmine tea and nibbling on thinly sliced boo sandwiches. Bliss.
Dear Most High Bai Yun, This one is a jewel! Must say the colorful details leave me hee heeing as i read and reread. Just so precious. Many thanks for such delightful reading. A blog has never been so much FUN.
It’s 9:55am, est. and Bai has a bamboo tree in her den. Kind of reminds me of me and my husband trying to put up our Christmas tree this past weekend!! I don’t the little gift under the tree though
Aaaww just getting my morning fix, The Beautiful and Most High is finishing bathing Snugglepuff and he is starting to nurse, he is wiggling his right foot just like Mommie, all is good, I love that, so cute!
It seems lately every time I tried to see them, I kept getting a black screen and was about to cry or do something stupid if I couldn’t see the P. Bears.
Can’t wait to see Yunni’s digs, can anyone tell me what has been going on, what happened?! I couldn’t figure it out by what the posts were saying, but I take it something happened.
Oh no!!! Snugglepuff has The Beautiful and Most High by the head, bitting her ears!!! What a loving patient Mommie!!! So cute!
I love the name Snugglepuff. I also found Mama Bai very beautiful.
It is 7:35 am PST here in Oregon and I just tuned in to Panda Cam and saw what I believe is a Praying Panda! I am not sure which Panda it is since I can’t see both ears. Maybe it is Gao Gao and he is saying grace before he tackles the pile of bamboo sitting next to him.
Well what a treat. Last night the cam got left on Yun Zi, fun to see until there was not enough light. Then I checked in the early morning hours to find Mr. Wuuuu asleep together with our favorite Empress Bai Yun—-but when I checked before I
coming to the message center, we had Sweet Daddy Gao Gao eating his breakfast boo. In less than 24 hours I got to see the whole family, you can do any better than that, except to be able to be at the zoo and accomplish the same thing. Okay folks, get you zoo year round passes out, and head for the panda area and see what you can do…..love grammmie
OMGosh! Mr. lil Wu Wu is eating boo! What a good tryer he is!
He tuckered his widdle self out! Sound asleep! Snug as a bug in a rug! xo
Dear SDZ~~
Thank you SO Much for the Panda Cam and your Panda site.
Little Xiao Liwu is SO sweet, cute and precious.
He does make me LOL when he plays and is a “busy baby”!
Also makes me LOL when Mom is trying to control him and he wants to play and wiggle around!!
YT videos are SO Funny!
I find myself watching your site more than doing anything else on my computer!
Thanks again. You do a Terrific job!!!
qUESTION FOR YOU, wHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO NOT HAVE A CAMERA IN THE ROOM OUTSIDE THE BIRTH ROOM. yOU DID BEFORE , IT WAS SO CUTE TO WATCH THE BABY DISCOVER NEW THINGS NOW THAT HE IS WALKING A LITTLE, HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
Moderator’s note: Switching the Panda Cam to an HD version was costly, so we had to make decisions on where to place the new cams. We figured the garden room view would be more interesting to our viewers than the bedroom.