Look what Santa brought me!
Xiao Liwu appeared to enjoy the attention and new toys he was given during his weekly exam today. The new play items included a doughnut-shaped plastic ring (perfect for panda sitting), a stick of bamboo, and the plastic ball from last week’s exam. Although sleepy when keeper Juli brought him in from the den, he soon perked up. The plastic ring was a big hit and made it easy for the Panda Team to get measurements, as the cub planted himself right in the middle of it!
“He is growing normally, and we are seeing a lot more interest in his surroundings,” said Meg Sutherland-Smith, associate director of veterinary services for the San Diego Zoo. “He saw that new toy and gravitated right to it.”
The almost five-month-old cub, who now weighs 15.4 pounds (7 kilograms), seemed quite content and only fussed when Dr. Meg opened his mouth to examine his teeth. The exam results indicated that he is growing normally, showing more movement and activity than in past weeks. With this new mobility, he is beginning to explore more of the panda living areas and has ventured outside a few times now. He should be ready for his public debut as he becomes more comfortable navigating the large exhibit space.
In the meantime, keep watching Panda Cam, as the Panda Team might put a toy or two in the den for Mr. Adorable to play with! More photos are posted in the Panda Photo Gallery.
This is great news! I’m Xiao Liwu would totally enjoy more toys in his den. I think the boo and hay is becoming blase. Though is paws and feetsies are not. Nor Mama’s backside
It would be superior to patting momma gently on her bottom, or exploring the top of the den, again with momma’s sleeping body to help. With her stretched out body, and him sitting down by her bottom, with boo in his mouth, reaching over with his tiny paw to pat her 2 or 3 times quickly, (and looking extra tiny since he was not stretched out) then paw back to himself. I might have thought it was accidental, except that he repeated it 2 or 3 times after the first time. The stretching for the top might have been getting ready to act in a James Cagney type movie in prison stripes, or just trying to get away to Hollywood since we have all enjoyed him when he has been in videos and on TV. Love grammmie
I saw our “Little Gift” take a great fall. I hope the Vet’s are checking him out! Poor little guy!
Xiao Liwu climbed up a log
Xiao Liwu had a great fall
All the zoo’s nurses,
an all the zoo’s vets
please make sure Xiao Liwu doesn’t have to be put back together again!!
I agree please make sure our little man is ok from his fall from the tree today!!! Thank You!
Jamie I love what you did with the old Humpty Dumpty rhyme. Good thing you changed it since no one could say he is Dumpty.
Thank you, and you are so very right. he is way to cute to be Dumpty!
I didn’t know he had access to a log or tree yet. Yikes!
Where is XIAO? Haven’t seen him in the panda cam for almost a week now….Having ‘cuteness’ withdrawl.
adorable photo for the post. can you tell by Xiao Li Wu’s eye patches whether he takes after Gao Gao more vs Bai? do the eye patches change a lot during the development of pandas?
it is nice to see the little fella growing bigger and more playful with Bai. his continuing good health is quite a gift. looking forward to the new toys (hope he’ll bite those more and bite Bai less).
Wow he growing so fast playing more walking better.He was cute sitting in the hole.
Can you imagine how it looked the day his big sister Su Lin took one the same size, pulled it onto one of her legs, then walked around wearing it??? She was probably 3 or 4 years old then, long before I was around, but I have read about it when cruising around these blogs from the past. The picture in my mind is so funny that I think of it whenever those rings are mentioned. If I ever find a photo or video of it I will let you guys know. Love grammmie
Here’s more video taken by SDZ. Only watch if you can stand all that cuteness!
Panda Playtime – Panda Cub’s 19th Exam is Fun Time
http://youtu.be/O15Ssvu5Ku4
Oh Jusy… That is just way too cute! Not sure many can stand that much cuteness! Only for the strong!!! Thank you, love it!
OK, I cannot stand the cuteness! I swooned when I saw these videos! I finally “came to” and almost swooned again!
I CAN’T wait to go to Panda Convention in March, I am totally beside myself.
One comment: So he is small. He takes after his Papa and his Papa makes Brad Pitt look like a munchkin!
How are we to ever think about Brad without giggling over the munchkin line???
Absolutely adorable! Thanks for sharing, Jusy…
Loved the video, then went right to the “official” video, both were great. I saw how he waved at the camera, once with each paw as photos were flashed. Sitting there with the “inner tube” and ball I thought of that young photo of Yunior with them both, remember Yunior is his PR Coach, and he is doing a great job with him! Actually a fine job was done by all, but I hope even more fun is to come when Bai sees and touches the toys, it is when her inner youth comes bubbling to the surface for all to enjoy! Love grammmie
Life is so unfair! You guys and gals at the Zoo get to have *ALL* the fun. Grins … lucky you. Thanks for sharing the little guy (and all the other big and little ones at the zoo) with us poor folks who can only dream of playing with this little cutie. It’s so great that he’s healthy and happy and enjoying life. Happy life, WuuWuu.
Ooooh, so precious and soooo very good of Panda Clause to bring baby Snugglepuff more toys, he really needs them now… less wear and tear on The Young Beautiful and Most High HIH Bai, well hopefully, you know the teeth, climbing and ear pulling/bitting antics, normal baby P. Bear activities!!!
It really is great that he is healthy, happy and playful, loves his SKS Nanny Keeper, he comes to life when he sees them!, how fortunate can we all get!!! Thank you all for such great love and care of our little P. Bear, see your results! they sure are showing!!!
Just when I think he can’t get any more adorable, you post another exam video. I’m SO totally smitten with this cub, and I’m very jealous of the folks who get to actually touch this cubbie!
OMG! I just love seeing him in his ring. He still loves his green ball! I need to watch the video again! LOL
He is just growing so fast. He looked so cute playing and sitting in the tube. He was having so much fun. Give him a kiss for me.
Oh, so cute!! Way off the cuteness meter!!
What a character Wu is!!! He ended up with all his “toys” with him in the ring. He’s like his brother Yun Zi – Yun has his surfing platform and Wu has his ring. Though we’d love to see him outside, I’m glad he’s still in the den late at night playing with Bai.
Our little gift get more adorable with every exam. He’s even been on National News this week. One commentator stated he could watch the clip of him with his ball for hours. He fell in love with him too! Thank you staff for your loving care of our “little gift”.
JoAnn don’t you think it would be nice if you wrote a note to this newscaster letting him know he could adopt our darling Wuuuu. If he is a national newscaster I bet his finances are a lot better than lots of us who donate what we can afford to, and a tax deductible donation could help save the species. He also has a great many friends who he can help to know our cause too, this could be really big, but could start so small. I keep missing news stories because I hardly ever watch even local news anymore. You could start a big step with a small step…..love grammmie
JoAnn…..you might want to give him the link to the current exam, and/or The Great Fall….let’s keep him up to date. I cannot get the photo gallery to open for me, but if you can you could send that link too. We could at least invite him to enjoy the web cam, and/or the blog. Love grammmie
Its Thursday and for the last hour or more I have only seen humans on the cam looking for a panda in the cold dark.
Haven’t seen Wuuu in a few days now.
I did love his exam. He seems more alert to toys than Yun Zi did at this age.
Thank you for your regular updates. We in the outside world REALLY appreciate it!
Oh my, he is just too cute! He is such a ham for the photographers this time!
I also notice the caretakers are no longer wearing gloves? Is this because his immune system is stronger now that he is older?
It must be wonderful to be able to actually cuddle and touch his fur – is it course, downy, or? And also, this may be a strange question, but what does he smell like? (Earthy, musky, like hay/bamboo, or ?)
I also find it interesting that he will nurse for such a long time – I see why Mama eats so much – having to keep up with him and nurse him too!
I just cannot tell you how grateful I am for the opportunity to watch him grow; thank you.
Moderator’s note: I’m told that panda fur is very coarse.
Having had the opportunity to touch several pandas of varying ages, I can attest to the fact that their fur is very coarse. That was a big surprise for me when I stayed at the Wolong Panda Reserve before it was open to the public My father and Uncle Quentin (he found the first live panda on the expedition with Ruth Harkness – the first Su-Lin named after my mother) – had always said their fur wasn’t soft, but it was still a surprise. If you get a copy of Chasing the Panda by Michael Kiefer – you can learn about panda expeditions going back to the 1920′s and read about the Young family’s influence on bringing pandas back to the US. Lots of pictures of my family too!
Thank you for the reference and the information about your family and the Pandas. What a joy you all ar e to we who thank you for givingus this present at Christmas.I learned all about the exploration your family did and got interested more than before.
Hi Laura,
At his previous exams the nannykeepers were not gloved and not in scrubs. It was explained that Mr Wu has his full series of vaccinations so the humans no longer have to wear gloves etc.
Panda Hugs,
Lucilla
Hello Jolly,
You have such an interesting background, thank you for sharing. I love to read and am trying to locate a copy of Chasing the Panda, I am so excited, this should be a great read. It is a pleasure to have you here, please share more if you can, us Pandaholics love any little morsel about these precious creatures, as if you have not noticed yet and… they won’t let us kiss the P. Bears either, but we keep trying!!!
P.Bears hugs,
Beverly
There is a movie about the search for the Giant Panda and Jolly’s family. It is more of a travel and documentary than a movie but it is exciting and one sees a baby wrapped and carried away and back to Europe and America. It is about 1930 or so,I forget but you can get it probably at a Library.It is a must see for anyone who is interested in Pandas.
I noticed no one was wearing latex gloves during this exam. Is he at a safe age to have actual human contact or something?
Moderator’s note: Once he completed his vaccination series, the gloves were no longer required.
More cuteness
In the tube is soooo cute. TaiShan had one that he he spent hours in. Am anxious to see the toys in the den 
So fun to watch him with his new toy and so good to see he knew just what to do by planting himself right in the middle of the doughnut! He sure is the cutest thing on the planet! Thanks for the new exam video — and I could tell you were all having a GREAT time. How we pandafans envy you!!!!
Check out the 12/27/12 Lucky Cow comic.
www (dot) gocomics.com/luckycow/2012/12/27
Moderator’s note: Very cute!
A must check out!! Thanks for sharing.
Be sure to check out the 12/28 strip too!!
Nice plug for a really nice cam.
I agree. Love the cam and the adorable pandas. How they make a difference in brightening our days. Thanks for sharing the comic.
I joined up….I was afraid I did not have enough stuff in my email box. For twelve bucks a year I might go “pro” and choose which to get. Loved it…love grammmie
Are we going to get an updated growth comparison chart? Always fun to chart Mr. Wu’s milestones.
So cute! Is Xiao Liwu ever viewable to visitors at the zoo?
Moderator’s note: Not yet. He has not made his public debut.
Haha the cubie looked soooo adorable in his doughnut chair:) he’s so big and keeps getting cuter by the minute!
Such a little big cutie he is. Im surprised that he will nurse for another year..wow..didnt know they nurse that long, Thought that when he starts eating nursing would stop..Funny he wanted to bite that tape measure..lol..,you guys have way too much fun during those exams, we are jealous!!!
You would really adore the video of Princess Lin Ping having a WILD exam. If I find it I will post the link for your enjoyment (the one with captions of what Lin Ping is saying is the best one, and hilarious). If somebody else finds the link before me please post it for the gang….love grammmie
Thanks to the keeper for a wonderful panda year. Great mother Bai Yun with
her cub Xiao Liwu, Gao Gao, the big father and Yun Zi, the brother of Xiao Liwu-
Nice panda family.
Hope for a successful year 2013 in health and harmony!
Ralf Hinz, nice to see you. Have you been watching the SDZoo pandas and reading the blog for long? We always happy to welcome new folks to our little group. We hope that you remain with us and watch little Wuuuu grow into a fine grown up panda ready to help keep his species on our earth. Do you live near any zoos with pandas that you can visit “in the fur” as we say? I watch them on the web cam whenever I can, but it took me months to find this blog. I first watched when his big brother Yun Zi was born, and was hooked the first day. In four months I took over 500 “postcard” photos of Bai Yun and Mr. Wuuuu. Now I need to go through them to see the best ones to keep. Here in the comments we chat and learn a lot from the keepers, moderators and each other. We hope to chat again….love grammmie
Thank you to SDZ and bloggers who share the wonderful videos and taking care of this precious family and all the wonderful animals in the zoo…
and to think that the 18th exam couldn’t be topped with its cuteness… here goes exam 19 and even more cuteness … and such a pleasant surprise! Thank you so much for taking care of this adorable gift and all his beautiful family! … special thanks to all who give comments as there are much to learn from all your comments… I thought I was the only one who did not understand what HIH meant and too shy to ask.. Thanks Grammie for explanations and your delightful contributions.. ‘Love the stories from Bai, Yunnie, Gao and WuWu
… thanks all… ever grateful…
Happy New Year to all. May everyone be blessed and have a peaceful year ahead!
Hey Lil, Bill and Grammmie~~
I’m still wondering what HIH means??!!!
Would love to know!
Grammmie, I looked for your post to Lil & Bill when they said you explained it to them and couldn’t find it.
If it’s not too much trouble, will one of you please post and tell me what it means?
I will Greatly Appreciate this.
I love reading and learning about the Pandas. Besides being sweet, beautiful, funny and Little Wu Wu cuteness, they are very smart.
To me, Mama Bai has proved this with her raising and care of her babies.
My Goodness, she could give lessons on having patience!
Thanks So Much.
HIH is for Her Imperial Highness Bai Yun….she is an empress you know.
She really grins when she is addressed as The Young Beautiful and Most High HIH Bai!!!
We are always watching those Suspected Kiss Sneaking (SKS) Nanny Keepers too… just can’t be too careful with this bundle of love Snugglepuff!
Lil & Bill, please never keep your questions to yourself, we get to learn more when they are asked and answered!
Dear Grammmie~~
Just now saw your post.
Thank you SO much for posting back with Mom’s title.
Very impressive!! but then she is a very impressive Panda and IMHO
a VERY Impressive MOM!!!
Love your posts! They are always really Terrific !
Thanks again.
BTW~~hehe ! would never have figured it out for myself!!
Just wondering.. Would SDZ ever consider compiling the panda baby exams for each of the cubs into a DVD and sell them in the panda gift shop/online? I for one would certainly want to purchase a dvd – one for each of the panda babies just for sentimental keepsakes
. It is just sometimes a little hard to search through the links or I forget which blog it is. I would be forever grateful if you’d consider it.
Moderator’s note: We do have some DVDs of previous cubs. Give our Retail Operations folks a call at 800-699-1663 if you’d like to purchase one or to get more information on what’s available.
Well after checking the Pandanaught link to make sure I finally got it right, I went to the web cam to check up on the real Pandas, found Baip Yun wanted alone time, she had just gotten Mr. Wuuuu into a milk coma, got up and left. I believe he was unconscious!!!
So goodnight for a while, if I run into cute stuff later you will hear about it….Love grammmie
Liwu is as cute as can be but Yunnie was just as cute, we just forget that we all were saying the same things about how cute Yunnie was. I think that being a mother myself I hate to compare kids so will give Bai a break and stand up for how precious all her cubs were. I must remember…..these are bears. haha
Just a quick check in…..momma came back to keep little Mr. Wuuuu warm, and they are side by side looking very cute, 11:30p.m. Thursday…..love grammmie
The toys in den sound fun, but will somebody be speaking to Bai about letting the baby play with them??? I do hope she repeats her action with the donut toy like she did with Yunior, it was a gas. Has anybody spoken to Wuuuu about his thwarted escape attempt earlier this week. Had I not seen it myself I probably would not believe how fast he got onto momma’s back and stretched himself tall enough to get his paws on top of the ridge at the top of the den. He might have gone for it again today, but momma was too far out from the wall. She was right up against the wall during the “Big Stretch”. Love grammmie
Everybody report in if you see Mr. Wuuuu stealing the show on tv news stories again this week so we can all enjoy the best ones. Hopefully he was popular enough last week that he tips the list again this week…..we San Diegans and Panda Lovers at Large need to share this treasure with the world!!! Love grammmie
Little Xiao WuWu becomes more adorable every day! He has moved right into my heart.
:)
:)
I would love to (((((HUG))))) him!!
No doubt, he is two handsful for his Mom! Bai Yun IS the BEST Mom.
Can’t get over how patient she is with him lol even when he is climbing all over her face and nipping on her ears.
Love watching her playing with him. SO Funny!!
Love watching her cuddle him. SO Sweet.
I got a stuffed Panda keyring so I feel like I’m taking Mr. Wu with me everywhere I go!
Am wondering if Panda baby teeth are sharp like puppies baby teeth? AND do you think it is painful for Bai Yun when Xiao Liwu is nursing after he gets his teeth?
Thank you, SDZ, for sharing so much and for taking excellent care of the Pandas
Is anyone else having trouble getting any photos in the photo gallery??? It occurs to me that I tried from the words at the bottom of the blog, got the page where there are supposed to be photos, but there are none. I tried the list on the left side, still nothing, then the list across the top of the web cam pages….still no photos. That is when I then tried all 3 again, but refreshed between each one, still nothing, then I realized 2 times when the video didn’t come until the next day I also tried then, but being in a hurry, not so hard. I am not sure if I have ever seen a photo of this cub other than as they are included in the blog or comments. How is it going for others??? Love grammmie
First–Has any other of our cubs at SDZoo equalled or exceeded 19 exams? Some started at a younger age, so we need to know that for a true comparison.
While checking out a you tube from a Brian Williams-NBC, outakes of Mark Mullens panda story (he was in a kindergarten class) led to finding Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special. It was quite enjoyable, so put YouTube in your search box, then scroll to find the “movie”. I am sure it would be an hour long with commercial, but NO COMMERCIALS. I Hope you enjoy….love grammmie
Day 18 Story 18
Bai Yun’s Primer for First time Panda Mamas
Lesson 3: Toys
Like hooman mamas, we all want the best toys for our little cubbies. And we just want to rush out and buy a ball or a stuffie. Resist and Desist. All cubby needs is what you have already.
A new born cubby only needs you. He or she needs you to hold them to keep them warm, to assure them and to protect them. They are hungry most of the time and sleeping the other half of the time.
When cubby is about 3-4 months and the teeth come and the back feetsies are getting strong, you can start to have some fun. Let cubby use your body as a slide or a mountain to climb. I have an ‘ahem’ ample derriere so Wu ZI loves to climb and when he is near the top, I flip him over. Always surprises him although he knows it is coming. Also we have fun with a game we call ‘Block and Tackle’. Wu Zi tries to ‘escape’ the den and I use my paws to block him. He can try to tackle me and ‘escape’. Hee Hee Hee, I love this game.
Now Wu Zi loves to play Grown Ups so he louths bamboo. A stalk of bamboo gives endless fun. I like to give him some bamboo stems and ask him to pretend it is something else. Wu Zi is very creative and he always comes up with fun things like it is a long drinking straw or long tongue.
When Wu ZI goes for his exams, he is SPOILT! He gets to play with a ball and now they added an rubber ring. Good thing is he only gets to play with them once a week and they help test his coordination.
Having said that, I do think a simple toy like a ball or a thick rope make great enrichment toys. We need to ensure the toys help develop our cubbies and challenge them. Otherwise our cubbies will grow up dull and dependent on us always to entertain them. Never let them play those horrid computer games – full of violence in my honest opinion. We pandas are peace loving creatures.
Now that Wu Wu is older (he is five months old), he can move and so games are important; games that allow him to run around and let off steam. I play fight with him. Beware the teefies, they are sharp. I have made a salve with honey and aloe vera. Write to me and I will send you some.
My main lesson is – Enjoy your time with your cub and play with him or her. That is the best stimulus ever, better than any toy.
Dear Bai Yun~~
Thank you for your post. I Love all your posts.
You are a very wise lady and the very Best Mom!!
In your post you answered my questions about your baby boy’s “teefies”.
So glad you made your salve of honey and aloe vera.
I Love you and your precious baby, Xiao Liwu. He is such a darling and is absolutely adorable!
I was afraid for him when we got to see him climbing in the video. Scared me when he fell. Of course, Terrific Mom, you were right there for him.
Bless his heart. Little WuWu had an exciting Big day!!
Please keep writing your posts!
Dear The Young Beautiful and Most High HIH Bai,
I think you are the best Mom anyone could ask for and I highly advise all young people to read and practice your advise. I am order now, so no more babies or I would wants some of your wonderful salve of honey and aloe vera, however I watched this morning’s climbing adventure of Snugglepuff and got a real good look at all those teeth!!! He has quite a mouthful, Yikes! maybe you need to make an extra strong batch to protect yourself! As always…
P. Bear Hugggys and Air Kisses,
Beverly
There is Honey in her nipple salve, no wonder he is usually ready to eat at any time…….HIH Bai Yun you sure know how to get the best from and too your cubbies, and they follow you around like puppies. When you wish to have nursing with longer breaks in between do you change the salve a bit for less honey and more aloe vera??? You are just too smart, and so is Gao, that must be why the cubbies you have are so wise and adventurous! Love grammmie
Dearest HIH Bai Yun:
I just love getting to read your words of wisdom. I wish I could have heard them when I was young and had my cubbies. Now their cubbies are old enough to start having cubbies of their own….but so far no great grand cubbies. Well maybe in the next couple of years….love grammmie
Oh My. I was gone over Christmas and didn’t get much time to watch “Our Little Gift” so I am so happy to see how Wu is doing so good. How is it possible that he gets cuter every exam ? He is so cute sitting in the ring and holding HIS ball. I am sure everyone saw him on TV. He is a star now. He sure loves his nannies. everyone have a Happy New Year. Bai and Mr Wu are sooo curled up . Mother’s love is what is making him into such a wonderful cub!!!!
What is the correct pronounciation of the cubbie’s name?
Moderator’s note: You can hear it in the video.
Xiao liwu needs to come out
when will xiao liwu Come out
Moderator’s note: January.
HE IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE.I HAVE NOTICE THAT (LITTLE MAN) IS LOVING HIS TOYS ALOTS. THAT IS SO CUTE. HE IS A DOLLBABY. I LOVE WATCHING HIM ?
WuWu is up in the tree climbing. He is so adorable but I hope he does not fall! Adventurous little one!
he just fell! Looks like he is Ok I hope!
How far can a panda fall without getting hurt?
Moderator’s note: Far. They are made to take it!
Joan I bet that the height to be survived depends much on the position when the falling suddenly stops, and what the floor is like. I am not sure but I am hoping there was bamboo leaves between he and the floor!! Love grammmie
ohhh how adorable our little gift is!!! Thank you so much for sharing.
My Wu Wu climbed a tree this morning all by himself. He is such a fearless little man. Sooooo cute.
Panda love,
His proud Mama, Missy Bai
Dear Missy Bai,
You have every reason to be filled with pride! This is one independent little cubbie who knows his own mind — a little like his Papa Gao Gao, might we say?
panda hugs to you and everyone in panda world. May the new year bring many more episodes in the Gao and Bai family adventures!
Oh yes, that stubborness comes from his Papa’s side. His papa was persistent and so the hoomans took him in. AND he was persistent in his courtship of lil ole me, hee hee. He had me at Herrow Ma’am, actually.
Love,
Bai
We always knew Wuuuu was fast, smart, eager, and a daredevil. Remember you were asleep a few nights ago when he patted you bottom gently with his tiny paw a few times, then started leaving the den, almost, then turned, sped up, ran to you, and was lickitty split was on you back next to the wall, then stretched his arms up to get his tiny paws on to the ridge at the top, and started to move clockwise, until he got to your lovely fluffy butt, slid down and landed kerplunk on the floor. He looked more shook up then than after his dismount from the high tree branch…..love grammmie Please give him one of toor famous tooshie kisses from all of us.
Dear Bai … wonderful mother that you are. Doesn’t it make your paws sweat to see the little Wuu Wuu climb so high and then plop off the branches? It does mine!! And, do you think you could saw off that pointy jagged tree trunk? It looks so scary even though WuuWuu likes to chew chew. I hope he didn’t bruise his bottom! love and hugs to you both.
Oh Dear Oh Dear Oh Dear Shalle Li Wuuu is hiding after a fall from a tree. Help keepers!!!!!
Thank you sooooo much for the outside cam of Li-Wu this morning. Seeing him up in the tree was out of this world. He decided to climb all the way to the top of the tree and my heart was pounding. Then tried to turn around, but of course that doesn’t work at this just learning age, and he discovered hanging in there only lasts for a couple seconds. He found the ground the hard way. He, of course, got up from the plunge and kept on going. Mom was there for a you’re ok nudge too. We have alot more to go with this little guy and I’m so glad this cam is here for us to grow with him. His big brother Yuni would be proud.
8:30am Arizona time, hope many of you just saw cubie climbing the tree, up to the top and then lost his hold, and down he went….he’s fine, curled up in the den now!
Oh, and thank you cam operator for not showing the landing, mom checked him over, he wore himself out! Still sleeping soundly!
Exam 19 is great! Mr. Wu continues to amaze me. He’s just so adorable!
I hope DoxieMom caught him practicing his climbing skills this morning in the garden room. He was doing pretty good til he got to the top of the branch and couldn’t hang on anymore. I can only guess how far he fell and I’m not sure if Bai Yun broke his fall or not because the cam was focused on the top of the climbing structure. I think he decided to take a little break after that though. Back to the cam. 
Yup. Nap time after that workout. Sweet dreams Mr. Wu!
Luv U
I was delighted to check in to the Panda cam to see Mr. Adorable climbing around the tree outside! I had some twinges of concern when he climbed so high he couldn’t figure out how to get back down, and then when he fell ….. ohhh. I had to keep reminding myself that the other cubs fell, too, and they were fine.
OH BON It is nice to see you, I don’t believe I have seen you before, have you been with us long??? We love having new folks in the group, as often as they wish to participate. When I first encountered this bog was when Yunior was near this age that Mr. Wuuuiu is now. I first discovered the Pandas online the day Yunior was born. Then I was out sick for a year before I got back, the day Wuuu was born . I really enjoy being here helping spread the of facts I have learned from the contributors here. So either welcome, or welcome back….love grammmie p.s. the worst thing is that I have lived most of my life within 25 to 30 miles from our lovely San Diego Zoo, and discovered the Pandas after it is almost impossible for me to visit the zoo!
Will there be a cam in the exhibit do t want to miss anything he is so cute!
Moderator’s note: Yes.
How cute was Xiao Liwu sitting in his ring, nibbling on bamboo … and then you add his favorite ball ~ darling exam footage!! What a little cutie
Thank you so much SDZ for following Xiao Liwu as he climbed in the Garden Room this morning. He is totally fearless, and an excellent climber … with a few things yet to learn
2012-12-28 Xiao Liwu: Climbing in the Garden Room!!!
http://youtu.be/1RfF-LapbkU
To say I was excited when I saw this would be understating all the emotions that I felt watching our nearly 5 month old Xiao Liwu climbing.
That child is a really fearless climber! I don’t remember any of his siblings getting that high on such an early climb. Thanks for catching this, Doxie.
Thanks for posting the video….I would have missed all the excitement without it!
I thought so too, Mary. He went to the highest point that he could on his first out climb! He is going to be fun.
After reading the comments about the climbing video, I was already getting Panda-flies in my stomach. I’m glad that I didn’t see him hit the ground–watching the drop was enough for me! Thank you Doxie!
Just watched our little guy being so brave and fearless climbing so high in the tree. Bai sure was there back and forth keying an eye on Wu. I was scared as he climbed so high. My heart stopped when he fell. Glad he is alright. Give him a big HUG from me for being so brave. He will be a treat and a many heart stopping monents as he is growing up.
Moderator’s notes: Yes, it’s like that with little ones, isn’t it?
Thanks Doxie Mom. If you didn’t catch these moments I don’t think I would ever see them. I always seem to tune in when he is sleeping in the den. I must admit my heart was in my throat when he fell from the top. I can’t believe he could fall this far and not have a few broken bones.
I remember very soon after access to the outdoor exhibit referred to as the classroom that Yunior took a pretty good fall. I hope someone has the footage saved, he had ended up on the bottom side of a slanted branch and couldn’t get back on top. First his back legs dangled, and try as he might he could not get them back on the log securely. After several valiant attempts he fell into some brush that kind of helped him…..he shook it off and tried another climb elsewhere. If Bai sees her cubs headed for trouble she climbs up and gets them, but I bet that is almost impossible in the garden room. We chew our nails, and bite our lips, groan, and wonder why an ambulance has not been called, frantic that our baby is hurt. You must trust that the NannyKeepers always have his best interest at the front of their minds, always! And so does Bai! Between them they have raised to adult, subadult and babies to be wonderful grown pandas. If they could observe a totally wild female panda in 6 pregnancies, chances are that all 6 will not grow into adults, it would be sheer luck if half of them made it. We chew and nash, ask for information, cry and wonder how they can be so callous. They aren’t, and I bet there were gasps when he fell, and joy when he got up and walked to the den. They love him just like we do, maybe more since they have gotten to be really close, touch him, and have him try to crawl into their laps. We will probably wonder tomorrow why we were so upset today. Of course I have not seen the fall yet, when I do I will chew, Nash, and maybe cry…..love grammmie
First, Bai was pacing long before he was climbing. I watched the footage. Bai seemed to be doing her “power walk” pacing she does
before she anticipates a meal. Had he been hurt she would have picked him up, but he went to the den under his own power. It may be a long time before he climbs that high again, or he may tackle it first chance he gets. Hopefully the bamboo scattered on the floor helped cushion the fall. As hard as the footage was to see, I truly think he is fine, and if Bai stayed in the garden room I would not be surprised if he got a hands on quick check up by the NannyKeepers, which we may never hear about. I, for one, think he is fine…..love grammmie
Yes, there was the one time Yunior fell off the stone ledge and he sqwaked. Bai was there so fast to check on him. AND I know she is smart enough to tell the nannykeepers if something was not right with the Wu.
Yes, I feel sure Grammmie and Lucilla are telling us right and The Young Beautiful and Most High HIH Bai was not alarmed, but it was such a high fall, maybe the SKS Nanny Keepers could send us an little reassurance… please?
Oh my what a fall, is he alright?? Will he climb again after that fall? He showed absolutely NO fear at any point, he is so curious, finds fun in anything… sound familiar to anyone!?!!!
I missed this this morning. Thank you so much Doxie Mom, this is so nice of you to bring these wonderful milestones to us, I appreciate you.
When Wha Mei was just a little one she climbed high in a tree and fell. Bai Yun was there and checked on her and then took her to the keepers-went way out of the way after she laid her down so the keepers would come and pick her up. She was concerned-her first baby. There must be something about that archived.And Lin Ping after a fall was taken by ambulance to a hospital by her keepers and staff. She limped for a time after that.
OMG! He was doing so good with his climbing. It took my breath away to see him fall. He was so high up. Will any check on him to make sure he is not hurt? My poor Mr. Wu.
Whew, have watched many cubs climb but I think Mr. Wu was the highest on his first time out. The zoo needs “tree guards” soon
Ok! I’ll do it for the team… I volunteer to be the “tree guard” for our Snugglepuff, I can start immediately!
So the next time we see the garden room we will get to meet Bev. She will be the one with the clothing on, wrapped around the tree, about half way up, asking WuZi to climb on up and steal a kiss from her, or present is belly for raspberries, oh what a sight we will see when she MUST help him down with her own two hands, I bet he will steal another kiss then. How does that sound….love grammmie
Love it… Perfect!!! I will be there, it will be getting past those SKS Nanny Keepers, you know what THEY are after!!!
Oh dear! Thank God I didn’t see THAT online. It was evening then here in Finland, and I’m sure I wouldn’t have slept that night.
Thank You again, DoxieMom!
Thanks for posting the video. The little guy is priceless!
Thanks for all the wonderful videos DoxieMom. Little Woowoo has certainly come on very quickly. It was amazing to watch him climb so high. The fall didn’t seem to bother him at all. This little guy is sooo adorable. I’m going to see our Scottish pandas on Monday, Yang Guang and Tian Tian. The more I see Xiao LiWu, YunZi and the gang the more visits I make to visit our pandas here! Best wishes for a good New Year to you all from Scotland.
DoxieMom: Thank you soooooo much for posting this. I missed the whole thing, and I too was really excited to see him climbing. Woo- hoo! (Or should that be Wuuuu Huuuuu???!!!) That was quite a fall he took — looks like he headed back to the den after that experience!!! I guess it won’t be long before we start seeing him outside if he’s getting this adventurous!
WHO ARE THE KIDS sitting on the chairs inside the exam room – visible at 0:41? How are members of the public, including non-adults, granted this close access to the cub’s exam? Is this a benefit that’s open to everyone? PLEASE EXPLAIN AND PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS. Thank you.
San Diego Zoo Global responds: We occasionally host dignitaries from the Chinese consulate, wildlife officials, and other entities that are given access not available to the public.
How can I apply to be a panda dignitary? Heee Heee, just joking.Does writing panda stories count? Then there is Doxie Mom too and Grammmie and….
Lucilla
What if we promise to TRY to stay in our chairs and TRY not to hugg on him?!!
Oh, Lovely Lucilla, to even be mention with you and the D Mom does me honor. I do not think we will ever get into the exam room, unless the zoo closes the Panda area, and makes the exam room into the lost and found, and somebody finds me!!! But it is fun to think about. Perhaps the three of us can have a great dream about baby pandas close enough to almost touch them. Love grammmie
I think DoxieMom has provided us all so much joy with her exellent recordings, that she for one should be granted a Panda Dignitary -title. Would it be possible?
Wow!!!! We got to see Xiao Liwu climbing this morning! He was determined to get to the top, too. Once he was there, he didn’t seem sure of what to do. He slid under the branch, then his hind legs dangled, and he fell to the ground below. Bai Yun was right there, supervising. That seemed to be enough adventure for our little boy, as he immediately went back to the den and went to sleep.
Is there a camera outside of the den that we can watch the cub as he follows Mom for an adventure?
Moderator’s note: There is a cam in the garden room and in the north exhibit, where Xiao Liwu will make his public debut in January.
Dear Moderator,
Gald to know Missy Bai has let you know she is ready for Li Wu’s public debut. That boy is born to be a media darling.
Panda hugs,
Lucilla
It occurs to me that any broadcast of our little Wuuuu in the last few weeks might be honored to get an invitation to Mr. Wuuuu’s world debut. Instead of showing interest after the news is over they can spread the news, and give everybody a clue how to access our webcam, so the world knows how to contribute to saving Pandas any way they can. Our wonderful local newscasters will certainly cover us quite nicely, they do a great job, but maybe we can reach with them to a bigger world. Love grammmie
It seems that Mr. Wuuuu has been presented to the world already, on debut day The World will be presented to him! ! ! Love grammmie
Wu Wu is weady to met the world!!! Wuuuuu Wuuuuu!
Moderator, there were only 4 HD cams as of this Spring ~ 2 in the Main Exhibit, 1 in the Keebler, and 1 in the Garden Room.
Have they since added an HD cam to the North Exhibit (aka the Classroom)?
Is this the one you mentioned they were working on a few months ago?
Moderator’s note: There is indeed a cam to stream all Xiao Liwu’s adventures in the North Exhibit. It will be turned on when he makes his official debut. Stay tuned!
Thank you so much for confirming this! I’m doing my best to “stay tuned”
I am confoosed about cameras. It was my understanding that we cannot see into the garden room, that there was a camera in there in previous years but not now. People are talking about a fall by Mr. Wu. When was this and how did they see it? Where is he now that he can fall off something? When did a camera be added to the garden room. Maybe I don’t know what the garden room is. I see the den and then the areas where Yun Zi and Gao Gao are housed. Are those garden rooms? Is the garden room enclosed or out in the air?
The Sunroom is rather bare, and open air, just chain link type fencing for a roof, the garden room is roofed, but has a little patch of grass in it. One night when Yunior was a baby the camera got left there instead of the den. I was up rather late (or all night) and got to watch Bai Yun and Yunior play their “Circus Game” on the grass, in the moonlight. It has B on her back, 4 feetsies in the air, Y on top of feetsies playing the part of the ball, while B juggles him with her feetsies. If she wasn’t successful as a mom I guess she was going to run away to the Circus. She seems to want to keep in practice but I have only caught her once in the den with Mr. Wuuuu being the ball. She was weeks in the den with Yunior doing this. Love grammmie
There is no camera in the bedroom this year as in years past. There is a camera in the garden room where we have watched Bai perched on her platform eating, sleeping and having “me” time. We recently witnessed XLW’s climbing skills in that area last week
HD Cam Count:
1 – Den – Xiao Liwu
1 – Garden Room – Bai Yun & Platform; invasion by Xiao Liwu
1 – Main Exhibit 1 – Gao Gao & the “Man-da” Cave *LOL*
1 – Main Exhibit 2 – Yun Zi & Keebler House
Not seen yet — 1 – North Exhibit aka Classroom
No cams (that I know of):
Bai Yun Bedroom
Bai Yun Sunroom
Yun Zi indoor suite
Gao Goa indoor suite
Keepers kitchen and offices
As Liwu was climbing the tree Bai kept pacing, was she nervous or just watching? She acted nervous. This little fellow is going to be fun to watch and a real dare devil isn’t he?
If momma Bai didn’t want Mr. Wu climbing the tree she would knock (yes, it’s called “splat) him off. I’ve,been watching since TaiShan was a cub and still can’t believe how this young cubs can climb. In the wild they are safer in a tree (so the higher the better)
I just tried to watch the “Great Fall Video” in title fourth color change from the top of this comment section. It took 3 times to get it, but the side routes were good. At first I thought it must have been somehow removed, but third try was the charmer. In the meantime I found the “The Great Fall Yun Zi Took” on the day off his introduction to the press. Put “YouTube” in your search box, once, there in the “you tube search box”, put “Panda Baby Climbs And Falls” (by Barbarella Fokos, if you need her name). I hope you all will enjoy, and if anybody has a DoxieMom19 address for the same time frame lots of us will want it…..love grammmie
I was watching as well this morning when he was adorably determined to go higher and higher and higher. And finally I couldn’t take it any longer, knowing the little guy was gonna fall. So I got busy around the house instead of watching.
And now I hear he did fall, but is fine. 
Kinda glad I didn’t see that. But it is fascinating to see how baby pandas must learn to climb in the wild without any humans biting their nails while watching.
I’m so glad Xiao Liwu is fine. Troubles a persons head, especially when you don’t know where he went. I take it that the door he went through was to his den. He sure went to sleep fast after that fall, but he WAS FEARLESS for a little guy. Love to Xiao Liwe and his mom and keepers.
The door from the Garden Room actually goes to the Sun Room. From the Sun Room, you get to go to the Bedroom and the public exhibit areas (I think). Once you get back into the Bedroom, there’s a door for the den.
So Xiao Liwu had a walk good walk back to the den. I guess it’s good so he can shake off the fall.
Made me giggle to read all the comments in the blog from the “newbies” about the baby falling from the tree! Isn’t it funny how we get used to seeing this?! How many times was it determined that Hua Mei fell before the nanny keepers stopped counting?! The little guys are made to bounce; all those layers of fat Mama Bai made sure he has put on leave him quite protected. How will he learn to climb if he also doesn’t learn how to fall??
I read about the count recently in an older blog. It was one keeper, and they stopped counting after FIFTY. Love grammmie
Ok Exam 19 clip is just adorable. Wuwu is a STAR!!!! Natural in front of the camera. Maybe Po from Atlanta could use a partner, Just like Batman and Robin and save the world with cuteness. LOL
The nanny keepers are putty in his paws and his personal doctors.
He is going to be a little clown from what I am noticing.
OK, my teeth now ache from that overload of sweetness!
I found a link + for everybody…..but first a word about Gao Gao. He is in his tub, looks like he is sleeping. As I watched the visitors go by, their cameras over the “fence”, and wondered if one of the cameras fell into the exhibit, if Gao would pick it up and start taking photos of the visitor.
I put “youtube” in my search box, then in the you tube search box I put “panda Lin Ping in Tailand wild cub exam”, which got a nice list of videos, wild one at the top. It is not the one with her “speaking” in captions, but there is one out there, perhaps from somewhere other than you tube. Love grammmie
That was really a hilarious thought! Surely he would take photos of “hoomans”. We are so funny.
We for example go on two legs! How eccentric!
I have been watching Li-Wu since 7/29, and am amazed by his progress. I share it with my friends, and I feel like a proud “grandma”.
Is there ever a time when all 4 of the pandas will be in the same exhibit? Are the pandas still human-friendly when they get mature, i.e. how do you keep track of the adults?
Moderator’s note: Welcome to the world of pandas, Jilly. Once Xiao Liwu makes his public debut, Zoo guests could potentially see all four of our pandas, but in three different enclosures. The keepers check on all the pandas daily, but we consider them as wild bears and have contact with them only with a protective barrier (unless they are a small, cute cub, of course).
The moderator said it all. Jilly I wanted to add a welcome from the blog commenters and Pandaholics. How would you like your name to appear on your card—- you are joining us permanently, aren’t you??? We have a lot of fun just watching the Pandas, but also with each I other and learn from the Panda Team and Moderators, and each other too. Ask when you want information, somebody will step up to help. Also be sure to give links when you can to other panda stuff when you share it with us. And also check back one or two blogs after asking a question. Sometimes it takes a few days to answer, and the answer will usually appear with the question, in the blog you asked it in. Enjoy yourself and check in every day that you can—some of us are always around…love grammmie. (Once you read a Panda story-from the point of view of the pandas you will want more, you can get to them through the archives, and you will learn quickly how to skim quickly through older blogs comment sections to be able to pick them out. All of the archives have lots of stuff to teach us.)
Just saw the hansom Gao Gao snoozing in his tub! I just love him.
Poor little Xiao LiWu..he fall down and go boom! I did worry if he was alright. I know they have fat layers but are his built up enough for a long fall like that? Thank goodness he didn’t fall on one of the logs or a pointy log like the one he was chewing on up there. He would have impelled himself. Has he been up and out since this happened this morning?
I just checked in on Mr. Wuuuu, he is sleeping, but woke enough to turn, move and stretch not appearing to be in pain. He probably needed the nap from the climb, not the fall, but I hope he catches up on the reverse to get back down. Bai Yun’s babies have all been climbers, and she has had to restrict some of them. It is my understanding that Zhen Zhen was the worste, bypassing collars on trees that were supposed to keep her from going higher. Now we have a bottom patting, mother climbing, stretching to the top of the den wall baby, who only knows up so far. What are we going to see in the next few weeks, grab a bullet to bite on! Love grammmie
Your not kidding Grammie! I was holding my breath all the while when I was watching LiWu the other morning. I just knew he was gonna fall. What a guy. Tough as nails evidently.
Well yes Bonny, except for his fluffy Toushie that needed mama’s raspberries kisses………
I made a video to help people identify Gao Gao:
http://youtu.be/3GaBRQ4HVN0
it is for people who are new to the Panda Cam. if you are the type of person who likes to learn by discovery, this video may not be for you.
Moderator’s note: Cute! I like the mention of the “man-da” cave.
Oh Mo, that was wonderful. I love it. We should start a list of must see videos and photos with the links right there for folks that want to to self educate….love grammmie
That is a great vid. Besides sleeping on the ground, he loves snoozing in his Gao-size tub
thanks all. I literally fill my computer desktop with cam images and wanted to do something fun but useful.
to the Moderator, thanks for your comment. I was questioning whether the man-da cave would confuse people but I’m really glad you caught that and enjoyed it.
Mr. Wu, you did again, you made me melt. How do you keep getting cuter and cuter on every exam. I am totally in love with you, and I am sure everyone else is too. The new toys were just made for you, and I can tell, you will play with these for a long time. Santa did a nice job. I always look forward to the exams, and also the narration. You guys at SDZ are awesome, and I appreciate the joy you are bringing to my eyes. I know anytime there is a new exam, I will enjoy the tears in my eyes, that this little cutie, brings to me. I would be on cloud nine, if I got to even be in the same room with him. Could I sit still and just watch? No way. I would scoop him up, and run into a room and lock the door, and play with him, until security comes and unlocks it, and hopefully just accepts my apology, and lets me go. I wouldn’t really do that, but it sounds good. Kisses to my little cutie, and I look forward to the next exam.
Isn’t it rotten Kathy, that every time we think up a great or funny scheme that these days we have to include a disclaimer, apology, or explanation for whomever doesn’t have a sense of humor when they read it??? We all have so much access to so many things that we end up wrong in somebody’s mind every time we open our mouths, write anything down, or when people think they are reading our minds. I guess there is no going backwards, that is not our way either……love grammmie
The person in charge of the panda cam while Woozy was climbing in the garden room must have been going crazy just trying to keep up with him.
It did look like Woozy was a little less active after the big fall. Perhaps he was just tired out from all the climbing.
It looked like Bai Yun was busy doing her exercise… walking around the room… not even concerned that Woozy fell from such a height.
I would have loved to see a clip of when Woozy saw the donut and plopped himself into it. Doesnt look like he will fit in there for too long.
You will be surprised. I saw Yunior sitting in one at least 2 or 3 months older than WuZi, and Y started bigger and for the most part led in weight gain of all six cubs Bai Yun had.
NBC Nightly News had footage from this week’s exam on their newscast last night (12/27). Seems like the peacock network can’t get enough of Master Wu! He’s a star!
Invite them to hid world debut!!!
His not hid.
Grammie sounded like Wu-zi there for a second….he he..
I have been hanging with him late at night, and he gets me into his way of talking!….love grammmie
Day 19 Story 19
The day Wu Wu found his groove
What Wu Wu saw
I ran out of the den cos Mama said to go outside and explore. I ran after Mama. She moves very fast. This time I saw so many loggies and a twee. I rolled over the loggies and tried to push them and I cwimbed some of them.
I said to myself, ‘Wu Wu, you can. You are stronger. Wu Wu is becoming Super Wu Zi….NOW what would Super Wu Zi do? Why cwimb the twee of cos.’
It was not easy but I enjoyed pulling myself up. The higher I went, I could see more and more. I saw Mama wooking at me. Her mouth was moving. I fink she was pwaying to the Panda God for me.
I tried to chew one of the paws of the twee but it was not nice to eat. One of the twee’s paw was soooooo long so Wu Wu twied to walk to the end. Hee Hee, I wanted to swing from the twee. But Wu Wu’s arms still not stwong so I fly down to Mama.
Ouch! My tushy is a little painful. Mama called me in. OK Nap time for Wu Wu.
What Bai Yun saw
THAT BOY of mine gave me a Grade 1 heart attack this morning. He had to climb that tree. It is the stubborn Gao gene he inherited. I started praying to the Panda God to preserve him as He has preserved all my other darlings.
My mother’s heart did swell with pride as he was good and determined. He did not give up. My boy is fearless and he just kept going. My heart stopped when he went out on a limb literally. I knew of course he would not be strong enought to hold on. He is only 5 months old. DOWN he went. The scream got stuck in my throat. I had to be calm and not frighten him. I called him in for his nap.
And that spunky boy trotted right in as though nothing had happened. My boy is growing up!
What Yun Zi heard
Hey, my bro is da bear! What a dude. He not only climbed a tree but did a dismount that would make ZZ swell with pride. During Christmas, she told me Wu Wu would be an Olympic contender. Man, I love this guy, he will go all the way!!!
What Gao Gao thinks
Hey Hey, that’s my boy!!! Heee Heee Heee!
Yes Yunior it is all in the dismount. What a trooper our Mr. Wuuuu is, poor Mamma Bai, and hopefully we hear some more from Wu tomorrow about his future plans. Do you have some DVDs of ZZ to run for him??? Love grammmie
Leave it to Gao to keep it all in prospective!!!!
Awww what a great story. Especially Yun Zi’s view that it wasn’t a fall but a grand– if somewhat desperate–dismount!! So right. If you look closely you can see him going, “Gewonimo!”
LOL, LOL, LOL, ETC. SC….love grammmie
xoxoxoxoxoxo to you and the story. Excellent.
This is adorable….told from the various viewpoints. Thanks!!
Hope it’s okay to post this. If not, I apologize.
This is the link to NBC News about Xiao Liwu and other Pandas.
Sweet little Wu Wu is the headliner! lol (of course!)!
Mama Bai Yun, your darling baby boy is national news!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/?id=11881780&q=article+on+San+Diego+Zoo+Panda+cub&search=&p=1&st=1&sm=user
Puppy girl (love the name-what kind of puppy?), I used the link but could find only the name day, as the latest story. They all had recent dates on them, but the stories just were farther back. Somebody (maybe you) has put the first day with the ball, with Peter Jennings a few days ago, but that is a week and two days old…..and not even on the page I got. Perhaps I am doing something wrong, could you try your link from this page and let us know what you find. All of the stories on the page I got are six to eight weeks old, or even older. The D.C. Cub was born a month after ours, and to our great sorrow died only a week later. I have found myself hitting just one wrong key messing up the whole thing. Lately I try to remember that once I post it I can test it from the comment section to see what everybody will get when they try it. Then I can ask that my post be removed if it has not been moderated, or I can add a note to give a different one. Bad me—-I forget sometimes…and did so right near the top of the previous blog, or the one before it. Love grammmie
Puppy-I just cruised the story about the American born Panda has eighth cub….it is Hao Hao, and Hau Mei has had one more cubby since then. He was born a week after our Mr. Wuuuu. Small Panda planet-isn’t it???
Grammmie~~
SO Terrific! When my post posted, the links came up so you can click and go to the web site!!
(if you want to).
Didn’t know it would do that for you.
I haven’t yet checked out the story about the baby Panda born a week after Mr. Wuuu.
Thanks for posting about it. Love reading and learning about them.
Have always loved them but have never followed and closely watched them. My Goodness, precious little Xiao Liwu and his Mommy have taken my heart and moved right in. lol I have gone Panda crazy and could watch him 24/7!!
Love reading everybody’s posts and the ones Bai Yun writes are priceless! She is a fantastc writer and story-teller.
Will definately read the story you posted about.
Thank you so much and again~~
Happy New Year!!
You will love reading about the cub born just one week after our Mr. Wuuuu. The cub is his nephew, ninth cub of Hua Mei, first and only cub born to Bai Yun and first husband Shi Shi. That is a lot of Shi Shi/Bai genes in the pool. Her first three pregnancies were twins, then Hao Hao, and the most recent one. It seems between Shi Shi, Gao Gao and Bai Yun we have some fertile pandas!!! Love grammmie
Hey Grammmie~~
I clicked on the link I posted and it went to the MSNBC Panda News site.
Am so sorry about the stories at the top being so behind.
Below is what I went to and enjoyed the pictures and one article.
The pictures are the ones we have seen on here but they are bigger and really up close.
I Loved looking (over and over) at darling little Wu Wu.
Golly, he is SO precious!
Towards the bottom of the page there are 4 choices of web sites with stories.
I clicked on the 3rd one to go to:
Link to Yahoo News w/photos
http://news.yahoo.com/photos/san-diego-panda-cub-slideshow/
___________________________________________________________
At bottom of page, “Panda cub gets new toys” click on Search Results.
Takes you to a Yahoo News choice of articles.
I clicked the top one and got this article with pictures.
Link to article:
http://news.yahoo.com/panda-cub-gets-toys-001940944.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CYsT.NQ9nYAL6rQtDMD
These pictures are up to date. Xiao Liwu with his ball and with his innertube.
_________________________________________________________
Sorry the above links didn’t paste so you can click on them and go to the site.
So Sorry.
Seems I’m striking out all the way around with this!
I love all kinds of puppy dogs. Doesn’t matter how old they get, I call them puppies. Right now I have an 8 yr. old Maltese. So Sweet!
lol She loves to sit on my lap while we watch sweet Wu Wu and his HIH Mommy on the computer!
Happy New Year to you!!
Thank you for the links, I have visited them already. The first photo in the ring, with the bamboo and the right paw wave was my personal favorite. During the video I saw him with rt. paw raised, and after that left paw raised, and saw the flash, so I knew I would get to see one of them.
I know what you mean about always being puppies, that is the greatest trick they ever do………love grammmie
We should save that photo for posters in case he ever runs for President, or King. His mom is an empress so he just may have a good chance. Kung Fu Panda is starting, I must watch it for the ninetieth time…….
When little wu was in Garden room, mom walking around him, is she just checking on him? Does she make any sounds to him? I remember Yun Zi climbing trees, so will this little brother. I sure enjoying watching all the panda on the camera, but I would rather be there in person.
What a cuteeeee love that little wu
If Yunior had any falls in the garden room I don’t think there was general knowledge of it.
Around 11:30p.m. “Day Of The Big Drop” or “the messed up dismount” it is business as usual. When I first checked the den was bare of bear, but a few minutes later I got to check again…no longer bare of bears. Lots of Bamboo leaves, then, Mommie and cubbie playing, she laying down, cuddling him in her paws, he chewing on her head and face. She was tired and wanted to nap, he decided it would be more fun to strike out on his own. I hope he is not in the garden room climbing again. It never occurred to me he might get badly hurt until somebody mentioned impalement in a comment. Well come to think of it he could do that even if she and we were watching every minute, and out of our minds. If he has a toy in there he just might be trying to figure out how to get it to the den. Goodnight for now, I will let you know if anything great comes up….love grammmie
I might be right, hard to tell, mom looks excited, what little I can see of him outside the den door looks like him and a certain favorite ball!!!!! 11:46p.m. PAC time
What is the white shredded matter that Bai Yun is eating in the den at night?
It appears to be the bedding she made for her birthing room. I never noticed that she ate it with her other cubs. I assume she is eating it because she wants to, not because she is hungry but has nothing else to eat, since she has some bamboo in the den with her. I’ve seen her eat this white shredded matter several times.
It is my understanding, from other commenters that it is the Bermuda stuff that wall of the Pandas are falling in love with, especially when Gao Gao gets a tub of it to play, eat and lay in…….if you do a quick review of this and last two blogs you will get the full Bermuda name. Love grammmie
I knew you guys would save my bacon, I did know it was Bermuda , but not grass, thank you guys….love grammmie
That is Bermuda Hay which is my hubby’s fave. He rolls in it and eats it too.
BY
It is Bermuda Hay. It seems the SDZ must have gotten a bale or two and have been filling the den with it. Gao Gao loves this stuff, too. That’s what Bai has been stuffing herself with nightly before she goes to her Garden Room to return with choice bamboo to decorate the den with
JUSY, while strolling through some older blogs I heard about Bermuda Hay, in the comment section 2 years ago. If I find any more earlier than that I will mention it…I never know what I might find when I wander…love grammmie
Just when you think Wu-Wu can’t get any cuter, we see him playing in the inner tube, so happy to get his ball back! How impressing to see him chew on the boo just like Mom. I’m also glad he’s getting to play outside since it gives him a chance to use up some of his excess energy (just like a little kid needs!). I love how Mom appears close by to reassure him that he can continue climbing and then walks past him after the fall as if to say “you’re O.K., no big deal” — they are both so amazing to watch! Thank you SDZoo for letting us be a part of this fantastic experience!
Wow — The Video of Exam #18 with Wu-Wu playing with his new green ball already has close to 580,000 views on You Tube!
Yvonne, thanks for the statistic..love grammmie
Too bad we can’t get those 580,000 YouTube viewers to donate to the zoo and to the pandas worldwide!
Day 20 Story 20
The Day Wu Wu has a Big Dream
Wu Wu was swinging on a trapeeze, way above the heads of the crowds. He loved performing for his millions of fans. He was getting ready for his latest trick. He was going to attempt a quadruple somersault and Zhennie was his catcher. This trick has never been done by a panda cubby without a safety net. ANd Wonder Wu was attempting it for the first time ever.
He jumped off his platform. He had eye contact with his sister. Once he had momentum, he lauched off and tucked his little body. ONE WU TWO WU WU THREE WU WU WU FOUR WU WU WU WU and he reached out. His sister grabbed his paws and held on tight. She knew Mama and Papa will have words with her if she let her baby brother drop.
They reached the platform and waved to the cheering crowds. Wu Wu slid down the rope ladder with ZZ. They took their bows and the ring was showered with bouquets of bamboo stalks and roses.
‘THANK YOU THANK YOU!’ Wonder Wu jumped on his sister’s back to wave to his fans way up in the gallery.
‘Li Wu, wake up, stop jumping on Mama, it hurts!’ yelled Bai Yun who was amused as she saw Wu Zi had a special smile on his face. What is my son dreaming about now?
‘Mama, I was Wonder Wu, a twapeeze awtist with Jie Jie ZZ and I did this qua… qua…qua…somewsault four times and with no safey net. I am Wonder Wuuuuu Wuuuuuu!’
‘WOW, so I am going to be rich. I can get you to perform every night and charge for admission. Great, Mama and Papa can retire to Miami or Florida or anywhere in the world now.’
‘Hee Hee, Mama, it was a dweam! I can try jumping fwom the twee!!!’
‘NO YOU WILL NOT!!’ and with that Bai Yun sweeps Wu Zi upside down and holds him there. However as she looked into his grinning face, she did not have the heart to remain angry. She gave him a kiss.
‘Mama, my tushy is a bit ouchy from yesterday morning. Can you….?
Bai flips him round and soon she was planting raspberries on a very round extra fluffy tushy of a baby cubby who was giggling and wriggling away.
‘Is my Snugglepuff OK now?’
‘Yes, Mama, you da best.’
Bai Yun is a supercalifragalistic story teller. More please!
This really made me smile, I just love these stories. These stories need to be in a book for all to read.
Dear Debbie, you are preaching to the choir, I have been pushing for that for 2 1/2 years. Let us put our Panda heads together to see how we can get this inti fact rather than just wishes….love grammmie
I hear you. What with nursing a baby and all, and Auntie Lucilla being so busy, I have the word ‘BOOK’ written on top of my To Do LIst.
BY
Best Mommy HIH Bai Yun~~
Your posts (stories) are Fantastic!!!
I L.O.V.E. Them!!! ♥♥♥
SO Happy you have BOOK at the top of your To Do List.
Your BOOK(s) would be Number One on the Best Seller’s List before they come out!
Pre-orders would be huge!
Am sure you are really busy taking such Super Great care of your darling precious little Wu Wu.
Both of you have stolen my heart. ♥♥♥
I’m sending ((((((HUGS)))))) and kisses to both of you~~
Debbie from Pa~~
I’m with you 100% on this!!!!
They would be Number One on the Best Seller’s List the day they come out!
Little Wuuu would be a wonderful “Little Gift” for a second time for the entire world!
And lovey HIH Bai Yun, you are da best!!!
Mama Bai~~
BTW~~forgot to tell you I Love the name you have given your cute, precious and funny Baby Boy!
“Snugglepuff” !! How sweet and fitting!!
Poor Yun Zi, is just pacing and pacing…he looks so bored.
Not bored, Debbie, just waiting for lunch. All Giant Pandas, in my experience, pace, when they know that they are due their bamboo replacement.
Might I add my compliments for this wonderful blog. Can’t wait to see Xiao Liwu out on exhbit via panda cam.
So right Lynn, his momma Bai Yun was the first I saw pace. She steps so lively in the outside enclosure that I thought she was power walking to keep her cute figure. After observing it for several days when she and Yunior (my first panda experience) were first out of doors, and asked here in the comment section somebody told me that she always does it before meal service. At that time we saw less of the other enclosures (there were 4 enclosures with 5 pandas then) so I never thought about it being a Panda thing, I thought it was just a Bai thing. It seems like I am still learning so much after 3 years and 5 months. Love grammmie. p.s. so far it seems to me that Bai starts up to an hour before eating time.
I’m on a learning curve…LOL
I saw Jia Jia do that in her enclosure in the River Safari in Singapore. She power walked the whole of her enclosure and then waited at the door for her treats The zoo is trying to get her weight up so that she and Kai Kai can mate next year.
The Meerkats are giving us the most beautiful up close photos of Sweet Daddy Gao… his face is beautifully round and his is HANDSOME!!! sigh…
There was never any doubt that Gao Gao is a most handsome panda. It is his sweet character that has endeared him to me all these years.
Bai Yun
I think Yun Zi need another tree. I think all the blogs are wonderful especially the stories. Can’t wait to go and see Xiau Liwu i June he is growing so much loved the pictures of him climbing on the tree I did worry when he got to the top and fell off but he seemed to be ok.
Xiao Liwu looks skinny; maybe he should eat more. I want to know how zoo keepers feed him. By the way, don’t bears sleep in during winter time?
Andy most do in the bear world but pandas wanted to be different. They kind of do a bit of hibernating ever day. Often, in the afternoons, Gao Gao will sit among his bamboo, drop back and sleep right in the middle of it. In managed care they have a pretty good diet, they do not have to steal a farmer’s food, but mostly they eat bamboo. Right here on the blog and comment section is a good place to find out facts. Consider reading blogs and comments from Oder blogs too, lots of good stuff in them……love grammmie.
P. s. King Fluffy Butt is not skinny, ask any of the NannyKeepers who must lift him for his exams.
Dear Andy,
Xiao Li Wu drinks milk right now. Mummy’s milk. When he is older he will start to eat bamboo. Right now he just mouths it. His weight is proportionate and there is nothing to worry about. For us pandas because we feed on bamboo, we do not hibernate. We take naps throughout the day. As I am nursing, I tend to rest more.
Thank you for watching the panda cam.
Peace,
Lucilla
Greetings from cold Kansas! When the web cam shows an adult bear on display, is it safe to assume that is Yun Zi? Sometimes the Name Label shows but it didn’t today and some sweet bear was have a wonderful snooze! Thanks for all you do and for letting all the panda fans share their lives with them!
Judy don’t give up on us……sometimes we tell who is who from their enclosure. Right now Yun Zi has a hollow tree with it’s cave below, a turquoise hammock and does more climbing. If you saw him side by side w/ Sweet Daddy Gao Guao Yunior would be bigger at only 3 years old.
Gao’s enclosure has a stone type cave, and he is our “grounded” bear, never did lots of climbing. After saying that he will climb all day. I just read an older blog last night giving good ways to tell who is who, but am not sure of the name, but if I figure it out I will post it……Love grammmie
I saw some kids in the back chairs during the exam 19 video. How can I buy tickets to sit in those chairs and how much are they? Also, do we get to pet him? The kids looked very happy wagging their legs as you can see.
Moderator’s note: The San Diego Zoo occasionally hosts dignitaries from the Chinese consulate, wildlife officials and other entities that are given access not available to the public.
Does Gao sleep in his den at night?
I’ve seen on the cam pandas pacing as they await their food in the morning. My question is do any of them vocalize (bleat) to the keepers?
Moderator’s Note: The pandas can be vocal at times, especially if they are eager to be fed
I just checked the Bi Feng Xia panda cams and all three of them show snow. Sometimes I see rain in one and sunshine in the others and you know you are watching old footages.
One of the panda cams seems to have a cracked lens (perhaps due to the cold?) as the view is kind of distorted.
Pandas must be more sensitive to hot than to cold because of their thick fur. Are they more sluggish during the hot summer days?
PRESS ALERT! Greta Van Susteren at the Fox News Channel posted the entire length of Wu-Wu’s adventurous first climbing video on her website today! I noticed that Mama Bai looked up so proudly at the end of the video, as if she was enjoying getting some camera time too — and saying: “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up!”
Wow that is great, thank you for the heads up! Love grammmie
Please post the URL. It was not easily findable via Google.
I need a link, pretty please!
Mary and Debbie I would provide you with one, but I am working from my iPAWmini and copy and paste is hit and miss for me here. I hope to overcome that in time, but not yet. If googling try getting to Greta’s website, then put our baby in her search box. I believe he is the only baby panda mentioned….that is how I finally got there…..love grammmie
Debbie and Mary, you are right, we should all try to include either a link or complete directions how to find the treasures we share. We are each at different levels of skills, links help us who are not naturally gifted with this computer stuff….I am one of the un-gifted….love grammmie
I thought DoxieMom posted the video of his climbing and falling.
It is on YouTube Something about him and the garden room
Day 21 Story 21
The one in which Wu Wu spends time with Yun Zi
‘Ge Ge, what are we going to do today?’ asked Wu Wu as his brother led him by the paw out of the den.
‘Well Mama said to me just now that maybe I can take you round the zoo and visit some of our friends.’
‘OH GOODIE! I wike our zooo zoooo. Wuuuuuuuuu Wuuuuuuuuuu wuvs walkies!’
‘Hop in, Wu Wu,’ urged Yunnie who managed to borrow a golf cart to bring his brother round the zoo.
‘Ge Ge, I wanna go to Africa!’
‘OK, to Africa we will gooooooooooooooooooo!’ and soon the two brothers were on the road to the Africa Rocks. Wu Wu played with the elephant calves. Then they visited the Elephant Odyssey and the Northern Frontier.
‘WOW, Ge Ge, we have so many friends! Auntie Ellies are so nice. Their cubbies are the same size as Mama. I like Papa Lion. His fur is so nice.’
Bai Yun returned with lunch for her boys. A bamboo pizza for Yunior and a large milk shake for Wu Wu. She picked up Wu Wu and ruffled his head.
‘So what did Wu Wu learn today?’ asked Mama.
‘Mama, I found out there are 2 types of ellies; Asian and African. Mama, did you know we are Asian?’
‘Yes, Mama and Papa were born in China. I speak Chinese. Ni shi wo de xiao bao beh!’
‘Hee Hee, Mama just said you are her small little precious treasure!’ giggled Yun Zi.
‘REALLY! WOW, I am a xiao bao beh! Hee Hee. Mama, I also the other kitty kats too. I know how to tell a cheetah from a leopawd. Uncle Leopawd taught me!’
‘Mama, we also visited our cousins, the P Bears. They send you their love and they thank you for the lovely Christmas cake especially since you added some fish essence,’ reports Yunnie.
‘And Mama, I also found out that polaw beaws bave black bodies with white fuw,’ exclaimed Wu Wu who was excited by all he had learnt.
‘Hey Wu Wu, why don’t you draw Mama a picture of all you saw today?’ suggests Yunnie who brings out some crayons and drawing paper.
‘OH WOWIE, Mama I dwaws you a weally nice picture!’ and Wu Zi immediately lies on his tummy on the floor of the den to start drawing.
Bai Yun gives Yunior a kiss, ‘Thanks, son, for baby sitting!’
‘Wu Wu not baby, Mama,’ interjects Xiao Li Wu, ‘I am 5 months old! I am a xiao bao beh! Hee Hee!’
‘Yunnie, was Li Wu polite to all the uncles and aunties?’ asked Bai Yun gingerly.
‘Yes, he was, Mama, A-One polite. One of the auntie lionesses said he was the sweetest boy ever.’
‘Hmmm, that remains to be seen,’ sniffs Bai Yun who nevertheless beamed.
It was 6am cst: Checked on the den and their was Bai Yun and Mr. Wu playing. They are so cute. Bai would cover her face and ears while baby was trying to bite them. He would try to bite on her paw and act like he was tough. LOL Now they are snuggled up together snoozing away.
Just found your blog and was treated to seeing mama and baby panda cub sleeping on the Panda Cam! I visited the San Diego Zoo many years ago and remember the Pandas from them! Can’t wait to go back! (I’m from Michigan so the warm weather sounds nice about now!)
Moderator’s Note: Thanks for checking out the site, you’ll have to come visit us again in person!
Yes Cheryl visit here with us often. Maybe you know something about the older kids in the family that some of us don’t know. Isn’t little Wuuuu just the sweetest and cutest? If you did not see him climb the garden room tree, with the wild dismount, just scroll up until you find the video from Doxie-mom. She is always giving us great videos so if we miss something great we still get to enjoy it. Then there are some great fiction writers who we build a fantasy panda family with. And every once in a while P. Wong does an interview with the bears that are just way too good. I only discovered the site the day Yun Zi was born, I cannot believe how much I missed. This is also a great place to learn more about our bears, and the others around the world. We hope you choose to try to keep up with us, we are the Proud Pandaholics, and welcome new friends whenever we can…..love grammmie
I noticed some kids sitting in the back seats in the exam 19 video. How can you sit in those and how much are the tickets? Also, do you get to pet the cub? The kids seemed very happy wagging their legs as you can see in the video.
Moderator’s Note: The San Diego Zoo occasionally hosts dignitaries from the Chinese consulate, wildlife officials and other entities that are given access not available to the public.
1:19 PM…there is nothing more endearing than Gao Gao with his ultra-fuzzy paws, facing his fans while stuffing himself with boo! He’s having his picture taken by a lot of people.
Gao Gao has they cutest, fluffiest, sexiest, feetsies going. I have seen a few others with the brown extra fluffy trim, but not many. I sometimes wondered if they came from a certain area or breed of Panda. They certainly are unusual. I also wonder if those other fluffies have webbing in between some of their toes. As for me, I think fluffy, sexie, cute feetsies need some special study, and that the lady Pandas who have them, a free trip to the beauty parlor just before mating time if they wish…..love grammmie
I was reading in an older blog last night that there are three different species of giant pandas, and that Bai and Gao belong to the least rare one. Probably in managed care only matching DNA pairs are used. In the Wild do they sometimes cross breed, or not??? Have the Chinese considered using. Cross breeding in order to. Get yet another breed that is more hearty, and might do better in the wild when released??? I find these kind of things fascinating, and would love top more about it….love grammmie f
To know more about it.
The proof reader had the day off I guess, maybe if I payed them.?????
It look likes that Yun Zi has found a new spot in his tree to take his naps. He is so cute just snoozing.
The video is the best yet. Little Xiao Liwu is so adorable.
Thanks for all the info!! The video this week is just “out of control adorable”!!!
The inner tube is great!
Day 22 Story 22
The one in which Wu Wu visits the Fair
‘Wu Zi! Where are you? Come, I need to get you ready!’ calls Bai Yun as she puts on her bonnet.
‘Wuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu Wuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu is here, Mama!’ replies the little cub as he trots into the den, ‘Where are we going?’
‘There’s a fun fair and I thought it would be fun if we went,’ smiles Mama, ‘Let me clean you up first.’ And for once, Wu Wu gladly surrendered to his mama’s ministrations.
Wu Wu was excited and he kept grabbing his Mama’s paw and hurrying her, ‘Mama, qwik qwik!’
‘Honey, we have all day! Ge Ge and Papa will join us later for lunch.’
‘Yipppeeee!’ yelled the little cub as he ran through the gatesnad headed to the ferries wheel. He loves heights and he and Mama went round 3 times.
From the ferries wheel, Mama steered him to the merry-go-round. ‘Mama loves this. You can ride on the horsies,’ and Bai lifts her son onto a gaily coloured horse. He grabbed the reins and squeeled in glee. He waved to an ellie calf he knew and also to a leopard cubby. The children of the zoo were all there with their parents.
One of the Auntie Polar Bears, Auntie Tatty, came by and gave Wu Wu some cotton candy. He buried his snout in the pink candy and soon looked like a pink panda cubby.
‘There’s still some on your fur….here….lick it off,’ directed his Mama as they walked towards some giant tea cups.
‘Mama, Wu Wu wans to go on woller coaswer! See over thewe. You go wooooo then waaaah and then whooopeee doooo.’ Bai Yun smiled but she had to say, ‘Wu Wu you are too small for the seat on the roller coaster. It is dangerous and you can fly off. I am afraid you will have to wait till you are as big as Ge Ge before you can do the ride.’
Wu Wu’s eyes began to water and his face screwed up as he began to bawl, ‘I wanna wide on the woller coaswer!!!! Wuuuuu wuuuuuu wuuuu booooo hooooo.’
Bai hugged her youngest. At the moment, Yunior bounded up with Gao Gao. Yunior took his brother’s paw and said, ‘Hey, Wu Wu, come with me, we can go visit a Pirate Ship! That would be fun and then we can also ride on race cars. How about that?’
‘Oh Oh OK, let’s go!’ Wu Zi cheered up quickly. The 2 brothers walked off. Yunnie turned back and gave his Mama a knowing wink.
Gao Gao led his wife to the Giant Tea Cups and they went round several times before heading to the Hard Boo Cafe to have a boo shake while waiting for their sons.
‘Mama, I met a piwate. Yoooo Hooo Hoooo and a bowwwer of wum!!!…..And Mama, I wan to be a wace caw dwiwer when I grow up, WWWooom……. WWWWoooom! Heee Heee! Mr Gao Xiao Li Wu, Nascaw Champ!’
Bai Yun glared at Yunnie who smiled indulgently. Which little cubby does not have 100s of dreams and ambitions. Gao Gao bought lots of boo burgers and fries for his family. Soon Wu Wu was happily sipping on his milk and mouthing some fries.
‘I am a little li wuuuu wuuuu, I wuuuuv my papa and mama, wuuuuu huuuu huuu, my ge ge is goooo goooo goooood….’ sang the happy cubby.
How would we ever go on without these wonderful flights of fantasy, you must nerver leave us! Your stories are just too wonderful for words from me, I don’t ever want to miss any. As I quickly scroll through some of the older blogs and stop to read yours and a few others I find I enjoy them all over again. Thank you for putting your time, energy, love and imagination into them, along with a few Chinese words and phrases for us to learn from. With your own local Pandas to visit we are lucky you still have time for us….you are greatly loved….grammmie
St.Annes-On-The-Sea
Lancashire UK
Grammie, thank you for your reply. When I go feeding Gao Xing and Bai Xing, I imagine seeing Bai Yun munching Bamboo on the Swan Island. Gao Xing and Bai Xing are taking turns to pick up Baby Wu and show him around the Island and Pond.
I also imagine next day the headlines read “”SWANTA CLAUS TRIES TO WOO WU WU WHILE MUMMY IS MUNCHING BOO BOO””
That is so wonderful Cynthia, I am looking forward to hearing about the future family of swans and the wonderful names you give them. Keep taking photos of the family because things do get easier as we go along on the computers, and every once in a while even I learn something new…..some day you will be able to put those photos on a place where we can all go to see “The other Gao/Bai Family”. Perhaps they will meet our family of Pandas sometime in the future stories we all seem to love so much. Love grammmie
St.Annes-On-The-Sea
Lancashire UK
Gao Goa, Bai Yun, Baby Wu and Yun Zi, I would like to wish you all Sun Nin Fai Lok (Cantonese for Happy New Year) . I have been following you and your family since Baby Wu was a week old and it is one of best things I have ever done. Thank you for all those Enthralling, Mesmerising and Unforgettable moments I have been treated to through the Panda Cam.
To Meg Sutherland and her Panda Team, Keepers and Moderators and Grammie and all Panda Fans I wish you all Xin Nian Kuai Le (Mandarin for Happy New Year). I have been spreading the news of Baby Wu to all the people I meet at the Lakes and Pond where I feed. I am surprised that no one has ever heard of Bai Yun and family.
On the other hand, I am really fascinated by this Panda Family that I intend to study Bai Yun Family History. I am happy that GAO XING and BAI XING, the SWANS are named after them.
We are glad you happened upon us, and have stayed to watch Wu Wu grow into a fine young Panda ready to do his part to help save this wonderful species. Thank you for spreading the word about them too, that is how some new folks get interested enough to help. Some help is gained simply by spreading the word of their needs. When my Panda bag arrives I plan on carrying it with me at all times, so others can admire it and ask me about the pandas too. Have a happy and wonderful New Year Lynn, I look forward to hearing about “our swan family”…….love grammmie
Sorry about the “Lynn” in place of Cynthia, grammmie’s brain must have been asleep when I was writing this. I know, I have to write the name Cynthia thousand times….love grammmie
Thanks for the update and fantastic video. Xiao Liwu just gets cuter and cuter each day.
It’s a few hours early, but I would like to wish all the staff a Happy New Year. I will be in the air most of tomorrow going home, but do not want to miss telling you how much we all appreciate what you do for us, the pandas and all the other animals you look after. 2013 will be an even greater year.
Lee..have you gotten the dates set for the next Pandalympics??? Also we need to know which sports are being contested. We don’t want to get a hockey team ready to find out later that it is out to make room for CURLIING! Love grammmie
Happy New Year Grammmie. I hadn’t thought of the Panda Olympics as this is an inbetween year. But your idea did make me think of little Xiao Liwu sitting on a curling stone, going down the ice and stearing as he goes. Of course he isn’t old enough to have a drivers licence yet so he is going all over the place. Just made me laugh.
Day 23 Story 23
The one in which Wu Wu goes on an amazing adventure
Wu Wu woke up as the rain started to drizzle. He jumped to his feet and looked round. Where is Mama? Where is Wu Wu? Wu Wu is not at home. Wu Wu looked around and he saw many many trees. He sniffed the air. It was a nice smell of rain on grass. He called out, ‘Mama Mama, where are wuuuuuu?’
There was no reply. Only the chattering of birds and insects. Wu Wu decided to explore. He walked through some shrubs and found a stream. On the bank ofthe stream was a round tube, very much like his Christmas present from his nannykeepers. There was even an oar.
Wu Wu pushed the tube to the stream and jumped in. The stream carried him along very gently. Wu Wu liked rowing. He soon started singing. Wu Wu noticed that the stream was getting faster and there were now rocks on the bottom. OUCH. The rocks were cutting Wu Wu. He started to be worried. Where is Mama? Will he ever see her again? Wu Wu felt it was not a good thought. Instead he decided to think about his reunion with Mama. She will hug me and kiss me and bathe me. I won’t mind.
Soon the tube was caught on some overhanging branches and Wu Wu had to jump out. He was a little tired so he crawled into a small cave to sleep. While Wu Wu slept, the sky grew darker as night was coming. The stars were getting ready for work and were lighting each other. The moon was also adding an extra glow.
Wu Wu’s stomach growled and he awoke. Still no Mama. She must be worried and wondering where I am. Oh no, I hope she will not cry. Wu Wu is OK. The little cub dashed out of the cave and he spotted some light ahead. He trotted towards the light.
As he neared the light, he heard the voices of some hoomans. He stayed in the dark. The voices were not as nice as his nannykeepers. He heard the words ‘hunt’ ‘kill’ ‘deer’ and ‘bears.’ Somehow he guessed these are the not nice hoomans Mama told him about. He turned to run away.
As he ran, he was pulled into the shrubs and a hoof was placed over his mouth. It was a family of deer. He told his story to them. Papa deer nodded,’We heard them and they have fire sticks that can hurt and kill us. Long ago, my people and the brown bear people have created a tunnel. Come black and white baby, my children will bring you to safety.’ Wu Wu was placed on the back of a deer and soon they were moving to safety. As the deer gained speed, Wu Wu had to hold on very tight. The deer had to leap over a fallen log and Wu Wu flew off.
He cried out as he had hurt his paw. He bit his lip as he did not want the bad hoomans to find them. Tears started to roll down his cheeks. Where is Mama? My paw is ouchie. He sobbed and sobbed.
Then huge black arms came and hugged him. MAMA!
‘What is wrong Snugglepuff? Why are you crying?’ asked Mama softly.
Wu Wu started to explain about his forest adventure when he noticed he was in the den. It was all a dream.
After he had told his story, Bai held him close, ‘You know Mama will never leave you alone. Ever. And Mama loves you very much but no more sweets before bed time.’
‘OK, Mama. I wuv you lots and lots too, and I will never leave you too.’
Everytime I read these storries, I say it is the best…until I read the next one. All I kept thinking is “awe”, and was very happy it was a dream. You are a very talanted writer, and leave me wanting more. God Bless you!
You said it Debbie——I don’t know how they happen, but I hope they never leave us!!! Love grammmie
Dearest Master WU, May the New Year 2013 bring every cubbie a life free of fear and worry. Happy New Year to all the folks and animals who make these blogs so fun to read. Here’s to celebrating with boo beer or mango-flavored milk and lots of delicious, healthy cuppycakes. Missy Bai Yun, your stories make feeling 5 yrs. old again a very good thing! Really love each and every adventure.
that one was a little bit scary.
When I read this conversation I happened to think how many synonyms for “cute” I have learned during this short time I’ve been on these pages. Very useful for a pandoholic!
While clicking on photos at the bottom of the blogs, above the comment section I came across one by Dr. Ron Swaisgood (hope I got the last name correct), and it is wonderful. Then the comment section color changes 4 & 7 have delightful Lerner And Lowe tunes set to our Bai Yun, Gao Gao family spring 2012 rituals. The whole page is filled with Great stuff so treat yourselves. Just put “Pandas: Unravelling A Mystery”, in the blog search box, and start enjoying yourselves…love grammmie
Happy Year 2013 to all pandafans in the world!
Wishes Kristina and Yun Zin with his bamboo flute
www (dot) facebook (dot) com/#!/kristina.andstrom
While cruising some older blogs I have come across some interesting things in the blog section, above the comments. In the blog “Panda Ducklings” I read what I believed what was written was as I had heard it, except they mentioned only the left rear foot in my memory. Another older blog I read aside both hind feet were entirely webbed on the first four cubs that Goa hand sired to that point. Sure I will run into it again if my habits stay wandering, and I will post it when it does. I just need to keep reading and running into the facts. Enjoy your reading…..love grammmie
At near 1:45 a.m. I found our babies in the den. The littlest one is curled up doing his best impression of a ball, while the big kid has a “set to her ears” that usually means “lets play, I have some great ideas what we should do”. Goodness only knows what will come up next. Goodnight everybody, I will say more only if something really good comes up, otherwise I will see you tomorrow. Love grammmie
Good morning everybody, I hope all is well with you. I just checked the den, big baby is nowhere in sight, but the little one is curled tightly into his ball configuration, to try to keep warm. It seems we were really cold overnight, and this morning. I am going to do my best imitation of a grammmie keeping warm and take a nap. Later Gaters…..love grammmie
And a fine imitation I did, too. I was finally up for the day at the crack of 4:00p.m. Pacific time….love grammmie.
To all my friends that watch this adorable panda Wu Wu and his family. To all the nanny keepers who clean and freshen Wu Wu’s little den and taking care of Mr. Gao Gao’s family a HAPPY NEW YEAR for ALL!!!!
May all the conservation work being done to save the precious animals on this planet have a great year. We have come so far and taken our lumps but we have also done amazing things to turn back.
Thanks San Diego Zoo for your help.
happy New Year all.
what is the white tube in Yunnie’s exhibit with holes in it? is this something to store biscuits for him? or scents? I guess if it’s for biscuits, he will be rather pleased b/c he will get more reward for each interaction.
Moderator’s note: It’s a form of enrichment for him.
Yesterday and today Gao is just setting there flicking his tongue in and out. What’s up with this. Yesterday, he did this for awhile and then just laid down and went to sleep right where he was. H E L P???
Just a quick question & observation. The light is out in the mama & cubs den during the day and it is impossible to see the cub. Is there a particular reason for that or is the bulb out? Also, yesterday one of the Panda cams outside was pointed up into the trees for a long time. Thank you for allowing us to share the antics of the Pandas. You guys do such a superb job!!!!!
From past questions, we have learned that the den has no light at all. The reason you can see grayscale in the den has to do with the infrared light that is used for the cam. When it is gloomy in the den and it looks like there is color, that is when the infrared light is turned off and the cam is using the natural light that is coming through the bedroom door and then into the den. That is why it hard to see sometimes.
As for the lovely view of all those trees, the cam operators move it up there (or like we see the top of the den) when SDZ keepers are sprucing up the exhibits. I think we get long exposure to stuff we don’t want to see because the cam operators are pulled to do something else. Sooner or later, he/she can get back to the cam *crossing fingers* and readjust it.
I noticed some kids sitting in the back seats in the exam 19 video. How can you sit in those and how much are the tickets? Also, do you get to pet the cub? The kids seemed very happy wagging their legs as you can see in the video.
Moderator’s note: The San Diego Zoo occasionally hosts dignitaries from the Chinese consulate, wildlife officials and other entities that are given access not available to the public.
I would like to take a moment to wish my fellow bloggers, staff, keepers and of course the Gao family a Happy and Healthy New Year. May this coming year be a year of Hope for a better tomorrow for the world. Please don’t take anything for granted, embrace life, hold family close and please just Hope.Enjoy
Brilliant close ups of Yun Zi just now. Thank you so much to the camera operators for all their lovely shots in 2012. Look forward to seeing more in 2013, especially of Xiao Liwu, when he is out on exhibit with Bai Yun.
To everybody at SDZ and all my blogger friends HAPPY NEW YEAR, good health und all the best for 2013. Thank you for all your efforts in writing blogs, composing videos etc. and, therefore, informing me about our” little gift” who is absolutely adorable and too cute for words.
I have to apologize for not participating in blogging but I went through a rough patch during the last couple of months and just did not feel motivated todo any blogging. But one of my New Year’s resolution is to change this! The panda family definitely helped me to realize what is really important in life!
Best regards from Austria
It is so nice to see you again Ruth. All of us have to take time off for many different reasons, but seeing you again makes it worth while….love grammmie
Thank you, Grammie, you made my day! It is lovely being part of the big Panda family again. Love, Ruth
Here’s wishing the SDZ Panda universe, the Gao-Bai family, the kids and grandkids in far-off China, the keepers, narrators, bloggers and moderators and all the participants, a very happy and prosperous 2013.
To the wonderful Panda Team and all the caretakers, and to those checking in and contributing their talents to this blog, have a wonderful and healthy 2013! It is a blessing that Wu-wu’s adorable videos have resulted in media attention worldwide, and I pray 2013 brings more support for our precious Panda Family and SDGlobal. Panda Hugs for bringing such joy to so many!
I have a question for anyone that has an answer….When any of the Pandas are out at night, including our little Wu, what is their vision like in the dark? Can they see like a cat can at night? Especially since there is no artificial light for them.
I actually asked this question a couple of blogs back. The answer was they have great night vision. Also, the Atlanta Zoo did a study on what colors they can see.
If I am remembering correctly…not as good as a cat, but better than us Hoomans….love grammmie
Thank you both, I have so many questions.
Day 24 Story 24
Wu Wu got up early, really early as he wanted to do something special for Mama on New Year’s Day. He walked on tippy toe to the kitchen.
Wu Wu had it all planned. He took a stool and got out some boo cereal. He poured some into a big bowl. He went to the fridge and got soya milk for the cereal. He placed the bowl on a big tray on the table.
He dragged the stool to the fridge as he saw a loaf of sliced panda bread. He managed to get 2 slices. He remembered Mama liked them toasted and with honey approw jam. OK, there is a small jar of jam in the fridge. Got that. Hmmmmm, now where is the toaster?
After he left the jam on the tray, he scanned the kitchen and he spotted a nice panda shaped toaster on the kitchen counter top. Yay!! All was going well to his Mission: Tweat Mama.
He popped the two slices in and managed to switch it on to ‘HIGH’. I want to make it nice and warm for Mama. While the bread was being toasted, he went to look for some tea bags and Mama’s favourite china mug.
‘Sniff Sniff, Wu Wu that is not nice smell,’ thought our intrepid cubby. He turned towards the smell. The bread was burnt to a crispy black. Oh no!!! Wu Wu was upset. He wanted to make nice breakfast for Mama.
‘What is going on here?’ asked Mama who awoke when she smelt the burnt toast. Wiping sleep from her eyes, Mama Bai immediately took in the scene. Wu Wu looked so crestfallen as he held up two boo tea bags in his paw.
‘WOW, Mama is so blessed. Wu Wu is trying to make her breakfast right?’ smiled Bai as she scooped her son into her arms.
‘What do we have here? Cereal with soya milk. Toasted panda bread with honey apple jam. And you were going to make me a mug of boo tea? WHAT A DARLING WUUU WUUU WUUU!’ exclaimed Bai. She rained kisses on Li Wu.
‘But Mama, I burnt the toast!’ wailed Li Wu.
‘So what, it is the thought that counts and most important you learn. For toast, the mid point is fine,’ assured Mama, ‘Come I can make some more toast and Wu Wu can serve me. Is that OK?’
‘YES, Wu Wu can sewwe you wuuuuuu wuuuu wuuuu well!’
Bai put the kettle to boil and popped in two more slices of bread to toast. When all was ready, Lady Bai sat down as her personal wu-let served her a mug of tea, a bowl of cereal and a plate of toast. After she had her breakfast, she opened the oven where she had placed two cuppy cakes to warm up. And a certain little wu-let had cuppy cakes to eat with his warm bottle of milk.
Happy Wu-nderful New Year to one and all.
Thank you, HIH Bai Yun~~
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and sweet Li WU WU!!!!!!!
And here sits grammmie with a silly grin on her face….love grammmie
HIH Bai Yun, what a fine young man panda he is becoming….I saw him climbing bravely in the garden room this afternoon. I see he is going from room to room as he wants to, except when you do not want him to. I am not sure if he took a fall from the “tree”, he had a much shorter fall from the walkway to the shelf, and if he fell from the “tree” it was not from such a height as yesterday. By “Welcome Wuuuu Day” he will be doing you very proud, and not falling while the world hold its breath. I remember the day Yunnie met the world, but then he had plants to cushion his fall…..love grammmie
that was very sweet. I can imagine a lot of children have done that.
Happy New Year! Bai and Wu must have gone to a pawty with Daddy Gao and Big Brudder Yunni because their den is empty!
And they came home to the den sooooo tiredddddd…..love grammmie
happy and healthy new year to the san diego zoo mods, cam. folks, vets, keepers
and the world wide panda family of bloggers.
peace and kindness for all.
joan
Wishing everyone and every animal a peaceful, healthy, and blessed New Year ahead! Thank you for all the great blessings and lessons learned this past year!
Found this video of 4 pandas going down a slide at the Chengdu Panda Base — the way pandas deal with any talk about a fiscal cliff! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=sGF6bOi1NfA
Yvonne…..I have seen some of that footage, but never noticed the spot of paint/dye above the tail of one of them. Could not see the same spot on others, but could not get the right angle to see. I guess they need some way to tell them apart. About the NannyKeeper…she seems too young to be a senior staff member. I assume she is a senior since she is paid to do the most fun job in the world. She sure is lucky to get a job that makes her laugh, a panda babysitter, and exercise too…..love grammmie
My Mom e-mailed me the link for this. What a hoot. I think Bai and Xiau LiWu need a slide like that. Oh what fun they could have on one of those. And Yunnie too.
Day 25 Story 25
The ABCs of Bai Yun by Gao Xiao Li Wu and Gao Yun Zi
A is for Approws, one of Mama’s favourite treats.
B is for Bai Yun the Beautiful. Mama is one of the most beautiful panda Mamas ever and she was once Ms Panda Universe. She won’t tell us which year though.
C is for Cubbies. Mama is a Hero Mama as she had 6. She loves all her cubbies equally and differently.
D is for Den which she decorates with boo so that cubbies feel warm when they are first born.
E is for Ears cos she has perfectly round ones and she loves a special unequal pair (left side chewed off).
F is for Finesse because Mama is a lady through and through.
G is for Gao Gao because he is her heart’s delight. Hee Hee, and because he is our Papa.
H is for Hua Mei, her first cubby. Jie Jie has a book. She is also a hero mama. Woo Hoo.
I is for Ingenious cos Mama is very clever and she knows when we play tricks on her.
J is for Joy and Jolly cos we know she brings us joy and she is always jolly.
K is for Kingdom of Pandas. Mama tells us many stories about the times when we had panda kings and queens.
L is for Love. Mama loves us unconditionally and we love her right back.
M is for Mei Sheng, our No 1 Ge Ge. He is now in China and soon he will be a papa. He is also cute looking.
N is for Nap which Mama says are important for her to prevent the dark circles under her eyes. We think Mama has a wicked sense of humour.
O is for One and Only. Papa says Mama is his One and Only and he taught all his sons (ok, maybe not Wu Wu yet) that they have to look for a Forever Princess like Mama.
P is for Pandas, hee hee. Cos Mama comes from a famous line. P is therefore also for Grandpa Pan Pan.
Q is for Queen which is what many hoomans call Mama.
R is for Regal cos Mama walks like she is supermodel or a queen.
S is for Su Lin, Cubby No 3 and now a Mama also. She is a famous decorator and likes to re-arrange trees.
T is for Thankful. We cubbies are thankful for Mama and her care.
U is for Understanding as Mama is kind and understanding when we mess up.
V is for Virtues which Mama tries to teach us well.
W is for Wonderful cos Mama is wonderful. (W is also for Wu Wu! Nooo, your name is X! Nooo, I am Wuuu Wuuuuu!….OK, OK, you win Ge Ge
! )
X is for Xiao Li Wu, her sixth cubby who is born to perform aka Mr Wu, The Wu, Snugglepuff, Wu-ster, King Fluffy Butt, Sausage….
Y is for Yun Zi who is 3 years old and her second son and fifth child. He is looking for a Forever Princess and former Miss Panda Universes can apply with full resumes.
Z is for Zhen Zhen, Mama’s 4th cubby and third daughter. She is a world famous gymnast. She likes sports and is looking for a male panda who enjoys swinging from trees.
[This is dedicated to our wonderful Mama from your loving sons.]
Sorry Yunior and Mr. Wuuuu I am so sorry, I hit the wrong reply button, you ended up with cousin Tai Shan, thank you….love grammmie
A Happy New Year Treat just for you. I am still not great on copy and paste on this tablet device, but I have direction to a you tube video that I mentioned months ago, and since I am still awake (watching our favorite baby and his lovely mom in their den) I decided to look for an American panda escape.
In your search box put YouTube, then in the YouTube search box put “Tai Shan Great Escape with Mei Xiang’s Help”. It just goes to show you that even when cubs they can get to where they want to go……enjoy…..love grammmie
I should have mentioned that Tai was born in Washington, D.C., and now resides in China. He has been endearing himself to fans everywhere, his fame follows him everywhere……love grammmie
This is so PERFECT, I just do not know how you do it, but we are so blessed that you do, do it…..love grammmie
7:18 AM. Nobody in the den but there are a couple of large pieces of bamboo. There is a little guy outside of the den, pulling on one of those stalks…. I can see a small ‘arm’ now and then. He does keep busy
It was like he was playing rowing the boat.
Happy New Year to all. May it be a prosperous one.
Happy New Year to everybody (bloggers-panda fans, nanny keepers, moderators …) : good health and full of “little gifts” for 2013 ! Good growth for our lovely young Xiao Liwu and enjoy for all our panda’s family. Best regards from France !
Well, the last I looked the den was empty and it was empty when we went to bed. Was someone sneaking a midnight kiss from little Wuuuuu? Suspicious isn’t it. Well, if you were, we could totally understand it. You’d be forgiven. It’s hard to not kiss a stranger at the stroke of midnight on New Years eve.
Stolen kisses at midnite! I bet missy Bai and her forever beau Gao Gao had a few… Leaving a teensie window of opportunity for “Wu-let” smoochies… We won’t tell!
There must have been some dancing at the party the Gao family attended…..I watched the big one and the little one sleeping in the den most of the rest of the night. Love grammmie
Why does Gao Gao waste so much of his bamboo, it looks like he is making tooth picks. Does he go back and eat it later. Thats likes eating a pizza and leaving the top of crust to last, or that is the way I eat it.
Janice he was separated from his mommy at a very young age, and had no one to teach him conservation and table manners. He has since put all of his energy into being a cub maker, a job he is well suited for! Love grammmie
sometimes I can’t tell Bai apart from Yun Zi. especially when I can’t see the exhibit’s distinguishing features and when she is eating. Yun Zi’s face looks like Bai’s face to me. I guess Yun Zi must be skinnier on his bottom part. but Bai eats in a decisive manner as does Yun Zi. does Bai have bigger ears than Yun Zi?
Mosaic_World: I am so glad you posted this because I always feel that Yun Zi looks sooooooooo much like Bai Yun. Bai may have rounder ears — I’m not sure, but otherwise, he sure is a chip off the old mum…
There are days when I see him and I have to say that I only know it’s him because he’s in his exhibit…
Oh my, he fell again…………………can you put straw under the log? Hope he is okay.
Good idea, Mary. At least when I used to see Yun Zi fall, he was falling onto dirt and leaves, etc. I worry about “Liwu the Great” hitting that hard surface… Yikes!!!! Moderator and staff, can you allay our fears for our little guy?
Moderator’s note: If it was a concern, the Panda Team would take care of it. Panda cubs are tougher than they look!:)
Happy New Year’s Day folks!
Love watching Bai and cub in the other room. Bai is eating and Wuuuu was trying to get off platform. He did try to go down rear first but then turned and tried to go down face first. Ir as about 2:50 pm PST
Well, he fell half way down. Right behind Bai who never stopped eating!
Wuuuu got up and went over and played with the boo on his back.
Nice rough boy she has there!
So happy to see him out of the den for a change!
Thank you ever so much.
It is now 3:05 pm on New Year’s Day and suddenly the camera switched from Wuuu playing with boo, too an outside exhibit.
I think most of us prefer to watch the cub ramble around learning about the world over watching Yun Zi eat again and again.
What is with the camera controller?
Thanks
Aw that was so cute to see Mr. Wu up on Bai’s plate form. And then to see them with boo sitting next to each other. Thank you SDZ for letting us see them out side sometimes. it is nice to see Mr. Wu up close besides the exam videos.
Xiao Li Wu figured out how to climb down the big tree (dismounting tree) in the garden room. guess he didn’t want to dismount again.
Xiao Li Wu was so proud that he down-climbed the tree that he woke Bai up from her nap on her platform. She was so proud of him that she gave him a bite on the cheek.
Grammmie got lucky today! ! ! I got to see Mr. Wuuuu on the resting shelf in the garden room, saw him fly down to mommie, and recover. Then we had Yun Zi eating and moving around his enclosure, then back to held breath, as Mr. Wuuuu got as high as yesterday, but without the fall. We were in a static shot for a bit, until the cam moved to the shelf again. There were both of our bears playing. I hope somebody shares footage, sometime soon. I have seen it live, but would love to see it again, and again, and again…….love grammmie
Oh lucky grammmie…I pray Doxiemom caught it….
Darn! I missed the whole thing. I bet Wuwu had a smile on his face when he made it down without falling.
Wishing Everybody
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
BIG THANKS to ALL our Panda lovers for your Wonderful posts!
BIG THANKS to our Panda Keepers and Nannies!
BIG THANKS to the San Diego Zoo!
Without ALL of you, we wouldn’t be here.
Hope ALL of you have a Wonderful New Year 2013!!!!!
Amen…I agree on all points!
Even on New Year’s Day the folks are working at the zoo!
I just saw the 20th exam on our local news tonight.
Looks like Wuuuu had fun falling in his donut!
I watch moma and baby very early in the morning 5-5:30
I love the way they play. He is very fisty after a good nights sleep and moma
has her hands full. Looks like she’d like a few more winks but he’s not having any of that.
it’s a joy to watch the interaction between these 2 wonderful beings.
We are so lucky to get to see them.
Thanks for all you do from the Beautiful Pandas
Just saw the article on Hua Mei having 8 cubs since she left here just a short time ago.
To me, it seems they are breeding her way too much in such a short time!
Moderator’s note: Hua Mei went to China in 2004 and has had nine cubs; three sets of twins and three singlets. Those twins really add up quickly!
Jeslyn, Unfortunately Hua Mei’s 8th cub died shortly after he was weaned. It was very sudden and very sad. So Hua Mei has 8 living cubs. No. 7 is my wild child that I adopted, Hao Hao.
I should also add that Hao Hao and Yun Yun, born about 20 minutes apart in July 2009, returned to Bifengxia on December 21 from Guangzhou where they were part of the cohort chosen as mascots for the Asian Games in 2010.
I have read that panda’s do not do well with twins and often ignore one of them. Is that true and if so are the vets successful in keeping the ignored one alive? Why would they not care for two cubs?
I saw this recently on TV – fascinating story about the challenge of raising twin pandas at a panda center in China. http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/episodes/panda-nursery/
To my knowledge twins have never been born at the San Diego Zoo, but I’ve read about them in China; The veterinarians remove one twin to take care of it then rotate it and the other twin cub I believe every few days so that they’re each with the mom at separate times and the mom ends up bonding with both of them altho she only takes care of one at a time. China has been very successful with this process.
Thank both Mat and Sheryl for the information. I appreciate it.
When I was new to the pandas (the day Yun Zi was born) I read that both his pregnancy and Zhen Zhen’s pregnancy were seen to be twins, but by the birthing day the twin had disappeared. The mother’s body absorbs the fetus that fails to develop in most cases. If need be the mother disposes of the twin that dies, all of her energy is put into raising a cub that should live. The swapping deal is great, except when the cubs are about 5 months old she gets to have them both—–talk about looking confused……now there are two five month old terrors to deal with. There are some great videos out there, try to see some about twins when you are checking out a video from somebody on the blog. Momma seems to be asking how did I end up with two of them???? Love grammmie
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Chari
Grammmie played wander through the older blogs tonight, and found a great one that, as I scanned through the comments, I found a few things to bring to your attention. Being that this comment section is so long I am going to hold it until the next new one goes up….I hope you will enjoy it. It was written by Narrator Anastasia, who contributes often to us, and is 3 years old when………Yunior was about 3 months old. I would have liked to have taken more time to read every comment, but the eyes got tired, I took notes so I can read everything another time, I will give you a few comments to look for…love grammmie…see you tomorrow.
Day 26 Story 26
‘OK, listen up, baby bro. What will you see when you enter the enclosure?’
‘I will see mama. She will walk ahead of me. She will sit and eat boo.’
‘Yes, Mama loves her boo and she knows the pandarazzi are only interested in you.’
‘Wuuuuuu Wuuuuuuuu!!! Heee Heee! So I trot towards them and wave. The hoomans with the black magic boxes will take photos and make movies of me and mama.’
‘OK, there will be sudden lights going on and off. You must not be scared, OK?’
‘OK, Wu Wu is a brave boy. I am not scared. Mama is with me. Also the nannykeepers.’
‘Cool, whatever you do, keep smiling. Wave the paw. Look into the camera.’
‘Ge Ge, you asked me to say somefink about myself. Can you listen to my speech?……Ahem…..Herrow, everybody. Thank you for coming to see Mama and me. I am Xiao Li Wu. I am wu months old. That’s right, wu can also mean five. And I is five months old…..Oh, I am five months old…I am a baby ta xiong mao hee hee hee. My mama is Bai Yun and my papa is Gao Gao. I like drinling milk and I cannot eat bamboo yet. I sleep a lot but I like climbing…..Can I show you?….Ge Ge, I thot I will show them my cwimbing skills, hee hee. I can do the dismount wike you showed me. This time I hope my tushy not so ouchy. How?’
Yunior grinned at his baby brother. Yunior knew his brother was fearless and also daring. He will be a media darling.
‘Oh, Wu Wu, one of our special aunties Auntie Weeta will be around to take photos for Mama’s album. I will point her out to you and whenever you see her, you must give her the mega watt smile, OK? Show me the smile!’
On cue, Wu Wu flashed his pearlies and gave his brother a big grin. Li Wu was working hard as he knew his mama wanted him to get good press.
‘Ge Ge, I want to make Mama and Papa pwod. I hope they will be happy,’ said Wu Wu, ‘I fink I will sing a song too….I am a xiao li wuuuu wuuuu wuuu, I come to love yooooou yoooou yoooou, Will you smile for me toooo toooo toooo? And fink of me when you are bluuuuue bluuuuue bluuuee….I am a xiao li wuuuuuu wuuuuu…..’
‘Hey nice, let me see if I can get ZZ or Hao Hao to play and create a track for you, that would be way cool.’
‘Ge Ge, you are kewl! Wu Wu wuvs you!’ and with that Wu Wu hugs Yunior. Yunior picks him up and decides to swing the little fella around and Mr Wu goes, ‘Wheeee Wheeee, Wuuuuuuuu Wuuuuuu Wuuuu!’
Am really surprised that sdz allows flash photography near the pandas, particularly near a new and nervous cub. Have often seen flash going off on the exhibit but that can’t be restful for the pandas. I know lots of zoos prohibit flash photography in enclosed exhibits – are the sdz flashes ‘accidental’ or is it ok for visitors to take close up flash photos?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Panda Team. .
This is for a special photo op for the pandarazzi. When I was presented to the public, I remember some flashes. I just want my baby bro to be prepared for anything, he is Wonder Wu Wu!
Love,
YZ
I have observed a lot of flashes going off near our Pandas here, and in other parts of the country and the world-but never have I seen a Panda even blink, let alone flinch from them. Perhaps their eyes are not near as acute as their ears are. Just putting a stepladder up in front of Yun Zi’s enclosure caused a sense of alarm from him, but never flashes from cameras. Were it difficult for the bears the NannyKeepers would make us stop immediately. It is Bears First, Visitors Second always! Love grammmie
They’re incredibly strict about flash photography and visitor noise at Edinburgh zoo’s panda enclosure. Just wondered if there’s any evidence of harm or distress to the p bears – though to be honest it makes for a nicer visitor experience too to hear the keepers talk quietly to quite small groups without the distraction of flash photography. No criticism intended, just wondered.
Happy New Year ~ and a 1/2 hour of Xiao Liwu in the Garden Room is the best way to start a new year
You’ve read about Mr. Wu’s Garden Room experience, here are the videos:
2013-01-01 Xiao Liwu, the Platform and the Log in the Garden Room
http://youtu.be/r8OvjssbnnY
2013-01-01 Xiao Liwu and Bamboo in the Garden Room
http://youtu.be/DwArIaG5il0
2013-01-01 Xiao Liwu on the Climbing Structure
http://youtu.be/u5s89p1s8SI
2013-01-01 Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu on the Platform
http://youtu.be/0tHbSo9VftU
If you don’t subscribe to my YouTube channel, I post the links on my DoxieMom Pandamonium FaceBook page. Also you can search for “DoxieMom” on YouTube and this should enable you to find the most recent videos if you’re curious as to whether I’ve captured something that has happened.
What a treat! This little man is adorable. Thank you so much DoxieMom for providing these videos for us. Happy New Year to you, also from the Scottish pandas who were in all their glory when I visited them on Monday. All we need now is a “little gift”!
Precious DoxieMom… thanks a mill — what would we do without you?
(one can only wonder at the worldwide impact of p bear deprivation…).
Thank you so much for these videos, Doxie. They are just wonderful, and would have been so sad to have missed them if not for you, and your devotion to these beautiful creatures. Many thanks always. Have a wonderful New Year.
Doxiemom, if I could see you, I would give you so many kisses for posting all this. I missed it and was afraid I’d not get to see it. I am in panda heaven, thank you so much…XXXXOOO
Happy New Year everyone! Thanks so much for the video. Little Mr. WuWoooooo is too cute for words.
I am fairly new at watching the Panda Cam when it is not on a cub. Yun Zi is presently walking around and around his enclosure. He has a lovely area with lots of fun things to climb, swing on, etc., but often I just see him pace around and around. Is he bored or is he doing something else? Sorry…very new to Panda behaviour as I am usually a Polar Bear viewer and more used to their habits! Thank you in advance! xx
Generally it’s around the time when the keepers come out to spruce up the exhibit
Debi it is nice to see you, and to have you join us in panda viewing. We hope you join us as often as you can, and share the things you happen to see. Polars are also lovey to watch, but some of us just cannot get past the panda part. In the middle of last night–or early morning hours the den got lots of use, but they could not seem to agree on sleeping times. I saw Bai play a lot more with Yun Zi in the den time, but the last two weeks have been really active for them. They look so sweet when sleeping together, I could even watch that for hours…..love grammmie
When I read these cute panda-tales, I happened to think that It would be nice to have them published in a little book wich could be available at the Zoo shop. It would be a lovely souvenier for a child.
Wonder if this will help us to curb our burning desire to hug/kiss Woozy…
http://www.squishable(dot)com/pc/squish_panda_15/fp_squishables/Squishable+Panda
Betty… FYI, your page isn’t loading!
Did you change “(dot)” to a period?
I couldn’t get it either
I dont know what to say…
Once I change (dot) to a period, then I go straight to the site…
Just go to Squishable site and look for panda. 15 inches of huggable/kissable cuteness.
http://www.squishable(dot)com/pc/squish_panda_15/fp_squishables/Squishable+Panda
Here’s the working link … and, yes, it’s a cutie!
Moderator’s note: We don’t allow links to outside companies, so I’ve changed the link. In order to get it to work, delete the word (dot)-and the parenthesis!-and put a period in its place. (And I think they’re cute, too!)
There are three sizes to this squishie …… a huge beanbag is even available.
Moderator,
Was that why my link to Yun Zi’s musical New Year Greeting didn’t work? But I’m not a company.
Moderator’s note: Not sure what happened there, but I’ll ask some of the other “filling in” moderators.
I scrolled through the whole thing, and every once in a while there were actual panda photos, I believe they are our loveable local pandas. I was so enthralled that I did not even look at the prices. Thank you for contributing this to us…..love grammmie
Happy New Year 2013….Saw a blog this morning with a newspaper article that Young Master Wu ( Xiao Liwu ) had his 20th. Examination yesterday and weighed 16 pounds… If it did happen will Blog be updated with statistics and of course video and pictures…. Thanking You in Advance for all of us Pandaholics…
If you click on the Video tab on the SDZ homepage you’ll get the video of the 20th exam of our rumbunctious little Wu.
rambunctious that is …
and very very funny.
Listen Grammie, you didnt answer my question, does he eat all of it or not?
Look, where is the little man, let us see the sun room, please, please, please.,
Actually I have no idea why he seems wasteful, but I have seen all of them do the same. Perhaps it has something to do with his bad digestion or sore teeth a while back (they have been fixed or compensated for), but as far as I can tell he has always done this. I am no expert, I only came to know pandas the day his fourth cubbie was born in 2009. Let us hope someone with more experience will supply a better answer than my guess. Okay folks we need to know why Gao Gao seems so wasteful with his bamboo??? Love grammmie
I think it is just a preference. I understand from some books on pandas the centre is softer and to some pandas tastier. Maybe as been noted before because GG has problems with his teeth, he likes softer boo. Most importantly he loves his boo boo and he is healthy. If you watch Yun Zi and Bai Yun, they do strip some boo and some they eat as is.
Oh my! The video of exam # 20 is way, way too cute — especially the end when he ends up with his fluffy butt in the air trying to squeeze into the tire. What an adorable little guy — just want to give him a good cuddle. Simply precious!
please…where did you see it?
On the SD Zoo homepage — right side! Un-bear-ably cute!!
Found it…thanks! I wish it were longer, but gee: I’ll take all the Panda cuteness I can get. (So I hit replay…and replay…and replay)
You guys are way too right, that King of Fluffy Butts in the air was just the right note to end on. Do not despaired, that donut will accommodate his cute little bottom for months to come. Since a new exam has been done either tonight or tomorrow we should have a new blog, and comment section tonight or tomorrow. I keep wondering if we could love this little guy any more than we already do–the answer seems to be yes….love grammmie
Gao Gao really seems to be enjoying being on the Stone Throne today. Wonder if any hint of Bai is still left.
Uh oh, Gao Gao is doing the tongue thing again
I’m glad someone else noticed it. I wasn’t crazy.
I had once written in as I was worried that GG was experiencing discomfort in his teeth or had some infection. I was assured that he is fine and also it is a habit he has developed from young.
I thought he got ahold of some peanut butter. LOL
What was that tongue thing?
Is there a significance to Yun Zi’s rolling behavior near the fence? I know he paces in anticipation of keeper interaction, but that repeated rolling in that one spot is something I hadn’t seen before. I was wondering if he was trying hard to get faster attention from the keeper or was expressing his pleasure at the anticipation of attention.
Trina, sometimes they do things like that when they hear or see NannyKeeper activity too. Like little kids they will do cute things to entice a smile, treat, or play. Sometimes they are simply amusing themselves. When having a near riot, all by himself on “cinnamon day”, I thought he was demonstrating the fire safety drop and roll maneuver as a public service, but it was just part of him having his own riot for his favorite scent. He sure was silly that day!
Exam #20 shows our little charmer is getting harder and harder for his humans to control. Wish he could stay a wee one forever. Time goes by much too fast.
I really wish he can make his first debut before I go back to school
I happened upon what must be our cub’s 20th exam….it was hidden just like the mountain lion/puma/cougar on another blog page! Just happened upon it! Hide and seek for the cougars, and for us pandaholics looking for the latest baby exam!
Moderator’s note: Think of it as enrichment for our blog readers.
LOL… moderator, I just love ya!
))))
Love it, Moderator ~ “enrichment for blog readers”. Clever!!!
I tried both the clouded leopard and the cheetah thing…nothing…..what did you put where to find it, I do not seem to see where mountain lion/puma/cougar stuff is located? The closest I came, at the top of the page was leopards and cheetahs. HELP…..love grammmie
Grammmie, you must go to the Home page of the Zoo. From panda cam page, look to the top left. Clink on Zoo. When the page comes up, you will see on the left an ad for Backstage Pass. To the right of this is the zoo videos and a pix of Honey Wu Wu (my baby brother loves this name at the moment!) and click on that to watch the video of his 20th exam.
Love,
YZ
Well my thanks to YZ and Honey Wu Wu……I will try to remember those directions in case I ever need them. As it turned out my electricity was off all day because a transformer needed some maintenance and I had to sleep all day, because I was up all night reading and typing about you guys! That was good since the blog hiding thing got fixed while I was sleeping…love grammmie
BEVERLY…… When I started reading the comment section of a 3 year old blog, and was enjoying DoxieMom videos (there are 3 of them) I thought of you, and proof of the SKS NannyKeepers guilty problems you must see. The section is not far down, and is similar to the ones we get now. The one I am bringing special attention to is the one in the middle….and the Perp is none other than Head NannyKeeper Extraordinaire herself, Kathy Hawk. You will see how easily they gain access, at this point Bai Yun is locked up and helpless. The baby is Yun Zi in the early spring of 2010, but a baby and a kiss are still just that. You do not see the kiss, but…………………love grammmie
BEVERLY. The blog name is Panda Attraction,also the same as the one below……love grammmie
Whoa..its dark…someone forgot to put the cam on the den when they left for the day…all I see is darkness with some tree trunks..missing the lil guy
I read the rest of the comments in the blog about Yun Zi, and found another few goodies. Blog name, Panda Attraction. 7th color change down, and 42nd are good, and counting color changes from the BOTTOM number 21(a DoxieMom goodie), and number 66-a photo of our Yunior smiling. If you decide to check them out I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed the review of both the blog and the comments…..I had a good time….love grammmie
There isn’t light to see the pandas tonight…Bai Yun or her baby “Little Gift”….
Is there a reason we are not able to see the pandas?? Is the power out over there?
I thought someone would monitor what goes on in the den from time to time, every so many hours??? I hope the pandas are okay…
Sometimes in the rush at the end of a shift, or day at the zoo, the cam gets left (in last night’s case on Yunior’s enclosure) where they last were, or even caught on clothing and spun out of whack, when fully dark we see nothing. Sometimes if there is a great moon, or a light left on we get to see night magic in the out of doors. This is very special when we catch Momma and young Wuuuu playing and tumbling in the cool of the evening, by moonlight. The first time I mentioned this (Yunnie was little), pandaholics were humming “Dancing In The Moonlight” for days. The screen was not sharp, but having seen them play in the light you could “see” what they were doing…love grammmie
While cruising through some older blogs I think I figured out why. Mr. Wuuuu was patting his momma’s bottom last week. I saw a photo of his big brother Yun Zi, tapping his momma’s leg to let her know he wanted to nurse, according to the person writing the caption. It suddenly made sence to me why he might be patting……does this sound likely to you guys??? It certainly suggests why he repeated the gesture a few times. The way she was laying did not seem to invite nursing while she slept…….love grammmie
A few days later, I saw the little one sitting next to Momma and he was patting her head with his left upper paw. I thought he was thinking, “I wuv you Momma”
I’ve also seen him tap his left lower paw, like Momma taps her right lower paw.
Well Addict, we will just have to keep observing until we know, then we will decide what it means and tell the Pandas. Or even better….we might hear Fromm Momma Bai, Daddy Gao, Yunnie or even little Wuuuu Man what the patting is about. When I observed The Wuuuu Man he seemed to be just repeating it without thinking. This will be fun to track down, so others be sure to jump in with anything you think might help us solve the “patting” ritual. Just refer to this comment, but on the next blog…..covering exam 20. I am good at reading back, but last time I checked the top it was closing in on 400 comments…..love grammmie
When Yunnie was young, like Mr. Wuuuu, he was treated to a constant foot tapping of her right foot almost every time she nursed him, it seems much less frequent this time……love grammmie
Day 27 Story 27
‘What are you wooking at, Ge Ge dear?’ asked Mr Wu as he trotted up to Yunnie who was flipping through a scrapbook.
‘Oh, nothing, nothing much,’ replied Yunnie.
‘Hee Hee, then why Ge Ge go red? Hee Hee Wu Wu can see,’ giggled the cute tyke.
‘Here, what do you think?’ asked Yunz as he showed Wu Wu a pix of Miss Panda Universe 2008.
‘Ish that Mama?’ asked Wu Wu screwing up his face to concentrate on the lady panda walking along a tree-top catwalk.
‘NO, it is Hui Ling, Ms Panda Universe 2008…..Mama was a Ms Panda Universe once though. Mama is a beauty still….’
‘Oh, she wooks wike Mama, I fink.’
‘You think? Her eye patches are broader, her face is fluffy, her ears…’
‘Are wound wike Mama’s!! Your girlfwen wooks wike Mama!’
‘She is not my girlfriend. We are paw pals and we write letters.’
‘Then Ge Ge, why you sigh? Do you want her to be your girlfwen?’
‘I don’t know. Mama says I am too young. I have to wait till I am 5 or 6 like Sheng before I start to think about a girlfriend. By then I hope to have a stable job, a decent home for her and the cubbies.’
‘WOW, will I also have a girlfriend when I am 5?’
‘Maybe.’
‘But Ge Ge, I will be 5 soon.’
‘Wu Wu, I meant 5 years not months.’
‘Oh, whew, I ish not weady for girlfwen. What is a girlfwen?’
‘A lady panda that you love and hope to be your wife.’
‘Like Papa and Mama?’
‘Yes, Mama was Papa’s girlfriend and then they married.’
‘I see. Nice. I think a girlfwen is nice then. Mama and Papa wuv each other lots and lots. Mama tells me stowies about Papa, funny ones, sad ones.’
‘Look, here is their wedding photo. See Mama’s wedding dress? Made from bamboo silk. And her jewels? Harry Bearston. See Papa is in a HUgo Bear tux.’
‘Papa looks sooo nice in his tux….Ge Ge, the nannykeepers keep using tape to measure me. Am I getting a tux made too?’
‘No silly. They want to see how big you are growing. And you are growing!’
‘YAY! I am Wonder Wuuuuu Wuuuu Wuuuu! I am Honey Wuuuuuuu Wuuuuuu!’
‘And you are Champion Wuuuu Wuuuu! Hey, you want to make a scrapbook and keep things to remember in it?’
‘YES, Ge Ge, can you help me? I want a book too. Can you take photos of Mama and me? I also want photos of you and Papa. And can I have a photo of Panda Claws? And the nannykeepers?’
‘Maybe you want to have some words to say how you feel?’
‘WOW, Wu Wu the Wwiter! I can also dwaw picwures too. Hee Hee, maybe I can pwint my book like Unka Bob T Panda. I wike his book.’
‘Come, let’s put this book together.’
‘Thanks, Ge Ge, you da best.’
Hello boys—where could we find this book with Bob T. Panda ? ? ? It is nice to see you guys working together. You are a very helpful big brother Yun Zi, but I suppose having 2 big sisters near you when you were young helped make you such a good brother. It must have been hard for you when they left for China to help all Pandas survive. But now you have a new nephew because Su Lin was old enough to meet a Panda Man and have a baby. Soon it will be Zhennie’s turn. I sure hope her babies are born knowing how to fly, because they will need that to keep up with her. Then it will be your turn Yunnie, but being a hands on papa will make things different for you. We are glad The Wuuuu man is there to help you get used to helping care for a young Panda, not always an easy job. Mr. Wuuuu would you say that your big brother has helped you a lot? I know he could not get momma to give you less baffs, but that is one of those “mother knows best” things. See you boys soon…..love grammmie
When do they ever take baths???
We pandas self clean. I clean my Wu Wu though as he cannot manage on his own at the moment.
Panda hugs,
Missy Bai
Jennifer if Bai Yun doesn’t mind I will add just a bit here…….the San Diego Zoo tries hard to care for animals as they would be in the wild, and since there is a tub in your enclosure (Bai will introduce Mr. Wuuuu to it later) Pandas get to decide when there is need. If an animal were sick, or have a skin infection, only then might the staff take any steps felt nescessary……….love grammmie
Xiao Liwu where are you?
First Where is the Panda cub cam?
I haven’t seen Xiao Liwu in days !!
Having a withdrawl at night ! lol
Second: thank you keepers for your wonderful loving care
you do for the Panda’s especially enjoying the exams !
Much be a joy to be so close to Litte Wu
It shows !
Pleaze bring back the Panda cam for Wu !
Hard to sleep at night as it is
Thank You!
Doxie Mom
Love your videos.! Thanks for keeping us informed
Moderator’s note: He’s a moving target these days, and he is often in areas where there are no cameras. If you want to make your panda-watching efforts more of a game, just imagine you are in the panda’s native habitat; you’d have to spend a LOT of time looking to see one!
Is the 20th exam going to be posted on this page? I know its on the video page already but folks might not know that.
Moderator’s note: Looking into it!
It’s so hard to pick out Liwu’s cutest moment in this week’s exam video, but I think it’s a four-way tie between Wu cuddling the green ball, climbing out of the tub and running away from the nannykeeper, sitting in the tubby, and diving head first into the donut with only his fuzzy widdle butt showing. Personally, I don’t think there’s anything cuter than a “cub in a tub”, (except Gao in his super-sized tub), and I look forward to seeing Master Wu interacting with the tubby in future videos!
When I watched the exam yesterday it ended with the fluffy bottom in the air.
Yun Zi is napping happily in his hammock with a hay mattress to cuddle him.
I envy you folk at the Zoo having so much fun
YOu are soooooooo lucky. Thanks for sharing the cutest panda I’ve seen, we visited the zoo 5 years ago and loved it then (we’re in Australia).