Diagnosis: Acute Cuteness!
I was privileged to attend panda cub Xiao Liwu’s exam Wednesday morning, January 30, my first ever, and I’m sure I will always remember my close encounter with Bai Yun’s Little Gift. I’d love to share this experience with all of you!
The exam was scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. I arrived early (naturally!) and greeted our photographer, Ken, videographer, Maria, and members of the Panda Team. A large piece of thin carpet had been laid down in the keeper work area where the panda cub exams are held, and a Kong toy, small plastic ball, leafy bamboo, a small log, and an apple slice were all in place, just as I’ve seen in the exam videos. I looked directly into the eyes of Matt Kinney, the attending veterinarian, and asked him to please make sure the six-month-old cub was fine after the many falls and tumbles he has taken. Panda fans want to know! See video below to hear Matt’s findings.
At this time, Bai Yun was already out in the north exhibit, eating her bamboo breakfast, but the cub had been held back in the off-exhibit bedroom area for the exam. At 8:30, panda keeper Beth opened the door to the bedroom, scooped up the cutie, and placed him on the scale in the bedroom to get his weight. She called out his weight: 19.4 pounds (8.8 kilograms), and then carried him into the exam room. I gasped in delight when I saw him in her arms: Xiao Liwu in the flesh/fur/cuteness! My very first thought was how roly-poly he looked. My eyes got wet, but I tried to remain calm.
Our nutritionist, Jennifer, had been delayed, but Dr. Matt got right to work with the physical exam, as the team didn’t know how long Mr. Wu would be cooperative. The cub’s eyes, mouth, heart, body condition, and more were all checked, but I found myself watching (envying!) keeper Beth scratch and scritch the active cub to keep him in one place and keep those curious claws and teeth away from our doctor. Xiao Liwu seemed to love every minute of attention! He enjoyed the apple and grabbed onto the ball, but ignored that bamboo stuff and log. Yet the cub was silent throughout—didn’t make one peep the entire time!
I asked Ken to take some photos of Xiao Liwu’s paws, as so many fans have wondered if those paws are webbed like father Gao Gao’s. I wanted proof that they are not! Ken obliged, and I saw just a barely visible patch of gray fur on each hind leg. I tried to look for his black tail tip, but the cub kept his tail curled up. I was amazed at how close Ken and Maria were able to get with their cameras without bothering the special boy one bit!
And then, Jennifer arrived and handed me a clipboard: I was to jot down the measurements she took! That’s right: I would be doing something useful! I got to get down at cub level next to (not on) the carpet so I could hear Jennifer call out the different numbers (13 different measurements in all!). By then, Xiao Liwu was eager to explore more of the carpet. He came right over to me and TOUCHED THE CLIPBOARD WITH HIS NOSE! Now, I have a confession. Many of you were hoping I would have the chance to touch the cub and whisper sweet nothings in his ear, and I certainly could have at this point, but I did not. Why? It was such an honor to be there, to be this close, and I wanted to respect him as he was. It’s hard to explain! He was so near that I could SEE what he would feel like: a very coarse-haired chubby panda cub. It doesn’t get much better than that. Just the fact that he came over to me (and my clipboard) was all I needed to feel fulfilled (why are my eyes getting wet as I write this?). I hope you all understand.
Xiao Liwu was so unfazed by the whole exam thing, but we’ve promised guests that our little panda star can be seen on exhibit daily at 9 a.m. With a sigh, I watched as he willingly followed Beth back into the bedroom. From there, he continued ambling through the tunnel system and right on out to the exhibit, where I could see Bai Yun STILL munching on her bamboo but facing that door, as if watching for her cub’s arrival. I hear he feel asleep soon after!
I stayed behind to ask the Panda Team some of the many questions panda fans sent in, and I will share the answers in a future post. Right now, I’m still on a panda cub high!
Debbie Andreen is an editor and blog moderator for San Diego Zoo Global. Read her previous post, Panda Cub: Last Exam?
Click to enlarge chart
Oh wow Debbie ~ how exciting to be that close to Xiao Liwu! Thank you so much for your detailed and very enthusiastic report
Look forward to the Q&A part ~ but in the meantime, enjoy your panda high 
Hope you don’t mind if I repost the links for Tuesday’s videos since I just now posted them on the last blog (and some people might not look there).
2013-01-29 Xiao Liwu: Adventurous and Playful (Part 1)
http://youtu.be/VS1bqlAhIe0
2013-01-29 Xiao Liwu: Adventurous and Playful (Part 2)
http://youtu.be/ScY5E2p6gnY
Thank you Doxiemom!! You never let us down!!!!
Thank you Doxiemom. I really really enjoyed your videos.
Thank you for the wonderful videos, as always.
awwww you sound sooooo lovely ….im glad you enjoyed your close up of the cutest wee baby panda …he is simply adorable …and i can tell how much you appreciated your special momment with him …..ive been taking several pics of him and mum thank god for that option on the cam …brilliant …xxxxxxx i know you must have been bursting to kiss him lol xxx
Thanks Doxie Mom. As Usual there with joyous pictures and times. Iwas glad to see him having fun at the ground level and his confidence at getting down from precarious positions.,You are the best, and R ita is loved too. How lucky we all are for both of you. I cherish Ritas pics of Zhennie from China.I still think she was waiting for Rita to take her home. Many tears.
She(Zhennie) is occupied right now though with choosing a husband,BF or friend. Has a great position in the trees for such a search.
Sending love
Hi Debbie, don’t be sorry for your eyes watering, mine did as I read your story. You are very lucky to be there in person. Something I know I will never get that chance. But how ever I love watching the panda cam and watch little mr.wu and laugh as he plays and scares me every time he falls and when his Mom Knocks him down of the plat forms or logs. Yes please tell me he is ok every time he falls.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!
The video of our precious baby was so awesome as were Debbie’s comments! What fun to read! There is just nothing that can replace the video to see the adorable cubbie as he really is – Please keep it coming – it’s almost as good as getting to see him in real life!
Totally enjoyed and appreciated the videos you posted on youtube. Thanks so much, Doxiemom.
This was an excellent recap and video of the examination! It’s always great to hear about the American born Panda Xiao Liwu’s exams!
Oh Debbie, I am soo excited and happy for you! I know that you will remember this last exam forever! Can’t wait to see the video and experience it with you all over again!
OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
SO CUTE!!!!!!!
What a wonderful experience Debbie!!! You did a terrific job writing the blog, I felt I was right there with you. I too had tears welling up when reading your report. You’re a better person than I: I don’t think I would have had the willpower not to reach out and touch him. I think we can all honestly say this is one encounter you will never ever forget. Can’t wait to see the video. A job well done Debbie!!!!
Thank you for sharing this with us Debbie! What a privledge to have been able to be that close to him and participate in his exam.
We are so privledged and lucky to be able to watch him every day as well as getting the updates that you all provide to us. Not to mention how awesome it is to have the oppertunity to have our questions answered. SDZ FAR surpasses other zoo’s!!!!
What an amazing experience! You will be in Panda Heaven forever! And I especially bow down to your respect towards him. Like you said, as tempting as it is to scoop them up and kiss then all over, it is not meant to be. That is reserved for Bai!
Thanks Debbie. I loved reading that blog. xxx
Debbie, I am so happy for you! My eyes got wet (more than once) reading your post. I applaud your decision to respect this perfect little furball. I know you will never forget this experience. We all envy you, but you deserve to be there.
what a great blog! You scared me though when I logged on to Facebook and saw the headline “Diagnosis” I gasped at first and thought maybe he was ill LOL!!!
LOL I had the same reaction…
Debbie. How wonderful for you to see him close up in the flesh and fur. You are lucky. We appreciate your wonderful blog and the way you relayed your experience so eloquently. Cannot wait for the video!!!
Love the blog. It also put tears in my eyes for your excitement of meeting the famous Mr. Wu. He has gotten so big! And it is no wonder why they said no more exams. He is still such a joy to watch all the time.
Saw Mr Wu on ABC early news this morning having his exam !
he was so cute but wild ! lol
Is the video available for us to see ?
Debbie your experience was so amazing and looking into the cubs eyes
must have been so exciting ! Did he look at you?
He seems on the news very active
so did the Vet get the measurements?
Does he “talk” or vocal thru out the exam?
Congratulations Debbie !
This is our last SDZ Panda cub for now?
Sharon
Debbie responds: Yikes! I forgot to mention the Xiao Liwu did not make a sound AT ALL during the exam. And I even had my digital recorder there so I could share his cute sounds with all of you!
So, the next time you will get him to sing, he was overcome with emotion, and just couldn’t sing for you today……love grammmie
I’m so happy for you. I don’t know if I could have restrained myself from touching him. Your will power is much stronger than mine. I am glad you were able to ask about the falls. I watched him take a long, hard fall the other day and was worried until I saw him playing around afterward. Truly amazing how resilient they are.
Congratulations Debbie! Your description of the exam and your anticipation, participation and exhilaration is so surreal that I feel like I was in the corner watching. As people read your post I am certain that they too will have tears in their eyes. You also showed great respect for the team and Mr. Wu by not reaching out and touching the little guy. I get it !!!! I am sure that that will get you an invitation to return one day. Thank you so much for making the experience so vivid for all of us that love that furry little guy.
And so much we don’t see that is all part of he game of taking care of such a wonderful exam. We just all wish we could all be in your shoes or be so loved as to be chosen by Mr. Wu for special attention like you were. Then for Beth to give him a squeeze—oh to own her arms she has never been so moved before that moment, but opportunity training was just right. Love blooms at the San Diego Zoo, but lets not tell onBeth’s little slip. Love grammmie
Great blog Debbie..great insight into what happens at an exam. Looking forward to the Q&A session.
Thank you for being so descriptive!
Debbie, you described your wonderful experience so well I felt like I was there.
Thank you. I’m still dabbing my eyes.
Got a question….why does Mr Wu’s white colour appear to be paler than his mum?
Debbie responds: I think he’s just dirtier. Bai Yun has often be called the Teflon Panda, as dirt just doesn’t seem to stick to her.
Debbie,
Did anyone ever figure out WHY nothing seems to stick on Beautiful HIH Bai coat. Is it like silk, where not much will stick to it, just slides off?
She is perfect clean ALL the time!
P. Bear Hugggs, Beverly
Maybe Bai-yun might have more of the oil in her panda pelt so dirt bounces off her more… OR she is just so gifted with a nice coat
http://blogarchives.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2006/03/06/coat-of-many-colors/
If her coat was oily, she would get very dirty! Oil feels slippery, but actually it seems to attracts everything and it stays on the oil.
Perhaps you are on to something… maybe the other P. Bears have more oil in their coats than Beautiful HIH Bai Yun!!! She may have a “drier” coat. We need to get to the bottom of this!
Dear Moderator!
Did You save the clipboard?
Debbie responds: It was Jen’s, and she took it back. I should have traded the one I had, with all the questions on it, for that one! WHY didn’t I think of that?! Augh!
Now you know the fist thing to do tomorrow! Love grammmie
How awesome!! I couldn’t help but get tears in my eyes reading this.. Mostly because I am very jealous
What a wonderful experience you had and thank you so much for sharing it with us. I don’t think I would have the self control to not touch him.. He just melts my heart every day when I watch him. He’s truly a gift to all of us!! I can’t wait to see him this spring!!!
Tears of joy for you Debbie! Thank you for the concise minute by minute report. I could “see” it all. Can’t wait for the video. Thank you so much for all the special requests fo the vet and the photographer from the bloggers! You will remain on this cubbie high every time you think about it ~ as in FOREVER!!
What a GREAT experience Debbie! He is sooooo cute and adorable I don’t know how you had the willpower not to grab him and squeeze and cuddle him. You are so lucky…Looking forward to the video!
Debbie we are all jealous of you….you had CUTENESS so near!!!!!! He is ready for Hollywood and to work with Master Po (from Atlanta) With Mr. Wu’s super cuteness and Master Po’s kung fu they will conquer the world!!!!!
And our Yunior the manager, and opening act, with Bai and Gao looking on with pride. I hear that ZZ is getting ready to date too, the whole family is in the Panda business! Love grammmie
Debbie, great blog!! I totally understand the wet eyes!!!
I, too, have tears welling up in my eyes after reading your update. Just to be in the same room with a panda cub is enough, I do understand. The pic attached is in your own words “acute cuteness”. Just look at those eyes, he is enjoying the attention you can tell.
I look forward to the answers to some of our questions. As our Little Gift is my fifth panda cub to watch on cam (started with Tai Shan at the National Zoo) I am aware of a panda cubs bounciness. Like I have shared with few, panda cubs bounce like the bumble at the end of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Thank you again for your wonderful update.
Congratulations!!!!
And, thank you Debbie for being so considerate as to ask the questions about Wu’s falls and getting extra pictures of his feet to satisfy the fans’ needs.
Debbie responds: I hope to have a paw photo to share to go along with the upcoming “Answers” post.
Why am I tearing, too, reading your write-up! So very touching… and I am sure it is one of the many highlights in your lifetime! You are so blessed and so deserving (especially, for all the patience you have with us fans
! ) It is kind of sad, though that he did not make any sound as I (and perhaps, others) would like to hear his voice for the last time.. but we are all glad he was comfortable with everyone at the exam and that is a very, very good thing!
Thank you very much for your wonderful report! We will anxiously await your next report and tid bits of this wonderful experience (photos, videos (hopefully a long one)) !
I’m so glad little gift is okay, I’ve seen him fall a few times and my heart stood still, but I see that he seems to roll and bounce right back. I just love this little guy. Every morning I look forward to seeing him. So happy we can. Now my next step is to try and see him in person!!!! Takes time and money to get there, but I will someday!!!
Hope you’re still on that high Debbie! You are one lucky lady, I don’t know how you managed not to rummage through that gorgeous fur….
Debbie I am so happy the experience you had at the exam went so well. You must have been so thrilled he came over to you, how precious. I know you will have tons of info posted later but I have one more question, did it look like he might have the bushy rear paws like Gao Gao. I know you will treasure this memory forever and we all know it could not have happened to a nicer person.
Debbie responds: Thank you, tanda! I’m hoping to post an up-close paw photo for all to see on my “Answers” blog. What struck me were those claws–they seemed much sharper in person!
Have seen the video on Critter Talk already this morning.. now that I know who’s who I’m gong back to watch it again.. Debbie we all understand how easy it is to get wet eyes. for us who just read the blogs and for you who had the priviledge of being so close to such a beautiful animal not to mention a such an adorable one too
Thank you so much for sharing your experience at Xiao Liwu’s exam Debbie!
It was really good of you to respect our little gift as himself, a panda cub!
Thanks for looking for those lighter spots on his hind legs.
Too bad you didn’t see the tip of his tail. I suspect that his tail is very small.
If I am not mistaken, the length of the tail is one of the measurements. I wonder if you could find out how Xiao Liwu’s tail is in comparison with his brothers and sisters.
Thanks in advance!
Debbie responds: Spoiler alert: his tail is 3.5 inches (9 centimeters) long.
Thank you Debbie. What a joy to share in your excitement, almost as if we were all there with you and enjoying this precious little bundle of fur. Like the others, I’m not sure I could hold back from touching him, I’d love to feel a panda’s ears, they are soooo cute. I look forward to seeing the video, I always loved seeing the little surprised look in his eyes. Thank you SD Zoo for sharing this special wee man with us.
Thanks for the wonderful report Debbie! I can totally relate to the
tears. We came to the zoo when little Tai Shun was on exhibit and we
were so close. The tears started and I could not contain myself.
After watching him from birth, I was overwhelmed with emotion.
Keep the reports coming. Wu keeps us very entertained. He’s so
precious, just like his brother, Yunni.
What a wonderful report, Debbie! Thanks for asking about Mr. Wu’s many tumbles. I watch him many times a day and he is just the cutest thing and always warms my heart and stops it when he starts climbing so high. He is inquisitive and a very determined little guy. I just treasure all you do at the Zoo to preserve these animals and thank you for sharing with all the admiring fans. When I need a lift, I head for the pandas! God bless you all!
Awesome!!! What an experience… My eyes were wet too reading about your adventure… It just doesn’t get any better than that does it?
I forgot to add… Dr. Matt is a cutie too!!! heehee..
Dianna, Dianna—someone already has his heart. Xiao Liwu and the rest of the Pandas at SDZ.
:
Love hearing the reports on Mr. Wu. I can’t wait for April to get here. Purchased my airline tickets yesterday. I am bringing my 6 year old daughter there from NC to see him and the other pandas in person. She has watched all the pandas via panda cam her whole life and now she gets to see a cub in person. Can’t wait!
Debbie responds: That’s wonderful, Jennifer! What a great gift for your daughter!
Debbie, so excited for you!! Thank you for sharing this experience with Xaio Liwu!! He is just so lovable and huggable!!
Fantastic report. So envious of you. Now looking forward to the pictures and the video. Any idea why he was not “speaking” yesterday. Too many people perhaps.
Thank you agan.
Debbie, this is very exciting. I met your mom and dad in the exhibit last weekend. Your Mom stopped to ask me if I was Doxiemom
how funny is that? Your parents expressed how proud they were that you had been allowed to experience this with Mr. Wu.
Debbie responds: Yes, I heard they were thrilled to meet you, Mollie!
Sorry for being nosy, but is Mollie Mr Wu and Yunnior’s Auntie Rita?
Wow Debbie! What an experience you had! I felt like I was in the exam room with you while reading this indept blog! I sense your excitement during th exam and I am so glad you got to see our little gift up close and personal. I can’t wait to hear some of the answers from the keepers. I have one question, what does he smell like? I hope that is not a crazy question lol. Thanks again for sharing your experience with us!
Debbie responds: Thanks, Tia! I didn’t notice any odor from the cub at all. I think the prevailing smell in the room was bamboo.
Tia I am glad you asked about his smell, I wondered the same thing. lol
Debbie you had 1 have the best days of your life and you will not forget.
Thank you for telling us.
Debbie, sorry if someone already asked this, but I just have to know, Who was it that snuck a hug? That was so cute in the video
Debbie responds: That was keeper Beth!
I would have too!! And more than one, even
Hope Bai doesn’t see this tape! That hug was almost a kiss!
To me it certainly looked like a kiss, although she tried to hide it.
Sorry, I don’t agree with the diagnosis. Mr. Wu suffers from chronic cuteness syndrome. It is not acute, he will never recover
How exciting for you and for us to be so up close and personal..This little boy Panda is just the cutest thing..I can almost feel his coarse fur as you talk about him coming so close and touching your clip board with his wet nose…I hope this is not the last time you get to be up close with this baby..Bring us more fun time with Mr Wu..Thanks for sharing this bundle of joy with us.
What a touching report! How thrilling for you. I couldn’t wait for the video…I found this link for those who are interested.
http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/san-diego-zoo-panda-diagnosed-acute-cuteness-182754190–abc-news-topstories.html
thanks for sharing. wow, Xiao Li Wu looks like such a big panda boy in the video. also I was surprised that the reporter reads the zoo blogs.
Thank you so much! I couldn’t wait to see the little darling!!!
LOU
Be sure to watch the one below that Debbie posted, it is a tiny bit longer, and shows the “Hugging Scandal”. I did not see it in yours. But I may have blinked. Love grammmie
Oh How lucky you are Debbie!! to actually see him and be so near to him, my fingers would have been itching to just touch him once! Can’t wait to see the video exam!!!!!!! Lucky You I am 100% jealous!
I am so HAPPY for you, Debbie. I’m sure you are going to cherish this experience forever and ever. It’s a great memory to have. When you have a hard time going to sleep, try remembering this. I’m sure you go to dream of pandas with a smile on your face.
I look forward to your next blog as you have the “Answers”.
For those who wish to see Xiao Liwu’s proud entrance into the North Exhibit after getting all those scratches and scritches from what we know was not an exam but a great excuse to cuddle the little sausage
130130 Xiao Liwu Diary Jan 30, 2012 (1/3)
http://youtu.be/HmTHOIvNAOg
Fast forward to about Timestamp 11:16
so cute the way he hops out as if to say “hi mom, everything’s cool, I was a good boy!”
I have only watched the first half of your video. I think it was nice of Mr. Wu to climb as high as he could to wave at the folks in the building at the top of the enclosure, but he must work on those startling dismounts half way down. Obviously he did not seem hurt, but some of us Aunties and Unkas are getting older, it gets hard to take. Love every minutes I have seen so far D-Mom, you give great video…..love grammmie
The more I see of these convoluted tree branches and their lack of ability to give Wu Wu an enjoyable playground. Whoever put that monstrosity together had no understanding of children’s way to play and little bears abilities to enjoy a tucker out time. Apparently whoever designed this ??? has never seen a real tree and the way it grows or has never seen Chengdu or other wlld or semiwild parks at China. I will get hate mail but I have a really considered, educated opinion and I cannot keep quiet. Sorry but Wu Wu and his dear mama deserve a place for fun. Not falling down and danger.
I did view a video of the exhibit when it was first opened. Its some where on here if you search for it.
It was all thick green grass and very lovely.
This was when Yun Zi was about this age. My, what pandas can do to all the grass!
The trees are still there along with the cave.
We must see Wuuuu rolling around in the Lomax that they gave Bai and Yunnie to play with in the cave! Very dirty brown bears!
Mr. Wu’s exam was on the news this morning but I only caught the last part. Do you think the film will be posted here?
Debbie responds: I’m waiting to post the video that features comments from our veterinarian, which I’m hoping will be available later today. We sent out a briefer exam video to news outlets and our YouTube channel, which you can view here.
Thank you so very much. Loved the video. I’m pretty sure that is what I saw on TV this morning.
I’m sure I saw a KISS
Maureen, Good catch! BEARY beary suspicious activities going on in the above video… not only a KISS but lotzzz of huggging!!! and it looked like Snugglepuff enjoyed every second of it too!! I sure hope this does not get Beautiful HIH Bai attention!! Oh dear… gulp!
PS Debbie had permission from Beautiful HIH Bai to get one little kiss! but it is those SKS Nanny Keepers again!!!
Debbie, loved your blog they would had to get a mop for all the tears because i’m a crier.such a beautiful thing to show him the respect of not touching, just to have him come to you is also a sign of respect to you after all his mama taught him well. I can see why your parents are so proud of you, you are a special lady
Debbie responds: That’s very kind of you, barbara. Thank you!
The examination was shown on the BBC Breakfast program in the UK this morning
Was nice to see out favourite bear on the big screen!
That sneaked hug was pretty cute. It shows how much the keepers love the Pandas as well. It was a nice touch
I think that hugging keeper was also making high pitched (squealing?) sounds at Xiao Li Wu’s cuteness. maybe it was emotional b/c it was the last exam for him.
What a very special day for you… my eyes got teary reading your post.
I am looking forward to the video. Love from IA.
Is the exam video out? I can’t seem to find it? What is Critter Talk? Is that on the SDZ site?
Debbie responds: You can view the social-media version of the video on our YouTube channel: We sent out a briefer exam video to news outlets and our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/SDZoo
TY for your link to a wonderful little video. I have to check with Beverly but I think I saw a hug and if not a kiss a close call. Bev and I will get back to you. Love grammmie
Debbie: That was a fantastic write-up on your experience during Xiao Liwu’s exam. Thank you for sharing this with us! As to how you hesitated to touch Liwu or whisper sweet nothings to him, that reminded me of when I am in the precence of celebrities. I want so badly to talk to them and shake their hand, but something always holds me back. I guess our little celebrity struck you the same way…
Congratulations on having such a great experience with our little guy!
Debbie responds: I think so, Deborah!
Great narrative of your experience Debbie, and we appreciate your efforts in addressing our insatiable curiosity of things like his paws and vocalizations. Thanks for being so considerate of all of us pandaholics and giving us a wonderful vicarious experience with Xiao Liwu.
Thank for your post. How exciting this must have been. A once-in-a-lifetime experience. I still have a question, though. I saw that his tail was measured. Is his tail shorter than the other cubs? It looked as though it was extremely short when he was born.
In case you missed it in the last blog comment from a moderator, SDZ has added a Wish List item to see if they can get a snow day for our sausage, Xiao Liwu.
SDZ Wish List
SDZ is asking for 400 $10 donations to get snow made/trucked in for a “Snowy Mr. Wu Adventure” day sometime in March/April.
Thank you Jusy. I’ll keep reposting this too and I hope you will also. We’ll have the money in on time. That would be so much fun to watch.
How can we get information on donating for Mr. Wu’s snow day? Is there a group that gets together through chat??? I am in Austin, TX and would like to get involved if possible.
Thank you
Debbie responds: Thank YOU, Brandi, for your willingness to help toward snow for the pandas. We have a direct link to our < ahref="https://secure3.convio.net/sdzoo/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1221&VIEW_CATALOG=true&FOLDER=0&TYPE=&NAME=">Wish List, and panda snow is the 3rd item from the top. We are hoping to get 400 donations at $10 each.
That is great! I thought snow day is usually around August???
Will Gao and Yunnie also share with this treat as it sounds like just for little Liwu? I sure hope they also get some fun in the snow… If not, could they be included and our household will contribute to that, too
Lets hope we can put all of our pandas into the snow. Love grammmie
It might last longer if done in the winter.
I wish the snow maker company would donate the snow to the cub!
I agree Jeslyn! Based on all of the attention little Wu-wu is creating, you would think the snow-making Company would jump at the chance to just gift it – and consider it an opportunity for future business for them.
Wonderful blog Debbie. We were all there with you. I so understand how the tears came because it happened to me the first time I saw Su Lin. I hope Ken was able to get a photograph of you and Xiao Liwu suitable for framing.
Looking forward to your next blog.
thanks for sharing. thanks for asking our questions to the vet. I think I can partly understand your decision not to pet Xiao Li Wu but it is very nice he was curious enough to come over and say hi to you.
Debbie responds: I will be forever honored that he did!
At least he didn’t crawl up on your lap and put his teeth into your thigh!
Debbie, this may be the longest blog comments section on recod–we are all going to have a comment to make. Congratulations on your up close and personal visit with our Mr. Wu…..we were there in spirit with you, and glad that someone as fine as you got to make “the trip”. You have told us all the things we need to know about dignified conduct should any of this comes our way….love grammmie.
Thnks Debbie for the update on Mr Wu’s last exam. Wish I was there with you although I would have given him a kiss and big hug and would have been thrown out. He is so so cute.
Hi Debbie,
Thanks so much for the detailed write-up. It’s understandable that you got teary-eyed! It must have been VERY exciting to be so close to that baby! What did he smell like? Will there be a video of this exam?
Caroline
Debbie responds: We hope to post the video w/vet interview sometime today. And no, I just noticed the smell of bamboo.
I can see it now. Debbie, setting at home in her window having a cup of jo and lementing about her experience at the exam when she’s 50. At 60, she’ll be somewhere having a cup of jo with someone and the subject of pandas will come up and she’ll smile a big smile and say, “I was there and have never forgotten it”. At 70, it might be the highlight of her morning, looking outside and enjoying her morning cup of jo and the memories of her experience with Xiao Liwu and all of the other pandas at SDZ. At 80, she’ll be sharing it with anyone who will listen to her and not think she’s crazy for saying such a thing as “I teared up when he came over to my clipboard, where I was so copiously taking notes on his progress for posterity”. She’ll still be tearing up, even into her 80′s over this experience. Good job Debbie. You made a mark on our lives with your gift for words.
xoxoxoxo Those would be panda hugs and kisses—– minus the kisses.
Debbie responds: I love it, SA!
Dear Debbie,
And Xiao Li Wu will tell his children about his beloved Moderator and his children will tell their children about SDZ, Grandpa’s beloved moderator and Great Grandpa Gao Gao and Great Grandmama, Bai Yun while chewing his bamboo.
Panda love,
BY
Debbie responds: How wonderful to be a part of your family’s stories, Bai Yun!
Debbie, I would have scared Liwu by all the bawling I would have done. You’re a better, stronger person than I would have been! I would have been a weepy pile of mush! You should feel so honored that “The Widdle Man” came over to inspect you. I’m impressed you kept your hands to yourself because I would have picked him up and hugged him and squeezed him and made his fur wet with my tears.
And I would have (well tried) to leave with him if he came right up to me that way, but I don’t work at the zoo, and I could claim insanity—–I am CRAZY about Mr. Wu! Love grammmie
Oh Debbie! How I envy you!!
You deserve it!
Thank you so much for this detailed report! I enjoyed every word of it. I wasn’t getting my eyes wet, I was crying like a baby while reading you:)
Wish you all the best and many more panda highs
Hi … This question may have been asked previously ,..My husband and I are watching our daily fix of Mr. Wu and see him eating what looks like small red shavings. What is the food that they are eating when sitting on the platform? We enjoyed the Six Month Exam story…well written and full of love… Nora
It is Bai’s leaf eater biscuits. He isn’t actually eating them yet, we have been told, just mouthing them in an immitation of his mama.
Those are leaf eater biscuits packed with lots of vitamins for the bears.
Score for this blog: 100% or a Perfect 10.0. Take your pick.
Thanks so much for all of the information. So glad you got to do this.
Did you see it? Mr. Wu was riding on Mama’s back for a little ride. It was so cute.
LOL I’ve never seen a panda piggy back ride before. Not sure Bai thinks he is so cute right now while she is trying to eat.
I have seen photos of Yunior and Sheng getting rides on mama’s back, or backside…I haven’t run across any of the girls riding! Love grammmie
You mean like this, Grammie
?
Yunnie seems a bit big to ride on his Mama like standing on a mountain
.. what Bai Yun does for her cubs! Amazing wonder Mama!
http://sdzoo.tumblr.com/post/2753067265/our-1-year-old-panda-yun-zi-and-his-mother-bai-yun
Exactly like the photo you shared, but I was not online much then and probably missed it. I did see Yunior ride when he was younger, but not as long. Yes he was a bit bigger at a year old, no fair, but not wise of Mr. Wu to say “giddy-up momma, Wu rides……”. Thank you for the link. Love grammmie
Great picture, and it also shows the grass that used to grow there!
Laughing out loud in my office watching Bai Yun giving Mr. Wu a piggy back ride in the exhibit. It was so cute — he just perched himself on her back like the little prince that he is — and off she went — she didn’t go to far – but a little walkabout — then went to sit down and eat — and Mr. Wu plopped down on the dirt — brushed himself off and continued to play. Also, just watched the video of his exam — and it is beyond cute. Really cuddly cute, and the staff was giving me all sorts of belly rubs… and I SWEAR I saw one of the staff lean down and kiss him on his back! What an adorable little guy!!
Debbie,
Is the vet as taken with this little panda as we are?
Debbie responds: He would never admit it…
Wow you had fun.Did you pet or touch him.I wish I was there.
Tina,
Debbie showed the finest example of respect and restraint anyone could have asked for… she did NOT touch Snugglepuff!!!
I hope others had a chance to watch an amusing time between Mama and cub… Liwu was bothering Bai who was eating.. She exercised a lot of patience to move cubby away and then tried to stir clear from him.. though he would not have anything to do with that and climbed on her back for a while like a piggy back ride.. it was so, so cute to watch.. I sure hope if you missed that, Doxie Mom will show a clip later. Thank you in advance
I could sense your excitement about your upcoming encounter with little Wu. I don’t think there is one of us who wouldn’t want to have had that opportunity. I would like to ask a question. You mentioned that Wu’s fur was very coarse but when I look at Bai Yun her fur seems to be finer. Is it just the camera or does their fur get finer as they get older?
Moderator’s note: I think hers look finer because she is usually so clean, but I believe it is coarse, too.
Conversation with Bai Yun #50
Xiao Liwu: Mama.
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
X: I really enjoyed my physical exam yesterday.
B: Yes, you told me that yesterday.
X: Oh, but this one was different.
B: Well, of course. You had your tablet with you this time, the one I gave you.
X: Hee hee hee.
B: So did you get our Moderator’s autograph?
X: Well, I went towards her, but then I was awestruck.
B: You fell in love?
X: Hee hee hee. (rolls over a few times)
B: Oh, you’re such a silly boy. Though I can’t blame you, really.
X: She melted my heart! (rolls over a few more times)
B: Yes, she’s very sweet.
X: I even forgot to sing my song.
B: Well, maybe you can try again next time.
X: I rehearsed it every day last week.
B: But you know what?
X: What, Mama?
B: I’ll make sure to request someone to get her autograph for you.
X: Thank you, Mama.
(Then Wuwu goes off to play and sings his song…
You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.
You make me happy
When the skies are grey.
You’ll never know dear
How much I love you.
So please don’t take my sunshine away.)
Debbie responds: I LOVE it! Thank you, P Wong!
PERFECT! ! ! Love grammmie
P Wong — that was so beautiful — I’m tearing up!
Well Debbie… there you have it! I told you so!!! hehehe
Thanks P Wong, just precious!
Beautiful, P. Wong, so sweet………….
Hey Debbie~~
LOVE your report!
I got weepy reading it. So sweet Li Wu Wu coming over to you.
IMHO, that means you are a Good and Trust-worthy person. Animals can sense these things about us.
That had to be hard not reaching out to pet him. He is such a darling♥
Watched the video and he looked like he was having a good time being there and having all the fun and attention
To me, that’s great he likes and enjoys “hoomans” so much
Thank You for your Terrific report
LOVE IT ♥~~
puppy girl
OMG just watched baby Wu wanted to play with mama Bai. They are so cute together when they play. And to see him get on her back and ride her around just cracked me up. He just needed a little saddle! LOL
I love everything about these pandas and spend lots of time viewing the cam and reading the blogs. This one has to be my favorite, to feel like I was with you through your words, while cuteness had his exam. Thank you so much for bringing it all to life for us. Now, back to the cam and Bai and Wu sleeping on that platform that she loves to toss him from…something different just happened. We see gifts, other than Wu, left by Bai, and are used to that. But, just now, she urinated all over in her sleep, or whatever. Is this normal or does Bai have a condition that the vet needs to check? Just wondering because does not seem like she would want to do that, but who knows! Sorry to bring this up in this otherwise blissful blog. Yikes!
From what I have learned from the blogs and talking to other panda fans, pandas will go wherever and whenever they need to go- even in their sleep! It’s normal behavior for them, and their poop after eating bamboo doesn’t even have a bad odor!
Now that’s an interesting observation… So what is the nature of panda urine? Is it acidic? How acidic? Is there a smell? What does it take to clean or rinse off dried urine?
The nearly odorless panda poop reminds me of nearly odorless rabbit or deer poop. But rabbit urine odor can be caustic (don’t know much about deer urine).
P Wong, My ex-husband was a hunter and I can tell you from experience deer urine is foul, nasty and everything else you can imagine. Here in N.J. they spray the fir trees with it so the deer leave them alone. go figure.
Hi Debbie, I’m glad you enjoyed Mr.Wu’s physical examination. It sounds like
you had a wonderful experience. It is something you will always remember.
I am very happy for you.
Awesome how lucky are you! I wish I could have him as a pet!
A big THANK YOU, Debbie for your wise observations and calm restraint. Also, thank you, Beth, for doing what every person reading and sharing these blogs wished they could have done. For that one moment, we were all hugging the little sausage Wu Wu and kissing his back!
What a special blog
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and emotions 
You are one lucky lady 
Than you for the wonderful video…..
I would have loved to be there when Liwu was being examined………
What a cutey he is, just a perfect baby panda….
All the attention he received today during his examination, he looked so happy and a very contended little panda…..What a LOVE he is………I think I would have been in such AWE had I been in the examining room with Liwu, I think I would have had tears running from overjoy to be there……….Each video is wonderful…….
I love this video, thank you……..
I haven’t had a chance to read thru the messages but I watched the vdeo.
Since he is a morning type of guy, wouldn’t doing exams later in the day make nore sense since he would be worn out and much more still?
Perhaps during nap time?
Such a cutie he is…. more alert and advanced than Yun Zi was at this age.
I got tears in my eyes just reading that. I could feel the intense excitment when Mr. Wu’s nose touched your clipboard. I think you are an amazing person for just respecting the space and his universe. Thank you sooooooooo much for sharing
HEHEHE!!!! LOVED watching him on his piggy-back ride♥
:)
Reminded me of the space shuttle riding piggy-back on the B747!!!
Made me wonder if Bai even realized he was there?!!
LOL Li Wuu Wuuu is one darling Cool Cub
SO Adorable!!
Debbie~~
Thanks again for your Terrific report and video ♥
LOVE IT~~♥
puppygirl
It is even better than that…..like a miniature 747, riding on the back of a regular 747………..he was so balanced that he actually sat down to ride, I have never seen that with his brothers, and don’t recall any rides by his sisters. I truly believe that if he had been able to get a stable mount on the shelf he might have tried to ride her down the log. I think the whole process would have gone better if he had not smiled and said “giddy-up momma, Wu rides……..”
Love grammmie
Oh! I have died and gone to heaven. The photo with the doctor shows off his fabulous Wu feet. The size gives me hopes of fluffy, furry, sexy feetsies like Sweet Daddy Gao Gao’s, that would be the icing on the cake!!!! Well I can hope can’t I ?? Love grammmie
Gosh Grammmie, I sure hope so too. He is already taking after Sweet Daddy Gao Gao with his sweet nature… the fluffy furry sexy feetsies of Sweet Daddy Gao truly would be icing on the perfect cake!!!
P. Bear hugggs, Beverly
Laughs Grammmie! yOu and your foot fetish!!! I’m glad that made you happy though
Oh Maggie!!! You must remember there are no feet quite like those of our Gao Gao. If he made as many steps before meals as Bai and Yunz he may just have ordinary feetsies, but his exceptional ones are only part genetic, the rest is from him knowing a life style to preserve them. Always remember he was smart enough to volunteer for this life once he caught on to how Hoomans are about Pandas. Power walking would wear off that fluff, he knows which pillow the chocolate is on!!! Love grammmie
Wow, lots of comments on the exam today, didn’t think I was going to reach the bottom of the page, so I could put mine in. How cute he is, and i loved the story. I would have been very teary eyed if I was a part of the exam, and probably would have wet my pants if he came that close to me. Sorry, I had to say it. It’s funny remembering back at his exams in the beginning, when he was so sleepy, and you could do whatever you want to him. So it has changed, he is now the little roly poly wiggle worm, and keeps getting cuter and cuter. He is the forever cure for a bad day.
Such a handsome little boy, our Liwu. Thank you for the write-up. We watch him everyday while at work – kind of a nice respite from the daily grind. It’s just so nice to look up and see him puttering around, napping, hanging out with mom and just enjoying life!
Dear Moderator Debbie……..
First thing this morning call the lady who’s clipboard you used for measurements. It would be a wonderful souvenir for you to have forever, make a trade, buy her a new one, or treat her to a nice lunch and we will all try to chip in for it, you need to have something he has touched.
Did you end up with a bunch of balls for him near Christmas time??? Love grammmie—–good night
Debbie, the exam video was absolutely precious ~ he’s just a roly-poly ball of adorable energy
I know I’d get misty eyed in the presence of such cuteness!
Here are the 2 videos from Thursday: In the 1st, Xiao Liwu mouths red leafeater biscuits, messes with Bai Yun’s ears, takes a piggy back ride on her back, and falls 2 times before he’s settles down on the Garden Room platform. The 2nd includes highlights from the North Exhibit: closeups of Xiao Liwu playing with bamboo and in a box with his green ball, as well as showing how tentative he still is about getting into the pool with water in it.
2013-01-31 Xiao Liwu: The Good, The Bad, and The Adorable
http://youtu.be/-0IMCRjEmwk
2013-01-31 Xiao Liwu: A Box, Bai Yun, and Bamboo
http://youtu.be/ElbjV-YdTHc
DoxieMom~~
THANK YOU for getting the piggy back ride on video for us
Love watching that!! ♥
THANKS for ALL your videos!
They are SUPER!!! ♥
puppygirl
Awe, Doxie, thank you so very much for the video’s. The days that I work I can’t wait to get home to see what you’ve captured. You are the bestest.
That was the cutest video I have seen of the cub. Loved his attitude while riding on Mom’s back!
When he had the biscuit, he looked like he had no idea he can bite down on it and chew it yet. Perhaps his jaws are not as strong as Mom’s so that means when he bites at her, he doesn’t come close to hurting her.
Thank you DoxieMom because I would have hated missing the piggy back ride!
I loved the piggy back ride. That was hysterical! Does anybody know if Bai Yun’s other cubs were constantly trying to get piggy back rides too? Just curious if it’s typical for panda babies to do this. thanks
I just watched the first video all the way through. He has the wrong name. Instead of Mr. Wu we should be calling him Mr. Persistence! I know there is no sound, but if there were we would know why Bai was not so welcoming on the sleeping platform. When he was on her back we would have heard him say “giddy-up momma”, and when on the log, telling her “giddy-up was fun, so I am coming up for more”………..and he almost got mounted! That is some boy, and very different from the brother I know, and the one I have heard about. Love grammmie
A daughter of one of my cousins who is a riding teacher watched the piggy back-video. She said there is yet something to correct in the sitting position which probably was the reason for the fall. Does anyone know if there is riding schools for pandas?
Yes!!! Grammie’s riding school for Mr. Wu. I do specialise. Perhaps the biggest problem was attitude on his part, and bad horsey sence on Bai’s part. He did topple off when she parked her bottom on the ground to eat, something we do not cover until advanced classes. I think they should stay with me for a bit so they could both get intensive training, don’t you???
What is going on with Mama this moring? She keeps pacing and going into that little doorway and then back out again, and looking through the gate. Poor little guy is trying to keep up with her and he’s getting pooped out. It was so funny when she stopped short and he ran into her bum. What’s she looking for? Treats?
Such a joy to watch the exam. What a little bundle of energy! Mama sure has her paws full. Thank you, too, for the reassurance that he is weathering those nail-biting falls. Loved watching the keeper give him a quick little hug during the exam.
Best article! Thank you for sharing your experience. I almost imagined myself there. We completely understand how you feel about respecting Xiao, it is indeed a great honor!
Why is Bai Yun pacing (on the panda cam)?
I’ve noticed lots of pacing in the morning, regardless of which panda. I believe its when they are waiting, albeit a bit impatiently, for breakfast. (I’ve seen that in my household at times, too.)
I saw a clip with Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu outside on exhibition. Bai Yun appeared to have a bit of a stiff neck or back..hope she does not have pain? They say, and I know that if you give any animal Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp Seed feed that all pain and any illness is eliminated. Does she get Hemp seed at all? Even if she is not in pain or has any ills, this feed is excellent .Hemp seeds can be put into her biscuits and cakes etc…
I just love her so much, I would hate her to be in pain or not have quality of life!
Heather, I am not asking in fun, do animals include humans? I know the origins of pot from the hemp, but do the oils or feed cause “pot behavior” or “the munches”? I am not a panda, but from multiple chronic illnesses I can end up with many painful days and am curious. I do not need to be any lazier, and weight gain only makes things worse. Has it been established in Pandas and/or other animals if they get those kind of effects? Love grammmie
OH, golly! Am sitting here watching this Adorable little baby doll and saying to him: “Don’t fall, little darlin’”!!
I L.O.V.E. this precious baby!♥
Oh hurray for you!!!!! Thank you, thank you. I love that you didn’t touch him and that you respected him for what he was. I am so happy for you.
But I still want to know how he smells!!!!!
Just watched the most touching moments in the moat with Bai and her Snugglepuff, licking and playing, face to face, eye to eye, absolutely beautiful. Bai really is the most beautiful Panda, filmed from above, her face is stunningly pretty – no wonder daddy Gao can’t wait to samba with her!
The Sambo is okay, but the Spring Salsa….now that is dancing!!’
If the lonely and sad people in the world would watch Panda Cam they would have a smile on their face forever. I can’t help but smile they entire time I watch Panda Cam which is a lot — maybe too much since I don’t get a lot done at home. Of course, Mr. Wu will only be little once — that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. The interaction between mom and baby are so-o-o cute — Mr. Wu is cute by himself exploring the outside world. I love watching them — takes my mind off whatever may be bothering me. Thank all of you for taking such great care of all the zoo animals and especially our precious pandas — every time I see them, I say, “I want one.” Not a reality but a smiling thought. Again, thank you for panda cam, updates, and everything you do.
I agree Carol. They really do take our minds off of our problems don’t they? There’s something so special and magical about watching them. Thank you SDZ for giving us this amazing oppertunity. We’re so lucky. <3
Carol, ROFL. I know a good “excuse” when I hear or see one! Had to giggle when I read your post just now. Sharing this planet with our beautiful animal friends of all descriptions make life joyful and more worth living.
I do know what you mean about not getting much done if the panda cam is on. That was the same problem when watching Molly, the owl.
Those babies grow so fast that one would have to watch daily or miss out on their entire growth period.
St.Annes-On-The-Sea
Lancashire UK
Debbie, Thank you for the interesting article. The video is excellent. Too bad this is going to be the last.
Virginia, I agree with some of your points that you posted on the 31st . I have never seen trees in Chengdu or other wild and semi wild parks in China but is extremely difficult for me to see him fall or pushed by Bai Yun. My heart was in my mouth every time it happened.
On the video “Xiao Liwu Diary 30/12” I noticed he nearly hit the side of the massive log below. Fast forward to time stamp 16:35.What if one day he bashed his head, I asked myself?
If you watch the Doxiemom video “2013-01-28 Garden Room Antics with Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu “ did anyone notice the marks from his paws on the wall when Bai Yun tossed him of her back?
I saw this live when Bai Yun pushed him four times. My heart was beating very fast.
I understand how you feel!
In the wild, there will be trees and pandas do love to climb. So I think SDZ designed the garden room to be as close to their natural habitat so as to stimulate them and not have them get bored.
I do not like seeing the cub fall either. Perhaps, it is best to trust the SDZ Panda team to make sure that the habitat is as safe as it can be for their animals. I am sure they do check for anything that will endanger the cub, as you can see they put a barrier in one of the trees so Liwu will not go too high. But as we know from Mei Sheng, he goes past the tree barriers if he really wants to climb. I think I read a blog somewhere a while back that Mei Sheng did fall from a tall height but he made it fine.. and he was older than Liwu I believe which means his bones were a little harder than Liwu’s soft bones right now.
Yes, I looked at the Antic video and saw some marks on the wall that were not there before Liwu fell.. Maybe those are just mud marks, remember towards the end he looked very, very muddy… As long as Dr. Matt said he is fine and healthy and strong, I think we should all be very happy the little cub is thriving. He does look very energetic in exploring even if it means he hurts his bum sometimes
Cynthia–when you mentioned the “last” my first thought was that you might leave us, but later thought that you meant last vet checkup. Those continue, but with far different settings, including no videos of his check-ups. He will learn from rewards to present himself to examiners usually on a daily basis, or any extra time needed. Average life expectancies for pandas has extended from 20 years to around 30 years in managed care. If you don’t care to watch videos or the cam I hope you stay with us on the blog……we can keep you abreast of his growing, and in about a year he will be weaned and have his own place to play and enjoy……love grammmie
Dear Panda Team,
I was watching DoxieMom’s video “2013-01-27 The Beginning and End of Xiao Liwu’s Sunday (on Panda Cam)” when I noticed a squirrel scampering down the side of the exhibit.
Where does the squirrel come from? Are the keepers aware of it? If you play the video below you can see the squirrel appearing at 3:18 minutes. Xiao Liwu was climbing down the tree at that time. Will he be in danger?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-04O0zpl-lg
This reminds me of a video, I recently saw of a peacock that strayed into a panda’s pen. Read article below.
4 May 2011 Panda turns nasty as it hunts down peacock
A panda at a zoo in China turns carnivore after it chases down a peacock that had strayed into its pen.
A friendly game of cat and mouse turned deadly, when a giant panda captured and killed a peacock in a zoo in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.
In a surveillance video, a blue peacock was seen flying into the pen of a five-year-old male giant panda just before the zoo opened.
After chasing the bird around its pen, the panda eventually grabbed hold of the peacock and killed its prey.
Chen Jun, zoo keeper, said: “In spite of the general impression of being docile, panda is after all an animal. As an omnivorous animal though, giant panda sometimes eats meat.
“As you can see at the video, the panda reacted quite fast and ran at a surprising speed.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn12YRl1sqc
Hi Cynthia,
I believe I my research, sometime way back, stated the Giant Pandas were originally carnivores, that type food supply became scarce and they evolved (not sure how to put it) into eating Bamboo. So, I am not surprise by this action, but it may indicate this P. Bear has been getting a little extra meal of meat somehow. Interesting.
There are some people here that write in this blog that really have good knowledge on this, maybe they could fill us in on it.
P. Bear hugggs.
I have seen a video of Tai Shan, from Washington D. C. One day he caught a small bird, self anointed with it, then let it go to fly away. He was still in the U. S. A. when he did this, but when he had the top villa on Leopard Mountain I saw both in videos and still photos him looking skyward longingly, as flocks of small birds flew over. If he caught one and hurt it it would be because the bird struggled so hard it hurt itself. We have had no further word about His bird…..love grammmie
Cynthia,
You may want to read this from an old panda blog from Suzanne Hall on panda diet.
http://blogarchives.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2005/10/05/food-for-thought/
On the Animal Care Wish List this month is snow for Mr. Wu!! The Zoo has broken down the amount into $10 increments. I have donated this morning!!
Ms. Moderator, could you please attach a link to the wish list to my post? Thank you!!
Moderator’s Note: Sure! Thanks for your contribution: https://secure3.convio.net/sdzoo/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1221&VIEW_CATALOG=true&FOLDER=0&TYPE=&NAME=
I donated this morning also!! It will be fun to see Butterball playing in the snow!! I hope they share it with Yunnie and Gao Gao too!
I donated today, too!! It will be so entertaining seeing him (them) in the snow….and so different for them. I donated in my daughter’s name, in lieu of Valentines Day candy. She loved it (she’s 24). I’m sending Mr Wu and Bai a valentine, too, the sweet little critters. It would be a great Valentines gift for Mr Wu AND anyone else who can get in the snow. WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN.
M donation is in too. Please keep us informed Debbie as to when this snow day might happen.
And just think, if those who can double or triple up we can include all three enclosures……..what fun that would be. Love grammmie
Dear Grammmie,
Great idea!!! I did two donation, but now am doing another one for the total of three for all three enclosures… Beautiful HIH Bai & Snugglepuff, Sweet Daddy Gao Gao and lovable, playful Yunnie!
So… 400 donations of $10.00 is needed. I just checked the numbers, here is the Donation Wish List count currently:
Panda Snow Day Our newest panda cub, Mr. Wu, would like to have a snow play date. Each $10 donation will go toward a snow day for our Little Gift. We hope to have enough funds to have the snow day in either March or April, so stay tuned! [ 367 out of 400 needed ]
(The 367 number may change late Monday, I bet it does not include the Donations done this weekend. Maybe someone can check it Monday or Tuesday evening and let us know.)
Looks like we need a little more help for Snow for Snugglepuff… If you can, even the one $10.00 Donation is GREAT.
P. Bear Hugggs,
Beverly
Wish List
Hi Beverly, how are you? I wondered how the investigation is going on your end. I have watch several times and am convinced that Jennifer may have been trying to get in the last few kisses that we keep sending. I sure hope that negates guilt…let me know……….love grammmie
I have been waiting for this video for weeks! I love you so much , Mr. Wu; you are so cute…
I love baby pandas!!!
Someone on another panda blog posed the name for Xiao Liwu ——- Wunior!
that is a cute name. Like how they call Yun Zi Yunnie or Yunior
And sometimes they call Mr. Wu WuZi……….we could have a lot of fun over pizza and beer with those names…….
Moderators and the ones who put the videos for us to watch, thank you!
The piggy back ride is so adorable…..as all the videos you put on for us…….
I love watching Bai Yun and her baby cub Liwu together……..
Today! when baby Liwu went down to check out his moat, he missed a step and did a air flip, I held my breath, he landed on his two feet, so agile that baby is……..
I love his face and his whole body especially his personality, I JUST ADORE HIM Baby Liwu…….
Danielle, please do not hold back, tell us how you really feel about darling Mr. Wu……love grammmie
Grammie,
You want to know how I “really feel about darling Mr. Wu……”
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE baby panda cub of Bai Yun and Gao Gao, Xiao Liwu with ALL MY HEART AND SOUL!!!!!!!
I will add, I love pandas, they each touch my heart, nevertheless, this darling baby panda growing cub Liwu or as you call him Mr. Wu, has capture my heart…I turn on my computer first thing in the early morning,and leave on the webcam all day and evening until bed time…….If I could watch him all day, I would, unfortunately, I can’t do that all day….but, I look at the web cam as much as time allows me……..
I hope I answered your question……
Yes it does, and I am glad to love, love, love him too, but I must be true to my Yunior too, being so different doesn’t does not make things easier either……..love grammmie
Good afternoon ~ here are 2 videos from Friday:
7AM PT: For whatever reason, Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu spent an extra hour inside before going out to the North Exhibit … and Xiao Liwu did his best to keep up with his mother’s relentless pacing as she awaited her breakfast.
2013-02-01 Bai Yun and her Little Shadow
http://youtu.be/cyNjGEVR0wM
11:30am PT: Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu sit side by side with their bamboo, after which he takes a tumble into the moat. After playing with leaves and hay, his mother joins him around 11:50am …
2013-02-01 Moat Time for Xiao Liwu and Bai Yun
http://youtu.be/ZCqPQ2t_-FY
Xiao Liwu climbed out of the moat a bit later. And after the lunch break, he again when into the moat, without incident, and proceeding to climb back out on the other end. Good job, Xiao Liwu!
One more video from Friday, starting with Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu’s entry into the North Exhibit, and ending with Xiao Liwu sleeping on the Garden Room platform. Also includes clips of him mouthing his mother’s leafeater biscuits, napping in the tree, Bai Yun coming to finish off the hammock treats, Xiao Liwu napping on the mini-hammock, going into the moat and back out again (for the 2nd time).
2013-02-01 Xiao Liwu: He’s All That … and More!
http://youtu.be/XkemPY1hAio
Doxie, your little shadow video had me in stitches..the back and forth was so comical, a couple of times, by the time he caught up to Bai going one way she had already turned around and was heading back. He sure got his exercise. but a few times he must have thought “the heck with it” and just stayed to eat boo.
After enjoying the third video, I am not sure which one I enjoy the most. They all are different, show different specialties of both Mr. Wu and Bai Yun. They each had their own charm and character, and no dangerous dismounts. Thank you Doxie-Mom for your hard work, and wonderful entertainment……love grammmie
Wunior sure is more coordinated and alert and smarter than Yunnie was at this age.
This is quite the little man.
Loved watching him try to keep up with Bai.
Thanks!
Not really. Yun ZI was a thinking bear. and- HE HAS PROVED TO ALL FOR HIS STAY HOW BRIGHT HE IS. So let us not judge at all but just enjoy them as they are. Little Wu is cuter by the way he does things. He wants to own all. Yunnie was too lazy in a way to own his toys and his bed etc. He just made himself comfortable at whatever time or space he was in.Bai and Gao had all their children a blessing for SDZ and us. Be happy and dont spend your time comparing apples and oranges.
Agreed! Each cub is beautiful and wonderful in their own way. If anyone had seen all the cubs since birth, one would know their distinctive personality! They are all wonderful gifts and I do believe no comparison is necessary as they all shine in our eyes
I have seen the first two videos. In the first one I saw him using his brain taking lots of shortcuts. It seemed to me in the second one, in the moat, I had the impression that Mr. Wu considered himself the “host” and Bai the visitor, and sometimes a pillow. It was nice seeing the closeness as he held part of her head between his paws, softly. I love our little wise boy….love grammmie
oh my goodness, Bai does go into the moat. it’s been mentioned before but I just could not imagine it b/c Bai is so big and Xiao Li Wu’s napping place is so narrow. thanks for capturing this.
Good to hear directly from the vet that the cub is fine after all of those falls.
What I really miss on this rather new blog is the number listed by each comment.
I either have to read the entire blog in one session or try to skim down to find out where I left off yesterday.
I do miss the numbers. Ask the web master if we can have them back please!
It is even more fun to go to older blogs and read comments. The numbers we put in our answers so folks could couple them are still there, but the numbers telling comment 1 or 2 etc. are not, making for confusion in folks wondering what the numbers mean.
I am pretty sure I read an answer saying they couldn’t bring the numbers back, but I am wrong often enough that I could be wrong here too! Having the reply buttons does keep the ???s and answers together…….Love grammmie
The videos are so cute.I like the baby was pigging back ride is cute.Poor Mom she what eat alone the baby keep begging Mom.
Tina the ride was just delicious, I loved every moment of it. He seemed much better balanced than Yunior when he rode. I have seen photos of Sheng riding Bai on a snow day, it is hard to tell if security was there, does anyone know??? Love grammmie
Thank u Debbie for a lovely story and update and for getting some questions answcerd we sure do appreciate it sounds like u had a blast good for u I am glad thank u for the insights on Mr. Wu
7:39 AM…I can’t watch any more: Mr. Wu is giving me a heart attack with his precarious perch high on a branch!
Same here! I stopped watching him when he was on the top of the tree and started climbing down nose first :O
He is trying to see how many Aunties and Unkas he can send to the hospital with heart problems in one scene. The climbing doesn’t bother most, it is the wild dismounts and landings that get the fans stirred up…..love grammmie
Here’s a quote to remember the next time you see our “Little Gift” in such a precarious position: “Success consists of getting up once oftener than you fall down.” By that measure, Bai Yun is raising a very successful bear cub. I was watching, too, and now that we’ve been reassured by Dr. Matt that Xiao Liwu is strong, nimble, and able to bounce, I’ve decided to just enjoy the show.
It seems he likes a big challenge first thing in the morning! He heads right to that tallest tree and starts climbing. I’m curious about his climbing skills at this age compared to his siblings. I read that Yun Zi wasn’t such a climber… could this be about their relative sizes? The smaller human babies walk sooner than big babies, and that’s because it’s easier for them to get off the ground!
I also would like to know what type of tree that is? I know he’s not eating those leaves he’s so obsessed with tasting, but are they edible to a panda, or do they strictly eat bamboo? I’m a 4th grade teacher, and last year when I asked my students what they wanted to be when they grew up, one said, “A chef, for the animals, at a zoo!” LOVED it (so Kelly!)… Now I know the official name, because there are *nutritionists* on your amazing videos! What an amazing career choice, and thanks for letting me let kids like Kelly know that’s an option (Pandamaniacs who subscribe to Netflix: They offer an amazing instant-streaming video called “Feeding Time”–Bai Yun, SDZ are in the first segment of the first episode).
After reading the informative, well-written “Through a Bear’s Lens” post, I know we shouldn’t be attributing human traits to these bears. I can’t help, however, seeing the positive traits in Xiao Liwu that I admire in other humans and strive for in my own life.
Beyond the obvious diagnosis of acute/chronic cuteness, these are the TOP TEN things* I love* about this endearing baby panda:
1) He is curious about his world.
2) He is a fast learner.
3) He takes pleasure in simple things, has an obvious “joie de vivre”. 4) He is independent.
5) He totally blows off slights by other (singular: Mom, when she’s had enough–which is good, since nobody else could possibly tell him “NO!”).
6) He’s persistent (stubborn?) in getting what he wants and needs.
7) He loves a challenge (he tackles that tallest tree, first thing in the morning).
8) He’s fearless and adventuresome.
9) He’s not afraid to get “down and dirty” (I took a break midday Saturday, and next time I saw him in the moat, FILTHY–what did that boy get into this time?)
10) Much to the disappointment, I’m sure, of those who wait in the long line to see him on exhibit–he knows the importance of a good long nap!
Speaking of naps, I do miss seeing Xiao Liwu sleeping in his den at night. But thank you, thank you, SDZ, for the amazing high-def videos of him sleeping in the exhibit and garden room! We always had the bird’s-eye view of him sleeping in the den, and now we can see his sweet face while he’s sacked out. He looks like he’s smiling! This is my first experience with the panda cam. Seeing clips of Yun Zi, the photography/zooming is far superior. How lucky we are to experience this miracle, live. It blows me away, which is one reason I wanted his name to be “Miracle”, but now “Little Gift” totally fits him.
I do have questions, about the measurements from the exam. How much longer are pandas’ front legs from their hind legs? I love seeing him stand on those short little back legs, but clearly the fronts are dominant (I think it might be an optical illusion, though, with the front legs’ black extending so far into their backs). How does this front/back leg ratio compare to other bears? Why are they such good climbers, especially so young? Is it to escape predators (they certainly don’t have good camouflage)? What are their predators, and do they just prey on the babies or also adults? I know they are the only bears who are primarily herbivores–how did that happen?
These are a lot of questions for the blog. Maybe they were addressed with earlier cubs, but a lot of us are newbies. Please educate us in a future post! Thank you for helping us with our education… You’re the best!
Moderator’s note: Some of the answers to your questions can be found in our San Diego Zoo Animals website. Other questions have been forwarded to our Panda Team.
Thank you for directing me to this great resource (so many other animals, too!). I have a hard time going anywhere else on your site (or others) when Xiao Liwu is awake… but it made for good reading while he’s napping!
How nice for you, Dona, to ask so many great questions…..some that may have wanted to be asked, but did not quite know how. You also gave some good advice…good for you……love grammmie
Dona, we don’t take those leg measurements, but George Schaller talks about this a bit in his book, Giant Pandas of Wolong.
Generally speaking, panda cubs love to climb! In the wild, this would enhance their safety by keeping them better hidden. There are certainly differences between our cubs, but we’ll have to look into whether it is correlated with size. We’ll take a look and get back to you
The tree we believe you are referring to is a Chinese elm. It is an acceptable browse choice for many animals, but the pandas stick with bamboo by preference.
Come on everyone, lets donate to help our favorite pandas get some much needed snow to play. We all enjoy them, and it shouldn’t take long to get the funds needed. Click on the link above (at 12:53 Feb 1st. post) from our moderator to donate. I’m going now to do mine. Mod, feel free to repost link to the wish list here for our pandaholics.
Moderator’s Note: Thanks for the donations guys! Here’s the link to the Wish List: https://secure3.convio.net/sdzoo/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1221&VIEW_CATALOG=true&FOLDER=0&TYPE=&NAME=
Just a thought… would the Wish List expand to a wider audience if the method of contribution extends to other payment options, e.g., PAYPAL, check, money orders, debit card, etc? Just curious if the wish list can be fulfilled faster this way
!
Wish List coordinator responds: This is a great suggestion. However, as much as I would love to expand the Wish List program, we currently only have a selected audience that I can send updates to. The best way to expand our Wish List family is by word of mouth or whenever a Wish List donor forwards the email on to his or her friends. We have been announcing the Wish List on Facebook and Twitter, and we try to mention the program in ZOONOO as much as we can. We do accept checks and money orders, and I can look into PAYPAL. Thank you!
Mod… Could you keep us posted on how close we are coming to meet the goal of 400? If not I understand and know how to check the number, just thought it might be an incentive. Thanks
PS I did mine earlier today.
I just donated. Not many more donations required. We are almost there!
I love reading the blogs here. They have gotten me through the last few weeks. My aunt was critically injured in a bad car accident and her children decided to take her of life support per her living will. We said our goodbyes yesterday. Seeing my cousins made my heart ache. I came home and turned on to see our “Little Gift” and his mom. The polar bears and koalas. It really helped me get through yesterday to see these special animals.
Thank you SDZ for sharing.
Moderator’s note: Our hearts go out to you and your family, Cyndee. We hope our animal cams continue to bring you comfort.
Thank you again, DoxieMom, for the endearing video of Bai and Wu in the moat. How sweet was that. It seemed she was more into protecting him, and then snuggling rather than playing. She seemed a little leery of the people hanging over the outside fencing. I would have loved to see what she was doing prior to going down there.
I am thinking about Xiao Liwu’s rather small size. The Atlanta panda, Mei Lan, always seemed to be nursing. This is probably true of some others, but Mei Lan comes to mind. I have never seen Mr. Wu nurse……..Any thoughts?
Good Afternoon .. Moderator =)
hope u r having a peaceful Saturday .. three questions that a few of us had about how the donation counter in the wishlist link works.
Last evening before some of us donated .. we saw the count total reading 367 of 400 needed.
1) does this actually mean that we still need 367 more donations @ $10 (per say ) to give the Wunessness his Snow Day or only 33 more donations @ $10?
2) are the counters only updated during the weekdays when the wishlist staff are in .. because the counter have not moved at all since some of us have donated towards WuWu?
3) final need to knows hehehe .. is this Snow day donation only going to cover for Bai Yun and Liwu or might this be enough to cover for Yunnie and Papa Gao Gao too ?
Thank You SOO MUCH for taking the time to help us with all our needs of knowings =D ..
Wish List coordinator responds: Thank you for your questions. We do need an additional 367 more donations at $10 each to fulfill our next Snow Day for Xiao Liwu. Yes, the numbers are usually only updated during the week. I manually go into our system and look up any donation and then update the numbers. I apologize if it’s not always updated everyday. If I know I am going to be away from the office, then I will try to update the numbers before I leave, or I’ll update them from home. If we are able to raise all the funds we have currently asked for ($4,000), then we will have enough snow for all of our giant pandas. If we are only able to raise a partial amount, then we may just have a smaller mound of snow for Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu to explore and play in. Keep your fingers crossed!
That Boy and his Moat! Just tuned in to see what there up to…..Mum’s chilling out, and as usual the boy just wants to have fun. Great
not sure where to write about koalas but this is the place where I write most often. while watching a koala eat leaves, it strikes me as appearing quite stoic. then it reminded me of Yoda. I think Yoda could have been inspired by a koala except he doesn’t have the same nose.
hope there will be a blog about the koalas before their new exhibit opens. I would like to know who is who. also is the Queensland koala the type which has more ornate ears?
2-2-2013 – I want to share this video of a very cute, high climbing, Mr. Wu.
At 7:38 AM, on the San Diego Zoo Panda Cam, I saw Mr. Wu high in a tree. This is the first time I’ve seen him climb so high up. He is so much fun to watch as he carefully and slowly climbs back down. Whew! Very cute!
You can find this video at:
http://youtu.be/gZfVJK4pqsI
Thank You for a lovely video!
Isn’t it marvellous how Mr. Wu refines every possible movement and position. If he isn’t an expert yet, he’ll be soon.
And the luncheon by the table was just adorable (although he doesn’t exactly eat).
Great video Rose, he was very patient and deliberant in his moves. I especially liked that there were no alarming dismounts. He is getting ready for the Pandalympics……love grammmie
Bai is really schooling Xiao Liwu today….he is so dirty.
Along with a great many of us I, too, wondered how he kept himself so dirty. One of the darling videos showed him using the cub wash bowl for feetsies, toushies, and faces. He actually lay down in some of the water (the older pandas think they are drinking bowls) and had a little bath, then immediately got on the dirt surface and rubbed dry a bit……..leaving his shade somewhat darker than Bai Yun’s. But what a cutie pie he is….love grammmie
Debbie,
Oh My Gosh!!! I think you need to go to every exam from now on, you represented us and our questions well. It felt like we were there, your report is excellent, so informative.
He looks huge, even from last week! He has the cuteness scale maxed out!! We may need a bigger one now!
Now, about Snugglepuff coming up to you… I would have melted into a puddle of butter right there on the floor, you are strong! Snugglepuff has to meet everyone to tell Beautiful HIH Bai about you, you can bet we will hear about it from her real soon!! You handled it the best way for him, thank you.
It was a wonderful day for you and I am so happy for you.
P. Bear hugggs,
Beverly
Beverly, thank goodness you are back. I hope by now you have seen the first video released, involving the hug and quite possibly a kiss on his back from one of his keepers. You and I need to investigate. I have a name, now we must figure out how we can change our looks enough to resemble her so we can steal a hug and a kiss too. It is near the end, very quick, and even natural looking, like it has been done before. Get back to me after you see it, I await your help with the investigation…..love grammmie
The video I referred to is just a few posts below here, by Doxiemom, but I have no idea how many comments await the moderator…love grammmie
OMGOSH! Mr.Wu consumed his whole body in that little pan of water! He was having a blast! He gonna be one lil dirty cubby! Mama’s gonna have to give him a good bath!!! LOL What a sweety!
I donated my $10 for their snow day!!!!!! Yeh!!!! Hope everyone follows suit! Have a great weekend…and lil’ chubby cubby, stay safe & mama Bai Yun, thanks for being a great mama! And hats off to all our Zoo Hoomans for the fantastic care/and answers! We so do appreciate you all……<3 xo
I think Mr Wu wants to be the first ever Panda jockey
Colin, he is the first well balanced cub on momma’s back, the rest four footed the ride, he was quite relaxed and sat through most of it. I wonder if there is a cubbie riding on momma event in the Pandalympics. He and Bai may have a great chance to win!!! Love grammmie
I so enjoyed the long play time between baby Wu and mama. She was so cute when he wanted to climb and she kept pulling him down so she could keep playing with him. I’m glad to see the fun they could have even when their is times she seems to get a little rough with him. :0)
What do you have to do to work at your zoo? What is the general Education?
Moderator’s note: Please visit our Zoo Careers section for lots of great info.
If you can—how about $10.00 per enclosure, Mr. Wu is small and will share with our Bai Yun, so $10.00 for Yun Zi, & $10.00 for Gao Gao…they can have a snow day party!!! Love grammmie
anyone else having cam problems. I have had the buffering all afternoon..Just wondered..Thanks
Here’s a video from Saturday featuring Xiao Liwu and Bai Yun: he was high in his tree (he did NOT fall), another brief piggy back ride on Bai Yun, playing with his mother, the drinker, foliage, leaves, a log and the drinker. And finally taking his afternoon nap, first in the moat, then on the Garden Room ledge.
2013-02-02 A Cub-tastic Day for Xiao Liwu!
http://youtu.be/ouqR3xDEJy4
thanks for sharing. I enjoyed watching Xiao Li Wu step from the drinker onto Bai’s back. never a dull moment. thanks for editing out the highlights. this saves us quite a bit of time.
I forget—-when will Yun Zi’s tree be done?
An Idiot Abroad show just showed a short Panda Encounter. I bet if our Pandas saw it they would laugh themselves silly, except possibly Mr. Wu, he is a little too cerebral for it. It may be on more times over the next few days, and it is silly!!! Love grammmie
It is almost 8:30pm and Yun Zi is still eating boo in the dark…lol….what time of night does he come in to sleep?
Is there someone there all night to let him in if he wants to come in?
Moderator’s note: Gao Gao and Yun Zi have access to their bedrooms at night.
i finally had time to go back and view Doxiemoms videos, I watched the one where Bai keeps pushing Liwu off the ledge and it occured to me that maybe she does that to teach him to fall out of trees. I don’t think mom is mean so it must be a training thing. I do know lots of us hold our breath when Liwu goes up to high in the trees or goes head first down the moat slopes. lol
Moderator I ask the other day…how old are the pandas when they start to show aggression towards each other? You might have answered me but I don’t always have time to go back through all the posts and I am visually impaired so it is hard for me. Also I see many are asking if the snow will be for all the bears or just Little Gift. If it is going to be for all the bears I will donate but I do want to see Yunnie and Gao Gao get to enjoy the snow as well. Thanks.
Wish List coordinator responds: Our goal is to raise enough funds to provide snow for all of our giant pandas. If we are able to raise all the funds we have currently asked for ($4,000), then we will have enough snow for everyone. If we are only able to raise a partial amount, then we may just have a smaller amount of snow for Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu to explore and play in. Keep your fingers crossed!
I can’t answer your first question, but we seem to have a grass roots effort to get snow for all 3. I believe it was Jeslyn who asked about getting snow donated, I think that the Zoo cannot do that, but perhaps among us there is somebody who can ask, or “knows” somebody, perhaps we can get 1 enclosure donated and buy 2 of them? Of course if one of you out the is involved with the Ice/Snow Business and volunteer……….I think you get the picture. I missed my chance to see Yunior enjoy his now, I was not able to be online at the time, so I would love to see all 4 in the snow…love grammmie
Has Bai ever played in the snow? What was her reaction?
Moderator one more question…I read that on the 9th of Feb. the polar and brown bears will be getting snow. Is there a cam for the brown bears? Thanks
Moderator’s note: No. But we plan on taking video/photos.
‘Stop wriggling, Yunz!’ admonished his Mama who was trying to take his waist measurements.
‘Maaaa, it tickles!’ giggled Yun Zi.
‘I can’t believed it! Your waits is BIGGER than Papa’s!’ exclaimed Bai Yun.
‘Sssssh, Ma! Please dont broadcast this although I worked hard for it, hee hee.’
‘OK, you can go, Can you get Wu Wu?’ said Bai as she let the tape measure slide off Yunnie’s tummy.
‘HEY! WUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU WUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU, MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA WANTS YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOU!’ hollered Yunnie and he bounded off to go to the beach.
Bai covers her perfectly round ears and grinned. Boys will be boys. Wu Wu ran in looking petrified.
‘Yes, Mama, Wu Wu was a good boy. The Wu self was sleeping in the moat…’
‘Its OK, son. I wanted to measure you as I am going to sew new clothes for you and Ge Ge. New Year is next week.’
‘And Valentine’s Day too, hee hee!’
‘Oh and what does Wu Wu know about Valentine’s Day?’ asked Mama in wonder. ‘Hmmmm, my boys are growing up too fast’, she thought.
‘Mama, I knows it ish to show your wuv for others,’ Wu Wu says ever so shyly.
‘And are you making a card for Debbie?’ asked his Mama with an arched eyebrow.
‘Hee Hee, Mama, no fair. I can’t tell. Ge Ge says it has to be secret.’
‘Oh and is Ge Ge sending any cards too?’
‘Mama, I can’t tell. He is making cards….’
‘CARDS? Hmmmm…..’
‘MAAAAAA! I pwomised not to tell!’
‘OK OK, his secret is safe with me. Now let me measure your bum.’
‘Mama, the nice doctor neber measure my bum, hee hee’
‘That’s because he is not making a pair of pants for you. I am going to make one to go with that green Chinese brocade jacket I bought you. You are going to look so handsome.’
‘Mama, can you add fake fur trim to the pants just wike the jacket?’
‘OK, Mama will see what she can do. I will add gold piping too.’
‘Thanks, Mama, wuv you lots and lots!’ and Wu Wu goes to hug his Mama and goes off to play.
Bai Yun settles herslef in front of her sewing machine and soon she is humming away as she creates new clothes for her family for Chinese New Year. A nice blue one for Gao Gao, gold for Yunnie and green for Wu. And for myself a luscious magenta cheongsum or long dress with slits up to there, hee hee. Flaunt it while you have it, hee hee hee.
If Mr. Wu keeps advancing so fast, and Bai wears a dress like that, he might leave home young and our boys might have a little sister to tease. Lady Bai Yun you had better watch your step, and the wiggle in your nicely filled out Toushie………love grammmie (remember 6 Spring Salsas with Gao Gao gave you 5 babies)
What a great story! Hmmm, a valentine for moderator Debbie! Missy Bai, don’t you think she deserves it? It is a good idea to keep your ears covered around Wu Wu!
Good morning, I cannot see him yet, but when we do it will be PRINCE Fluffy Butt. His adorable self has the teepee shaped over his swimming/surfing pool. Eyes drooping, happy Super Bowl day……………love grammmie
7:24 AM, Sunday.
Did you hear me laugh out loud? Mr. Wu was on the little hammock/platform, happily mouthing some slender bamboo. Here came his beautiful Mama and she plopped herself right down in the middle of the little inner tube that was on the platform, with a lovely big branch of boo to munch on. Funniest sight I’ve seen in a long time. Baby had to find somewhere else to go!
Can you believe Wu was chewing on bamboo on his ring this AM and mom came and sat on the ring so he had to move, all the space she has and had to take his space.
There is a couple of new photos from Feb 3. on my Flickr-site. Hope you enjoy them.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristina_a/
Kristina—–what great photos. Do you live locally or are they from the cam postcard feature??? Please keep them coming, I plan to check in often. Love grammmie
Thank You, nice to hear You enjoyed them. I’m taking them via pandacam with my screen capture program. I wish I were local!
Dear Moderator!
There is also a foto of the Stolen Kiss taken from your You Tube video. I hope it doesn’t violate your copyrights. If it does, I’ll remove it immediately.
Kristina, your photos are beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing.
Kristina~~
Thank You for sharing your pictures!
You do a Super job and your pictures are Terrific! ♥
puppygirl
9:11 AM…All is right with the world. Mr. Wu is firmly ensconced in his inner tube on the little platform. All good things come to he who waits! lol
Oh how cute! Bai is hanging out on the branches, gracefully hanging over them, and Mr. Wu is cuddled up in his donut! xx
Its about 9:am sunday morning and mr wu is in his tube sleeping, how cute that is. What a way to start my morning, he is quite the kid, just love to watch him and his mom.
awwwwwww so cute I see the lil one sitting in a inner tube on the platform..good idea putting that there..and of course mom is spread out on a branch nearby. Lets hope mom doesnt knock it off when she trys to sit there…looks like a lazy morning for them
Nancy, when I came on the cam this morning Bai was setting in the tube, eating her boo and Mr. Wu was playing nearby.
hahah..did she fit?…speaking of snow days…anyone want some for FREE??? Chicago just got a few inches overnite…soooooooo come on over lil WU, you can play in my yard with my doggies..:)
Oh, my gosh….Wu in the tube and Bai sleeping near him. That couldn’t have been any cuter if it had been posed. What a natural, he is!! Too cute.
If you missed any of the cuteness Sunday morning from 7:15am to 10pm PT , here’s the video: Xiao Liwu finds his donut on his mini-hammock and proceeds to mouth the treats and play with the bamboo, going in and out of his donut. Along comes Bai Yun (and we all know the rules ~ everything is hers
), and he has to occupy and nap elsewhere … up the tree, back behind the tree. When Bai Yun finishes, he returns to his donut 
2013-02-03 Xiao Liwu: My Hammock, My Donut, and My Mommie!
http://youtu.be/unHgR9orNk0
Doxie….you captured all the activity perfectly! Thanks a million
As always you bring on the special treats to us pandas who often sleep in, what would we do without you??? Love grammmie
Thank you for that, it was so cute! I could swear Bai had a smile on her face and seemed very pleased with herself!
omg – this is the funniest yet
Bai is acting like a spoiled 2 year old…that donut is MINE 
l don’t think we have to worry about Bai being too old to raise wu. 
Thank you, they are beautiful!
towards the end of the video it was very cute where Xiao Li Wu looked like he tried copy Bai Yun’s sleeping positions (he was in the donut and Bai in the branches). thanks for sharing and editing.
Is it me, or did Bai smush that donut just a bit? Seems like it was a tad lopsided…lol
DoxieMom~~
OHHHH!!!!!! This is just too precious!!! ♥
Bless his heart♥ Mom Bai runs him out and leaves a mess.
Yep, I know she is eating for two.
Love when he gets back in his donut it looks (to me) like he is trying to imitate
her by bending his little head over like she is then going to sleep.
Sweet Baby is So sleepy and rubbing his little eyes wanting a nap ♥
I L.O.V.E. YOU, Li Wu Wuuuu~~
puppygirl
Gotta admit Bai yun is hilarious…. I was laughing so hard while seeing her sitting in the donut. she is such a great panda bear/ momma !! love her and her cub.
You could see the white spot on his leg and his brown fuzzy paws just now when LiWu awoke in the moat and crawled to the bottom. Yeah for Gao. He’s your son for sure.
has anyone seen Wu being fed today?
As I gazed into Yunior’s empty hammock it occurred to me that it might be time for talented Aunties and Unkas to fashion him a new hammock (perhaps a darker color so dirt doesn’t show up real fast), or after snow day maybe it needs to go on a donation list? Love grammmie
What was the small pink thing that the baby was mouthing about an hour ago? It looked like something he could choke on.
Moderator’s note: Leaf eater biscuit.
Oh my… Sweet Daddy Gao with his sexy furry feetsies is on the cam now and my heart is pounding… he is so handsome!!! OMGosh, he is just too much handsomeness for me!!!
Question..I notice Bai Yun eating after dark last couple of evenings..Is this common or unusual and where is Mr. Wu at this time of night. Thanks
Papa Gao Gao just touched my heart Sunday evening about 6:30 PM PT. He is sitting in the moonlight, where he’s been for the last several hours, just eating his boo and loving his life. We love you. Gao Gao!
One more video from Sunday featuring random clips including a cute play scene by the pool with Xiao Liwu walking off behind her biting her rump, and playing with her foot while she eats bamboo in the Garden Room, plus more
2013-02-03 Super Sunday Play with Xiao Liwu and Bai Yun
http://youtu.be/y7l9l0moJiw
DoxieMom…I was actually watching when the playtime by the pool took place. When Wu bit BaiYun (where her black ‘sleeves’ join in the back), it was obvious that he was really pulling. Surely that hurt. How patient she is!
That part with Wu hanging on to Bai as she walked away cracked me up. Thanks Doxie for sharing this.
DoxieMom~~
THANKS SO MUCH for your videos!! ♥
They really topped off my night !
Li Wu Wuuu is such a darling and had me LOLLOLLOL!!!!!
puppygirl
The first panda I spotted this morning was Sweet Daddy Gao Gao……doing his pre meal power walk—a stroll through his enclosure. I am sure the same thing is happening in both Bai’s and Yunz enclosures, just a faster pace. Love grammmie
It is real heart in mouth when he up those trees! He seems to be trying to get on cover thing at the top of the tree….
I think he might be working on an escape plan watching him at the top of those tress
Gentle readers,
Our intrepid little adventurer is single-mindedly bent on challenging his environment and the cardiac conditions of his fans! This morning he’s been tippy-toeing on the flimsiest branches which began to sway with his movement, backing his tushie onto the stump, trying to see whether hanging by hind legs works…all on the tallest tree. Makes it down fine and checks out the other branches to see how far he can push against the barrier. Next thing we know he’ll be tapping at those windows to say hi to folks inside…
Debbie, good thing toy got Dr. Matt to talk about Wu’s limbs! Admire your presence of mind even in the face of ultimate cuteness!
I stop watching at times! Those panda’s certainly have no fear of heights whatsoever. I was willing him not to try and climb onto that cover at the top of the tree. They certainly are inquisitive animals.
question….If xiao Liwu has teeth, why can’t he eat the bisquets? He is so cute and playful, I think he brings out the “child within” in Bai Yun. lol Bai sitting on the donut was so playful of her, I loved it. lol
This morning I saw Wu climb up this tall tree and reach a large, round structure over the tree. I couldn’t tell what it was made of, maybe metal. He stood up and pushed on it and it moved. What is that structure.
Moderator’s note: A guard to keep the cub from climbing too high.
You can see the structure on my Flickr site in the picture ‘As High As Possible’. He seems to be frustrated not to be able to climb higher because of the guard.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristina_a/8445457294/in/photostream
How lucky you are, got to attend Mr. Wu Wu Woooo’s Exam.
Not possible, but Mr. Wu Wu Woooo has improved his cuteness again. Evidence in the latest video.
Question…Since we all know that everything in the exhibit is Bai’s, what will happen when Liwu is able to eat boo and Bai won’t share with him. I can see her taking it off of him just so she can have what he has.
I think that’s when they will start to separate the two and eventually Mr Wu will get his own exhibit….and his own food.
Gentle Gao just.makes me smile. I swear, some days I’m sure he’s just a guy in a panda suit….sitting contentedly chomping his boo….
Wow! Whew! Ooops! Ouch! Whop! Bouncy! Ooooohhh,Ahhhhhh! I hold my breath a lot when watching this little clown bear..I really thought maybe they’d have to send out a search party while watching him try to get past that barrier thing this morning. A very determined little ball of fun, he is..(((((luv)))))…
Saw the video of Xiao’s 21st vet exam! Boy, was he wiggly! He couldn’t sit still for one minute! He was so interested in all of the little things in that room that the vets had a hard time getting his measurements, but they got that info despite his wigglyness! Moderator Debbie, you were one very lucky SDZ person to finally, actually see a cub in person after trying for so many years! I know that you had some fun because of what you wrote in your article. I hope that you were able to get some pics for yourself to keep in your photo album!
Got on the pandacam during the day today, and I caught Xiao and Bai napping! Xiao was on the platform that someone made for him, and Bai was all slumped over the logs she was laying down on with her head down! How pandas can sleep that way is beyond me!
Got some panda news for you from my Pandas International email newsletter! Pandas at Bifengxia got some Christmas holiday snacks thanks to donations from Accessory Power. The snacks were round panda biscuits with carrots and bamboo. They loved them! Shangri La Hotel & Resorts are helping to plant bamboo for the wild pandas and the pandas at Wolong Nature Reserve. The boo plants are being planted in a large area at Dujiangyan Panda Center with people from Wolong Reserve helping out as well. This is a new agreement as a part of the Care For Pandas Project. Vienna Zoo, Austria and China have renewed their contract for 10 more years that will let Yang Yang and Long Hui stay at the zoo. The 2 pandas’ current contract was supposed to expire this year-2013, but now Austrians and tourists will be able to enjoy them for another 10 years. They are hoping that Long Hui will have another baby panda this year. Pandas International, thanks to Suzanne Braden, has 2 new dogs that are a part of the office staff! They are English Sheepdogs named Andy Panda (18 months old) and Sophie (13 months old). Suzanne adopted them from a Texas foster home and brought them back to Littleton, Colorado with her. There are articles about Xiao Liwu from SDZ going public, Po from Atlanta Zoo being weaned, saving pandas, more panda research, and photos/videos of pandas playing in the snow. You can get all of that on the PI website for all of you that don’t get the PI email newsletter.
Now, it’s back to the pandacam to see what Xiao and Bai are up to! Back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
21:14 GMT, the boy in his moat. Great.
Just read all your posts and LOVE all of them♥♥
Thank you!
Haven’t been able to get on here the last couple of days
Reading your posts caught me up on everything and made me LOLLOLLOL!!!!!!!
Thanks SO much!
Also LOVE the videos ♥ They are Great too !
Have a question~~
What is the link and/or phone number where I can make a donation for the snow??
Every time I see “our” sweet, precious Li Wu Wuuu, he gets cuter and I L.O.V.E. him that much more♥♥♥
Nitey Nite and sweet dreams to All~~
puppygirl
BTW~~
:)
I received (today) the two videos I ordered. “Smithsonian Networks Pandas in the Wild” and Animal Planet “A Panda is Born and Baby Panda’s First Year”.
Am hoping they will help me learn more about Pandas but don’t think they will beat learning on here.
Tanda, Thank you for telling us about the “Smithsonian Pandas in the Wild”.
All of you are Great at helping and teaching about them♥
This is definately including Moderator, Panda Keepers and Panda Nannies♥♥♥
Debbie, Many Thanks for asking our ??? and getting answers for them
Really relieved my mind knowing Wu Wu was not hurt from all his falls
puppygirl
Debbie responds: Here’s the Wish List link. I’ll put it on the Panda Cam page as well.
You are keeping that clipboard and never using it for anything else again, aren’t you?
That baby is the sweetest, cutest thing. And I do get why you didn’t touch him (but I’m not sure I could have resisted!).
I just reviewed…yes I too love the exam videos..never tire watching …
1-Noticed on ‘Mr Wu’ his chest had a red heart on …what was this
A toy? A way to listen to his heart beat?
Now he’s eating ! He’s growing up so fast.. Slow down Wu!
2-Will Bai Yun have another cub? Or will she and Gao Gao go back
after Wu is weaned and a new panda team be sent over?
Thank You for your hard work and this wonderful blog !
Sharon -Southern California