Life is good for Gao Gao.
As our panda cub is growing and changing on a regular basis, let’s not forget our older boys!
Gao Gao is doing well and has been eating quite a bit. Since he is getting panda bread every day, sometimes our keepers have to spice things up a bit and put either honey or applesauce on the bread to encourage Gao Gao to eat it. The panda bread is made up of bamboo that Gao Gao has rejected from previous meals, ground into a coarse powder, as well as ground leaf eater biscuits, shredded bamboo leaves, gelatin, and water. This is made by our keepers every morning just for Gao Gao and fed out to him throughout the day. Gao Gao’s bamboo is smaller in diameter compared to our other pandas’ diets, and this makes it easier for him to chew and digest.
Yun Zi is doing extremely well and is being a normal three year old. He has had quite a bit of fun scent marking his enclosure. The first few times I saw him leave a scent mark, he would mark the ground, turn around and smell it, and then continue to mark the rest of the enclosure. Of course, eating throughout the day has been a main part of his day; as he is not full grown yet, we may still see him jump up in weight.
Anastasia Horning is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo. Read her previous post, Panda Cub: Growing and Climbing.
Glad the big boys are doing just great!
I saw the video of the polar bears with their snow. What fun!
Its not cold enough for the snow to melt fast.
Hope the pandas get their snow soon while the cool weather lasts!
what a lucky panda bear Gao Gao is, his own panda Chefs!! So lovely to hear how he is, and what a big boy Yun Zi is becoming.
Panda bread with applesauce. Yum! Life is really sweet for Sweet Daddy Gao Gao!
If Yunior’s teeth ever have problems and he needs panda bread, bring on the cinnamon rolls…….but will he roll in them, or eat them, or both? That should be a real circus. For his next birthday the top layer should have cinnamon on it, just a test for his future……………….love grammmie
I am remembering from older blogs I read that Mei Sheng left for China when he was 3. Su Lin was supposed to go at 3 years of age, but the 2008 earthquake prevented that….lack of cage space. I was a reader when Zhen Zhen was 3, the girls got to go together. Lucilla wrote us a lovely story about their trip, right down to their shopping spree in ShangHi, dressed to the 9s, during a layover. It was a hoot. Since they seem to like saving money, perhaps Yun Zi will get go stay a bit longer too, until Snuggle Puff is old enough to go. If they get to ShangHi they could go out chasing girlies, or looking for Miss Panda Universe…..love grammmie
I think it’d be nice for Wu to stay here and take over for GG, who by that time will likely be in retirement and Bai will be in full pandapause. That would be a good way to continue GG and Bai’s lineage in the U.S. All we’d need is a new girlfriend for Wu. GG and Bai can retire into geriatric studies and be grandpandas. I wonder what a retired female would do with a grandpanda cubbie if they were ever introduced?
Dear Rebecca,
We are already grandpandas. Hua Mei has had 9 (alas one passed away) and Su Lin has one kid Yun Hui who is older than Wu Wu. By panda standards we are older already although we dont feel it or act it (in some cases!)
Panda love,
Bai and Gao
Dear Grama Bai and Granpa GG,
Thank you for the update on your beautiful family and (a belated) congratulations on the grancubs!! I love your family and all pandas, but I’m new to this wonderful connection and haven’t had time yet to read all the blogs and books. Wu is my first cubbie and I’m thrilled to be able to watch him discover life. I don’t know what “H I H” stands for when I see your name elsewhere, Bai Yun, but you are one gorgeous mama/granmama and GG, you look like the mischievious granpa who’d be bouncing cubbies off his knee all day while telling them stories about your life’s early adventures and telling jokes and about all the funny humans that parade past you all day. You have a wonderful family and I’m so happy I have found you all. XO XO
Rebecca, H I H is for Her Imperial Highness Empress Bai Yun. She is the Empress of all the Pandas, and from birth a very special lady panda. If her mother Dong Dong were still with us, she would be H I H, but since she is not it has been passed to Our Bai Yun….love grammmie
Thank you for a wonderful article about Gao Gao and Yun Zi. I love the way you take care of special needs for Gao Gao considering his age and the condition of his back teeth,how loving and caring that is.I know you care for all in lots of affection and love for each. Yun Zi is so cute too,eating like he does.I hope he stays awhile longer so we can enjoy him,not sure what age he goes to China for mating.Thank you for sharing all the information about our beloved pandas and wo the cam we would not be able to watch the growth and cute antics of Mr.Wu or his Mom either.
Mary Gilbert I put an answer for you in the reply area above. I just realized my mistake, and that is why there are two answers there and none here…….love grammmie
What is the life span of a Panda?
Moderator’s note: Learn that and more from our San Diego Zoo Animals website.
Not so long ago we all worried about Wu Wu falling, in the last few minutes I thought his admirers were the ones who would do the falling as they leaned right over the rail at the moat trying to see him!!!! Here I am in Ontario Canada, getting the best view, although you can’t beat the real thing!! But I am very happy seeing our gift whenever I want!!!
Excellent to see how Gao Gao can be tempted with different tastes in his panda bread. He deserves all this TLC. Thanks Anastasia for providing us with this interesting info.
Now that Yun Zi is three years old, will he be sent to China?
Moderator’s note: We don’t yet know.
I wish they would let him stay and find him a pretty mate to make baby pandas with!!
He already has his eye on Miss Panda Universe of 2008. hey’ve been in touch.
Well Gao Gao is helping the SDZ staff learn how to keep his nourishment up due to his teeth and age. I wonder what would happen to a panda bear in this condition in the wild. Though not many survive up to Papa Bear’s age. Maybe this is one of the reasons.
I love these bears. I was there last year, I am hooked on panda cam. Is it true that Yun Zi will go to China? He should stay here he was made in America!
I understand your sentiments……but his brother Mei Sheng, all of his sisters and all of his old enough USA cousins are in China doing their best to help keep their species alive and well. His older sister Hua Mei has done her duty + by having 6 surviving cubs and cubettes in her first 3 pregnancies, and 2 more singles since then. Between her and Su Lin they have 10 babies!!! Hua’s last baby was born 1week after Snuggle Puff!!! If we expect the rest of the cubbies to do their duty, we expect it of the cubbies we have, and their Atlanta cousins to do no less. They need to be given the chance to fulfill their their duty too…..love grammmie
I second that!!
There is no official word on Yun Zi’s future. We are still working with China on our new loan agreement.
Well Honey, you keep working on your side, I, too, would love to see him stay. I remember watching his handstaning antics while still in the den! I was not aware of what that was for at the time, now that I do I have high hopes for him, and Miss Panda Universe 2008!!! And it would save somebody money by not sending him, I assume there is a charge per panda to travel half way around the world. Besides the surfing in inland China is not really good. In the end, whatever happens is what is supposed to happen, designed by the great panda God. If the future means a new set of pandas then that is what was supposed to happen too. I never for a moment thought I could love a cub the way I loved Yunior, but then there is Mr. Wu and we all love him to pieces. So you guys do what you can, we will pray, hope, cry, and generally make a nuisance of ourselves, and in the end we will have what we have, nothing more, nothing less. Love grammmie
Oh, we’ll said, Grammmie!
Yes, but if you have a cow, the calf also belongs to you. It’s the same with the pandas.
That works if it’s your cow. These are not the San Diego Zoo’s pandas. They are pandas China has temporarily loaned to the Zoo.
That was exactly what I meant.
I love the updates on all of the pandas. I also love to hear from the dedicated staff they have caring for them. You are all wonderful.
Sally
Tonawanda, NY
thanks for sharing. that is pretty cool that Gao Gao’s rejected bamboo can be recycled into bread. he probably has not guessed that.
Yunnie………..I don’t know when you got to be so old!!!! It was just yesterday that we were watching you as a baby.
I love seeing the big boys; Yun Zi is my first love, he was the first cub via cam, he has a special place in my heart. Big daddy, well, he’s given the world 5 children to carry on his genes, his legacy will live for generations. what an eating machine, he sure does like his boo.
Moderator: Do you know what Yun Zi’s current weight is? The last weight I have for him is 82kg on December 5, 2012.
Thanks in advance!
I was wondering the same thing.
Yun Zi is around 187 pounds (85 kilograms) now.
Thank you!
Thank You for the updates on the “the Boys”
Do pandas have temporary teeth and permanent teeth like humans do?
It is so nice to see how the SDZ Panda team looks after this family. Thank you! It is nice that Gao has nutritious diet despite his dental needs… and Yunnie continues to grow as a handsome boy… They are just too precious!
I just got my order for Panda Trek book which J.L of San Diego wrote about a few blogs back. I am so glad they included many pictures of Bai-Gao family.. It will be one of my treasures. Thanks j.L. of San Diego!
Moderator’s note: Yes, they have baby teeth and then permanent teeth.
Hey Lil & Bill~
I would really like to order the Panda Trek book.
Must have missed J.L. of San Diego’s post.
Will you, pls, tell me who is the author so I can order it.
I will look on Amazon without the author but I want to be sure and get the right one with the Bai-Gao family in it.
Have a Great evening and Thanks so much~~
puppygirl
Moderator’s note: You can call our friendly retail staff at 800-699-1663 or 760-738-5055 to place your order for the book.
Hi PuppyGirl,
Yes, you can only get it from San Diego Zoo I believe, specifically, from San Diego Zoo Safari Park.. the ladies are very helpful in the retail dept… and I am very glad to say, it is proudly printed in USA
.. really amazing, quality pictures (some big ones almost the whole page like about 9″x11″)! You will be very glad to have one! And as JL of San Diego said, there is a little picture/introduction of Liwu, maybe just about a month … not yet his best, but everything about him is so very cute anyways from Day 1!
Wow–that’s so interesting–we never hear about them losing baby teeth. When do they fall out?
Panda Team responds: We cannot give you an exact time of permanent teeth eruption in the giant panda, but approximately one year of age (perhaps even earlier) is a reasonable estimate.
thanks for the info on how to order the book. Thanks for all the info on “the big boys”. Nice to hear about them too. I am holding my breath waiting for the Panda bear that I adopted last week. I ordered him in celebration of MR. WU. !!!!!! I might be able to come and see him and Bai and the rest of the Panda family in June. My Daughter-in-law is running in the Marathon on June 2 in San Diego. Hope it works out so I can come and enjoy the pandas and rest of your wonderful zoo. Here’s hoping.
You are welcome, Lil and Bill! I’m glad you are enjoying it; there are some wonderful photos in there!
Yes, there are so many nice photos…but the panda fan that I am, it is not enough
… Hopefully, there will be a “sequel” from the Panda Team (hint.. hint… 
) … thanks again!
.. and perhaps the pandas’ Auntie Rita will work with them on the 2nd book if any.. Her pictures are just fantastic!!
In older videos, the enclosures have grass. The remodeled ones do not. Can you tell us the reasoning for the change? Variety, easier for keepers, more like nature????? Thanks!
It seems from past blog write ups, when the pandas get grass, they “re-decorate” and have fun tearing the grass apart… so maybe they will still have grass in the future but perhaps another “treat” may be in store for them so they do not get bored.. maybe more plants, bushes, tree structures, etc
.
The exhibits currently do not have grass because the bears have destroyed it. Our keepers work very hard to keep the enclosures looking nice, but the bears have other plans for it. As far as it looking like nature, the dirt is actually closer to what it would be in the wild, a dense bamboo forest with lots of dirt.
The pandas do a quick job of disposing of sod (that is the type of planting used), and it is not cheap, so it is only used periodically. I don’t know why they tear it out, but they enjoy themselves when they do. They seem to like it when it is there, when it is not, and the tearing time in between. Pandas will be Pandas! ! ! Love grammmie
Thanks so much for the information! I knew someone would have an answer. Maybe beastroturf? They could at least play football! I love our pandas and enjoy watching them regardless of the ground cover!
Jane…..they are outfitted for Sneaky Soccer play. When they roll up just right the NannyKeepers team cannot tell which is the ball, and which one is going to bite them on the ankle—–gently. They know which side of the NannyKeepers their bamboo is on, and they play for snackies….that way nobody gets hurt…..love grammmie
This is the only game with Hoomans in the mix, the rest are divided by species and size, if not ferocity! ! ! !
Is Great to hear the boys are well and thriving. We love all our pandas and would be heartbroken to see anymore leave us:( ….. Thank you keepers ..
I finally have time to stroll thru the cameras for all the exhibits.
No animals to be found in most of them.
I have noticed since before Christmas that the camera operators are not on top of things like they once were.
Are we short of operators suddenly or has management changed the way things are run.
I would like a camera on the meerkats since they are move.. All the koalas do are sleep more than the bears sleep!
What is the extent of the injury to to Wu Wu this morning? Is it his leg or something further? He was really unable to walk easily or climb, and Bai yun was concerned. Ihope it was not serious but anything that hurtful was probably serious enough. I leave him in your care. So sorry, such a little one to suffer anything.
Moderator’s note: He is fine.
Yesterday morning at either 8:17 or 9:17 Momma and Mr. Wu were both on the platform and mamma tossed baby off. I thought it was quite high up but the camera panned down right away and it was only the heighth of a big bush. Then momma came down I “thought” to check her baby but she just ambled away. I’m glad you posted that Mr. Wu’s leg was OK. Bai Yun is sure trying to make a man out of her little one.
Tough love in San Diego!
Little Wu is doing just fine. Baby pandas have a funny way of walking/hopping in the first place. Panda cubs fall out of trees and off of logs all the time; this is nothing new to the team or to Bai Yun. I can assure you that if something was wrong, our team would be out there in a heartbeat.
I like checking in around this time of the day. Mama Bai and Baby Wu are taking a little siesta and look so cute together. Baby boy is between mom and the wall… all cozy. Sure wish there was room for me too!
I am glad they are doing good.Oh the baby got hurt I hope is ok.
Moderator’s note: The cub did NOT get injured.
I ish good and no boneys bwoken. Mama says it is cos I am getting extra fluffy. Thanks for cawing for me.
Love,
The Wu
Tell Gao Gao I will be right over to have dinner with him. Panda bread with honey or apple sauce. That sounds good. But I do not think Gao Gao would share and he would not want me there. But enjoy your food Gao. Yun Zi is getting to be a big boy and he is very much playful.
Watching the panda cubs in China, you would think that pandas are sociable animals.
At what age do they become solitary animals and what prompts this change?
Moderator’s note: You might enjoy reading a previous post, Pandas Play Solitaire.
Dear Moderator!
Thank You for the informative link! It’s really important to understand that the pandas live alone because it’s natural for them. And the mothers really need to protect the cubs from male adults, although it seems odd to us because the pandas look so sweet.
When will Yun Zi get his tree to climb on? I do saw Mr wu fall after mom push him off the platform, It was just before noon, kinda scared me. Thank for all the info on the boys.
Moderator’s note: Soon.
It is amazing that watching these precious animals helps when you are really really down. It helps me to watch them to take my mind off of job hunting since I have been out of work for over a year.
Cyndee, wish you very best in your efforts to find a new job.
Good luck on your job hunting, too! Liwu has brought a lot of us some calm and peace in trying times – some for health, some for loss, and for whatever reason they may be, we just need to be reminded that life is a gift as little Liwu has been such a wonderful gift to all of us!
Thank you SDZ, Panda Team, Moderator(s), DoxieMom, and their Auntie Rita, and all the wonderful contributors to the Panda Blog for your input… and the wonderful video cam operators for all that you do to show us this wonderful Panda family!
How come the panda cam does not capture Gao Gao or Yun Zi? We only ever see Bai Yun and Mr. Wu. I’m not complaining, but is there a reason the zoo does not show all of your wonderful pandas on the cam?
Moderator’s note: It seems that when we do not show the cub, many viewers fear something bad has happened to him, so we try to show the cub whenever he is in camera range.
I am grateful for whatever view I have into the panda world. The panda that is currently on the camera is my favorite at the moment. From Gao Gao with furry paws and round face, to Yun Zi, my very first panda baby, to the new cubbie Xiao Liwu to Bai Yun, the best mama a cubbie could ever have.
We were at the zoo last week .. Thursday and a very wet Friday. Enjoyed visiting all 4 pandas, seeing the new cute as cute can be baby takin and the two red pandas.
The volunteers thruout the zoo in their easy to recognize red shirts are very helpful and knowlegeable; also the panda line moderators. Thanks to all at the zoo for such as great experience.
Thank you for responding! I have a follow-up question. Is the panda “family” enclosed together? The camera may only follow Mr. Wu, but I was curious to know if the big boys are housed in a different place? Also, are the boys kind to one another–and to the cub?
Moderator’s note: Gao Gao and Yun Zi are each housed in separate bedrooms and exhibits. They have not even seen the cub or his mother since Xiao Liwu was born.
Erin, the cam operation is one of those things that you can please some of the folks some of the time, etc. but you can’t please all of the panda lovers all of the time. If cub is shown some want to see the boys, if the boys are shown, some want to see the baby, and sometimes you just have to close your eyes and take a nap, just like the pandas we all love all of the time. That is the one thing we all agree on, we love the pandas and want to see some 24/7. Love grammmie
Is there a reason the pandas are not housed all together? Would they be hostile toward one another? I love all of them (I’ve surprised myself at how fascinated I am by them and their almost-human behavior!), but watching from Boston, it has occurred to me that I don’t see them all together, whereas I might see multiple bears together on the cam in China.
Panda Team responds: What you see is an artifact of the early weaning process common in China. Cubs are removed from their mother at about 6 months of age, far earlier than would occur in nature. To counter balance the loss of the social relationship with their mother, cubs are given the opportunity to peer-foster, living in groups. We have no need to peer-foster because Bai Yun provides all the social comfort her cubs need, until the more species-typical age of weaning at approximately 18 months. You might also find it helpful to read a previous post, Pandas Play Solitaire.
I have so m uch respect for all the keepers, vets , and yes, management as it takes a team to do such an excellent job….thank you taking time to post photos, update, videos etc. If Yunzi has to leave for China, does that mean that Mr. Wu will be able to stay forever?….or do all the males have to leave?
thank you
Moderator’s note: Nothing has been decided yet.
I may be wrong but I thought all cubs born in zoos in different countries
are the property of China and would go to China whenever the Chinese
want them, usually after the age of 2. Sometimes, as with Tai Shan in
D.C., China allowed him to remain longer.
Some depends on both China and the birthplace. Example: at last check the zoo in Austria does not have room for three adult pandas. Once weaned they generally move two year old pandas directly to China, so mom might become pregnant during her next cycle. It was great thinking to send “Fooey” as Foo Long was known when they did……on his third birthday he got a baby brother. Perhaps when baby brother turns three they will get a baby sister!!! When conditions at the birthplace allow, and the conditions in China do not allow for a transfer they let some babies stay longer where they are born, like Su Lin and the China earthquake. We can, when situation calls for it, house either six adults plus one baby, or five adults and one baby, making it a happy time when the situation calls for it. At one time we had Su Lin, ZZ, Yun Zi, Bai Yun, and Gao Gao, and room left over. At the same time they do not have to pay for their care, but get to collect rent on them. Make hay while the sun shines, nobody was sorry that Su got to stay longer. We were able to renegotiate the rental fee, so it apparently gave us Su longer, but lower fees, and I got to know her a little, along with ZZ…..love grammmie
Maybe I can get a girl friend to come to SDZ? Hee Hee Hee
Wu Wu
Hey Sweet Li Wu Wu~~
I’m hoping (Super Much) YOU will stay at the SDZ and a girlfriend
will be sent to YOU !!!!!!!!!!!
I L.O.V.E. YOU~~♥
puppygirl
Litlle Wu Wu,
As it says in the old song:
“Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future’s not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.”
Mama Kristina
You say Hee, Hee. But the panda mommies of girlie pandas just might see what a treasure their daughters might get in in a Mini Wu Wu. Looking at daddy Gao Gao they might see how strong and brave a mini sized panda can be. When it is time you look at the family as a whole and hope for the best! Some day a lady panda will see Mr. Wu and say “he is the one”. Love grammmie.
Mr. Wu we would love for a girlfriend right here where you wee born. Have you written to the NannyKeepers in China and suggested that either you or Yunior stay and have Miss Panda Universe come here to meet him??? I think that might be a nice surprise for Yun Zi…..love grammmie
Oh good
Moderator, Gao Gao is my favorite dad EVER! I LOVE his family…How considerate the zoo keepers have a special diet for Gao Gao, I would prepare his meals everyday if I worked there……..Yun Zi is a wonderful panda bear, How much more does he have to grow, I wonder..And our dear Mom Bai Yun the wonderful panda mother she is…. Does she have to push her baby boy , her sweet darling Liwu off the platform all the time??????I feel so bad for her baby panda cub that is a growing cuteness,,, He must not understand why , I really feel bad for him……Bai Yun enjoys her baby because sometime they are snuggled together,…….It would be nice if Bai Yun would find a different teaching tool for her baby…Maybe she only wants that platform just for her, I don’t know…..
The Keepers know best what goes on with the pandas, I’m only seeing from a web cam some of the things that goes on with those wonderful pandas……
All of you who work and volunteer for the pandas are special people……..Thank you for all what you do for the pandas………..
Bai Yun has had six cubs now and is a pro at raising them and teaching them. But bears also love to roughhouse all the time, and half the time when this goes on the cub is the one starting it. The love bites, the tumbles, and the falling are all part of growing up, bear style. Nothing she has done has been out of the ordinary, or dangerous, for the cub.
Here is my opinion, and it is just that, an opinion….I think every time Bai purposely drops Liwu off the platform or off the high hammock in the exhibit, she is telling all of you…I’ve had enough already, my baby rearing days are over.
I am so happy that you have reported “on the big boys”. I was wondering if you have any information about Mei Sheng? Has he become a father? I’m hoping that all of Gao Gao’s sons are as successful as their father.
My first Chinese New Year part 3 (Yun Zi Ge Ge helped me with the words)
Late Sunday morning, Papa and Mama asked a lion dance troupe to come to Panda Canyon to ‘pick the greens’. It was sooooooo FUN. There was drumming and cymbals. And a Yang Wah Wah (doll) leading the way with a fan. The lion somersaulted and pranced and jumped over finks.Then the front (head) dancer jumped on the shoulders of the back (tail) dancer and plucked a bunch of ‘green vegetables’. And then a banner was released to wish all a blessed year. WOW! I want to learn lion dancing!!!
And after lunch Mama and Papa had Open House and all the animals in the zoo who come from Asia came by for a visit. I had to help Mama serve tea and snacks. Mama had baked many special cookies. I helped to taste test them to make sure they were OK for serving. Hee Hee, and I got many hong baos from all the unkas and aunties who visited.
Mama told me that tomorrow the Panda unkas and aunties were coming to visit. Wee Po and AJ were coming also. Wooo Hooo!!!
Wow, you and your nephew get to play with your older brother/cousin and since Po is weaned, and you climb like you are weaned the running up and down the trees should be lots of fun. You might ask the NannyKeepers to please hide some snackies wwwwaaaayyyyyyy higher than Mamma wants to climb. It should keep you guys busy when the older pandas say “go out and play”. Think of the fun you will have with the snackies you do not eat. You can try hard to hit the big bears……and it would be hard to be angry when they find they have been “Pinged” from above with some of their favorites. If Pappa and the Uncles have been getting toasted with “Boo Beer” and the ladies have had ‘Just one more’ “BooTinies” they may just giggle and and TRY to toss them back, giving everybody a great laugh. Now be sure to keep Mamma in cold wet cloths for her head the next day……if Daddy is a touch sick he might think it was from the beer, but Mamma reads the blog and comments, so make sure she doesn’t know this was planned. Missy Bai might never speak to me again, or she may speak very sharply with me……….either one and I am in big trouble. Enjoy you time with your cousins, and be sure to tell me all about it. No I am not mean….I had parents too! ! ! Love grammmie
Heaven forbid they all breed like their fathers and mothers, we will be up to our ankles in tiny little pandas. Oh what a heaven that would be. We would need special areas to put our feet, but once we get that we will be just fine. Love grammmie
It’s amazing what they did for GG’s teeth, making a bridge and all. Is Bai close to GG’s age? Is she having teeth problems, too?
Moderator’s note: They are about a year apart in age, but Bai Yun does not have dental problems.
During pregnancies, nursing, and recovering time she is given a lot of nice soft selection of bamboo sprouts, and other soft healthy foods to help make sure she regains or maintains her weight. Not having to deal with hard bamboo for most of each year would mean less wear and tear on the teeth, so H I H Empress Bai Yun would have more chance to eat forever. It is a good diet for her, and other mothers, no matter their time of year. Perhaps “eating machines” should be on a pregnancy diet too…..love grammmie
The reason Bai Yun is given shorter, and sometimes thinner, pieces of bamboo while pregnant is so she can make her den up. I was fortunate enough to see Bai Yun’s den up close this last year, and it had shredded bamboo that was perfectly situated to makes a nice “nest,” so to speak. Her teeth have never really needed a lot of care, and she is still given thick pieces of culm while pregnant. Nothing in her diet changes that much, except that she is given more, to allow for weight gain, and again shorter pieces toward the end of the pregnancy.
8:00 am where are they ??? Mama and Wu ? where are you ???
Just wondering why Bai and Wu are staying so long in garden room ?
Here in an exhibit they have more room to play, rest and explore.
I have seen them already few times in the past waiting close to the door and climbing on it.:(:(:(
Thanks for this post. Two questions!
(1) Yun Zi in the mornings often paces around, and when he gets to a bush by the back wall of his enclosure, he rolls on one shoulder and then keeps walking. Is this scent-marking? Why mark the bush? Do pandas have scent-marking on their shoulders?
(2) Does Gao Gao have dental or dietary problems that require him to have a special diet?
Moderator’s note: (1) Yun Zi does what we call “anticipatory pacing” when he knows his keepers are in the area getting ready to feed him his next meal. Sometimes he does this when he is not happy with the type of bamboo he gets. The shoulder roll is part of this routine. There is no need to be worried about him, as he is monitored throughout the day. (2) Yes. See the post Gao Gao and His Bread.
That is so interesting about Yunnie. If he does show dislike for his bamboo do you give him another kind or does he just have to make do?
If he had my momma he would have to make do, even when she served parsnips, and was the only one of six who liked them. I gave choices when I could to my kids, my theory was “if they don’t like it, but I do, more for me! Love grammmie
Do you suppose the NannyKeepers have a favorite bamboo???
It depends on the day and how picky he is being about the selection. Often times we try to offer him a different species or a fresher piece of bamboo. There are many times when we don’t have this option, and he may have to just work it out.
My cat sometimes decides her usual food “is yuck”. Usually I have dry food for her to eat and I try not to give her some other bood before the old is eaten up. But I always loose! She simply doesn’t eat “yuck food”. So I have thought that for some reason it is good for her to have different food from time to time. I think she maybe knows best.
I love seeing Mr. Wu up in his “nest” — he just looks so cuddly and cute up there — sometimes fluffing up his little nest, getting it just right for a little nap. What a cutie pie!
Early this morning (Tuesday at 7:10am PT) there was a very sweet scene on the Garden Room’s platform ~ this is what a grooming session with mother Bai Yun looks like up close
2013-02-12 Xiao Liwu: Groomed and Snuggled on the Platform
http://youtu.be/gXKzoNHWzM0
Thank you SDZ ~ I have the utmost respect for your team of professionals (Suzanne Hall, the vets, the keepers, the narrators, and the Blog moderator) as we continue to watch and learn about panda cub rearing from Bai Yun. Having watched her with Yun Zi (in my opinion he was the polar opposite of Xiao Liwu), it’s fascinating to see Bai Yun handle this fearless bundle of energy.
My goodness that was beautiful to watch, such love for her cubbie, all ready for his adoring public to see him!! So funny at the end of the clip as Bai Yun scratched her foot and then she cuddles up with her paw around him! They could teach us a lot!!!! Thank you for sharing this!
oh my gosh… the end of the video is the best — the end cuddles are so sweet. What a beautiful pair of animals!
Oh my lord, doxie. That was by far the best video I’ve seen yet. Bai’s beautiful face looking right at the camera with those eyes, and when she lifted Liwu’s little chin and they were nose to nose, then the cuddle at the end just melted my heart. I just Love seeing them this way. thank you so very much!
I’m going to have puddles of tears on my PC after watching this video. So blessedly precious. Thank you DoxieMom so much for posting this for all of us.
A truly heartmelting episode! As you see, she can also be a lov… um… necessing mother. It’s all Panda Parenting.
Thank you, DoxieMom – that video really touched my heart. Maybe we have only seen Bai Yun being dominant over LiWu, and we haven’t seen too much of this nurturing side. Thanks again.
I add my thanks for this charming and heart-warming session. We’d have missed it without your expertise. Well done!!
DoxieMom – when I watched this sweet video, what came to mind is how adorable it would be if you could put Paul McCartney’s 2013 Grammy-winning song “Kisses on the Bottom” to it.
Cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate & love your videos. Had to deal with a dryer repairman when this all took place, and again was out comparison shopping for a new one when “Bamboo Thief” was in action. Would have missed it all had it not been for you, your talent and thoughtfulness to share with others.
Big Panda hugs to you.
Cute vidoe wow Mom eyes up close pretty.That big bamboo just big has him has playing
Okay, grammmie is old, tell me about this new dance step at the end of the video…….does she think she and Gao Gao are going to dance this spring, and is this her version of “come on over here Big Boy”? She is a mother, with a baby in tow. Granted her oldest daughter raised three sets of twins, but she had help from her Chinese NannyKeepers. Excuse me Madame Bai Yun, you are not at a time in your life where raising twins, or two a year apart is such a good idea. This is a time to be indulged and pampered, not for labor and feeding, and all of those diaper checks. Think twice before using that Big Boy line, it might get you a surprise you aren’t counting on. Lay low, relax, take some sun by your pool in you pink polka dot bikini, but Gao really likes it, so don’t let him see you in it…….I am not sure I could take another round of six months…..love grammmie
What a loving mom. Bai was watching something while she was trying to groom Mr.Wu. Was there a pandakepper in the area? She was being very protective. She is sure a beautiful panda. and she sure loves her little guy.
DoxieMom~~
SO Sweet and it absolutely melted my heart♥
THANK YOU for this video
I LOVE it !
LOVE seeing Mom Bai baby(ing) her Baby
so cute!!
Thank you DoxieMom for this excellent video this morning…….
That was so special to see Mom Bai Yun and her adorable cub Liwu on the platform……I Love all of you who are so dedicated to the pandas, You DoxieMom and everyone involved with those wonderful pandas………..Thank you a billion times over…………..
I sure agree. thanks doxiemom and the staff at SDZ.
Here’s a very short and funny video from this afternoon. Earlier Xiao Liwu had taken a small piece of Bai Yun’s bamboo down to the moat with him. Around 1pm he took a much larger piece down there. The Panda Cam didn’t show him getting down, but caught him taking it, and playing with it in the moat until he fell asleep
2013-02-12 Xiao Liwu: Bamboo Thief (takes his treasure to the moat!)
http://youtu.be/pnEIplJd3mQ
It will be interesting to see if this becomes routine much like Zhen Zhen throwing her enrichment items into the moat
Thanks for the videos! That was great that Bai did not see him take the big stick of bamboo!
What a sneaky little Snuggle Puff. It looks like one more “I want to be just like Daddy”, he looks just like Gao Gao when Gao Gao plays the flute. He plays it very well indeed……..oh no!!! Gao Gao is warming up for the spring dance…..not this spring Gao Gao, oh you bears, it’s not every year, it’s every other year. It was last year you skipped the baby, not this year. H I H Bai Yun has to finish raising little Gao Gao…….love grammmie
thanks for sharing the video. that was pretty funny.
there was a recent story about dogs stealing food when in a dark room with a human (but not as often when the human can see). I wonder if Xiao Li Wu was thinking, “Bai can’t see me.” or if he could weigh the consequences of taking the bamboo with him. that bamboo was so big. I think he is plotting his escape from the North exhibit.
OMG, I can imagine him vaulting over the fence with that bamboo! Chuckles.
How delightful to see that Mr. Wu steals bamboo for himself from Bai. Maybe he’s prepairing to provide himself.
It would be interesting to know if panda cubs are so interested in bamboo because they only imitate their mothers or if they find the taste of it fascinating.
thank you Doxiemom, you give us videos of antics that we miss throughout the day, thank you for sharing the pandas with us, you’re the greatest, I watch all your videos
I’m always amazed at how overly protective we get of the little ones in our lives. Our instant (sometimes horrified) reactions over the tumbles and falls and hoping they are okay. Even our little ones who are built like a tank.
A baby panda and his moat! He’s sure loves his little hiding place. Seems as though P.Wong could write a nice little story about this… hint, hint.
Is that little boy playing with his poo? Just like a kid, eh?
Is Liwu still getting weighed regularly? He looks bigger but stretching a little thin maybe like at that awkward growing age… Is he getting more training now? Will there be an update later of the growth and learning progress chart to include Liwu? It was posted somewhere but I forgot to keep the link.
Moderator’s note: He is weighed twice a week. This morning, he weighed 21 pounds (9.5 kilograms). Here’s the link to the old panda cub milestones page, but it will not be updated at this time.
Thanks.. good to know the precious is increasing weight .. and thank you again for the link!
Mr Wu is sure growing fast. Just like our kids. He is getting longer too. Thanks for letting us know/
Thanks for the update on Xiao Liwu weight. He surely looks bigger this week.
When will you be having the snow day for the pandas??
Moderator’s note: Possibly some day in March.
Please make sure you let us know. Watched the Polars bears in the snow,they were having a ball. Can’t wait to see our little guy playing in the snow. What a neat idea.
My first Chinese New Year Part 4 by Xiao Li Wu
On Monday, no one in my family wanted to get up early except for the Wu self and my nephew. We wanted to play with my bring blue toy car and yesterday, one of the aunties brought me a radio conwolled plane. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Yun Hui and I ran outside and soon we were climbing the twees. I showed him my pwatfowm and my moat. We rolled around in the hay, getting weally dirty. Then Su Lin Jie Jie came wooking for us. She laughed when she saw us and shook her head. She cuddled Yun Hui and cleaned him with wet wipes. Then she cleaned me too. I let her as she is my elder. Hee Hee.
As we walked towards home, there was a big shout, ‘HERRRROOOOW SUSIE!!! GONG XI GONG XI!’ It was Unka Yang Yang. He hugged sissy and threw Yun Hui in the air. Then he grinned as he bent down to pick me up.
‘And lookie here, we have a new Gaoster. I heard all about you, my widdle gift! Here is a gift for the gift, HAHAHAHA!’ and Aunty Lunnie handed me a hong pao and a rocking horsie. WOW, I wike vewy much. I hugged them. Then I met Xi Lan and Po. Xi Lan wooks so cool. He wore really cool shades. Po hugged me and Yun Hui as though we have known each other a long time.
Mama and and Papa came out to see what the noise was. And there was another round of gweetings and Papa was weally happy to see Unka Yang. And just as we were entering our home, Unka Tian Tian and Auntie Mei Xiang came. Auntie Mei Xiang gave me a basebawl cap. Way cool. Yun Hui has one too.
Lunch was a big thing as Mama and my sissies spent last night cooking away. Sissy ZZ baked some cakes. Papa brought out boo beer for the unkas. Just as we were about to start, Unka Le Le and Auntie Ye Ye came. Auntie Ye Ye speaks with a cute accent.
All the grown ups ate and nibbled on boo rolls, boo bread, boo noodles and boo stew. Yun Hui had some too as he is weaned. Mama gave me a bottle and she added some honey to the mewk. I wike. I was able to nibble on ZZ’s cakes. She is good.
It was very noisy as the grown ups were catching up and had so much to tell. Yunnie sneaked off with Xi Lan to check out some ‘bikini babes’ and would not take Po, Yun Hui and me. Poooooooo. So we grabbed our CNY tweats and cwimbed up the twees to enjoy them.
Mama, the aunties and my sissies came out to enjoy the sun. They sat under our twee. Hee Hee. Po started it. He dropped a nut on his Mama. I dropped a chocolate kiss on Mama and Yun Hui dropped a biscuit on his Mama. Sissy Susy immediately knew and looked up.
All the aunties laughed. Mama grinned, ‘Like father, like son. Mischievious always.’ Papa came out. ‘Darling, talking about me again. Can’t get enuf of me, wight?’ Then it was so funnie as Mama rolled her eyes and gave Papa a cheeky look. Then the unkas and aunties laughed at Mama and Papa. Auntie Ye Ye giggled and said, ‘So how about No. 7?’ Papa grabbed Mama and started dancing with her. He said, ‘I am ever ready!’ Mama gave Papa a kiss!!!! YUCKY.
I was sad when all our guests left after dinner. I wuved hearing the stories and also learning about my Ge Ges and Jie Jies. Hee Hee Hee.
My family wants to wish one and all the Blessssssings of the Sssssseason! Happy New Year! Xing Nian Kuai Leh!
Little Wu Wu you know how to party! Somehow, I missed having such great
Chinese genes. Thanks for the fun and may you all have a healthy bamboo-filled CNY.
Hi little Wooster, love your reports! I’m wondering what auntie Ye Ye’s accent is like. Did you wish happy new year to the panda canyon vipers? It’s their sssssspecial year!
I bet auntie Ye Ye’s cute accent sounds like my big sissy’s accent too……my sissy lives in Tennessee also. Everybody there has cute accents…love grammmie
Sounds like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing about your day:)
OH, Li Wu, you little darlin’ !!♥
Thank you for sharing your day with us
It sounds like you had a Wonderful time!
hehe!! I would Love to see you on your rocking horse!
I would Love to pick you up and hug you♥
Am wishing you and your family Happy CNW!!
I L.O.V.E. YOU♥~~
puppygirl
Its Tues around 5:21 pm and as I turned on the almost dark exhibit, I saw a white object way up in the tree. Then those screen items covered him up.
Is it Wuuu who hasn’t come down yet? Too small for Yun Zi and I think its Bai’s exhibit.
If you didn’t know there was something white up there in the right corner, you wouldn’t think a panda was there.
I am confused.
I love reading these blogs and watching the panda cam all of the pandas are fun to watch!☺
I was wondering if GAO GAO can still climb? I only see him walking or sitting.
He can still climb–he just chooses not to most of the time.
He saves his climbing for the Spring Salsa Season, his motto is waste not want not!
Are you sure Gao Gao’s real name isn’t Winnie the Pooh?
I think Winnie the Pooh’s real name is Gao Gao.
Does it seem lately like the pandas are looking directly into the camera?? Like Bai in DoxieMom’s up close grooming video, and I’ve noticed Wu doing the same. Are the cameras closer now, are they aware of them? It’s definitely a plus for us!
Two big thumbs up for the panda cam operator this afternoon (Tues) while watching Mama and cubby in the Garden Room. The close-ups were wonderful!!
‘Hey Wu Wu, want to go to the Mall? Mama says you were blessed with many ang pows so you can buy something you want. And Papa will treat you to an ince cream. How about that?’ smiled Gao Gao at his little son. Xiao Li Wu got really excited as he wanted to buy some new books to read and a pair of shades like cuz Tai.
Wu Wu quickly finished his cereal and washed his bowl. Mama has been teaching him to clean up after himself and he did not want to make her mad.
Wu Wu chose the new bright green T shirt and berms that Auntie Ye Ye bought him. He jumped into his Papa’s red car and buckled up. Soon Papa and son were cruising down the highway. Papa had his favourite rock music on. When it came to ‘Born to be Wild’, Papa cranked the stereo higher. Wu Wu started to sing along.
At the mall, Wu Wu bought a book on the Nut Brown Hare and a tank called Thomas. Papa found him some nice shades. Wu Wu felt soooooo cool and grown up. As he and Papa were walking to the ice cream parlour, Wu Wu suddenly stopped.
‘Wat’s wrong, little guy?’ asked his Papa.
‘Papa, I saw a bunch of nice flowers. Can buy them for Mama? I want to show her how much I wuv her!’
‘Hee Hee Hee, of course you can!!! Thanks for reminding me cos tomorrow is Valentine’s Day.’
‘Eeeewwww, is that when you and Mama kiss and say mushy stuff to each other?’
‘Who told you that?’
‘Ge Ge Yunnie.’
‘What does he know about love? When you find your forever queen like I have, every day is Valentine. You must love her and show her you care everyday. I always start and end my day by telling your Ma ‘I love you’ and hee hee, that has saved my fur a few times.’
‘WOW, love is a lot of work.’
‘But its worth it. Lets go get those flowers and then ICE CREAM!’
‘YAY! Papa you are the best!’
hi yun zi, i always feel i’m along for the ride on your merry adventures-especial the red convertible car! very cute and keep ‘em comin’.
Hey Yun Zi~~
Thanks for your post ! We love hearing about your family “doings” !
Wu Wuuu, am Sure you were really Cool with your new shades
That was So sweet of you to think of your Mom and get her flowers.
You have a Terrific example with your Papa Gao and how to treat your
“Forever Queen” ♥
I L.O.V.E. YOU~~♥
puppygirl
Oh my goodness, cubbie was just too cute playing with his little ball late yesterday! He even seemed to be spinning on it. After watching all his antics, feel he would be perfect for a new Hollywood blockbuster titled: “Ball, Boy and Bamboo!” Once again, thank you SDZ for all the fun!
One more adorable video from Tuesday… Xiao Liwu discovers his mother Bai Yun’s empty treat ball and for the next 10 minutes, he was totally enthralled with it ~ rolling around with it under his tummy, poking his nose into the cubbie-size holes and hugging it tight to his body.
2013-02-12 Xiao Liwu: A Boy and His Ball
http://youtu.be/EthnknwN8ec
Kudos to the camera person for following Xiao Liwu with his ball
That was so cute watching Wu Wu with the ball! Wonderful camera work for us all to enjoy! Think Wu Wu may have two career moves here, He could Bend It Like Beckham or A Bowling Team, Captain of course!!!
Some think pirate—-Captain of course!!!
That is just too cute for words!
Oh thank you DoxieMom for capturing these for us. I’ve not seen him as interested in any of the enrichment items as he was that. It really captured his attention.
DoxieMom~~
THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES for making this video for us!!!!!:)
Camera person~~YOU did a FANTASTIC JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)
This is the cutest!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS SO MUCH~~♥
puppygirl
He probably thinks it is his long lost brother … they have so much in common, Mr. Wu Wu and the ball. Very sweet segment. Thanks Doximom.
L O L……….love grammmie
Such a noble fight with the unyelding ball! Could it be that he can smell there has been something tasty in it and tries to open it up? Or is it only play?
I think he did smell the treats that had been in the ball for Bai…sticking his nose in the holes again and again seemed to have a purpose besides seeing if it would fit! So darling (and daring) this boy.
Breaking news!! Zhen Zhen has had estrus and has bred naturally with male Giant Panda Lo Lo!!
www(dot)chinapanda(dot)org(dot)cn/blog(dot)php?id=1101
Moderator’s note: Yes! Our Panda Team is preparing a blog post about this exciting news!
Natural mating runs in the family! Here’s hoping Zippy becomes a mommy this year!
Our little girl…
What exciting news! They must have brought her back to BFX from Emeishan and we just didn’t hear about it. Wow….hard to think of Zhennie being a Mommy…..but what a great one she will be with Bai as her shining example.
That link is all in chinese…..which I can’t read…lol
Wow deb, what other news could we hear better than that!!! Maybe she will get to try Su Lin’s place in the wild release program too. I have been wondering, since I pointed out the Umbrella photo, is there a connection between Bai having a face that if upside down shows a heart, is that why little gift has a cute little butt that also looks heart shaped??? Love grammmie
Debbie the link is not in Chinese, just four (dots) changed or did you mean the part that link got you to??? A lot of programs, and sometime places like google will give you translations. They are pretty good, but not exact, usually good reading.
i put all the dots in grammmie and when the artcle came up it was in chinese
Yes Debbie, those Chinese Articles can be fun to run. Have you been able to get one of the translators to work for you??? I know how to start one up on my computer program, but if you need help with that you may need someone else to help you. I am no techno genius, I would probably really mess things up, as you have seen lately….love grammmie.
Mine was in Chinese as well, but there was a button on the top right that said ENGLISH…once I clicked that, the button saying TRANSLATE showed in roughly the same spot.
I do have a google search bar installed on my PC even though I use IE and it is google does the translating. The language is quite funny, especially where they talk about the ‘boys’. One visited ZZ and she went to visit the other, if I understood them right.
Baby girl is all grown up, I sure do miss her and her sister.
Our girl mated twice with two gentlemen bears.
More to come when she skypes us tonight.
Panda Hugs,
Mama and Papa
Just read an article from China that Zhen Zhen mated for the first time a couple days ago. Perhaps Yunnie and Liwu will be uncles this year….
Hey Susan H.~~
I just pulled up the link Kathy from Toronto posted and it is all in Chinese.
If this is the artcle you read, would it be possible for you to, please, translate and post the article for us??
This will be Greatly Appreciated ♥
Many Thanks (in advance)~~
puppygirl
See if you can find the google translator puppy girl. Love grammmie
HI Grammmie~~
Thank you for the idea
Looks like Jane has solved this for us.♥
I just read what she posted.
Thanks again~~♥
puppygirl
Puppygirl, please read my post in the string above. The article is very long so it likely couldn’t be posted. I could go back and find the parts of ZZ meeting up with the boys. Let me see.
Here is the most important information translated from the Chinese. Translations aren’t perfect but actually makes it more fun to read.
According to the staff, half of the returnees 5-year-old giant panda “Zhenzhen” January 25, has been found in less food, rub overcast, playing in the water, the activity increases estrus behavior, it is through the of shortness “baa” sounds and the perianal gland odor to panda giant pandas living in the vicinity of it were released courtship signals. February 11, researchers through a combination of its physical signs, hormone monitoring, to determine the “Zhenzhen” entering the height of estrus, the 15:30 staff will Zhenzhen channeling circle to the next door male giant panda “Lo Lo” pens, the completion of the first natural mating. In order to ensure that the “Zhenzhen successful pregnancy, February 12 at 2:00, staff will be male giant panda” Yuanyuan “channeling circle to the” Zhenzhen “pens, once again successfully completed natural mating. Zhenzhen “for the first time to participate in breeding, it particularly careful husbandry and care staff will complete after mating, hope it can smooth pregnancy and gave birth to pups.
How about that, I guessed right about using two males instead of one natural, one AI, since natural increases the chance of cubbies. I have no idea where that thought came from, but I posted late last night my theory that two males were better than one plus AI. Sometimes grammmie’s brain actually does work! It is good they have enough males that can and will breed naturally, and that ZZ is a party girl, and not shy anymore. She loves pleasing a crowd!!! Love grammmie
Hey Jane~~
You GO Girl !!!!
Thank you So much for your post ♥
I looked above our posts and found your previous one about the English button.
Didn’t click on it. Just read your post on the 14th at 6:29 PM.
You’re SO Right!! lol Had to read slowly to get it straight and fully understand !!
Hee Hee!! From what you wrote and other’s posts, sounds like “ZZ” really gets around! So glad she’s crazy about the “boys” !
Let’s hope for Lots of cubbies from her
LOL!! Just being silly~~if ZZ could borrow Poppy Gao’s red convertible, all the boys would love a date with her!!
How bout dinner and the drive-in movie??!!!!! ♥
hehe!! Am I being a “good” or “bad” influence??
Thank you Bunches, Jane, for all your time and trouble writing all that for me (us). ♥
I Greatly Appreciate 
puppygirl
Puppy girl, I would say bad, but then it would never be much fun if it or you and ZZ were only good! She is definitely the girl in the family who would borrow dad’s little red convertible ……she is a California girl after all. Yes the boys would all pile in for a trip to the movies (we are down to one drive in movie theater, or maybe two now, I loved them when I was young), but they would make the trip to the beach, and might even get in a trip to the zoo, after mom and dad have gone to bed. I wonder how much she would have to pay off Yunior to keep him silent??? Then, in the summers, concerts at the Safari Park and night visits to the beach. 50 years ago the guys told us we were there to watch the submarine races….I never could pick a winner then. Love grammmie
They have lots of nephews, 7 or 8. We need more nieces!!! Nephews of this family are very nice, but we need better balance. Even Bai Yun has her 6 pack, 3 of each. Love grammmie
Hey Grammmie~~
He is SO COOL and got it “just right” 
YAY!!!!!!
The guys (male Pandas) need to start telling their “girl sperms” to swim faster!!!
Leave it to Poppy Gao !
Like you said, Grammmie, 3 of each
Sweet, Precious Li Wu Wuuu is my first baby Panda to watch and he IS in my heart to stay♥ IMHO~~Mommie Bai and Poppy Gao hit a Grand Slam
Yes Sireeeee !!!!!!!
with him
We agree with your HO, that Mr. Wu is gathering more hearts every day. His brother Yun Zi was my first–I love him to pieces, but as each new cubbie comes along you sometimes find you have a lot more love to give a new one. Each one is very different in personality, but when the time comes to say goodbye to Yunnie I will cry my eyes out, just as I cried for the folks saying goodbye to the girls when they left. When Su Lin had her first babies last year it helped take a bit of the sting away, but to have goofy ZZ perhaps pregnant is joyful for everybody. We could pick you to chat with the “girl sperms” while the rest of us chant, girls, girls, girls, girls, perhaps they will swim in formation then. Love grammmie
BIG sign. Another day another butt shot for poor Bai. She’s so beautiful. Couldn’t the camera people just skip these shots for her royal self.
Not if there’s a good chance of Xiao Liwu grabbing Bai’s butt for a “hiney biting” session!
Love the Hiney Biting…..never saw so much of it, and rarely from her boys. Besides doesn’t she have the loveliest Hiney on the West Coast? Love grammmie
Big butts are beautiful on pandas and people alike! Carry on, cam operator and ROCK ON BAI YUN! Big butt solidarity to you!
I second that. I have a pretty (
) large myself and I like it.
Probably they think her butt is beautiful, too. Just like I think.
Well mine IS BIG!!!
When Gao Gao is sitting down contentedly munching away on his bamboo, he reminds me of the Laughing Buddha…
http://www.thebuddhagarden (dot) com/white-laughing-buddha.html
He is definitely the symbol for abundance and prosperity.
Abundance, prosperity, and a few too many Pizzas too…love grammmie
Has anyone checked out the latest pic of Little Liwu at their Auntie Rita’s photostream? Isn’t he a stunning SuperModel ?
Thank you Rita for sharing with us these photos of the Panda family!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/8469142149/in/photostream
I particularly love the photo to the left of the featured one. It shows what a tiny perfection the Gift is. Shown from the back his tiny ears look perfect like Bai’s, the rest just perfect. One mini panda to go, to my house!!! Love to Lil and Bill from grammmie
Oh my – the garden room shelf is such a mess. And Her Imperial Highness just left with the dirtiest butt I’ve ever seen on her. Now WuWu is rolling around in the “whatever” too. Does Bai perchance have a mild lower intestinal issue today? It definitely appears to be a brownish yellow liquid.
Kathi, when the Panda Team or the Moderators mentioned it before they said they go whenever, where ever the need. Some get cute like Z Z and hide it, others go in their sleep. I have noticed it more lately and frankly move on ASAP. The first time I had seen any indication was on the sleeping platform in the garden room and wondered if Bai was ill, Yun Zi was her resident cub at the time. It just seems to have come up-out more these days…love grammmie
Bai Yun’s fecals since the cub was born have been rather unique. The females will eat their cub’s feces from the moment they are born until up to six to nine months old. Keepers are always on the lookout for cub-size fecals. Mom’s fecals, though, smell pretty bad during the cub’s first few months.
off topic. I’m still checking on the koalas to try to sight the joey. not much luck there but I believe I can differentiate between the oldest mom (Osana) and her daughters. mom looks quite bigger and a little more beige colored. her daughters appear more greyish colored to me. once I was watching a daughter and her tummy looked like it was protruding in an angular fashion so it may have been the joey inside but I do not know how to tell.
I am fond of the koala’s ears. they fold down for sleep and when awake, they come back up and sort of look like Bai’s radar ears, only quite fuzzier and possibly bigger.
Good luck in that Koala watching. Love grammmie
I was able to make a short movie of the joey about 6 AM on Tuesday. He is big!!! He was nibbling on mama’s paw until it hurt; she startled and moved it away. When she is sitting with her arms around her chest, he is under there! So when her arms are busy and the camera and branches are just right…well, you get the idea. It’s an alignment of the planets!!
I have a flickr page but can’t figure out the flikr settings so that I can put an operable link on our blog for you can see him, too. I’ll keep trying.
Yes, Jane, please keep trying! I peak over there a few times a day and have yet to spot the Joey! Thanks in advance, Jenny
I would help you, Jane, but I am barely competent to brush my teeth. Love grammmie
I saw the Joey, Tuesday morning, it was outside the pouch. I wasn’t able to see its face, but I was excited. I have not had any luck since.
I saw Gao Gao and Bai Yun had sort of brown pellets in the past few days. I think Wu Wu only had a sniff of them. Are you adding the food to their diets or have they been eating it for some time? What does it consist of?
Moderator’s note: Are you referring to the red leaf eater biscuits we’ve been offering our pandas for years?
No, those are more brown-ish than the red leaf eater biscuits and look like corks. Gao had them this morning also. Maybe some part of the formula for the leaf eater biscuits has changed?
Moderator’s note: Those are low-starch biscuits containing lots of fiber that the Panda Team is experimenting with to see if the pandas like them.
I thought something way different than the real answer. I like yours better! Love grammmie
Sweet Valentine, my little Xiao Valentino!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristina_a/8472184329/in/photostream
How cute is that!!! Happy Valentine’s day!
Is that you Kristina in the photo with the nice weather and Mr. Wu? Looking good. I started scanning your photo stream, and plan to see more (after the pizza my son ordered) here in Sunny Southern California. The risky exercise made me stop watching earlier…..I know as an experienced grammmie that is just plain awful, but I just couldn’t take it!!! Love grammmie
Which of Hua Mei’s cubs passed away, why and when. It could be tis information was once offered but I was not online due to illness, or time constraints. Thank you, love grammmie
Yes, I would like to know, too .. One blog back in April I think said the cub passed away after it got weaned but I think Panda Team said that it had nothing to do with that. I lost track as to if they root caused the death.. We are so sad about that.
Well she had one a week after Wu was born, so it might have been a year ago?
Let me be the first to ask: Xiax Liwu will you be my valentine? You have no idea how many hearts you’ve captured all over the world!! Perhaps your keepers will give you and your family special treats for today. Valentine kisses and hugs to you WuWu.
Well, I think many will fall in line to ask
‘So Ge Ge, Mama and Papa have gone on a date?’ asked Wu Wu curiously.
‘YUP, today is Valentine’s Day, a day for lovers,’ replied Yunnie who was trying to read the Ms Panda Universe of the Past Decade special magazine that Sheng brought him. There was a special section for Miss 2008 as she was voted the prettiest of the decade. ‘Be still my fluttering heart!’ thought Yunnie.
‘What is a date?’ asked Wu Wu who plunked himself next to his brother. He tried to sneek a peek at Ms Panda Universe 2010 but got smacked by his brother.
‘A date is when two people who like each other go out and spend time together,’ explained Yunnie, giving the G version.
‘Hmm, does this mean we are on a date?’ asked Wu Wu ever so innocently.
‘Goodness no! Its when these two people are falling in love.’
‘OH! You mean wike Papa makes goo goo eyes at Mama and she giggles and they hold hands and yucky kiss and…and…and…dance!’
‘YOU KNOW ABOUT THE DANCE?’ yelled Yunnie.
‘Ya, they wike to salsa in Spwing. What’s the big deal?’
‘Oh Oh, yes yes, they enjoy dancing vey much with each other.’
‘Hmmmm, Ge Ge, Mama told Papa that Zhenie Jie Jie just danced with two guys hen she got back to China. She was smiling but also water was coming out of her eyes. Papa laughed and laughed. Mefinks there is somefink more to dis dancing. Mama did not want to say because I was dere. I am Detective Wu Wu, I ish find out more about dis dancing!’
‘Errrr, you need to be older to dance. Even I am not old enough. You need to be old enough to be in L-O-V-E. Lets leave it that way,’ says Yunnie who is worried that his brother would ask Mama and Papa awkward questions.
‘Hmmm, Ge Ge, does it have anyfink to do with how you are wooking at Ms 2008? Is that L-O-V-E?’ asks Wu Wu looking at his brother with wide open innocent eyes.
‘And HOW do I wook, I mean look at Ms 2008? I am a great admirer of her beauty, her eye patches, her ears….’
‘OK OK, Ge Ge, I fink I ish too young to get it. Life is easier. Nap, mewk, play, cwimb, roll, wave to fans, smile at magic box, bite Mama, bawl, donout, nap….ok ok sometimes baff but not if I can help it. But Ge Ge, I ish L-O-V-E you!’ and with that Wu Wu hugged Yunnie.
YunZi that’s more than AWWWWWWW. Thanks.
What a lovely way for Mr. Wu to learn about love in it’s many forms. I wonder if Papa Gao Gao helped Yunior with his knowledge, his cousins, or was it his big sisters that gave him help? Whomever did, did a great job!..love grammmie
Happy New Year to all, and Love on this St.Valentine’s Day.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Just wanted to share with you all that I received the best Valentine’s Day gift EVER!! My hubby is taking me to the San Diego Zoo this weekend to see my little panda boy! Auntie Dawn is finally going to see her Xiao Liwu in person!!!! I’m so excited!!! I just had to share with everyone since I know how much he is loved by all of you as well. I will be bringing my camera so hopefully I get some cute pix and video. Yay!!!
Dawn (who is bouncing with joy….)
Moderator’s note: What a wonderful gift, Dawn! And it’s a special weekend here at the Zoo, as we celebrate Discovery Days: Cool Cats!
I hope you have a wonderful time I AM SO JEALOUS!!! lol I live so far away so don’t think I will ever get there, so please blow a kiss from all of us who may never make it to SDZ!!! ENJOY!!!
Congrats.,Dawn. The best VD gift for all panda lovers.
Hope you have a FABULOUS time! We went through the line FOUR times to see Baby Wu….. ENJOY!!! All the pandas were super sweet
Happiness and great Wu viewing to you. We want 100 photos, and send him 1000 kisses….love grammmie
Well here I am with the big boys, because our little boy is exploring some very high branches and twigs. He is terribly cute but I am beginning to understand how some of you feel as he swings in and from the tiny branches. He is not a good judge of what is good for him. We don’t need to worry about his momma, she has better sense to stay away from the dangers in life…..love grammmie
Happy Valentine’s Day to all … and to the Panda Family., especially little Liwu!
My, the little tyke is sleeping in a slim branch at 8:26 AM. Really amusing animals! How can that be comfortable??? I hope he does not get too comfortable and forget he is high up there!
Have a good day everyone
I remember in the first few days Yunior was loose in that enclosure, a branch that thin, bent double under his weight, so that he was almost on the ground. If you want to see photos let me know. Love grammmie
I bravely checked back in on him, you have got to be kidding. Among the branches and twigs mentioned—–before he is now taking a nap! ! ! One false move and “he fall down—go boom boom!! It must be time to go to sleep. Good morning.
This morning Mr. Wu’s exercise on the tree was really reckless. There are some photos of it on my Flickr-site.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristina_a/sets/72157632763153485/
Once he almost fell, but I couldn’t get the photo because I was so tense that I forgot to press the button!
After his dizzying show he took a nap on the branch!
Thanks for sharing.. Glad to miss it live
.. now he is relaxing in his platform at 9:51 AM… Better for my heart and nerves!
I was also greatly relieved when the baby was sleeping safely on the hammock. Although he was so sweet that I absolutely had to take some pictures in spite of having all kinds of work to do.
Our job now, for panda lovers everywhere is to take the photos and the heck with work…work will always bet there but Mr. Wu will be a baby only this once!!! Love grammmie
Thank goodness he’s done and on his little hammock. My heart has been in my throat! Way up in the tippy top of the tree in the skinny branches- it’s like watching Cirque de Soleil Panda style!! He makes my day.
Sweetheart Liwu, Will You Be My Valentine♥ I L O V E You♥ a whole bunch♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
My Valentine gift is an airline ticket from Berwick, England to Sandiego to see Handsome Liwu, Beautiful Bai, Gorgeous Gao Gao and Yummy Yunzi.
So excited!!! See you in March!
Moderator’s note: That’s great, Caroline! Snow day for pandas is scheduled for March 19.
Hi Caroline.. The best VD gift ever to see panda fur in REAL TIME. Someone deserves a special panda ((hug)). Congratulations.
Oh that is soooo great! I’m so happy for you! I bet you’re super excited! Hope you have a great time and get lots of cute pix of Mr. Liwu!!
Dawn
Congratulation Caroline, many of us are very jealous, but happy for you at the same time. It is wonderful that so many panda watchers husbands got very creative with the gifts this year…love grammmie
I hope your visit coincides with snow day. Bill and I have never been able to visit SDZ when this fantastic event happens… but I sure feel it is a blast to watch the pandas sommersault with joy as seen in the videos! Have a great vacation with the pandas
If his bottom is adorable, what about his little tummy. Wouldn’t you like to tickle it?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristina_a/8474283480/in/photostream
OH!!! I do want to give him lots of belly tickles and rubs. I’ve watched every single one of Madame Bai’s baby’s grow up and it never gets old. This little guys is especially endearing… he is just so busy exploring, seems very confident and a bit mischievous and just so darn adorable. Can’t get enough of his sweetness. Simply the best!
So cute pic
Would die to touch any part of him…….love grammmie
Totally agree… they are all so super cute! I wished we had all these nice perks of HD cam from the very first cub so we won’t have missed as much of the nice things we can see now!
I thoroughly enjoy seeing a panda cub explore new territory, and Xiao Liwu did just that this morning. Such a confident and curious little climber
And as stated above, he took a nap up there too. So here is the Valentine’s Day video of his big event (and no, he didn’t fall).
2013-02-14 Xiao Liwu: Making Hearts Flutter
http://youtu.be/GRBo3sorm5c
oh my, think we are going to either save up for a safety net for him or a parachute!!!!
Great ideas Lindsay.
Hey Lindsay~~
HEHE!!!! Good Idea!!!!!!
This reminded me of “Cubbies Great Escape” back in October. He was so little and already ahead of the game, now he’s achieving great heights, what will he do next?
He will be the youngest to wean himself, and start chasing girlies!!!
DoxieMom, I hardly know how to put this……thank you, sort of??? I am glad you reassured us before watching, I got online just when he got onto the twigs so I was hardly breathing…..and I know better than to anticipate, but that little dude knows just how to twist our nerves, and our hearts. Bad bay, I love you. Love grammmie
Thank you DoxieMom for capturing this. I only saw live the part when he slept in the thin branch and it was hard to handle it then.. now that I watched the whole thing, I am very, very glad I missed it live
.. thank you again.
I think it was mentioned in one blog that Liwu seems to learn very fast among the cubs. Is he the most adventurous one as far as climbing? I remember mei Sheng was determined to climb very high and some tree guards did not deter him.. Perhaps Liwu is like Mei Sheng.
I thought the climbing lore championship was ZZ’s, and Sheng was stitched to Bai’s left hip. I did not get to see either as babies, we await outside live coverage for some who did enjoy them live. We all see things from our own point of view, so I will keep listening…..love grammmie
THANKS DOXIEMOM!!!!
As usual, a TERRIFIC VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Funny Wooster — after a stint of truly precarious climbing he got verrry sleeepy and began to nod off in a nearly vertical position on the main tree trunk. Couldn’t get comfortable and though he kept falling asleep, his head would slowly move back and back and back, then startle him awake for a bit. Though I was sure he’d fall, he managed to climb down to his hammock. Sleep climbing, almost. Amazing to see how his skills have developed. He’s a major talent!
Here is a synopsis of the article about Zhen Zhen’s natural mating with male pandas Lu Lu and Yuan Yuan.
www(dot)chinapanda(dot)org(dot)cn/blog(dot)php?id=1101
Starting on January 25 Zhen Zhen was eating less, was rubbing, and playing in the water, activities which indicate estrus. On February 11, Researchers determined that Zhen Zhen had entered the height of estrus and at 3:30 they let Zhen Zhen entered male panda Lu Lu’s den and they completed natural mating.
On February 12 at 2:00 the staff let male panda Yuan Yuan entered Zhen Zhen’s den and once again natural mating was completed.
Both Lu Lu, a wild born panda, and Yuan Yuan, born at the Beijing Zoo in 1999, are experienced breeders.
Oh my! Two panda-men, two different days! Someone call Maury Povich immediately!
Jenny does Maury Povich know how to do DNA tests??? Or does he just announce them on TV to the embarrassment of the pandas involved. And what happens if she has one from each one, who pays the cubbie support? Is there a bonus if she has girls? This could get quite sticky before it is over, Bai Yun taught her that tail up move much too well!!! Love grammmie
I can hardly wait for the snow day. Now i just bought 5 and i will make a challenge if all you aunties an unkas buy 5 i will buy another 5. we have been given a rare opportunity to see these amazing animals up close and in person..Mr. Wu and family brought us so much joy let’s give something back. I will see or they can Email me when we get 5 more so come on take the challenge
Moderator’s note: Thank you for helping toward that second snow day for Xiao Liwu’s birthday!
Will the match also work for offline donations
?
sure will thank you
I am always amazed how the Panda family sleep in the trees. How can that be comfortable…..hanging head down and limbs in the strangest positions.
Have you ever seen wrinkles on a Pandas face, no matter their age? They keep their cheeks smooth and young looking, by using this method……lots of circulation, and they drink lots of water, rather than Boo sodas and keeping their faces out of the sun. Keep your ear to the ground and read our blogs, you will have lots of fun, and information……love grammmie
Happy Valentine’s Day to all the SDZ Pandas!
Moderator: Have they broken ground for the tree for Yun Zi? Will it be completed by March?
Thank you!
Moderator’s note: Yun Zi is currently off exhibit while new trees are planted and a new climbing structure is added in his exhibit. Work on the artificial tree is scheduled to begin on February 19.
When do you suppose i the construction will end so people will be able to schedule their visit with SDZ and see all 4 pandas including Yunior.
Bill and I saw Yunnie a few months after his public debut but we saw mostly his back and round bum when he was awake or up in the tree when he was sleeping. We also saw Su Lin and ZZ a few months before they went to China but we did not know then that they were leaving a few months later and at the same time. When we heard the news of their scheduled date, I looked at Bill teary eyed and said that we were so lucky we got to see them maybe for the last time.We enjoyed that visit very much. I am glad we took so very many pictures of them.
… and someday, in our bucket list, we hope to visit Mei Sheng, Su, and ZZ and for our very first time, Hua Mei in person in China .. and maybe see the Bai-Gao grandpanda cubs, too!
Such a great set of trips to look forward to, to get to see all six of Bai Yun’s cubbies, traveling half way around the world, the whole thing sounds just wonderful so when the time comes enjoy everything you can. Thousands of photos and some videos would be in order. You may want to reread back in the blogs to the five ladies who volunteered from the East Coast so they could visit Tai Shan, and talked their way into being able to see to his care for 5 days, by faking it and playing dumb. They were really cool…love grammmie.
Thanks DoxieMom19, for the wonderful video’s you post for us panda fans……
Hi all, Hope that everyone is well. Just curious about Zhen Zhen mating with two different Panda guys. If in fact she got impregnated by one of them, will they do a DNA on the baby to see who the father is, or isn’t it important? Do you keep a chart like they do for the pedigreed dogs? I realize that they may do things a bit different in China then you do at the SDZ. Thanks for all the hard work you do and the love you give to all the animals in your care. Is the zoo considering lopping off some of the smaller branches that Mr. Wu keeps climbing out on, it does seem a bit precarious to say the least. That would be one heck of a fall for his little body, padded or not. I think that he sees his reflection in the tree stopper thing.
Moderator’s note: Yes, a studbook is kept for the panda population.
They have a stud book so the males not in an exclusive relationship like Gao Gao is, can admire their photos, and for prospective Mothers-in-Law can help pick just the right boy for her young darling girls. Love grammmie
Grammmie, you are so funny. Love your posts. Still don’t know if they are considering lopping off some of the smaller branches that could possibly snap off due to Mr. Wu’s weight and antics. He is a tenacious little bear.
My heart, usually steady, was with every flutter any of you guys had. As I said, there are photos of Yun Zi, a bit younger, same area, bending a branch in half under his weight, but his head was almost on the ground, he climbed a twig about twice his height. He was a good young climber, but I don’t think he ever gave heart stopping moments like Mr. Wu likes to treat us to….love grammmie
Hey Everybody~~
I’m a day late but hope ALL of you had a Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!!!
♥♥♥
We missed you, but I think most of us had a fine day…love grammmie
Sweet Li Wu Wuuuu~~
Will you be my Valentine??!!!♥
Sending you ((((((HUGS)))))) and kisses !!!!!!!
♥♥♥
I L.O.V.E. YOU~~
puppygirl
AS promised I just bought another 5 for the Challenge as I saw there was at least 5 bought after the challenge. Thank you for the contribution and who knows there may be more.It only takes 1 to add up so please help.
Thank you for the challenge, if snow is not filled by the first of March for birthday snow could you round up somebody to try another challenge or goal for us once a month money people???? Love grammmie
Grammmie, I’ll sure try to figure something out, I know alot of us are on a fixed income and I’ll pry some dollars from people at work. P.S I love your posts