Changes
Posted at 10:19 am November 11, 2005 by Suzanne HallI just wanted to update everyone on a few changes around the panda facility… aside, of course, from the new name bestowed upon our baby girl.
Those of you watching Panda Cam this morning may be wondering why I wasn’t able to highlight Mei Sheng. He is currently being housed in an area of the facility where the cameras can’t see very well, and I never got a good glimpse of him to share with everyone. Why is he there? Because we are doing a little bit of building in the exhibit he was formerly housed in. This should take us about a week.
What is it that we are building? A new cave, to serve as a lair for Su Lin when she is out on exhibit. The adult pandas, too, will benefit from the cave, because they like to use caves as resting spots. If you watched closely this morning, you may have seen a new camera view: cam 25. This was a view of Gao Gao, in his on-exhibit den! He usually rests atop the den, but today chose to sleep inside… perhaps due to the rainy weather we are experiencing. He’s proof positive that our adjustments for Su Lin will be appreciated by our entire panda population.
Suzanne Hall is the panda research technician for the San Diego Zoo’s Office of Giant Panda Conservation.
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November 11th, 2005 at 10:43 am
Thanks, Suzanne. I loved those views of Gao Gao in the den this morning, and those of Bai with a smile on her face. The NZ has a new video of 17+ lb Tai being dragged around by his mom. I look forward to Su Lin’s out of den adventures. The link for the Tai video is:
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm?cam=PC4
November 11th, 2005 at 10:49 am
How wonderful.Our baby girl now has a name. Thanks for the privilege of being able to be a part of choosing a name for her.
November 11th, 2005 at 11:28 am
glad you chose su lin and are looking after the pandas as well as you all can she [su lin] has been on national television here in england she is offically a star and from us give them all a big hug and kiss or maybe some fruit in ice with love from the uk keep up the good work
November 11th, 2005 at 11:30 am
I think it’s wonderful that changes will be made to accomodate the sweet little girl:)
I was just wondering when she will be going on exhibit. I plan to go see all the pandas but since I live quite a way from the zoo, I just want to make sure I get to see Su Lin too when I am there.
It was wonderful to see Gao Gao this morning since we don’t get to see a lot of him. I was wondering where Mei Sheng was:)
The Panda team is doing a fantastic job! thank you for putting up the cameras and for sharing them with all of us!
November 11th, 2005 at 11:32 am
Hi Suzanne,
Thank you so much for letting us share the view of all the panda angels. I have marked my calendar to watch them every Friday morning, since I know that you are behind the cam to direct the movie:) Tons of thanks again!!!
November 11th, 2005 at 2:05 pm
Suzanne, I just had the greatest idea…could they put you on camera duty 24/7? I so look forward to Fri. mornings when you are filming. Did you also (along with all your other studies) take photography in school? I guess you’re one of those people who do everything well, or not at all. Any way we all appreciate what you do for those wonderful Pandas….keep up the good work!! We also love the way you keep us posted on all the goings on at ” Camp Panda” at the zoo.
Connie from Michigan
November 11th, 2005 at 2:51 pm
The new lair sounds like a nice place for Su Lin. I was in Wash., DC for several days, but didn’t get to see the growing boy. He’s going outside now. I missed seeing our little girl and the Panda Cam blog, but was happy to learn her new name and to see her picture in today’s LA Times. This is the second picture they have printed of her recently.
Would it be possible to see more close-ups of Su Lin in the den? It’s fun to watch her from ground level and be able to notice more of what she is doing and how she looks now. Both girls were covered with bamboo as they slept, when I checked on them late last night! Bamboo blanket? (:-)
November 11th, 2005 at 3:06 pm
Will Mei Sheng be visible if we are coming to the zoo-since they are doing some refurbishing in his area? I was planning to come down on Sunday and wanted to make sure I could see both ” The Boys” .
November 11th, 2005 at 3:46 pm
I live 600 miles up north from you and these precious bears, and I just want to thank you for your interesting observations and info that I look forward to every day. You and ” ZOO CREW” are so lucky to have hands on opportunity with them. I would give anything to be in your shoes, if only for an hour. Keep up the great job! Carol
November 11th, 2005 at 4:21 pm
Hello, Yes, I saw Gao Gao in his den this morning happily munching away on a branch of his favourite breakfast. Made me smile. Just before that, I witnessed our baby girl and mom quite active. Mom was actually bringing in branches, standing up, and placing them very close to the camera lens !! Was I just seeing things? I have seen her look up at the camera a few times now and wondered what it is exactly that she would be viewing. When you have time, please enlighten me. Be well, Chris in Canada.
November 11th, 2005 at 4:47 pm
What a special day yesterday, and what a special group of humans to create a better area for all our pandas. Though I didn’t vote for the winning name, I am glad it was chosen. The history of the name is so special. We now have another Su Lin, but this one will live a long, healthy life. I hope the talks with China are going well to keep our pandas longer. San Diego Zoo has had such luck with its panda population, China should reconsider the loan agreement. Go San Diego Zoo – panda capital of the world (outside of China) I shall be traveling to China in December and hope to see this beautiful animal in its homeland.
November 11th, 2005 at 5:02 pm
Congratulation, Su Lin! Your lyrical name suits you.
November 11th, 2005 at 5:09 pm
Hi Suzanne, Sounds like our beautiful pandas will enjoy the added caves in their exhibits. Certainly for comfort and also for fun. Can’t wait to see them on my next visit. Thanks for all your hard work and all the great updates.
November 11th, 2005 at 5:54 pm
To all panda caretakers,
We’re all so fortunate to have these BEAUTIFUL bears in SD — Our family LOVES them all!! Even buying a new camera to have ready for our newest cutie Su Lin. We have lived here in the SD area for 16 years and are thankful for this zoo and the constant care given to help our animals.
November 11th, 2005 at 5:58 pm
A newspaper in southern Africa said that the baby was a boy! They had been confused over the first Su Lin.
November 11th, 2005 at 6:22 pm
Sounds like our big boy will be getting some very nice digs! I missed him on the camera and wondered what was up. I was dying yesterday to hear her name. It’s not the one I chose but it is a fitting name. Mom and baby are SO endearing. I can’t count the times I’ve checked in on them and they are laying in EXACTLY the same position – just one in miniature! My husband is from S. California and I recently told him that I think it’s time he go back for another visit. I’d be happy to spend the entire visit at the panda exhibit once Su Lin is out!!!
Any recent news on Hua Mei, her 4 youngsters and her Dad Shi Shi?
November 11th, 2005 at 7:01 pm
Do you wash the bamboo they eat??
November 11th, 2005 at 7:01 pm
comment 11 -… San Diego Zoo – panda capital of the world (outside of China)…
I totally agree with that. SDZ has achieved a fabulous accomplishment to introduce the pandas to the world, not only their appearance but in all aspects of this mysterious creature
November 11th, 2005 at 7:28 pm
The name Su Lin is wonderful, as it suits her so well. And the history of the name adds a new dimension; we know this Su Lin will have a good life. I applaud the SDZ Panda Team and webmaster for sharing your blogs with us, and especially for printing references (and links!) to the NZ and its mother bear and cub. What a nice thing for you to do. Little(?) Tai and Su Lin are both a big part of my day. We are all fortunate to have these two broad-minded and wonderful zoos that share their experiences with us. Kudos to you!
November 11th, 2005 at 9:05 pm
I made panda name day cookies– white and dark chocolate chip cookies. My kids think I’m nuts, but they aren’t fluffy anymore (teenagers). Thanks, best wishes from Santa Cruz, CA.
November 11th, 2005 at 11:58 pm
Thanks, Suzanne, for the update. Our little cutie is beginning to be such a celebrity; not only has she been covered in newspapers throughout the world, she’s also on national and local television news as well. I recently saw her on the CBS morning show and she looked simply adorable. The San Diego Zoo staff is doing very well with Su Lin and all their animals. I am grateful that every day I get a chance to witness the wonders of nature thru all the webcams.
November 12th, 2005 at 1:00 am
it is great news to hear the baby panda has been named Su Lin. It has been wonderful to watch her grow and develop. I love watching both pandas together. Many thanks to all the staff at the San Diego Zoo. It’s just wonderful!
November 12th, 2005 at 3:05 am
There was a story online that Su Lin was a male cub, mistakenly identified at first as a female. How could that be?
” The young panda’s mother, 13-year-old Bai Yun, gave birth to him after a much-publicised pregnancy. The cub was earlier erroneously identified as a female.”
The story came from Independent Online.
November 12th, 2005 at 6:26 am
Hello all you panda moms and dads! I woke up in the middle of the night last night and checked on our mom and baby. What fun we all had!!! They were wrestling and playing – Su Lin trying to get away and mom pulling her back. Would loved to have heard the protestations I know were coming from Su Lin. I laughed and I cried and had such fun. Still waiting to hear anything you can tell me about Shi Shi. Love and bear hugs to all our family there. Candy~
November 12th, 2005 at 9:38 am
when is Su Lin’s pub debut?
November 12th, 2005 at 10:59 am
My twin sister and I met the first Su Lin and Mei Mei(?) at the Brookfield Zoo many years ago. They had a dirt circle with a hanging tire to play with. What amazing improvements since then!
I am so thankful that you share with all of us…it is an amazing adventure.
November 12th, 2005 at 2:46 pm
I love Pandas. I always come onto your website and get the latest scoop. You explain things very well and so interesting that I know what you’re talking about and want to read more. Thanks for alllllll your hard work!
November 12th, 2005 at 8:40 pm
Our babies are growing so quickly!
Can’t wait till Su Lin is climbing all over mommy. I just saw the sweetest thing at the NZ. Big baby Tai Shan was playing with his mom – Mei Xiang nibbled his paw and he swatted at her nose. 
Then Mei spun him around…and he began nibbling mom’s paw while mom licked his little bum. Finally mom decided it was time for bed, rolled him into a corner…and held him with her paw as if to say – ” You settle down now!” Too cute… Su Lin is already quite active now – Bai Yun’s going to have a handful quite soon! 
November 13th, 2005 at 9:08 am
Hiya Suzanne,
Thanks for all the latest news. Su Lin (I still call her babygirl in my head) and her Mum get me through the day, I can’t go to bed at night without looking in on them. What am I like? One day soon I will make it from the UK – my husband has already promised – and I will be able to see them in their wonderful home. It would be such an honour to meet you too, you keep us all so well informed of everything that happens.
Valerie Warburton – UK.
November 13th, 2005 at 5:20 pm
Su Lin is a wonderful name. Every giant panda that is born and survives gives me hope for all endangered species. I have visited the pandas on several trips to San Diego and I always marvel in their beauty. Thank you for this wonderful experience.
Sincerely,
Lyn Collins
November 13th, 2005 at 6:55 pm
Su Lin is a beautiful name. She seems have been much more girl like. I am just watching Tai at NZ. He is a naughty boy, trying to climb over his mom, Mei has to cover her own eyes and move around. Most people said Bai is a more experienced mom than Mei. I agree that, in addition, Su Lin makes everything much easier for Bai, she certainly is a sweet daughter.
When they both are little, I can’t wait to see them grow up. Now I just want them to keep in this cute stage longer. Soon they have to spend most of time to chew bamboos.
November 14th, 2005 at 7:30 am
Ecstatic that name is Su Lin as that is the name I was promoting. Not much action with our little girl so have been watching Tai Shan, in SNDC. They keep the door open to the the outside viewing area, even at night. The little bruiser is going all over running his mother ragged dragging him back to where she wants him. This is hilarious. He plays a lot by himself and is so cute. Can’t wait till our Su Lin gets to this stage.
November 14th, 2005 at 7:36 am
I was wondering why Dr Lindburg mentioned Ruth Harkness as helping the US in the kind history of Pandas. She and her wildlife explorers were far from kind. Her explorers killed the panda mothers in order to steal the panda babies. Pictures of her trying to feed the panda babies with bottles is far from natural. No wonder her Su Lin did not survive.
November 14th, 2005 at 7:40 am
Oh my gosh! Playful-Precocious-Precious Pandas–Sweet-Sassy-Spirit ” Su Lin” Breathtaking-Beguiling-Beautiful ” Bai Yun” The perfect way to start the day. We are blessed! Luv, Judy J
November 14th, 2005 at 9:09 am
Comment#33 – I completely agree with you; it breaks my heart when I think of the first Su Lin. The little cub was stolen from its mother and lived an unfortunate life…which is why I didn’t feel it was appropriate to re-use the name. And I didn’t know they killed the panda mothers in order to steal the babies!! (Frankly, I was so afraid of what I’d discover that I refrained from investigating that piece of history.) I can only hope that history never repeats… Thank goodness this little Su Lin will live a long and happy life…because whatever her name is, she is one wonderful baby that has the love and blessings of the entire world.
November 14th, 2005 at 9:31 am
I’M SO EXCITED ABOUT THE BABY’S NEW NAME- SU LIN BECAUSE I’M ALSO A SUE LYNN!! OF COURSE IT WAS THE NAME I VOTED FOR AND HAD HOPED YOU WOULD PICK. NOW I CAN SHARE A SPECIAL BOND WITH SU LIN EVEN THOUGH I’M IN VIRGINIA !!!
November 14th, 2005 at 10:37 am
I realize this is off-topic, but I read an alarming article about the zoo in Atlanta. They currently have two adult pandas on a 10-year loan from China. The loan is up for renewal in 2009, but, instead of renewing, the zoo will probably have to send the pandas back to China due to financial reasons — the zoo has to pay a $1 million fee per year to China and zoo attendance has not been high enough to cover the fees and the costs of caring for the pandas.
We are so lucky to have four zoos in the US (SD, DC, Atlanta and Memphis) that currently have pandas. What a horrible tragedy if these zoos could no longer afford to keep the pandas! I hope that China will consider reducing the fees, and I hope that we all support the pandas by visiting these zoos and encouraging everyone you know to visit too!
November 14th, 2005 at 11:07 am
I was thinking about visiting Mei Sheng & his Dad Gao Gao this coming weekend, Nov. 19 or 20. Will I & all his other fans be able to see Mei? Thanks in advance for your response!
November 14th, 2005 at 11:32 am
Was rather disappointed in the choice of name. It fits her now for maybe a few months but for the whole rest of her life of 20+ years, when she is a big lumbering bear like her mom and weighs in at 200 pounds or more, the name or at least the meaning is going to sound quite silly. If the name and meaning is out for zoo viewers to see, I’m sure they are going to point and laugh and say she isn’t a little bit of anything. I’d rather she had a name that fit and wouldn’t cause laughter.
November 14th, 2005 at 12:06 pm
Comment #39. Hi Miranda. No need to worry. (Pssst! We can think of her as ” a little bit of something” now. Then we can later ponder her name of the two separate Chinese characters meaning ” new” ” jade” , respectively… tee hee)
November 14th, 2005 at 1:07 pm
Comment – #39. I cannot perceive anyone being rude and laughing. In 20 years no one in the U.S. will know the Chinese meaning of the name, Su Lin, and if they do, so what! All us humans were cute little babies at one time but we grew up and are still loved, as is. All us panda mothers out here on the net will still love Su Lin even at 200 pounds.
November 14th, 2005 at 1:18 pm
As so many others do, I check on both babies every day. They are amazing, beautiful creatures. I’ve been blessed to be able to see several of our pandas in this country—I saw the first 2 pandas on temporary exhibit at the San Diego Zoo almost 20 years ago with my twin sister; I saw the first 2 pandas at the National Zoo with my parents and my sister years ago; a couple of years ago saw Mei Xiang and Tian Tian at NZ before they were parents; and just last month, I made my husband take me to Memphis to see Le Le and Ya Ya! I haven’t seen Su Lin or Tai Shan yet, but there’s always hope! Thanks so much for all you do to protect these wonderful animals! One day soon, hopefully, they’ll again roam wild in the bamboo forests of China.
November 14th, 2005 at 1:32 pm
I think Su Lin is a pretty name… and even when she is older and bigger that will fit her well because she is like mom Bai Yun–she will be charming and beautiful.. so I don’t see a problem.
November 14th, 2005 at 3:11 pm
Comment #39. Hi Miranda, I am Chinese and I would not worry about the meaning ” a little bit of something.” As I read it somewhere, Harkness gave the name Su Lin to the panda boy they caught, and the Chinese characters were the translated characters according to sound. It’s a beautiful name for a girl. But I definitely do hope our Su Lin will have a wonderful life, in contrast to the first Su Lin. Although the name reminds us a very sad story, I hope it also serves as a reminder that humans have not been kind to pandas and have often taken them away for profit or other bad motives.
November 14th, 2005 at 3:18 pm
I understand why some didn’t like the name Su Lin, that some mothers were killed (while others were just taken because humans thought they were abandoned), but I look at it as in memory of the first Su Lin. He didn’t have the chance to grow up. Fortunately we know so much more and the horrible slayings don’t happen (like they used to). I get to go see Tai Shan in a couple of weeks and can’t wait. He’s been doing some climbing and it is so cute to see those chubby little legs try to climb up the rocks.
November 14th, 2005 at 3:53 pm
I know you waited 100 days before naming Hua Mei and Su Lin, but why did you have to wait 119 days before naming Mei Sheng?
November 14th, 2005 at 9:02 pm
Imagine that poachers are still selling panda skin for $50-60,000. Just makes me sick to my stomach thinking about it…
November 15th, 2005 at 12:18 am
I can’t believe all the sulking and complaints about the choice of Su Lin’s name – for the first time, we have been given the opportunity to have some involvement in the life of a new panda and this is how people thank SDZ! The winning name wasn’t my first choice from the list but it’s beautiful and I welcome it, along with the chance to mark the life of the first Su Lin. We all know she didn’t have a good life but that is even more reason not to forget her. As for anyone thinking that ‘a little bit of something cute’ is not appropriate for an adult panda – show anyone a photo of a panda and I GUARANTEE they will say ” awwww!” .
Thanks, SDZ, for letting us help choose Su Lin’s name; I’m sure we all appreciate it, even if some forget to say so!
November 15th, 2005 at 1:30 am
During either 1984 or 1985, (I don’t remember which) we had pandas here at the L.A. Zoo for a short time. I was with a small group from our school district and we were able to arrive at 8 AM, before the zoo opened, for just that one morning. Those beautiful bears were very close to where we stood to look at them, which was nice for us panda fans. Because there were only about 20 of us, we could enjoy just being there without the crowds that usually gathered. It was a very special day for all of us. It’s too bad that we couldn’t keep the pandas here longer.
Now students at North Hollywood High School (part of L.A.) are able to apply to the Zoo Magnet and do quite a bit of their academic work there if they are selected. Wouldn’t that be a great place to go to high school?!
Tai seems to be thriving (based on his weight and activity). At 17 pounds, he looks like a real ” pawful” for his mom! She does seem to try to do a good job for her first time as a mother, during the few times I’ve seen them together. It’s fun to see how different the two cubs’ personalities are already and to be able to enjoy it with all the Panda Team and the special panda cam bloggers from all over the world.
November 15th, 2005 at 6:26 am
” What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” (W.S.) ” Su Lin” is a miracle and a blessing. How many of us actually know the original meanings of our own names–and do we care now? ” Su Lin” is and always will be loved by multitudes. Time to get over it. Luv, Judy J
November 15th, 2005 at 7:33 am
what I just saw: at SD zoo, mom holds Su Lin while sleep, at NZ, Tai grabs one of his mom’s arm while they both take a nap. Everybody needs a comforting cushion while sleeping, isn’t that nice?
November 15th, 2005 at 9:03 am
My husband and I are hopelessly addicted to the baby Panda cam. We both work at home and the cam is always on our computer screens. If I happen to miss something of importance, my husband will tell me about it, such as mom nursing baby, mom cleaning baby, etc. We are just both totally fascinated with these beautiful animals, not to mention the totally human-like interaction between mama and her baby. Was it just today (11/15) that you began showing time-lapse pics of what we might have missed earlier that day? Terrific idea! God Bless all of you for what you do! Thank you for sharing it with us! I watched the video of the birth and was wincing with shared pain as I remembered birthing my own children. One question: If pandas are so big, why do they have such teeny-tiny babies?
November 15th, 2005 at 9:05 am
Bravo Amanda in the UK (#48)! My sentiments exactly. Bai Yun means ” white cloud” and yet she is far from wispy and delicate. But her name is so pretty sounding in the Chinese, that I do not think about the translation. And if I coud see her in person, I know I would oooh & ahhhh no matter her name or size. Have you heard what some of the celebs have been naming their kids lately? Tai Shan, Bai Yun, & Su Lin seem more sensible than many of those names.
November 15th, 2005 at 9:35 am
Comment#50: I agree with you. Despite the first Su Lin, despite the meanings, despite what 70,000 people voted for differently – as in my original comment, Su Lin is just as wonderful and adorable no matter what her name is, and will always be loved by the world.
November 15th, 2005 at 11:40 am
Very funny, Sharon (#53). And let’s not forget that Gao Gao’s name means ” higher” and he is much ” shorter” and smaller than Bai Yun!
November 15th, 2005 at 12:02 pm
I see it this way: Su Lin, a beautiful name. The first one was mistreated, but then you have to remember the times, and we must thank Mrs. Harkness for what she did do: introduce us to this wonderful creature, who had only been seen by a very few before. We’ve been given a chance to get it right this time.
January 11th, 2006 at 5:19 pm
Hua Mei, Mei Sheng, and Su Lin are all very, very beautiful names in Chinese; I especially like Hua Mei and Su Lin. Su Lin in Chinese doesn’t have actual meanings, but all Chinese can tell that it’s a name for a girl. Su is a family name and Lin is a character that’s frequently given to girls as a name.