Lofty Purpose
Posted at 7:28 am January 30, 2006 by Suzanne Hall
Su Lin is acclimating to her new exhibit space well, and has explored virtually every nook and cranny of the area. Initially, when she rested on exhibit she sought out the security of the lair provided for her for that purpose. As she grows, she has shifted gears, and now prefers to rest high in the trees.
This is an expected development. Our previous panda cubs were often found resting high in the trees for hours on end. Sometimes it meant our visitors were unable to see them well from the viewing areas on the ground. That may also happen with Su Lin. But take heart! Climbing high serves a purpose for the little panda, and we are happy that we are able to provide her with the environment she needs to express her natural behavior.
In the wild, a panda mother and her young have conflicting agendas. The cub still needs to rest a lot during the day, and the panda mother needs to feed on lots of bamboo in order to maintain her milk supply for her offspring. This conflict means that panda cubs are often alone for many hours at a time as momma wanders in search of fresh bamboo.
Small panda cubs are at risk of predation from other carnivores such as leopards. Since a cub isn’t capable of defending itself well in a physical encounter, the best defensive option for the little one is to climb. The cover of the trees may help a youngster escape a predator’s notice. By getting up high, the young panda is less vulnerable in an assault by leopards, who would have to attack from below. The cub can wait out the presence of a leopard until momma returns home. An adult panda outweighs any other carnivore in the mountains of Sichuan, and a leopard will not chance a battle with the panda mother.
Su Lin, like her siblings before her, is not a wild panda. Yet she has all of the same instincts of her wild brethren. When she is ready to settle in for a long nap she prefers to climb high, where she feels safe and secure. Although Bai Yun is never far away, Mother Nature insists that the young panda seek the security of the high branches.
We have some good climbing trees in the exhibit Su Lin shares with Bai Yun. However, not all branches are ideal for climbing. Some of the branches are weak, and some extend over areas- such as the public queue- that we wouldn’t want the pandas to fall into. We have therefore blocked off some branches with metal collars, which are intended to prevent the bears from getting further along a specific branch. Fortunately for Su Lin, most of the branches in her area are not collared, which leaves her with many options for those long naps in the trees.
Suzanne Hall is the panda research technician for the San Diego Zoo’s Office of Giant Panda Conservation.
View giant pandas on Panda Cam.
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January 30th, 2006 at 7:53 am
Thank you, Suzanne, for the very interesting info on baby pandas’ tree-climbing. I had wondered which predators the cubs were in danger from. It’s reassuring that Su Lin knows how to be safe and comfortable high up in the trees.
Also wanted to say how much I enjoyed the video of the rhino calf Lali scampering after her mother. Bai Yun is tiny compared to a 5,000-pound adult rhino.
Editor’s note: Here’s http://www.sandiegozoo.org/videos/index.html” >video of the Indian rhino calf.
January 30th, 2006 at 8:07 am
Su Lin is quite the climber. I’ve watched her on a couple of occasions where she might well be thinking ” I want DOWN” or ” I climbed up, how do I get down?” It amazes me that sleeping in a tree would be comfortable! Pandas must have amazing balance control.
Thanks for these great updates.
January 30th, 2006 at 8:24 am
Thanks again for Suzanne’s wonderful article. Sometimes I feel funny to watch a twenty-pounds-plus furry beach ball climbing up and down in a tree as nimbly as a monkey.
January 30th, 2006 at 8:37 am
I’m so happy that Su Lin can do what comes naturally to her and climb high up in the trees. Thanks again, Suzanne for these keeper blogs and all the wonderful information you provide us pandaholics!
January 30th, 2006 at 8:46 am
I was really worried to see Su Lin on a tree all day. It was very good of you to explain why she does that.
January 30th, 2006 at 8:49 am
It’s so precious to see little Su Lin so high up in the tree. It’s amazing how although she does not have the predators she would have in the wild, she still instinctively climbs the trees for safety. Although we do miss seeing Su’s weekly exam videos and photos, it’s nice to know that she’s too busy doing all the things a baby Panda is supposed to do.
January 30th, 2006 at 10:13 am
Suzanne, thanks for the education on why Su Lin demands to be so high up in the trees. She does seem to be a little stubborn at times when mommy is telling her to get down, though.
January 30th, 2006 at 10:28 am
Somebody help me out! I was just watching the webcam during my lunch hour, and it was either Gao Gao or Mei Sheng. How do you tell them apart? I know some of you have been watching way longer than I have, and must have it figured out. I need some hints! Thanks.
Editor’s note: See comment #47 on http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/index.php?p=247” >Panda Prep School for some hints.
January 30th, 2006 at 10:35 am
Thanks so much, Suzanne, for the great insight on Su’s climbing. She sure is a little climber, isn’t she? I was watching Gao on the cam a little while ago and what an incredibly beautiful bear daddy he is – he’s just toooooo precious. Thanks again for the update and give little Suzy a hug from all her panda fans.
January 30th, 2006 at 10:41 am
Thanks for the update on Su Lin! She’s growing into a beautiful panda bear. I’m so happy to know that baby pandas instinctively climb trees to be safe. I most certainly do not want any predator to take them. I was just wondering what leopards live in the panda habitat. Are they snow leopards? I was just thinking that leopards are expert climbers, too (at least the African variety is). But the snow leopards I’m thinking of are also endangered but live in the Himalayas. Send my thanks to everyone on the Panda Team for the excellent care and research of this beautiful and very precious species!!!!
January 30th, 2006 at 11:15 am
Glad to see Gao Gao today, and not his backside.
He is sitting just right. His mouth does curl up on the ends so he IS smiling at all us pandaholics. His hands are too busy holding the bamboo or else, I’m sure, he would wave to us.
January 30th, 2006 at 11:43 am
she’s so confident way up high. it’s really fun to watch her curl up on her tree perch. su lin gets to follow her instincts – yea for her!
January 30th, 2006 at 12:14 pm
What a great update! I have learned so much from you, Suzanne. Su Lin does get pretty high up. Sometimes I imagine Bai Yun circling the ground below her until our baby girl finds the right spot for a nap. I love watching her sleep. So sweet.
January 30th, 2006 at 1:16 pm
I just love watching Su Lin develop her climbing skills just like big brother Mei Sheng did. By the way, Mei was called a ” daredevil” in a recent magazine article about pandas. When Mei was much younger I watched him climbing during a Saturday afternoon visit. He encountered a branch with a metal sleeve as described above. Mei looked at the sleeve thoughtfully, then slowly reached his right paw as far as he could-just above the top edge of the sleeve. Then he carefully raised his left paw and pulled himself over the sleeve so he could keep climbing! What a brave & persistent little guy. His beautiful sister looks like she’s following his example.
January 30th, 2006 at 2:03 pm
Thank you, Suzanne, for your always wonderful write-ups. I always look forward to what Su Lin and her mom are doing. They’re wonderful creatures and you ideally described them in such a humanistic manner. Thank you.
January 30th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
Suzanne, that was a very clear explanation of why pandas spend so much time in high trees. A few people have written of how aloof Su Lin is in spending so much time on her own. They don’t realize how natural this is for the safety of the young animal.
January 30th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
what fantastic images of su lin on panda cam today!!! i think you’ve moved your cameras for better views. thanks so much. i’m really enjoying it. better than going to the zoo!!
January 30th, 2006 at 3:37 pm
Su Lin is certainly more experienced at tree climbing than her tubby cousin in D.C. The DC website says Tai climbed his first tree today, and got as high as 18 feet. When it started to get dark and he didn’t come down, someone got a ladder and climbed up to carry him down.
January 30th, 2006 at 3:42 pm
Kristi #10,
The most common leopard species in panda habitat is the clouded leopard, NEOFELIS NEBULOSA. They are good climbers too, but it’s not as easy to ambush or tackle prey when it is high in a tree. It would be much easier for the leopard to kill a panda cub if it were on the ground. Unfortunately for the leopard, this cat is also a very rare species. Fortunately for the panda, this means there aren’t many leopards about in wild habitat, so the annual number of panda cubs killed by leopards is probably small.
January 30th, 2006 at 4:04 pm
Thanks for letting us know why Su is climbing so much. I worried often that she might get too high and be too frightened to climb down. When I was a child I used to climb trees, too, not higher than a few feet off the ground. But I remember how much fun it was to sit there and watch the world go by my perch. I often imagined growing up and building a tree house just for me, way up high in the quiet of the tree tops. I wonder if Su Lin ever looks up at the clouds and dreams baby panda thoughts about other trees to climb or other ways to impress her mom with her new-found skills. Lovely little baby bear, thank you for your innocence and sharing your life with us!
January 30th, 2006 at 4:15 pm
She is so cute. We are planning a trip to come and see her and the family, March 4. What’s her most active time? I thought we’d get there right when it opens.
Thanks!!
January 30th, 2006 at 4:40 pm
Boy, Su Lin is a climber alright. Everytime I check out the cam she’s on a tree or should I say up the tree! I haven’t had a chance to check in lately and I am amazed at how big she has gotten! ohhhhhhhh I just want to hug her and give her lots of kisses she’s that cute!!!!!!!!!!
January 30th, 2006 at 4:42 pm
yippee skippee! I finally got a chance to see Miss Su Lin in action. What a beauty she’s become. She’s outgrowing ” cute” and growing into ” stunning.” I got to see her and Bai interact and now she’s sitting so sweetly, playing with a branch. I’m a happy pandamaniac tonight!
January 30th, 2006 at 4:56 pm
I finally managed to catch Su Lin awake (our time zones are 8 hours apart so it’s difficult sometimes). She was stretching and mouthing something (bamboo?) on a branch. Then she looked upwards and was gone in a flash. So sure of herself now. It’s wonderful.
January 30th, 2006 at 4:58 pm
Just when I thought she couldn’t get any cuter, I tuned in to the cam for the epic battle of Su Lin versus the Twig. She used every possible angle to get and keep that stick in her eager little mouth. Bamboo, here she comes!
January 30th, 2006 at 5:48 pm
I join the previous posters in thanking Suzanne and the zoo for providing the very good and interesting info on the pandas.
I’m two hours behind San Diego time and am curious about seeing Bai up and about and eating anywhere from 7pm to midnight. It’s fascinating to see her choosing just the right bamboo for crunching. When does she sleep at night? And where is Su Lin when Bai is in the exhibit area at night?
Thanks again!
January 31st, 2006 at 6:51 am
Su Lin is such a an excellent climber. Everytime I see her in the tree, she seems so sure of herself.
January 31st, 2006 at 7:56 am
Hiya Suzanne and hello everyone,
Thanks once again for the latest on Su Lin. I have often wondered if some of her actions are actually innate or learned behaviour. It still amazes me how she reacts to all of the different situations she finds herself in. She seems to ponder for a while, then a lightbulb comes on and she just gets on with whatever she had been working out how to do. Absolutely superb !!
A few more hours of viewing for me, it it now 4.00pm and my day will have been made so much better after watching Mum and Su Lin – again.
Valerie Warburton – UK.
January 31st, 2006 at 9:28 am
Thank you for you interesting answer. I had a chance to travel to Washington this weekend and got a look at the cub there. I have been to the San Diego Zoo and your habitat is much different. Thank you again for your information. I hope to be coming out there in the spring and so look forward to seeing Su Lin like I saw her brother before. You all do a great job and thank you for your updates.
January 31st, 2006 at 3:47 pm
thanks to all the keepers, and in particular, suzanne, who keeps us updated on our panda princess. i learn something new about them every day from all of you, keeps us young!
January 31st, 2006 at 4:17 pm
Another rough day at work, and now, with it all over until tomorrow I sit at the computer and check out my baby bears, Tai and Su Lin. Last week I could not wait until I got home to see how they were doing and indulged in the guilty pleasure of watching them on my office computer. As panda watching during the day at work is highly addictive I would not allow myself to do so before then until the temptation grew so great that I could not resist a quick peek. I must be careful that I do not do so more than every few hours as watching Su tumble about in the trees can create difficulties in accomplishing my daily work load. But, aw, shucks, folks! how to resist? One would have to be made of stone, and I am not.
January 31st, 2006 at 4:20 pm
I just saw the sweetest thing. A keeper was preparing Bai Yun’s bamboo dinner and stood below Su Lin’s perch to say hi to her. Su obviously wanted to chat some more, because she turned her fuzzy bum around, navigated a bit and started shimmying her way down the trunk. She even stopped mid-trunk to peek at the keeper while her body was curled around the tree horizontally! Finally she plunked herself onto the platform, and enjoyed a good ear scratch with some paw-play. Such a precious scene!
January 31st, 2006 at 4:28 pm
Little Su Lin is getting cuter by the day! Love her!
January 31st, 2006 at 4:37 pm
Watching Panda cam right now – were my eyes deceiving me or was there a person cleaning the area while Su Lin was up in the tress and did he actually reach out to her – if my eyes weren’t deceiving me – UNBELIEVABLE!!!
January 31st, 2006 at 5:54 pm
Bernice #32: I saw that too! It was so cute. I think she demostrated a little bit of anticipatory behavior, by climbing down the tree just before 4 PM. Bai Yun was already walking around, waiting for the door to open. Su Lin seemed like she was looking forward to having a chat with her keeper.
When I was at the Zoo last time, I was told that petting the cub is one of the important jobs for the keepers in order to gain trust and to make handling easier (like during the check-ups).
February 1st, 2006 at 5:38 am
The other day I saw Su Lin up in a tree–sleeping! I really thought she would fall, but she’s okay.
February 1st, 2006 at 6:18 am
Just got back to Minnesota from a 10-day trip to San Diego and the Southwest, and one of the ultimate highlights remains my day at the San Diego Zoo, and watching Bai Yun, Su Lin (playing with a tree branch!) and Mei Sheng, and talking with Ellie. To look now at the PandaCam, and remember that area, brings back wonderful memories. If you can get there – do it! And thanks again to Ellie and everyone who helps these wonderful animals, who continue to bring a smile every time I see them.
February 1st, 2006 at 7:26 am
Sayuri 35 -Wow. Required work task – pet cute little panda princess. My jealousy level just went off the scale.
February 1st, 2006 at 8:27 am
How wonderful are our Panda cubs! Both so endearing and their mothers-both so beautiful and amazing in their maternal loving care! Our precious Su Lin has had us all holding our breath as we watch her climb high into the trees, doing what Pandas do but still worrying us all. Such a brave and daring and independent little Panda she has become! Thank you National Zoo and San Diego Zoo! You have both given all of us and the world the opportunity to see and to learn about and adore a truly magical creature! Our love to the Pandas and their keepers and the wonderful Panda family that grows daily through your sites! Luv to All, Judy J
February 1st, 2006 at 10:39 am
# 31 Susan-I know what you mean. I have to limit myself to a quick peek during lunch hour. It sure is tempting, though. It is dark in D.C. by the time I get home from work, and still dark in SD when I leave for work. It’s hard not to want to watch during the day. I just saw Mei Sheng sitting in the middle of his bamboo, eating. Isn’t that just a picture of happiness? I think of it like me sitting in the middle of a bowl of ice cream (any flavor) with nothing to do but enjoy!
February 1st, 2006 at 11:24 am
Cutie Mei Sheng is now asleep on the hill slope that is in his off exhibit outdoor area! Bamboo all around him
He’s my favorite Panda and I am always always soooooo very happy to see him:D I’ll be back to the zoo soon to see him munch bamboo and just being his incredibly cute self! I think Tai Shan will be just as cute as his cousin Mei Sheng when he gets older!
February 1st, 2006 at 4:30 pm
I’ve enjoyed looking at all the observations you have done. It’s neat to see what pandas do! By the way, I was wondering if you could answer some questions I have. How do you think humans can help with bringing pandas out of endangerment? Also, Do you think pandas will go extinct? And finally, why do you think pandas are endangered?
February 1st, 2006 at 4:58 pm
#40-Judith…Somehow I managed not to check out our little bit of something precious today. Too heavy a work load and I was worried that I was not setting an appropriate example for my associates by scamping on the tasks at hand. But, oh, was I so very tempted to take a time-out from the sturm and drang of the world and watch my sweet little baby bear. I wonder sometimes if I am not in love with Su Lin because we share part of a name. I remember when we were asked for our input in the naming process. I had chosen Bao Bei, for some reason, I believe it was because Su was so tiny then, and the name seemed appropriate. But I am so glad now that others chose Su Lin. Somehow the name seems the right one for our precious girl baby panda bear.
February 1st, 2006 at 8:39 pm
#42, you can go to the Zoo’s main Panda page for answers.
February 2nd, 2006 at 7:02 am
I’ve enjoyed seeing Su Lin while I am at work (EST). Thank you for explaining why the cubs climb so high and rest. I love observing the pandas and I am so grateful that the zoo provides the cam(s) for the world to see and watch!
February 2nd, 2006 at 8:02 am
I just love to read your articles. Thank you, Suzanne.
February 2nd, 2006 at 8:12 am
Suzanne, has there been research done to compare early tree-climbing skills between male and female cubs, including at what month of age they begin to climb?
February 2nd, 2006 at 1:10 pm
Happy Birthday to our beautiful Su-Lin! You are now 6 months old! You are such a great little panda. Personnally, you are my little sunshine!!!
February 2nd, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Deborah #47,
There has been no such comparison. However, one of our goals is to describe in detail the life of our panda cubs from birth through the first year, and such comparisons are likely to be made. I can say that compared to Hua Mei, Su Lin is climbing earlier… but that is probably more related to our different management strategies than anything else (we were more conservative with our first cub, and she didn’t get as much climbing opportunity as early as Su Lin).
February 2nd, 2006 at 5:13 pm
I so much enjoy not only watching but also reading all of the blogs! So interesting. I have a quick question. Do the pandas (in general) like to be out in the rain or do they cuddle up inside (like most of us would like to do)? And is there any kind of adapation in their fur to keep them dry?
I was just wondering, since Northern California has been really wet this year. :>
Thanks for all of the info. I am oohing and ahhhing with everyone else and am totally jealous of those of you who get close and even pet all of the beautiful pandas.
February 2nd, 2006 at 5:25 pm
Wow! Su Lin just put on an extended gymnastics routine on a branch up in one of the trees. Perhaps Bai Yun told her about the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and urged her to practice so she could try out for a place on the team. That little girl is brave…didn’t hesitate to move around quickly and with confidence. What a difference a month makes for panda cubs! I hope some of you saw it. I started watching around 4:50 PM San Diego time. Hopefully, it was captured on the time-lapse video.
Panda cubs seem to develop balancing skills rather quickly, in order to avoid falling. Nature nicely equips cubs for their environmental needs. (;-)
February 2nd, 2006 at 5:34 pm
Happy Birthday, Su Lin! It’s been such a joy to watch her grow and flourish! Right now, the videographer has zoomed in on the little bundle oh-so-happily perched on the thinnest and most precarious of branches! Congratulations too to the SD panda staff for this little treasure!
February 2nd, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Happy 6-month Birthday to dear little Su Lin, the panda princess! And many thanks to everyone at SDZ who has enabled her to reach this day and enabled us to share so many wonderful moments with the cub and her mother.
February 2nd, 2006 at 5:46 pm
Re: #49…Suzanne, do you suppose that’s why Tai Shan has been so much later than Su Lin in climbing in the trees? I know you can’t speak for SNZ, but it’s been interesting to see the different management techniques between the two zoos. Maybe it’s also, as you say, SNZ are ” first time parents” and are more cautious. Tai Shan really seems to enjoy his little tub, and snuggling up at the base of a concrete wall, with his butt up against the wall and his feet up in his face! But our little Su Lin seems so happy and comfortable up in the trees. Thanks again for your wonderful information and insights.
February 2nd, 2006 at 5:47 pm
It is Thursday, almost 6 pm in San Diego. I have been watching Su Lin for several hours and am wondering if she has ventured beyond her comfort level onto small branches. This leads me to wonder – if an animal gets itself into mild distress – at what point does the staff intervene? Thanks – and thanks for this wonderful window onto the animal kingdom!!
February 3rd, 2006 at 5:36 am
Suzanne, I have noticed that in the last days Su Lin does not appear in the PandaCam. Instead, we can see her brother Mei Sheng. Is something wrong with her? Sometimes I am afraid she will continue climbing and maybe she could pass to another tree and disappear!
February 3rd, 2006 at 9:42 am
Su Lin’s six months old! A couple of months ago, she was still wiggly when she walked, but now she’s much more confident. Wasn’t Gao Gao about her age when he was first found with his injury? Life in the wild is really tough. Ability to climb up high is a life or death situation for little cubs, right? Although Su Lin was born at the SDZ, I’m glad to see her wild side alive and kicking when I see her explore her world in the exhibit, including high up in the tree.
February 3rd, 2006 at 11:21 am
Where’s our little girl this morning? I have not seen Su Lin at all:(
February 3rd, 2006 at 4:25 pm
Thanks for the last bit of panda news….lovely picture… Su Lin is such a brave little panda…
February 3rd, 2006 at 6:54 pm
The latest photo of Su Lin is lovely; I am glad the webmaster changes the photos periodically.
Editor’s note: You’re welcome!
February 4th, 2006 at 4:29 am
Will there be any more pictures added to the Su Lin gallery?
February 4th, 2006 at 4:31 am
Lynn in Cleveland, #55:
I had the same thought. I watched her off and on until midnight San Diego time. I could see her white fur showing in the tree. At one point she seemed frustrated by not being able to get down. I was concerned that her weight would be too much for that rather thin branch she was on. This morning Ms. Bai Yun is sleeping outside in the exhibit area. I have to wonder if Su Lin is again, up in a tree!
February 4th, 2006 at 11:41 am
It is quite evident that the SDZ is really socked in with fog so the Panda Cam is not clear. My Weather Bug keeps chirping with alerts – it’s about heavy fog warnings.
February 4th, 2006 at 5:11 pm
Thank you for the update.
Keep up the great work!
February 4th, 2006 at 10:11 pm
I went to see the pandas today (Saturday) and I saw Su Lin pooping! I was so happy to see her newly found freedom! Su Lin’s gotten so big and strong since I saw her last month. She’s brave and smart. But for Bai Yun and us, she’s still a little bit of something super cute.
February 4th, 2006 at 10:22 pm
Hello everyone!
I have a few little questions and maybe they have already been answered in another thread but here they are. The keepers and veterinarian could maybe answer my questions because you have this very precious ” relationship” with the pandas. I wonder how it feels on the skin the fur of Su Lin. Is it soft like silk just like a cat, rough, fluffy. Also, does Su Lin have a special smell…well her and pandas in general. I think you are very lucky to be able to take her in your arms just like a little baby but I think that sooner or later you will have to let her live her own life as a panda in the wild. Can you also approach her mother Bai Yun like you do for her cub? Does she recognize you has a human being, someone not dangerous for her. Is she ” friendly” ?
Thanks in advance for your answers!
Sophie
February 5th, 2006 at 8:34 am
It’s Sunday morning, and both Su Lin and Tai Shan are asleep in trees
February 5th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
Little Su Lin is sitting close to Bai Yun and imitating mama on how to eat bamboo while Bai Yun engages in a feeding session. How cute is that!
February 5th, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Great camera work on whoever is behind the scene! Little Su Lin has a little stick of bamboo in her paws and working on it!
February 5th, 2006 at 4:36 pm
She is just toooooo cute up in her tree with her fuzzy looking fur…I miss her exploring…I just am not free this time of the year to click in and check those cute babies at all hours of the day or night…I’ll just have to live what I miss through all of you that share…thanks
February 5th, 2006 at 7:11 pm
Our baby seems to be sleeping in the trees again tonight. I am worried sometimes about this ever since I heard about baby Toga being taken from his parents. I know that Su must be kept somewhat in a wild state, as the hope is that some day she may be introduced to a natural habitat. But after seeing her moments after her birth, not so long ago, and watching as she has grown and developed, I worry about her as if she were my own. I am sure that I am not the only panda friend that wishes Su Lin would sleep at night snug in her den next to the side of her Mommy, Bai.
February 5th, 2006 at 11:51 pm
Su Lin was covering her eyes tonight at around midnight (pacific time) from the bright lights in her exhibit so she could sleep. Are the lights only there so that we viewers can watch her at all times of the night? She is so adorable right now with her paws over her face =).
February 6th, 2006 at 7:11 am
Those of us who speculate that Su Lin will someday be returned to the wild….I wouldn’t count on it. The captive Panda breeding programs are just beginning to bear real fruit, as witness the explosion of births last year. While this is hopeful, and while the computerized tracking of the captive Pandas’ genetic makeup and the computerized mating program are all very positive steps, there is an awful lot to be done before captive pandas can be released into a truly wild habitat: Research into how many Pandas any area can support, education of the people living in and around the release areas to deter poaching, consolidation of the areas reserved for the wild Pandas so that they can roam without encountering human civilization, a guaranteed adequate supply of forage (bamboo), and a way to capture and inoculate both freed and truly wild Pandas against diseases like distemper are all things that should be done to ensure that the hard work and expense of the captive breeding program are not wasted. Then there is the developement of a protocol for freeing a panda. You can’t just take one out and dump it on a mountain with good wishes and a few tears. Does anyone really want to think about turning Mei Sheng loose in an area already held by a couple of big males and wishing him luck in the upcoming fights? And hoping he can find enough food and water to avoid starvation? Ultimately, of course, any free animal must struggle and adapt to survive life in the wild, but we must develop a way to reintroduce the Pandas into the wild that maximizes their chances of survival. Do we need Panda halfway houses? Do we know enough about the ages, sexes, territories, health, and genetics of the wild Pandas to ensure that a released bear has a good chance to survive and successfully breed in their area?
There is an awful lot yet to do, and the Panda population is still very small. I suspect that quite a few more generations of captive Pandas will be born before many are returned to their natural homes. I hope that ” our” bears, who are destined to contribute so much to this effort, live long enough to celebrate their descendents’ return to the wild mountains of China.
Editor’s note: See Suzanne’s latest posting, ” http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/index.php?p=261” >Questions and Answers,” for some information about the future of reintroductions.
February 6th, 2006 at 11:40 am
#73 Pamela: What an informative and thought-provoking comment–thank you! I find it hard to imagine any of ” our” bears, big or small, roughing it in the wild. With so many problems in the wild of life-threatening import, I hope that considerably more research is done on how to successfully re-introduce captive pandas into the wild before any are actually released. It would also seem important for captive pandas, especially females like Su Lin, to continue to breed and increase the population before letting any go. With an ever-dwindling wild population, we need to ensure that a solid and genetically-diverse captive population is in place first.
I’ve just now seen your new blog, Suzanne; thank you too for speaking more about the issue of reintroduction. What were the criteria in 1999 for reintroduction? And why did Hua Mei (thankfully!) ” fail” to meet them? As cautious as I sound above, I truly do look forward to the day when all of these breeding efforts culminate in the paypoff of seeing the wild population stabilize and begin to increase. I’m so glad you spoke to this today, as it is the goal of eventual reintroduction and stabilization of the population that should tide us over when we face the difficult departures as we did with Hua Mei.
February 7th, 2006 at 7:21 am
Both yesterday and today Tai Shan climbed a 2nd tree (a small elm tree), so Tai is starting to stay up in the trees for most of the day just like Su Lin has been doing.
February 14th, 2006 at 5:59 pm
It was so much fun to watch Tai Shan play in the snow. Is there any possibility that you could bring in snow for Su Lin?
February 19th, 2006 at 3:43 pm
With the new pictures of Tai in the snow, I’m searching for more of Su Lin. Is it that she doesn’t come down from the trees enough to be photographed? Have we hit ” third child syndrome?” Or is the new photo album harder to maintain (seems like the regular pictures ceased when the format switched). Also, those of us lucky enough to live in San Diego are waiting for her to appear on the ” big screen.” When will we see her fuzzy face on the 163 and 5 billboards?
February 27th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
she’s up in the trees sooo much that i never catch her down anymore. time zones are so frustrating. i’ve caught some of the time lapses and she looks very careful. you can almost see su lin calculating the best way to get up or down her tree. truly a little panda princess. the other panda seems to just charge around, but su lin is smart and careful. of course all the pandas are smart and all the babies are different. su lin is, however, smarter!