Dams and Dens
Posted at 8:16 am August 9, 2006 by Suzanne Hall
It’s that time of year again! In China, some new panda cubs have already been born into the world. More are sure to come. Summer is the time when the panda females give birth to their youngsters, and from now through September we can expect news that cubs are arriving regularly at captive breeding facilities in China. Hopefully, many more unheralded births are also taking place in the mountains of Sichuan.
The wild female panda will select a den for the birth of her offspring. Some dens are hollows in old trees. Since the den needs to be large enough for the female to sit upright, a critical posture for nursing a newborn, the tree hollows must be very large in size. Older trees, particularly of the fir species, tend to have larger bases that can be exploited by the panda dam. According to some sources, the trees selected could be as much as 200 years old! The panda can also select a den that is a rocky cleft or cave.
The dam will line her den with a variety of plant species for comfort. In captivity, the bears often use a variety of bamboo species, which they bring into the den and feed upon. They drop the debris on the den floor, and over time they work and rework the debris into a deep carpet of leafy and fibrous material. Keepers here once noted that one of Bai Yun’s nests resembled an interwoven mat. In the wild, the panda will include many other plant species in their nest, including fir and pine boughs, rhododendron, and other conifers. Additionally, wild pandas will scrape and scratch at the walls of their den, and in tree hollows this results in a coat of sawdust among the den litter.
The panda dam will attempt to keep her den fastidiously clean during the first month or so of the cub’s life. This protects the health of both dam and cub and reduces the likelihood of predators discovering the den. The female will refrain from defecating and urinating inside the den, and will ingest the waste products of the cub as well. The age at which a female stops ingesting the waste of her young is variable: Bai Yun is still consuming most of Su Lin’s feces even now!
I am crossing my fingers that the wild pandas out there are having a successful birthing season.
Suzanne Hall is the senior research laboratory technician for the Giant Panda Conservation Unit of the Applied Animal Ecology Division/CRES.
Pictured above is Bai Yun with her second cub, Mei Sheng, at one day old.
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August 9th, 2006 at 9:18 am
It was fascinating to read about how panda mothers choose and keep their dens. Thank you.
The picture of newborn Mei Sheng is a bookend to the sweet video showing the handsome 3-year-old bear with the commentary by Kathy Hawk and Ron Swaisgood. Mei Sheng is such an adorable, good-natured panda. I hope wherever he goes he will be loved and tended with the same care as at the SDZ.
Also, it’s great, hopeful news to read about the new crop of cubs in China. But the one panda mother who had 34 hours of labor–ouch!
August 9th, 2006 at 9:44 am
this is a happy time, waiting for all the little balls of fur to be born, we have been looking at the pictures of the baby that was just born on monday, quite a little butterball but healthy and i understand that atlanta is under a twenty-four hour birth watch. Everyone that I work with can’t believr how small they are and how gentle the moms are. best wishes for a healthy birthing season.
August 9th, 2006 at 10:29 am
WOW! What exciting news out of China already…twin pandas each giving birth to twin male panda cubs on the same day! And, the largest recorded panda cub born in captivity at 218 grams born at Wolong. Yes, I think and pray that there will be another bumper crop of cubs this year. Here’s wishing all the best for Zoo Atlanta.
August 9th, 2006 at 11:04 am
I was hoping a posting would be done concerning the sudden panda baby boom going on in China. Since I have a google ” Panda Cub” alert set up, I have been getting all the new stories along with some great pictures of the babies. I watched a video of a Chinese keeper reaching right into the cage and taking one of the baby twins just born. The mother didn’t seem agitated at all. I’m very curious as to how the Chinese seem to know the sex of the new cubs so quickly. It seems that here in the US we must almost always wait for the second quick exam to know whether it’s a boy or a girl.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for the Atlanta Zoo. I know they are beside themselves with anticipation. As am I.
I did see this question posted earlier but never saw an answer. The first panda cub born in China this year was fathered by Shi Shi. Is that the Shi Shi that was at the San Diego Zoo?
August 9th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
Great commentary by Kathy Hawk and Ron Swaisgood about Mei Sheng and Su Lin. I am looking forward to Mei Sheng’s third birthday party and hoping for snow. The happiest day of this beautiful, charismatic panda boy’s life was his first birthday with his ice cake and the exhibit covered with snow.
August 10th, 2006 at 9:35 am
It’s amazing…nature…and thank you for all the information you have brought to us!!!!!
I will hold the light for these beauties…that they are healthy, safe and producing lots of healthy, strong babies as well…and that their cubs will be protected from harm so that their species continues to grow in number….We are so lucky to have 2 zoos with cams that have let us in so close and personal with our babies and moms….and all of the caregivers, writers etc….thank you so much…It has brought my awareness to a much higher level for all animals and the people involved to overseeing all their needs….thank you…..
August 10th, 2006 at 1:09 pm
Ref. Comment # 4
There are two Shi Shi in China , only the pronunciation of their names in English are the same.
August 11th, 2006 at 4:13 am
will you try and have bai have another cub again next year?? how many cubs can 1 female panda have in her lifetime?? i know all this seems premature but bai could have another cub next year, right????
August 11th, 2006 at 8:55 am
Robin #8,
If Bai Yun shows signs of estrus in the spring we will certainly allow her to breed. Females are no longer able to have cubs at about age 17-19, so Bai Yun (at 15) is nearing the end of her reproductive life. She has one or two pregnancies left in her (assuming she breeds every other year) before she will no longer be capable of giving birth.
August 11th, 2006 at 2:35 pm
If Bai Yun will no longer be able to produce offspring in a couple of years’ time, will she be recalled back to China under the loan agreement or will she be able to stay at SDZ?
August 11th, 2006 at 5:54 pm
Joanne (#10) raises a question I hadn’t really considered before: What happens to all of the captive Pandas when they become too old for the breeding program? As Suzanne has told us, captive pandas live longer than pandas in the wild. However, the main purpose of the captive program is to produce cubs and to maintain a diverse and viable gene pool. The elderly Pandas who can no longer contribute to that goal are a drain on the funds and the resources of both the US and Chinese breeding facilities.
As we know, some of the old bears have gone to zoos who either do not have the funds and facilities or are not interested in working within the parameters of the breeding program. However, these older bears may not draw the big crowds that younger, more active bears do, and I wonder what will happen as more of our beloved bears age and must be moved aside to make room for the youngsters. Are there enough really good zoos in the world to ensure that our oldsters will be wanted and well taken care of? Or is there an ” assisted living facility” planned for geriatric Pandas? Perhaps Suzanne could tell us if this is a projected problem, and if so, what solutions are being considered. I would hope that there are plans to ensure that Bai, Gao Gao, and all of their contemporaries will enjoy an honored and comfortable old age.
August 13th, 2006 at 12:01 am
I have another question, similar to Pamela G’s: can the adult male pandas continue to father cubs all their adult life; if so, does that mean that Gao Gao will be recalled back to China when the contract runs out? It seems hard to imagine either Bai Yun or the handsome Gao Gao not being seen on the cam; you know that the younger bears have to return, although you hate to see them go, you do prepare yourself for it. I am so glad that I don’t work with the pandas; when that day comes, I would be crying my eyes out!
August 14th, 2006 at 10:20 am
What are the plans for Mei Sheng’s birthday? I hope we will be able to watch on panda cam again. Thanks so much, San Diego, for all you do for those beautiful pandas!
August 14th, 2006 at 11:44 am
Wow, with all the twins being born this year, there has to be something in the water, as they say. I read that we already have 11 babies this year so far. This shows a real effort to save the pandas, best wishes to all. P.Wong: Well, we won–the panda billboard is up.
I also never thought about what would happen to the older pandas like Bai Yun and Gao Gao. I sure would miss seeing them. Do you think China would consider some kind of a deal to let them stay and let us keep the younger ones?
August 14th, 2006 at 12:19 pm
Say, I’ve got my fingers crossed that Atlanta was successful. GOOD LUCK, ATLANTA! Another baby for pandaholics to watch??
August 14th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
Great shots of Su Lin and Bai in the bedroom this evening!! They are so beautiful together – it looks so obvious that Bai really loves this little girl – very special moments. Thank you!
August 15th, 2006 at 9:26 am
A certain panda is having a big birthday this coming Saturday! Would Mei be considered a teenager? He certainly acts like one
August 15th, 2006 at 11:41 am
I read a article that the Sars epidemic in China was an issue at the time when Hua Mei was being sent back. Is this still an issue at the present now that Mei Sheng is about to be returned to China? To your knowledge, have any of the pandas in China been affected by this virus?
August 15th, 2006 at 1:08 pm
I have been seeing some wonderful camera work of Bai Yun and Su Lin’s play sessions or nursing time in the past two days. It’s always endearing to see the mother-daughter pair interact.
August 16th, 2006 at 6:17 am
For those who have been asking about Mei Sheng’s birthday… we will be presenting him with a few birthday surprises on his special day, and we have Meerkats (volunteers) lined up to work the cameras from 8:30-11 a.m. PST that day. Tune in to wish him a happy birthday!
August 16th, 2006 at 8:52 am
Won’t be able to tune in on Sat., Suzanne. I’ll be at the SDZ entrance when it opens at 9:00 a.m. to wish Mei a happy birthday in person!
August 18th, 2006 at 9:16 am
I just want to wish our big boy a happy birthday. You have grown too fast and we will soon have to say good-bye, but be sure we will always have you in our hearts and minds. I’m sorry I won’t be able to see your B-Day celebration, but I hope you enjoy the day and all of the goodies and treats that you get. hugs and love.
August 18th, 2006 at 10:28 am
Mei Sheng,
Happiness on your birthday and always.
This wish brings more love than words can say.
You’ll be ” my baby panda” forever.
Hugs, bamboo and fruitsicles.
August 18th, 2006 at 11:34 am
Remember to e-mail your birthday cards to Mei Sheng. He answers every one of them! Bai has raised her cubs to be so polite.
August 18th, 2006 at 11:45 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEI SHENG! I will be there tomorrow to celebrate your birthday. You will always be my favorite panda. Be sure to wave and throw me a kiss when you see me. I will be wearing black and white.
August 18th, 2006 at 12:23 pm
Happy Birthday to Mei Sheng, the first American Boy Panda! Best wishes to our sweet, smiling bear, and thanks to Bai Yun, Gao Gao, and the Panda Team for this very best of gifts to all of us.
August 18th, 2006 at 1:17 pm
Our sweet, cuddly wuddly little boy certainly has grown into an amazingly handsome and sweet bear. Lots of hugs, kisses and an endless supply of bamboo and goodies on your big day. Wishing you many, many happy and carefree days – no matter where life takes you big guy – you will always have a place in my heart!
August 18th, 2006 at 2:20 pm
When will San Diego be expecting another baby? What is the next breeding plan? Su Lin has been so fun to watch… I can’t wait for another one!
August 18th, 2006 at 3:51 pm
” HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEI SHENG”
You will always be my Special Panda! Of course, I love your Beautiful Mom, Handsome
Dad, and your adorable Sisters too! I do want to thank you for the wonderful smile you gave me when I took your picture a few months ago. I will treasure it always. I can’t be there in person, but I sure will be watching you on the Panda Cam. I hope you will enjoy your Special Day with many more to come. I hope all your wishes come true and that you have tons of Happiness! I will send you kisses, hugs, and keep you in my Heart Always.
August 18th, 2006 at 4:37 pm
Happy Birthday to Mei Sheng. Looking forward to your day. Just can’t wait. Lots of love with bamboo and fruitsicles.
August 18th, 2006 at 5:19 pm
Happy Birthday, Mei Sheng! I got hooked on the Panda Cam by watching you and Bai Yun together. I can’t believe how you have grown. Many wishes for a wonderful day full of fun panda surprises.
August 19th, 2006 at 6:26 am
Happy Birthday Mei Sheng!
August 19th, 2006 at 10:23 am
I think Bai Yun and Gao Gao should get to celebrate their birthdays too, without their births there would not be all this love and happiness and fun and beauty for the rest of us. Just think about how much they have given to us.
August 19th, 2006 at 3:51 pm
Happy Birthday Mei Sheng! You’re such a handsome and happy boy! Hope your day is filled with special surprises for you!
August 20th, 2006 at 5:17 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mei Sheng!!!!! You looked like you were having SO much fun yesterday! I’ve been hooked on the Panda Cam since your big sister was born. We can not wait until you get a chance to father your own babies! Hopefully you will be paired with a lovely female and get to stay in the States.
I continue to sit on the edge of my chair awaiting news from the Atlanta Zoo. It would be wonderful to add another cub to watch along with Su Lin and Tai Shan!!!
August 20th, 2006 at 12:18 pm
Got to watch the time lapse of Mei Sheng’s birthday and he appeared to enjoy himself quite nicely! What would be great is a ” family picture” of Bai, Gao Gao, Mei Sheng and Su Lin. Precious Hua Mei is in China and probably couldn’t fly over for the family portrait. I think that would just be so awesome.. well, maybe if we all hope hard enough, it will happen!
August 20th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
What a great Birthday treat for all of us. We love you, Mei, and always will. You are a handsome guy!! Once when you had been spending quite a bit of time with your cake, you finally got your paws on a goody and looked up and laughed. You really did!!! I about fell off my chair cracking up. I think I enjoyed your Birthday as much as you did. Thanks to all for the great party. Much love and many hugs, kisses, and goodies to all of our pandas.
August 21st, 2006 at 4:53 am
Just wanted to drop a line to say ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY’ to our sweet wonderful and very special girl – HUA MEI!! Today is her 7th birthday – I hope she has many, many more and is being treated like the queen that she is over there in her home land!!
Much love to you and all those who care for you now and in the past.
August 21st, 2006 at 8:13 am
I still can’t tell the male bears apart. They weigh about the same. They need name tags. And then there have been several times when I’ve mistaken Bai Yun for Su Lin. How can that happen with such a size difference? They are well behaved, though. And unfortunately, the cameras don’t always move when the bears do. Oh yes, I’ve spent lots of time looking at a log. Sure, it was a good-looking log, but did it really need to be on camera for 30 minutes? Now, if I were studying logs, sure I’d want to look at it all day. And then there are the shots with people and no bears.
Happy Birthday to all da bears.
August 21st, 2006 at 9:15 am
Happy birthday, Hua Mei!
August 21st, 2006 at 10:01 am
happy birthday, Hua Mei. wow. times flies. you’re a mom of four beautiful babies. i’m sure Bai is very happy for you. lots of love to you.
August 21st, 2006 at 10:12 am
Speaking of parties, do pandas expect similar treats the day after such a big event? Or do they just move on and get back to their normal life?
August 21st, 2006 at 10:32 am
Happy birthday, Mei Sheng. I missed your party, but I thought about you. I don’t mean to be a party pooper, but… I get really frustrated when I go to the pandacam page and see no pandas. This happens quite frequently, for long periods of time.
August 21st, 2006 at 12:11 pm
Today, August 21, is Hua Mei’s 5th Birthday – Happy Birthday to San Diego Zoo’s first baby panda!! Although she’s in China, we won’t forget her.
August 21st, 2006 at 1:04 pm
Jane #39 look at the ears: Gao Gao’s left ear is quite a bit smaller from when he was injured in the wild. that’s the only way I can be sure when looking at them. LOVE THEM BOYS
August 21st, 2006 at 1:13 pm
To Jane- #39 I cracked up at ” Sure, it was a good-looking log…”
I have sometimes mistaken Su for Bai and find this is when the camera is up close. Even with her birthday pictures, Su looks a lot bigger than she is even at a relatively small distance away. I found this out firsthand on August 6, I had occasion to photograph her in a tree just a couple of feet directly above my head. Since most of the camera shots are far away, it seems she’s much smaller than she really is. I was stunned at how much she had grown since I saw her in January.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PRECIOUS HUA MEI! LOOK WHO’S 7! My neighbors in San Diego were some of the Chinese researchers/caregivers who lived a short walk from the Zoo on Upas St. Now I know what they were so enthused about!
August 21st, 2006 at 3:10 pm
I’ve really been enjoying the ” bears of summer,” with all the birthday parties and just the fun of seeing the bears relaxing in the heat. I’m surprised that Su and Bai spend so little time in the air conditioning. Still anticipating the news of a panda pregnancy in Atlanta. Suzanne, I’ve been wondering what causes the progestin rise in females during a pseudopregnancy. Can a pseudopregnancy happen in any female after estrus, or only in females who have been naturally or artificially inseminated? Also, is a pseudopregnancy truly pseudo, or could it be a pregnancy that has been interrupted, for whatever reason? So many questions. I guess there is still so much research needed to answer them. I hope all the bears and the staff enjoy the rest of the summer. Love to all of you.
August 30th, 2006 at 5:06 pm
Panda Team
Can you please explain what ” rut” means as it relates to Hua Mei and two other female pandas.
Thank you; we love learning from the San Diego Zoo Panda Team.
September 7th, 2006 at 2:43 pm
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun. I was so happy to be able to celebrate your special day with you and watch you enjoying your ice cake.
September 7th, 2006 at 2:44 pm
Has Hua Mei delivered a cub/cubs this year? Is she pregnant?