The Mature Panda
Posted at 8:35 am August 22, 2006 by Suzanne Hall
Bai Yun (pictured) will be 15 years old on September 7. She will not really notice as her birthday passes; she will be busily engrossed in her daily routine of feeding and caring for herself and her yearling cub, Su Lin. But this time next year will she be caring for another newborn cub?
The oldest giant panda at Wolong to ever give birth was Jia Jia. That old girl was born in 1978, but gave birth to twins in 1996 at the age of 18. Several other female pandas in Wolong have given birth in their late teens, females like ” Number One,” who gave birth to triplets in 1999 at the age of 16. As such, there is no reason to expect that Bai Yun won’t continue to be fertile for another year or two.
It seems common that the female panda senesces
The bears can still live long lives beyond their senescence. For those of you with an itch to travel, you can still visit Jia Jia at her residence in Hong Kong’s Ocean Park; she’s now 28 years of age! As far as males go, our own Shi Shi was estimated to have been born in the wild in the late 1970s, and so may be as old or older than Jia Jia. The National Zoo’s first male panda, Hsing Hsing, died at age 28. Bai Yun certainly has many happy years ahead of her.
How much longer will she be able to produce cubs? This is a bit of an unknown. Unlike most pandas in Chinese facilities, Bai Yun has never given birth in consecutive years. We will have to see if this management regime has an impact on her fertility as she ages. It is possible that a less demanding birthing schedule may result in a longer period of fertility. It’s also possible that the timing of senescence in the female panda may be hardwired and is not affected by how many pregnancies she sustains or cubs she gives birth to. Here is yet another opportunity for Bai Yun to inform us about another aspect of panda life”¦ we’ll just have to wait a few years before she reveals the answer!
Suzanne Hall is the senior research laboratory technician for the Giant Panda Conservation Unit of the Applied Animal Ecology Division/CRES.
Watch Bai Yun and our other pandas on Panda Cam.
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August 22nd, 2006 at 10:49 am
Hasn’t there been a 2-3 year break between pregnancies? I’d be surprised if Bai got pregnant again so fast. It’d be nice though.
August 22nd, 2006 at 12:14 pm
I am hoping you will post some photos of Mei Sheng’s birthday party!
August 22nd, 2006 at 12:28 pm
I, for one, don’t think I’ll have any problem waiting to see what Bai will tell us! Bai Yun is a great, mature, and experienced mom. Watching her expertly rear her offspring is quite a joy, but if she never gave birth again, we’d still have many, many wonderful memories. I’ve certainly learned alot about the Giant Panda from her and all the others on American soil. Thank-you all, for sharing with us your efforts!
August 22nd, 2006 at 12:34 pm
Bai has been such a successful and wonderful mother, it’s a little sad to think of her, possibly soon, not having any more babies. Let’s hope her next pregnancy brings a set of twins. That would be so wonderful, and really something special to watch on the Cam. OMG, could you imagine TWO Tai Shan’s?!?! What a handful a mommy panda would have with that. But whether Bai has any more babies or not, she has certainly done her part to grow the panda population and we’re very proud of her and love her very much. THANKS BAI!!!!!!!
August 22nd, 2006 at 12:45 pm
Bai passed her genes to daughter Hua Mei who has been very successful as the mom of two sets of twins.
Who can tell what secrets Bai has to reveal – only time will tell.
August 22nd, 2006 at 2:42 pm
Thank you for the wonderful information on Bui Yun, she is a very special Panda that has given us three beautiful baby pandas. Hopefully she will have more babies so we can all fall in love with them like we have with her other babies.
I will hopefully come to the zoo on September 7th in the afternoon after I get off work to wish her a very happy birthday. Any plans for something special for a very special lady panda that has given us much joy and happpiness?
August 22nd, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Thank you for letting us know Bai Yun’s birthday!
I missed having any information or photos about Mei Sheng’s birthday last Saturday or Hua Mei’s birthday yesterday. Many of us still love her and want to see photos and learn about how she is doing.
I am thinking seriously of going to China to volunteer in one of those panda nurseries where you can hold and feed a panda cub. Would someone please provide information about those tours? Thank you.
Cindy Ferguson
Sacramento, California
Editor’s note: Our WorldWild Tours program offers visits to China and the panda reserves. Click on ” Calendar” in the navigation bar above, then ” WorldWild Tours” for more information.
August 22nd, 2006 at 4:31 pm
When will the ” WorldWild Tours” for the panda tour in 2007 be posted on the website? Thanks to all the staff at SDZ for all the great panda info. I don’t post that much but I read it ALL!
Editor’s note: The 2007 WorldWild Tours schedule will be in the September issue of ZOONOOZ, the member magazine. It will also be posted on the Web site by next month.
August 22nd, 2006 at 9:29 pm
What a beautiful picture of Bai Yun! She looks so happy.
Thank you, meerkats, for the great footage of Mei Sheng’s birthday. I usually slumber in on the weekends, but I set my alarm clock to watch the festivities! I’m hoping to be in SD in November to see the panda family in person. Thanks, Suzanne, for another wonderful update!
August 23rd, 2006 at 10:20 am
i have one quick question. Is Shi Shi still alive and has he sired any cubs at Wolong?
Editor’s note: You can read an update about Shi Shi in the comments section of the blog, ” Pandas Keep Their Cool,” dated June 28, 2006.
August 23rd, 2006 at 10:53 am
For Calvin: Not sure if this is the same Shi Shi, but I came across an article while I was reading about the ” Baby Panda Blog” they just started for one of the newborn babies in China. It’s a narrative from the point of view of the baby. I hope they keep it up. It’s a cute idea. I found the article by searching ” baby panda blog” after reading about it in the news.
Trainers/keepers: is there any way you track Shi Shi for the breeding program to ensure against inbreeding? It would be interesting to know if this is Suzie’s half-sibling on the blog. Thanks for all the great info you guys supply us ” crazy pandaholics.” You all know how important our daily ” panda baby fix” is to us. Keep up the great work.
August 23rd, 2006 at 12:39 pm
I just watched the video from Mei Sheng’s birthday party, he seemed to really enjoy himself. He explored everthing very carefully and made sure he didn’t miss a thing. I saw that little smile on his face as he found what I believe was a piece of fruit. It’s hard to see these things and have to realize that he is going away soon. Hopefully some day he will come back to us as a breeding male; imagine what that baby would be like.
August 23rd, 2006 at 5:27 pm
Okay, panda experts, please tell me the distinguishing feature of Mei Sheng and Gao Gao. I’ve been lucky to view the cam when it’s on their area, but i don’t know how to tell them apart!
We were at the zoo a few months ago, late in the day, maybe 4:30 or so and watched the antics of Mei Sheng with such delight. Never saw so much running, prancing, climbing, descending head first. Loved every minute of it.
Thanks again, SDZ, for this wonderful site.
Aloha, Noreen.
Editor’s note: Gao Gao is missing part of his left ear, due to an injury in the wild.
August 23rd, 2006 at 7:29 pm
I can’t believe Bai Yun is almost 15. I know you have spent countless hours training her and we can see the fruits of your labor when she is with Su Lin. Bai Yun is a terriffic mom.
Recognizing that lots of time and effort go into training, I was curious if China might allow Su Lin to stay longer and eventually breed in San Diego? She would already ” know the ropes” and be familiar with all of the staff. I would think she would take less training than bringing in a new panda from China? Am I way off base? That way we could have two female pandas in San Diego.
August 24th, 2006 at 1:03 am
What a picture of health and happiness! The pic of Bai Yun shows how well she is looked after and how at ease she is with her surroundings. Let’s hope that when she has her last pregnancy it will be twins; I am sure she could cope with 2 little black-and-white bundles better than any other panda. Bai Yun…you rock!
August 24th, 2006 at 8:54 am
Thank you for the information on Bai Yun. I know she is very busy with the baby but maybe it would be nice if she had a small cake. They seem to enjoy them so. I was thrilled with the birthday videos.
She was the first panda I ever saw live on the web-cam and she and her children along with Gao and the other panda families at NZ, Memphis and Atlanta have brought so many hours of viewing pleasure to me and helped me through so many difficult times that I cannot imagine not seeing any of them. Will Mei Sheng be staying in the USA even if not in SDZ?
I read that Bai Yun was on a 12-year loan in 1996. What happens when Bai’s lease runs out? Is she staying in the US?
August 24th, 2006 at 10:16 am
I’m hoping that sdz is going to have a little something for Bai Yun on her birthday Sept 7th. After all, she gave us three of the most precious gifts: Hua Mei, Mei Sheng and our little princess Su Lin and is now a grandmother of four. I think she deserves a little something. PLEASE.
August 24th, 2006 at 11:33 am
Why don’t you share photos, videos and pictures of Mei Sheng’s birthday from last weekend!?? I miss Mei Sheng our little boy and I saw him in SD in the summer of 2004. Please share MS’s birthday moments with us. Thank you! No one should be forgotten like that….. I hope it is just due to staff being on vacation!!!!
Editor’s note: Video of Mei Sheng’s birthday is available for viewing. From the Panda Cam page, click on ” Videos” near the top of the page. Enjoy!
August 24th, 2006 at 12:52 pm
Leslie #14,
Su Lin has captured hearts around the world, including her keepers, but as an endangered species we understand the importance of sending her to a facility where she can become part of a remarkable breeding program. Unfortunately, in San Diego she wouldn’t be able to follow in the footsteps of Hua Mei, who in China has had two sets of twins. It’s important that any giant panda born is part of China’s successful breeding and recovery program in some fashion. We don’t know what Su Lin’s role will be, but it will be important.
August 24th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
Thanks again for the update about Bai, she truly is a beautiful bear, so feminine. I know this is a sad question to ask but when is Mei going back??? I saw him when he was Su Lin’s size. I know we can’t stop it because it is all for the good of pandas and their conservation but please give us an update so we can all prepare. Thanks
August 24th, 2006 at 2:04 pm
Thank you very much for sharing the video of Mei Sheng’s birthday. I saw him in person when he was still with Bai Yun and it is delightful to see how he has grown.
August 24th, 2006 at 4:07 pm
Bai Yun – happy birthday mama! It’s been an absolute joy to watch you over the years – raising your babies on camera – and you’ve done a terrific job. I think you deserve the zoo’s ” Mother of the Year” award – every year! And you haven’t aged a bit – you don’t look a day over 14! I hope Su Lin is an especially good girl on your birthday – and gives you a special treat on your birthday. Maybe a little foot massage or tummy rub? Wishing you many, many happy birthdays to come. Where ever your travels take you – we will always love you XXOO
August 24th, 2006 at 4:59 pm
#13 Noreen look at – 4:50 p.m. PST – Great close up of Gao Gao. His left side of his head is more toward the camera so you can easily see that there is only a stub of a left ear. Also this is Gao Gao’s week to be on camera. Next week it’s Mei Sheng turn. Just remember that they alternate every other week. The Meerkat behind the camera is doing a great job today – lots of close ups – much better for capturing a picture of a panda that isn’t just a blob in the foliage.
August 25th, 2006 at 1:15 am
Wow, Jia Jia’s already 28? I read somewhere that a panda at 25 years of age is like a human reaching their 100th birthday. So Jia Jia would be considered a supercentenarian, panda-wise?
Anyway, thank you for telling us Bai Yun’s birthday. I posted this question back in late July, and always wondered about it. I’ll be sure to wish Bai Yun a happy birthday when Sept. 7 comes around.
August 25th, 2006 at 6:21 am
My children and I are quite addicted to Tai Shan and Su Lin and fascinated by the differences in their personalities.
August 25th, 2006 at 9:33 am
I saw a picture of the new exhibit area in D.C. It’s gorgeous, what a great time the pandas are going to have, more space and plenty of stuff to climb on, it’s a dream place. I also, like Kit #25, are amazed by the difference in Tai and Su, but I guess, just like people, no two are alike. It makes things more interesting, you are always wondering what they will do next. Atlanta’s panda is making me nervous to see if she is going to have a baby. It’s like waiting for a family member. Here’s hoping.
August 25th, 2006 at 10:25 am
Ever since I tuned into Pandacam when Su Lin was a newborn (unfortunately, I missed Hua Mei and Mei Sheng’s babyhoods), I have been struck by the beauty and intelligence of Bai Yun. She’s such a strong, expert, and loving mother. But she’s also just a gorgeous bear that I never tire of looking at. I remember reading that one of the staff at Wolong said that SDZ had gotten ” our best one” when Bai came to the zoo. So thank you, SDZ, for taking such wonderful care of this treasure, and enabling her to produce and raise 3 magnificent cubs.
August 25th, 2006 at 12:50 pm
I just wanted say thanks and those videos are awesome. For anyone who hasn’t had a chance, go to main panda cam page and click on videos, they are very interesting, the one doctor talks about Mei and how important he is for breeding in China. Thanks guys and girls, please if you all get the chance check out the videos that are available. Very informative
August 26th, 2006 at 11:59 pm
Jia Jia lives in Hong Kong at Ocean Park. She was in her indoor air-conditioned exhibit when we went there in April on the 2006 SDZ Giant Panda Tour. She apparently sleeps much of the time, which is understandable, given her advanced age in Giant Panda years.
The other Giant Panda who lives there is An An, a 19-year-old male, who ate his breakfast of bamboo and treats while we ate ours–NOT bamboo! :biggrin: We enjoyed our time with them very much!
August 27th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
Sorry I missed Mei Sheng’s birthday party. How do I see the video? I got two quick glimpses on the time-lapse which looked like he had a great time. Has it been decided where his next ” visit” will be, i.e. China or another breeding facility?
Speaking of mature pandas, is there any update on Basi, since her 25th birthday last December? I saw her when she was visiting in 1987. She was quite the entertainer and ambassador.
Editor’s note: To view Mei Sheng’s party video, click on ” Video” from the Panda Cam page.
August 28th, 2006 at 10:55 am
I finally got to see Mei Sheng’s birthday video. Great time was had by him as well as his entourage of well wishers. He looked like he thoroughly enjoyed his special day. It will be a big day for Panda breeding when he moves on to China, but it will be a bittersweet day for us, his admirers. He is such a gentle, quiet soul, unlike his distant relative Tai Shan. Hopefully he will be a natural breeder like his father, Gao Gao, and produce prolific young like his half-sister Hua Mei. Who knows, maybe he carries multiple births in his genes, too.
August 28th, 2006 at 11:35 am
Suzanne, Would you explain how pandas are selected for breeding. We know, for example that Tian in DC and Bai are related through Pan Pan and therefore, Tai and Su would never be bred together. Mei Sheng has valuable genes through Gao Gao, but Bai seems to have many relatives. At what point in the ” family tree” are bears considered breedable? How many different male and female lines in captivity are known? I hope you get the gist of my question. Thank you.
August 28th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
#30, I, too, saw Basi at San Diego back in 1987. Hope she is doing well back home in China. I haven’t had the pleasure of returning to San Diego since then and have missed all the new pandas there, but sure do enjoy watching them on the webcam. Keep up the good work, camera crew! I did get to see the first two pandas in Washington years ago, and my husband and I saw Tian and Mei Xiang two years ago but have not had the joy of seeing that big boy, Tai Shan. That family seems to be much larger than other pandas I’ve seen; for example, the couple in Memphis. Is it because they’re older or are they just (as many of us are) a little bigger? When we were there last year, I knelt down outside the glass right next to the female Giant Panda. I stayed there for what seemed like an eternity watching her eat bamboo; it was an awesome experience. Finally, we haven’t seen the couple in Atlanta, but I’m anxiously checking the updates daily to see how Lun Lun is doing. Perhaps we’ll all be blessed with another baby in a few days!!!
August 28th, 2006 at 8:38 pm
Margot, that is sweet what the person at Wolong said about Bai being their ” best one.” She sure is an incredible mom! Not to mention a very pretty lady bear. She has the greatest smile! Debora, your Memphis panda visit sounds awesome! My boyfriend is taking me to that zoo for my birthday this coming weekend to see YaYa and LeLe. It will be my first live experience with pandas, and I cannot wait! Keeping all my paws crossed for our southern belle Lun Lun and her hopeful new arrival.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:54 am
I just wanted to comment on the beautiful picture of Bai Yun for this blog!!! She’s such a beautiful Panda! I really love to sit and just watch her eat her bamboo, even when it’s just her back we see! She’s so expressive even from behind!
Thanks for keeping the cam focused on Gao Gao and Mei Sheng when Bai Yun and precious little Su Lin are not available. I love Gao Gao and to see Mei Sheng (whom I first fell in love with when he was born and on view on the cam three years ago) is a special treat. My heart goes out to them and when I’m really sad or stressed it helps to be able to log in and see these precious bears in their special habitat and being a panda. What a relaxing thing it is to watch the pandas eat their bamboos! I can watch them for hours!!!
August 29th, 2006 at 11:46 am
do pandas discipline their babies? Just wondering because i watched cubs Mei Sheng And Hua Mei when they were growing up and it looked like Bai was spanking them with her paw (lightly) when they were about six to eight months.
August 29th, 2006 at 7:41 pm
GREAT camera work today with the Precious Princess! Lots of closeups today! Miss Su Lin was all over the place this afternoon! I have one webcam capture where she’s lounging backward in a tree and appears to be saying ” I’d like a Mai Tai and my straw hat please.” Mama Bai Yun was playful today, too. I adore their interaction! I’m missing the P. Wong diaglogue lately! Thanks again for the great camera work.
August 30th, 2006 at 9:50 am
If Bai were to have twins would the Zoo staff step in to help like they do in China??? Because from what I understand, it is hard for the mom to care for 2 cubs???
August 30th, 2006 at 6:32 pm
I have to say, they are gorgeous pandas! What I find interesting is the fact that the offspring of Bai Yun and Gao Gao have such distinct eye patches…slanted downward toward the nose. And then we have Tai Shan who looks so much like his mama. I love how we can all learn from these beautiful bears and love the cubs as individuals! They are all so unique, but so much the same. It’s fun to see how they are maturing into their own little ” Adult Panda” selves, but we can still cherish their cubbiness…
August 30th, 2006 at 7:16 pm
I have a question. In the wild, let’s say, for example, Bai Yun and her son Mei Sheng, go their separate ways. Several years later they meet up again and Bai Yun is in heat, and Mei is the only one around, would they mate? Or do they sense that it isn’t the right partner for some reason?
Thanks.
August 31st, 2006 at 7:54 am
for robin- i have heard that in the wild panda moms will choose one baby and abandon the other. but at the zoo they said that they would take the cub if it was abandoned and would hand raise it.
August 31st, 2006 at 9:16 am
More twins , boy this is a year for twins and it seems to be in favor of the boys. I think China is going to have to change their new year’s to the year of the twins.
August 31st, 2006 at 7:25 pm
Tracy #40,
Although we have some evidence that pandas recollect their relatives some years down the road (from our studies with Bai Yun), I have to say the answer to your question is a bit of an unknown. If it were my guess, I’d say if a male cub becomes the resident big male and can fight off other suitors during a breeding season, it is likely he would mate with a related female. There is the possibility of ” mate choice” interferring, allowing one or both pandas in the couple to refuse the other, and relatedness could play a role at that point… but we just don’t know for sure.
I can say that in captivity related bears have bred with one another.
September 1st, 2006 at 12:17 pm
I love the latest picture of Bai Yun and Su Lin on the Panda News page. (See August 30th news.) They look like they are having so much fun during this particular play session captured in the photo. Great picture of both the mother and the youngster. Thanks for sharing it with us!
September 1st, 2006 at 12:29 pm
I just read that a keeper from Chengdu research base is in Atlanta to help just in case there is a birth coming, she said that Lun Lun is showing the same signs that some of the pandas in their facility show usually a couple of days before giving birth. She also said that pandas in the wild also do the same things, biting the side of the den box and water dispenser and putting pieces of bamboo and wood in front of the den opening to protect the nest. I am so excited by the prospect of having a new baby. Hoping for the best.
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:54 am
Saturday morning – I tuned in as Bai Yun was resting and Su Lin was trying to get her attention to play. So cute. Su Lin going all around momma – maybe a couple of little nips on mamma’s cheek. Bai Yun finally responded and play time was on. All over the area. The hug wrestling was so captivating to watch. I took about a dozen or so pictures. I was glued to the pandacam. Terrific camera work by the Meerkat on duty. He/she stayed right on the pandas as they moved all over and it was all close up camera work.
September 2nd, 2006 at 12:44 pm
Conversation with Mei Sheng #7
Mei Sheng: Tee hee. HEE HEE HEE. Ha ha ha ha.
Tourist: Hello, Mei Sheng.
M: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: I see you have a handheld computer there.
M: Yup. It’s my birthday present. I’m three years old!
T: So did you get it from Gao Gao?
M: Yup. It’s his older one, the one with Fruitsicle version .0000001 operating system.
T: Now what are you looking at?
M: I’m watching some jet propulsion videos of diet soda and mints.
T: Hey. Neat!
M: And here are some articles on one year old Cousin Tai, or better yet…
T: Huh?
M: Hurricane or Typhoon Tai.
T: Oh, I hear he’s making some news lately.
M: Yeah. He’s making high scent marks by doing hand stands, unlike uncle Tian Tian.
T: You don’t suppose he’s related in a closer way to Gao Gao then?
M: Well, you never know. But wait…
(Beep, beep, beep. In comes Chinese language instant message…)
Fruitsicles are luscious.
Fruitsicles are delicious.
They are beautiful. (Mei)
They are fragrant. (Xiang)
Give me more (Tian)
And more. (Tian)
For the towering and majestic
Peaceful Mountain. (Tai Shan)
T: Wow. That’s a neat messaging system.
(Then comes Canto-Pop tune…)
Bee Bop. Bippity Bop. (and so on…)
T: Now how did that come in?
M: Oh, the receiver picks up Cousin Tai’s scent mark signals from the cell phone towers.
September 4th, 2006 at 5:21 pm
I have no doubt that Bai can conceive again…she is such a wonderful mama! let’s all pray for a cub in Atlanta!
it’s looking hopeful!!! come on guys….shout out to zoo atlanta!
September 5th, 2006 at 10:46 am
I hope Bai Yun will get some extra pieces of apples on her birthday. She’s a very smart and witty lady.
I’m sure that Bai Yun is in great health, with well-managed diet and healthcare. I wonder how that would affect her fertility.
It’s so hard to think of San Diego Zoo without Bai Yun. I hope she can retire in San Diego.
September 5th, 2006 at 6:57 pm
P Wong, that interview with Mei Sheng was well worth the wait! I am so hoping and praying that Lun Lun is well and that her ordeal will be over soon, one way or another. I had thought human pregnancy was trying, but after seeing all she is going through, I sure would not wish to be in her place. Sending good vibes to our Southern beauty from central IL!
September 6th, 2006 at 9:53 am
Happy birthday, Bai Yun! You have brought so much joy to so many of us over the years.
September 6th, 2006 at 10:52 am
P.Wong Over the top, as usual. I would like to wish a special birthday to a very special lady, Bai you are one special bear, you are a unbelievible mother and you have given us three of the best babies ever. I can believe the Chinese when they said that we got their best when they sent us you. wishing you a beautiful day, plenty of bamboo and maybe something extra. I am also praying for our southern belle, she is going through a lot and I hope that there is a baby after all this. sending those good vibes to Atlanta
September 6th, 2006 at 11:48 am
Hmm… now I have no personal experience with childbirth – but I find it interesting that a panda experiences so much discomfort and trauma giving birth to such a teeny, tiny baby. It sure looks like proportionately, a baby panda is much smaller in comparison to a human baby. Any thoughts on why female pandas seem so uncomfortable during labor and delivery?
September 6th, 2006 at 1:11 pm
Happy birthday, Bai Yun! Much love and thanks for entertaining us over the years.
September 6th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
Zoo Atlanta’s baby is now about an hour old! Congrats to the new mom and dad as well as the hard- working staff. I just got my zoo membership today, I’ll be there a lot!!!
September 6th, 2006 at 2:59 pm
Atlanta Zoo has a baby panda!! Lun Lun just gave birth!
September 6th, 2006 at 3:01 pm
Congratulations to Zoo Atlanta on the birth of a panda cub at 4:51 pm (cdt) today, September 6, 2006!!!!!
Also, happy birthday, Bai Yun!
September 6th, 2006 at 3:04 pm
Lun Lun at Atlanta just gave birth Today September 6 at 4:51 PM. Congrats to the Atlanta Zoo!!!
September 6th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
Just wanted to post that Lun Lun in Atlanta gave birth to her first cub at 4:51 PM. Mom and baby seem to be doing well. I’m sure everyone at the zoo here is ecstatic!
September 6th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
Congratulations Zoo Atlanta on the birth of a baby panda!!! I just knew this was the year for Lun Lun. I hope they get a 24 hour panda cam up & running as I know all my fellow pandamaniacs will want to watch the baby grow. Next year – Memphis Zoo.
September 6th, 2006 at 3:20 pm
Su Lin is now officially a big girl. She’s no longer the youngest panda in the US.
September 6th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
Oh, how wonderful! We have another baby to watch; sure hope Atlanta Zoo can get a 24 hour panda cam focused on Lun Lun & her cub. I was so excited I had to call my mother to share the good news! We’re all praying the tiny cub grows into another healthy, inquisitive, beautiful panda! Congratulations to everyone in Atlanta.
September 6th, 2006 at 4:21 pm
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun! I have experienced so much joy with you and your little ones.
I am so excited about the new baby panda in Atlanta. How wonderful!!!!!
September 6th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
I feel like a new Grandparent! I have been anxiously waiting so long for Zoo Atlanta! I am actually in tears right now! OMG! OMG! Suzanne, I have questions for you but will wait till later. Was going to post a gestational question earlier, but didn’t want to jinx. I’m so happy!!!!!
September 6th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
Just so excited to hear that Atlanta has a new baby, have been watching the reports daily and could not believe it when I opened it today to see the happy news. Congratulations Atlanta!!!! Please let us see him/her and Mom as soon as possible and keep the web cam open for round the clock viewing.
September 6th, 2006 at 5:11 pm
Congrats to Zoo Atlanta and their new baby panda! I’m still waiting to see if they have a second on the way, but it’s just a thrill to know they succeeded so far. I have been reading their logs the last few weeks, and I was worried when there wasn’t an update today, but then the good news came across my news wire. I have been giggling and smiling and crying for the last hour.
Way to go, Lun Lun and Zoo Atlanta!
And Happy Birthday, Bai! You are still the prettiest panda lady there is.
September 6th, 2006 at 5:37 pm
Happy Birthday, my girl Bai Yun! You get more beautiful every year! And…CONGRATULATIONS to the Atlanta zoo and Lun Lun! Welcome baby panda, we have been waiting a long time for you! How lucky are we to have 3 baby pandas to love??!!
September 6th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
Yeah, Atlanta! I’ve been looking at their updates daily and what a great update today! Can’t wait to see more pictures of our new baby!
September 6th, 2006 at 5:52 pm
Happy Birthday, lovely Bai Yun! You are a gorgeous, wonderful panda…I’ve loved watching you from the start, loved your unique character and loved you patiently raising your beautiful babies. Have a fantastic boo-day – you deserve it, sweet momma!
September 6th, 2006 at 7:44 pm
Congratulations to Lun Lun on her first baby panda born at Zoo Atlanta! I cannot wait to see this little guy/girl grow up on Atlanta’s webcams.
And of course, a happy birthday to Bai Yun. I hope she gets some extra fruitsicles for contributing so much to panda research and to the panda population.
September 6th, 2006 at 8:16 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BAI YUN
You have been such a wonderful Mother to Hua Mei, Mei Sheng and, of course, still little Su Lin. I enjoyed watching you and learning all about Pandas. I hope you still have more babies, at least one more or perhaps a set of twins. Whatever will be, Thanks for the wonderful memories. You’re one special Panda and Thanks to the Wonderful Staff who was there for you and your family and all of us of course, so we can enjoy these RARE TREASURES. Enjoy your SPECIAL DAY!
September 6th, 2006 at 8:30 pm
I hope Lun Lun births another little one tomorrow. Then the twin will share the September 7 birthday with Bai Yun. Happy birthday, Bai Yun! Congratulations to Lun Lun and Zoo Atlanta!
September 6th, 2006 at 8:48 pm
Happy Birthday, Bai!!! We love you so much. You and your babies have made our lives richer and fuller in so many ways. Atlanta!!! Congrats on the wonderful news. I’m just so happy about the baby and will send great vibes so it will be as healthy and happy as a baby panda should be.
September 6th, 2006 at 8:52 pm
There are so many reasons to celebrate today: beautiful Madame Bai Yun’s birthday, and a new Panda has been born in Atlanta to make our world just a little better and brighter. Happy Birthday to San Diego’s Queen of Pandas, and a loving welcome to the tiny cub that joins that exclusive club of Pandas born in America! More Pandas = More love in our troubled world. Happyhappyjoyjoy!!!!
September 6th, 2006 at 9:25 pm
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun!! You are gorgeous and we have enjoyed watching all your beautiful babies grow into wonderful, wise pandas. Congratulations, Lun Lun in Atlanta!! May your baby grow to be as beautiful as the others we have been privileged to watch on the cams.
September 6th, 2006 at 9:54 pm
So much excitement!!! After watching daily updates on Lun Lun, she finally has her cub!! Just watched the incredible video of it’s birth on MSNBC on the net! Sounds like there is a 50/50 chance there could be a twin before it’s all over. We have another precious cub to watch!!
Happy Birthday to our Queen panda – Bai Yun!!!!
September 6th, 2006 at 11:26 pm
Happy birthday, Bai Yun! Hope your kids treat you well today! lol Congrats to Atlanta. Is Lun Lun releated to Bai Yun and her family at all?
September 7th, 2006 at 12:12 am
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y, B A I Y U N !!!!!
and many more to come!!!
September 7th, 2006 at 1:21 am
Happy Birthday, Sweet Bai Yun-
Looks like Zoo Atlanta’s Lun Lun gave birth to the newest baby panda just in time to celebrate your special day! How wonderful!!! That’s double the reason for pandamaniacs to celebrate! Congrates to Zoo Atlanta! Bai, have an extra special day filled with many great surprises! We love you dearly!
September 7th, 2006 at 5:13 am
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun! An exciting time in panda land, with our favourite mommie turning 15, Tai and Su doing so well, all those twins in China – and a brand new baby in Atlanta!
September 7th, 2006 at 5:18 am
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun, beautiful, extraordinary Mama Bear!
And congratulations to the Atlanta Zoo on the birth of Lun Lun and Yang Yang’s cub–what a blessing for panda lovers everywhere.
September 7th, 2006 at 5:41 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BAI YUN! Hope you have special treats and a day of lounging and playing. You’re an awesome Mom and you’re loved so much!
September 7th, 2006 at 6:07 am
Yay Atlanta!!!!
September 7th, 2006 at 6:59 am
Congratulations, zoo atlanta. I am so excited I can’t get anything done through the tears and reading the web site. tomorrow they will have the cam on after ten o’clock so we can see the little bundle of joy, but for right now, Lun Lun, much love and happiness to you and your new baby. I guess all the prayers helped. not to forget our special lady Bai Yun, again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
September 7th, 2006 at 7:07 am
Hey, Panda junkies! Baby panda born at Zoo Atlanta yesterday. Starting tomorrow we can watch (her/him) on the Panda Cam.
September 7th, 2006 at 7:23 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun!
What a wonderful birthday present to have your younger ” sister” panda Lun Lun give birth to a baby right on the eve of your birthday. You have given the world three beautiful babies, and four
” grandbabies.”
Now you share the privilege of motherhood with Mei Xiang and Lun Lun. May you all continue to be productive mothers of wonderful babies who will help restore the world population of pandas.
We all hope you get some special fruity treats on your birthday like Su Lin and Mei Sheng did on theirs.
September 7th, 2006 at 7:53 am
Happy Birthday to you, dear Bai Yun!!! I wish you all the best, many other little babies, good health and keep us amazed by you and your gentle manners!!!
I wish I could give you a big hug!!!!
Sophie
September 7th, 2006 at 8:26 am
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun!! We love you and hope you get special treats today.
It would be nice if someone entered Bai Yun’s birthday on her Profile (the one accessed by clicking on her photo next to the cam). Thanks.
September 7th, 2006 at 10:06 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BAI YUN!!! You are the best mommy in the world and the most beautiful, too!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
Will you let Su Lin hook up with the baby in Atlanta if it is a boy? They would make a beautiful couple!…I hope so! If it turns out to be a girl would it be able to mate with Tai Shan?
Suzanne, are the pandas in Atlanta related to our pandas in San Diego and/or DC? Do you think it would be possible to mate Su Lin to Lun Lun’s baby if it is a boy? If this can happen do you suppose Su Lin can stay with us a bit longer? I hear they think Lun Lun may have had twins!!! Her labor was just over 35 hours!
Congrats to Lun Lun for a successful birth….and HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…BAI YUN!!!
September 7th, 2006 at 10:21 am
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun! You are a wonderful mama bear and I hope your special day is full of treats, tasty boo, and fun with your lil Su!
Congrats to new mommy Lun Lun, daddy Yang Yang, all the Zoo Atlanta staff, Dr. Rebecca Snyder, and their new bundle of panda cub joy!
September 7th, 2006 at 11:18 am
A very happy birthday to our perfect panda mom. Was that a birthday cake just for you that I saw you with between 9:30 and 10:30 this morning? Thank you, Suzanne and crew, for treating such a special mom.
Congratulations to Lun Lun and Yang Yang! I watched the birth video and Lun Lun sounds and appears quite surprised at this very noisy ” little thing” that seems to have come out of her and is squirming around on the floor but it doesn’t take her very long to have her maternal instinct kick in and scoop up her tiny little baby. Can hardly wait for the panda cam to start tomorrow showing us our newest baby’s life unfold in front of us.
A big thank you to all the staff at all of our zoos for the privilege of being able to be part of all of these wonderful animals and all these miracles of life.
September 7th, 2006 at 11:40 am
Bai Yun had proven to be an excellent and capable mother, becoming more patient with each cub. National Zoo’s Mei Xiang has produced a playful male cub, Tai Shan, now 14 months old and just a few weeks older than sweet Su Lin. Now, ZooAtlanta has joined the fun with Lun-Lun giving birth to her first cub yesterday. Let’s hope Memphis is similarly successful next breeding season. I’m sure all four of the United States zoos that are fortunate enough to have giant pandas communicate regularly about the care of these precious animals…and look at what’s happened. China must be very happy, too, with the success of these pandas.
September 7th, 2006 at 11:40 am
Hooray! Bai got her own birthday cake! Happy birthday, beautiful Bai!
September 7th, 2006 at 12:22 pm
Happy Birthday, beautiful Bai! I remember hearing on an old SDZ video one of the keepers saying ” you are the BEST panda!” I know they will give you the special day today that you deserve, because they love you. You have contributed so much to the panda population and to all us pandaholics for giving us such joy in watching your wonderful maternal care.
SDZ–could you give Zoo Atlanta some pointers on the infra-red camera, so we can have round-the-clock access to the new mother & cub’s den? We will have withdrawal symptoms if we have to wait for daylight. Congrats, Lun Lun and Zoo Atlanta!
September 7th, 2006 at 12:26 pm
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun. You’re a wonderful mama and wonderful panda. I hope you got some special treats on your special day. And congrats to Lun Lun and Yang Yang and Zoo Atlanta staff.
September 7th, 2006 at 12:50 pm
Happy birthday, Bai. You are still the best mom, and congrats to Lun Lun at the Atlanta Zoo.
September 7th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
Happy birthday, Bai Yun ! you’re the best panda in the world !
September 7th, 2006 at 12:59 pm
Happy 15th Birthday, Bai Yun, and happy ” birth” day, cub of Lun Lun.
There is nothing like BIRTH DAYS to get this blog a twitter! Thanks to everyone who makes these wonderful bears part of our daily lives. So many of us have had rough spots in our lives soothed by the Panda Cams and I join the request that a Company will sponsor a 24-hr. cam in Atlanta like Fuji in D.C. They will be making an excellent investment!
September 7th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
Happy Birthday, Sweet Bai Yun! You are such a wonderful, smart, sweet, fantastic panda. Not to mention you are just a wonderful panda mom, but that’s just the icing on the bamboo cake of who you are! We love you, Bai Yun!
September 7th, 2006 at 2:00 pm
Well said, Bernice W. It’s strange how something so simple could make us feel so much better.
September 7th, 2006 at 4:14 pm
Conversation with Gao Gao #10
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: What are you doing with that handheld computer?
G: I am setting up a database.
T: A database?
G: Yup. A database that contains all known members of the panda population and particulars.
T: Really. So you’re going to undertake a census, too?
G: Well, maybe.
T: Oh, I know. You’re going to let Mei Sheng have a copy when he returns to China, right?
G: Well, not quite.
T: OK. I’m stumped. What ARE you going to do then?
G: I plan to start a business.
T: Huh?
G: Yup. A Web business.
T: What Web business?
G: I will design a dating service and e-community for pandas.
T: But don’t the reserves and zoos already provide expert dating services?
G: Ah, but I’d like to hasten the process via the Web.
T: Oh?
G: I will raise funds for each panda to receive a handheld computer.
T: Oh, so they can check each other’s profiles…
G: Uh huh. And they will have technical capability to upload and share digital scent files.
T: Well, I suppose you would come to that.
G: And I will distribute straw hats and sunglasses to all the handstanders.
T: WHAT?
G: Of course! We will form an e-community of handstander dance troupes.
T: Now that’s got to be exciting!
G: And we will dance to celebrate the birth of new cub(s) by Yang Yang and Lun Lun.
G,T: Congratulations! Yang Yang, Lun Lun and Zoo Atlanta!
September 7th, 2006 at 7:35 pm
OK, I am still too happy…but I would like to thank SDZ for having a place for us pandaholics to blog! Really, how great are they! TY TY TY to SDZ, you are so wonderful!!!!
Let’s hear it for Zoo Atlanta!
For the true pandaholics, we welcome a new member to the family and are so looking forward to see ” his” progression (I’m on the line right now…I’m calling ‘male’…) How cute was Lun Lun?!
Of course, Bai is special, but Mei has done extremely well for a 1st-time mama, and it seems Lun is going to be another great Momma! We can only pray and hope for this.
September 8th, 2006 at 7:29 am
what a beautiful sight this morning when I turned on the atlanta web cam. There was Lun Lun curled up with only the very tip of the baby’s head showing. We all watched for about 4 minutes as she gently moved to reposition the baby onto her chest while in a reclining position, and yes the tears are flowing and no work will probably get done today, but hey, it’s Friday. I was sorry to hear that the one twin that was born the same day as lun lun’s was accidently crushed when its mother rolled over. They say that she is inconsolable, looking for her baby. How sad.
September 8th, 2006 at 9:18 am
I was reading that a mother panda in China accidently crushed her newborn panda to death while she was sleeping. That is something I always worry about when I see how unbelievably tiny the babies are compared to the mothers. Is this a common occurance? When I saw the headline this morning my heart leapt thinking it was our new panda baby in Atlanta, but thankfully he/she is still doing fine! Lun Lun is being a good mommie by all accounts!
September 8th, 2006 at 10:57 am
Happy Birth Day, Bai Yun. That was a bbbiiiiiiiiiiggggggggg fruitsicle and it looked like you were really enjoying it. You are the best mother. So patient with Su Lin when she wants to play and you want to rest a little bit longer. Then mommy play time kicks in and you and Su Lin wrestle. I’m so surprised that those play times last an hour and sometimes a lot more. Who poops out first?
I watched the video of Lun Lun, in Atlanta, with her new cub. Looked like poor Lun Lun was afraid of that little squalling, wriggling thing. She kept backing away from it and making moaning sounds. It looked like she finally picked it up with her mouth and left the birthing den so could not see where she took it – end of video.
September 8th, 2006 at 1:22 pm
Such a tragedy in China with the poor mother panda rolling onto her cub!!! I, too, was terrified with the headline, thinking it was Atlanta’s Lun Lun. The loss is just as bad no matter where it happened but I guess it’s more painful when you think of it as being one of our own. It’s so interesting that an animal would be so inconsolable about the loss. Will they give her the other twin to take care of now or will she accept it after they started to hand raise it?
I, too, am grateful for all the hard work at ALL zoos around the world in trying to save this precious animal! Thanks also for the opportunity to blog and watch as all of our cubs are born and grow. I’ve been a pandaholic since Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing in D.C. had and lost their cubs. Getting to watch Hua Mei after her birth helped to erase some of the pain of those losses. Although I have yet to see any in person, I know that I will hopefully before too long! CHEERS to all the great accomplishments with this beautiful creature!!!!
September 8th, 2006 at 2:19 pm
I am so sad to think of the poor cub and its inconsolable mother in China. I was glad to see that LunLun appeared to be dozing slightly on the web cam this morning. Hopefully she will get enough rest that the same sad circumstances will not happen to her. Knowing how tired first time human mothers get after the delivery of their baby, I can only imagine how tired panda mothers are after their long and uncomfortable labor and delivery. The fact that their cubs are so much smaller is even more cause for concern. It is amazing how quickly new mother pandas learn to gently hold the cub in their mouth while they reposition themselves.
September 8th, 2006 at 11:50 pm
How fortunate we are to be able to share in the joy in Atlanta over Lun Lun’s new cub. This year has been an especially wonderful one for all the pandas in the US and those of us who are real pandaholics!
There have been such good results because of the efforts our zoos have made to increase the giant pandas in the world and I’d like to send a big ” thanks” to the staff members of all the zoos for their loving care and concern for these beautiful animals.
September 9th, 2006 at 7:27 am
These two yearling cubs are getting so big I can’t tell them from the Mamas unless I see both at the same time – or when Susie is up in her tree!! A great big THANK YOU to CNN for sponsoring pandacam 24/7 so we can all see the new baby in Atlanta with his/her mommy. Can’t wait ’til they let us know which it is.
September 9th, 2006 at 7:55 am
Congratulations to our black-and-white friends for their respective birthdays, and to Atlanta’s beautiful Lun Lun for delivering such a cute little cub! Zoo science here in the U.S. is certainly making a wonderful contribution to panda conservation!
September 9th, 2006 at 2:59 pm
Excitement Abounds!! How wonderful for Lun Lun delivering a cub after so long of a wait for Atlanta. BUT! how sad for the poor panda mom in China. Hope she can raise the other twin. My heart breaks for her. Here’s to all the Panda Cams by which we are able to view our darling panda cubs.
September 9th, 2006 at 7:02 pm
Bai Yun must have sent great Momma panda vibes to LunLun. She is such an attentive mother. Once she realized what the bleating little thing squirming on the floor beneath her was she has taken great pains to care for her baby. It is amazing to watch how carefully and gently she repositions the cub so they can both rest and the cub will be warm and safe.
September 10th, 2006 at 11:20 pm
Hi, I’m one of pandamaniacs from Japan…
I just want to say, Congratulations to U.S. people on another panda cub birth!
I am being both overwhelmed and delighted viewing live on the Panda web-cams of
Atlanta => NZ in DC => SDZ => Atlanta => NZ => SDZ => ………..endlessly……….(^^;;;
I think the image of Atlanta’s pandacam is so clear like watching TV.
September 11th, 2006 at 6:42 am
Thanks, P. Wong #101, that was great. Tai Shun needs to get lessons in ” natural” mating from Gao Gao. From what I have read Gao really is a stud! Let’s hope Mei got his genes and gets started at an early age so he can keep that great gene pool going with lots of little Gao’s and Bai’s repopulating the panda world. It will make it a brighter world for all of us.
September 11th, 2006 at 8:53 am
To Cathy #108: I also applaud the efforts of the SDZ and NZ and Atlanta for the dedication and extreme efforts to conserve and preserve these animals and all animals, but a special thanks to the SDZ and all staff for the education that they have given us pandaholics; they have taken the time to educate us in a way that none of the others have. I have said this more than once, but I really appreciate all the education I have received about these animals and the updates about Su Lin.
September 11th, 2006 at 9:24 am
the first thing in the morning is my favorite time when I am able to check in on the ” Families” first at sdz and then in D.C. and now being able to see the newest addition in Atlanta. Lun Lun is so good when she turns over or around, she holds that baby so gently. We got a peek of it in her arms when she went on her back to change positions. you could see the cub on the edge of her paw and Lun Lun’s fur was moving as the cub moved around under her arm. What a beautiful sight to behold.
September 11th, 2006 at 11:41 am
I just got a brief glimpse of the baby as Lun Lun rolled over on her back and started licking the cub. Then she rolled over and huddled up in the back corner of her nest box. I just can’t wait until the baby gets bigger and is more visible on cam. The suspense is killing me. I’m hoping for a girl, since it seems there is an overabundance of male cubs. And only little girls can grow up to be wonderful mamas like Bai Yun, Mei Xiang & Lun Lun.
September 11th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
You are welcome, Margaret, #114. Here again is a salute to romantic Gao Gao…
Conversation with Gao Gao #11
Gao Gao: (sings Chinese folksong Little Sister Red Ribbon, loosely translated by P Wong)
O Little Sister Red Ribbon,
Oh, oh, oh, so beautiful.
With dainty lips,
Oh, oh, oh, like cherries.
As plum blossoms open
In third lunar month,
So much in love,
Little Sister and I.
As nigh mid-autumn draws
In eighth lunar month,
With harvest moon round, with tears flowing,
O Little Sister, am I now recalling.
Tourist: Hello Gao Gao.
G: Hello Mr. Tourist.
T: Why such a sad song?
G: I’m thinking of Bai Yun.
T: But you don’t look sad.
G: Well, I’m really excited when I think of her.
T: So do you think you’d rather sing a pop song?
G: Hmmm. Maybe I should rewrite into a more popular style…
O Little Sister Bai Yun,
Oh, oh, oh, plump and beautiful.
With such soothing bleatings,
Oh, oh, oh, so musical.
As plum blossoms open
In third lunar month,
So much in love,
Little Sister and Big Brother.
As nigh mid-autumn draws
In eighth lunar month,
With harvest moon round, with birthday fruitsicles, leafeater biscuits bounding,
O Little Sister, so so so much my belly filling. (Gao Gao waltzes with big grin)
– Note:
In Chinese culture, ” Little Sister” paired with ” Big Brother” are terms of endearment in romantic settings, regardless of relative age, i.e., ” Little Sister” /” Big Brother” is common rendering, rather than ” Big Sister” /” Little Brother.”
September 11th, 2006 at 12:33 pm
Thanks P. Wong. Another lovely thought. I wonder if Gao Gao is wishing he and Bai Yun could get together in this eighth lunar month and have more romantic interludes and maybe more little Mei Shengs and Su Lins. Since Little Sister and Big Brother can not be together physically it is a romantic thought that his restlessness is giving way to more lyrical endeavors, courtesy of his favorite poet and song writer.
September 11th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
P.Wong, what can I say? Just when I think you have outdone yourself you come up with something so romantic and beautiful. I think with the weather changing Gao Gao has thoughts of love. I think that when the spring comes it will be very interesting to see how he and Bai Yun feel about each other. Maybe next year we will have another baby by that old romantic Gao Gao. And you, my romantic friend, thank you for the special song.
September 11th, 2006 at 1:35 pm
Question for you, Suzanne: I read that Bai Yun or Mei Xiang (I forget which) finally got a drink on the 5th day after her cub was born, and ate after 10 days. How long can Lun Lun go without drinking or eating? I realize she seems to be in semi-hibernation and sleeps alot. However, with the nutritional drain on her body feeding the cub and cleaning and heating it, won’t she need at least hydration soon? What does a new mother do with her fragile cub while she goes to get a drink?
As I recall, Mei left Tai to get her food, and they used that time to check him out. I don’t recall what she did when she went to get her drink. I don’t recall any of the details about Bai Yun.
However, I know you do.
September 11th, 2006 at 2:31 pm
I just saw today’s cub update at ZA. LunLun left her cub for 3 minutes last night to get her first drink. She refused food and returned and picked up her cub and nestled it once again. Glad to know that she knew when and how to get hydrated to keep them both strong and healthy. I saw briefly this afternoon as she rolled over that the cub has gotten a bit bigger. She is so careful about how she holds the cub when she repositions. It is truely amazing the natural instincts that a first time mother has with no one to coach her.
September 11th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
#121—I read on the Atlanta website that Lun Lun left for 3 minutes last night to get a drink of water—no food, just water. Lun left the little one on the floor and quickly returned to scoop the baby back into her arms. It’s all just so amazing!
Happy watching to everyone out there! I know you’re like me, first thing in the morning, I check on all 3 cubs before I start working!!!
September 11th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
P Wong – what a fun and romantic rendition of an old Chinese song! Gao Gao is a true romantic indeed…what a sweet goofball.
September 11th, 2006 at 6:16 pm
The four zoos in USA give us much pleasure of panda watching , but SDZ has provided something more than entertainment, they has given us a lot of panda knowledge through this panda blog. I myself do highly appreciate the effort of the Panda Team !
BTW, the picture of Bai Yun in this topic is the best I have ever seen.
September 11th, 2006 at 7:27 pm
Got some nice glimpses of Su Lin thinking she was Superwoman earlier. The way she spreads her body out onto the branches, it’s like she’s flying. I have pictures from early August reflecting this when she was above my head by just a couple of feet. She has quite the personality! Bai Yun is so mellow.. I guess that must come with experience. (I wouldn’t know about kids, personally.)
I am grateful for the attention Suzanne and crew give us and for all of the webcams.
September 12th, 2006 at 9:02 am
#121 If you click on the ” news” link next to ” More panda stuff” on the Panda Cam page you can read all about Su Lin and the first time Bai left her to eat. I went there today just to remember and, like Deborah, I also check on all the cubs every morning and always check on updates. Again, I will ask Suzanne if there are any updates on Mei.
September 15th, 2006 at 8:54 am
P Wong, that is just a gorgeous song! I have several pics of Gao Gao saved in my ever-expanding panda folder, and when I look into his soulful eyes, I can imagine him singing this softly to his beloved Bai. I ,too, hope that in the third lunar month of 2007, romance is rekindled and a new cub shall come next summer!
September 16th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
Conversation with Mei Sheng #8
Mei Sheng: (Tap, tap, tap… click, click)
Tourist: Hello, Mei Sheng.
M: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: I see you have your handheld computer there. What are you typing?
M: I’m composing a new song for upload and transmission.
T: And to whom would you send it?
M: I haven’t yet decided…
T: Maybe you should first practice sending to Gao Gao?
M: Maybe…
T: Or how about Tai Shan?
M: Hmmm…
T: So does Gao Gao send transmissions to Tai Shan?
M: Well, I think he does. But I think they’re different…
T: How are they different?
M: What I think is handstanders have special lines of communication amongst themselves.
T: What do you mean by that?
M: Well, they don’t need computers, radio signals or phone lines.
T: Huh?
M: I really think they communicate just by their handstand scent markings.
T: What? You mean to say Gao Gao’s nose can receive scent signals from Washington DC?
M: Uh huh. That’s what I think.
T: Why so?
M: You mean you’ve never heard the Magic Panda King fairy tales?
T: What Panda King fairy tales?
M: They were my bedtime stories.
T: Really? Bai Yun told bedtime stories?
M: Yup. Legend has it that the Magic Panda King endowed handstanders with this gift.
T: Oh? And you believe this is true?
M: Well, Mama’s face was aglow every time she told the story.
T: Well, maybe she was just very much in love with Gao Gao.
M: Oh?
T: And some day you will be very much in love, too.
M: Oh, really? Aw… shucks. (Hee hee)
September 18th, 2006 at 7:12 am
P wong, tap tap click click e x c e l l e n t . what a great way to start my Monday off. Please tell us more about the magic panda king fairy tales, they sound so interesting. Maybe that interesting smell over N.J. lately has been some of those air borne scent signals from Tai Shan to sdz. Gotta believe
December 9th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
i love pandas so much i went to the mephis zoo for my b-day just to see the pandas there yaya and lele there cute. iwant to get to hold a panda. at my school me and some of my friends are starting a panda foundation it’s called spoke. love, brianna