One of the most interesting facts I read is that Hu Zi took up hanging out with an adult male. Because he was a
” clumsy” adolescent cub, and therefore not a threat, the adult male let him ’shadow’ him around. From the adult male Hu Zi learned about moving around for different bamboo when seasons and supplies changed, finding safe spaces to rest, how to defend himself, and how to stake out his own territory. It seemed to help the transition from being with his mother and going out on his own. Although the article didn’t say so, presumably as Hu Zi became more self-sufficient and sexually mature, he moved on to his own territory. It was also interesting fact that Jiao Jiao didn’t ” run him off” until after she had mated again and was pregnant with Xi Wang. How this timing could be simulated in captivity such as at SDZ is difficult to imagine.

The article also said that Jiao Jiao had fiercely fought with another female who wandered into her territory. Apparently fighting is not confined to males over females, but females will fight with females who ” invade” their territory.

Pan was able to get close enough to Jiao Jiao holding newborn Xi Wang that he could touch Jiao. It amazes me that a wild mother with cub would be relaxed enough to let a human get that close to her cub.

He later went back and one night he heard an animal outside his tent. He looked out in the AM and Xi Wang was standing outside his door. He said it was as if she sensed ” an old friend” was nearby and she came to say hello. She then sauntered off down into the forest. Shortly after that she gave birth to a cub of her own. Maybe it was her way of letting him know of her impending birth (?)

The ” shadowing” of the adult male by Hu Zi reminded me of the discussion of Mei Sheng and Su Lin interacting through the Howdy Gate or in person. I wonder how they will react to each other, and if she will shadow him or they will just sniff for curiousity, maybe do a little play fighting, then voluntarily separate and go their own way. There is only one way to know for sure, and hopefully that will happen in the near future.

Bai Yun is already engaged in routine ultrasound exams with our vets.