Cub’s First Exam
Posted at 3:27 pm August 23, 2007 by Pamela Crowe
This morning the San Diego Zoo’s veterinarians were able to conduct the first exam on our new panda cub. Bai Yun left the den, after a long bout of nursing her cub, to eat some mid-morning snacks. During this brief window of opportunity, the keepers were able to collect the cub so that the vet staff could perform a quick exam. Everyone was excited to see our new addition. Personally, after watching it on the monitors in the video room for the past few weeks, it was nice to see the cub in person!
During the brief exam, the vets checked the cub for any abnormalities and collected measurements such as weight, length, and girth (boy, does that little cub have a round belly!). They reported that the cub is very healthy and that the heart and lungs sounded good. It weighed in at 23.5 ounces (666 grams) and is already 11.4 inches (29 centimeters) long from nose to tail. These measurements are comparable to those collected on its siblings at this age. During the exam the cub was quite vigorous, letting out a few loud squawks. The vets were still not able to determine the sex quite yet. Historically, they are able to confirm the sex of a new panda cub after the second vet exam. So we’ll all have to wait just a little bit longer to find out if it’s a boy or a girl. Personally I’m just happy to see that it’s so healthy.
During the exam, Bai Yun was in her sunroom eating apples and other treats. Once the exam was complete, the keepers quietly replaced the cub in the den. Shortly thereafter, Bai Yun returned to the den, picked up the cub and began cradling it. And since then, the two have been resting quietly throughout the afternoon. So it was a very successful first exam.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be here for all four of the panda cubs that we’ve had born here at the San Diego Zoo. So you’d think that maybe the excitement would wear off a bit, right? Well, it doesn’t. Seeing that little cub with its tuffs of white fur and its healthy little round body, it never gets old. In my very distinguished, scientific opinion, It’s so cute!!!
Pamela Crowe is a research technician with the Giant Panda Conservation Unit of Applied Animal Ecology/San Diego Zoo.
Listen to an iZoofari Chat with the examining vet, Dr. Meg Sutherland-Smith.
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August 23rd, 2007 at 4:28 pm
I’m so excited! The 1st exam, new pictures, new video AND a new ichat! They are all fabulous and should keep us content for awhile.
Suzanne – I do have 1 question. The SDZ always waits until after the 2nd exam to announce the sex. On the Wolong website they always say at the birth exam what the sex is. Are they just more skilled after so many births there or is it possible they are mistaken once in awhile. Just wondering….
August 23rd, 2007 at 5:14 pm
The cubmuffin looks even more beautiful in color. It doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or girl–it is wonderful to see how healthy and content it is.
Thanks so much for rushing all the pictures, a video, and a great interview with Dr. Sutherland-Smith so we pandamaniacs can keep up to the minute with Bai Yun and her babe.
August 23rd, 2007 at 5:25 pm
At long last the first exam is over, and was it wonderful to watch our little Bright Star/Cubmuffin lifting it’s head high & vocalizing…! He/she appears vigorous and healthy from my untrained eye; I was glad to have that validated when I listened to Dr. Meg Sutherland-Smith’s iZoofari chat about giving the cub its first exam. Now, if only we knew if it was a boy or a girl…….can we stand the suspense of waiting another week…???
I hope Bai wasn’t too distressed after being separated from her baby for a short time; I’m sure the little one was on the receiving end of a bath & grooming from mom when they were reunited.
This is all so exciting; to be able to watch panda cubs grow by viewing the cams is a true gift, and I hope this will continue for many years to come. Thank you, SDZ…!
August 23rd, 2007 at 5:28 pm
SDZ, thanks for the opportunity to listen to Dr. Meg describe Baby’s examination today. It was so interesting and full of information that I listened twice. LOL!
I suspected that the keepers waited for ” the moment” for Bai to leave the den. What excitement it must’ve been. Bai is indeed a stellar mommy to a precious new baby.
This site is wonderful.
noreen.
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Dr. Sutherland-Smith, thank you very much for the detailed description of the panda cub exam. Your comments are reassuring to the thousands of panda addicts who closely follow all the Giant Pandas under your care. Another week to wait to learn whether the cub is a she or a he!
Pam, I loved reading that the cub has a round belly! Better it than me!
I concur, the panda cub is definitely in good hands/paws. Thank you for the update.
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:57 pm
*Squeal!!!* How exciting!! Thank you so much Pamela for your update! You must be head over heels in love with that charming little thing. I’m so glad to hear that it’s healthy too! Its big round belly makes me happy…LOL…
Can’t wait till your 2nd exam update!
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:15 pm
I cannot believe how much Bai yun’s newborn cub has developed, and now has black spots. I am so glad I got to see the newborn cub in person by picture. He is soooo cute! I know you are very proud of the cub. I am glad his first exam has gone perfect. I cannot believe that he is already 11.4 in length. The cub has grown. I know Bai yun has taken good care of the newborn cub. She is in awesome mother to that newborn cub. I been keeping and eye on her every day with that newborn cub on that wonderful panda cam. I am getting excited to see if is a girl or boy. My hauch it could be a boy, but I really don’t know until you tell us. I have been loving this every minute since we had the web, and having a great zoo to keep on telling us how she is doing with the baby cub. Keep up the good work Bai yun! You have adorable cub!
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Has anyone else listened to the iZoofari Chat with Dr. Sutherland-Smith? She said that the sex wasn’t determined during the first examine, but they had an idea of what it might be. Then at the end of the chat she referenced Bai Yun as ” her” mother. Interesting….
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:58 pm
That’s what I’m talk’in about! That must have been so cool to see the cub up close. My uncle Rico and I were out bow hunting today and we talked about helping you name the new cub. If it’s a girl a thought Tina would be cool–thats the name of grandma’s llama. Uncle Rico likes the name Pedro if it’s a boy. I really like your updates on the pandas and to show my appreciation I would like to come to the zoo and give you and all your staff a live performance from our ‘Happy Hands Club.”
Thanks again… Napoleon!
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Pam #8: Yes, I heard the comment, too; guess we will just have to wait and see if it meant what we think it might…that Bai Yun has had another little girl panda…!
I am so pleased that the cub is thriving, I don’t really care what gender it is; so many people around the world have already fallen in love with our Bright Star/Cubmuffin…!
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Pam #8: I heard it, too, and actually replayed it a few times to be sure (@ 9:07 on the tape). I don’t know if was just a generic reference, or an actual slip of the tongue. I’m hoping that it was not a ” give-away” because I’m really wishing for another little boy-cub. Maybe they’re just having a little fun with us …
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Thanks for the upclose experience of the first exam… I feel like I was there!
But, I can’t wait much longer to find out if our Bright Star is a Boy or Girl!!!!!
The suspense is NEARLY killing me!
Panda Hugs, Joy
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Oooooh I wish I was watching that little angel up close…I’m so jealous…personaly even though this cub is assertive, strong and very smart…..I think it’s a girl.(not that males don’t have the same qualitys).but we’ll know soon…this little cub seems to try and get where it can no matter what!!!! Precious and so heart warming…the cub is so lucky to have such a great mom that is patient and smiles all the time …..
August 24th, 2007 at 12:37 am
More great news for all us panda-fans in Europe – a panda cub was born yesterday at Vienna Zoo! I’ve been an avid viewer of panda-cam for over a year but the chances of actually visiting San Diego are very slim. However, Vienna is much closer, so perhaps I will get to see a real-live panda cub one day soon…
August 24th, 2007 at 1:27 am
Well, when they are not sure about the sex… it usually means it’s a girl. We’ll see.
August 24th, 2007 at 6:25 am
What scary hair you have, little cubmuffin! And such a kissable looking snout! Of course, this is stage two of the panda cub cuteness development. First stage is the puppy belly, then the scary hair, then comes what I call the diaper butt – it will soon look like a little black bear with a diaper on. And before you know it, we will have a toddler bear – possibly my favorite stage. We pandaholics need to get in as much viewing time as possible, because after that, it up in the trees they go – and sometimes hard to see on panda cam.
Hats off to all the staff at SDZ – you do a mah-va-lous job with panda cam, videos, pictures and the wonderful izoofari chats. We are grateful for any morsel of information you can give us. I like all the zoos – they have different things to offer and I think they all do a great job, but SDZ gets the best views of the cub in the den.
I must say, I was thinking our little cubmuffin was a boy, but as Pam #8 mentioned, Dr. Sutherland-Smith did say ” her” in the izoofari chat. Hmmm.
August 24th, 2007 at 6:46 am
What a little fat belly and my as our cubbie grown, this just shows that the cub is eating well and that Bai is a wonderful mother. I am on pins and needles waiting to find out what the sex is, but as long as it’s healthy who realy cares. It still will be our bright Star. Thanks to Dr. Meg and all the others for making sure our little bundle of love is healthy and well. I really enjoyed the pod cast about the cubs examine it makes you feel like your part of it. Thanks again to all.
August 24th, 2007 at 7:00 am
Pam #8, I listened and I definitely heard what you are referring to. The doctor definitely said ” Bai Yun as ‘her’ mother.” A little slip of the tongue maybe? It doesn’t matter to me what the sex is as long as it is healthy and thriving – which, obviously, it is! I’m just thankful we get these updates and get to watch this precious cub grow via the panda cam and the wonderful panda staff!!
August 24th, 2007 at 7:06 am
Yes, I also heard the doctor say ” her” . Slip of the tongue? Doesn’t matter the sex, the cubbie is beautiful and healthy.
August 24th, 2007 at 7:59 am
I was enthralled watching the exam, esp. hearing ” her” (just my hunch) squeal. Bai and Gao, you two make beautiful babies!
August 24th, 2007 at 8:12 am
This cub is adorable and looks very healthy. It is so beautiful the way Bai Yun takes care of her cub. She is a loving mother. I look forward to the second exam so we can find out the sex of the cub. My prediction is a little girl.
August 24th, 2007 at 11:51 am
Thanks for the update!!! I am still hoping for a boy. Bai Yun is such a wonderful and devoted mom.
Thanks to all who make this happen for us pandaholics!!!
August 24th, 2007 at 11:58 am
All of you at the Zoo are so wonderful. Thank you so much for letting us experence the panda’s birth. exam and all I feel like we were there with you. He/she is so cute. Can’t wait to find out the sex. We keep watching all the time can’t get enough. Thank you for all your hard work and also letting us feel like we are apart of the whole thing.
Congrats
Bai Yun your cub is beautiful
August 24th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Ijust read sad news from Vienna zoo, It turns out there was really twins born Yang Yang and they found the babies body but decided not to remove it right away because it would cause to much stress to Yang Yang and the surviving cub, they mentioned that the little one was very small, but the other cub seems to be doing well they are trying to see if the cub was stillborn or died after birth . so sorry to hear such sad news.
August 24th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Brabara #24, Although it is sad that the second twin did not make it, it is great news that this was a 7 year old first time mother who had matted naturally. She is doing a great job of caring for the remaining cub. The Vienna zoo, and all Europe, is ecstatic about the birth.
August 24th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
#14 Gillian and #24 Barbara, I got totally excited when reading this morning that Yang Yang (and Longhui who had also mated naturally) gave birth to a healthy cub. I was of course sad to hear that the other cub did not survive but still grateful for a panda cub to be born in Europe after such a long time. I learnt that the panda lady in Madrid was artificially inseminated in 1982 and gave birth to a cub. Since then there was no breeding success in Europe. As you pandaholics can imagine I am over the moon, even more so because of now living close to Vienna and being able to go and see the cub in a few month’s time personally.
Bai Yun and Gao Gao, you set such a fine example for the panda population all over the world. I am like all the other pandamaniacs anxious to know if it is a boy or a girl, but I agree that it does not really matter. The main thing is that the little cubbie is healthy and well. It is so heartwarming to watch Bai Yun pampering her baby, she is such an excellent mother. Many thanks to all of you at SDZ for video, update etc.
August 24th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
I saw the sad news about the second cub of the twin at Vienna Zoo as well. I am hoping that the death of the second cub was not due to the fact that the birth was not expected. Vienna zoo didn’t even know when the first cub of the twin was born. Remeber that panda mothers couldn’t take care of twins all by themselves. The Chinese step in immediately after the second is born and swap the twins under their mother’s care. If the second cub was born without immediate human help, it wouldn’t survive. Vienna zoo’s website said the second is about 3.1 ounce. How does it translate to grams? A premature panda cub of 56 grams survived last year at Wolong as the smallest panda cub that ever survived in captivity. Cross fingers for Yangyang and her surviving cub.
August 24th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Thank you for the fantastic camera work this afternoon. Seeing the cub nursing was just amazing. Usually we get such a good pic of Bai Yun’ head or body. Keep up the good work.
August 24th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Since the birth of our new CubbyWubby (Bright Star) I have been glooed like most of us to the cam and the SDZ site for details and updates….and thank the SD staff for taking the time to share with us the news we so anxiously wait to hear about our pandys.
I am thrilled to say that for the first time EVER I saw pandas live last week. I have been a pandaholic since the birth of Mei Sheng 4 years ago but had never seen one in person….so last week for my birthday my wonderful husband surprised me with a trip to San Diego to see Bai and Gao’s beautiful babies (Mei Sheng and Su Lin)…I will say that it was one of the the most wonderful experiences in my life to be in their presence, so much so that I got teary eyed just seeing how beautiful they are in person….I was so excited to see Su Lin and Mei Sheng that I was terribly tempted to run over and hug one of them…LOL even at the risk of being thrown out of the park, and maybe arrested…LOL (sad isn’t it).
If any of my fellow pandaholics have held a baby panda, tell me, what does it feel like? I have been doing research to fly to China for the oportunity and wondered if anyone who has been to Wolong could share the experience via this blog…
August 24th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Thanks for the update Pamela. You are doing an awesome job at the San Diego Zoo and Bai Yun is an amazing mother again with panda #4! You should all be very proud!
Looking forward to more updates, thanks!
August 24th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
I’ve been a fan of panda cam for several years and am so excited to see another one of Bai Yun’s cubs. I’m curious to know if it’s just me, or does any one else have problems seeing into the den? I realize that it’s pitch black in the den but I don’t recall that in the past years that it’s been so dark that it’s difficult to view the young cub and mom, i.e., August 24, 5:10 pm. Keep up the wonderful work, and Congratulations!
August 24th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
awww…little cubmuffin is soooo adorable. And strong! Look at cubbie push up! I, too, can’t wait to find out cubbie’s sex, but I am willing to wait until SDZ feels comfortable with announcing it. Pink or blue? Doesn’t matter now that we know we have another beautiful and healthy Bai/Gao cub to love.
Congratulations and job well done to all at SDZ. Truly a world class facility.
August 24th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Many thanks for the update on Bright Star’s first exam – Dr. Meg answered all our questions (except for the sex-until a late slip of the tounge) – I was hoping for a male with Gao Gao sexual prowess but just happy to have live healthy cub. Bai is a wonderful mother.
An update today on Tai – the last update on his 2nd birthday July 9 said he weighed 152 pounds – but as of today he weighs 153 pounds – only a pound in a more than a month??
August 24th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
OOPS! I had to listen to the ichat again (my 3rd time!) so I could listen to the end. Yep – a reference to ‘her’ mother! It would be VERY difiicult once you have an idea what the sex is, to carry on a conversation and NOT say ‘him’ or ‘her’. Does not matter at all which it is. It’s very healthy and strong and Bai has already raised 1 super Mom – Hua Mei! It’s hard to believe she already has 2 more cubs than Bai has!
Terribly sad about the Vienna cub. It’s hard to imagine our zoos here not knowing about a pending birth. They are cared for so carefully and watched continually. It would really be tragic if it was born alive.
August 24th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Good for you Pamela! you are a very lucky gal indeed. Being up close and ‘personal’ with all Bai’s babies would never, ever get old. Thank-you for sharing your experiences, I’m glad it’s a healthy cub as well.
August 24th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Oh the pictures of the little one during his/her exam were wonderful, and loved the big squawk the little one let out during her exam that our local news station showed today. Cant wait till the next exam !! Thanx SDZ.
But a question I have regarding the camera. It seems out of focus… is it me or the camera ? Any chance on refocusing it so we can see more clearly ? Thanx =)
August 24th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Hi, you all! Been watching pandacam the last few days and seeing this cub just start growing! Like I’ve said before, it’s really amazing as to how FAST these cubs start growing after a few days. I got on the pandacam late tonite and saw the baby by itself before Bai came back in the den. Those black markings are really in full bloom now! Plus, this baby has been doing some growing lately! Even with the cam not doing a closeup, we can see the cub on the hay alot better than we all did even just 5 or 7 days ago. I did see the video of the cub’s first vet check, and thanks for the audio because I heard that cub do some squealing! Got a great set of lungs there!! The cub does look really good and healthy, and Bai deserves all the credit for doing a great job taking care of her baby. Can’t wait until you all find out whether this is a boy or girl. I was hoping that you could let us know that on the first exam, tho. National Zoo and Atlanta Zoo were able to do that with their cubs. Oh well, the mystery continues!
I read a couple of the comments tonite about a mother panda, Yang Yang, who gave birth to twin cubs and lost one of them at the Vienna Zoo. Sorry to hear that the twin baby died and hope that the vets will be able to find out what happened and why the cub died. At least Yang Yang has the 2nd cub to take care of. I’m glad that Europe is able to celebrate a birth of a panda cub; read that it’s been years since there was a successful birth by a panda mom in Europe. Have fun, European pandaholics!
Gonna go and do some more panda cub watching! Suzanne, keep it up, ok? Let us know about the boy/girl decision as soon as you find out, and when we’ll be voting for a name for this cute little cub!
Bye,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
August 25th, 2007 at 12:01 am
I am sorry for the sad news of Vienna. Hope Yang Yang and the surviving cub doing well. From the picture released, I found the birthing den for Yang surprisingly small. I would think that it may possibly lead the adult panda squash her baby accidentally. Of course, I just make a guess here only. I believe the experts in the Zoo can take care of the mother and her cub well.
August 25th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Our little baby Panda is wonderful. I’v been watching this panda cam ever dince Mai Shun was born. I had the opportunity to go and see Tai Shyn in Washington DC right before his 1st birthday…How adorable. He was very playful and friendly also.
God Bless all of you Panda Keepers, I love you all for helping to preserve such a wonderful species. The are so peaceful and it gives all of us pandamaniacs wish we could have such a wonderful attitude.
I can’t wait until we can all have a hand in naming this new little angel.
How about a name like ” PEACE ON EARTH” ?
August 25th, 2007 at 9:41 am
I was really hoping for a boy so poor Mei Sheng would have a brother, but since it seems we have a girl I have to be content with that fact that the cubby appears to be flourishing. How about the name is ‘Very Important’ as all cubs are important for the survival of the species. The Chinese translation is ‘Hun Yung Del’. Anyone who knows Chinese, feel free to correct me on my translation as I got the translation from a fortune cookie.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Thank you to the staff and readers who help us learn so many things about these wonderful animals. Does someone know about when the cub’s eyes will open; at what age it will be able to see?
August 25th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
I don’t think we can blame the Vienna zoo for the death of a twin cub – as we all have read it’s difficult to know when a panda is pregnant-many times an ultrasound even days before a birth will not show a fetus-or other times looks like a fetus is there like Mei Xiang (NZ). Even our beloved Bai was shown to be pregnant with twin but only delivered one healthy cub each time. No wonder pandas are a mystery. As far as the den being small I’m sure it’s the same size as the SDZ. So now Vienna has a cub to watch & love as much as we have our own new addition. The SDZ has had great sucess in breeding these magnificent & wonderful animals. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into their lives. Maureen
August 26th, 2007 at 5:36 am
#42 Maureen, you voiced my innermost thoughts regarding the death of the twin cub at Vienna Zoo. This morning I read in an Austrian newspaper that the scan which was performed on the 6th August did not reveal a foetus or heartbeat at all. As we all know from the excellent information by SDZ it seems to be very difficult to trace a foetus. Vienna Zoo is very upset about the fact that the underdeveloped twin cub was not able to survive, however over the moon that the other one seems to be healthy and fit. Yang Yang being a first-time mother apparently is very good with her cub. I agree that we should not blame Vienna zoo for the tragidy always bearing in mind that in the wild a panda mother is able to take care only of one cub, i. e. if there were twins at all the second one would never have a chance to survive. Owing to human ” interference” (which is excellent for the survival of the panda species!) it has become possible for a panda mother to raise twin cubs. But it is not something which we should take for granted. Regarding the size of the den, according to Dr. Schratter, the director of Vienna Zoo, Yang Yang had been offered four different dens but had decided to go for this particular one, most probably feeling most comfortable to her in order to give birth. Suzanne, there have been rumours that Yang Yang ” sat” on the twin cub after having ignored the motionless cub. Please throw some light on this matter! Am I right in assuming that a panda mother would not purposely queeze her baby to death unless it were dead already. I know that accidents could happen in this regard. But it is obvious that the twin cub at 88 g only did not have a chance at all to make it.
I have been enjoying Bai Yun and ” Bright Star” and being very jealous of those pandaholics in the USA who have the chance to visit the baby later on. But as you can all imagine I am totally excited thinking that in three months’ time I will also be able to see a baby panda. A dream will come tru!!! As with Bai Yun’s baby I am praying that the little one at Vienna Zoo will survive.
August 26th, 2007 at 8:00 am
I just LOVE that exam picture of our sweet cubby putting up a bit of squawk. After fretting over the quiet demeanor of Bai Yun’s little one, to see that little squealer with the unruly hairdo and full tummy….all just say that Bai Yun definitely has the ” mothering” duties mastered. We SO appreciate all the updates provided, as this is a habitforming website for thousands of nature lovers! Please continue to keep us in the loop. I plan to be in SD area in 2 months, perhaps I will get a LIVE peek at this new one? Sure hope so!
August 26th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Just after 8:30 this morning, Bai Yun came back into the den and started flipping the straw around again, very vigorously, and I believe the cub was flipped around while she was doing it. The cub had been lying quietly right in the middle of the den, but Bai started grabbing the edges of the straw and lifting it. I was a little concerned watching it, but she eventually found the cub, which had been tossed off to the side under the straw. Suzanne, do you have any idea why she does this? The cub was very visible, but had been resting quietly. Is Bai looking for the cub and just fails to notice it right where she left it? I was very nervous for the cub’s wellbeing while this was going on, as I was the first time I witnessed this activity. Thanks in advance for any info on this behavior!
August 26th, 2007 at 9:31 am
Well, we’ve finally reached the stage where it’s almost impossible NOT to see the cub when we tune in.
He/She has now reached a size where Bai Yun can’t keep it hidden and out of sight. Horray!!!
August 26th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
I love the close-up color photo of Bright Star during the exam… What powerful arms ” she” has! Such a beautiful cub!!!
I also love the ” squawking pose” — she seems to be saying,
” These creatures with green paws have such smooth hands. I wonder what type of hand cream they use. Maybe I should get some for Mommy Bai as her birthday present.”
Panda kisses– Joy
August 26th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
A comment about the size of the birth den in Vienna – the SDZ has an example of a birth den in the wild – it’s a small space in a hollowed out tree where obviously mommy feels comfortable & her cub is safe from predators.
Maureen
August 26th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Hello Panda Experts Extrodinaire,
I have wondered about the natural mating selection in the wild. It seems logical to me for the survival of a species to create more frmales than males. We have with Bai and Gao, it appears (can’t wait to know) two out of three females. Then we have the artificial insemination of humans to take into note. It seems in this process that the female is the dominant production. Could this be the same in the wild? Woulsd be interesting to know how many femalea vs. males are born in China. Bai’s baby is such a delight! Thank you all for giving us such grand moments and such a view of a healthy happy cub and Momma!
Sincerely,
Bobbie Wood
August 26th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Hi, I’m from japan.
It’s getting so exciting to watch your panda cam because of the cute newborn of this summer!
I’m wondering if the baby is she or he…
But I’m so happy to know that the baby was born sound in wind and limb!
For japan’s panda fans, this summer was a bitter season.
Tan-Tan, a female giant panda aged 11 years at the Ouji Zoo in Kobe city, had a stillborn baby this month.
It was a first-time pregnancy for her.
I’ve heard that Tan-Tan is Bai Yun’s youger sister.
I hope she will be able to be a great mother as well as her sister some day.
Regarding NZ, It’s so fun to watch Tian-Tian and Mei Xiang playing together.
May I expect Mei Xinag’s Christmas baby?
August 27th, 2007 at 4:22 am
Harumi # 50: We are all very sorry to hear about your panda Tan Tan. It’s nice to know Bai’s sister is there and that we hope for a better out come for her next year. Our Memphis panda Ya Ya lost her 1st cub this year too and we were very sad for them.
We are glad you enjoy watching ours grow and hope for much happier events for yours in the future!
August 27th, 2007 at 7:13 am
Conversation with Bright Star #1
Bright Star: Squawk (Gasp, turn off the lights!)
Vet 1: (whisper)
Vet 2: (whisper)
B: Squawk (Yech, latex.)
Vet 2: (whisper)
B: Squeak (Can I order up some Eau de Madame White Cloud?)
V1: (whisper)
B: Squeak (You mean you did not warm up that stethoscope?)
V2: (whisper)
B: Squeak (No, the tape measure doesn’t belong in my wardrobe. And no, I’m not ticklish.)
V2: (whisper)
B: Squeak (Hey, look. I can do great push ups?)
V1: (whisper)
B: Squeak (Huh? On my back?)
V2: (whisper)
B: Squeak (Uh, OK. I’ll keep it a secret)
(Then back in the dark empty den)
B: Ah! The smell of straw and closeness. There’s no place like home.
August 27th, 2007 at 10:00 am
P.Wong , you have done it again, i was waiting for something from you, it’s been a while, great job. It reallywould be great to know what this poor baby thought when these people in green gloves came at her and picked her up and started touching her.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
P. Wong – not sure how you did – panda ESP perhaps – but I’m sure that is exactly what our chubby little cubby was saying during the exam – so, so cute. Thank you for giving me a giggle on a back-to-work Monday morning!! Keep the interviews coming – I’m sure our little one has LOTS to say!
August 27th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Many thanks P Wong you’ve done it again!
#53, Barbara, I was wondering the same thing. All this talk about waiting to check out the cub until Bai Yun was not stressed. What about the cub being stressed by cold latex gloves suddenly scooping it up instead of mom’s warm breath it got a cold stethoscope!?
August 29th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Hi everybody,. boy was I scared of those strange people with the geeen funny feeling hands and that big thing that was cold not like moms warm paws. they talked funny too. How embarrasing to be put out naked for all to see. I’m sure you heard me protest,did you see how strong my front legs were. Mom said that they just wanted to make sure that I was healthy and that mom was feeding me okay, couldn’t they tell by my fat belly, Mom also said they wanted to know if I was a little boy or a girl but Dr. Meg said i’m not to tell you, but guess what I’m a————Panda. sorry. Dr. Meg is so nice , her voice is beautiful and she was very gentle. Mom said they are going to do it again soon. I want mom to go with me but she said it’s not allowed and one day i would undestand why
well i want to go to sleep now so I guess you will see me again soon. bye
August 29th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Little cubmuffin must be the cleanest baby in the world. Mama constantly laps and cleans her.
August 31st, 2007 at 8:13 am
And, although the cub doesn’t have an offical name yet, mabye we can name it ourselves before the cub turns 100 days old. But first, we need to wait for the staff to find the sex of the cub. Most animals, including humans aren’t born without a sex you know.