Time to Vote!
Posted at 5:00 pm November 2, 2007 by Panda Research Team
We had an incredible response when we called upon all of you to suggest a name for our newest giant panda cub! More than 2,400 names were submitted in person to the San Diego Zoo. And now we have four names for all of you to choose from: Li Hua, Ming Zhu, Zhen Zhen, and Xiao Li. Through Sunday, November 11, you can vote for your favorite name through our online poll.
Many of you may be wondering how we narrowed down the names to these four. It was a difficult process. We received so many wonderful entries, but the Panda Team came together and narrowed the names down on a daily basis. During the 10-day period that we accepted name suggestions, a Panda Team member was asked to review those day’s entries. That person then picked five names from the batch. At the end of this phase, 10 members of the Panda Team came together to review 50 names (five from each day).
There were certain criteria set from the beginning. We looked for Chinese names that had a strong meaning or connection to giant pandas, San Diego, and/or the People’s Republic of China. We considered pronunciation of the names as well as the names of our other pandas. And we, of course, considered your thoughts.
Many blog readers have been calling our little girl Bright Star (Ming Xing) and you may wonder what about this name? We considered it in the final round, but unfortunately it did not move forward. When you translate Ming Xing as two separate words it, in fact, means “bright star” but as one term it means “celebrity.” While panda fans may consider all giant pandas celebrities, we had to consider the feelings of the other pandas in putting this little girl on a pedestal. So we decided it was not politically correct among the pandas! Really, how do you think Hua Mei would feel? Wasn’t she a celebrity? Well, at least we celebrated her birth, Mei Sheng’s, and Su Lin’s just as much as our new little one. So in the end, Ming Xing was not selected to make the final cut. We’re sorry but we chose what we felt was most appropriate for this panda.
Many of you may continue to refer to her as “Bright Star” and she is a bright star for this critically endangered species, but we think that one of the four names you will vote for will be just as wonderful for our little girl. You only have until November 11, so vote now! The female cub will be bestowed the name with the most votes at a naming ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 26, at the San Diego Zoo’s Hunte Amphitheater. The ceremony is open to the public, with Zoo admission. It will be a wonderful ceremony. Join us if you can. Thank you for your suggestions and continued support!
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November 2nd, 2007 at 5:44 pm
I just voted for my favourite name. I can certainly appreciate how difficult it must have been for the staff to narrow down the list to four names. I regularly visit the webcam here in Canada. I admire the staff at San Diego zoo who takes such good care of the Pandas
November 2nd, 2007 at 5:56 pm
This is so exciting. I like the name Li Hua because it sounds beautiful. This name is perfect for the little darling. I can hear the keepers calling her name.
November 2nd, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Dearest Panda Folks,
) I have voted; however I’m keeping my vote a secret because I think my sister might read the blogs and I’ve told her to vote and then let me know:)
The name Choosing has Begun!!! Although many of us may have chosen Bright Star, now that we know the translation, I think we will understand why it is not among the choices. I hope so. Personally, I adore all four choices and the translations (thank you for translating
I also want to THANK YOU for the Mei Sheng video! The video is Fabulous! He is indeed One Funny Bear!
I simply cannot wait for him to begin training his new friends at Wolong! Bless you all for creating this video!!
Sincerely,
Bobbie Wood
November 2nd, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Hi, you all! Just got on the website, and I FINALLY got the chance to vote for the baby cub’s name! Thanks to everyone for getting the names up online for us to choose from! I voted for Ming Zhu, Bright Treasure, because it is as close to Bright Star as it can get! Sorry to hear that the name Bright Star didn’t make the final cut, but Bright Treasure is close enough! Just checked the pandacam a little while ago, and saw baby girl sound asleep in the den. I hope you all read my comments about what I saw last nite. Bai’s baby girl literally crawled over the metal hump at the den doorway ON HER OWN! That was a great surprise for me to see! She’s finally figured out what those legs and feet were for, and now she’s starting to get moving even at a crawl right now. She’ll start giving her mom a run for her bamboo before too much longer! Also, read the new update on the cub’s vet check this week, and she’s in the double digits in the weight category now! Finally made that milestone!! And, she’s getting her baby teeth in. I’ve been watching her to see how much those ears are opening up, and they look like they have been opening up a little at a time. She should be hearing all of those strange sounds, noises, and human voices by now, and getting to know her mom’s voice as well. Next milestone—walking, running, and jumping on momma panda! That will happen pretty soon, so I’ll be watching this little girl do her thing on the pandacam!
Hope these latest Santa Ana winds don’t cause too many problems for the San Diego area this weekend. The Poomacha fire is still only 85% contained, and it’s the only fire in San Diego County that is not totally contained right now. Firefighters are hoping for full containment by this weekend provided that these winds don’t kick up too much.
Didn’t get a chance to see Mei Sheng on the cam in the last couple of days. I read some other comments that he was on the pandacam a couple of days ago doing what he always does—entertaining people with his silly self! Gonna miss seeing him doing his funny antics! Hopefully, someone will be at Wolong soon to see him, get some video of him, then get it downloaded on you tube. Then, we all can check him out at his new home in China! That way, we will all see how well he’s doing there. Problem is, how do we pick him out with all of those other pandas around? They all look alike to me! Still, it’ll be fun to watch him on the video from China.
Gonna go and check on Bai and baby girl on the cam. By the way, how many times can we vote on the names? You never said anything about that. Let us know, ok?
Thanks,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
November 2nd, 2007 at 6:56 pm
I thought that pandas received their names when they became 100 days old –the new cub will be 100
days old on NOVEMBER 11. shouldn’t the naming ceremony be on November 11?
P.S. Has mei Sheng gone?
Moderator’s note: The naming ceremony was delayed due to the fires in San Diego County.
November 2nd, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Re: Blog ” What’s in a Panda name” – in question #121 on 10/19, I asked if the four names I’d seen on the Wolong Panda Club site were official. The answer from the moderator was ” no.” Since all four names show up as possibilities, I guess the Chinese knew something we didn’t. All four are listed as choices in the new vote blog. My vote was for Ming Xing- the closest to ” Bright Star” .
November 2nd, 2007 at 7:31 pm
OOps, Ming Xhu. I’ve got Ming Xing on the brain
November 2nd, 2007 at 7:53 pm
While all the names are lovely, I’ve made my choice and I want to tell you why. I was a big fan of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve dedicated his life to wildlife and to the conservation of habitat. He educated both children and adults all over the world about endangered species. Steve was always holding up some lizard or poisonous snake, and declaring enthusiastically ” Isn’t she a beauty!” with his wonderful Aussie accent. I’m sure if Steve had lived to see our Cub#4, he would have called her a little beauty too. Since this cub is the first born since Steve’s untimely death last year, I’m placing my vote, in remembrance of Steve Irwin, for Xiao Li, Little Beauty.
November 2nd, 2007 at 8:45 pm
What a challenge to narrow it down to 4 names!
Thanks for explaining about Bright Star, I understand. They are ALL Bright Stars and Celebrities as ambassadors for Panda-kind. Each individual animal is important… A Star in their own right! And I hope they all continue to shine brightly.
I am excited about casting my vote and seeing what her name will be. I put a star on my calendar for Nov. 26th, because I still think she is a STAR, and so are her brother and sisters, and parents, and cousins, and aunts, and neighbors…
Love, Joy
November 2nd, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Thank you for taking the time to explain how the four names were shortlisted. I’ve submitted my vote.
November 2nd, 2007 at 9:48 pm
It would be helpful in choosing a name if we knew how the Chinese names translate to English. That would help us select the name that seems to suit the personality of this little ” bundle of joy” . A special thanks to all the staff for dedication you show these bears and how well you keep us informed about Pandaland.
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:17 am
I understand the reason why Ming Xing didn’t make it to the list, and although I am disappointed, I’m happy you guys put other pandas’ feelings into consideration. I could picture in my head the U.S. youngsters (Mei Sheng, Su Lin, Tai Shan, and Mei Lan) all got jealous and argued over the issue of ” I should be Ming Xing!!!!” =)
November 3rd, 2007 at 5:51 am
I voted for Zhen Zhen. I love this name because it reminds me of the panda the first joint Chinese/WWF researchers studied in Wolong. She’s the beautiful wild panda on the cover of ” The Last Panda.” I think our little girl would be a lovely tribute to the original Zhen Zhen who charmed the researchers in the 1980’s. Also, I feel it’s appropriate because our new baby girl is absolutely precious…most precious.
Xiao Li is also a pretty name and would be appropriate but she won’t be ” little” for the rest of her life…unless she takes after her daddy…superstud Gao Gao. But my favorite is still Zhen Zhen.
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:38 am
The cub will be 100 days old on Nov. 11. Shouldn’t the naming ceremony be held then?
About her name — ” politically correct” you’re kidding !! Your list is not great. Besides, maybe her
siblings would not object to the Bright Star or Celebrity name. Have you asked them?
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:56 am
I am eagerly awaiting the naming of your darling baby panda. I am however confused about the date. By my calculation 100 days after August 3 is November 11 and not Nov 26. ?????
November 3rd, 2007 at 8:08 am
Happy weekend all pandaholics……
I have just seen a heart warming sight, Mei Sheng is still with us on C5 at 07.50am – as always he is munching on a big heap of bamboo!
I note the name Bright Star is not permitted to be included in the name choice for little Miss Fluffy Butt -
now it’s all up to fellow pandaholics.
What should we elect to name her? – Ming Zing (Bright Tresure) seems to me the next best thing?
- although I have a feeling that possibly the result could be Li Hua (Beautiful China).
This maybe would appear to be ‘politically correct’ commending China for permitting the pandas to reside in the USA?
Be interesting to hear the thoughts of fellow pandaholics?
Enjoy the weekend……
November 3rd, 2007 at 8:25 am
Thanks for that GOOD reason for the baby namelist! I too wondered why ” Bright Star” was omitted….and would not like to see Hua Mei put in second place at this point…SHE is our bright star in China so far. I like the names chosen and have submitted my favorite. They are all pretty and appropriate, so whichever one little chubmuffin receives, she is certain to live up to it!! Hugs to the pandateam in the wake of saying goodbye to our funny boy. I so hope his great, sweet spirit stays with him and doesn’t get ” lost in the crowd” . I still don’t seem to be able to access the Wolong pandacam, grr.
November 3rd, 2007 at 8:58 am
I was honored to be able to vote but I do not have an opinion about ” miss fuzzy-butt” ’s official name, whatever it turns out to be! I am sure it will suit her just fine, just so happy that she is here & healthy! Thanks for all your hard work, I am sure the last couple of weeks have been frantic and emotional for all the staff so thanks for still thinking about the pandaholics! You do a super job keeping us all informed…I can’t help thinking that many parts of your job are not so glamorous & fulfilling, like scooping poop etc. These are the things we forget about when we envy your jobs!
November 3rd, 2007 at 10:54 am
I think the ” politically correct” explanation of omitting ” Bright Star” (Ming Xing) is ridiculous. ” We had to consider the feelings of the other pandas” ? Hey, I had dinner with Mei Sheng last night and he was OK with Ming Xing. Spoke to Su Lin this AM and she was OK with it. Come on, now. I guess since we are letting the ” political correctness” rule this choice, it probably has already been chosen as ” Li Hua” to make the Chinese happy. I am disappointed and I know others are also but, won’t be so frank to say it. She will be Ming Xing for me.
November 3rd, 2007 at 11:14 am
Thank you for allowing us to participate in naming Bai Yun’s baby! My little daughter, my son and I have been watching the baby since she was born. (It’s been a great addition to our home schooling – natural science at its best!) My daughter has been very anxious to help name the baby, so last night she was delighted to hear the choices and pick her favorite (Xiao Li, which I chose too). My sister in law chose Zhen Zhen. I’ll get my son and husband to vote soon, too. All four names are lovely, so I don’t mind ” losing” if another name is chosen. (My daughter and I named one of her webkinz, a panda obviously, Bai Yun. Bai Yun’s toy namesake has MANY adventures around here, lol!)
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Thanks you for the explanation regarding the 4 choices, opening the voting to the public and most importantly all your work with the pandas! I feel that being political correct and fair to the other panda is a perfectly legitimate reason to exclude Ming Xing, but I can only speak fo myself. My choice was Xiao Li, I love the way it sounds but each of the final 4 are beautiful names and suit her very well.
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:17 pm
This is fun – to participate in naming Bai’s sweet cubmuffin we’ve all been watching grow so quickly over the past 13 weeks! The names are all wonderful ones and thanks for sharing your process and reasoning to get to the final four. I’m going to mull them over for another day and then cast my vote!
To Kristi #13 – Thank you for your comment. I have that book but had forgotten the beautiful panda girl’s name, Zhen Zhen.
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:50 pm
I was so excited to log on today and see that we could vote for the little sweetheart’s name. I think Ming Zhu is perfect for her! She is undoubtedly bright and is a TREMENDOUS treasure to all of us. Not crazy about the ” Beautiful China” – even though she ultimately belongs to China, since she was born here, isn’t she a U.S. citizen? lol
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:52 pm
#19 Jane B. – you’ve said what many of us are thinking! I had this funny feeling that Bright Star wouldn’t make it through – let’s not forget who has final say on the names we’re choosing from. (That would be the Chinese council, right?). OK, Ming Zhu is my choice…again, because it’s the closest name to Bright Star.
#8 Lizzie, that’s a truly heart-warming reason to pick Little Beauty! That is absolutely my 2nd choice after reading your post….
Drat, I’ll be in San Diego Thanksgiving week through Nov 24, so I’ll miss the naming ceremony by only 2 days!!
Paula in TX
November 3rd, 2007 at 1:03 pm
What a task you had before you to narrow all those submissions down to 4 names. Thank you for the explanation as to why Ming Xing (Bright Star) was omitted. It is too bad that some of the bloggers have to have sour grapes over it. Our little panda cub will receive a wonderful name, even if it is not the one that many of you had hoped. Let the voting begin!
November 3rd, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I voted!
I am disapointed that Ming Xing didn’t make the final cut. I am hoping that Li Hua doesn’t win as it’s to close to Hua Mei.
As an animal behaviourist I am shocked at the statements ” we had to consider the feelings of the other pandas in putting this little girl on a pedestal” and ” we decided it was not politically correct among the pandas”
I cannot believe that scientists can anthropomorphise like that and am sure that Hua Mei really doesn’t have an opinion, she’s to busy being a panda, without human hang ups!
I agree that all pandas are celebrities, but the name Ming Xing would have celebrated this and not taken anything away from other pandas.
November 3rd, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Ming Xhu is my choice because she is a bright treasure. I think that any of the names would be beautiful.
Thank you to all of the zoo employees who take such good care of these wonderful creatures. I have fallen in love with all of the pandas here in the US. I started watching the San diego panda cam when baby girl was born because she was born on my birthday. I am so glad that I got to see Mei Sheng on the cam before he goes to China. I feel really sad to see him go even though I didn’s get to see him grow up I have seen him on the cam and watched the new video of him and he is charming. Good luck Mei Sheng on your trip we will miss you and hope that you adjust quickly to your new home.
God’s speed Mei Sheng!
November 3rd, 2007 at 2:08 pm
I love the names everyone else has given the sweety cubette – Miss Fluffy Butt (fr. Hazel#16) and Cubmuffin – They sure beat all other Chinese names.
I like Ming Xing. But I also like Li Hua (Beautiful Flower) which is similar to Hua Mei. I also like Zhen Zhen.
But I’m picking the name that is easiest to pronounce. Li Hua sounds very feminine and cute, and not too taxing for the tongue. The rest of the names have nice meanings, but do not sound feminine.
Yep – Li Hua – it is.
November 3rd, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Thanks for the wonderful name choices! I’m sure it must have been quite a process deciding on four names. I feel so honored that you let all of us who care about the pandas make that final choice from your selections. It means a lot that you and the Chinese let us take part in the naming.
A question for anyone who might be able to help me – I have a dial-up connection to the computer and when I go in to view the videos recently, the picture freezes after about 30 seconds and all I get is the sound. I can hear what is said on the videos but not view them. It only started to do this within the last couple of months. Help anyone?
November 3rd, 2007 at 2:19 pm
” We had to consider the feelings of other pandas.” Are you kidding me !?! You’re saying that Hua Mei and Mei Sheng would be upset if a panda that they will never ever meet has a name that is possible to translate to celebrity? Besides seeing as Ming Xing is already US cub #6 she needs a name like that to be a celebrity. Wow, real professional. I love how you didn’t anthromorphize at all.Besides seeing as Ming Xing is already US cub #6 she needs a name like that to be a celebrity.
Come on, get a grip. Just say that the reason that Ming Xing isn’t a choice is because you needed to put in a choice glorifying China.
November 3rd, 2007 at 2:47 pm
I agree that the explanation given for not using ” Bright Star” is ridiculous. It seems to me that ” Born in the USA” would also have been even more offensive to the pandas (if we were to ask them!) since Mei Sheng was not the only panda born here. Also, I noted on this site a week ago that the four names were published on the Wolong site but was told I was incorrect.
November 3rd, 2007 at 3:14 pm
To Rosemary (14) and Jane (19):
Never forget the pandas are Chinese citizens. So no need for us to waste time discussing or protesting. The San Diego Zoo staff does their utmost and I am very grateful for all informations, videos, photos, blogs….they share with us. Thank you to all people involved with the pandas.
I am also glad I can still watch Mei Sheng peacefully having lunch or napping: thank you Meerkats!
November 3rd, 2007 at 3:15 pm
I am concerned about the cub not getting her name on her 100th day. Isn’t the name give on the 100th day for good luck? I hope the cubbie won’t have any bad luck. The fires in San Diego were bad enough, let’s not invite more bad luck.
November 3rd, 2007 at 3:21 pm
I JUST VOTED FORA NAME FOR OUR CUBLETTE……
TECHNICALLY THE WAY I LOOK AT THIS…..SHE WILL HAVE A NAME ON THE 100TH DAY OF HER BIRTH…..SO TECHNICALLY SHE IS GETTING HER NAME ON TIME. HER CEREMONY WILL BE A LITTLE LATE….JUST TO SHOW YOU HOW UNIQUE SHE IS…I’M NOT SURE THAT’S EVER HAPPENED BEFORE…
I HOPE TO BE THERE WHEN THEY ANNOUNCE HER NAME… ALL OF THEM ARE GREAT!!!
November 3rd, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Jane (19), what did Bai Yun and Gao Gao tell you about their daughter’s name?
))
November 3rd, 2007 at 3:30 pm
I loved the four names. So much so that choosing one was EXTREMELY difficult. The good news is that even if my choice isn’t the winner, like Laurel, I’ll be perfectly happy with any of the other three. Y’all done good once again!!!
November 3rd, 2007 at 3:44 pm
P.S. Before anyone picks – Xiao Li – please think for a moment. Doesn’t it remind you of those Kung Fun masters in a Jacky Chan movie? I think it was ” Kung Fu Masters of the Xiao-Li Temple” or something. Not too feminine.
If only Miss Fluffy or MissFuzzy Butt (per Francie#18) is in the name list, I’d vote for it (without second thoughts).
Thanks.
November 3rd, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Well I’ve done my part and voted. For me it was a simple choice. I am glad to hear that some thought went into rejecting Bright Star as a name. I don’t think any of us had any idea that it would mean something different together and though our little girl is a celebrity we don’t want that particular connotation for our pandas. They’re all celebrities in a sense but our understanding of Bright Star is different from the Chinese and I thought it a good thing that was caught.
All the names are good I think and what a choice of just those! Thank you for the hard work.
Mei Sheng’s farewell video is so sweet and I think it shows a lot we haven’t seen before. I know he is going to be happy in China and we’ll miss him but in a way they are ambassadors from here as well. After all they are born here so technically they’re American Chinese. Money may be involved in our having the pandas but it is love that makes it all work. They are priceless.
November 3rd, 2007 at 6:07 pm
It’s too bad that Bright Star was not included on the list of names & I thought the explanation was a little peculiar. I am grateful that we have a healthy cub to love regardless of her name. I did vote for my personal favorite (more than once) but know whatever name chosen many will be upset. Get over it folks, It’s just a name-to many of us she’ll still be our Bright Star that has & will continue to give so much joy to all of us.
# 4 Chari – you were lucky to see our cubbie crawling, I’ve searched the time lapse in vain & haven’t been able to see it – you’re right, walking now is right around the corner & then the fun begins for poor Bai. Wonder if that’s the reason she spends so much time resting now – knows in a couple of weeks she won’t a minute to herself as she chases after her cub.
November 3rd, 2007 at 6:52 pm
To the writers #14 and #15—the moderator said that the reason why the naming ceremony is scheduled for November 26 instead of November 11 was because they were very busy during those 2 weeks in October watching and fighting those wildfires that threatened WAP. That was also the reason why we didn’t get the list of the 4 names for us to vote on until this week. They had a lot to do, a lot to worry about, and a lot on their minds during that time that they just couldn’t get all of this together until now. They all had the welfare of the WAP animals on their minds plus doing their best to keep them protected and safe while they were making sure that the fire didn’t do too much damage to WAP. It was remarkable that they only lost a couple of buildings, the Festival of Lights display, and two animals during that whole ordeal. Everyone of the SDZ and WAP staff did a great job during those stressful 2 weeks! Now, everything is pretty much back to normal routine, the names are on the website for us to vote on, and the naming ceremony is on schedule for Nov. 26. Hope that explains why all of this is a little behind schedule for naming the panda cub. She’s going to get her name no matter what comes up, so please do your part and vote for one of those 4 names. I voted for Ming Zhu, Bright Treasure, since it was as close to Ming Xing, Bright Star, as it can get! Got on pandacam tonite, and baby girl is not in the den! I think she crawled out to be with mom! You all know that she’s started to do some crawling, right? Watch the pandacam when you can, and watch this little panda girl move those legs and start crawling forward. That’s a great thing to see!
About political correctness–not worried about it as far as a name for this little cutie cub! To a couple of you that have expressed disappointment in not seeing Bright Star on the list and blamed it on political correctness, please don’t let that dampen your overall feelings for this panda cub, ok? This little baby panda girl is the future for the pandas, and whatever name is chosen for her will be great for her. She will definitely develop her personality that will fit her new name very soon. She’s already got some spunk anyway! Just check out the vet check video for October 31, and you’ll see her little spunkyness come out! She sure was letting the vets know that she didn’t like that vaccination shot! Anyway, let us all keep enjoying this baby cub, watch her grow and develop, and just be amazed that after 3 months, she has really grown alot! Oh yeah, by the way, today (Nov. 3) is this cub’s three month old birthday!! Boy, how time has flown by! HAPPY THREE MONTH OLD BIRTHDAY, BABY GIRL!!!
Well, gonna go and check the pandacam again to see if Bai and baby girl are back in the den. Hope so! If not, they’ll be there by tomorrow morning.
Reminder: don’t forget to set your clocks back ONE HOUR tonite!! Daylight savings time will be gone until next March!! YEA!!!!!!!
Love to Bai and baby girl,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:44 pm
The November Wish List is out – give, everyone! Let’s honor Bright Star (um, Bright Treasure) by giving some really sweet treats to her neighbors, the other critters in the San Diego Zoo! Moderator, correct my link if it’s not right, thanks!
https://www.sandiegozoo.org/sl/wishlist/index.cfm
November 3rd, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Jane No 19,
Lets not forget the example our little cub would have to live up to if she were named ” celebrity” . These days, such a creature might be inclined to drive without her license or forget to wear her underpants while out in public. Do we really want this sweet bear ” honored” with a name that reminds us of other ” celebrities” ?
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:14 pm
I wasn’t following the SD PandaCam when Mei Sheng was born, but I have been so moved by everyone’s comments about his move to China, and the wonderful care the Panda keepers have given him.
That made choosing a name for the cubmuffin easy, at least for me. ” Zhen Zhen” — Precious — is what each moment with this panda will be for the SD panda lovers and keepers.
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Barb #17…maybe this will help you with the Wolong Panda Cam. It is the easiest way to find it, for me anyway. Then after finding it,I put a shortcut on my desktop. Perhaps this will help you…go to Google, or your search engine. Put in Wolong Panda Club. It should come up first. Just click on that name. It should take you to their website. It is in Chinese, however in English they have Webcam,it is in a square box with green outline and picture of a panda, and 2 smaller pics of 2 pandas that have 1 and 2 on it. They are camera positions. Click on either one, (1 or 2) then a sign comes up with Username and Password on it. Put in Guest in both username and password. Then seconds later you should see about 6-7 silly panda’s laying all over the place either on the logs or each other. Now, I am on the East Coast and seem to get a picture later on in the Evening here. When it is 10:30 at night at my house, at the Panda house it is 10:30 in the morning, next day. I hope this helps you view the wonderful panda’s of Wolong. Please make sure you have Java installed as you will not be able to see the panda’s if you don’t.
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:38 pm
It is true that ” Ming Xing” is rarely (if at all) used as a Chinese name for people because of its ” celebrity” or ” pop star” meaning. It kind of gives some connotation of smugness if a person had such a name, so the choice is wise not to include ” Ming Xing.” There are certainly other Chinese renderings appropriate for ” bright star,” too, except that they’d be more than 2 syllables. So I think to keep things simple, alternatives like ” Ming Zhu” are presented for vote.
However, this need not prevent anyone from referring to her as ” Bright Star” in English. She certainly lives up to this nickname, doesn’t she?
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Lizzie, #8, I tend to agree with you on that one! Steve Irwin would have called her a little beauty too! Thanks for voting Xiao Li!
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:47 pm
The English translation provided by SDZ Website may be incorrect. Bright treasure in Chinese translation should be Ming Bao as we always call panda as national treasure (Guo Bao).
I voted Ming Zhu, bright pearl. Our cub is just as round, precious and bright as a pearl.
November 4th, 2007 at 7:14 am
” ”
Many of you may continue to refer to her as ” Bright Starâ€
” ”
because you’re all clinically insane. Seriously, if you read the Panda Blog comments with any regularity, you’ll realize that you could diagnose these people with any one of ten or twenty debilitating psychological disorders.
November 4th, 2007 at 7:52 am
Does anyone have any information as to why Chinese (and other languages) are not phonetic when they are converted to English? For example, why isn’t Hua Mei spelled Hwa May? Or Mei Sheng spelled May Shun? Or Mei Xiang spelled May Shong?, etc. etc. The Chinese restaurant I go to is pronounced ” Ching Dao” but spelled Tsing Tsao. Thanks alot!
November 4th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Well, personally, I agree with the names chosen, and as to why Ming Xing was not chosen. I dont know who came up with Bright Star, but I personally think ” Precious” Zhen Zhen fits her. She just seems so Precious and seems that she will become more Lady Like, then Star Like, or Celebrity Like, so therefore I think Precious suits her just fine. Although, I do feel Li Hua, is a possiblity as # 19 said, possibly will be chosen to make the Chinese happy, although to me, that name does not suit her, or make sense, since she was born in the USA. But in a week we will find out. It’s obvious what my choice was, little Precious bundle of baby panda cub ….. =)
November 4th, 2007 at 11:49 am
To Gloria #35- Gao Gao just sent me a text. He said he thought Ming Xing was a shoe in and he is rather disappointed. I have heard from Bai Yun yet. I left her a message on her Blackberry, but she hasn’t called me back.
I am glad a few of you agree with me and will post your thoughts. What a surprise it will be when it’s announced to be ” Li Hua” ! This is so exciting! I will let you know when Bai Yun calls- Gao Gao said she was busy with Bright Star!
November 4th, 2007 at 11:51 am
Lainie, #50, I agree! I also voted for Zhen Zhen — after taking some to consider. Especially since ” a little bit of something very cute” was already taken by Su Lin! I love the pronunciation and, after all, ” a rose by any other name would smell as sweet . . .”
And a big shout out to the wonderful Meerkats for giving us so much Mei Sheng cam time the last weeks! While I missed watching him grow up (Su Lin and Tai Shan were my first), he is truly a remarkable and endearing panda! Although I suspect there are not many who would not be appealing, he does seem to have quite the personality. I couldn’t read the comments for several days, they always made me get weepy. But, I am over that and Mei Sheng must move on to fulfill his destiny. The personalities really do seem to be somewhat inherited – one only needs to read about Mei Lan in Atlanta and hear how she has her daddy’s goofy personality traits!
Can’t wait to see our darling BaiBee escaping from the den – I know she’s done it, but have not personally witnessed it yet.
Big love to Mei Sheng and all blessings on your new life in China!!!
November 4th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
I find it funny, that people are so upset about not getting their way…I mean ” Bright Star” being in the final 4 names. Honestly, the cub belong to SDZ and Wolong, so ultimately it’s their decision, yet they have extended us this courtesy, and you complain! That’s kind of appaulling. Instead of attempting to be witty, you should try some appreciation and maturity
November 4th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Linda (44): THANK YOU for the tips!
November 4th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Sharon # 29 – be patient. I also have dial up, and it isnt user friendly as far as video’s are concerned, but if you let it go through the process, it may take about 15-25 min, to finish the download completely, per dial up’s standards, you will be able to watch the video in it’s entirarty. But let it go through the whole process, do dishes, make a bite to eat, but give it time to complete, and you will be able to watch it. =) At least that’s been my experience with my dial up server. =)
November 4th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
#49Shari,
Chinese characters are not phonetic. Instead, each character stands for an entire word or concept. Chinese languages are transliterated into English characters using ” PINYAN” , a method agree-to by linguists. It is not a perfect conversion — no conversion methods truly are — because some of the vowel sounds and consonant sounds are different than any we use in English. However, pinyan does have a specific set of rules for how the conversion is done, and how to pronounce the letters in the pinyan form. Some of these rules give different sounds than conventional English pronunciation.
For example, ” Xiang” should not be equated with ” Shong” . The two are quite different, both for the consonant sounds and the vowel sounds. Xi is said with the tongue forward and near the roof of the mouth, a very ” airy” sound. The Chinese SH is much ” earthier” and said with the tongue touching the back roof of the mouth. And the ” a” in xiang is more like saying ” ah” ; the ” o” in ong is more like saying ” awe” . Mouth shape for the 2 vowels is different.
And we haven’t found a good way to put the tones in — whether a word has rising, falling, steady, or a rise-fall inflection completely changes the meaning. I lived in China for 3 years, and only skimmed the surface of the language.
November 4th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Sharon # 29 – usually if you go through the Video Portal, then hit dial up, then windows media, it runs through the entire ” Buffering” process a few times after hitting play a few times – then will let you view the video in it’s entirety. But for some reason this time, I’m also having a hard time viewing the videos. ?? Must be another dial up issue for today, maybe too much traffic, not sure, but usually that’s how I view the videos. Sorry, and good luck. =)
November 4th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Michael #48: Bye now, and thanks for sharing your random thoughts with us.
Zhen Zhen is great too! I will be at the Zoo Nov 18th – does anyone know when the first time the panda cub will be out on display for the public? She’s a doll…I loved the last video! I certainly envy the workers that get to interact with the cub, but at the same time that’s got to be a tough job.
Gloria #32 – agreed, but name one other animal/reptile not native to the U.S. that has to be ” rented” from another country and must always go back to that country, even though they are born here. It’s a unique arrangement – I can’t help but feel the Zoo has very little power, and perhaps some of us feel the favored name rejection was a ” power play” . Likely, it was just related to the celebrity translation…I have found it very difficult to find China/English translations that are meaningful. So – the cynic in me says Bright Star was bumped for the Chinese nod, but I also concede we may have not had all the information we needed about the translation. I bet there is a Bright Star translation that doesn’t mean popstar. No matter, she’s a sweetie-pie no matter what her name is!
Paula
November 4th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
I know some of you are not happy that Bright Star was not selected, but there are a lot worse things in this world. For instance, the writers are probably going to go on strike tomorrow, which means more reality tv shows. Now that is depressing. Besides, what’s in a name. My grandmother called me by my cousin’s name her whole life. And he was a guy!
November 4th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
Some of you were saying how Li Hua sounds too much like Hua Mei, but I have something about that. Realisticly speaking, this little girl might be Bai Yun’s last cub in San Diego. Because of that, we should connect the last cub’s name to the first cub’s name. It would be nice that way.
November 4th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
I’ve gone for Zhen Zhen – Precious. All Pandas are precious and i feel she is even more precious now that her big brother Mei Sheng is going to China. He would have been a brilliant big brother who would keep safe his precious little sister. It’s the name that as soon as i read it and it’s meaning i thought that this is a perfect name for a perfect baby cub or as we in our house call her ” Baba” . I love the nickname Miss Flluffy But. She sure is one beautiful bundle of baby panda. Another reason i’ve gone for Zhen Zhen ” Precious” is because we all have to make the most of the next four precious years before she then has to go to China and we all end up heart broken once again.
November 4th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
We asked Tai Shan what he thought of the name choices for his new cubby cousin. (He follows her every move very closely you know.) ” At first I wanted to call her Sandy Eggo, or just Sandy for short, but I wikes Xiao Li, since most hoomins will pwonounce it Jolie.”
November 4th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
I’ve been watching little ‘Ming’ for about 15 min. now and is she wound up! She has been going crazy playing with her Mom and not slowing down at all. It looks like she is actually pulling herself up on Bai and just having a great time pestering her. I remember hearing that Bai’s nickname was Hurricane Bai after she arrived and I’m wondering if we are not seeing some of that developing each day that goes by. Momma, you may have your paws VERY busy with this little gal!
Mei Sheng – if this is the night, a safe trip to you and your keepers. You have so much adventure ahead of you!!!
November 4th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
#48 Michael – I resent being classified as clinically insane & having debilitating psychological disorders.
November 4th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Thanks for letting us vote. What fun to be part of the process of naming this sweet girl that gives us all so much joy and hope for the future of the panda population. All of you at the SDZ Panda Station are doing a great job!
November 4th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Thanks to those responsible for honing 2400 names down to 4. What a huge task, and under especially stressful conditions with the preparations for Mei Sheng’s departure, then the WAP fires. Your dedication to your pandas is once again hugely evident. Although we all liked the name ” Bright Star” in English, I don’t believe we were wedded to ” Ming Xing” in Chinese. We can still refer to her as Bright Star. I am very happy that ” Ming Zhu” – ” Bright Treasure” did make the list, since it has a pleasant sound in Chinese, is easy to pronounce for Anglophiles like myself, and is very definitely a true statement about this young lady panda cub. She is a ” bright treasure,” maybe even more of a treasure than a star. The other names are all fitting as well, and I agree that she will live up to and grow into any of them. The background on Zhen Zhen is very touching as is the writer who chose ” Precious” because of Steve Irwin.
November 4th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
I was unable to watch the video of Mei Sheng – I uploaded, downloaded, unloaded and added more programs with no luck. Then I found some kind person posted a video on youtube. – ” Farwell Panda Mei Sheng” that is great. Many thanks for sharing this with us.
November 4th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
All 4 of the names are sweet…. however I’m not too sure about the ” Little Beauty” name, since by the end of her first year, she won’t be so little. Case in point: Mei Lan in Atlanta… she’s almost 100 lbs, a roly poly girl. When she’s an adult she’ll be reaching 200+ pounds…. ” Little Beauty” won’t fit our princess at all!
November 4th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
I am amazed and dismayed at the ferocity of the comments by many bloggers. I think it is great that the public is able to weigh in on a name. The four final choices are very nice and meaningful names. Please remember, when thinking about the delay of the naming ceremony. that not only were the keepers busy making sure that the animals were all OK but also that many of them may have been personally affected by the fires. I have always been amazed how fun reading the blogger comments was. I have been very disappointed by this last batch. Please let’s remember to keep some perspective!
November 4th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
I voted for ” Bright Treasure” for this little one.
Last month I voted for the name at the Vienna Zoo.
Other years, I voted for Tai Shan and Su Lin.
Last year it was Mei Lan. That was my second choice. Ming Xing was what I voted for as her name. I wonder why it was OK to include ” Bright Star: Ming Xing” then?!!
It’s great to have the chance to vote. Thanks!
November 4th, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Lizzie #8 – I love that idea. I can almost hear Steve calling her ” little beauty” in my head right now (I’m going to cry now, darn it! The man was one of my heroes and I don’t think I’ll ever get over it) and think that would be the perfect name for the cub.
Xiao Li gets my vote!
November 5th, 2007 at 4:48 am
OK, everybody take a deep breath. We have been give five oustanding name choices under the extreme circumstances for SDZ. I think we should all be thankful for the amount of info we get and the input we give via this website. I hardly believe there’s a conspiracy involving the so-called ” pre-determined” name of Li Hua just because it has China in the translation/meaning. My reasoning is that the name choices for NZ’s Tai Shan were Hua Sheng (China Washington, magnificent), Sheng Hua (Washington China, magnificent) Tai Shan (Peaceful Mountain ), Long Shan (Dragon mountain), and Qiang Qiang (Strong, powerful). As you can see, there were two names with China in the translation/meaning and the selected name was Tai Shan (peaceful mountain). Although I did have my doubts about a name with ” peaceful” in the translation when he was a toddler bear, I think it is a beautiful name and fits him perfectly. All of the names we now get to vote on for the latest SDZ cub are absolutely beautiful – I would be happy with any of them and I have not decided yet which one I will vote for. (Too bad there was not a translated name for ” little miss fluffy butt” – LOL!) So, if the name Li Hua wins the vote, it will be because it is a beautiful name that the majority think is the best.
November 5th, 2007 at 5:53 am
I’m with EKC #69. Perspective, peeps! I like all four names and she’ll be the same lovely and lovable panda no matter what we humans decide to call her.
Also, I think that we (and I mean ” we” very broadly) are fortunate to have a part in helping to preserve this species. I’d like to think we can move beyond petty nationalism and think of saving the pandas for the world’s benefit. The research done here in the U.S., in San Diego, Atlanta & elsewhere, is a huge contribution to the ultimate survival of the giant panda. The Chinese have established a wonderful population at Wolong and anything we can do to help further that effort is more important than our (understandable!) emotional need to keep any particular animal close by.
A friend of mine says we don’t raise our children for ourselves; we raise them for the world. I think that philosophy applies here, too.
November 5th, 2007 at 6:37 am
Paula #41 Thanks for taking the lead this time, we need to honor our little girl and I voted for Ming Zhu, because she is a treasure. Folks this month is Thanksgiving and we have a lot to be thankful for, our animals being safe from the fire, Mei Sheng being here a little longer and a beautiful little girl,so lets really celebrate her name in a big way. Thank you
November 5th, 2007 at 6:39 am
# 49 Shari
The phonetic symbols of Chinese are actually Latin and should be pronounced in Latin not English.
November 5th, 2007 at 6:42 am
Bruce #62, your comment is very funny.
Paula #58: As a Chinese, I can’t think of any other meaning for Ming Xing. It means the star is bright or a popstar. However, when people say Ming Xing, people usually will think it’s popstar.
I speak Cantonese, and it’s quite different from Mandarin, but I think Ming Xing in Chinese isn’t really a noun for the meaning of bright star. Ming Xing is a noun for popstar, and that’s for sure. I think people here are translating the meaning directly from English, without knowing the rules/meaning of Chinese. The zoo staffs are generous enough to let us vote. We should appreciate the opportunity and not complaining.
Besides, people here want to call her Ming Xing is because Bai Yun showed tendency to abadon the den and took the baby girl out for the night under the stars. I believe that’s when we started to call her Bright Star. We love this name because we know the story behind it. If Ming Xing were on the list and were chosen, other people who have never read this blog would not understand the story behind it, and thus, think the name a bit ” pretentious.”
November 5th, 2007 at 7:20 am
#64- Maureen.. when I read #48’s comment, I just laughed- there was no way I could take some random comment like that seriously! I do agree with #69’s comments. Having lived in San Diego for 30 years and during the 2003 fires, these 2007 fires make the 2003 fires look like a walk in the park. I have nothing but empathy for anyone affected. The Zoo is in the city of San Diego, very near downtown. The fires were in areas between 15 and 40 miles away, with the Wild Animal Park being right near a volatile fire area. Everything shifts in a disaster- Zoo workers and WAP workers had homes lost or were evacuated. Throw in schedule/shift additions and changes and a possible commute to the WAP for staff who may live in the city to the WAP which is nearly an hour away and it’s challenging at best. San Diego County is the 6th largest county in the U.S.; Home to 3,000,000 people. When upwards of 500,000 people are evacuated, that means huge changes for business and the tourist industry. While naming the cub on the 100th day of her life is Chinese tradition, the magnitude of what San Diego County was going through re-prioritized certain things, the naming ceremony being one of them. There is also a huge undertaking in cleaning up the debris and re-building and re-settling those who have lost their homes. There were also animal evacuations for homeowners that needed to be done. To have the date pushed back to 26th November is far from unreasonable- in fact, I’m surprised that it’s not sometime in December, given the magnitude of this disaster. It was not feasible to move Mei Sheng during this time either. That gave us who are the Pandaholic Bloggers extra time with our young prince. The San Diego Union Tribune Web site has all sorts of information regarding the impact on the residents and animal life in San Diego County for anyone not familiar with this tragic disaster. Indeed, perspective is needed.
November 5th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Thank you, SDZ and WAP for allowing us the opportunity (and priviledge) to vote for the new panda’s name. I think all of the choices are beautiful and the new panda will be well fit with any of these names.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:03 am
#67 Maureen…thank you so much for the ” Farewell” on youtube for Mei Sheng tip. I just watched it and it did indeed bring tears to my eyes. It’s very well done, and now will be out there for all to appreciate.
As for the whole name thing..I have to agree with #35 Gloria and #51 Jane. I too was very disappointed that Bright Star was not chosen, and do not necessarily agree with the reasoning. My first thougth was someone better call Hollywood and tell the agents that the celebrities are all equal. No more ” Sexiest Man in the World” or ” Most Beautiful Actress” . People magazine will loose a lot of sales over that one I’m sure. But having thought about it more I’ve decided that whatever her name turns out to be (and some of us are already sure what that will be) we should be supportive of that decision and appreciate that she is healthy and love her for the short time we have her. In the whole grand scheme of things, a name is just that…a name.
So she’ll always be Bright Star, Ming Xing, Miss Fluffybutt, and Chubmuffin to me. But if we must get technical, Ming Zhu is almost as good. She’s a treasure.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Thank you EKC #69 for stating the public’s problem so well! We all need to remember that the Zoo keepers were very busy with the fire situation. Anyone can have their own nickname but I feel we should honor this little darling by using her chosen name and keep our negative comments to ourselfs! I, too, am disappointed by the bloggers negative comments. Please think first before writing a blog. Thank you.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:39 am
Moderator, this is off subject but I wondered who is on cam C29. It is not on the list.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:45 am
KUDOS to several of the bloggers for pointing out that those who have posted negative-type comments should be ashamed! AMEN!! This blog is such a special treat! And to be able to participate in an on-line poll to name this most precious gift is another wonderful treat. The SDZ staff could have limited the votes to those people actually coming to the zoo and seeing the pandas inperson! We are so fortunate to have the tools we have today and be able to express our feeling to each other about these WONDERFUL animals.
I have cast my vote and can’t wait to see what she is ultimately named! All 4 of the names are very fitting and I found it difficult to pick just one!!! Sit tight little girl. You will have your name very soon.
Thank you again to the SDZ staff for inlcuding those of us out here in ” cyber-land” and letting us weigh in on the name choice. Thank you again too for the wonderful work that you do and all the sacrifices you made during that horrible week of the fires! You all deserve an award for the wonderful care you gave to ALL the SDZ/WAP residents!! You are truly heroes!!!
November 5th, 2007 at 9:45 am
I’m having a smile at Zhen Zhen as a possible name after looking it up. Depending on the tradition Chinese character Zhen means
Precious/Treasure
Lucky/Auspicious
Real/True/Genuine
then some not so nice translations
Measles
Injection
Poisionous
and just for the little panda girl
Pillow
Bushy Black Hair
in all I think there are about 50 different translations for Zhen.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Thanks for the wonderful list of names. Any one of them will fit just fine and I, for one, am very glad I didn’t have the task of thinning the list. I remember when it came time to name Mei Lan, my colleagues and I had been affectionately calling her ” Peaches” because of her Atlanta home. While ” Atlanta Beauty” suits her well, she’ll always be ” Peaches” to many of us. I expect the same will hold true with this cub. Whatever she’s names, she’ll always be our ” Bright Star.”
By the way, I just checked Panda cam and noticed the camera index no longer features Mei Sheng. Best wishes on a safe journey…
November 5th, 2007 at 10:17 am
According to the Shanghai Daily article, Mei Sheng can mean ” A beautiful life” and that is a most appropriate name for him. So the final four possible names that have been chosen for his ” baby sister” are also appropriate, depending on what aspect of her is to be remembered for her whole life. The other translation of his name ” Born in America (USA)” was appropriate for his birth, and his life. So too, must this cub’s name be appropriate for her whole life. Hence Ming Zhu – Bright Treasure, and Zhen Zhen – Precious, are life-long applicable names. The other two refer to ” little” which is most applicable while she is young, as she is gaining weight and length quickly, and doesn’t appear to be going to remain ” little” for long. Li Hua – Beautiful China associates her with Hua Mei, but also more closely associates her with China and not the USA. Although Wolong, and China, are beautiful places, she is most special because she was born in USA, not China.
Li Hua, Beautiful China
Ming Zhu, Bright Treasure
Zhen Zhen, Precious
Xiao Li. Little Beauty
November 5th, 2007 at 10:25 am
Our boy must be on his way, his picture has been moved from the current SD bears to those who are not in SD any more ;-(
November 5th, 2007 at 10:33 am
My heart stopped for a second when I saw that Mei Sheng was no longer in the camera list. Then I read above that he is on his way to Panda Homeland. So, it’s true–like everyone else, I wish for a smooth trip and transition for the wonderful, adorable, sweet Panda Prince and all who accompany him. We’ll always love you, Mei Sheng.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Farewell sweet boy. The tears are still flowing. Happy landing.
November 5th, 2007 at 11:32 am
#83 celfyddydau: There are more than one Chinese characters that share the translation of Zhen. Different tonation of Zhen will have very different meaning. In this case, Real/True/Genuine, the not so nice translations, and pillow/bushy black hair are not the meaning of this Zhen, the possible name of the baby girl. But I do like to call her pillow coz she’s so soft and cuddly.
November 5th, 2007 at 11:36 am
#83. Only the first one precious/treasure applies in this case. I admire your diligence to look up the dictionary for so many different meanings for Zhen.
Many different Chinese characters have the same pronunciation. We can tell them apart by the context in the conversation or by reading the characters. Characters with the same pronunciation can have dozens of different meanings. If you know the character, you know what it means. Unfortunately for people who don’t speak Chinese nor read Chinese will have a hard time. Relying on the western style PinYing system, which show how to pronunce it, can lead to confusions.
The characters for measles or pillows or real …. are totally different from the one for precious/treasure if you see them in writings, though they pronunce the same hence the same PinYing. The character for precious/treasure is often picked up by parents in China for their daughters’ names. A popular one indeed. I have several female friends/classmates have that character in their given names.
November 5th, 2007 at 11:49 am
I would hate for us to loose such a great privilege as the blogs. It is a place for us to communicate but there is a lot of negativity in this one. Hurtful comments.
Judgements and disappointments……
Not only is this feed back for us, but also feedback for the writers and people that put this together.
Every one behind the scenes for the pandas have given us all of this from their hearts and in a loving way….
Mellow out…..
There is a reason and a purpose for all things….It took a lot of time to narrow down your choices for a name and they had a game plan…it was fair and square.
Her name will be perfect for her….You’ll see.
Thank all of you for bringing us the pandas in a loving way…
November 5th, 2007 at 11:56 am
I think that I’ll vote for Li Hua, because it’s close to the baby’s big sister’s name, Hua Mei. Even if my voted name isn’t chosen, I’ll still be satisfied, because all of the other names are beautiful.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Thank you so much for once again making everyone a part of the naming choice, and I have rear on the front page of siye that Mei is on his way home, when he gets there could you possibly give us an update on how his travel was and how he is adjusting to being home, thanks so much
November 5th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Thank you SDZ for the privilege and pleasure of being a part of choosing the newest cub’s name, and for learning about the pandas and all the other animals at SDZ and WAP. As too often is the case, ” a few bad apples may spoil the dessert.”
Most of us are very aware of the great opportunity you have provided for us to communicate about the animals in your care, and we are very appreciative. Please forgive the insensitivity of those who don’t seem to realize that this is something extraordinary you provide your ” virtual” visitors that other zoos don’t provide. We don’t want to take it for granted, as you spend tremendous amounts of time, energy, and yes $, to make these blogs available to the public all over the world.
November 5th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Our baby is beautiful, and any name will fit her. I like Li Hua because, in my mind, she will be the little infant we all know her as know, but any of those beautiful names will do.
November 5th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Clarification on appropriateness of Xiao Li:
Yes, the Chinese characters literally translate to ” litte beauty” in English. But the character ” little” is often an expression of affection in Chinese when used in a name. Doubling a name is another way to express affection, e.g., Li Li (beautiful beautiful) or Zhen Zhen (precious precious). So even if our cub becomes an adult the character ” little” is still appropriate. Another meaning for this same character when used in a name is to denote something like how we use ” junior.” Example Sammy Davis, Jr., in Chinese would be something like Xiao Sa Mi Da Wei Si, i.e., Little Sammy Davis.
So for those of you that favor Xiao Li, do not feel disappointed. It is a wonderful name. And there is nothing to prevent one from nicknaming her Li Li if one so desires.
November 5th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
#49, Shari. Mei Xiang, Hua Mei, Mei Sheng are not English conversions (or French, German, or Spanish, etc.). The spellings are standard Pinyin romanization of Chinese characters. Your Chinese restaurant in Pinyin would be spelled ” Qing Dao.” ” Qing Dao” is a large city in China. In earlier days of contact with the West, Western nations used the ” Tsing Tao” spelling for postal designation. And yes, the pronounciation in American English would be something like ” cheeng dow.”
November 5th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Thanks for helping us keep our perspective by showing us close-ups of Miss Cubette in her journeys outside the den. Obviously Bai Yun has determined that she is ready to move forward to the next stage in her life in the big world, with or without Bai Yun immediately at her side. I find it interesting that Bai Yun takes her out of the den and leaves her by herself. She must feel very secure. Obviously the momentous events of the early morning hours today have not adversely phased her. Maybe the sounds and scents from Gao Gao no longer being next door have emboldened her to move little one outside???
I finally realized why Mei Sheng’s departure hit me so hard emotionally. It brings back all the emotions and physical feelings I had when I had to put the dog I had raised from a tiny puppy, (because I also had her mother) to sleep. It was gut wrenching because I had been with her since she was born. Similarly when we associate Mei Sheng as the tiny cub grown into an adult bear who has to leave to go to bigger world with more pandas, I relived the loss from my life of that tiny puppy grown to mature mother dog. Although I lost her ” daughter” two years later, it did not affect me as much as losing the mother. Both dogs were with me from birth, but the lost of the ” first born” was much harder to bear. Similarly, with Hua Mei and Mei Sheng, they are Bai Yun and Shi Shi’s and Bai Yun and Gao Gao’s first born. It will be the same with Tai Shan.
Therefore, it reminds me to enjoy every precious moment of Su Lin and Miss Cubette, and to treasure all the updates we get from the people who know them best and love them the most.
P. Wong thanks for the clarifications of names, and the meaning of the doubling of the name. Precious Precious also very well identifies this cub, and the special attachment we all seem to feel to her already. Whatever her name is, she will always be a precious little bright treasure from Chinese parents.
November 5th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
We are so lucky that we are given the opportunity to pick among these four names. The Chinese did not have to let the SDZ run this web poll. They could have arbitrarily picked a name and that would have been the end of it. All of the whining and griping about a particular name not being a finalist serves no useful purpose, and does a disservice to the keepers and staff at the SDZ who graciously provide this blog, the webcam feeds, and the daily information that we all enjoy.
November 5th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Decisions, decisions… but Ming Zhu it is! Our little girl is Bright like a star (either in the sky or like a celebrity) and is absolutely a Treasure – one of a kind, irreplacable, invaluable. So that’s it! I’m looking forward to her naming ceremony – as she is getting cuter and more personable everyday! Just think, soon she will be outside climbing trees – and maybe visiting her sister Su Lin at the howdy gate. Can you just imagine the girls – chatting high in the trees – talking about boys. Oh what fun that will be!
November 5th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Well, I certainly will continue to think of her as Little Miss Fluffy Butt, no matter what her official name turns out to be. Judging by her lung and voice power, she has the makings of quite the little diva (and I mean that in the best possible way). It is thrilling to see her starting to crawl more than a few steps, and it has been fascinating to watch Bai Yun helping her stand, making her sleep with her back feet under her so that standing will be natural–and I swear she has set up bamboo branches as a panda cub jungle gym. Perhaps I’m anthropomorphizing, but I’m convinced that Bai Yun thinks.
November 5th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Thanks, Cheryl, #100, for the very comical scene of the ” girls” talking high in the trees about boys. I wonder if Su Lin will tell her little sister about the handsome boy she once knew that she talked with in the trees in the rain and at the Howdy Gate. Soon enough she will be going to Wolong herself to find her ” groom(s)” awaiting her. What a life they can have there with so many more pandas their age. At least there are four cubs still in the US for all of us to enjoy for a couple more years. And, hopefully there will be two or possibly three more next year (MZ, NZP, and ZA (if Mei Lan is weaned in 2008).
November 5th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
This msg is for those of you who may object about the fact that animals have feelings.
It is okay to anthromorphize (it does not denote insanity). Why?
Feelings – or the ability to bond, to communicate, to use language – is linked to high Intelligence.
We, mammals – people, pandas, dogs, chimps, whales, dolphins – have to have feelings, or the capacity to create bonds (filial, social, economic, political etc), plus the capacity to use language.
WHAT FOR? For SURVIVAL – To protect the species, the clan, the society, and the individual.
If animals don’t have feelings, the’ll kill their own specie. They NEED to have ” feelings” to bond & reproduce and protect themselves and their offspring. Geez. Even a cockatoo bird has feelings. My friend’s bird started pecking on its feathers because of lack of attention.
For that matter – when people call Bai Yun as ” Hurricane Bai Yun,” because it is cute, they don’t realize that the panda is homesick, and probably was trying to communicate something, ” I don’t want to be here. I miss my home my peers.” But of course with constant reassurance, care and attention from her keepers, Bai Yun is well adjusted.
That’s why I don’t like what the Woolong/Chengu scientists are doing, trying to create a baby boom, wean the baby pandas early from their mothers, dump them together in the park, then isolate them later to separate quarters.
These pandas are getting mixed signals, and will be a confused lot – should we socialize as a group or not?
The best teachers of survival techniques are their natural parents.
If they (the scientists) plan to release the pandas in the wild, they should simulate the same environment, the same upbringing from day one. I just have my fingers crossed. I’m sure they will pick the biggest & tallest panda (small pandas will be bullied like Gao Gao) and the bravest, and which shows signs of self reliance.
November 5th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Bruce #99 – I’m in agreement 95%, but surely you jest in asking bloggers who are primarily women to not whine and gripe! LOL…. And, I think the keepers and staff at the SD Zoo likely enjoy hearing our thoughts – critical or not, as they may be. I think overall the discussion of the baby panda’s name has been polite and thoughtful.
” The Chinese did not have to let the SDZ run this web poll” – yeah, it would have been a serious control play on their part if they had picked their own names for us to choose from. Can you imagine that scenario?
I see that The Fluffy One can now turn over, and is being left all by her lonesome! I guess mom feels secure, as Margaret #98 notes. And, Margaret – don’t go there, because I have a 14 year-old cat. And a one year-old 115 pound Italian mastiff who is scheduled for neutering tomorrow. ouch…
Paula
Paula
November 6th, 2007 at 1:23 am
I look at this site from Japan. I looked forward to deciding the name of the baby panda which I loved.
In a candidate, there is a name of the pronunciation same as my name.
It is Zhen Zhen(jun jun).
I vote for this.
The meaning is good to her who carries the future of a very precious panda.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:48 am
The 26 would be ” convenience” because of the long holiday week-end. Whatever happen to the TRADITIONAL 100 days? Beside a ” politically” reason for name choosing. Is the chosen date base on ” business factor” ? I certainly hope not!
Moderator’s note: See response to comment #5 above.
November 6th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
” Panda lands in Shanghai”
” THE American-born panda Mei Sheng safely arrived in the city from the United States at 6:15pm yesterday and is expected to leave for the Wolong Panda Research Center in Sichuan Province at noon today.
Mei Sheng comes back to find himself a bride and is expected to ” get married” – or at least engaged – between March and May next year.
After a 20-hour journey from Los Angeles, the panda is in good condition, according to Sinotrans Air Transportation Development Co Ltd, which handled the panda’s traveling arrangements.
This is the first time Mei Sheng has flown, and the company and the San Diego Zoo where the panda was born spent some time preparing for the journey.
Shanghai Customs officials escorted him to the Shanghai Wildlife Park where he stayed last night after a brief welcoming ceremony.
Born at San Diego Zoo on August 19, 2003, Mei Sheng has been a hit with zoo visitors since he made his public debut.”
See, he IS getting the red carpet treatment by the Chinese that he deserves, and that we expected him to receive.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Thanks for updating the cub’s picture on the website. She sure has grown, and is growing very quickly. When do you anticipate her starting to walk? I remember for Mei Lan last year it took weeks from starting to pull herself with her front legs to walking. I think she finally started to walk after Thanksgiving, but she was born Sept 6, not Aug 3.
November 6th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
I just looked at the Wolong Panda Club website and saw that China Southern Airlines adopted Ming Zhu on November 5. In the picture Ming Zhu looks like she is 1 or 2 years old. It seems odd that there would be two Wolong pandas so close in age with the same name. It seems like the SDZ panda should have a unique name.
November 7th, 2007 at 7:13 am
Thank you so much SDZ for giving us the privilege of voting on the name of this precious new panda cub. I have been looking forward to doing this ever since I became a panda cam viewer about a year ago. All the names are so beautiful it was hard to choose just one.
November 7th, 2007 at 9:21 am
My thanks to all who make it possible for me to watch the progress of this baby girl panda. I started watching when she was two days old and have enjoyed every minute I watch. I especially enjoy watching the love that Bai Yun has for her baby. Keep up the great work that y’all do – watching this interaction with Bai Yun and her baby is so comforting in a world of so much ” disarray” to put it mildly.
November 7th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Margaret #108 – I know you’ll remember how it seemed to take forever for Lani to get moving. She had the moves, but not the traction. I still remember her big ” Ta-Daa!” moment when I finally saw her climb over the edging in the den. You could almost hear her thinking, ” There’s no stopping me now, Mommie…”
November 7th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
waaa guys… I was with you…. getting all teary eyed, with tears trickling down my cheeks, thinking about our prince leaving for China, and I never got to take part in naming him or even watching him on Panda Cam… he sounded like the sweetest of boys though! It’s been SO much fun watching our new princess, how fast she’s grown in the past 4 months since she’s been born. Her mother is doing a bang-up job with all she’s done so far! I’m sure he’s going to be a model husband and father to his upcoming cubs. I sure hope the zoo in China will give us updates on him, and he won’t be allowed to blend in with the other beautiful pandas.
November 7th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
With all the hoopla over Mei Sheng this week, I had forgotten about Miss Fluffy-butt’s weekly exam…what a happy surprise to find a new video today! She is looking more and more like a ” toddler” and less and less like a baby. She seemed very calm today–I guess she’s learned that the Humans are her buds
November 8th, 2007 at 6:27 am
I think a better name would be. ZOOZU
After the movie ” It’s a wonderful life” in the little girls flowers.
November 8th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
It looks like the little one’s fur isn’t going to be white like her brother and sister’s were?? Is this just because she is still a baby or, will it always look like the polar bears fur?
November 8th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Panda Blog is one place I see the beauty of mankind, fill with warm loving caring hearts. It’s sad to see some got upset over names.
Thank you ” Panda Research Team†for allowing us to participate in naming the baby. I voted.
Baby girl is so cute, so delightful, so rare, so precious. Please do not to associate any negativity with this innocent beautiful baby.
November 8th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
I think all of the names fit her no matter what one is picked. I can hardly wait for the naming ceremony I am planning on being there, then the next big step will be her first day on exhibit I will be there for that too. Each panda is special and I am so happy we have the privilege to see them and watch them mature into their own personalities. We are blessed here in San Diego and I for one will like any of the names, thank you staff for the hard work of picking just a few names and allowing us to be part of the process.
November 9th, 2007 at 11:46 am
I am upset that my Mom and I thought of a really cute name, yet we are not allowed to vote for the name that we chose. We think the name ” Domino” or ” Domino of China” would be a beautiful name. The others are too cliche and child-like. Surely there must be a game (like Ma Jong) that uses little black and white tiles we can name the panda after to make it more Chinese…She is a beautiful Domino
November 9th, 2007 at 11:59 am
Thank you, SDZ, for giving us pandafans the opportunity to vote for BaiBee’s name and for providing this forum for discussion!
November 9th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
I collect stuff animal and i have named then after your pandas that you have in the zoo. I have an extra and i think you should name is, ” Shesho” !
November 10th, 2007 at 12:55 am
I visit San Diego Zoo every year. Then I always take a look at the pandas. It’s really fun with a new baby panda at San Diego Zoo. I hope I can see the baby panda when I return next year.
November 10th, 2007 at 11:05 am
I picked Zhen Zhen because Pandas are precious. They are also such cute and playfull anaimls. I’ve always loved pandas. So, this gives me the chance to help with the voting on the name. I’m greatful that I was able to do this. Thank You,
Rhonda
November 10th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
It seem like Little Miss Fluff has been putting a great deal of effort in standing on all fours and trying to walk. I was just curious about how old, generally, are panda cubs begin to walk?
November 10th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
hi im joelle and im 13 years old. i would like to name this baby cub Li Bao Bing it means baba love. i like this name because when i would watch this baby cub grow i never wanted to call ti panda so i called it baba so i thought this name was the best!!! it means treasure, jewel; precious, rare, and authority. i love this name almost as much as this baby panda!!!! love you all
November 11th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
hi I came from Boston to name the little one” Zhi zhi” after my friend. Unfortunately, this name did not make the cut. I love her so much.. she will be beautiful no matter what her name is..
November 12th, 2007 at 9:07 am
Hi i vote for Ming Xing, it seems so sweety and lovely thank you
November 12th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Can’t wait to find out what her name will be, the name will suit her what ever it will end up being. As with her sisters and brother her name will suit her as we all get to know her and she grows. I will be at the naming ceremony on the 26th, what a treat that will be to see this in person.
November 13th, 2007 at 11:20 am
I agree with Rhonda #111 about watching Bai Yun with the cub–it is so calming and so reassuring in this crazy world. But twice today, I have seen someone reaching into the den to pet the cubette–is that allowed? Although I think all of us who watch Little Miss Fluffy Butt on panda cam would like to reach in and pet her, but I thought the idea was to maintain her status as a wild animal?
November 13th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
ALKW: I read that it’s 3 months before they can walk. So, rather close to the 100 day naming ceremony!
I will be at the Zoo in 5 days and counting! Wish the little baby was out then, but I think it will be more like December or January before she is looking at all us silly humans on display.
Paula in Texas
November 14th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Thank you Paula. I hope you enjoy your visit to the zoo!!
November 14th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Paula #130 I hope you have a fantastic time and take lots of pictures, I am so jealous.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
The little sweetheart is flat on her back, I just wanna pick her up and hug her to pieces…. Mom best enjoy the time she has before this little one starts making her way out and about! How cool is it going to be to watch them. How true is it to just watch the Panda’s on the cam, so relaxing. Tune out the rest of the crazy world and think about these beautiful creatures and how calming they are. My family thinks I have ” lost it” .. ha ha have pictures of Su Lin and Mei Sheng all over my den and office… Can’t wait to get some of the new little one…..
Moderator’s note: New photos have been added to the Panda Photo Gallery on the Panda News page: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/news/panda_news.html
November 15th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Wonder where our ” little one” is tonight? Does mama Bai have her on a glorious adventure? What day is her ” 100th” , so I can tune in to the celebration of her new name?
Moderator’s note: The cub’s naming ceremony will be held at the San Diego Zoo’s Hunte Amphitheater on Monday, November 26, at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend! Please remember, the cub will still be off exhibit until she is old enough to navigate on her own.
November 17th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Thanks for that invitation! All of us who just watch on computers will be ” tuned in” for sure on Nov. 26 11am.
Right now, little fuzzball is rolling around, looking like she needs a nice tummy scratch. Wouldn’t I just LOVE to be the one to accomodate her!
November 26th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Zhen Zhen – Precious.
A fitting name for such a precious bundle of fluff.
Mind you i am biased, i voted for it!
November 26th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
OMG our Miss Precious has a name!!! Zhen-Zhen (pronounced ‘jun-jun’ right?) Luv it-Luv it-Luv it!
And she is walking too. I am extremely happy. What a nice way to start my day.
November 26th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
OK, you have heard me call her ” fluffybutt” the last time! From now on, our little one is Zhen Zhen…and precious, she IS!!