Su Lin Update
Posted at 10:26 am November 14, 2007 by Pamela Crowe
Now that Mei Sheng is on to new adventures, I thought some of you might be wondering how Su Lin is doing these days. Well, big sister is doing great! She has been shifted over to the left exhibit area to make room for Gao Gao, who is now residing in the right exhibit. Some of you may recall that Su Lin spent quite a bit of time in this left exhibit with Bai Yun when she was younger; therefore, I’m sure she feels right at home there.
One interesting development we’ve noticed since this shift is that Su Lin has begun vocalizing to Gao Gao whenever he is nearby. There’s one particular spot, when Gao Gao is pulled of exhibit for feeding, where they can see each other. Whenever this occurs, Su Lin comes right over and begins vocalizing to Gao Gao in a friendly manner. So far he has not responded much, though we wouldn’t necessarily expect an adult male to be interested in a subadult female. And remember, he has no idea that Su Lin is his daughter. Male pandas are not involved in raising their offspring; they come together to mate once a year and then they resume their solitary lifestyle.
In addition to the fun, new enrichment of seeing Gao Gao periodically, Su Lin will also be getting some new exhibit toys next week. Her keepers will be upgrading her exhibit space with lots of new logs and climbing structures for her to explore. Those of you who watch Su Lin on Panda Cam know how much she enjoys her climbing structures, and I’m sure she’ll be thrilled with the new upgrades.
The keepers have also begun training sessions with Su Lin. This is a very important part of our management protocol here at the Giant Panda Research Station. It not only allows our keeper staff to efficiently manage the bears, but it also allows our veterinary staff to monitor the health of our bears more easily. For instance, the keepers will train Su Lin to open her mouth and hold it open for a few moments. If she does this correctly when asked, she will receive a food reward. All of our training is done using positive reinforcement. The benefit of having an animal hold its mouth open when given the cue to do so is that the veterinarians can then examine the teeth for any problems without having to anesthetize the animal. Along with “mouth open,” there are many other behaviors that Su Lin will be learning in the coming months. These training sessions are quite stimulating for the bears, and they also provide a nice opportunity for bonding between the bears and their devoted keepers. Mei Sheng just loved his training sessions!
Pamela Crowe is a research technician with the Giant Panda Conservation Unit of Applied Animal Ecology/CRES.
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November 14th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Pamela,
Thank you for the update on Su Lin, she is so cute and I love watching her grow and explore. I can’t wait to see her with Gao Gao and her new toys along with the climbing; no doubt she will be doing and enjoying a lot.
November 14th, 2007 at 11:13 am
I’m so glad that Su Lin can see another panda and vocalize to him. I think that shows that she misses her brother. It’s wonderful that she will be getting new trees and logs. She just love to climb!! I can’t wait to see them and Su Lin climbing them. Thank you for the update. I am feeling lonely not hearing about Mei Sheng.
November 14th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Thanks, Pamela, for the update on Su Lin. We were wondering if she was trying to communicate with the new neighbor next door since she is used to seeing and hearing Mei Sheng at the Howdy Gate and in the trees. Is the Howdy Gate the ” one particular spot where they can see each other?” Is it still open for viewing or do you close it? Have you noticed Su Lin trying to talk with Gao Gao from the trees as one of the earlier bloggers asked? Does she seem to notice that it is a different panda next door, or is she acting like she thinks it is Mei Sheng?
Hopefully Mei Sheng is adjusting to his training sessions now being done in Chinese. It is a good thing he was clicker trained so he knows what they want, and just has the enrichment of associating new words and voice tones to the clicker commands. That is what the videos of his taped training sessions were for, wasn’t it?
It is interesting that Tian Tian responds in a friendly manner when Tai Shan calls to him, but Mei Xiang does not. Tian seems to be a friendlier/more social than most adult male pandas so maybe that is why he is interested occasionally in ” talking” to Tai Shan.
Since Gao Gao is aware of the Howdy Gate, and he is also used to having Mei Sheng nearby, maybe he will decide it is OK to talk to a subadult female after he gets accustomed to her scent and to being around her. I recall earlier in her independent life that Su Lin and Gao Gao were kept apart so that she would not be intimidated in any way by the presence of an older adult male panda. Sounds like she is beginning her training for a life at Wolong where there will be pandas of all ages, sizes, and both sexes, around all the time.
We look forward to updates on her training. I believe that I read in blogs this Summer that you started training her several months ago. What has she learned so far, or have you been working up to it gradually because attention was focused on training Mei Sheng for his trip? Tai Shan had his first blood draw in September as a result of his training. Like Mei Sheng, he also enjoys it, so I hope Su Lin will too. Who wouldn’t enjoy the extra treats and goodies that one gets while one is learning???
November 14th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Thank you for the Su Lin update. I enjoy hearing of the phases the pandas go through to make their lives more complete for them and also easier for you in looking after them.
Is there any plans in the future to enlarge their individual areas? They seem very content but more room never hurt anyone. Bye for now, Lee
November 14th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Any more news on my uh… I mean … our baby boy Sheng?
November 14th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
Thanks for the update on Su Lin. When I was visiting awhile back she was awake and having a good time, I got lots of pictures of her and have them all over my office wall. I too hope that her Daddy will socialize with her through the howdy gate, the pics of her and Mei Sheng were just plain adorable.
It will be fun to watch her explore her surroundings, to see what kind of trouble she can get into especially on ” rainy” nights!!! Hmmm, bet she’ll miss her big brother then..
Thankyou to everyone for all the wonderful work you do with these unbelievable animals. I have watched videos and saw the pic’s of Mei arriving in Wolong, and I’ll have to say I think ” we” all can rest easy that he will be just fine…
Big hugzzzzz to the Panda Keepers!!!!!
November 14th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
It will be good to see Princess Su Lin again! I have missed her, as I did Daddy Gao, the munching machine. Videos of Mei Sheng are precious- I do miss his smile! Madame Bai Yun is just the most attentive, loving mama Panda! Hope to see our newest Princess, Mama and Su Lin in Jan/Feb.
Right now our youngest Princess is sprawled on her back- she looks like she could use a tummy rub!
November 14th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
How great that Su Lin is trying to interact with her daddy, she is going to enjoy all the exploring and the new toys are going to keep her busy. I’m so glad that Mei Sheng is settling in at wolong and it won’t be long before he catches a pretty girls eye, But I still miss him.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Su Lin was my first panda princess and will always be especially dear to me. She looks so beautiful now as a subadult bear–just like her mother. The littlest princess is so sweet to watch, too. Her wonderful growth must be very gratifying to everyone at SDZ. Thank you for the fantastic care for all the bears, past and present.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Great photo of Su Lin in the tree. She will really enjoy her new climbing structures.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Our little girl has 12 new teeth! Ouch! Time to toughen up Bai. The little one was so cute today during her exam. Looked like she was showing off her new teeth.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Hi! Still waiting on Lisa’s blog about the trip to China with Mei Sheng. That will be interesting reading. Just read your update about Su Lin. Sounds like she’s getting to know her daddy Gao, and she’s enjoying her old exhibit. The new toys and climbing logs will be fun for her. We all know how she just LOVES to climb trees and logs all day as big as she is now. It’s amazing how nearly full grown pandas can still climb trees! I thought that they would quit the climbing when they have grown to their full sizes and large weights. Looks like Su will still be the climbing bug for awhile longer. Also checked the pandacam and saw baby girl sleeping. Didn’t see Bai in the den, so I’m sure that she’s out eating dinner and getting a little bit of alone time for herself. Can’t wait for the name ceremony on Nov. 26! Hope the SDZ will live stream it on their website so that we all can watch it, too.
Well, I’m gonna go and get back on pandacam to see what Bai and baby girl are up to.
Luv to all the panda keepers, Bai, and baby girl,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: We’ll most likely post video of the event when it becomes available.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
I love it when the Pandas can visit each other through the Howdy gates.
Margaret #3…….yesterday I saw Tai Shan at the gate and Tian was on the other side, but then along came Mei and she chased Tian away, she then went up to the gate and was chirping back at Tai Shan, then she put her nose up againest the gate and both paws up……Tai Shan did the same thing on the other side, he put his paws up on top of his Mom’s………it was so precious they stayed nose to nose paw to paw for a couple of mins. It was a special moment between Mom and baby……brought a tear to my eye.
November 14th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Really appreciate the update on SuLin & her checking out papa Gao through the howdy gate. She can tell from the scent that it’s not Mei Sheng. The training sessions must be fun – from what I’ve watched with Yang Yang & Jay (ZA) it’s amazing what these huge, magnificent animals learn. I’ve read so many stories about the pandas I don’t remember which one it was – but one loves the scent of rubbing alcohol so during a training session for a blood draw when the alcohol was put on his arm everything came to a halt as he had to rub it all over his head & body while the staff had a good laugh over his antics. And then MeiXiang loved the jelly used for ultrasounds so that procedure was easy for the staff.
#13 Lori – was amazed to read your blog about Tai & Mei – once he was weaned she ignored him – must have been a special moment – wish I’d seen it.
And now for our newest cubbie – what an exam it must have been if it took 4 people to handle our not so little one. Watch out for all those teeth – poor Bai
November 14th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
I don’t think Mei Xiang ignores Tai Shan. I was at the National Zoo after Tai and Mei were separated. Mei was in training. Tai was pretty close to the training area, walking and playing in the yard. They were ” talking” to each other. I had the video on youtube. It was a priceless moment.
I am wondering why the SDZ staff just started training Su Lin and not when she’s much younger. Tai Shan started his training before he turned 2.
I saw a picture with a staff leaning against a truck with Mei Sheng on it. It’s taken before Mei Sheng was sent off to his quarentine area. You could tell the staff lady is already missing him. It makes me a bit sad.
November 14th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
I saw Su Lin recently – actually the last day that Mei Sheng was on exhibit – and she is adorable. She was checking on big brother through the howdy gate – very sweet. I couldn’t believe how big she has gotten – it’s hard to believe she was ever as small as her little sister is… well was. Little sis is getting to be a big girl too – and I love the photo from her last exam with her mouth open – like she is showing off her new teeth – proclaiming that she’s not a baby anymore! Haven’t seen her outside yet – guess it’s been too warm here – so she prefers her air conditioned condo. Looking forward to the naming ceremony – and all the fun she will be getting into once she becomes more mobile.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Thanks for the update on Su. So many times when a new baby comes along we don’t get to hear as much about the others, so I appreciate the info.
I am excited, I just saw Bright Star escape from the den all by herself. I know others have seen it and it is not even close to the first time she has done it, but it’s the first time I saw her do it. I must admit she looks rather perculiar hoisting her ” tail end” over the bar. And she has quite a time clearing it. But, so cute!
Love, Joy
November 14th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
9 pm Pacific: Wild doings in the den! Bai & baby return from their evening outing; Bai exits, returns with giant piece of bamboo, waving it wildly; baby ducks away; baby crawls/is knocked out of den; Bai retrieves her; baby is unwilling recipient of cuddles/licking, looks suspiciously at large piece of bamboo. Gotta return to the action now
November 15th, 2007 at 6:55 am
We have all heard about the solitary lifestyle of pandas, but when the two mature panda at the national zoo are together, as they are now, they interact and play. I wonder if pandas in the wild had a easier time finding food like the zoo pandas do, if they would live a more social lifestyle.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:49 am
Twelve teeth in a week for the cub! I agree with Maureen – poor Bai… I had problems viewing the video clip of the latest exam, but managed to see the first part where she had her mouth wide open and a vet off camera said ” Show the teeth.” Talk about a toothy grin…
Watched Bai take the cub for a little drag this morning. Cute as the dickens, but I couldn’t help think how much harder it will be for Mom to tote her around before her little legs start moving better. It won’t be long now before she’s climbing all over the place all by herself. Good thing, too, as she’s quite the wiggle worm.
November 15th, 2007 at 9:17 am
Lori, #13, thanks for the update on Tai and Tian and Mei at the gate. I am shocked, but delighted, to hear that Mei actually communicated with Tai, and even responded physically. Last I read, she would moan when she got near him. Glad to know that her companionship with Tian has mellowed her considerably, and that she did respond to Tai. Since he has no siblings, or other young pandas, to communicate with, it is great to hear that his parents are giving him friendly greetings. It is especially great to hear that Mei put her paws up on the wire to touch his.
I am curious to hear how Gao and Su communicate down the road, as he gets accustomed to a young female, as opposed to young male, panda next door. It is a new experience for both of them.
November 15th, 2007 at 11:16 am
I just wonder if Mei didn’t chase Tian away because she thought that he might want to hurt Tai being that males rarely socialize. Lots of great goings on in the den and boy with all those teeth popping out , what’s next. I can hardly wait for the big announcement of our babys name. Viewing time again .
November 15th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
#12 Barbara – It has been Tian that has been socializing with Tai while Mei had just moaned at him. Was happy to hear they had a nice fer moments together. Am off to check the time lapse to see our cubbie’s ” big escape” .
November 15th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Thank you Pamela for the update. Su Lin is such a beautiful girl. Su Lin is like his brother with such a sweet smile. I found pandas carry a smile all day probably is because they are made to be loved.
November 15th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Hi! Got on the pandacam tonite, and guess what? No Bai, no baby girl! They are both out of the den probably outside enjoying the cool nite air for awhile. I also saw the wild goings on in the den a couple of nites ago! Bai was all over the place with that long piece of bamboo in her paws, and baby girl just couldn’t get out of the way fast enough! At least she was ok, and Bai was eating the bamboo inside the den. This could be a sign of things to come between the two of them! Read the vet check news and saw the video about baby girl’s 12 new teeth finally coming out. She’ll have plenty more teeth coming in over the next several months. She’s at 12 pounds and growing; didn’t get a length measurement, tho, but I think she’s close to 27 inches by now. Baby girl is growing at a pretty good rate, and those ears have finally popped out to where they are looking more like panda ears now. Looking forward to finding out about her new name next Monday! YEA!!! This panda baby will finally get her own name on that day!
Well, gonna go and check the pandacam again to see if Bai and baby girl have come back in. Also keeping up on the other pandas at Atlanta, Memphis, and DC on their pandacams. Call me a pandaholic! I just love these bears!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
November 15th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Well, looks like Su Lin is not such a loner after all! I used to worry about her because she seemed to prefer to spend time by herself up in the trees more than anything else!
Thanks for the update on her. I was also worried how she’s been handling Mei Sheng’s absence.
November 15th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
I am really surprised at the various styles of panda management at different zoos. SDZ seems to want to keep the pandas apart, mimicking their solitary lifestyle in the wild, and brings Bai & Gao together only for mating. NZ houses Tian & Mei together even though it’s not breeding season. And Tiergarten Schonbrunn in Vienna even put the adults together when the cub was just 2 months old! By the way, the cub is male and named Fu Long, or ” lucky dragon” for those who have not visited their website. Notice no paying homage to China or Vienna or Austria in the name. But I like it – it’s different and cute. Has anyone else noted on the Wolong website that a group just adopted a panda named Ming Zhu? Each panda is so unique, I hate it when there are 2 with the same name, even if they are in different facilities. The Chinese should not permit that. Surely there are enough different names to go around.
November 16th, 2007 at 6:29 am
Those girls were out all night again! I can only assume they were sleeping under the stars again. This morning, Bai brought in a bunch of bamboo and was standing up so her face was right in the cam as a close up. I’m not sure if she’s arranging the den and/or eating! Little one was trying to stay out of the way.
Happy Friday to everyone- off to have oral surgery and then home to watch the Pandas today… 
November 16th, 2007 at 9:58 am
Did you notice the grin on Su Lin’s face in the photo? She looks very much like her big brother up there!
November 16th, 2007 at 11:13 am
#27 Sharon, Fort Worth
Actually, the Vienna Zoo’s panda cub’s name, Fu Long, is an indirect acknowledgement to China. The dragon is the animal used to represent China. Chinese people have been called ” heirs of the dragon” .
November 16th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
WoW! Thanks Meerkats for the fabulous views of Su Lin up in her favorite tree with that big grin/smile on her face. Does she look like one happy panda girl or what!? She obviously is enjoying the new climbing features in her enclosure. I noticed a guy with a ladder looking up in the tree yesterday, so I guess they already started ” decorating” her space.
It is also great to see people walking by behind her. It gives you the perspective of just how high up she really is. It is a great perspective, and glad we got so see her there. It is almost like being there in person.
November 16th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Thanks, SDZ staff, for the update on the sweet princess! She sure has grown into a lot of something very cute!
November 17th, 2007 at 2:23 am
Thanks Chet for the added info on Fu Long’s name. He is one incredibly cute, and very much loved by mama Sissi, little Dragon!
November 17th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Saw Su Lin today in action enjoying her newly changed enclosure with enrichemnt logs and such. Boy was she having fun running around and being silly, what a treat that was as we all know she usually is up in the trees. Also got to see Gao Gao up and moving around, not eating with his back to everyone. Su Lin was very entertaining today and she had everyone laughing. Panda staff and keepers thanks for changing the enclosure so Su Lin could really enjoy her new found logs to climb and play on.
November 18th, 2007 at 9:50 am
I watched SuLin this morning and from the angle I was watching she looks so much like her daddy, she was sitting so peaceful eating and just looking around. What else to do on a Sunday morning.
November 19th, 2007 at 9:34 am
I am glad to see the kind comments about Su Lin and Gao Gao. I do hope they will get the chance to meet at the howdy gate, as Su seemed to enjoy her meetings with her brother so much. What a beautiful sight to see them together! Gao Gao seemed kindly towards Hua Mei when he met her a few years ago. I think it would do them both good to meet. Su Lin must miss the contact she had with dear Mei Sheng, and who would not miss him?
I hope we can see them together at the gate, to see if they do enjoy meeting up. What a wonderful bear family they are.
December 7th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Su Lin is so cute! She is independent, furry, and the cutest thing on four paws! She’s always a great big sis! I remember back in ‘05 hearing the wonderful news that the National Zoo had Tai Shan, but when Su Lin was born almost a month later, I was ecstatic! Not one, but two amazing pandas. Tai Shan is as cute as ever, but Su Lin is beautiful. Guess it’s in her genes! (After all, have you seen Bai Yun? Gorgeous!) I can’t wait to see how ” precious” her little sis Zhen Zhen will be. She’s already one my heart. Love the sisters, and the parents!
Wonder if Tai Shan and Su Lin will ever cross paths?
Panda fan
December 7th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Oh yah, and the black-and-white is definitely slimming! I got to see her eating today and noticed her contently munching on some bamboo. Love you Su Lin!
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