November Panda Notes and News
Posted at 10:27 am November 12, 2008 by Ellie RosenbaumIt’s been a few weeks since you’ve had a report on the goings-on at our Giant Panda Research Station, which is the bad news. The good news is that nothing much has been going on, and from our perspective, normal-normal, same ol’-same ol’, is a good thing! At this time of the year we don’t expect to see any hormonally induced behavior shifts. Zhen Zhen is busy eating and growing, the summer crowds have gone, and it’s a bit early for large numbers of field trips, so the Panda Canyon is quiet. The bi-weekly shifting of Gao and Su Lin has been proceeding flawlessly, so expect to see the change via the Panda Cam later this week. Even last week’s rain did not provoke much in the way of romping: ZZ slept right through it, and Gao sat and ate until he’d had enough of the downpour, then dragged his bamboo into the hollow tree and calmly finished in there. We won’t be expecting to see any signs of mother/cub separation until next year, so Bai and ZZ are still sharing quarters somewhat amicably.
I say “somewhat” because, as we’ve seen through previous cub-rearings, all food is Bai Yun’s food. She’s never hesitated to take anything right out of her cubs’ mouth, knocking them over if necessary. Her cubs, meanwhile, learn pretty quickly to grab the goodies and run, preferably up a tree and out of Mom’s reach. ZZ has this technique down pat, and we saw this happen early yesterday morning. Keepers are accommodating ZZ by splintering the bamboo culm into ZZ-sized strips, which the little cub can then splinter down and enjoy at will, as long as Mom doesn’t get them first. ZZ drags them up into the tree or a hammock; Mom’s figured out to look in the hammock for tasty leftovers.
And rarely but wonderfully for all, Bai will allow the cub to nurse for a short time. It doesn’t always appear to be enough to satisfy whatever ZZ needs, either nutritionally or emotionally, since Mom decides when to end and Zhen pursues her. These are short nursing bouts, and the cub is now well able to eat enough bamboo, biscuits, and vegetables to thrive and grow.
We’ll enjoy the quiet while it lasts. As the seasons change – for us and for the bears – things will certainly get livelier over the next few months, and we hope you’ll continue to check in here or in person at the San Diego Zoo to keep up on what’s happening with our beloved giant pandas.
Ellie Rosenbaum is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo.
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Thank you Ellie on the family update. I have a couple of questions for you.
Is Zhen Zhen given her biscuits and vegetables “in private” as we all know that Bai seeks out hers as soon as she reenters the compound after a cleaning. Also, SD’s bears seem to ignore the rain but others in US zoos beg to be let inside if it rains. Any explanation for this?
There is a new write-up at the NZ and it says Tai is 160 pounds now. Your website says Su Lin in 154 pounds. Either Tai is small or Su Lin is a big, little girl as they are approximately the same age. As long as they are healthy of course it’s fine, I just thought there would be more of a difference.
That’s it for now.
Lee
November 12th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Thanks, Ellie–it’s good to know all’s well in pandaland. I’m sure a few of us have been feeling sorry for Zhen Zhen when Bai Yun abruptly walks away, seemingly in the middle of a nursing session, and after making Miss ZZ practically stand on her head to reach her milk. Part of cub growing up, I guess–but as I’ve said so many times before–they are soooo cute together, nursing, playing, whatever.
Towards the end of the last blog, Ei #73 posted a link to Leouu’s photostream on Flickr–don’t miss it! Lots of beautiful pictures of Mei Sheng, Hua Mei, some of her cubs, Gao Gao at Ya’an before his journey to SDZ, just great stuff. Click on Leo’s name on the upper left to see the photostream, which has some notes in English.
And don’t worry, Ellie–we’ll be checking in!
November 12th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I love your updates! Thank you. This one, as the others, is charming. I’ll look forward to Gao and Su Lin being switched. And I still want to be a Meerkat!
November 12th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Thanks for the update! I love reading news on the pandas even nothing’s special. I can’t believe how big and grown up ZZ has gotten, especially when she’s eating boo in her hammock.
To Lee in Vancouver: I can’t say for all the pandas in the States, but Tian and Tai from NZ don’t really mind the rain. In fact, Tai loves it! When I was visiting him back in April, he had so much fun in trees in pouring rain! Mei, on the other hand, doesn’t like the rain. She will rest in the back of the outdoor yard by the gate where there’s cover. I guess she doesn’t want her beauty to be messed up. As for Tai’s weight, he probably lost some weight because of the summer season and inflamed esophagus, which you can read from the previous updates from NZ’s website. He was taking some medicine for his throat, and according to the latest update and my observation through the cam, he’s eating more now. Poor boy, you could definitely see him lost the chubbiness and the sparkle from his eyes were gone just from seeing his pictures! He’s more like his old self now, so let’s hope he will gain some weight in no time and be healthy and happy again.
What more can we want but to see our beloved animals happy and healthy!
November 12th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Thanks, Ellie. We are always happy to have an update on our favorite SDZ pandas. I had hoped to get out there to see them in person in January, but my job is being eliminated at the end of December so that makes the trip from the East Coast not possible now.
It is amazing how much ZZ has grown. Lately when I have been lucky enough to see her in her checkered hammock on the Panda Cam she fills it up. She seems to be quite the leisurely girl just chillin back and either taking it all in, or snacking. She does seem to be eating more lately, just like Su Lin did. It kind of creeps up on you. One day it looks like she is mimicking Bai Yun, and a few days later she is eating for real sustenance. I guess that is why she is growing so big in the past few weeks. More food in addition to her nursing.
“Little” man at ZA is sure growing fast too. Less than a month til he gets his very own name. Seems like we panda fans love to give nicknames in the absence of the “official” name. He appears to be laid back and somewhat independent like ZZ, and Lun Lun has been taking him on night time excursions like Bai Yun did at that age with ZZ. It will be interesting to see how his personality develops as he becomes mobile. Lun seems to be more laid back this time, at least so far. Since she has gotten used to him being removed every day for weighing, she might not be so over protective like she was with Mei Lan. I am curious to see if he is a momma’s boy like Mei Sheng and Tai Shan. I read somewhere that male cubs were more attached to the dam than female cubs, and tended to stay with them longer in the wild before they go off on their own. Time will tell there too.
November 12th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I make the comparisons between all the cubs I’ve watched grow (#4 now)… For a long time, watching Tai Shan and Su Lin, I thought maybe, male cubs slept more on their backs (Tai seemed to spend much of his time that way). Now, watching the latest ZA cub, I’m gathering it’s a very individual thing. Bless Tai’s pointy little head – he just wanted to show everybody that he was special…. oh yes, and a boy!
Interesting the differences in the rain affinity too! I had to chuckle about Gao Gao…. eating first (ignoring the rain). Then, finally when he figured it just was NOT going to go away, alternate arrangements for eating… what a smart bear!
Love them all!
November 13th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Thanks for the update!
Always love to hear news on the pandas! 
Still been watching everyday, can just sit for hours and watch them! 
I actually saw on camera ZZ having a brief nursing session with Bai, very sweet to see it! I so can’t wait for the day I can come out there and visit these guys!!
I too have been watching the little cub at ZA (have both San Diego & ZA cams up so I can watch :p ) It’s amazing to see how fast he’s growing! Wasn’t that long ago when he was so tiny, not being able to move around much at all! Now I see him moving about/wriggling around on the floor
Can’t wait to hear what name he gets!! 
November 13th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Thank you so much for the updates! I appreciate anything you can tell us because I know how busy you must be even if things are “quiet”!! I enjoy hearing about these two and their antics. The way Bai teaches ZZ is amazing! I am presently watching the cub at the Atlanta Zoo, and watching him brings back so many memories of ZZ when she was his age – precious moments! Thanks again for everything all of you do to give us these updates – have a good day!
November 13th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Just a few minutes ago, the little fellow from Atlanta was lying on his side and I could see one front paw very well, it is BIG!! Not surprising considering all the scooting around, actually from the movements from his back legs, he seems to me to be swimming in an empty pool, more than scooting. He also was scratching himself, successfully actually (see comments on the AZ updates from a few days ago). He is growing so fast he may be catching MeiLan’s weight at the same age.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Really, really enjoyed watching ZZ and Mom in an indoor den this morning. At one point it reminded me of a child playing on Mom’s bed trying to wake her up to feed her! Absolutely adorable. Thank you!
November 13th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Oh what fun watching Bai and Zhen this morning. Both pandas were having a ball rolling around in the dirt and getting muddy. What a wonderful way to start my day
Thank you Meerkats for the great job following them around during this fun time.
Moderator: What was the enticing scent that got Bai and Zhen all excited?
Moderator’s note: Keepers tell us the panda exhibits received new grass sod, mulch, and fir bark–all kinds of new smells to enjoy!
November 13th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I would come visit every weekend if I lived in and around the SD Zoo, But unfortunately I live in Seattle Washinghton:( So Im sending lots of love from me to you all there
November 13th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
367 days until I see our dear pandas in person. I am glad to hear Panda Canyon is quiet this time of year as I’d hate to travel all the way from Scotland and get shuffled quickly past. ZZ was so funny a few days ago in her hammock peeking backwards at her fans.
November 13th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
AMAZING close-up shots of big daddy Gao Gao this afternoon. That is one happy panda!
November 13th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
OK — now there is the most adorable picture of Zhen Zhen (mini me) up in the tree, and Bai Yun closer to the ground — both with the exact same “I’ve flopped down and can’t move I’m so relaxed” pose. What a pair!
November 13th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Thanks, Linda A. #10 and Rose. N. #11 for alerting me to the fun this morning. Even at time-lapse speed there were lots of amazing moments. A great day for panda watching–good work, Meerkats!
November 13th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I was lucky enough to come and see the pandas just before ZZ was born. I have watched 3 cubs grow up on the San Diego webcam now. So you can imagine my excitement at the news we may be getting a pair of pandas in London! I cant wait!! My daughter is saving for a season ticket already!
November 13th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
# 1 Lee in Vancouver
According to the NZ site Tai weighed 181lbs. in April of this year. Apparently he’s now on his way to gaining back the weight he lost
November 13th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Conversation with Gao Gao #47
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: Now that’s an interesting diagram.
G: Oh, Mei Sheng is submitting a design for the new balance beam apparatus.
T: Oh, for next year’s Pandalympic events?
G: Uh huh.
T: Hmmm. The beam sits rather high…
G: Oh, that’s to accommodate the mirroring routines.
T: Mirroring routines?
G: There will be pair competitions.
T: You mean there will be performance beneath the beam?
G: Yup. They will be graded on ability to cling to the underside of the beam.
T: Wow.
G: And yet mirror the performer atop the beam.
T: And I suppose they will switch between above and below the beam.
G: Right. They will be graded on smooth transitions.
(Then back in Bifengxia)
Hua Mei: Hey, your balance beam is great.
Mei Sheng: So you like my new prototype, eh?
H: The wowotous line up nicely, too.
M: Thanks. It’s nice to have smooth snack transition in the balance beam routine.
(Meanwhile, in Atlanta)
Cubbie #2: Oomph. [Grunt. See, look. I do great push ups.]
Lun Lun: So you’re practicing, too, huh?
C: Squeak. [And now for the snack transition, right?]
L: Not quite. First, you need a bath.
C: Squawk. [Groan. But Ma! There's no bath transition in the balance beam competition.]
November 13th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Hi, you all! It’s just after 1am EST, Fri., 11/14, and I just watched the funniest episode of the Bai and ZZ show that I have seen yet! Bai was resting on her big stump, ZZ was asleep on her tree branch mat. Then, Bai decided that she had an itch, got up, went to the tree, and started to scratch her itchey spots on her back and rump on the tree stump! This woke up ZZ, she looked down to see what was making the tree move, watched her mom scratch her itches, then decided to go back to her branch mat and go back to sleep. Bai must have been scratching her itches for about 2 minutes when she finally felt she was satisfied that those itchey spots were gone. Then, she got up and walked around for a little bit. ZZ was already napping when Bai got up for her walk.
Sue in UK, congrats to all of you in London! Read your comments about the London Zoo getting 2 pandas soon! Great timing, too! They will be a great addition for everyone to see and learn about the conservation efforts of these pandas, and they will be there when London hosts the 2012 Olympics. The conservation message has to be priority number one about these pandas, tho. Everyone needs to know what the situation is for the wild pandas in Sichuan Province after the quake, and what the Chinese are doing in their efforts to keep these bears going. Have fun!
Ellie, great update on the whole panda family. It’s going to be fun watching them as the weather starts to cool down some more, and the 2 holidays come around. Fun time at the zoo!
Gonna go and get to bed. Will write back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
November 14th, 2008 at 1:19 am
Sue #17 There will be Pandas back in London?! where did you hear that? I really hope this is true!! I’ve been wanting to see Pandas in the flesh for so long but haven’t been able to afford a trip over to the US to see the ones at SDZ or AZ! You’re so lucky you’ve been able to see them!
November 14th, 2008 at 7:05 am
I’ve had a good laugh over Bai literally taking the food out of her own kiddie’s mouth and knocking her over as well!! Haven’t been able to watch for a while as I was literally unable to walk with a bad back. All better now (after medication) and looking forward to more panda antics.
To those of you that remember I was getting some black bamboo: well, it has arrived and duly been planted. It won’t turn black for a few years, but I can wait. Since I can’t get a real panda maybe I should make some and tie them to the stems!
November 14th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Becca # 21, I don’t know about pandas in London but I do know that Edinburgh is probably going to have a pair – when I’m not sure. I shall certainly be making a trip up there when they arrive. Perhaps all us UK panda lovers could hire a coach (or six).
November 14th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Susan #22 – I can sympathize with you. Glad you are feeling better. Welcome back.
November 14th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Susan #23, Edinburgh Zoo hoped to get pandas next year 2009 for their centenary. Gordon Brown was supposed to discuss the loan during the Bejing Olympics. I live 25 miles away from the zoo so wouldn’t it be amazing if China sent Mei Sheng. It would be ironic if the panda pair arrive so near to home next year when I am planning my November 2009 trip to the USA including San Diego.
November 14th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Hey, you all! Susan/UK, I thought that London Zoo would be getting the pandas, and now I read that the Edinburg Zoo might be getting the pandas. Either way, all of you UK pandafans are going to have a real nice treat for the next several years! Hopefully, there will be male and female pandas coming your way, and hopefully, there will be a cub born in the UK in a few years! Just let us know what’s going on across the Atlantic pond, ok? We’re all very interested in this! Edinburg will be 100 years old next year? Have a great celebration along with the 2012 Olympics coming to London!
Just saw Bai eating her early dinner boo, and ZZ is up in her tree hammock just napping away! Checked in on the AZ pandacam a couple of times today. First time, no cub; Lun had tranported him to another room. Second time, saw the cub back in the den sleeping. He’s also at 7.9 pounds, 1/10 of a pound short of 8 pounds! He’s looking great!
P Wong, your conversations were hilarious, especially the last section between mama Lun and her cub! That one got me laughing real good! Keep them coming!
Well, gonna go and watch Shuttle Endeavor lift off on TV. They’re headed for the space station again.
Love to all the pandas,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
November 15th, 2008 at 3:30 am
P Wong….thank you for your latest conversation. Your postings are always such a bright spot in the day. Please keep them coming!
November 15th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Rose N #24, thanks. Strange, isn’t it; last week I was crying in agony, this week I’m out in the garden planting up pots! I am being very careful and taking note of any twinges.
Marion #25, I do so hope we get pandas in the UK next year. I know what you mean – the pandas arrive here and you’re in San Diego! But then you can come home and go and visit more pandas! I still think Bai, Gao Gao, ZZ and Su Lin (plus all the other fantastic animals) just have to be seen. San Diego Zoo is unlike any other zoo I have ever been to.
November 17th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Susan #28, we visited SD zoo in March 2003 and saw Hua Mei. Gao Gao and Bai were off exhibit trying for Mei Sheng I think. It was for my husband’s 40th birthday and I promised myself I’d go back for mine in 2009. I agree it is a brilliant zoo.
November 18th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Hi Panda Fans!! It has been so wonderful to see how Miss ZZ is growing up… she looks SO cute on her hammock eating or resting… (playing food keep away from Mom)!
Today I saw our little man at ZA laying on his side… it was my first time to see him this way. He is getting stronger ever day…I assume he’s trying to copy what he sees his mom doing.
He is growing SOOOO fast!! I’d love to hear the sounds he makes during his physicals. Like Mei Lan, I’m sure he puts out quite the squeek!
November 19th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
The first Panda that was found by a villager has died from it’s illness. The pandas internal organs had begun to shut down and no matter what heroic efforts were made the panda passed away. They will be doing a full necropsy to determine the exact cause of death. this is sad news as is everytime we lose one of these precious animals. I haven’t been able to get online alot lately, but a Big Thanks to all because i was able to get caught up on what’s been happening
December 1st, 2008 at 3:21 pm
The PBS station here in Las Vegas showed “A Panda Tale”, a documentary on Zhen Zhen and the Panda Station at SDZ in general. Is it just me, or is ZZ a total ham?…=). She seemed to be playing to the crowds constantly, even when she was nursing or in a tree taking a nap. Watching her in the snow was as cute as it was funny, ZZ trying to tackle a tree branch covered in snow, only to tumble off and slide down the snowpack. Eating, sleeping, playing all the time…the occasional visit to the doctor’s office, all at no charge…oh, the rough life of an cute and intelligent panda cub…LOL.