The Panda Follies
Posted at 11:00 am December 2, 2008 by Ellie RosenbaumSharp-eyed viewers and perplexed visitors to the San Diego Zoo have noticed that things look a bit different than they did on Sunday. We’ve been playing “Musical Bears,” rotating the animals into different areas. There are some changes in store for Bai and ZZ’s exhibit, and as the demolition and construction commenced Monday morning, they were moved to the normally closed “classroom exhibit” to be as far away from the din as possible. We then opened this single area to guests and will continue to do so until the projects are completed. Now, I could tell you what’s going on, but let’s keep it a surprise for everyone, actual and virtual viewer alike. (Change is good.)
Moving animals around, taking them on and off exhibit, and changing their environment all provide valuable stimulation, keeping the animals intrigued and engaged. Okay, okay, that’s the official commentary on what happened Monday morning; but really, it was just plain FUN! ZZ was busily settling down for a nap in the trees when the noise started, compounded by more noise from the Elephant Odyssey construction zone above the area. She slid down the tree, not wanting to be too far from Mom in the face of these strange, not-too-panda-friendly sounds.
Concern soon gave way to playtime, however, and Mom and cub were all over the exhibit for the next three hours. In and out of the trees, in and out of the pond, rolling in the pine shavings (a favorite treat) that the keepers thoughtfully provided. It’s been nearly a year since Bai and ZZ were in this area, and long-time panda fans may recall this space as Bai Yun’s first and favorite outdoor area. There was a lot of mutually instigated interaction, and we were treated to a “mini-me” demonstration of scent-marking by ZZ, as she mimicked her mother. (Remember that this exhibit space has been alternately occupied by Gao Gao and Su Lin, so there were lots of other scents to investigate and, for Bai, mark with her own scent to establish her place in this space. It’s common to see this behavior continue after we move the bears around, so keep looking for it over the next two days on Panda Cam.)
And what of the other pandas? Gao is in the other, out-of-view outdoor area, and Su Lin, more sensitive to noise, is in her bedroom suite behind the Giant Panda Research Station. The dedicated keepers were out several times to check on their charges to be sure that everyone was doing as well as could be expected and, of course, they were. We’re all anxious to return to our regular station area, but for now it’s been a delightful and not unexpected turn of events.
Ellie Rosenbaum is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo.
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December 2nd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
This is also great preparation for ZZ for her weaning in three months. She will have the chance to refamiliarize herself with the area before she goes there on her own. It must be a terrific enrichment opportunity for three of the pandas. Hopefully Su Lin can be in the garden room bedroom area so she can get some outdoor viewing and a smaller tree to climb. Being inside all the time wouldn’t be too much fun for her, even though she is more shielded from the sounds she doesn’t like.
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Will the construction project will be complete before Christmas Day? I plan to visit SDZ that day, and I’d love to see the changes. –BAK
Moderator’s note: It should be done in a few days.
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
My husband and I are coming to visit the first week of March. We are both pandaholics and can’t wait to see San Diego. He has never been to CA and I haven’t been in 35 years or so. I was quite young!!!! We figure it will be a good chance to get away from Maine weather, just when we are getting tired of the SNOW. I will check to see what special activities you have planned for that time frame once it get closer. Meanwhile, I enjoy watching from my monitor. Lisa
Moderator’s note: We look forward to your visit, Lisa. We are celebrating all things bear with a “Bear Bonanza” March 19 to 22. More details will be posted on the Web site as they become available.
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
What a wonderful enrichment experience for Zhennie and Bai! I was fortunate to catch them on cam yesterday. Thank you ever so much for the blog Ellie! I was wondering what was going on as I did a double take when I saw; not one, but TWO pandas in what I thought was where Su Lin was. I was wondering when or IF the keepers would rotate Bai and Zhennie to the right exhibit to give them a change of pace but apparently they did better since Bai is now in her favorite exhibit. It’s great that Zhennie gets to have a change in her environment.
I look forward to hearing about Zhennie and Su Lin “Suzie” interacting at the “howdy gate”…!
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Hi Ellie – Thanks for bringing us up-to-date on the big “surprise”. Recently, while watching the Panda Cam, I knew something was going on.
I really enjoyed your description of Zhen scent marking. How cute that must be to watch her imitate her mom. I hope on my next visit to the Zoo, this coming Saturday, I will be able to witness little Zhen’s new behavior. It sure will be nice when Su Lin and Gao Gao are back on rotation
By the way, this Saturday, December 6th is snow day at the Polar Bear Plunge. Also, this Saturday, Joan Embery will be signing copies of the Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health at the Zoo Store.
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Ellie, thanks for the update on our precious Panda’s. I leave next Tuesday the 9th for San Diego to visit my daughter, who lives in Torrey Pines, and hope to visit my Panda’s. The last time I was there, Sue Lin was still with her Mom. My how time flys, now it is little ZZ who is about to be on her own. I am looking forward to seeing them all when I visit. Are you planning anymore babies for Bai Yun? Or has she done her share? I wonder if my little Sue Lin will be sent to China when she is four, like her brother???
Thanks for all the info you give us.
Bless you all.
Shirley
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
How come Su Lin is not in a cam? What happened to her?Anyways,I love watching Zhen Zhen play with her mom even during construction.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:37 am
I’m flying out from the east coast to vacation in So Cal in a few weeks…. Hoping that some time during the 2nd week in January, I’ll be giving the SDZ pandas a visit.
Moderator’s note: Nicole, be sure to visit during our Koalapalooza event January 16 to 19! http://www.sandiegozoo.org/koalapalooza/index.html
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:25 am
Ohh no… thanks, moderator, for letting me know about Koalapalooza… they are also fave critters of mine… but unfortunately I’m flying back east Jan 11th!!!!! Bummer!!!
Moderator’s note: Well, we have remodeled our koala exhibit area, so you’re sure to see these delightful marsupials on your visit. And there’s always those pandas…
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:01 am
I love it, Moderator! “And there is always those pandas…” Too funny!
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I hope everyone got to vote on a name for our chubby cubbie in AZ because today at 4 pm EST the voting is over and now we wait for the name to be announced.
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Ellie, Thanks so much for the update. Is it really only 3 months until the weaning/separation time for Zhen Zhen? No matter what I have learned, this will be a “crying time”…I don’t think it ever gets any easier. Blessings, Claudia
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Hi, you guys! Hope you all had the opportunity to vote for a name for the AZ panda cub before the voting was closed. It’ll be great to find out what his name will be on Dec. 8, and also on that date, the AZ pandacam will be on 24/7 for the last time. They will be back on regular pandacam hours, Mon.-Fri., 10am-5pm, on Dec. 9, 2008. I sure was hoping that they could keep the cam on 24/7 like SDZ, NZ, and MZ does, but no luck! At least we’ll see the cub during the daylight hours during the week.
Had the chance to watch all of the panda vids on youtube that some of you mentioned over the last month. They were cute, funny, and awesome to watch!
Moderator, need to know which panda that was on Cam C15 tonite at around 8:30pm PST. This cam number was not on the pandacam list, so I’m wondering which panda was which here! I think by seeing the size of the panda that this could be ZZ lying on the platform sound asleep. She’s a little smaller than the other pandas. Anyway, let me know if I’m right, ok?
Saw the AZ panda cub sound asleep in his den tonite. Can’t believe that he has grown to be 10 pounds already! WOW!!! You can see how much he has grown on the pandacam over the last month alone. Also, 2 more baby teeth have started to come in! This cub has made a couple of milestones in the last week!
All of the panda keepers are having fun with doing musical enclosures with the pandas! ZZ will really have some fun with this because she will be in a brand new area that she’s never been in before, and the sights, smells, and scents she’ll be encountering will get her attention real quick, then that little curiosity bug will get going in her! I wonder if ZZ will miss her branch mat and hammock? Have fun, ZZ!! Hopefully, all of that construction noise won’t bother the pandas too much while the work is being done.
Well, gonna go and get to bed. Will check back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
December 4th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Got a great view of someone sleeping on C15 at 1 Am EST last night. I thought it might be Su Lin because it is in old bedroom where she was when she was separated from Bai Yun, and where we saw Bai placidly sleeping while awaiting the arrival of ZZ. But the body took up one small corner of the shelf nearest the walls, so I decided it must be ZZ. It was way too small to be Bai Yun whose body covers the entire shelf. I hope it was Su Lin because it indicated she might have some access to the outdoors during the renovation.
Moderator’s note: Camera 15 shows Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen’s “garden room.”
December 4th, 2008 at 8:42 am
P.S. Mei and Tian are really having a great wrestling match at NZP this morning. I haven’t seen them together in over a year since prior to 2008 breeding season. It is great fun to watch and listen in person, but that hasn’t happened on my visits there this year.
I am looking forward to breeding season 2009 for Bai and Gao, and curious as to how long she will be receptive to him this time around.
December 4th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Thank you for the update. I’ll look forward to the pandas enjoying the new habitat.
I saw “Panda Tales” last night. I don’t think I can articulate how it made me feel. I, personally, get up in the morning, and first thing, check on all our pandas. I get wrapped up in this little world of mine, and that their cuteness is for my enjoyment, and they’re there for me to love. But the show made me realize how important the work is that the SDZ, as well as the other zoos, and of course, the Chinese research and preservation, is. Mei Sheng is the only male offspring of Gao. While we were so sad to see him go, he is so important to the panda world. Every birth of a cub is so important in helping the preservation of the endangered panda. The weening of ZZ is important. I could go on and on. I will look at our pandas differently from now on. I will still be totally captivated by their cuteness, and watch every attempt to “crawl” by our new cubby, but I will really appreciate the efforts and care given by those who care for our pandas. Thank you, SDZ, for the “Panda Tale.” It was so much more than ZZ’s first year.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I feel somehow relieved that I am not the only pandaholic in the world. My friends even suggest that I should go to a ‘PA’ (pandaholic anonymous) meeting or 12 step meeting for my addiction.
I’m flying from San Francisco to see all four of the pandas in your zoo tomorrow(for only 2 days). I hope the construction does not mean that I will not see anyone of them.
Thank you all who work there for giving all those animal such loving care.
Moderator’s note: You’ll be able to see Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen. And don’t forget the other animals! We look forward to your visit, Faye. Pandaholics are always welcome here.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Hi Fellow Panda Fans…
Just a heads up tonight on Animal Planet is Pandamonium!! I believe from the clips that it will be about Wolong and the work there. Told my husband Survivor was “out” if it’s on at the same time..
Can’t wait for Monday to see what the little Prince in Atlanta is going to be named…
Have a great day everyone!!
December 4th, 2008 at 11:19 am
It’s been a crazy week for me been getting ready to go on visition packing, cleaning, and Christmas decorating. But I always have to make time for all the pandas which is my saving grace. We’ll be leaving this Saturday for Orlando Fl. so I’ll be down there for cubbies 100 day celebration and his new name I’m taking my computer with me can’t miss a minute. I found out Panda Tales will not be shown in my area I would be happy if I found out I could see it in Orlando I will be there for a week. Can’t wait to see the SDZ pandas new digs.
December 4th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I tuned in this morning and had to look twice, there was Madame Bai eating away and directly across was our Zhen Zhen doing a mirror image of her mother. Off the cute meter. I’m so excited about getting to see Panda Tales this Sat. from what everyone has said I can hardly wait.
December 4th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Hi! I just thought of something else. I read about 2-3 months ago that SDZ was keeping the Wolong earthquake relief fund open thru December, 2008. Is that still the case now, will it be extended, or have you ended the fund raising? Would love to hear how much has been raised for Wolong Panda Center! I know that both NZ and AZ both raised pretty good amounts of money thru their Wolong fundraisers earlier in the summer. Haven’t heard what Memphis Zoo has raised yet, and their website is still having problems. If the SDZ fundraiser is still open, please keep donating, ok? Wolong will really appreciate all the help that they can get as they continue to get their new facilities rebuilt in a new, safer location in China.
Thanks for letting me know who was on Cam C15; saw the cam number listed on the pandacam list. Now I know that that was probably ZZ on that platform last nite! She’s found a new favorite sleeping spot!
Looked in on the AZ panda cub, also. He was sound asleep on top of some of his mom’s boo! Saw Bai eating her boo on the SDZ pandacam, but no sign of ZZ. She’s probably up a tree somewhere napping!
Well, gonna go and do some things. Will check back later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: We are still accepting donations for the Wolong Relief Fund. So far, $87,000 has been raised. Thank you to all who donated. See our update information page at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/wolongupdate/index.html
December 4th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I loved Panda Tales last sunday. I was startled to see myself in two images of spectators at ZZ’s birthday party. What fun.
December 4th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Hi Everyone,
I can’t wait to see what you people are doing to improve the panda’s home! I thought the
sod was a nice improvement. Hope you guys are fast with construction. It is hard to tell
who is who when you play ‘Musical Bears’. I’m sure it is a lot of extra work for the keepers.
I wanted to point out the best panda video I’ve ever watched! It is on Youtube. the title
is -Lun Cuddles and Cleans her Cub-12-02-08. If you have family and friends who don’t
understand’Panda People’, then just show them this!!
Linda
December 4th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Linda #23 – Thanks for sharing. The video of Lun and her sweet cub is awesome. This video truly touches the heartstrings and is very, very tender and moving. The close-ups are also exceptional.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
#23 Linda – Thank you for the tip on the wonderful Youtube clip. That video was absolutely beautiful. You hit it right on the money when you said this is a definitive video for Panda People. Everyone in the world should have to watch that video.
December 5th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Thank you #23 Linda for your recommendation, the video is great. Both the mother and the baby are very sweet, lovely, adorable etc… And the music is perfect too.
December 5th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Hi, guys! Thought you all might like to know how much this cub at AZ has been growing over the last couple of weeks. He had his physical earlier today (Fri., 12/5) by the zoo vets, and he has a very good clean bill of health! They also took some measurements on the cub, and here are the numbers for everyone to gawk at: body length–23″; tail length–2 1/2″; neck girth–11 1/2″; chest girth–17″; abdominal girth–19 1/4″; nose width–2″; weight–11 pounds!
As you can see, this little guy has done some growing! Only 3 more days until he gets his new name and the pandacam’s last 24/7 pandacam watch!
Moderator, thanks for letting me know about the SDZ Wolong fundraiser. Hope you all can keep it going for as long as possible. Wolong Reserve Center will really appreciate the help!
Haven’t looked in on the other pandacams today. Did get a quick look on the SDZ cam, but it was too dark to see anything. Been busy during the day and this was the first chance I had to get on my computer! Will check on the cams and write to you all later on.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
December 5th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Hello panda lovers. Voting has ended for the name of the panda prince of Atlanta. The big day is Monday, December 8 – when we will know the winning name for the little feisty one. I envy those of you who will be able to watch the cermonies live. I hope someone captures it for youtube, so I can catch up on the ceremony when I come home from work.
Speaking of youtube, I found three videos today that are compilations of pandas from all over and they are so entertaining and fun to watch. I especially liked the panda parade in Wolong when several of the cubs were wheeled into panda kindergarten in strollers – on a red carpet, no less!! If you’re interested, go to youtube and search for “Naughty Pandas in their hometown”. Enjoy!!
December 6th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I just got to watch Panda Tales on my local PBS station (NJN) and I laughed at (with) Zhen as she took her first wobbly steps, I cried when they showed Sheng leaving, I laughed again at Zhen in the snow… What a GREAT film!!! I hope that all the PandaFANatics here are able to see it sometime. It is worth bothering and pestering your local PBS stations to air it!!! I emailed all my stations (I have access to 4 different PBS stations on my cable) every day until they said they would air it and when. I figure “The squeaky cubs get the milk” so I squeaked until they responded… AND it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO worth it!
I am also getting ready to visit Tai Shan and the Tians in DC. They have light displays to celebrate the holidays. And I just got news that I will be going to Atlanta next fall for a week to visit the Yangs. Oh, I feel like a contented panda who just enjoyed 2 boxes of honey on my hammock.
I hope everyone else has had as good a day in PandaLand.
Love, Joy
December 6th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I’m so happy to find this blog and, along with some others it seems, learn that my panda obsession (with Zhen Zhen in particular) may not be entirely abnormal. I was able to visit the zoo in August, just after Zhen Zhen’s birthday, and discovered the Panda Cam (if only we could make it full screen). I’ve been entirely addicted for several months.
Today I was rather frightened to see ZZ apparently alone in her exhibit, pacing everywhere for hours and seemingly looking for Mom. After seeing them playing together so much just yesterday, I couldn’t believe they’d been separated so soon. But fortunately, not yet. Perhaps Bai Yun was merely sleeping somewhere off-camera, and ZZ was burning off some energy. It’ll be super to see them together in their newly refurbished exhibit.
There’s another wonderful YouTube video called “Precious moments with Bai Yun and Zhen” somehow captured from the Panda cam. Do look that up, everyone. Some, like me, may have seen that happen live!
Thank you, Zoo and moderator, for the Panda Cam and for keeping us up to date with these adorable creatures.
December 7th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Sun., 12/7/2008, 10am PST (1pm EST): Hey, Moderator! Got on the SDZ pandacam today at the time mentioned, and the pandacam was on cam C3. Who is the panda on that cam? You don’t have that cam number listed, so I couldn’t tell whether it was Gao, Su Lin, or Bai/ZZ on the cam. The panda on C3 did find a nice snack, tho!
Can’t wait until tomorrow when Atlanta Zoo will announce the cub’s new name! Hopefully, the name will fit this cub’s personality. Saw a short video of the cub during his regular vet check, and it was miked; this cub let out a loud yelp and growl! He was making some kind of a statement to everybody in there! Also, the new update for yesterday (Sat., 12/6) was funny. The keeper that wrote it saw this cub scooting all the way from his spot in the den to his mom, Lun, without stopping to rest until he got there! He was on a mission to get to mommy for some lunch–sweet milk! This little guy has got some spunk, you all!
Today is December 7, Pearl Harbor Day. Let us all remember those who sacrificed and died for our freedom during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. This was the second deadliest attack on America; 9/11/2001 was the deadliest on America. Please keep praying for our US military personnel that are out there fighting to keep our freedom and liberty safe and secure! They will surely appreciate it alot especially during the Christmas holiday season!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: Su Lin could be seen on C 1, 2, and 3 on Sunday. There was a lull during the construction, so keepers let her out to “stretch her legs.”
December 7th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Could we possibly get a blog by one of Mei Sheng’s keepers in China. I would love to read a detailed blog on how and what he has been doing. Also, I would love to see some pictures of him and his new home.
December 7th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Hi All
Tomorrow at this time our little guy at Zoo Atlanta will have been given his new name.
I voted for “Little Buddy”, submitted by the Giant Panda Keepers. I think they are totally deserving of naming the new cub. A truly wonderful tribute to these super people who look after these magnificient animals on a daily basis.
I was lucky enough to be in the “majority”, when voting for Zhen Zhen’s name.
A “shout-out” to all keepers at all zoos!! Thank you!!
December 7th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I have a photo of our holiday lights display featuring Giant Pandas pulling Santa’s sleigh and various pandas in the yard posted on our local news website if possible I’d like to share with the zoo staff and the pandabloggers: search for “Pinellas County holiday lights” then click “1487 Carolyn Lane Clearwater”.
Big day for the lad at Zoo Atlanta on Monday. He gets his name. I voted a name for him on my home computer, my work computer, my wife’s computer.
December 7th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I love seeing Zhen Zhen play with her mommy they look so cute together! and they look so cute to hug!
December 8th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Well, Panda Tales was fantastic, all the memories of watching Zhen grow up and being able to see our boy again just made my day. Tears of joy and sadness and being able to see Su and big daddy and of course mamma Bai was quite a treat. It was nice to hear Dr.Ron Swaisgood speak on all the efforts being done to insure the future of our beloved pandas. I was also sad to see a picture of Mao Mao who was lost in the earthquake and to hear what a beautiful and endearing panda she was, Ron spoke of knowing her since she was a cub. I will be watching again tonight just in case I case I missed something the first time. On friday I watched a couple of small clips from a animal planet web sight, it was from the day the earthquake hit. It show the mountain coming down and the babies who were at play start to scream with fright, this brought me to tears,as the keepers had to climb to get them out of the trees and off their play structures.They did not want to be on the ground. As they were put in a cell like cage they all climbed the bars to get to the top,even the smallest baby did not want to be on the ground. This really show the dedication of the staff and the length they went to making sure that all the babies and all the pandas survived.
December 8th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Well it’s official our Cubbie has a name Xi Lan Atlanta’s Joy.
December 8th, 2008 at 10:03 am
This news just in….the Atlanta cub’s new name is Xi Lan, which translates to (I think…correct me if I’m wrong.)…
Atlanta Joy.
I have to say that yesterday I watched the cutest bout of play, between Bai and Zhen Zhen, that I have ever watched. Mom, at one point, was actually standing on her head, while her daughter pounced on her face. What a pair! It was pure joy. Then they decided to chase each other around the yard.
I TOTALLY LOVE PANDAS!!
December 8th, 2008 at 10:08 am
to #36 – Barbara. Was this a program on Animal Planet that you watached? If so, what is the name of it…would like to see it myself. Atlanta baby boy is now Xi Lan (shee-lan) “Atlanta’s Joy”. So now they have Xi Lan and Mei Lan. What cute names!
December 8th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Carol #32, As of late September, Mei Sheng was doing well in his temporary building and yard at the Reserve in Ya’an (BiFengXia). He was in the building next to his big sister, Hua Mei, who was also a very healthy camper. With luck they have moved into their new permanent quarters which were under construction when we were there.
Here’s how to see a sample of pictures from that trip.
http[colon][slash][slash]flickr[dot]com[slash]photos[slash]kkshaw43[slash]sets[slash]72157608309937935[slash]
December 8th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Congratulations Xi Lan (XL)!
Where oh where have those panda bears gone? I kept watching C32 last night and this morning, but no one is in sight. Glad to read that C1,2,3 are back in operation. Can’t wait to hear how Su Lin likes the new gig.
December 8th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Mary Lou#36 Panda Tales was on our local NJN network in N.J. around the country it’s on most PBS or local stations you really have to check carefully. I found it by checking the pbs stations online schedule and it gave me the info for my local station.
December 8th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Barbara, #36, I, too, am watching Panda Tales again tomorrow night. I loved the music. “Mystic Mountain” was a wonderful song. Does anyone know who did it? I suppose I could actually read the credits. It was a show full of tears of joy and sadness – and a lot of hope.
Moderator’s note: According to an article in our member magazine, ZOONOOZ, eight original music pieces were written and performed by San Diego composer and lyricist Paul Montesano for Panda Tales.
December 8th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Linda A #43 Your last line sums it up perfectly, happy watching. I too found the music very beautiful and so well done.
December 8th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I’m wondering how far the crash of the F-18 today was from the Zoo. Did it scare the Pandas or other
animals? Thank You
Moderator’s note: The crash occurred about 10 miles from the Zoo. According to our curator of mammals, the animals did not seem to be affected. Thank you for your concern.
December 8th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I just saw Zhen Zhen in the tree sleeping in a branch hammock! So cute! I wonder how she knows where to sleep?
December 8th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Moderator, thank you for the name of the artist. I found out I can actually order the soundtrack. I don’t know if Panda Tales was shown on the other PBS during pledge, but on our local affiliate, you can order the Panda Tales CD. My Christmas wish list is full of just panda stuff!
And Xi Lan! While I didn’t vote for that, I love it. Xi and Mei. I suppose we can’t call our boy Lanni too.
December 8th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Tony #34 – Great job! Your Panda Christmas display is very clever and unique. It looks like Santa and his “pandas” have landed in Florida
December 8th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I got to see Panda Tales on NJN last Saturday too–it was so good to see our little movie star (OK, TV star) from her teensy beginnings. I have loved every second of her growing up and it’s so great to have a record of it.
I’m looking at pandacam now and there’s a spider on the camera–for a second, I thought it was a REALLY big spider about to try to take some of Bai Yun’s bamboo from her. I was betting on Bai Yun…
December 8th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
I was just reading my blogs about the visits from Panda Claws from Christmas 2006 and 2007. Will there be another visit in 2008? I so enjoy the poems. Merry Christmas. Lisa
December 8th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Glad to hear the animals were not affected by the plane crash.
#29-Joy – wow, you are getting the best of all the zoos
After expecting to watch “Panda Tales” last week was SO disappointed it was not shown when advertised —-so when a friend called Sun. to tell me it was already on – did manage to catch the last 15-20 minutes. Our TV Guide is terrible & only shows programming from one PBS station – so unless I happen to be clicking or a friend calls I may be doomed.
So now our ZA cubbie is officially Xi Lan – I didn’t vote for that name but all pandas seem to grow into their names
December 8th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Tony #34–great display!
And how nice to see Miss ZZ up on the sleeping platform tonight on C15.
December 9th, 2008 at 12:13 am
#47 Linda A – thanks for the tip on the Panda Tales soundtrack. I ordered one for myself immediately. For those of you who want to order your own copies, go to montesanomusic(dot)com. You can hear samples of the music before placing your order.
Yes, so our panda prince in Atlanta now has a proper name: Prince Xi Lan (doesn’t that sound cool?)
December 9th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I am so happy to know that the Alanta prince got a name!!! No doubt he is Alanta’s joy, and my too. The more I say Xi Lan, the more I feel the name fits him.
December 9th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Yes, Pamela G….we are all looking forward to this years Panda Claws story!
December 9th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Oh how I love Panda Claws — and hope that he visits us again this year — as there’s much to celebrate!
December 9th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Panda Claws?????What is that??? I just saw Bai Yun eating her bamboo.
December 9th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Zhen Zhen girl #57…A blogger named Pamela G has written stories about visits from Panda Claws…our panda version of Santa. The stories incorporate all the US zoo pandas and is very well written, quite entertaining and just plain fun to read. You can find the past blogs in the Archives. The first one was Dec. 15, 2006…”Good Benefits” and her entry is #2. Last years blog can be found in “Shall I Compare Thee” on Dec. 17, 2007 and the entry is #24. I for one, have cut and pasted them into a file and I read them to my grandchildren, but I think I enjoy them more than they do! Happy reading.
December 9th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Pamela G.- I can’t wait for your latest installment of Panda Claws.
December 9th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
#34, Tony. Nice displays. And you inspired me…
Conversation with Bai Yun #10
Tourist: Hello, Bai Yun.
Bai Yun: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: So your little Zhen Zhen is a popular star nowadays.
B: Yes, she seems to enjoy the attention, too.
T: She’s got this springy trot on Panda Tales.
B: Yes, and she’s still practicing…
T: You mean there will be a Panda Tales 2?
B: Well, actually there will be a Santa’s Sleigh parade…
T: A parade?
B: Yes, she was asked to be grand marshall.
T: Oh.
B: And one of the parade stops is Clearwater, Florida.
T: Oh… You mean the house with the panda and Santa displays?
B: Uh huh.
(meanwhile, in a practicing area)
Zhen Zhen: 1, 2, cha… cha… cha…
December 10th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Yes Pamela G , we need a Panda Claws story. With all that has happened this year we need to have a little hope and only Panda Claws can give it to us. I do love them too
December 10th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Just checked in and noticed camera 4 on. Is this the new, improved yard Bai and Zhen are back in? I love the new look of the cave. Haven’t seen the whole yard yet but Zhen is walking all over while of course Bai is chowing down to her mid morning snack. Please keep us advised how things are going.
December 10th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Dawn #58 I saved them too, and her lullabyes, she should put them all in a book. I’d buy one! P. Wong #61 I enjoyed the cha cha cha at the end….sometimes I don’t always understand your “conversations” but I enjoy them none the less!
December 10th, 2008 at 10:50 am
“1, 2, cha…cha…cha…”
I’m loving it, P. Wong! Maybe Zhen Zhen can work that little trot into her routine as Grand Marshall. It reminded me of the video I saw of Tai Shan doing the same trot when he first met his public. Does ZZ have a special outfit to wear?
December 10th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Ooh, they’re back on 4,5,6. Thanks, SDZ.
December 10th, 2008 at 11:01 am
P. Wong….thanks for your latest offering. Your conversations never fail to bring a smile to my face. I was hoping you would post another one soon! Now I am also looking forward to Panda Claws!
Well….Xi Lan is a very cute name for a very cute panda. Unfortunately, I am 0 for 2 when it comes to selecting panda baby names!
December 10th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Tony #34 – LOVE your yard display!
December 10th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
OMG, I’m normally gone during the time the Panda Claws stories were logged. I just sat and read them. Wonderful! Thank you. And P. Wong, you did it once again. Thank you to you too! Now, I REALLY need to get some work done. Or go to lunch.
December 10th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I LOVE watching the pandas and seeing the comments made on the actions,P. Wong! Please make more!Thank you Dawn in Michigan,number 58.I am going right now!
December 10th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I feel sad.
Zoo Atlanta is shutting down their Panda Cam after December 31 due to limited resources. Makes me feel sad that we won’t be able to watch the little one’s antics and growing up process.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Wow — I’m not sure what type of maintenance you did — but the camera shots this afternoon are amazing. Right now, the camera is focused on Zhen Zhen napping in a tree — and you can see every detail of her fur. Really beautiful!!
December 10th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
The economy trickles down. Zoo Atlanta will no longer have PandaCam after December 31st. There will be occasional photo and video updates. Let’s hope Xi Lan learns to walk before then so we can see his first steps, and hope those happen between 10am and 5pm viewing hours. I don’t have to tell you what a huge loss this is for panda fans. Thank goodness for San Diego Zoo and National Zoo, I’ll continue to enjoy their panda antics and hope their resources hold out.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
To SDZ. Thanks for making Panda Tales possible.
To #64, Cindy in East Lansing. I was inspired again.
Conversation with Gao Gao #49
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: So what have we here? Reindeer antlers?
G: Yeah, how do I look?
T: You look like a black and white panda wearing reindeer antlers.
G: Well, we’re getting ready for the Santa Sleigh parade.
T: Now this pair is HUGE! And my, how it sparkles!
G: Oh, it’s for Zhen Zhen.
(meanwhile, in a practicing area)
Zhen Zhen: ONE! And a TWO! And a… CHA-A! CHA-A! CHA-A!
December 10th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
P Wong #60. Thank you for the mention of our panda yard display in your latest conversation with Bai Yun.
And I want to thank all the panda bloggers for their comments also. I came up with pandas pulling Santa’s sleigh in 2002 after my visit to Zoo Atlanta to see Lun and Yang and found my self humming: “Walking in a Panda Wonderland” on the drive back to FL. I got some plywood, traced out, and painted the pandas and Santa and his sled. The pandas were easy to paint. Santa and his sled was a little tough.
If anyone’s interested: the two pandas pulling Santa’s sled are Chang Chang and Dong Dong (Bai’s mother). The pandas swinging in the tree are Li Ping and Li Pong. The staute holding the cub is Qing Qing. The panda eating his bamboo is Su Su. and the Panda by the reindeer is Pan Pan.
Again, thanks to all for the warm compliments. Tony
December 10th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
How sad. Zoo Atlanta will no longer be offering Panda Cam after December 31, 2008. I will miss seeing them.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
#58 – Dawn in Michigan (are you snowed in??? -we are here) – thanks for showing us exactly where the previous “Panda Claws” blogs are – Loved your suggestion about copying & pasting in a file – will be doing that …..and yes, Pamela G., we surely need another Panda Claws this year.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Well, we will all need to watch Xi Lan on the cam a lot before 12/31/08. Zoo Atlanta has announced that there will no longer be a Panda Cam after that date due to lack of resources. They said they would provide important updates and some videos, but it will just not be the same. This is very sad news and all the Atlanta Panda Bears will be missed.
December 10th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Unfortunately this bad economy is hitting everything and everyone very hard. ZA has been having financial challenges for the past two years even before Xi Lan came along. I was hoping that his arrival would help them, but it doesn’t sound like it. Maybe their visitation will pick up when he is out in public view. Until then we will have to catch all the glimpses we can. SDZ/WAP are the largest privately funded zoos in the US and the NZP in DC is funded by the US government as part of the Smithsonian. So hopefully they will continue to thrive, although I am sure that the economy is hitting them hard with lower endowments and corporate sponsorships are hurting all public venues.
Loved watchin Bai and ZZ in their new yard. They wandered around for hours, and still were exploring at 7:30 PM PST even though it is dark. Normally they would be sleeping or chowing down on supper at that time. It was funny to watch Bai keep going to find ZZ when I checked on them at 11:30 near the Howdy window. It appeared that they might have just been released into their new digs. ZZ didn’t get far from mom, and was trotting right behind Bai Yun after she came to find her cub looking up at the tree in the corner.
Haven’t seen Su Lin or Gao Gao roaming in the other area but did notice from the legend that they have switched yards again too. Musical pandas must be keeping everyone on their toes.
December 10th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Tony from Clearwater (#34), you go, homeboy! I got on BN9’s link of the holiday display pics and found your address on the list! That’s an awesome display that you have, and it’s a real tribute and honor to these precious animals that are having to struggle hard to stay with us. I live in St. Pete, FL, myself and I’m very happy that a Floridian thought about a panda Christmas display.
Well, apparently the rough economy has hit Atlanta Zoo! I just read their statement about the pandacam as well tonite, and I am not a very happy camper about this! Videos and photos of little Xi Lan will not be enough when it comes to panda cub watching, and I will definitely be missing that cam like crazy. Now, we’re down to only 3 zoos that have pandacams, assuming that Memphis Zoo can get their website straightened out real quick. Just hope and pray that this rough economy does not hit them on the cams. Hopefully, Atlanta Zoo can find some good sponsor that will take up the finances of their pandacam soon so that they can get it back online again. Xi Lan is the only baby panda born this year, and we will really be missing out on the new upcoming milestones that he’ll be achieving without the pandacam on. So, no baby panda watching for a long while! YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P Wong, love your 2 latest conversations! The “1-2-cha-cha-cha” idea from ZZ is really funny, especially on the 2nd conversation!
Well, gonna go and get ready for bed. Will check on all of the pandacams tomorrow, and will try to call MZ back about their website and pandacam.
To those of you that are snowed in up in Michigan—be patient!! You’ll see the snow melt down again! At least you have the pandacams to help you out watching all of these lovely pandas and hopefully won’t be climbing the walls while the snow melts.
Love to the pandas,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: BTW, I’m a snow lover myself, but we don’t get that kind of snowfall here in Florida!!
December 10th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Oh No!!!! What a sad day for thousands of us who have watched Mei Lan and now Xi Lan since the day they each were born! Just as we watched Tai Shan, ZZ, and all the cubs and the adults.
Very recently I have learned about the big problems with funds to run our Zoos. I had to be ‘hit in the head’ with some hard facts. I should not have been so unaware, after all we all know the state of our economy.
Libraries are closing. Schools can not offer some of the things I was fortunate enough to have learned
so much from.
President Obama will really have some very serious problems and we all wish him the strength and the
intelligence to handle them . He has asked us all to help him. I bring this up to make the point that we might think about how much joy we all get from the pandas. It always seems that Americans can rise
to any occasion and get things done.
The San Diego Zoo makes a list of things they need for the animals. These are things that are not in the
their tight budget. I would like to suggest that the Atlanta Zoo give us some idea of what they need
to continue the Panda Cam.
To anyone that thinks this is a frivolous expense, please think of the children who watch the pandas.
We all know shut-ins and very ill people who get a real lift watching these very entertaining animals.
Some folks unwind from the stress of the day at work and school.
Zoos like the San Diego Zoo understand that the Internet is the only place some people can enjoy
all the wonderful creatures in the world.
We all can help in some way. Talking to friends. Asking help from the business community. Asking
Santa to remember the zoos.
Sorry to bore you all, but this has made me think about a lot of things. Maybe we can put our heads
and hearts together and try to do something and not just let the Panda Cam in Atlanta go off for
good. Also we might be able to help our other zoos.
With a heavy heart,
Linda
December 11th, 2008 at 5:16 am
I noticed yesterday when Zhen Zhen got up into the tree with the canvas patches on she couldn’t seem to get back down and now this morning I see she is still there. I hope it is because she loves it there and not because she is unable to get back down. The new digs are great and give them lots of places to visit and explore. I hope Zhen will be able to get down from that tree today so I will be able to quit worrying.
December 11th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Count me among those who also will be missing the AZ panda cam. I was not able to view any panda cams until this summer because I couldn’t get the cams to work with dial-up, so I’ve been thrilled to be able to see Xi Lan’s birth and first three months of life. I’d been looking forward to seeing him every day as he grows, learns to walk and plays with Lun Lun for the next 15 months. Earthlink used to sponsor and provide the camera feed and then the sponsor changed within the past two months (I can’t remember who that most recent sponsor was).
At any rate, I also enjoy the panda cams here and those provided by the NZ. Thanks to SDZ for all the great work with giant pandas and for sharing your panda family with those who are far, far away. I read the blogs here often but haven’t commented before.
December 11th, 2008 at 7:58 am
P. Wong….thanks again! I love love love your conversations.
I am so sad about the loss of Panda Cam in Atlanta. We will not get to see Xi Lan’s day-to-day development. This really is sad news for all panda lovers. Let’s hope that San Diego and National will someday not have to cut or eliminate their cams.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:33 am
I too have just read the notice on Zoo Atlanta’s panda page that there will be no more cam. I was soooo looking forward to seeing little Xi Lan learning to walk etc. I know they will put up videos for us to see, but it’s not the same, is it? Very sad. I know that it is expensive to run cams, and in the current climate we are all having to watch our pennies, but surely there must be some way (through donations perhaps) to keep the cam going.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I am so sad! I can’t imagine my life without the ZA cam. It’s been such a part of my life everyday. Not only am I sad for myself and all of us pandaholics, but a great learning tool for so many will no longer be available. I am truly sad! But P. Wong, you do make me smile.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Chari!! It is very sad news that ZA has to shut down the cam due to lack of resources. Don’t want to impose on you but since you have contacted them before, I wondered if you might again. I think that if they put a link on their website to raise funds for panda cam, a whole bunch of us panda lovers would donate. Mei Lan was the 1st cub I watched from birth. I got hooked. Then came ZZ. Breaks my heart to think that I will miss all the fun and milestones of the Atlanta Prince. (I am still having a hard time with Xi Lan. The way it is pronounced sounds feminine to me). I am sure I am not the only panda fan mourning the loss of the cam. Maybe if we work together, we can save it. What do you all think? Is it worth a shot?
December 11th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Ohmy….thank you, Meerkats, for a GREAT closeup on the big guy at 8:30 Pacific time. Gao is so handsome! And hungry.
December 11th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Moderator, thank you! I had a great time at your zoo last Friday and Saturday even though I only got to see ZZ and Bai. I would have to see Gao and Su Lin next time. I love watching Gao chomping down the bamboos, he’s a serious bamboo eater!
It is a beautiful zoo and somehow I feel that even though they are in captivity they seem to enjoy the ‘free’ food and entertainment they are getting there. I must say that the big cats like leopards and jaquars seem to be really suffering from being caged in though. Pandas seems to be content as long as there are food and sleep and play. Am I right? Do they ever show signs of wanting to be free? Honestly I would worry if they eventually let ZZ back in the wild, but who am I to say which life is better for her!
Thank you to all the zoo workers for keeping such a nice zoo, and thank you all the panda fans worldwide for being there!
December 11th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Chari: I am another one who is simply heartbroken that ZA will be abandoning their live panda cam after December. Like Kris, I am wondering if you have any further information. I emailed ZA yesterday expressing my dismay and suggesting they consider paid subscriptions. Even having lost my job recently, I would pay to see Xi Lan growing up with Lun Lun, the way we all did with Mei Lan. This is just so upsetting.
Anyone have any suggestions or insider info. I’d pitch in and help any way I can. Maybe we can find a company who would be willing to sponsor or semi-sponsor this cam.
Thanks in advance for any info, fellow panda lovers.
December 11th, 2008 at 11:20 am
After reading about ZA’s pandacam coming to an end, sadly, I want to express my deep thanks to SDZ for your cam, blog, videos, chats, and all the other ways you allow panda lovers access to your magnificent bears. I don’t know what it would be like if SDZ had to go the same route and am hoping it never comes to that.
December 11th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Kris #86, you read my mind….
Mei Lan was also my first panda on the cam, then I made the trip to San Diego when Zhen was still in the den. Couldn’t imagine my day without having a peek at all the Bears…..
Here’s hoping there is something all of us Pandaholics can do to help out at ZA…..
December 11th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I am in tears over the loss of the pandacam. My heart is breaking. I watched Mei Lan grow up on this same pandacam!!
I would be more than willing to donate funds to keep this cam up and running if it’s feasible.
Perhaps Zoo Atlanta can post the cost of the cam – maybe between sponsors and the public, the cost might be able to be donated.
It’s worth a try – we could all e-mail Zoo Atlanta – they list “info@zooatlanta.org” as a contact.
December 11th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Meerkats, thank you for the great closeup shots of ZZ sleeping this morning in the tree. The pictures sure seem clear lately.
Carmon
December 11th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Xi Lan is working very hard this afternoon on getting his hind legs under his body. He is so close he can “smell it, taste it, see it.” It looks like it will only be a couple of days until he is successful. I sure hope so, because watching a video won’t be the same as seeing it happen “live.”
Speaking of growing, ZZ looks so comfy napping on what appears to be a new resting place for her close to her fans walking underneath. She is not using a hammock, but is sprawled out on a think limb. She seems to have become accustomed to her new surroundings and likes what she has found.
Thanks Meerkats for the wonderful close ups of these beautiful animals. We hope that the hard economic times don’t cause SDZ to cut back on live panda cams, at least in daylight hours. It is harder to see the pandas in the dark, so I can see why it might be possible to cut back overnight, except that would cut off another side of our panda friends from their fans overseas.
December 11th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
P Wong, what a great idea for a zoo christmas card from the SDZ; Gao Gao & Co wearing reindeer antlers! I’d definitely send one to my husband and daughter.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
#89 Carol…what a great idea…subscriptions! Even tho I’m a member of mulitple zoos, I’d definately pay to see Xi Lan grow. The birth of Tai shan was my introduction to Panda Cams and since it’s become a daily adventure for me for all 4 US zoos and up until the earthquake, I’d tune into Wolong. You’ve got my support.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Hi Panda Fans
Oh my it is a very sad day for all of us learning the AZ will no longer have their panda cam after the end of December. It would be wonderful if they found a new sponor or all of us panda people could help them. I can hardly stop the tears very time I think about it. Mei Lan, Lun Lun, and Yang Yang were the first pandas I got to see in person. But I have watch all the NZ and SDZ babies and parents on webcams. Like so many I’m unable to see all of them in person but seeing them on cam everyday lifts my spirits.
I did send an email to the AZ telling how sad it was to lose their webcam and how we’ll miss so any great thing in Xi Lan little life. I am glad the SDZ, NZ and MZ still have their cams but losing our baby is hard to handle.
A heart broken panda Fan
Pam
December 11th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I did email ZA to see if there’s anything we could do. I suppose they actually need a corporate sponsor. Maybe if there’s an outpouring of support for the cam, a sponsor will come forward. I wouldn’t care if there was a “commercial” we had to sit through before getting to the cam. I would think a corporate sponsor would be a lot of publicity if they were to pick up the cam. I so appreciate everything you at SDZ do for us!! Thank you.
December 11th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
P. Wong,I love your newest conversation!”You look like a black and white panda with reindeer antlers”Cute! I hope to see Zhen as Grand Marshall soon.Yes,she has a springy trot.
December 11th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Hoping to add a little joy in light of recent sadness over discontinuance of ZA pandacam…
Conversation with Gao Gao #50
(in a practicing area)
Zhen Zhen: Step, hop. Step, turn…
Su Lin: High kick, low kick…
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder, Blixem: CHA-A! CHA-A! CHA-A!
(back with Gao Gao)
Gao Gao: So how do you like Zhen Zhen’s Santa Sleigh chorus line choreography?
Tourist: Very nice number. And by the way, did I hear…
G: Huh?
T: That Mei and Tian are breakdancing?
(in National Zoo)
Tian Tian: Hey, hey, hey! Let’s spin!
Mei Xiang: But careful with your reindeer antlers…
Tian Tian: No problem! I’m G-O-O-D!!!
December 11th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
#96 Dawn: Tai and Su Lin were my first baby panda loves. Then Mei Lan and Zhen Zhen, with a little Fu Long once in a while. And now Xi Lan, I was so looking forward to seeing him learn to be a bear.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Someone in Pandas Unlimited on flickr called Zoo Atlanta to find out what we could do to save the panda cam. She was told that it costs $60,000/year or $5,000/month to run the cam. We have over 2500 members, and figured if we each donated $25., we could keep it going for a month. Of course, it’s very hard to get everyone to donate. The zoo has been trying to get a sponsor, but hasn’t been able to. With so many corporations in Atlanta, there must be some that would be willing to sponsor the cam. Even having a subscription to the cam would probably help. I know that the economy is bad, but I am sure that they could find enough people to sign up at $25. to keep the cam.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
A correction to my post #99 – 2500 members at 25 dollars each totals 62500. That would cover the cam for a year, and they could use volunteers to handle the cams, so as not to have the salary expense. I would gladly pay 25. to be able to watch the cam.
December 11th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
It’s very sad, no more pandacam for AZ after 12/31. He is the only baby born this year and I need to watch him grow. I can’t bear to think that no more realtime Xi Lan over the Internet. I wish some company/ies can sponsor Panda cam. I don’t mind to watch a couple of minutes advertisements everytime when I start pandacam as long as I can see my beloved pandas.
December 11th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Hey, pandafans! Just read some of your comments about how all of you feel about the AZ pandacam not being available after 12/31/2008. Looks like none of us are happy campers about that right now. Read some of the ideas on how to try to help AZ out in order to keep their pandacam going after December. I wish I had a lot of money to put towards an account for AZ’s pandacam, but I don’t have that right now. I do plan to email and even call AZ to see what we all can do to help them out with this. Like I said in my earlier comments about this, hopefully a great company that loves animals will come forward despite the rough economy to sponsor AZ’s pandacam to keep it online either parttime or fulltime. I prefer the fulltime, 24/7 pandacam myself! Maybe a group of companies can work together to keep this pandacam going! I’m also going to get back in touch with the Memphis Zoo to find out why their website is not working properly. Checked it out late last nite and today, and I still cannot get on the pandacam and panda keepers blogs! I’m still very curious about Ya Ya and whether she decided to go into estrus yet before 2008 ends!
Well, gonna go for now. Will check back with you later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
December 12th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Moderator – What was our little sweetie Zhen Zhen rolling in this morning around 8:52 AM? I saw her in the hut rolling on her back. When she left the hut, she looked more like a black bear instead of a panda bear. She looked so very cute
Moderator’s note: She received some fresh mulch this morning, a favorite thing to roll in.
December 12th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Jeri #103
Thank you so much for the info!!
I am not a member of Pandas Unlimited, but I am right there with my $25 donation. I have a wonderful suspicion that there are many more such as I out there, ready and willing to donate. I think we can do it!!!
I also e-mailed Zoo Atlanta this morning and asked them to not finalize the demise of the Pandacam before us Pandaholics try to come up with a solution.
Hopefully ZA will post commentary on our efforts and let us know if they are willing to give the donation scenario a shot and setup a donation site for it.
December 12th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Unlike the NZ panda cams which are primarily operated by volunteers, I think Zoo Atlanta’s cams are actually manned by the keepers, so there is no added expense to the zoo as far as manpower. I read this on one of their old blogs when someone wrote a two-part entry about “a day in the life” of a pandakeeper. Part of their responsibility is to operate the cams. Incidentally, it is really amazing how much work the keepers do in an average day. Very hard work, but also very gratifying. It would be spectacular to be that close to giant pandas on a daily basis.
The corporate climate now is probably not conducive to finding a sponsor but we can all keep our fingers crossed. I’ve been reading that a lot of companies are ditching their celebrity endorsers, etc. to cut the budgets.
Oh well, little Xi Lan was trying to chomp on bamboo leaves this morning. Maybe it would be more appropriate to say he was trying to “gum” some bamboo leaves.
It was so cute.
December 12th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
It is no surprise that so many of us are bewildered with the recent announcement about the Atlanta panda cam. I am willing to donate to keep the cam “up”. I will also email ZA and google to find some people in Atlanta who may be able to help. Hopefully, if we all send a flurry of emails and inquiries, it will generate enough interest, locally, to get a Giant Panda ball rolling! I know it will take time for responses, etc., so let’s all get going!
Thank you, SDZ, and everyone responsible, for allowing us to use this board on this subject matter.
December 12th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Chari, I get Memphis Zoo homepage just fine, and from there can go to the keeper blogs and cams. I have the cam bookmarked, and have been able to go straight there for a while now. I suppose my saying this doesn’t help you very much, but it is up and running, so keep trying.
For all of my friends here, it’s handy to use Daniel’s Multiple Panda Cam Feeds to quickly check on all 4 U.S. zoo pandas. Doesn’t really take the place of the home cams, but it’s great for a quick peek when at the workplace. Just Google it.
I, like most everyone here, am hoping for a good resolution to the ZA cam problem. Surely something can be worked out.
December 12th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Thanks once again, P. Wong! Your mission was accomplished – it did alleviate a little of my sadness over Atlanta Panda Cam! Don’t you just LOVE to picture those pandas doing all those things?!?
Jeri…I would gladly donate $25 a year to help….if only enough people would agree!
December 12th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
P. Wong,love the new story!Tian Tian is so funny! “No I am G-O-O-D!”I hope Little Zhen Zhen stops at my house this Christmas!Please make more stories!!!!!!!!!
December 12th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I’d also donate $25 per year to help out the cam at ZA. I would GLADLY do so!!!
December 12th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
While everyone is trying to find a sponsor for ZA’s pandacam, it seems that SDZ needs to find a sponsor or a lot of donations to replace the bamboo cooler for the SDZ pandas, which is apparently in imminent danger of failing. You can donate on the Wish List page.
Miss ZZ must have inherited some of Bai Yun’s teflon, because by this afternoon she had lost her black coat of mulch and was, once again, white and bright.
Can’t wait to see the Zhen Zhen cha cha cha and all the other Panda Christmas Follies!
Moderator’s note: Link to San Diego Zoo’s Wish List: https://www.sandiegozoo.org/sl/wishlist/
December 13th, 2008 at 5:38 am
Hello Pandaholics
I have just read my e-mail from Maria Barr of the SD Zoo. They are in major need of a new bamboo cooler and are hoping to raise some funds to help cover the cost. I had no idea how expensive equipment could be!
They have made it very easy for us to donate – the donation site is at the very top of their December wish list.
I was on the site this morning and have noticed how many others have already donated to this cause.
I am very grateful to be in a position to help a little bit. SD Zoo has been very accomodating helping to voice our desire to help save the PandaCam at ZA. Now they need our help! Let’s see how much we can raise to help the pandas we love!!
Moderator’s note: Thank you, Joan. Here’s the link to the Wish List: https://www.sandiegozoo.org/sl/wishlist/
December 13th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Barbara in Midwest – #110 – Many thanks for sharing the information on the multiple panda cam feeds. There is a plethora of panda news and other interesting facts at Daniel’s website
December 13th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I LOVE the Pandas!!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I wish I could have fun with the pandas here,but we live so far away!