Weaning Zhen Zhen: Step 2
Posted at 5:05 pm February 9, 2009 by Suzanne Hall
Sunday, February 8, marked the second day of Step 2 in our weaning protocol: an overnight separation of mom and cub. Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen were each in their own spaces from late afternoon until early morning, and both bears did very well.
On Saturday night, Zhen did occasionally seem a bit lost, and wandered about her exhibit from time to time. She rested well throughout the middle of the night, but at about 4:30 a.m. she began a pattern of short feeding bouts punctuated with short bouts of ambling around her enclosure. She alternated between these behaviors for about two hours. 4:30 a.m. is too early to call this “anticipatory behavior”: the type of morning routine we see in the adults just prior to the keepers’ morning arrival, signaling they are ready for their breakfast. That type of routine usually doesn’t begin until about 5:45 a.m. or later, as the keepers arrive at 6 a.m. No, this motoring about was most likely the result of a type of “Umm, where’s mom?” mentality we might expect from Zhen at this time.
And Bai Yun? No problem. She didn’t check the gate between the bears and didn’t wander about her exhibit at night. In fact, from 11 p.m. until after 6 a.m., Bai Yun was nowhere to be found, clearly zonked out in her bedroom for the night. Never one to miss her beauty rest, she awoke only to feed in the early evening.
Throughout the day, many nursing bouts were seen. Outside of weaning, we would expect one to two nursing bouts per day from this pair, but Zhen asked for several more than that yesterday. Again, this is very normal and is consistent with what we have seen with past cubs. But momma will tolerate only so much: after the third suckling session in two hours, Bai Yun forcefully pulled away about 30 seconds after Zhen began nursing. Bai then proceeded to lay atop her lair and honk, signaling her discontent. “Enough already, kid!” she seemed to say. Zhen then retreated to the trees above her mother and the two rested peacefully in their own space.
Last night, Zhen had a great night. She spent a lot of time feeding on bamboo, and her wandering bouts were very infrequent. Bai Yun had another excellent night. Upon reunion this morning, the bears were fairly nonchalant, and the first interaction was a little wrestling over choice bamboo stalks. Zhen seems to be acclimating to the separations beautifully.
We will continue to hold with this pattern for several more days before progressing to the next step in our weaning protocol.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for San Diego Zoo Conservation Research.
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February 9th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Poor Jenny!
February 9th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Suzanne, thanks for the update. I checked in on ZZ at about 11 PM PST and she was quite content eating away at what appeared to be a huge pile of bamboo. I guess the cubs decide that they want to get all they can from the milk wagon before it rolls away. She is a very independent girl and seems to do just fine in “her space” on her own. She keeps herself occupied with climbing way up high in the “new” (to her) trees and having peaceful naps while keeping watch over the whole Panda Research station. Can anyone tell if she has noticed Gao Gao in the classroom area, or Su Lin in the back? Can she see them from where she is?
February 9th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Thanks for the latest info on the weaning – even those hard – hearted people like me still get a sniff or 2 when they see the how much love there still is between Bai & Zhen. Seems like both Mom & Zhen are doing well. So sad.
February 9th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Ah! That explains why I saw ZZ and Bai together this morning. I kind of figured ‘we’ were into the next stage. Thanks for confirming, and THANK YOU for letting us know how ‘our baby’ is adjusting!
I got a whole bunch of great postcards of ZZ nursing this afternoon – bittersweet, but I’ll have my memories and pictures to remind me.
They grow up SO fast!!!!
February 9th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Thanks Suzanne for the update. Is there a person on site watching Bai & Zhen, “just in case” there is trouble?
I’m so proud of Zhen, she’s handling things and doing OK. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for me. I am through another box of kleen-ex. But, it’s not all sad. A lot of my tears are the joy of Zhen growing up and being such a remarkable panda on her own.
Do the keepers feel the way we fans do? Kinda sad at the separation? but at the same time cheering for the new phase in Zhen’s life…
So many questions during this phase. Thanks again for keeping us updated.
Love, Joy
February 9th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Hi! Looks like Bai and ZZ are doing pretty good with the weaning/seperation process so far. I kind of figured that ZZ would be doing pretty good with this! She just has that type of personality that says that she’s not a mama’s girl at all! Hopefully, this trend will continue. The panda keepers are doing a great job at this! No wonder–they’ve got 3 cubs of experience to rely on!
Susan from UK, how are you doing in snowy London? Heard that England will be getting some more snow sometime this week! Hang in there, girlfriend! Spring will come soon enough and you have your pandacams to keep you busy with warm fuzzy feelings!
Atlanta Zoo has a survey link on their website for everyone to use. You can write your comments about the pandacam in the comments section, so take advantage of it. I have already done the survey and also wrote to them about working to get that pandacam back online. I feel that if a lot of us write to them about this, then something will get done. I miss seeing Xi Lan on the live cam. I’m glad that there are some people that have been at AZ getting good vids of Xi Lan and getting them on youtube.
Well, not much else going on. Gonna get on the pandacams alot more tomorrow!
Bye,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: Please be praying for everyone in southern Australia as they grieve for the people that were killed in those devastating wildfires, and all of the properties that were destroyed. If there are any pandafans that live in that area, write in and let us know that you are all doing fine, ok? We want to hear from you all, mates!
February 10th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Once again, many thanks for updating us on the progress of our favourite animals.
I’m hoping to get across one day to visit the pandas.
February 10th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Suzanne, thank you for your update. I feel like an anxious parent waiting to hear how her daughter did the first day of school.
February 10th, 2009 at 9:42 am
I just have to say, that I know this weaning process is necessary, but I always feel so sad for the baby. When Su Lin was weaned, I felt so bad for her. At least she could go to the tops of the trees and see her brother?? At the time, I hoped that would help her. Can Zhen Zhen see Su Lin the same way?
February 10th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Who is on camera 32? Su Lin or Gao Gao. They are far in the distance so it is hard to tell. Whichever panda it is they look very content eating their Breakfast.
Moderator’s note: Gao is currently on cameras 30 and 32.
February 10th, 2009 at 11:44 am
I agree with Margaret #2–ZZ’s slurping down all the milk while she can. Glad to hear all’s going well so far–like everyone else, I’m wearing out the postcard button when Bai and ZZ are together and hoping that ZZ will hold up better than most of us will when the separation is complete–oooohhhhh I even hated typing that last part.
February 10th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Margaret (#2) and Marie (#9) – The Giant Panda Research Station is the building you can see behind ZZ when she is WAY UP in that tree. The classroom areas where the bears hang out when off exhibit are the old exhibit spaces and they are on the opposite side of the building. So I would not think ZZ could see either of them from her perch. I believe when Su Lin and Mei Sheng were socializing in the trees they were in those two off-exhibit areas on the opposite side of the Research Station.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
I just love the way ZZ is sleeping in the tree (thankfully not the high one this time) on her back. Not a care in the world. Mum is asleep as usual on her cave and all is well in the Panda House!
My thoughts are also with the people of Australia who have lost their homes, loved ones, pets and all the wild animals that didn’t make it out of the fires. It’s heartbreaking.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I want to say thankyou so much Suzanne and all that work with the pandas and especially zhen zhen, I was sad about this weaning last time I wrote in, but I am really trying to come to grips with it. I know they have to be weaned, just like all animals. When I watch Samatha Brown on the travel channel, she went to Beizing China and she got to hold a panda sitting on a bench and they always have pandas together and all their keepers hold and interact with their pandas. What I don’t understand is after the cubs are weaned, why can’t they be with like, their sibling. I see at dark, one of the keeper guys cleaning out the yard, zz would be in the tree and not come out, so he took her a can or looked like a cottage cheese box with some goodies in it for her and she ate them. I think the keepers could interact with the pandas like China too. They are not going back to the wild, if they did, they would be waiting for a keeper to bring them food.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I witnessed ZZ trying to nurse several times yesterday and mama pushing her away..though they did have a bit of a play bout near a tree however now I’m wondering if that was really play or more ‘get away from me’
. Now they are seated near each other eating their boo…going to miss those scenes.
February 10th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I was wondering the same thing as Marie, can little Zhen Zhen see Su Lin from her new perch? It is so unbielvable how fast they grow. It seems no time since Su Lin was going through this, and now she is a big girl.
February 10th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Is it just me, or does Zhen seem a bit bigger at this age then the other cubs ? Watching her move around, she just looks a bit bigger then the others.
February 10th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I have noticed over the last 4 days that Bai is more playful and affectionate with Zhen Zhen than she has been in a long time. My heart goes out to Bai as much as to Zhen Zhen. I think she knows and understands what is going to happen. I think this is so sad!
February 10th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Wow! Bai Yun already wants Zhen Zhen to stop nursing?
I wish cubs could stay at the cute stage forever.
February 10th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I am a relatively new “panda fan”. I just started watching Panda Cam shortly after Zhen Zhen was born. I was amazed and watched in wonder and awe at how loving and tender Bai was with the tiny little cub. At times I was sure she would crush her, but she was so gentle. There were times when I would watch and could not hold back tears, So I am having a really hard time with this weaning process. I understand ZZ has to be weaned, but I have to confess I don’t understand the separation. I watched them together this morning as they were playing together. Bai Yun initiated the play much of the time and they were having such a good time. I thought maybe ZZ was trying to nurse and Bai would not let her, but after watching for a while I realized this was not the case. I know you are trying to keep things as they would be in the wild, but the reality is, these bears are not in the wild and may never be. In the wild, they would not have keepers to interact with, there would be no wonderful piles of bamboo that magically appear, no birthday cakes, no people filing past them at all hours, no enrichment toys—-so why must they live a solitary life when their parents and siblings are yards away? Just showing my naivety and sentimentality.
February 10th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I don’t know about anybody else, but I’m exhausted after watching Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen’s prolonged wrestling match this afternoon. Do mom and cub ever really hurt each other in these bouts, or is mom pretty careful still? It really looks like ZZ is biting and clawing at Bai.
February 10th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Hi Suzanne – Thanks for the update on Zhen’s weaning protocol. Zhen is doing very well and she seems to be acclimating to the changes going on in her life. On our last visit, we noticed that Zhen’s body is getting longer and she is losing her baby panda shape. Because of this, it is becoming more difficult to determine who’s who on the panda cam.
Suzanne, if possible, could you explain what Zhen Zhen was up to on last Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009.
Early in the morning, on that day, Bai Yun and Zhen were in the C2 exhibit and enjoying their time together.
Later on, at about 10:30 AM, I noticed Zhen was acting strangely. Zhen’s behavior was quite bizarre. Zhen was running – not walking – throughout the exhibit. I noticed the door to the bedroom was closed and I assumed, the door between the exhibits was also closed. Zhen ran to the bedroom door, stepped up on the doorsill, trying to get in and at one point during her frantic behavior it looked as if she wanted to bite and/or chew the top overhang of the door. She sat in the water fountain near the door. Zhen then ran over to the entrance to the other exhibit and ran back into C2. On and off Zhen would stop to pick up a piece of bamboo, and quickly drop it. She continued to race around. She ran through the pool and would start to climb the tree to the left of the exhibit, then immediately climb back down. This behavior continued for about one hour.
My question is; at that time, was Zhen frustrated because all the doors where closed or was she desperate to get to her Mom? Zhen was with Bai Yun earlier in the day. After waking from her nap, she noticed that Bai was missing, the doors were closed and she began her unusual behavior.
Many thanks for your informative blogs and a huge thank you to all the loving and caring panda keepers.
February 10th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I was watching Zhennie early this morning UK time, she was sitting and eating up a storm, then took a nice long nap, all under the cover of darkness, she is ready for this next step, and to become a panda in her own rights, watching them play together has been precious knowing the next phase in their lives is about to begin.
I would also like to say a BIG thank you to all the staff who are working extra hours to ensure the weaning goes smoothly, with only the best interests of the pandas at heart, its all very much appreciated
Frances in NYC, the possibility given time is that Bai or Zhennie could hurt each other, even if it is not meant, but adult pandas do not live together, they will fight over bamboo or rivals, this i would hate to see which is why the weaning is such an important part of their lives
February 10th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Viola #20: Congratulations on being hooked on panda! Welcome! It’s a good group to be part of. Yes, these bears will never be in the wild, but their behavior is part of the study/learn that is going on in all the zoos. In the wild, mama would send cubby up a tree when she goes to find food. One day, she simply doesn’t return and the cub has to survive on its own. Also, if the bears were allowed to live together as adults, there might be some pretty good fights over the bamboo piles.
So they probably have a better life if they are alone. It is only the human who doesn’t understand why they aren’t “lonely”. But thank Heaven for all the wonderful care-takers in the zoos, who are learning all they can about behaviors and survival of the species in the world.
By the way, everyone, I found out that the scientists have no idea how many wild pandas survived the horrible earthquakes in China last May. That info distressed me terribly. There were very few who came down to find food with humans. Also human encroachment in the China mountains is wreaking havoc with panda food supplies. This is information I received from one of the animal care specialists, who was also very distressed over the situation.
February 10th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I’ve been so busy lately I’ve miss a lot of Bai and ZZ together it’s great to read everyones blogs on how much fun they are still having together. I hope I can get some postcard shoots also before the wreaning is all over and they are not together anymore which will be sad.
I to am praying for the people and animals in Australia I sure hope they can get all the fires under control soon.
February 10th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
I hope to visit the San Diego Zoo this summer. I need to get my panda fix soon! LOL
xoxo ZZ & Bai!
February 10th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Dianne #24. Thank you for your comments and encouragement. I know in my head that this is the way things should be. The play between Bai and ZZ this morning was a bit rough at times and ZZ took a few tumbles. I have also observed their tugging matchers over bamboo– a lot of competition going on there for the best boo! My heart still aches for them, though.
February 10th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
As always, a great entry and appreciated update. I find it such an honor to be able to watch this right of passage of our cubs, knowing that in the wild it’s a much different picture. The keepers and researchers so carefully monitor both mom and cub to make it stress free on everyone involved. I’m looking forward to Bai getting her “rolls” back
. Thanks again to the keepers, researchers and volunteers for keeping the cams focused for the fans around the world!
February 10th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
To All:
There is a fabulous video on You Tube of Bai and Zhen. Posted on Feb7th. You can locate it by typing in Zhen Zhen panda and then using the date added feature! The video is of the 2/6 afternoon which I know some of you all were able to watch portions of. The afternoon was awesome!
February 10th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Pam T. #25 referred to the animals in danger from the fires in Australia. I saw a clip on the news this evening of a man sharing his bottle of water with a koala whose tree had gotten caught in the fire (the koala looked to be thirsty and scared but OK). They, of course, live in the eucalyptus trees, whose volatile oils are major contributors to the spreading of the fires. No telling how the fires will affect the wild animals in the burn area.
It is disturbing to realize how little is known about the wild panda population since the earthquake–perhaps some of the rebuilding money and effort will be able to be spent on research in that area?
Dawn #23–thanks for responding to my question. I was more curious about a cub ZZ’s age and younger–they seem to swat towards delicate eyes and ears and ZZ seemed to be really biting down on Bai’s neck a few times. Maybe she just got a mouth full of fur? Bai seemed to be smushing ZZ for a while as if to say “I’m still a lot bigger than you, Missy” but ZZ kept coming back–she didn’t seem to be in distress. After all, it’s part of Mom’s job to prepare a cub to go out into the world and be able to face whatever foes may present themselves. Miss ZZ’s pretty fearless, but the only other panda she’s ever seen has been Mom.
Viola #20–as a human, I agree with you. In some other zoos, I think the cubs are able to still see the parents after weaning? In any case, at SDZ, after weaning, the goal is to get Bai Yun ready to mate again, should she go into estrus–which wouldn’t happen if she were still nursing, I think.
I’m just going to trust that we’ll all make it through this weaning–but every day seems to bring some fascinating and touching new interaction that keeps one finger on the postcard button and another on the kleenex.
February 10th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
The article that Dianne #24 mentioned, China’s Pandas Face an Uncertain Future After Quake, from the National Geographic News, has been posted on the “Panda Live on” website.
It seems that Bai and ZZ really enjoyed their time together today, good fight/play and “sharing” bamboo.
February 10th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Slow down, you’re moving too fast for me! LOL!
I planned on coming down week of 3/1 and hope that the pandas will still be in the weaning process as I do not want to miss out on it and want to see ZZ before my trip in August.
Suzanne, how long will this process take, and will ZZ still be on exhibit the week of 3/1?
February 10th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
I do feel a little sad, but I also know I am just projecting my human emotions onto these wonderful, but far different, animals. When I feel sad, I think of Tai and Mei Lan and Su Lin and all the others who are just fine, as Zhen Zhen will soon be!
Also, I remember that scary scene in DC between Mei & Tian a few weeks back & I can see why such large & basically solitary bears wouldn’t do well together as adults. Also, I recall Lun Lun starting to be very aggressive with Mei Lan right before she was weaned. I have absolute faith in the great keepers in all the zoos lucky enough to have pandas!
February 10th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
#18 Judy – I have also noticed the same. Especially today. They were wrestling all day. =) Such fun to watch. I’m guessing she is letting little Zhen Zhen know that she loves her, but their time together is almost up, and is getting in as much play time with her as possible so Zhen is comfortable and well adjusted on her own. Sounds strange, but Bai is a seasoned, I’d like to say perfect mom to her little ones.
And to me I see this as Bai’s own way of teaching them that it’s going to be okay without mom. That they will be fine. =) I will sure miss watching their romps together around their enclosures.
February 10th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Hi, you all! Dianne in Texas, thanks for that update about the wild panda situation in China. I was really wondering if the research patrol people were able to get any info and data on how many wild pandas have really survived the May 12 earthquake in those mountains, plus with winter going on, that’s beginning to be a critical situation there. If you hear of any more reports from China about the wild pandas, please let us all know. All of us are still hoping and praying that these pandas are in good shape, healthy, and able to find some food. I haven’t heard any more news about any wild pandas coming to villages looking for food on the US news or from any of you that are keeping track of news from China. Hopefully, the pandas are in fairly good shape. Maybe by the time spring comes around, the researchers will be able to get out there in better weather to do some more looking for the wild pandas and get them documented as to where they are located at. That should help in their research efforts and even form a new study of how wild pandas really do cope with changing situations and conditions such as earthquakes.
Pam T., thanks for your concern and prayers for the people and animals in Australia. I read a good article on one of the news websites about an Aussie fireman that was working in one of the charred areas in the state of Victoria when he came across a female koala sitting on the ground by some burned out trees. She apparently had some burns on her paws and was moving very slowly, and the firefighter gave her some water from his water bottle. He said that the koala was just holding onto the bottle and didn’t want to let go of it! He did call for the Australian SPCA to come and take the koala to the vet hospital for treatment. They are reporting that the female koala is doing well, has a male koala looking her over, and they plan on releasing her back into the wild in about 5 months. Koalas are not very fast movers on the ground which is why they can be in serious danger when a wildfire happens. No one knows how many wild animals as well as livestock have been killed or injured in the most devastating wildfire storm in Aussie history. They are still making that assessment right now.
Well, back to the pandas, haven’t seen much of the pandacams today. I did read the AZ update from Monday, 2/9 about Xi Lan finally making the full transition from den to dayroom this past week. He’s feeling alot more comfy in the dayroom now. Hope you all are taking the AZ survey that’s on the panda page. I got the info on more Xi Lan youtube vids on my list! Thanks guys!
Well, gonna go for now. Will check back in later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
February 11th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Chari #35, Koalas are so precious too! Thank God that this little precious Koala’s life was spared.
I too, have been praying for the Aussie people and wildlife. So sad that so many natural disasters in the recent years! Sniff!
February 11th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I know it is important to see Bai and ZZ together since these days of togetherness are numbered, but it is good to see Su Lin on camera today. I hope to see more of her after Zhen is weaned, since we probably won’t get to see Su for much longer if she goes back to China later in the year. I do miss my favorite guy, Mr. Gao, too. Seeing him eat bamboo always makes me smile. He is quite the panda charmer!
Frances and Chari, the story about the firefighter and koala was really touching (grab-a-wad-of-Kleenex touching). I also read that Sam (the rescued koala) has been befriended by another injured/burned koala at the rescue center. His name is Bob and he is being referred to as her boyfriend.
They are hugging up and taking comfort in each other. That gives me comfort somehow. I saw a picture of Sam with her bandaged paws but she looks like she is otherwise doing okay. It has been difficult to imagine what has happened as a result of the fires with the horrific loss of human life and the loss of wildlife, as well. I hope they catch anyone who is responsible for setting some or all of the fires.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Well, I’ve had to admit defeat. Having just watched the Youtube video of Bai and ZZ’s final days I now understand why you all feel so sad about weaning time. Pass the tissues, someone.
February 11th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Melissa #37–you’re right about the koala story, made even more touching by the follow-up of the rescuer (Mr. Tree) seeing Sam again and the adorable picture of Bob hugging Sam.
February 11th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Does anyone know how many weeks does the weaning process usually take? Would appreciate any info anyone has, or moderator, do you know? Thanks.
February 11th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Lisa, #12, thank you for the orientation of where the exhibit spaces are in relation to the building. It helps me tremendously so I can picture who is where when.
It seems to me when watching the “wrestling” matches that they are not playing but are very intently in a learning process. Bai seems to be very adamantly teaching Zhen how to defend herself when she is on her own with no mother panda to help her any longer. When I watched them yesterday for a very long time, Bai seemed to be the one initiating the activitey. She lured Zhen down from a tree, and proceeded to “wrestle” her pretty roughly and kept following her all around the exhibit. She didn’t let up for almost an hour. It did not appear to be “playing” as in having fun, but an intense activity with a serious purpose. It reminded me of what I read about tiger mothers teaching their cubs. Tiger mothers always are teaching their cubs something about life as a tiger in every instance that they appear to be “playing.” I think that is true of panda mothers and cubs as well. When cubs in China are “playing” with each other they may be doing it for entertainment, but as they mature and get close to Zhen’s age they start “play fighting.” This appears to be what is going on between Bai and Zhen. Bai’s job now is to make sure that Zhen is ready for a diet totally of bamboo, not milk, AND that she is able to defend herself from potential encounters with adult pandas that she may come across in her wandering to find her own new territory in the wild.
Bai is an awesome instructor, and Zhen is a willing and quick learning student. She is doing great through this whole process. I am curious to see if she has the same reaction after their final separation that Mei Sheng and Su Lin did. She seems to be more independent and has been so since she was very young. That trait may make her less stressed when she no longer has access to her mother for protection and companionship.
February 11th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Hi! Just got on the AZ website tonite, and they had a video of Xi Lan with their short update from yesterday (Tues., 2/10). This vid is about Xi finally discovering his reflection on the window that seperates the dayroom from the zoo visitors. He was really interested in looking at himself! Today’s update had a very cute pic of Xi laying down on the log structure taking his nap. Looks like he finally has learned to do some climbing! Too bad the live cam was out—we all missed that milestone!! Well, thought I would let you all know about Xi Lan from Atlanta.
Checked the NZ pandacams, and cam 2 was out for some reason. It was taken offline as of today. So, they are down to just one pandacam until they get cam 2 back up and running. Also at NZ, the vets have finally found out that the newest baby western lowland gorilla is a girl. They haven’t announced a name for her yet, but I’m really hoping that they will let all of us vote for a name soon. That will be fun! Momma Mandara has been a very good mom with her baby.
Well, not too much to say. I’ve checked the Memphis Zoo for any new updates about Ya Ya, and there are no new updates right now. Should be seeing something from them soon about Ya Ya’s behavior and how she’s been doing lately.
Well, gonna go. Will get back to you all later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
February 12th, 2009 at 6:28 am
#39 Frances…I hadn’t seen the pic of Sam and Bob together but found it! He looks protective of her. I read that Sam won’t be ready for release back to the wild for 7-8 months while Bob’s recovery is expected to take four months. I was hoping they would be released together and now I’m worried about them being separated, based on the timeline that’s been given. In the meantime, I think little Sam should book the deluxe package at the Paw Spa. She will need lots of TLC for her tender feet.
I, too, was moved by the fact that Mr. Tree went back to check on Sam. He is a hero in my eyes! What a kind, compassionate man.
Atlanta’s newspaper, the AJC, has a photo gallery of Xi Lan. If you go to their website and type in “Xi Lan,” look for photo gallery and there are a few pictures of the spunky cub and Lun Lun (along with almost as many pictures of Xi Lan’s human fans).
#40 Susan…I was wondering the same thing. I read some of the old blogs from when Su Lin was weaned and it seemed like it took about three weeks from when Su Lin was given access to both areas to when Bai and Su were permanently separated. It happens so fast.
February 12th, 2009 at 11:34 am
The story of the koalas is a heart warming story; unfortunately the news for humans and wild life in general is not good at all. Wildlife experts fear thousands and possibly millions of native animals may have perished in the firestorm, threatening the genetic diversity of species already suffering from loss of habitat and climate change.
Margaret #41 I agree with you about Bai probably trying to teach ZZ as much as she can before the separation. Bai, having gone through the process several times, probably knows what is coming, but ZZ doesn’t. She is just enjoying time spend with her mother or trying to defend herself when Bai is “attacking” her. But I am really concerned with the Chinese approach of separating the cubs from their mother at such a young age. They never will have a chance to learn potentially life saving advices from their mother. It is as if we would go to kindergarten and school without a teacher in the class and no parents to go back to at night…
February 12th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
FYI– I sent Memphis Zoo an email, a Drew Smith mailed me back and said they are just watching, monitoring and waiting and that we should know something by late March about Ya Ya.
February 12th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
For those who are asking about how long the weaning process takes:
This is completely dependent upon the bears’ responses to the protocol. We shorten or lengthen the process as we see fit to accommodate their responses to the separation window. We can’t give you a date as to when it will finish, or how long the steps take, but I would expect that the weaning should be completed within February.
February 12th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Does anyone remember the discussion in blogs a year or two ago about males vs. females eating with left paw vs. right? I think it was before Mei Sheng left for China. I was just watching a close up of two different pandas at NZP, unfortunately I can rarely tell them apart from a close up. One was eating with left paw and the other with their right. It is interesting that even though they pull the stock through or break it off with their right paw, they select it from the pile with their left paw.
I must focus in on Bai Yun and Zhen, and Su Lin and Gao and refresh my memory about who uses which paw. I remember being fascinated by the discussion and descriptions of how each panda ate. I have noticed a difference in how the males at NZP eat the treats from the puzzle feeder vs. Mei Xiang. She holds it up and shakes or rolls it and gets what she wants. The “guys” bang it until the food comes out.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
In watching ZZ, I was reminded of Panda Tales; decided I’d watch it again tonight but remembered the DVR was acting strangely last night. Soooooooo, I decided to actually buy it from the local PBS affiliate. It states on the website that San Diego Zoo will receive a portion of my “gift” for the preservation of the Giant Panda. I’m nosy — do you, SDZ, actually get the money or does it go in your name to some other organization (like Panda Internation, etc) for the preservation? I hope you get it. Buy some fancy boo for the kids!
Moderator’s note: We do receive a portion of the proceeds from sale of Panda Tales. Thank you, Linda A.!
February 12th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Margaret #41 and Danielle #44–I’m sure you’re right about all the last-minute teaching Bai Yun is doing in their final weeks of togetherness. From our point of view, it’s sad because Zhen Zhen doesn’t know that this isn’t just the next fun thing she and mom are going to do for a while, and I’m sure she’s adjusting well to their separations because eventually, at least so far, she always sees mom again. It’s that finality that we know is coming and she has no concept of that brings our tears and sighs.
Anyway–you’re right, Melissa, a fabulous Paw Spa week for Sam! And hopefully Bob will still be around to pick her up after she’s all healed.
The fire damage in Australia and its toll to both humans and animals is horrific–and the temperatures in the area even before the fires began was close to 118F. If the story of Sam’s rescue calls attention to the tragedy, it will be a good thing. I hope they capture the arsonists responsible for this disaster.
February 12th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Thank you, Suzanne, for answering our questions about the timeline for weaning.
#48 Margaret…I have hundreds of panda cam shots from NZ that I’ve collected, a great many of which feature all three pandas while eating (culm, leaves, frozen treats, carrots, apples, etc.). I went through them and noticed that Tian eats predominantly with his right paw (about 90% in the photos I have). Mei Xiang is the most “ambidextrous” of the three, eating about 70% of the time with her left paw but often using her right paw. Tai eats mostly with his left paw (85% rough estimate). I don’t know about Su Lin, but Gao Gao seems to eat mostly with his left paw, while Bai Yun looks like she uses her right paw the most. I’ve seen ZZ use both paws so far.
I’ve also noticed how Tai and Tian tend to headbutt the puzzle ball to knock the treats out while Mei likes to lay back and shake out the treats. She always looks like she’s doing a workout…working lots of muscle groups. Mei really is pretty delicate and thoughtful when she eats, whether it’s bamboo or various treats. Tian is more like a wood chipper although he does take the time to savor a treat now and then. Tai lands somewhere in the middle, not necessarily voracious but pretty messy nonetheless. No matter what panda is eating, it’s actually both fun and informative to watch the similarities and differences in their eating styles. I can’t imagine ever enjoying watching a human being eat for 45 minutes but I can sure get mesmerized by watching Mei Xiang eat a donut-shaped frozen fruit treat for that length of time (or watching Gao eat a pile of bamboo)!
February 12th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Thank you Suzanne for the info. I certainly hope that ZZ can stay on exhibit the week of 3/1 so I can see her before she is taken off of exhibit. I am really looking forward to this trip! Thank you!
February 12th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Melissa #50–it is fascinating how much fun it is to watch our favorite pandas eat–they just always seem to enjoy it so much. I love to watch them hold up a stalk of bamboo and regard it so carefully before they start eating–or dive into a huge pile of boo in order to extract the very best piece.
For that matter, I also enjoy watching pandas sleep for hours, which I can say for very few people…
February 12th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
#47 – chari – thanks for the info about the XiLan latest video seeing himself in the glass – so sad that we are unable to watch all these fun milestones via panda cam
#50 – Melissa – fascinating info about what you observed about the pandas right & left handed eating. I found this interesting as our miracle grandson is now 7 months old & it’s obvious he uses his left hand much more than the right.
I’ve been having trouble with the NZ panda cams so was using Animal Planet to check on our “wild child” Tai but now see that the panda cam is no longer available on Animal Planet – any idea what’s going on.
And to “Sam, the koala bear” (who is actually a female), her new boyfriend, Bob & Mr. Tree, the wonderful firefighter who saved her life & whose picture of him giving Sam water made headlines around the world – what a heartwarming story – so many other humans or animals were not as lucky. I certainly hope that those found responsible are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
February 12th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Hi, pandafans! Michelle (#45), thanks for letting us know about your answer from Memphis Zoo. I’m also looking forward to any new update about Ya Ya very soon from them.
Decided to start counting the days since AI on both Mei Xiang and Ya Ya. It’s a little bit early, but this will give all of us something to look at as far as to any progression of their hormone levels and when there might be a pregnancy for both of them. Ya Ya—48 days since AI; Mei Xiang—26 days since AI. I counted Ya Ya’s days after the second AI procedure that was done on 12/26/2008. Ya had AIs done on 2 seperate days. Just a little bit of a sneek peek as to where both bears are at as of right now. Will probably wait a few more weeks, then I’ll make another count on the both of them again. From what I have seen from both Mei and Ya on their pandacams, neither one of them have shown any type of maternal/pregnancy behavior yet, nor have they been lethargic and napping for long periods of time. We will all be seeing some of that come about sometime in the next couple of months or so. That’s when we will really be on pins and needles as well as on emotional roller coaster rides!
Anyway, enough panda stuff for now. Will get on those pandacams tomorrow!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
February 13th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Hi SDZ, just wondering about the new boo cooler, is it up and running now?
Moderator’s note: We’ll post an update soon.
February 13th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Hi! Some pandacams to share with you! First on the SDZ cam, saw Bai and ZZ eating their boo together, then ZZ went up a tree! On the NZ pandacams, pandacam 2 is back online! Cam 1 showed Mei Xiang lying down on the sidewalk sprawled out taking a nap; cam 2, Tai Shan was also taking a nap. On the AZ panda page, There’s a short update with a short video of Yang Yang doing his crazy antics that was done back in 1998. Today’s update was about Xi Lan and his climbing skills. It’s been confirmed that Xi Lan has definitely learned how to climb that log structure in the dayroom overnite! So, now we can all imagine that he is at the top of that log structure taking naps just like Mei Lan used to do! Wish we had that pandacam back on live to see this!
About the Aussie wildfires, there has been an arrest of a 39 year old man by the state of Victoria police. No charges have been announced yet, but they expect the prosecuter’s office to charge this arsonist with at least one count of arson resulting in death. There could be more charges coming and possibly more arrests as they continue their investigations. The police say that the man started one of the wildfires near the town of Churchill that resulted in at least 21 deaths of the 180 that have lost their lives in this inferno. No telling how many wild animals and domestic livestock have been lost to these wildfires. No one will really know that number. At least we do know that the 2 koalas that were saved are doing well and will be released in a few months to another location full of eucalyptis trees!
Well, that’s it for now. Will get back later on! Gonna get back to the pandacam and check on some other animal cams.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
February 13th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
#53 Maureen If you are having a problem with the NZ cam you may try going to (pandasliveon) site and then on the left hand side there is a list of webcams. You can go to (Limey’s multiple webcams) and see both of NZ webcams together live hope this helps.
I was just reading little AJ is becoming a real climber sure wish we were able to see this for ourselfs we are missing so much. I want to thank SDZ for their daily webcams of their beautiful pandas and this blog where we can share our love for them and many other animals.
February 13th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
There’s a lovely photo gallery on the ZA website of Xi Lan and Mei Lan.
February 13th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
What a lovely picture right now on the SD pandacam! It’s just after 1pm SD time and Bai and Zhen are sitting across from each other looking like they’re having “afternoon tea” or more appropriately, “afternoon ‘boo”!! Or maybe it’s actually lunch. Whatever, mom and daughter are attacking their boo like there’s no tomorrow. Zhen is in ‘recline’ position while Bai is sitting up straight like a proper lady. Could also be a boo tutorial – Bai may be taking advantage of their last days together to show Zhen the “secrets to effective boo consumption”. Zhen’s doing great – picking up the same sizes of boo as her mom and handling them like a pro. This is such a treat for the people who are lucky enough to actually see this live. The cam images are so clear!! They look so sweet together, it’s hard to believe their “together days” are going to end soon. Sigh!! Uh-oh, Zhen just tried to take Bai’s boo away and out came Bai’s hand – one push and Zhen decides she’s not going to win that battle, so now she’s moved a few feet away to eat but then decides she wanted to be close to the boo supply. Now she’s back beside her mother. Such fun to watch them!!
February 13th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Wow! Zhen is a bold little panda. I’m glad to see she’s a strong girl. She’s not afraid to duke it out a little bit with mom for those big stalks of bamboo. Of course she knows Bai’s not going to chew her up when she tugs on mom’s bamboo but she’s definitely not meek. I laughed when Bai reached over ZZ and got her big bamboo stalk back.
#53 Maureen…I don’t know about the Animal Planet cam but I’ve been having trouble with Memphis’ cam. I’m not sure if my computer is being weird or if a lot of people are accessing their cam where I haven’t been able to get on. I always feel like I don’t know Ya Ya and Le Le as well as I should, so I like getting to see them when I get the chance.
#52 Frances…I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks sleeping pandas are interesting. It’s neat to compare the similarities and differences. (And I guess I’m not a romantic, but nah, I’ve never enjoyed watching anyone sleep either!
) Another favorite aspect of panda watching for me is observing how the SDZ pandas and the NZ pandas behave just before and after their keepers arrive in the morning. They all have their own version of the “panda pace.” A couple of mornings about three weeks ago, Bai would walk past the camera going in one direction with Zhen close behind. They would both disappear off-camera and then Bai would walk back across the camera’s frame in the other direction, Zhen again close behind. This went on for a LONG time, all while it was still dark. It got comical after a while. I thought that if it was taped, sped up and set to some kind of fast, cartoon-worthy music, it would be hilarious. Also, one more thing about watching pandas eat: sometimes I swear Mei Xiang is holding bamboo close to her nose and inhaling the scent of the leaves before she starts stripping them off. It reminds me of a woman holding a bouquet of roses up to her face to sniff the fragrance. So cute.
Wishing a Happy Valentine’s Day to all the panda watchers, panda keepers and volunteers, blog moderators and of course to Gao Gao (be still my heart!), Bai Yun, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. Su Lin is probably dreaming of her future panda mate, humming “Someday My Prince Will Come.” Okay, I’m anthropomorphizing but it’s fun to think about.
February 13th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
#50 – Melissa, thanks for sharing your insights into your images of the 3 NZP pandas eating. It is very fascinating to me to watch all the pandas eat, and develop their own personal method of stripping, shredding, etc. Treats are different at all 4 US zoos so they have different tactics for those too.
Will be out of the country and cam range until next Friday, so I will have to rely on time lapse videos when I return. Hope all goes well in stage 3, even though it does tug at my heartstrings a bit. I am much calmer after watching this process 3 times in 3 different zoos. I guess Fu Long will be weaned soon if not already. I wonder if he was as much of a momma’s boy about it as Mei Sheng and Tai Shan?
February 13th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Who is that in the enclosure with ZZ? Peeking in, it surprised me to see a human in with her, but I don’t get to watch PandaCam as much anymore, so maybe this isn’t so unusual? Looks like he’s trying to coax her down from the tree!
February 13th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
#62 – KK West, I saw the same thing you did and wondered who this person was. Hopefully, it was one of ZZ’s keepers.
February 13th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
#57 Pam T – thanks for info about pandasliveon but still unable to get live stream -am sure problem happened when adult son decided to clean up or out our computer – he happily deleted & added, moved my files & icons around so I couldn’t find a thing for days—and did he find out I was angry Guess I’ll have to get one of my friends kids in to fix this. But back to pandasliveon – there is a very distressing story about the way China is handling the rebuilding after the eathquakes – be sure to read this
Read that XiLan has figured out how to climb & Mommy Lun seems pretty calm about it.
February 13th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Melissa #60–sometimes they sniff the boo before eating and sometimes they seem to gaze at it lovingly before starting to eat. It is, after all, a major part of their sustenance–and I’m sure I’m anthropomorphizing too, but they seem to have an aesthetic appreciation for the beautiful and tasty boo of which they are about to partake. And the species they’ve been eating lately is the kind they like to drape over themselves and peer out of. Endlessly fascinating animals.
February 14th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Chari #35…I have tried to post the info about the China web site, but moderators have deleted it. Was trying to follow rules, but guess I have it wrong. Sorry.
February 14th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
#62 KK West – Those were the keepers – they came in to clean up the enclosure. I was surprised to see them too, with ZZ being there as well. They must think it’d be okay to get in there while the pandas are asleep and do some tidying up. But I, too, was surprised to see that the one guy appeared to be interacting with ZZ. She was too sleepy to respond. She shifted a bit and went back to sleep. Maybe the moderator or the narrator who happened to be on duty at the time can tell us what was going on.
February 14th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Conversation with Zhen Zhen #6
Tourist: Hello, Zhen Zhen.
Zhen Zhen: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: So how are you doing nowadays?
Z: I’m doing fine. Our new digs are neat.
T: So you’re really doing fine?
Z: Yup. Really fine. I’m having a great time.
T: Well, that’s good.
Z: Lots to explore…
T: You must be checking out all those new smells.
Z: And lots of excitement.
T: Excitement?
Z: Yup. Lots of drumming. Like 12 drummers.
T: Huh?
Z: And 11 pipers.
T: And 10 leaping Lords?
Z: And do you know what’s in the tree stump structure?
T: What?
Z: Five gold rings…
T: Four calling birds, 3 French hens, 2 turtle doves…
Z: And a partridge in a pear tree?
T: This sounds crazy.
Z: Mama said it had something to do with St. Valentines Day.
T: You mean Gao Gao sent her Christmas presents for St. Valentines Day?
Z: I think presents are fun.
February 15th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Another great morning of entertainment from the Intrepid Duo! The best bit had to be when Zhen Zhen rushed ahead of Mum, rushed up a low tree branch and launched herself at Bai full pelt. She missed, and went rolling over to the front of the exhibit. Never one to be put off, she rushed after Bai again. Hilarious. Thanks Bai and Zhen Zhen.
February 15th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Hi! Just got on the SDZ pandacam. It was switching between c1-4 showing ZZ and Bai a little after 12 noon PST (3pm EST), Sun., 2/15/2009. At first, ZZ was in her tree trying to get a nap in, then decided to climb down from the tree. She saw her mom walk by so ZZ went with her on their walkabouts around their yard. They would be walking together for a little bit, then split up in different directions, then walk back together. There was even some play time between Bai and ZZ for a couple of minutes! At one point I got a chance to see the size differences between Bai and ZZ, and ZZ is almost her momma’s size but not there yet. A funny part of this was when ZZ decided to sit next to a tree branch with one of her paws on it! She looked like she was sitting in an armchair just as relaxed as she usually is! This was a great few minutes for me to watch these 2 pandas walking together and interacting together. Won’t be seeing them do that for too much longer, tho. It’s part of the weaning process. At least we can watch little Xi Lan thru Youtube going thru his growing milestones before the weaning process gets started between him and his mom, Lun, late next year or in 2010.
Margaret (#61), have a good trip! Write back to us when you get back and let us know about your trip to where ever you went to! We’ll all let you know about how well stage 3 of the weaning process went while you are gone. We should be getting a new update about that soon.
Well, not much else to say. Melissa (#60), I’ll check the MZ pandacam to see if it’s working right. And to the other person that mentioned about Animal Planet’s website not having the NZ pandacam up, I’ll check that out as well. I’ll let you all know what I find out on these 2 pandacams, ok? Hang in there!
Gotta go! My favorite NASCAR race, the Daytona 500, is about ready to get going on TV! I always watch it every year! Will check back with you all later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
February 16th, 2009 at 11:21 am
February 16th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Hi, Moderator! I need to know something about Bai and ZZ. When the keepers seperate the 2 pandas into seperate yards during this weaning process, which cam numbers are on Bai and which cam numbers are on ZZ? I know that when they are seperated permanently, there will be cam numbers for each of them, but we would all like to know which panda is which during those short seperation times. Can you give us any help on that, please? We will all appreciate it alot!
I did get on the SDZ cam and just watched Miss ZZ eating her boo then went over to climb a tree. At least I could tell it was her because of her smaller size when the cam is doing a closeup of her. The problem is when the bears are far off in their yards, and that’s when I can’t really tell who is who! Some good hints will be helpful here!
Thanks,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s Note: Cameras 1, 2, and 3 will be on Zhen Zhen; cameras 4, 5, and 6 will highlight Bai Yun.
February 16th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Hi! Me again! A note to some of you wondering about a couple of pandacams. I just checked the Memphis Zoo website, and their pandacam IS ONLINE. There was no sign of Ya Ya or Le Le, tho; both of them are probably outside exploring or napping while the weather is still decent. Got on the Animal Planet website, searched the site for pandacam, found the link, hit that pandacam link, and no pandacam on that page! So, the person who mentioned that was right about that! I wrote an email to AP webmaster to find out why the pandacam was taken off the website. This was a great backup to the 2 NZ pandacams if and when those cams were out of service or offline for any reasons. I hope to hear back from the AP webmaster in a few days about their pandacam page. So, be patient pandafans! I still haven’t heard back from AZ about when they will be able to get their pandacam back online. AZ is still running their survey online on the front page and the panda page. You all still have some time to get on their website to take the survey and make your comments.
Now, I’m done for now. Will check back later on! Oh yeah, to all of you elephant fans, African elephant Asali from Memphis Zoo will definitely have her baby elephant calf sometime in July, 2009! Pray that Asali will have great health and a safe delivery as she goes thru the next 5 months of her pregnancy!
Bye,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
February 16th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Pandacam alert! Great shot of both Bai and ZZ inside the stump having a wrestling match while rain is falling in San Diego! This was between 10:20 and 10:25 AM PST (1:20 and 1:25 PM EST). Hope you all can catch this on Cam c3! Love to watch them play together!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
February 16th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I see Zhen has again decided to cause us to hold our collective breath as we watch her sprawled seemingly precariously on a rather thin branch high in the tree. Does the panda staff also get a little antsy when she climbs up there?
I was admiring Su Lin earlier as she patrolled her yard. We have such a beautiful group of lady pandas here in the U.S., each with their unique charms and outstanding features. (I also was admiring the blooming plant with red flowers in Su’s yard…really pretty.)
#67 Chari…Thanks for your help with the MZ cam! I was able to get a picture a little while ago so I will keep my fingers crossed that I will have continued access. My computer has been really weird for a few weeks and I’ve changed settings here and there that might have affected my ability to view the MZ cam. I’m just happy I got to see Ya Ya this morning. She had an admirer that was there taking pictures of her. I hope she is able to join the corps of panda moms this year. She and Le Le would have such a cute little cub.
February 16th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I didn’t catch the wrestling match between Bai and ZZ in the stump, but I was able to catch the end of a nursing session in the stump — sigh — probably my last one.
February 16th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
This morning at 10:22, I enjoyed watching Zhen Zhen and Bai Yun having a nursing session in the hollowed out tree. It was so sweet to watch them snuggled in the tight space together. They were obviously trying to get out of the steady rain that we are having in San Diego.
After nursing, Zhen Zhen walked toward the viewing window and climbed up a tall spindly tree. In spite of the rain, Zhen settled in for a nice long nap. J
February 16th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Just past 1 pm SD time and I’m looking at a great closeup of ZZ in the rain, eating her boo with zeal!! Her loyal fans are getting a treat!! She’s looking at them as they parade past her seemingly enjoying all the attention. And what a pose! She’s sitting on what looks to be a rock at the base of one of the horizontal logs, left leg dangling towards the ground and the other one bent at the knee with her right foot resting on the rock. What a great photo op for the zoo guests. Now she is turned 90 degrees facing her adoring crowd squarely, still on the rock but now with both feet on it. Postcard time!! She’s using the log like a chaise lounge. There is a bush with red flowers behind her so she looks like a lady of leisure enjoying a snack in her garden. Something tells me this will be one of her favorite spots when she’s on her own. Oh how I wish I was there!!
February 16th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Dear All,
Did you all know that Tian just recently had a surgery to remove a growth(which they found out to be cancer-less, whew! ) in one of his eyes? It’s on the NZ site. “spot light on Vet medicine” is the page. They said because they don’t know enough about panda’s eyes so they tried to remove as little as possible of his “nictitating membrane”. The surgery was successfull though, so Tian is doing good.
Also, does anyone know if pandas have period? Hope it’s ok to ask such questions….
Faye
February 16th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Hi! Faye (#78), thanks for letting us know about Tian at NZ! I was on that website’s panda page to see if there were any new updates, and there weren’t any, so I thought everything was cool at the NZ Panda House. Now, I get your news about Tian’s eye surgery! I’ll definitely get back on the NZ website and hit the link to the vet medicine page to read about it.
I got a note from the moderator to one of my earlier comments that will help me and all of you in spotting Bai and ZZ on the pandacam when they are seperated. ZZ will be on cams 1, 2, 3; Bai will be on cams 4, 5, 6. Hope this will help you all out if you have any trouble trying to recognize one of them. It will help me out for sure! Thanks, Moderator for that great info!
I did get on the NZ pandacams earlier today. Both Mei Xiang and Tai Shan had paper bags given to them, and they both tore open the bags and got their big treats—the BIG fruitcicles! Both of them were just licking these delicious treats with relish!
Melissa, glad that you were able to get on the MZ pandacam. Hope your computer stays on good behavior for you!
Well, gonna go. Will check back later on.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
February 16th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Margaret, #61, have a wonderful time. Hope you’re doing something fun! P. Wong, #67, you always make me smile. I didn’t know that Tai had eye surgery; thanks for letting us know. He was my FIRST panda (never forget hearing a keeper say, off camera, “night, night; love you.” I can only assume he was talking to Tai when he was a little butterball just starting to run around.) Thanks everyone for your postings; when I’m busy, and don’t have time to watch much, I know I can quickly read the postings and get caught up on everything. And thank you, moderator, for clarifying the cams on ZZ and Mom.
Did everyone do the survey on ZA’s website?
February 16th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Faye, #78 — Tian’s eye problem occurred more than a year ago. I haven’t seen any mention of a recurrence. Thank goodness they could treat it, although they admit they don’t know a lot about a panda’s eyes.
Let’s all keep our pseudothumbs crossed for three panda cubs in the U.S. this year. Might as well dream big!
February 16th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Faye (#78) and Chari (#79) when I read your entries I remembered about Tian Tian eye problem and went back to the entries and had to go back to December 2007 to find the announcements of his treatment December 14-16: Tian Tian’s Cherry Eye and December 19: Tian Tian Recovers. I am still glad to hear that he recovered well but wonder why the “spot light on Vet medicine” is written more than a year after the operation (January 13, 2009).
February 17th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Faye #78 and Chari #79 – I believe Tian’s eye surgery was some time ago (months even). It was on one of the updates on the panda cam page.
February 17th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Just looked back thru NZ updates. Unless there’s been another, more recent surgery, Tian’s eye surgery was Dec 2007. Hopefully that was the only one!
February 17th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Dear All,
Thank you for the feedback on Tian’s sore eye. The title is “Spotlight on Vet Medicine” dated January 13 2009. So I thought it is relatively recent. So from all of your responses, it seems like it had happened awhile ago and they just posted it last month for our information, not as news.
Sorry if I caused any concern…..
Just now I saw Bai and ZZ head to head sleeping in the tree stump… sooooo sweet!
Faye in Santa Rosa
February 17th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
There were a number of adorable images to be seen with Bai and Zhen Zhen in the stump today–nursing, head to head, ZZ’s head on Bai, Bai’s head on ZZ’s front leg–another postcard bonanza.