Weaning Zhen Zhen: Miss Independence
Posted at 3:35 pm February 24, 2009 by Suzanne HallYesterday, keepers closed the doors between Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen at the regular time of approximately 4 p.m. They passed an uneventful night, feeding and resting. This morning, when Zhen saw her keepers coming to pull her off for the morning cleaning of the exhibit, something new happened.
Keepers led her into the tunnel, and began talking with her and feeding her treats. She followed them happily through our tunnel system, stopping occasionally to sniff a spot here or there. Up top, she sat on the scale patiently as keepers weighed her (at 43.2 kilos). Then she walked into her new living space, the bedroom area into which she was born so many months ago.
As all pandas do, Zhen sniffed about her to reacquaint herself with the rooms. After finding a fresh stash of bamboo, she sat right down and munched happily. She paused occasionally, as she heard Gao Gao bleating nearby. He was registering his discontent. Where were his keepers? He was usually out in the yard by that time — what was taking them so long today? He, too, was in for a change.
After the lower exhibit had been prepped by the keepers, Gao was moved down from his top bedroom to the exhibit formerly occupied by Zhen. As he passed by in the tunnel, Zhen stopped eating and approached the door separating her from her father. Keepers could hear her sniffing loudly, inhaling his scent. For his part, Gao seemed unconcerned about his daughter’s presence, but was all about marking up the tunnel as he made his way to the public viewing areas. It’s all mine, he seemed to be saying.
Zhen returned to her bamboo. She spent some time investigating her enrichment, a cinnamon-coated hanging ball, placed in her grass-laden garden room. She searched for biscuits. She sat still and listened, taking in her surroundings. She rested and she climbed. All in all, she entered into her independent life surprisingly well.
We expect that as the day wears on she might beg for some of the keeper’s attention — and they stand at the ready. Already she has had a few extra biscuits, and keepers are stopping in regularly to check on her. Even so, the general consensus is that, compared to big sister Su Lin, Zhen is handling this exceptionally well.
So far so good with Bai Yun. If she experiences any engorgement of her mammary glands due to Zhen’s abundant comfort-nursing over the last few weeks, Bai might have some discomfort for about a day or so. Soon thereafter, she will likely be showing us how content she is to be on her own, too. Thus far she has done beautifully with our separation protocol, and we are pleased to see her faring so well.
For the next few days, look for Zhen on cameras 11, 15 and 17. She may head out to the classroom exhibit in a day or so, on cameras 27-29. Gao, for his part, can be observed on cameras 1-3 for the foreseeable future, and Su Lin will be on cams 30 and 32. Bai Yun’s exhibit and cameras will remain the same.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for San Diego Zoo Conservation Research.
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February 24th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
For those who missed it, I managed to get lots of snaps of Bai’s and ZZ’s last day, and put them on my Flickr page. “mwyatt129″ click on “sets” and then on “detail.” They’re only in order on the “detail” page–otherwise they’re backwards in time.
It starts with a sweet closeup of ZZ that I snapped last month from a YouTube vid that’s no longer on that site. I’m now using that as my wallpaper, in final confirmation of my panda obsession. Also, I tacked on a few snaps of ZZ playing with her blue hanging toy, and one wonderful one from Saturday of ZZ lying in Bai’s lap. Feel free to download any snaps you like.
Also, there’s a video on YouTube of ZZ’s last nursing session. It’s called “2/22/09-Bai & Zhen Nursing-3 35min”
My only concern about our spunky little ZZ is that she doesn’t have another panda to play and wrestle with anymore! She loves to wrestle! Perhaps the size differential is too great to ever put her together with Su Lin, but as we now have two female subadults, I’ll hope for that to happen someday–although if Su Lin goes to China this year, I guess that wouldn’t be fair to ZZ.
February 24th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Thank you, thank you. Your updates are so important to us. Great to know that everything is going well. (And well written!)
February 24th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Thanks for the update, Suzanne. And here’s to another job well done by the SDZ panda staff!!! I ran out of kleen-ex this week-end. Weaning is quite difficult on a pandaFANatic, but I’m glad to know the animals are doing OK. Now, it’s time for Zhen to be a star… on her own.
Thanks also for updating us on which cams will be showing which pandas. That makes it easier for us to be a part of what is going on.
Give Zhen a nice back scratch from me.
Love, Joy
February 24th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Have seen Daddy, and both daughters on Panda Cam, but, nothing of Mom??????? Ia she OK? I keep checking, but, no Mom. Glad little ZZ is doing well.
Thanks Panda Team.
February 24th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Suzanne, all in all this separation seemed to go more smoothly and less stressful for both Bai and especially Zhen. Maybe it is due to the more independent nature Zhen sweems to have. I must look back at the time-lapse for 4 PM to see if Zhen stood on her hind legs peering out the window as Su Lin did when she and Bai separated for the last time. It seems that moving Zhen immediately to the sun room and bedroom probably was better, and a lesson learned from Su Lin’s weaning, since Su Lin had such a hard time the day after in the exhibit next to Bai Yun. I am sure Gao Gao is happy to be back with his favorite tree stump exhibit, although he probably doesn’t much care where he is as long as the keepers keep him well supplied with his bamboo, on time, so he can bulk up during breeding season.
Job well done everyone!!!!
February 24th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I’m sad and happy at the same time. Hate to idea of the separation but it is wonderful to know how well Bai and Zhen have handled it.
Great job you keepers do!! And many thanks for the all the information.
Now we wait to see if Studmuffin Gao and Beautiful Bai can produce another wonderful cub!!!!!
February 24th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Thanks, Suzanne, for the new update–I know I, for one, was eagerly awaiting news of life after the separation–and now I see Miss ZZ on C15, sleeping on the outdoor platform. I remember watching her in the spaces she’s in now–her first climb into the water basin, the afternoon she spent so much time trying and trying to get over the sill–I wonder how much she remembers?
It’s also great to see Mr. G in front of his adoring public again and to know that Su Lin is playing and Bai Yun is relaxing and that we’re heading into Spring! Well, it’s still cold here, but I can dream…
Thanks to all who enjoyed my conversation between Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen–I’d swear I overheard it–(but maybe I just imagined it
)–and continuing apologies to P Wong. I hope Gao Gao will have something new to report soon.
February 24th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
I saw Bai a few times since yesterday and she was very restless and pacing at times, at other times she seemed sad. I also think ZZ looks sad at times as well but given her curious nature, she seems to be coping better than I expected. I think it’s an adjustment for both of them, you don’t spend every day of 18 months with someone and then forget about them the second they are gone! I’m not so sure that female pandas are as solitary as males because they spend so much time raising cubs. When you think about it they really aren’t alone for very long except when they are pregnant so it must be difficult to suddenly find ZZ gone – especially given their instinct is to nurture and protect their cubs, in her mind she is probably worried about her cub and her safety. I do volunteer work with peregrine falcons and the females react the same way when their fledglings first learn to fly – sometimes they come to the ground and we have to keep them overnight so we can determine they are unhurt before we return them to a safe area and believe me the mothers are frantically looking for them everywhere in that time.
That being said, after reading the old blogs about Su Lin’s separation, I am comforted that both will adjust in time with the love and care of their keepers.
February 24th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Suzanne thankyou so much for the beautifully written letter to all of us panda lovers out here. I have used many tissues watching Bai and Zhen soon to be separated. It looked to me like Bai might have been sick the way she was acting. Either that or she needs her Gao fix. lol I am sooooo glad that little Zhen is doing so well and I hope she will soon be able to be out and able to get into her tall trees soon. I watched her yesterday looking at the meshwork above her and felt so sorry for her. I know you all are doing what you have to do though and you do such a wonderful job and are so caring that I am wishing I was a panda bear at your zoo. lol Don’t think I would like the menu though. Anyway thanks again for keeping all of us informed as it is much appreciated. I have so enjoyed watching Zhen from birth to now. It is so interesting and yes sad at times but that is life. Have a good rest of your week.
February 24th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Its finally over , I tell ya just being human and having that experience of being a mother is a blessing.
I have to say also, I have shed my tears for both Bai Yun and ZhenZhen
But we know its part of their life as well. I like the way Zhen Zhen covers her head with her paw when she sleeps, it’s so cute 
I looking forward to August to come stay with my niece for 17 days:) So then I will come to the zoo alot,we went in on a yearly pass!!!!!
Its so nice to hear that Gao Gao is marking his spot:) Take care marlene from Seattle:)
February 24th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Lol…soon as I made my last post they switched to Bai and she seems to be feeling much better now…never underestimate the power of the ‘Boo’!
February 24th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Thanks for the update. As Margaret said, job well done — indeed. Look forward to the further adventures of Zoomie, girl super panda. And who knows what the future will bring.
February 24th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Another weaning well done – the sad part for us humans is how fast 18 months flies by- we get so used to watching our cubs playing & learning from Mom & then before we know it it’s time for our cubs to be on their own (we are getting older too fast)
February 24th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
It’s 17:58 (panda time) on cam 5, is there something wrong with Bai Yun? She seemed to be just sitting there, not even interested in her bamboo, then she laid down. Is she okay?
February 24th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Oh, if only we pandafanatics lived closer! We’d be standing in line to relieve the keepers for some of the extra attention to Zhen Zhen!
Congrats, SDZ, on another successful (and seemingly easy) weaning. You’ve got the process down.
February 24th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
What a wonderful feeling of accomplishment you keepers must have. Yet another happy, healthy panda cub successfully on its way to adulthood. Even with all the sadness we human panda lovers feel as each cub is separated from its mother, nothing can take away the happiness and pride we feel in our panda keepers here in the U.S. You guys all rock. Seriously.
Now we must hope hope hope that 2009 will bring us at least one more (would wishing for two be too greedy??) panda baby.
February 24th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Hi Suzanne – Congratulations to the panda staff, panda keepers and everyone involved in bringing the weaning process, for our sweet Zhen Zhen, to a smooth and happy conclusion. Soon, Zhen will be moving to her new classroom exhibit where she will begin learning to live on her own.
Yesterday morning, I watched Gao Gao walk all around the perimeter of the right-hand exhibit. He was becoming reacquainted with his old stomping grounds. By now, Gao must have scent marked every inch of it.
Now it’s time for Bai Yun to rest up and start gaining some weight. She needs to prepare for her next adventure, in the near future, with her handsome sweetie: Gao Gao.
Suzanne, how many days after separation does it take for a panda to forget its mother?
February 24th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I managed to sneak in some cam peeks on Day 1 of the separation and was so happy to see our little girl taking her first day in stride. She’d eat some boo, check out her enclosure, eat more boo, take a look at something that caught her attention, eat more boo. The cam work was phenomenal as we were able to count her whiskers and gaze into her soulful eye. Even caught a few glimpses of my hunka hunka Gao Gao. All in all it seemed uneventful. Kudos to the keepers and researchers on getting us all through this. I’m sure they breathe easier as each day passes. I look forward to hearing about Zhen’s training and progress, along with how Bai is doing and, it goes without saying, my Gao Gao! Thanks for the great update Suzanne!
February 24th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Shirley #3 – Mommy Bai Yun is fine. I was happy to see her in the C-5 exhibit late this afternoon around 5 PM until dusk. She was sitting midway between the cave and the pool thoroughly enjoying a huge pile of bamboo.
February 24th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Hello panda lovers. Wow! It’s been an eventful two days with our princess ZZ moving into her own pad and daddy Gao going back to his usual lair. As for ZZ b.w. (before weaning), I found a most interesting video on youtube. Just search for ‘Zhen Zhen 2/21/09′.
ZZ is working hard at digging under the fence to get to the other side – she must have a caught a scent (maybe Bai?) and thought she could dig her way over. She eventually gives up (such a sorry look on her face) but then gets up on her hind legs to look for another way out, poor baby.
Also, ZA has a new clip of Xi Lan trying to make his way into the hammock via the corner ties – the comment on the blog said that the Atlanta panda prince may not be successful at walking the high wire. Cute.
February 24th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I’ve cried my way thru every US zoo panda separation and came thru this one much better than the previous ones. I’m sure it’s mostly due to the fact that our zoos do a tremendous job with these animals but I think it was partly due to the fact that ZZ is such a independent little one. I’ve never seen any of them in person but just on camera and from the info from the zoos it’s amazing how different they all are. That’s what make them even MORE lovable and precious.
I predict a VERY interesting and busy ‘09 for our US panda Moms!! Anyone else betting on twins for one of them?
Once more, GREAT job SDZ team!!!
February 24th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Are the 2 “off site ” exhibits the same size as the public viewing ones?
February 24th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Wonderful update as always, thank you so much, it has been a pleasure being able to share this step in Zhen Zhens life through the cams and the updates, thank you Suzanne
February 25th, 2009 at 1:53 am
I have watched these wonderful pandas since I first saw ZZ as a cub on a news article. I love them all, and I am sad that it is time for ZZ to be on her own, but I understand that it is nature at its best. I wish the best for both Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen. Leaving home is always hard, but it seems that SDZ has it down pat. I congratulate the keepers and staff for doing such a great job with our baby. I have watched ZZ from the moment I saw her as a stick of butter to a beautiful bundle of panda joy. She and her mother have been wonderful for me. Thank you staff and SDZ for giving us humans an insight into the wonderful world of pandas.
I often think of Bai Yun’s children in China. How are they doing? Have they found success as mothers and fathers of future pandas?
February 25th, 2009 at 4:34 am
Suzanne, Thanks as always for the blog on how the final day went for Zhennie. PLEASE thanks the keepers for taking such great care of her during her transition to independence. With Gao Gao next to Bai Yun, how long do you think it will take for her to start exhibiting mating behaviors. or rather the onset of estrus? With March around the corner I would expect it to be soon…right?
February 25th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Thanks so much for the great update. So happy to hear our little girl and Mom are doing OK. We must remember that this way is so much better than in the wild, where the mom would most likely just walk away and leave the cub. The SDZ people are so great with the pandas and other animals in their care.
Keep up the good work and the great blogs.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:05 am
I want to thank you all for the wonderful job you have done in letting us share your pandas. Not only are your cameras on all the time but your updates are wonderful. After seeing how hard it was for Su Lin it is such a relief to see ZZ adjust so well. We all saw her independent nature from the beginning and it has served her well now. I think all the love and care her keepers give her has helped make this adjustment easier.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:02 am
I knew this day would come and thank you to all the keepers and staff for doing such a magnificent job with our girl and making this a little easier on her. Zhen surely is a big girl now and a confident and independent bear.Sniff
February 25th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Wow! It is hard to believe Zhen is now an independent panda. She grew up to fast. Hopefully Bai and Gao will have a successful breeding season and we will all be able to watch another panda cub grow up.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I am so happy everything is coming out so well! I have been waiting for this ..checking everyday , everysecond to see whats happening! thanks SDZ .. Does Gao knows that his daughter?
February 25th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Suzanne, thank you for letting us know how Bai Yun and especially little ZZ are doing. I feel better now. I wonder who ZZ thought Gao Gao was when she sniffed him as he passed by? Probably just another Panda I suppose. Trust Gao Gao to make a fuss if his breakfast is 0.1 of a second late!!
February 25th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Suzanne thank you for keeping us so well informed. It’s great to hear Miss ZZ is doing so good sure hope we get to see more of her now.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
OH MY GOSH! Kalluk and Chinook are MATING!!! It’s 11:05pm PT today….
February 25th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
And life goes on…
Thanks for giving us all the wonderful details.
Angie
February 25th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Suzanne, the weaning process is more painful to us than it is to ZZ! Now that she is completely shut off from Bai Yun, will she be on exhibit in the Classroom area later on, let’s say next week by chance? Would love to see her! Please advise. Thanks. much.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Just had to smile this morning with/about our favorite studmuffin Gao Gao! He munched his way thru a pile of boo, even laying on his side at one point, continuing to eat (that’s a new position for eating to me). And, did it all with what looks like a smile on his face. Now, he’s napping and just looking so peaceful. The sight of him napping on the ground, and having seen Bai resting on top of her cave earlier, brought to mind a ZA post not too long ago. They described the napping/sleeping preferences of their pandas… Yang Yang on the ground, Lun Lun up above the ground (unless she is with a cub).
This made me wonder… is there a statistical significant difference between sleeping preferences of male and female pandas (males down, females up)?
Hmmm, inquiring minds and all!
February 25th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Thanks so much for the update! I’m happy to hear that ZZ is adjusting well.
I was so worried about her.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Hi! Video alerts!! Just got on the Memphis Zoo website’s panda page, and part 2 of their video blog about Ya Ya’s artificial insemination is on their panda blog page! Pretty interesting info in it. Part 3 should be coming up in the next few days. Also, on Atlanta Zoo’s panda page, there’s a very cute vid of Xi Lan trying to do the tightrope thing on the hammock strap from yesterday (Tues., 2/24).
HE HE!!
Was on the SDZ pandacam, and it was on Gao Gao for most of the time I was watching. He was walking around, then sat down to eat his boo, then the last time I checked in, Gao was asleep!
Also looked in on the NZ pandacams, and the pandas were doing their usual stuff–walking, eating, then going inside for their big stash of boo that was for them! Nothing new about Mei Xiang yet, and I don’t think there will be any real news of change for at least another month or two. Should be getting a new update from the NZ panda keepers about Mei soon.
I read this newest article about Bai and ZZ’s last round of get togethers and the seperation. Looks like this was the final deal on the both of them. ZZ has been busy exploring what is now her new permanent space with all the boo she can eat without fighting with her mom for some. Well done, ZZ! You’ve done some growing this past month! All of the panda keepers get kudos for another successful weaning process! Boy, you guys are good!! Well, after 3 cubs that went thru weaning, that’s alot of experience going on here along with Bai Yun’s experience as a mom that was longing for some empty nest time for herself! Now, we’ll just wait and see if Bai and Gao can get it together again with the hope of another cub later this summer!
Well, gonna go and catch the cams again! Will check back in later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
February 25th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Great Job!!! I think it was harder on all of us watching than on mom and baby!! Hope all continues to go smoothly for everyone. And I’m sure the keepers with the extra biscuits for ZZ are having no problem giving in to her if need be! I know I wouldn’t hesitate to spoil her rotten – and that would NOT be good. Guess that’s why I’m in my office watching on my computer!! thanks so much for all the updates – I love reading about all the happenings! Take care.
February 25th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I’m so glad to see things going so well. One question. Why are the pandas never put together, especially the sisters. Would they fight? The seem to be pretty social and their lives seem so lonely.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Hey,does little miss independence have her own room? I checked,and she has some cams!
February 25th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
What exactly is the “classroom exhibit”? When the pandas are there, can they be viewed by the public? I am going to be in San Diego on vacation, specifically to go see the Pandas, from 3/11 to 3/15. I was hoping to at least get a glimpse of ZZ.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
I FEEL REAL GOOD AND RELIEVED…IF I MISSED ANY AGGRESSIVENESS I AM GRATEFUL….IT JUST SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE THAT TIME GOES BY SO FAST… IT WAS 14 MONTHS AGO I SAW HER IN THE VERY FIRST DAYS THAT SHE CAME OUT…HOW SMALL AND PRECIOUS….SHE’S STILL PRECIOUS JUST BIGGER…. AND I KNOW SHE IS HAPPY…SHE WON’T HAVE TO SHARE HER FOOD OR THE ATTENTION OF HER KEEPERS…SHES A BIG GIRL ON HER VERY OWN….
I DO HAVE A QUESTION FOR SUZZANNE….THE PANDAS IN CHINA ARE WEANED AT 6 MONTHS I BELIEVE YOU SAID. BUT YOU HAVE BEEN TELLING US THAT THE MOM IS ALWAYS TEACHING THEIR CUBS FROM BIRTH TO AROUND 18 MONTHS…HOW DO THESE CUBS LEARN??? THANKS
February 26th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Thanks for the update. Zhen Zhen is just an lovely baby girl who can adapt to new situations quicky. As for Bai Yun, she is a great mom, and surly will get better gradually. Zhen Zhen is so active, always running, climbing and exploring. She is living her life on herself now, it really is a new world for her. What I can do is hope she grow up happily and follow her new paces.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:53 am
7:21 am and our little girl is up high in the tree, can she see Su Lin? I see trees in the next yard and I’m assuming that’s where her big sis is so hoping Su Lin goes for a climb and they can see each other, wouldn’t that be great!
February 26th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Now, Zhen Zhen has come full-circle. She’s back where she happily spent the first few months of her life. Zhen seems right at home in the highest branches of the tree in her C28 exhibit.
One day, I hope we will all be able to watch Zhen Zhen and her sister, Su Lin, at the “howdy door”, or better yet, to see them together in the same exhibit.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:55 am
OMGosh! Will someone please tell ZZ she is climbing too high in that tree? Yikes!! I’m so scared she’s going to fall.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Good morning everyone! I see Zhen Zhen is up high in her tree again. With the wind today it looks like she is being rocked to sleep. We all fret when the young are so high but has there every been a fall from “way up there” that anyone knows of? Their balance is amazing, even when they are asleep.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:10 am
8:38 San Diego time – look at Zhen Zhen way up in her new tree in the classroom! She is making this space her own. Will be interested to hear about her first tree-to-tree encounter with Su Lin!
February 26th, 2009 at 10:41 am
#6 – Frances. No apologies needed. Good to have someone add to the fun. I hadn’t written as much lately on account of job hunting.
Conversation with Gao Gao #55
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: I noticed how you enjoyed your “birthday” celebration last month.
G: Yup. Loved that honey on the ice cake.
T: Also saw that “Returning Home” video about you and your 2 year anniversary.
G: Yeah, that cake was made of cornbread. I like cornbread, too.
T: You sure eat up a storm, don’t you? Look at all your bamboo here.
G: Uh huh. (crunch)
T: You like your “new” abode?
G: Yep. It’s like old times. It’s mine.
T: Yours?
G: Yeah, got my scent on it long ago.
T: Well, my sense of smell is not as good as yours.
G: And the tunnel is mine now, too.
T: Uh huh.
G: Bai Yun is mine.
T: And Zhen Zhen is yours.
G: Huh?
T: Well, of course, she’s your daughter.
G: She is? Hmmm. How would I get my scent to her…
T: Hey, wait! Stop rubbing on me!
February 26th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Suzanne, I have a couple of new questions for you.
It was posted recently that there are two known ways for mothers in the wild to make the premanent break from their offspring, 1) Mother goes away to find new territory and doesn’t come back, or 2) Mother chases offspring away to find their own new territory and mother stays in original territory. It appears that SDZ has chosen to use method 2 where Bai Yun stays in the original territory, and the offspring go away to a “new” territory. Is that correct? If approximately 6-8 weeks is the normal span between weaning and estrus, will Bai Yun and Gao Gao remain where they are until she comes into estrus and they potentially breed, or will they go away to their “new” territory in the back and the girls come to the front to have some time to get to know each other? As I recall, Mei Sheng and Gao Gao split their time in the front exhibit, but Bai Yun remained in “her” territory until well after the breeding took place. Then Gao came into “her” exhibit for a little while. I remember that you waited several days after Gao went to the back to let Su Lin into that exhibit because you wanted his adult male scent to subside so she would not be stressed by the scent left behind. If you are planning to follow a similar rotation plan, and the girls are therefore going to be in the back for several weeks, is there any “howdy” gate, or plans to install one, so they can interact from there other than in the trees?
I remember that Bai spent most of the time after the breeding, through Zhen’s birth and early development in the area Zhen is now in. Then she moved to the classroom area that Su Lin is now in when Zhen was ready to go outdoors (except for the occasional nighttime forays that Bai took her on). When Zhen was old enough and big enough they moved to the front public exhibit areas where they have been for most of the past 12 months, except for the 2 weeks to do the major renovations.
Hopefully both Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will be able to come to the front for some enrichment prior to the breeding of their parents.
Please enlighten us on this whole migration process in the wild, and your method of simulating it in a captive environment. I find it fascinating and educational, and think others would as well. Wolong doesn’t have this luxury, as their space is limited and they have many more breeding age pandas and offspring to deal with.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I have been watching Panda Cam, and Su Lin, she seems to be very interested in a small doorway, and is trying to get in there. Is that her bedroom? Or is it the door that separates her from her sister? She just will not leave it alone, so I am curious.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
P Wong – Welcome back! What a sweet and funny conversation between Gao Gao and Tourist. It had me laughing out loud. Thank you.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
P Wong
Thanks for another great conversation. I always enjoy them. I want to thank you also for all the information you share with us. I’m especially grateful for your translation of the Gao Gao video. Good Luck in your job hunting.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
I noticed that Zhen has been up and down the tree a number of times. My guess is that she is looking for Bai and her keepers the way Mei Sheng and Su Lin did in their first month of separation. I visited the zoo on Sunday and Zhen kept in physical contact with Bai the entire time. Obviously she sensed a major change in their relationship was near. I hope like many others that the howdy door is opened soon and that Zhen and Su Lin will have an opportunity in the coming weeks/month to spend time together in the same exhibit.
February 26th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Thank you to the cam operators for giving us glimpses of all of the bears during this interesting time. You have been busy!
February 26th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Wow – these are exciting times at the zoo. Zhen Zhen is a big girl now — and getting used to her new independence — and holy cow — the romance between Chinook and Kalluk is really heating up. I never saw them apart yesterday — and wow — at one point I thought the zoo might actually need to put an NC-17 rating on the Polar Cam. Today the lovebirds are swimming and playing in the pool. I think we may hear the pitter patter of little polar bear feet this summer!! And I want to send my condolences to the keepers on the passing of Sunita. She was a wonderful, wonderful elephant, and I remember her very much — she will be greatly missed by everyone.
February 26th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Shirley #50: I have been watching Su-lin this morning too and she really seems agitated. She keeps trying to get through the door and climbing the wall. She is pacing a lot . I wondered where the little door goes. Hope someone will tell us. Maybe this is the norm for her and we just don’t ususally get to see it. She seems to be getting more on camera time.
February 26th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
P. Wong, you made me giggle out loud with that last line, Thank you. I needed the giggle. Maybe you can get a job writing children’s books! Or a “REALITY” nature show where the animals actually talk! That’s one reality show I would watch.
ZZ was quite the busy girl just a little while ago. She wanted the door open!!!!!! Life is so much eaiser on the SDZ pands than those in the wild. Thank you SDZ for taking such good care of them.
Anybody heard anything on the AZ cam? What was the purpose of the survey really?
February 26th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Please help clarify something for me, as I am very confused. It is about noon on Thursday, PST, and there is a large panda way up in a tree on C5. That should be the cam in Bai Yun’s yard. Have Bai Yun and Su Lin swapped places??? If not, how long has it been since Bai Yun climbed that high in a tree?
February 26th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Maybe I was ahead of my time, and Bai Yun is also getting a break in the back while Zhen Zhen or Su Lin are getting time out in front with plenty of trees to climb. If the panda I saw on C5 is Su Lin, maybe she was at the small door because she heard the keepers and knew that something was going on, like maybe Bai Yun passing by on her way to the classroom or Sun Room area?
February 26th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I saw Su Lin trying to get through the door as well and wondered if maybe she wasn’t a bit put out at losing her outdoor pool! She’s had to give up part of her space for ZZ or maybe she can hear ZZ bleating? I noticed ZZ trying to figure out how to jump the wall from the tree branch and Bai tree climbing and figured she was looking for ZZ as she usually napped up there. It’s interesting though how a pile of fresh boo seems to distract them all
February 26th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Lee #46,
Yes… I have seen sub adults fall from 35-40 feet off the ground in Wolong… only to bounce up and climb back to their spot above it all
Margaret #49,
We dont expect that mothers would leave to find new territory. In fact, we expect the opposite: mom stays put. But since females have large home ranges they can still walk away and be out of visual, auditory and olfactory range without leaving their home range. A cub, less familiar with the boundaries of the home range, might not be able to find mom in the wild under these conditions.
February 26th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Is C-15 where Zhen Zhen sleeps at night?
February 26th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I was watching Little ZZ this evening asleep on her platform I know she’ll be ok but I still get an ache in my heart for her being all by yourself. She’s laying there with her little paw covering her face it just makes you want give her a big hug and say you’re not alone you’re in all our hearts.
February 26th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
I just feel that Zhen looks so lonely laying on her “shelf”. Why are the Panda’s placed together in China but have to be all alone here? I saw the video of three females at Yunan Wildlife Zoo and even though they looked quite large, they are sitting right next to each other happily eating their boo.
February 26th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I see a little bald spot on Bai Yun’s belly!
February 26th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
I think ZZ is doing better than Mom today. I saw Bai standing up with her paws on the trees looking up like she was looking for ZZ today. I also noticed she keeps itching her lower tummy and it looks as though all the fur is gone in a circle and I suppose this is due to her nipples itching but I feel so sorry for her today. She is eating well and I am sure “this too shall pass”. It is indeed funny how one can get attached to these beautiful bears by seeing them on cam every day. I can only imagine how attached you on this wonderful staff must be and it is so heart warming to know you take such good care of them. You truly are very special people and do such a wonderful job. Thankyou so much and God Bless you all. I think this is such a great thing that you let us all know what is going on and keep in touch. That shows how much you care. Thank you so much for making this transition such a great one once again. I am way out in South Dakota and only wish I lived close enough to be there working in your zoo. I did see the bears doing “their thing” yesterday. lol I have a feeling there will be little bear paws running around in the future and what a beautiful baby it will be. I will really enjoy watching that unfold if it happens. Thanks again for all you do!!!
February 26th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Suzanne, thanks for answering my question. It makes sense that mom could wander off still in her large home range, but since the cub has been kept pretty close to one spot, they wouldn’t know where the boundaries of the home range are.
Can Su Lin and Zhen Zhen hear each other, and smell each other from where they are currently located? If so, it makes sense that they each might have been “agitated” and trying to figure out why access to certain areas had changed for each of them. Sharing rooms is always and interesting “enrichment” for siblings!
February 26th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I guess Bai Yun still does climb trees as she is obviously in the same exhibit area. She did a lot of roaming around her exhibit space today too. Maybe the wind was blowing in the right direction to allow all the pandas to get a wiff of the same smell, or each other and caused them to investigate?? Whatever the cause for her searching high and low, she seems content eating her bamboo now.
Was the new cooler installed today? If so that would explain a lot of their behavior too. They would hear new noises coming from the installation, their bamboo delivery might have been delayed, and there might have been some smells released by all the commotion involved in removing the old one and installing the new one.
Please update us on the status of the cooler replacement.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Atlanta Zoo news! First, panda keeper Joseph Svoke is back in Chengdu, China, to continue his work and behavior study of female pandas during estrus and breeding season, and the male pandas, too. He will be there thru May, and no doubt he will be remembering what he and every Chinese resident went thru when the first anniversary of the May 12 quake comes up this year. He will be writing updates for the AZ panda page about his work, shopping, sightseeing, etc. when he gets the time from his busy schedule. So far, he has settled in and started work on the pandas he has picked out to study this time around. The panda keepers at Atlanta Zoo also got a very nice gift from a loyal pandafan from Mass. this week. She brought in a very nice, hand made quilt with pics of Lun, Yang, Mei Lan, and Xi Lan. There’s a very nice picture of the blanket with today’s update. She also brought a ball for Xi Lan to play with and gifts for the keepers.
I did get on the SDZ pandacam earlier today, and watched ZZ climbing up and down the tree structure in her yard and do some walking around. She looks pretty good to me! Nice, calm, happy, and content–so far!
Frances, also my apologies about your panda conversation between Bai and ZZ! I’ve been so used to P Wong’s conversations that I thought that this one was from him before I saw your name on it! Sorry!! It was very good, and you are in the same league as P Wong in conversation writing! P Wong, I did read YOUR conversation today! Very funny conversation between Gao and tourist there, especially at the end of it! Frances and P Wong, keep them coming!!
Hope everybody was able to get on the MZ website’s panda page to see part 2 of the video about Ya’s AI procedure.
Well, that’s all for now. Will check in later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: I forgot to tell you all something! The ANNIE Awards were given out for animated films and features earlier this year, and “Kung Fu Panda” almost ran the table on winning awards that the movie was nominated for! Unfortunately, “Panda” did not win the Oscar Award; that went to “WALLE”!!
I also want to know how the new bamboo cooler is doing! Is it in place and working good for you all by now? Hope so!
February 26th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Suzanne, thank you for your answer. I am so glad that I haven’t seen one of the pandas fall as our natural instinct is to rush in and confort the fallen and I know you can’t do this with the pandas (or any of the animals at the zoo) unless you see that they are badly hurt.
Now off topic – How are the donations coming along for the Australia Fires. I have donated but it is not as big as I would like it to be. The Canadian dollar has really taken a nose dive these last couple of months and by the time it shows up on my visa statement it will be about 25 – 30% higher. At least it is something.
February 26th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
hello this is very interesting i was also wondering if you could tell me some thing how many hours does it require to take care of a giant panda
February 27th, 2009 at 3:07 am
Wow! I guess it’s better that I was away from the computer for a couple of days. I would have been glued to the screen and got nothing done! A lot happened while I was away. While Zhen Zhen is busy exploring her new digs and experiencing a newfound independence, my feelings must be with Bai. I know she misses her cub. Someone wondered how long it takes for a cub to forget Mom: I don’t think they really do. I think the scent of their mother stays with them. I can remember watching Tai Shan and Mei Xiang sniffing each other through their mesh window. Tai would put his paw on the mesh, as if to say, “Hey, Mom. How’s it going? I miss you.” And they would softly bleat through the screen, but Mei would walk away first. It’s hard for moms to not be looking for the little tykes they have nurtured and taught for so long. Some of you have experienced that ‘empty nest syndrome’, as I have. So Zhen and Bai are having their ’searching’ moments, but they will pass, as life does.
P Wong, you totally rock. I love your nonchalant conversations from Gao with Mr. Tourist. Gao is so cool! Hope you can locate a good job. As someone said, and I’ve long thought, you should be writing animal books for
children.
February 27th, 2009 at 8:24 am
This isn’t europe we don’t use the metric system, how about her weight in LBS. thanks!!!
Moderator’s note: 43.2 kilos equals 95 lb. 3.83 oz.
February 27th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Beth #63, I hope the following will help answer your question. C-11 is Zhen’s bedroom. C-15 is Zhen’s outdoor enclosed garden area. This enclosure has a climbing structure and a platform. C-17 is also an enclosed area known as the “sunroom”. The areas C-27, through C-29 comprise Zhen’s classroom exhibit. Zhen uses all of these areas, however, I have not seen Zhen in C-17 since she was an infant.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Yes, Sayuri #66, I also noticed a bald spot on Bai’s belly. This can only mean one thing; the panda staff is preparing Bai Yun for future ultrasound examinations as breeding season approaches. No doubt we will be hearing from Suzanne with an update concerning Bai’s impending estrus.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:18 am
I have a question about #6 RHODA’s request in Blog –Geetting Closer to that Time. It was about a map of
the Giant Panda Area where we could see how the area is divided , – the exhibit yards, the off exhibit areas,the “bedrooms”, the tunnel, & the training areas. Moderator’s note indicated an interactive map
is available, but when I clicked on, only an outline drawing of buildings could be seen. Am I doing something wrong, or is that all there is? Can anyone help me – please?
Moderator’s note: That’s all there is, the map is not that detailed.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Thanks Meerkats for letting us see everone this morning. What a treat! I still want your job.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:18 am
I think both Mother and daughter are missing one another. It may have been a bit premature to seperate. What was the hurry ?? I think what has been done is very cruel and its not the way of nature. They should be allowed to come and go into one anothers pens as they feel the need, that would be natural weening, NOT FORCED. Who has the right to say when and if they are ready !!
February 27th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Is ZZ having a good morning? Did she have a good night? ZZ looks restless this morning and moving/walking from one thing to another. It is @ 9ish pacific time….
February 27th, 2009 at 11:10 am
I must admit that ZZ does look happy today munching away on her bamboo like her parents and her big sis.
Bai Yun must still be uncomfortable from engorged mammary glands as she still seems to be restless and wondering where her cub has gone.
February 27th, 2009 at 11:22 am
When I click on Return to Panda Cam link from the Postcard, it still takes me back to the old panda cam page. Can this be fixed? It means a lot of time transpires between when I leave panda cam view to send postcard, and when I return. This is most urgent when ZZ or Su Lin are on the move and exciting things are happening rapidly. It was especially a problem over the weekend when I was sending many shots in short span of time.
February 27th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
I just checked the cam, and my heart dropped! It looked like, at first glance, that Gao was stuck under a a huge trunk. I seriously panicked. Then I put on my glasses, and saw he was simply laying under it. I’ve learned a lesson!
February 27th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Beth #63,
Zhen could sleep in the gardenroom (C15) or the bedroom (C11) or in her sunroom at night, her choice.
Margaret #68/69,
Yes, they can hear and smell each other. Su Lin and Zhen are in adjacent yards during the daytime.
The cooler is in the process of being purchased and has not yet been installed.
February 27th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
I love Zhen Zhen!
February 27th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Rose #73,
The bald spot is likely related to the every-other-year veterinary well check Bai Yun had on Tuesday!
February 27th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Such fun watching ZZ on C15 for quite awhile. Moving about the room rather quickly then climbing the log up to the platform and then rolling over and over. Such a cutie! Hope she does not miss mom.
February 27th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I hope someone got Bai Yun’s high climb (“Where did I put that cub?”) yesterday in pictures or a clip to post on youtube–everything goes by so fast on the time-lapse.
Margaret #78–I find it helpful to open two browser windows–one to watch and one to send postcards from. Hard if you have dial-up, I guess.
I hope everybody is adjusting well–they seem to be, but I haven’t had a lot of time to watch recently. I’ll have to catch up over the weekend.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:02 am
HELLO….#42 —SUZANNE PERHAPS YOU MISSED MY QUESTION ON THE LAST PART OF MY INPUT……
I FEEL LEFT OUT…….
THANKS…..TAMI
Here’s Tami’s question: THE PANDAS IN CHINA ARE WEANED AT 6 MONTHS I BELIEVE YOU SAID. BUT YOU HAVE BEEN TELLING US THAT THE MOM IS ALWAYS TEACHING THEIR CUBS FROM BIRTH TO AROUND 18 MONTHS…HOW DO THESE CUBS LEARN??? THANKS
February 28th, 2009 at 8:52 am
I’m glad to hear that Zhen is doing well on her own. One morning I saw her on a climbing structure (it looked like it was inside) and she was sitting with her feet dangling down. She looked almost childlike, swinging one foot slightly while she sat quietly, looking around. Zhen is such a gorgeous little panda (but aren’t they all?!).
February 28th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Hey Joe #73, we may have the metric system in Europe, but a large proportion of us hate it and refuse, as I do, to use it! Give me imperial any day. Keep those lbs and ozs coming!!
I have also thought that Bai seems a little lost myself, glad its not just me.
February 28th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Who is on C23? It’s not listed on the cam home page…. Thanks.
Moderator’s note: C22, 23, and 24 show Gao Gao’s bedroom area.
February 28th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Is there anyway Zhennie can see Su Lin while she’s in the back? I’m thinking that if she can see her big sis this might provide some visual stimulation to ease her through the transition to “Miss Independence.” It would also be stimulating for Miss Su as well….
February 28th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Hello fellow panda lovers…
I have to say I have never known about this site-everyone sharing their comments about the pandas, and i have to say, this truly gives me some real comfort i need right now. I also have to apologize for sending a rather frantic message to the San Diego Zoo last week, after called PR and finding out about the weening process. I am so very sad about this whole process, maybe I will learn, throught Zhen Zhen, a very important lesson, how to deal with my own “separation Anxiety” through her bravery.
Thank you everyone, your sharing words and courage help a silly panda lover like me. =-{
March 1st, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Bai Yun is still climbing trees looking for ZZ, it’s sunday at 2:26 pm and she’s at it right now..poor mama
.
March 1st, 2009 at 3:15 pm
To all you panda followers/afficionados, I tuned in to Memphis Zoo late yesterday afternoon, and guess what??.. it was snowing like crazy, the panda yard was covered in 2-3 inches of snow, and it was beautiful. Also, the polar bear pond. Today, though, I had to wait until mid-afternoon to see one of the pandas (I assume it was LeLe, as YaYa “prefers indoors”). He had a grand old time exploring the new sensations of the snow. Had some trouble climbing his log structure, but finally made it and was playing like a little cub. It was so endearing! He even sat down in his pool for a minute! (Which made me shiver!)
Unfortunately, with no panda cam at ZA, we could not see those bears enjoying it.
I’ll bet our sweet ZhenZhen would have a grand time, as she seems to love the white stuff. Haven’t been able to catch her on cam very much. Guess my timing is wrong. Bai and Gao have been sharing cam time, enjoying their bountiful mounds of boo.
Have a great week, all of you, and including panda keepers. And thank you for being there for us, too.
March 1st, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Hello everyone, hope you all had a good weekend. Some new videos of the Atlanta prince Xi Lan on Youtube. At least five of them! Search for “panda xi lan” then sort by Date Added. You know he’s now learned how to climb; well, these will give you a good look at his exploits in both dayrooms. The one called, “I Dink I Can, I Dink I Can…” is especially cute. All the videos were uploaded on Feb. 28. Also a new one of Tai Shan – he who can climb to the highest branches! Search for “panda tai” then sort by Date Added. He’s fun to watch. Enjoy!!
I haven’t seen much of our princess Zhen these last two days. Maybe I just didn’t sign on at the right time. I’ll have to keep trying. Looking forward to reading all your weekend posts on Monday. I wish you all a good week!
March 1st, 2009 at 9:46 pm
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 am
Su Lin has been on the panda cam since early this morning. At about 8:30 AM PT, Su Lin was performing acrobatic feats in the tree for at least 20 minutes. Meerkats: please!! – Some close-ups. The camera seems to be a mile away. Thank you.
To be honest, at first I thought it was a squirrel running along the tree limbs. After using a magnifying glass, I realized it was Su Lin twirling up and over, under and around the tree branches.
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
FYI…The Memphis Zoo has added the 3rd installment of their AI procedure videos.
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Hi! NZ in Washington, DC, has had another snow day! Snow fell overnite, and they were expecting around 5-8 inches of the white stuff on the ground by this morning. Just checked the outdoor animal cams, and it looks very pretty up there! Looked in on the 2 pandacams, and both Mei Xiang and Tai Shan were outside walking around in the snow making snow paths around their yards. Gonna check back on them in a little while. Also looked in on the SDZ pandacam, it was on Gao’s cam, and he was nowhere to be seen! He’s off on his walking rounds again or napping somewhere!
Gonna go and let my son get on the computer for awhile. Will check back later on.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Hi panda fans! I visited Bai Yun and and Gao Gao over the weekend. Apparently they both had physicals last week. My sources will remain nameless, but rumors were flying around about the status of Gao Gao’s sperm count. One person informed me that Gao Gao is shooting blanks! Another said that they had trouble getting a good sample because when the anesthesia is a little too deep, collection is more difficult. One person told me that they were planning on doing a natural mating with AI supplementation, possibly from Shi Shi. Another told me that only natural mating was planned. It seems that they are not planning to give Gao Gao a re-test before mating. Meanwhile, Bai Yun seems to be quickly heading into estrus. They’re checking her urine and taking vaginal swabs. She’s practically emptying her pond walking through it so much, as you panda cam watchers have seen. To my untrained eye, it seems Gao Gao is a little behind schedule. Bai Yun is scent marking all over the place and Gao Gao is sleeping and eating as usual. I didn’t see him scent marking, or doing hand stands. He was pacing and vocalizing only at mealtimes. Perhaps they will have the two switch enclosures soon, and Gao Gao will get with the program. It would be nice if we could get an official report on the health of our bears, and their reproductive status, rather that relying on rumors and conflicting stories. And how about posting a hormone chart for Bai Yun?
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Try these panda emotions -
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
SDZ,
Where oh where, is our little tootsie pop (Zhen Zhen)? Each time I have tuned in the last three days, she has not been on the cam. I am logging in 6-8 times a day to see her and she is not getting much air time, if any at all.
#100 Rose N. – I agree, we need to plea for close ups of Su Lin. SHE is not the forgotten panna bear. For the last few mins she has been in the far side of her habitat looking at something — but cant tell what it is….
SDZ, Thank you for all the information you have provided to us in the weaning process! But, please give each one of the Gao Gao family bears their ample air time with close ups at all possible:-)
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
We’ve had quite a bit of snow here in NYC–as I’m trudging through it, I imagine how much fun it would be for the pandas…
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Lizzie, #103, if Bai Yun is progressing this quickly, it seems that the early estrus season must be continuing. It took 6-8 weeks after Su Lin was weaned. I wonder why all three female US resident pandas are coming into estrus early? Has anyone heard anything about the same thing happening in China or Europe? If it is happening globally, one can imagine that global warming or other worldwide environmental influence, such as 2008 earthquake aftermath, may be the cause. Otherwise, why would it be happening in US and not elsewhere in the world. So far it has been confined to the east coast, and both Memphis and DC were affected by late winter storm. Bai Yun hasn’t had natural late winter storm yet, but I heard on the news last night that there was snow up and down the western Mountains of California. Very welcome news because of the drought they are experiencing, but interesting that there would be very significant snowfall in late winter storms on both US coasts.
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Atlanta got significant snowfall too. Too bad Xi Lan is too young to go outside yet and enjoy it. Hopefully Mei Lan and Yang Yang did. I keep hoping that both Memphis and Atlanta zoos will post something about their pandas enjoying the snow. Even though DC got about 8-10 inches, it didn’t look like there was more than 6 inches at NZP. I did not observe any excited behavior from any of the NZP pandas outside in the snow today. They calmly roamed their exhibits, and ate their bamboo. At one point I saw Tai Shun under the heavily laden branches of his favorite evergreen tree, but he didn’t seem to go and roll down hills like he has in the past.
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Chari Mercier #102
How can you tell which pandas are which at the NZ? I was fortunate enough to see snow and pandas on their cams today….but I can’t tell them apart. At one point, one was eating by a pine tree and then got up and had a large chunk of snow stuck on it’s lower back. I figured it was Tai
Did anyone see Zhen Zhen sitting on her patio on the 1st at 3:30 Pacific time: Our little Zhen reminded me of a human teenager sitting in a bedroom which needed to be picked up
She had bamboo all over the patio 
I do believe Zhen is adjusting quite well 
We are so fortunate to check on ‘our pandas’ so often! Thanks SDZ!!!
And # 98 Pandafan: Thank you so much for mentioning the latest Xi Lan videos!!! For those of you have not seen them….check the videos out…
You will be giggling 
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:44 pm
#95 Kat Wilson – welcome to another panda lover
– we are all trying to learn as much about our beloved pandas as possible 
– we share a lot of info & emotions here.
– stay warm
a panda face appears – haven’t seen it yet
#98 – panda fan – thanks for the info about the latest videos of XiLan on youtube —too cute – it’s too bad we’re missing out on all these fun times – from what I can tell Lun is much more relaxed about XiLan climbing than poor Lani – but one of the videos is a riot (all of a sudden Mom decides to drag Xi by one of his rear legs all over the day room – too funny
#106 – Frances in NYC – hear the east coast is having a time of it
I’ve been practicing with the so called “panda emotions” that I got from somewhere – supposedly if one uses
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:44 pm
And I agree with Elizabeth #105–I am suffering from severe Zhen Zhen withdrawal! Please let us see our little sweetie, even if she’s only sleeping. Thanks!
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
I missed getting to see Tai Shan playing in the snow, as I had to run errands. (Yuck!) When I was able to get online he was patiently eating his boo on the sidewalk, then abruptly walked over to his fave fir tree, burrowed out some of the snow underneath, then promptly settled in for a nap, with nothing showing but an ear. I love that silly old bear!
But that’s not to say I don’t love all of them just as much! I would still like to see Bai, Gao, Su and Zhen spending a day or two in a whole yard overed with snow. What a frolic that would be! However, I don’t know how they would react to a temperature of 29 degrees, as it was in DC.
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Boy all our eastern zoo got blanketed with snow I think the pandas all thought they were in heaven. If you go to (pandasliveon) there is videos of the NZ with Tai and Mei playing in the snow they are having a ball.
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:10 am
Frances #106, Yesterday the D.C. Zoo was closed because of the snow, but they kept showing this one huge tree on the cam and it took about 15 minutes to realize that one of the pandas was sound asleep under it. The other cam had one running around the fence like a track star and then finally showed one asleep between 2 fallen limbs, so Yes while our SDZ family didn’t have any fun our D.C. family had a great time in the snow.This morning they were streched out enjoying the cold tempts. My friends work in NYC and they said it wasn’t easy yesterday.
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Actually Tai, Tuan and Mei all were out playing, rolling and frolicking in the snow at NZ. Roxandabear on flickr has some great videos and pictures up this morning. Mei was absolutely in heaven !
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
Hi Everyone,
There was a great video of Tai Shan from a couple weeks ago posted on You Tube. Type in Tai Shan’s Happy Day 2-22. It will put a smile on your face!!!
Love all of our silly US young pandas….Su Lin, Tai Shan, Mei Lan and little Xi Lan!! SDZ – Any news on how Mei Sheng and Hua Mei are doing? My guess is Hua Mei will be a mommy again this year!:-)
I tuned in 4 different times today and still no ZZ. I miss seeing her in the trees!!
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:48 am
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I saw much silliness at NZ this morning! I’m assuming it was Tai, but I’m with Bobbie #109, how can you tell which panda it is from a distance?
Anybody hear ANYTHING on the ZA webcam? We’re missing so much.
Speaking of missing, I, like everyone, miss ZZ.
AND BEST OF ALL, I GOT MY “PANDA TALES” CD in the mail this morning.
March 3rd, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Kathy #115 – Thanks for sharing. The video of the National Zoo panda bears enjoying yesterday’s snow is absolutely priceless. I especially enjoyed watching the pandas walking on their hind legs while trying to “eat” the snowflakes that were falling.
March 3rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
There is our little ZZ – 3:55 EST!! So wonderful to see her!!
March 3rd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Thank you for giving us our ZZ fix this evening, I’m watching her right now and she is adorable as always. I always know the pandas are okay if they are mowing down on their boo – if they weren’t eating then we’d have something to worry about..hehe!
March 3rd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Oh dear–I hope Lizzie’s (#103) sources are mistaken about Gao Gao. I suggest a big pile of wood chips, which always seems to bring out the twinkle in his eye, perhaps scented with some eau de Bai Yun (the wood chips, not his eye), followed by a pile of snow–happy to send some from here (still mighty cold, 26F here now, but due to melt at the end of the week), perhaps some honey, and he’ll be back in form. Does this mean the panda stimulator that didn’t get used last year finally came into play?
Good to see Miss ZZ in her back yard–oops, there she goes again, out of camera view. I agreee with you, Melissa #91–such a gorgeous little panda girl!
March 3rd, 2009 at 5:28 pm
There are some great videos of Tai Shan having the time of his life in their recent snowfall. ‘Pandas Live On’ has several videos of Tai and Tian. So fun to watch. Was not home yesterday so did not get to see any of the snow on camera. Pandaholics have just got to view this of our sweet Tai! And, like everyone else, I miss not seeing our ZZ here at San Diego and Xi Lan in Atlanta. Us pandaholics are hungry for our babies!
March 3rd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
To All,
A very nice video can be found on You Tube. It is titled: Thinking of you, Mei Sheng. The video was posted on January 25th 2009. For those of you who are new panda-fans, Mei Sheng was Bai’s 2nd baby. What a joy! For those of you who are long-time fans, get a couple tissues and be prepared to smile through misty eyes.
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Bobbie Wood #109: The DC pandas are my first ‘panda-loves’, but I still have trouble id-ing them, unless I can clearly see their faces. Mei has a beautiful round face, with eye patches that ‘fan out’ toward the bottom. She has what I see as a shorter snout. Tai’s eye patches also fan out toward the bottom, but are wider at the top. So his patches seem rounder than Mei’s. Tai also has a longer, more sloped, snout, with a faint scar near the end, from a youthful mishap while investigating a live electric wire. (That scared the heck out of all of us!! It happened while he was learning to climb to the heights of everything, and got too curious.) Tai is also still a juvenile, so his torso is a bit shorter than the adults. Tian’s eye patches are narrower from top to bottom. He also still bears tear/medicine stains under his eyes, from the eye infection last year. You can tell I have really watched them closely, and made mental identification marks on their faces. Otherwise, in the yard, away from the cams, I can’t tell them apart either. When they feel really good, they all play like little cubs.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
#103 -Lizzie – hmmmm – what interesting gossip you had….strange… that after all these years papa Gao’s sperm is worthless
. If true papa Gao & mom Bai have outdone themselves by giving us 4 magnificent healthy cubs to watch 
. I think I’ll wait for an official update from the SDZ before giving up hope for another cub. 
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
For all us bear (panda & polar bear) lovers – there is more excitement at the SDZ – the polar bears have (hmmm – how to say this)…are in love & have mated. Check out the polar bear cam & blog for more info – we panda lovers seem to think we are the only ones that care about the animals at the the SDZ – but check out their other cams & blogs & know there are other people as dedicated as we are for their own beloved animals
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Bobbie Wood, I agree with you in trying to tell pandas apart sometimes! But, I’m pretty sure that Mei Xiang is on NZ pandacam one, and Tai Shan is on pandacam two. But you never know; the keepers could have switched them around! I figured that those pandas would have a blast in the snow! They just love the white stuff! Snow is still on the ground tonite; hope it sticks around awhile!
On the Atlanta Zoo’s panda page, today’s update (Tues., 3/3) was a little bit of a blast from the past with a video of when AZ’s 2 pandas, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, were arriving in Atlanta from China back in 1999. There was no update on Monday, 3/2. Still missing Xi Lan and the pandacam!!
For all of you that love baby gorillas, the National Zoo’s gorilla keepers have decided to allow all of us to vote for a name for their newest baby female gorilla. Just get on the NZ website’s Great Apes page, then hit the vote link to get on the page to vote for 3 names—Keyah, Kibibi, and Kipenzi. The names have the meanings to them on the page. Have fun! There are also some recent pics of the baby gorilla on her mom’s back and in her mom’s arms; there’s a link to get on the picture page. She’s done a little bit of growing in the last month!
Gonna hit youtube and pandas live on to catch these vids of the pandas that were mentioned by some of you. I’m getting a little bit behind on my list here!
Gonna go! Will write back later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:29 pm
#90: Tami, I guess nobody knows the answer to your question. Maybe the Chinese are hoping that the cubs will learn from each other, but it seems like the blind leading the blind.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Glad so many of you got to see the NZP pandas enjoying the snow live. I live in VA and wish I could have seen them in person. With 8-10 inches of real snow, they would have thought they were in their homeland in Wolong, or in Panda heaven. It was great snow for animals to play in as it was wet on the bottom and dry and fluffy on the top. It packed down easily when one walked in it or made balls to play with. Too bad they weren’t out during the night because I understand from people who were out in it that it was a blinding snowstorm overnight. They would have had a blast playing hide and seek and eating all the flakes that were falling.
Although the bears at SDZ are treated to “snow” multiple times a year, and they thoroughly enjoy playing in it, it is not the same as real snow. I love to see pictures of the Panda cubs in China playing in the snow and rolling around in it. Likewise photos of Polar Bears in northern habitats that have snow in the winter where they can lounge in it all they want. It is more of a temporary enrichment in the SD climate, and it always amazes me how long it lasts in their exhibits before it melts away. Last year it was there for about a week in the Polar Bear Plunge.
Moderator’s note: It is scheduled to “snow” at Polar Bear Plunge Saturday, March 21, as part of our Bear Bonanza activities!
March 4th, 2009 at 7:51 am
Thanks for the tips about the videos of Mei Xiang “sledding” in the snow at NZP. If that is what pandas do in the snow in the mountains of China for their enrichment, they sure enjoy themselves. I can just picture Mei Sheng in such an environment. As much as he loved playing in the treetops in the rain, he would enjoy snow even more. Su Lin will get to experience her first real snow next winter. I wonder if she dreams of what she will do when she sees it for the first time? Can’t you just picture “Hurricane Bai” as she would have been in the snow as a youngster before she came to sunny SD? I can also imagine how cold it would have been for Gao Gao all alone in the wild as a youngster before he was taken to aid by the villagers.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Question for Moderator –or anyone who visits SDZ often -
How often do the pandas receive bamboo each day? Also, are the pandas in an inside (bedroom) area
at night? I remember when Tai Shan was a little over a year old and would not come down from a tree
in the late afternoon. The keepers enticed him with apples on a stick -which did not always work, and the day I visited I was told a keeper was there until 9 p.m. the previous night trying to get him down. Since
the panda area is all enclosed I asked why he could not remain out., and was told since the zoo is near
Rock Creek park, there is the possibility that an animal might be able to get in and cause problems. I
enjoy all bloggers’ comments and information. Many thanks to SDZ for providing the opportunity to submit
comments
Moderator’s note: The pandas are offered bamboo three times each day. Pandas in the off-exhibit “classroom” areas come inside their bedrooms at night. Pandas in the main viewing exhibits have access to their bedrooms at night.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:44 am
I understand that Jennifer Keating from SDZ is in China doing reasearch and that ZA also has a keeper there. Will Jennifer be able to see Hua Mei and our baby boy Mei Sheng. Maybe see will be able to take a few pictures to post or possibly a video and let us know how they are. I still miss him a awful lot.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Thanks everyone for the alert on the videos of Tian and Tai playing in the snow. They were precious.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Bobbie (#109)
At NZ, it is usually one of the adult pandas (Mei or Tian) on camera 1 and Tai Shan on camera 2. Sometimes they switch them up but that is usually the case. Also, if you go to the “Meet the Pandas” link on the NZ website, it gives you some helpful hints on telling them apart. I have gotten pretty good at telling who is who. The adults have different, distinctive eye patches and their leg and shoulder markings are different as well. They even have links where you can listen to the sounds that each bear makes. Interesting!! Check it out! I saw Tian out in the snow yesterday by a big tree eating his boo while Tai was on the sidewalk up by the building eating his. I was hoping to catch a “crazy panda romp in the snow” but I guess my timing was off. Good to see my buddy Gao back out on exhibit enjoying his boo.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Thanks, as usual, for the updates. I’ve been having separation anxeity myself!
March 4th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Hi, just wanted to thank the meerkats for the fabulous pics of Zhen Zhen right now. She is up in the tree with the Skifari going by.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:43 am
I don’t believe Gao’s sperm is now worthless…I suspect what they meant was he’s not in heat therefore the conditions aren’t right for producing a cub. I always would find it strange that they would implant Bai with Shi Shi’s frozen sperm as Gao is not well represented in the panda world and his contributions are vital to keep the population from further inbreeding. Am I right or wrong?
If Bai is indeed going into early estrus and Gao doesn’t soon follow, do they have some of Gao’s swimmers frozen and available for AI?
March 4th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Bobbie Wood & Dianne in Texas: Dianne’s good identifying descriptions of the NZP pandas are right on! One more thing to add: Mei Xiang’s shoulder saddle is much wider than Tai’s or Tian’s. I look for all these markings, and can usually tell them apart except at a long distance. And yes, Tai is usually on camera 2.
Thanks, Bobbie, for the info about the recent Youtube video of Mei Sheng. We miss him so, don’t we? Hope he has lots of snow to play in.
March 4th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Maureen, #127, the polar bears have been “dancing.” They’ve been dancing to one of “Beary White’s” songs (which wasn’t a hit) – “It May be Winter Outside but In my Heart, It’s Spring.”
March 4th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
It is 11:38 PM PST and I hope all those who were looking to see ZZ saw her using the climbing structure logs like a slide. She climbed up a tree went out onto the climbing structure and promptly decided to slide back to the ground. She looks like she is thoroughly enjoying her new yard and the new things she has to do there. Bai Yun continues to eat away, so she is clearly adjusting well to life on her own with plenty of “me” time.
Thanks Meerkats for being on the go so much to show us great shots of the pandas in all 4 yards.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Kathy #138, Gao has 3 offspring, and Shi Shi only has Hua Mei. Therefore both Shi Shi and Gao Gao as wild born pandas are extremely valuable genetically. Some day I am certain they hope to be able to use Shi Shi’s frozen sperm (if they have it) to further his representation in the captive panda gene pool somewhere in the US, if not at SDZ.
Thanks, Moderator #130 for the tip about the Polar Bear Plunge “snow” on March 21. Since it is winter and still cooler, it should last several days. It will be very interesting to see how the snow interactions go with the breeding going on. Last time all three “played” together. This time there may only be two (Kalluk and his beloved Chinook) and Tatqiq on her own.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Thanks Margaret, I was not aware that Hua Mei was Shi Shi’s only offspring. I only know of his history at SDZ and not prior to his arrival here. Here’s hoping either one of their boys gets the job done!
March 4th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Dear All,
This morning around noon time, I saw Bai climbed up on the tree way high again. She only stopped on the top for a couple of seconds and then came straight down to the ground. It just makes me worry that she’s still looking for Zhen Zhen..
March 4th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
#90 Tami – I don’t think there is a good answer to your question (how do cubs learn when removed from their moms so early). I think the Chinese were so anxious to breed more cubs they lost the basics of panda rearing….I think that all the research the all our zoos have done with moms raising their cubs until natural weaning occurs may have changed some of their early removal practices. If their plan is to reintroduce pandas back into the wild the cubs need to learn all they can from their moms. And if you do watch how moms treat their cubs it’s amazing.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Thank you Bobbie for the info about the Thinking of You, Mei Sheng video on You Tube. It is fabulous, and he is such a special panda boy/guy! His love of climbing high in the trees is still legendary even in China. I hope Jennifer will be able to send some photos of both Mei Sheng and Hua Mei, and even videos if she has the opportunity to get them with all she has to do with her research on responses to sounds during breeding season. She and Joseph (JT) Svoke from ZA will be a great team like they were before and will send many memories. As I recall she or someone else from SDZ and another researcher from Chengdu were in China doing research on responses to sounds during breeding when the earthquake hit last year. I hope they have a more peaceful and successful trip this year.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Check out the incredibly beautiful close-up shots of Bai, Su, and Zhen on Flickr. Check for Rita Petita or KJ Drill and pandas. They are the best close-up photos of SDZ I have ever had the privilege to see. I feel like I can reach out and touch their hairs they are so crisp and close. Unbelievable. Thanks Rita and KJ for sharing these treasures with the world.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
- guess Vienna had snow also – for another wonderful fun video- check youtube for – Cute Fu Long getting Chased in the Snow – he is learning a lot from mom – & watch the last few seconds – FuLong is HIGH in a tree & Mom decides “oh no you don’t – get down from there” (Yank, splat, doggone)
March 4th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Sorry…but just thinking about watching Sheng in China brings tears to my eyes, let alone watching it. I have webcam pictures of Sheng and SuLin the last time they were at the the Howdy Gate together and I get teary eyed everytime I look at them! I hope Jennifer Keating brings home some good news about Sheng and really hope she visits him and tells us all about it.
March 5th, 2009 at 7:39 am
March 5th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Photo alert, everyone!! Some great new pictures of our Atlanta prince Xi Lan on pandasliveon dot com. Also videos of the NZ pandas having a great snow day. Don’t miss these.
March 5th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Faye, #144, maybe Bai is looking for the male panda she hears and smells next door. If she is starting to show behavior that she is coming into estrus, it makes sense that since she no longer has to protect her cub she is now looking out for herself, and that might include seeing who is on the other side of the wall.
March 5th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Bobbie #124 thanks for the video alert Thinking of you, Mei Sheng. I wasn’t a Panda cam watcher during his early years, so this was a wonderful way to get caught up on his stay at SDZ. All of Bai’s cubs are so adorable!
Maureen #148 thanks for the video alert about Fu Long… mom and cub’s play behavior was pretty intense, reminiscent of that one play bout Bai and Zhen had right before she was weaned. The last scene was funny, your narration was perfect!
Congrats to SDZ on another successful weaning. Zhen Zhen is so precious, love the way she sleeps on the platform with her paw covering her eye.
March 5th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Judy K #150 I live in N.J. and the weather has been so crazy. One day it’s windy {30-40 mph} temps around 20 degrees. Today is 45 and by Sunday it’s going to be 65. Nobody knows how to dress from one day to the next.I can’t believe how many great pics have been coming up, Thanks to all our panda friends. But one things for sure the D.C. family had a great time in the snow on Monday.
March 6th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
#152 Margaret, Thank you very much for your response. It does make me feel better and hopeful. I feel hopeful that Bai is just looking forward to the next stage of her life. Human mothers will never forget their lost child, but animals are just different. They seem to live in the present moment much more and less attachment.
Thank you!
March 6th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
This question is for Suzanne-I know i am probably irritating you, worried about ZZ so much, but with everyone so focused on Bai Yun now, what would happen if she and ZZ were to see each other now? Would this cause the process of weening to slip backwards? I’m sorry if I seem dense about this, but i haven’t had the opportunity to read EVERYTHING here, the blogs, the information, i may have missed something along the way. Everyone seems so happy to see her on her own, but i can’t help but wonder if she isn’t looking for another panda, through the window of the door, or high on a tree branch. I will honestly try and curb my worrying, hopefully soon, but if you could just let me know, Suzanne, i will try to pull up my big girl panties! I just want to get in there with her and give her a big hug and tell her not to worry, little girl! Thank you so much!