Busy in Bear Canyon
Posted at 10:34 am March 26, 2009 by Suzanne Hall
Sun bear cub
I suppose the list of activities must start with the breeding of our polar bears. JoAnne has already written several detailed blogs about that activity, and perhaps we will be hearing the pitter-patter of little bear feet up at The Plunge. Kudos to those of you taking JoAnne up on her challenge to write about your carbon footprint reductions; there is no better way to help the polar bear! (Read JoAnne’s blog, The Polar Bear World.)
Next on our list of new activities was the release of our sun bear cubs to the exhibit. Pagi (pronounced “PAA-gee”) and Palu (“paa-LOO”) took charge of their new space, exploring every inch and climbing high, as sun bears are wont to do. (Read Suzanne’s blog, Sun Bears: Adieu to the Den.) In the wild, these bears sleep and forage high in trees, enjoying fruit and shade and quiet places to rest. Their long claws and small bodies make climbing a snap, and even the littlest sun bears find it second nature.
Next up was the celebration of Bear Bonanza, a four-day event culminating on Sunday, March 22. Researchers and keepers alike were kept busy giving talks on bears, providing extra enrichment, giving special tours, and manning information booths throughout the affair. The crowds were good for the event, though we were a bit disappointed to have rain on Sunday. Nonetheless, our sun bear cubs put on a show, and the grizzly bears had a blast with their mock campsite exhibition. That one was a real crowd pleaser, as Scout and Montana mangled food storage bags left carelessly about by “campers” who were not very bear aware. Not to be left out, the polar bears had snow over the weekend, and anyone who has seen them play in the snow knows how entertaining that can be.
After the weekend, we introduced a new sloth bear to the canyon. Keesha explored her new exhibit space for the first time on Tuesday, and she did very well. She was cautious and moved slowly about her space, taking everything in. By day two she was comfortable enough to clear her food immediately upon release to the exhibit in the morning. I was happy to include Keesha in the bear translocation study that our other sloth bears had participated in. Come see Keesha, whose extra-fluffy coat and short legs set her apart from her brothers Ken and Bhutan. (See Suzanne’s blog, Ken: Sloth Bear Extraordinaire.)
What’s on the horizon for bear staff? Panda estrus, we hope. Thus far, we haven’t seen much to indicate Bai Yun is ready to go, but long-time readers of our blogs will recall that in 2007 Bai Yun didn’t mate until nearly mid-April, and she showed little signs of her readiness until the day of the matings. We are not surprised, then, to have no indications from her at this time. And yet we are on our toes and reading her signs daily. (Read our giant panda blogs.)
And the cycle continues: we are back to the pitter-patter of bear feet. Will it be polars or pandas? Both? Neither? It’s never a dull moment for the bears or the staff entrusted with their care and research. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for San Diego Zoo Conservation Research.
Watch pandas and polar bears daily!
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March 26th, 2009 at 11:04 am
I got to meet Palu and Pagi on Bear Bonanza Saturday. Now, is there any way to tell them apart? I know it’s hard to do as they are running around non-stop most of the time, and they are still very young. Any facial features? Sun “bibs”?
March 26th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Wow, I feel exhausted just reading your blog about the bear activities. Thanks, as always, for keeping us up to date on everything there. I love your writing style, it brings me right to Bear Canyon etc. with you, experiencing it all through virtual cyberspace. I think I need a “honey and berries break” and a nap. This tour is fun and educational but I’m worn out.
March 26th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Thanks for the update on all things bear. It was fun seeing the polar bears rolling in the snow.
Cubs are wonderful and a cause for great celebration, whether panda, polar or both. On the other hand, I’m guessing that a lot is learned for the sake of science even when the prospective mothers wind up not having a cub. All of the data helps the cause of conservation for all bear species, whether in captivity or in the wild. Bai and Chinook keep you on your toes either way, don’t they? There is never a dull moment!
March 26th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Oh my gosh….is that little sun bear foot the cutest thing ever or what??? I would like to give it a big hug.
Thanks for all the great bear info.
March 26th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Ooops…I meant I would like to give the BEAR a hug, not the foot!!
March 26th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Aha! I see that little Zhenny is back in the classroom exhibit (and no doubt still in her sunroom if she wants). I thought she was there yesterday too, but only got a glimpse. Su Lin seems to be back on the C-30 cam.
Gao Gao had a half-bath! He wandered into his pool and took a little nap, half in and half out. Very cool.
Mama Bai looks relaxed and happy. All is well in Bear Canyon.
March 26th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Sayuri #1,
Pagi is a little smaller: her belly is less round and her skull is not as wide. Also, Palu has sleeker hair, making him look a little bit darker. If you get a chance to look at their sun splash, Pagi has a tiny polka-dot on her lower-left… otherwise the splashes are very similar!
March 26th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
The baby Sun Bear is so very, very adorable. Are there any videos of them? I have to whole-heartedly agree with #4 Marcia that his/her little foot is just so cute! Animals are so amazing.
Moderator’s note: We do have video of their public debut:
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/videos/?bcpid=4552241001&bclid=5172095001&bctid=16739488001
March 26th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Suzanne – During Bear Bonanza, it was a great pleasure to meet the two sun bears, Palu and Pagi. When we arrived they were both well behaved. One was playing with a long-needle pine branch. The soft pine needles – spaghetti like – were stuck between its toes. He/she looked so cute shaking its paw while trying to dislodge the pine needles. The other cub was practicing climbing on the log structure. The coloration on the neck and chest of these two bears is beautiful and striking.
Bear Bonanza was a wonderful experience. We had a very enjoyable visit and we want to thank everyone for making this “Bear” event possible.
March 27th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Suzanne it sounds like all the work was worth it for a very successful Bear Bonanza weekend. I noticed that msnbc weekly summary of photos has one of Pagi and Palu licking lips. Really cute.
I finally got to see Xi Lan in action this morning. He has mastered climibing and was doing the typical panda cub hang upside down suspended by rear feet only while playing while playing with the leaves of one of Lun Lun’s bamboo stalks. He finaly let himself fall to the ground head first and played with some boo more by mouthing it. Lun took a quick glance in his direction while biting off another piece of bamboo. Yesterday’s update included Ken’s re-publishing his post about Mei Lan’s outdoor exhibit debut. Sounds much like what I predict her brother will do in a few days. Lun sure is more laid back this time, but she is an experienced mother now. It appears her tours of the exhibit before he went out the first time for good helped acclimate them both.
Great shots of Bai and Gao yesterday and today. I haven’t seen Su Lin or ZZ lately, my timing hasn’t been right. Love that photo of Sheng up in the top of the tree where we know he is the happiest. I wonder if he is scouting the territory or looking for the “ladies.” If Bai’s tree climbing episodes indicate anything about her finding her mate, she sure has been looking far and wide for him and his is next door. As I recall keepers relied on Gao’s sense of smell as the best indicator that Bai was getting ready for estrus. Has he shown any interest yet? When do you anticipate opening the Howdy gate so they can start “seeing” each other as well as the long range smell factor?
March 27th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Suzanne, thanks for the tip. I hope it’ll get a bit easier as they get older.
I keep forgetting to ask. What are the 2 species of bears that you’re missing?
March 27th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Bai Yun looks “cute” sitting under the log climbing structure. She almost looks coy, like she is trying to hide from prying eyes. Perhaps she is “getting in the mood” for her special beau Gao Gao? Checking in daily to see how things are progressing. With the very sudden onslaught of estrus in 2007 that lasted one day, I want to be sure I don’t miss their very important rendezvous!
Rose #9, I am jealous. You have the great advantage of being close enough to get to SDZ and WAP for very special events like Bear Bonanza. Glad you had a great time.
March 27th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Sayuri #11,
We don’t have American or Asiatic black bears in San Diego. Thanks for asking!
March 27th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Suzanne – thanks for the update of your busy times in “bear canyon”
All us panda lovers are spoiled & forget there other fascinating things going on ….loved the info about the sun bears-the video & the humming sound a cub makes –fascinating – thanks 
Doubt a zoo visitor could hear that sound. And with spring (not here in Michigan yet) 
you may have another busy mating season. Thanks for all you do & the info you give us 
March 27th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Oh, Margaret #12–I agree. I think Bai Yun can be coy, flirtatious, aloof, or inviting, depending on her mood (and, of course, those hormones).
Thanks, Meerkats, for all the great shots of Miss ZZ today in the classroom and in her yard. She never seems to do anything for very long (unless she’s asleep), so I know she’s a challenge.
I do have a question about why the camera goes black overnight–from time to time, we can see what the bears are up to overnight and people from other countries can check in–but recently, the cam has been going dark. Can anything be done about this? Thanks!
March 28th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Margaret #12 – Our move to San Diego was planned so that I could be near the San Diego Zoo. We were fortunate to find a home halfway between the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. So, I take advantage of our “convenient” location as much as possible. It’s been wonderful.
Everyone – don’t forget the Butterfly Jungle exhibition at the Wild Animal Park starting April 4 thru 26. It will be the largest butterfly show ever. Included, with all the many activities, will be a metamorphosis show. This should be interesting and educational.
March 28th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Many thanks to the panda cam operators this afternoon (Saturday). I enjoyed seeing my male panda muse, Mr. Gao, up close. It’s fun to see the texture of his fur and the little hairs/whiskers under his chin. His panda fabulousness knows no bounds! It is understandable why Bai Yun has been taken in by his considerable charm and rugged good looks, especially when one contemplates his mysterious background in the wilds of China. I certainly find him to be most engaging!
Thank you, thank you!
March 29th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Loved seeing Gao in the pool – there he was sprawled half in & out …most uncomfortable looking but sound asleep. Guess if pandas can sleep on high in a tree on a skinny branch a pool is luxury.
There are several more videos of XiLang on youtube…LCNessie (queen of ZA videos) is back & having fun with her comments about the pandas
March 29th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Also for more fun – check out youtube for
Panda Cub Fu Long and Yang Yang.
too cute:)
March 30th, 2009 at 10:00 am
what a cutie….i could just squeeze the stuffing out of him!!!!!!!
March 30th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I am so glad the web cam is back at ZA so we can see Lun and Xi Lan. I am even more thankful that SDZ and NZP have full time cameras so we can see the interaction of mother and cub 24 x 7. The 18 months they are together goes by so fast like a whiz, especially the 12 months after they come out on exhibit. It is especially fun to see them play and in Lun’s case pulling her cub off of whatever she doesn’t want them on now. I remember watching Bai Yun do that with ZZ about 6-10 months ago, long after they were out in the front exhibit and wondering why she was so worked up about ZZ climbing a tree. I remember she pulled her down and dragged her all over the yard. Each time ZZ would get lose, Bai would go after her and drag her somewhere else. I don’t know if she was exhibiting parental authority, or teaching her about some defense for the wild, or just what was happening. ZZ wasn’t a tiny cub at that point so it was very startling.
I can understand Lun doing it because her cub is much younger and she is teaching him things he needs to know when they are outside. he is used to the protected indoor habitat, and that is about to change dramatically, although he still will only be able to climb about 12 feet up a log attached to their outdoor sleeping platform.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
#21 Margaret…I also enjoy watching Lun and Xi Lan and wonder about the panda instincts behind the “when” and “whether” a cub is allowed to climb. It is sweetly comical at times and I adore watching Lun lay down the law with Xi Lan. I can almost imagine that she’s stomping across the room after she takes him down from something, only to turn around and see that he’s climbed back up again. She seems a bit exasperated at times, or maybe I’m just imputing what human moms everywhere have felt at one time or another. I’ve only been able to access panda cams for about a year, so Lun is the first panda mother I’ve been able to watch from the beginning. I’ve read a lot about our panda mothers here in the US (and their mothering) but to see them in action is really special. I wish I’d gotten to see Bai and ZZ from the very beginning, too, and hope that the wonderful Mei Xiang and Ya Ya will have cubs so I can peek in on them, as well.
Tai Shan has really been entertaining the past couple of weeks. I laugh out loud whenever I watch him. He has so much energy and his personality is so sweet. I’m enjoying him as much as possible, since his fourth birthday is imminent and we unfortunately know what that means. As much as I wish Tai and Su could remain here, I have to tap the pragmatist in me and remind myself that it is for the good of conservation that they advance to the next stage of their lives on another continent.
March 30th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Thanks to #18 (Maureen), for reminding me about LC Nessie’s videos. I have just spent the last 1/2 hour on YouTube watching Xi Lan’s adventures.
LC Nessie is the best!!
If you haven’t a chance, get onto YouTube, type “lcnessie15″ into the search box, and then sort by “date added” for the most recent.
These videos will make your day – guaranteed!
March 31st, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Is adorable Miss ZZ trying to pick her teeth? She seems to be trying to put her whole paw into her mouth. Xi Lan and Fu Long are cute, but Zhen Zhen still makes me want to reach in and give her a hug or a scratch between her ears whenever I see her.
March 31st, 2009 at 12:37 pm
It was wonderful today to see Su Lun enjoying her boo. Yes there is some cute videos on youtube showing Xi Lan first day of being outdoors looks like he having a big time. What a little X man just love him, but then I love all the pandas.
March 31st, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Be sure to watch Xi Lan’s Excellent Outdoor Adventure! on YouTube – his first day outside – he was in & out of the moat – up down the rocks & a small tree
Momma Lun was nowhere in sight until the very end – what a change from poor Lani who couldn’t get more than a foot off the ground before Lun dragged her off while also dropping her on her head. I wonder if any research has been done regarding how mother pandas raise their cubs -all mothers seem to be protective of their cubs when they are moved out of their dens & into the “day rooms” & outside exhibits. MeiSheng seemed willing to let her “holy terror” Tai explore while Lun was overly protective with Lani & is now laid back with AJ. Bai has motherhood down pat but still did exhibit some unusual (to us) behaviour. First time moms vs 2nd time moms – & moms raising female or male cubs – there does seem to be difference
March 31st, 2009 at 8:45 pm
#22 Melissa – Oh my, your comment about my beloved Tai’s upcoming birthday got my attention – while I knew the date for his return to China had been extended to his 4th BD, somehow one loses track of time. Tai was the first panda cub that I watched from birth & then it was watching him every minute I could (housework suffered). I’m hoping that because of the earthquake & overcrowding at Wolong & other panda reserves that Tai, SuLin & Lani stays may be extended
I can’t imagine a day without checking on Tai”)
March 31st, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Moderator
The link you posted above to the Sun Bear Cubs debut appears to be broken. Thank you.
Moderator’s note: You’re right! Try this one: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/videos/?bcpid=4552241001&bclid=5172095001&bctid=16739488001
April 1st, 2009 at 11:51 am
#27 Maureen…Yesterday Xi was up on the back log of the hammock structure and Lun kept climbing up and throwing him down. She didn’t seem to want him up there at that time — only Lun knows exactly when Xi is allowed to stay and sleep on the structure and when he should be on the ground! Then again, she was acting pretty playful herself so maybe she was just frolicking. It was really funny when she somehow slid sideways down the angled side log on her back (hard to describe) after one instance of tossing Xi off the structure. I can’t even imagine the mysterious ways of a panda mom, but it sure is fun, informative and interesting to watch!