Bai Yun and Gao Gao
Posted at 2:11 pm April 15, 2009 by Ellie Rosenbaum
Bai Yun April 15, 2009
Gao Gao April 15, 2009
Now, to anticipate some of your questions:
Panda gestation is about 45 days, but they can delay implantation for up to 6 months or longer. We don’t understand how this works, but it has the advantage of having cubs born later in the year when food is more plentiful for the mother. This delay is common to other bears, as well as rabbits and other species.
Determining panda pregnancy is challenging, since females can go into pseudo pregnancies that behaviorally and hormonally mimic a real pregnancy. Ultrasound and thermal imaging are employed, but it can still be difficult to locate a tiny fetus in the body of a 200+ pound bear with a gut full of bamboo.
Once mating season is concluded, the pandas may once again be rotated on and off exhibit, but the timing of this is determined by the animal care staff and research needs – and, of course, whether we are on birth watch.
Keep your fingers crossed for our wonderful mom as we begin the careful watching- and-waiting phase of the panda breeding process.
Ellie Rosenbaum is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo.
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April 15th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Congratulations SDZ on the mating between Gao and Bai. We do have our fingers crossed!
April 15th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
YEEHAW! MISTER STORK, WAKE UP! WAKE UP!
April 15th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Thanks for the report! Beautiful Bai and Gentleman Gao really seem to have the moves down–and all the keepers really know how to set the stage for them
Here’s hoping!
April 15th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Ellie how exciting to hear the two lovers got together again. Keeping my fingers crossed we will have a new little baby bear to watch again. I so enjoy watching Bai take care of her babies. She is such a great Mom. Thanks so much for the update. Connie
April 15th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
What wonderful news!!!
Thanks Ellie, for sharing. Here’s hoping for another success and birth at SDZ Panda Research Station. When I tuned in a few moments ago, Gao Gao was sleeping after his “date” and I thought he looked so happy. I know it’s too early to break out the champagne, but here at my place, we are ready to celebrate another cub birth (or 2 for twins) in a few months.
Until then, we all enjoy watching the antics of the family. Thanks for your ever-vigilant reporting, you made our day!
Love, Joy
April 15th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Woohoo!! They’ve done it again!! Oh how exciting!! I was just on the cam at about 3:30 pm SDZ time and Gao was zonked, but he’s still at the howdy gate!! Awesome!! It’s all that bamboo he eats, I swear!!
April 15th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
i just love this time of year.
April 15th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Thank you Ellie, and all the staff, I know you will keep us up to date on whatever is going on.
April 15th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Hi,
I will keep my fingers crossed for beautiful Bai Yun and Gao Gao!!
Love,
Seiko
April 15th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
i feel a bit creepy for asking but will there be photos of the happy couple in situ?
Moderator’s note: Just video, Paula.
April 15th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Excellent news, congratulations!! As if we ever doubted these two
April 15th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
What wonderful news – knew that “small in stature but superstud” Gao wouldn’t disappoint us – so it was all up our Bai to show she was once again interested. What a handsome couple they make & such cubs they’ve given us to love & enjoy- now we wait for news of a cub – but with their record of 3 healthy cubs (& Bai’s cub via AI with ShiShi) the odds seem to favor another cub.
April 15th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Thanks for the good news. Looking forward to pitter patter of little paws. Congratulations!
Conversation with Gao Gao #58
Gao Gao: Hee hee hee hee…
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
G: Huh? Oops. Is that you, Mr. Tourist?
T: Oh, sorry to wake you.
G: I must have been dreaming.
T: So was it a nice dream?
G: Oh, splendid.
T: Really?
G: Yeah, we were both “in the mood.”
T: You mean Madame Bai?
G: At first she was watching telenovelas.
T: Huh?
G: Then she heard some secret voice…
T: You were beckoning?
G: No, I didn’t have anything to do with it.
T: Then who?
G: Don’t know. But she started with Bollywood dances.
T: Ah ha!
G: Then Middle Eastern…
T: Well, well, well.
G: So I joined with long stemmed roses.
T: Of course.
G: We did Tango.
T: Very fitting.
G: We munched chocolates…
T: Yeah?
G: Then we got together…
T: You got romantic?
G: Yeah, we switched to Godzilla movies.
April 15th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Well there you have it — what more can I say!! Simply wonderful — now we just need to be patient and hope for another miracle! And to think we were worried about Zhen Zhen being weaned from Bai. If that hadn’t happened — Bai couldn’t have mated with Gao!
April 15th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Thanks, Ellie, for a most informative update. The happy “couple” have done it again. They are true pros.
If they are worn out from their rendezvous it is completely understandable. I notice that Gao is not in the tunnel any more and it appears the door of the gate has been closed. So, either he has been moved for the night, or no more breeding is anticipated. If they are “finished” with mating, here’s hoping that momma extraordinaire successfully produces twins this year. She has carried them before, as I recall with Mei Sheng, but only one live cub developed and was born. Let’s hope she goes out with a bang! To be followed by her two equally gorgeous daughters, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. Hua Mei has already contributed 6 cubs and hopefully more this year.
CONGRATULATIONS! Bai, Gao, and panda care staff on a job WELL DONE!!!!
Now let the cooler finishing be done so they can be rewarded with ample supply of the finest of bamboo shoots that can be found.
April 15th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Why am I sitting here smiling? Maybe we’ll have “Panda Tales II.”
April 15th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
CONGRADULATIONS to Gao Gao& Bai Yun & all the hard work of the staff at SDZ So now we wait and see?
Happy days are here today 
Yabadaba doo,Haluluya, lets pray for another miracle
Im soooooooooo excited
Love to all the panda lovers and many more to come
April 15th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Gao is back in his perch in the tunnel, so he must have been removed temporarily to replenish the yards with food. He is still resting so he must be building up his strength. Since he is strategically positioned to see Bai, from his perspective another mating might be possible it seems?
April 15th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
#13 P Wong – “switched to Godzilla movies” made me smile
Congrats to Bai and Gao and best wishes for cubbies. Looking ahead a couple years, we’ll be on birth watches for Su Lin and Mei Lan, as well as Hua Mei, and all of the U.S. mommas. How will us pandaholics have time for anything else?
April 15th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
HOORAAAAY!!!! Bai Yun and Gao Gao are Perfect Pandas!!!! The SDZ Staff is Perfect! Thank you so very much for the diligent updates! Today has been Perfect for all who love the Panda Bears!!!!!
Hip Hip Hooray!!!!
PWong # 13 As always, your conversation with Gao is priceless!
April 15th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I won’t wish Bai and Gao good luck because they don’t need it. They are truly a phenomenal pair!
April 15th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
these two really know what they are doing don’t they? no artificial insemination for them! uh uh. they want to go about it naturally. good for them! the pandas at many of the other zoos don’t seam to go the natural route. why is this? gao gao needs to make a video for all the other males so they know what to do! hopefully this mating will prove successful and we will all be blessed with another bundle of panda fluff!
I just hope Bai is up to it once again! love her!!!
April 15th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
WOW – things really went quickly again this year! I love this pair – they are so perfect! Every breeding season I think that Bai will give us twins. Let this be the year! She is the most awesome panda Mom of all. That’s not to take away from Mei Xiang or Lun Lun because they are wonderful Moms, too!
OK all you pandaholics! We now have 2 Mom’s to keep watching this year. WooHoo!
Great job SDZ staff!!
April 15th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Although Gao Gao became a “captive” panda by choice at a very young age, he must have learned about the life of a wild male panda before he was found as an injured young cub. Since Bai Yun had AI with Shi Shi, she had no prior natural breeding experience when Gao Gao entered her life. He was only at SDZ for a very short time before she came into estrus and they “hit it off” immediately. He knew what to do, and she must have been a natural mate because they were successful on their first try.
Are there any other wild born males or females at any facilities outside the research centers in China? It was a very wise agreement for the Chinese to send Gao Gao, who is considered to be one of their national treasures, to SDZ to breed with the famous Bai Yun (first panda cub from captive breeding at Wolong to survive). The more I think about Gao’s importance to the Chinese program, the more I realize how respectful of their SDZ colleagues the Chinese were to make such an agreement. Obviously they had complete trust in their American colleagues to allow this to happen. Shi Shi being a wild born panda was also genetically valuable, but because he was much older and not at prime breeding age, it makes logical sense that they would have sent him to the US first. But Gao was, and still is, in his breeding prime, and it is remarkable to me that they would willingly let him come to the US and not keep him directly in their breeding program. His offspring are all going to be a direct part of that program so maybe it didn’t matter as much that he was not physically in China for his breeding. That brings up a question that I think about every time I read about the current year’s breeding efforts at Wolong/Bifenxia. Outside China, the males and females are paired up for breeding only with each other. At Wolong I have read of females being mated with at least two males, to ensure a successful breeding. Is that routine in the Chinese breeding program? Do they have natural matings of females with more than one male and still do AI to be certain? For example, Jennifer wrote about Hua Mei’s mating partners in 2009. There were two mentioned. Do they do AI with sperm from one or both of the males that naturally mated, or do they do AI with yet another male’s sperm? Seems very complicated to me, and it makes me wonder what will be going on with Mei Sheng once he is ready to start breeding. Has anyone heard if he bred with any females in 2009, or if introductions were made but mating did not occur?
April 15th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Good to hear about the successful rendezvous.
April 15th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Well best wishes To Bai and Gao they are the perfect couple.
April 15th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Gao Gao is da man! He rocks! What a wonderful couple he and Bai are. I am adding Bai to my “crossed fingers” list (on which Mei Xiang is first!). As much as I love all the pandas, Gao Gao will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. He is so dear.
P. Wong…thanks again for the latest conversation. Seeing one of your posts is like opening an unexpected Christmas present.
April 15th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
yay!
May Zhen Zhen become a big sister!
April 15th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Yay, Gao!!! You da ‘man’!!! And Bai … you ARE the mom of the year! Isn’t Mother’s Day coming up?! : ) Fingers/pseudothumbs crossed!!!
April 15th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Way to Go! Bai Yun and Gao Gao are quite the pair.
April 15th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
#24 – Margaret -hmmmm. interesting questions about why certain pandas were loaned to the US – why were super pandas Gao & Bai loaned to SDZ – that may be impossible for any zoo to answer. I’m sure the Chinese were aware of the research that the the NZ & the SDZ were working on & were willing to “rent a panda” for $$ millions – but how to know that Bai & Gao would fall in love & produce such wonderful cubs. Whatever the motive…. we have become panda cam fanatics & so called panda experts (don’t we wish). And when the SDZ needed $$ for their new bamboo cooler thousands of us donated to “help save our pandas”
Moderator’s note: Yes, we are very grateful to all who helped us purchase the new cooler–thank you!
April 15th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Congratulations. Once again San Diego seems to have the magic that allows natural mating for our beloved Panda’s. And Gao always steps up to the plate.
The suspense each time is maddening. I have great confidence that Bai and Gao will be fruitful again and provide us with hours of enjoyment as we watch another cub grow.
April 15th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Had no doubt on the Bai and Gao get together! It was just a matter of time for these 2 lovers to get it on and take care of business so that we will be able to see another cub being born! Congrats!!! I just read this new update about the these 2 bears, and I got my countdown card ready to go! Now, we will have 2 momma bears to keep track of for the next few weeks and months. Mei Xiang in DC has a 2 1/2 month head start on Bai, but I am expecting both mother bears to hopefully, possibly have cubs between June and September. We were all hoping to keep track of 3 momma bears with Ya Ya in Memphis in the mix, but Ya lost her baby panda last week without warning for the second time in 2 years. So, now the hopes of the pandas and all of us pandafans are on Mei Xiang in DC and Bai Yun in SDZ to come thru with cubs this summer. Keep our fingers crossed panda style, and do a whole lot of praying!
P Wong, another great conversation from Gao! Looks like he has done his job AGAIN! He’s been a very reliable panda when it comes to natural mating, and I think that since he came in from the wild, his instincts for this has been enhanced alot more. I’m hoping that more of the captive bred male pandas will be able to do the natural mating so that the vets will not have to resort to AI procedures on the female pandas. But, at least they do have that available in case natural mating does not occur, and the cubs that have been born thru AI are a testament of how far the researchers and veterinarians have come with this procedure. Mei Xiang and Lun Lun have proven that already! So, whether it is thru natural mating or AI procedures, mother pandas will be giving birth to these precious panda babies to help preserve the pandas and increase their populations. With the Chinese panda researchers working towards releasing pandas back into the wild in a few years, the pandas are on the way to having the lives they should live in habitats that should be conserved and protected for them. The Chinese panda keepers are working very hard towards that goal.
Ben Charlton from Atlanta Zoo is still in China, and has been putting together good panda vocals of male and female pandas at Chengdu and Bifengxia. With breeding season going on there, he says he’s been getting some good responses. There’s a good article that he’s written about this on the Atlanta Zoo panda update page for today, April 15. It’s pretty interesting.
Also, on Pandas Live On, there are some great pics and vids of PANDAS! Tai Shan, Mei Xiang, Xi Lan, and some others that we all know and love are on the first 2 pages of the website. Go there and take a peak!
On the AZ pandacam, I got a good look at Xi Lan ( the Xman is his nickname now!) laying down on the log structure on his BACK! That’s the first time I’ve seen him do that! He’s usually on the end where the logs crisscross, and he manages to snuggle in there for his naps. He has grown some, too. They also did a physical on Yang Yang, and he has a clean bill of health, and his weight is pretty close to 200 pounds, I think around 170. Unfortunately, his daughter, Mei Lan, has got him beat in the weight department by just a little bit. Lun Lun is doing her mother thing playing with Xi, nursing him, and eating her boo especially while her son is napping.
Well, gonna go. Will check back in later on. I was on the SDZ pandacam a couple of times today, but I missed out on the Bai and Gao get together. I hope that you will get a video of their activities up soon!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
April 15th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Ah! Love is in the air. How blessed we are for these beautiful creatures. Thanks for sharing these wonderful bears with us.
April 15th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Congratulations to the King and Queen of Baby Pandas. This could be (hopefully will be) my first baby from start to finish! Like everyone else I went straight to the time-lapse yesterday only to find the two most important days not working. I shall look forward to the video. Well done everybody at the SDZ – a cup of coffee or hot chocolate with cream and a cake for all of you from me.
Moderator’s note: The time lapse problem has been resolved. Thanks for everyone’s patience!
April 16th, 2009 at 12:42 am
What fab news to wake up to on a grey Thursday in the UK! Well done to all at the best zoo in the world – we’ve visited you twice and can’t praise enough everyone there.
April 16th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Great news!!! Our studmuffin Gao Gao is the man!!. I am keeping my fingers crossed for twins. Wouldn’t that be the most wonderful news. This may be Bai’s last pregnancy so it would be great if she concluded her “bearing” years with a set of twins. (Boys I hope).
April 16th, 2009 at 4:50 am
Margaret #24 — I always enjoy your comments. I have wondered some of those same things, and you articulate them so well. To add to that–when the Chinese mate a female with more than one male — then they must later perform DNA testing on the cub to determine who the father was — in order to keep the accurate family tree records. Sounds like more work for them, but the important thing is to produce a cub.
I have also wondered if they used Mei Sheng for breeding this year, but haven’t seen any reports.
April 16th, 2009 at 5:15 am
Bai’s father (am I remembering correctly named Dong Dong?) was a prolific breeder in China. I was just curious, how many cubs did he father? Does he hold the “stud record”?
Thanks!
April 16th, 2009 at 5:47 am
Exciting !! I’m hoping for a boy this time around ! Congrats also go out to Gao Gao for getting the job done. =)
April 16th, 2009 at 7:05 am
An original panda parody of a holiday favorite:
Twas the night before estrus
And all through the yard
Bai Yun was scent-marking
Zoo staff was on guard
Gao sat in the tunnel
And carefully sniffed
In hopes that dear Bai Yun
Would soon get the drift
Their offspring were hidden
All snug in their dens
Zoo guests were excited
They focused their lens
The sun rose on Tuesday
Get ready — It’s time!
Because any minute
Could be Bai Yun’s prime
When the hour came
There arose a light clatter
The gate was now open
The world was a-chatter
At last for sweet Gao Gao
No more must he wait
A reunion with Bai Yun
His beautiful mate
Their time wasn’t wasted
They chirped and they bleated
The first round of breeding
Was finally completed
The sun set with promise
And now they were tired
There was hope for the ‘morrow
Would the pandas be wired?
The bears arose Wednesday
The yards were all quiet
Their interest seemed finished
They couldn’t deny it
But soon they were sniffing
With ardor and glee
They got back together
For two minutes, not three
The world now awaits
Will there be a cute cubbie
Or maybe twin pandas
Who’ll soon be so chubby?
We watch and we wonder
And hope the time flies
We love Bai and Gao Gao
They’re tops in our eyes
April 16th, 2009 at 7:19 am
That does it. When the next cub goes out on exhibit, I’m coming to San Diego.
Gao, you da man!!!
April 16th, 2009 at 7:23 am
P. Wong, you got me on that one! Well done!
Any more news to share, SDZ?
April 16th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Thank you for the update. It is wonderful that our two beautiful pandas got together again. I know that it all hinges on Bai’s mood and Gao Gao’s but you and your staff are to be commended for making every effort to set the scene and accommodate whatever they want. Without that it might not happen at all.
Now we just wait and see if we have a little one coming this summer.
April 16th, 2009 at 8:47 am
#39 Shari, Bai’s father is Pan Pan. Her mother is Dong Dong. Pan Pan is also Tian Tian’s (NZ) father.
April 16th, 2009 at 8:52 am
#39 – Shari — Bai Yun & Tian Tian’s father was Pan Pan. They have used his sperm extensively and he has fathered many cubs. I’m sure he held the stud record, but don’t know if he still does. I hope someone answers your question, if they know how many offspring he had. I think he is still living; I think in Bifengxia?
April 16th, 2009 at 9:03 am
#41 Pandabulous – you really ARE fabulous!!! What a great poem! Between you and P. Wong….such talent we have here!!!
April 16th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Gao is a auto-breed panda,he knows what human want him to do-creat cubs.he never fail us.kudo to sdz panda staff,you do know pandas
April 16th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Jennifer in Houston: I am with you! Maybe we should fly out together!
It is very exciting to know that Bay Yun and Gao Gao have, once again, demonstrated the sure-fire, correct way to produce sweet little baby pandas. I’m not sure Bai would be up to rearing 2, at her age. She would need some human intervention, I’m sure. I just want a full-term healthy little cub.
I’m beginning to wonder about Mei Xiang. I don’t think she is displaying any denning behavior, as of yet. However, with delayed embryo implantation, it could happen at her will. (That little fact of panda and polar bear pregnancy just blows my mind! How do they do that?) Anyway, I’m just hoping Mei Xiang has a cub at some point.
Pandabulous Pandas: between your gift of poetry and P Wong’s fabulous conversations, this has been a very entertaining comment page! Thanks to both of you.
April 16th, 2009 at 9:17 am
#33 – Chari – ZA’s Pappa Yang is a HUGE panda & weighs close to 300 pounds not 200 as you stated.
#41 – pandabulous pandas – loved your poem – how true.
April 16th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Congratulations to Bai Yun and Gao Gao on their, hopefully successful, two days of breeding. Is this a breeding record for captive pandas?
Many thanks to the San Diego Zoo panda staff who create such a wonderful environment for the pandas thus enabling them to feel comfortable enough to mate.
BTW, there is a short video of Bai and Gao, entitled “Panda Breeding”, on the SDZ video page.
April 16th, 2009 at 9:35 am
To #41, pandabulous pandas… Great job! Such fun!
April 16th, 2009 at 9:41 am
#41 – pandabulous pandas – Very sweet. I’ll never listen to the night before christmas again, without thoughts of our beautiful pandas, Bai Yun and Gao Gao. This is very special – thank you.
April 16th, 2009 at 10:04 am
#41 – pandabulous: That was brilliant!!
April 16th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Great news ! We can never have enough of these beautiful babies. They are so precious and rare. It takes so much to make one. Let alone bringing up a butter stick is nothing easy. More of these please…
April 16th, 2009 at 10:38 am
#42 Jennifer and #49 Diane – that’s exactly what I did in March 2008 after ZZ went on exhibit. My husband could not believe that I would plan my vacation around a panda cub’s schedule!! ZZ had only been out for a week when I first laid eyes on her – it was an awesome experience to see this little beauty for real after watching her grow on a 4×4 window on my pc monitor. This year, I gave hubby fair warning that March/April 2010 may be time to visit the panda canyon again. If you have never been to the SD Zoo, you will be so impressed when you go. It takes more than a day to truly see and enjoy the place. I hope you both really get to go.
All appears quiet in panda canyon today, after yesterday’s excitement. I’ve seen mainly ZZ ‘bamboozling’ away in her corner. Did see C2 earlier this morning, but there was nobody in view. Will visit again later. Like all of you, I’ve got fingers, toes, and every other appendage possible crossed in hopes of at least two new cubs this year. what an exciting time it is for the giant panda fanatics of the world!
April 16th, 2009 at 11:01 am
To Ellen: As everyone has said, you have done an excellent job of keeping us abreast with a superb description of the affair and the immaculate conception. As the only male comentor to the blogs I feel a deep responsibility to congratulate our fabulous Gao on another job well done. Once again he has stepped to the plate and the roll that he has been called upon to do. Another outstanding performance.
Obviously, to have made this happen it took an enormous coordinated effort on the part of the SDZ staff to make sure that all conditions were just right, timing was just right and the continuous monitoring of the to great princapls involoved, Bai Yun and Gao Gao. Congratulations once again to the great and outstanding staff who keep us so well informed on the affairs of each day.
April 16th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Maureen (#50), my bad! I didn’t know the exact weight of Yang Yang. 300 pounds is huge, and because I am watching these bears on the pandacams, it’s pretty tough to gauge what their actual weight is unless you are at that zoo in person or when the panda keepers write down their weights on their updates. So, thanks for correcting me about Daddy Yang! I guess he holds the record for male panda weight here in the US for now!
Got on the SDZ cam and saw Bai just snoozing away on her favorite nap spot! Boy, does she look content!! Her time with Gao was very beneficial for her the last couple of days. Did Bai and Gao have another get together today? If not, that’s ok! The last 2 days were good enough for them!
Gonna go and check the other pandacams and animal cams. Will check in later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
April 16th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Steve #57, you made me smile.
Pandabulous — WOW……..really well done.
Bai is laying on the rock with her arm draped around the rock. Looks like she’s dreaming of Gao.
April 16th, 2009 at 11:29 am
How exciting for all of us to have a mating occur between our favorite West Coast pandas. Love the video of Gao taking charge and Bai being the good wife. That Gao can be fiery, can’t he?
I’m hoping SDZ will post more video so we can see a bit more. Call me noisy, but I want to see Gao, the super stud. Pretty sure I caught the time right before the Howdy Gate was opened on Tuesday afternoon and that was amazing. How funny was it to see him collapsed on the ground maybe near the Howdy gate yesterday afternoon.
Dang those hormones, they get ya every time, no matter panda or human. We love you SDZ, the bears, all the aminals (yes, aminals), the keepers, and narrators. Thank you so much for caring for our care bears!
April 16th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Meerkats, I am enjoying your great close-ups of our sweet Bai Yun. Bai Yun has been taking a well-deserved nap since 8:15 AM PT. She finally rolled over around Noon and is now lounging in the sun on her cave and soaking up some warm sunshine. Thanks Meerkats for the wonderful close-up of our No. 1 Mama panda.
April 16th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Just saw Bai Yun and Gao Gao greeting each other at the howdy gate. Could they have been making another date for another rendevous? So exciting!
April 16th, 2009 at 11:50 am
#41 pandabulous what a great poem fits them to a tee. P. Wong your panda conversations with the tourists are always cute. I want to thank both of you for your talents and adding a smile to our lives.
April 16th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Thanks so much to all the staff at SDZ for the terrifc posts and updates on a continuing basis. You always keep us up to date and informed so that no one can second guess as is unfortuneatlythe case at National Zoo. A heartfelt THANK YOU for the wonderful closeups this afternoon of beautiful Bai Yun. And of Gao Gao at the now closed Howdy Gate, Truly an “awwwwww” moment. San Diego Zoo, YOU ROCK!!
April 16th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
The video of the mating has been posted.
April 16th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Wow–let’s hope we get a healthy and happy cub. P. Wong and pandabulous — wonderful conversation and poem. Thanks!
April 16th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
To: Pandabulous Pandas #41
You have created a CLASSIC!!!!! Thank You Very Much for sharing with all of us!!! Your Love for pandas is apparent in the ‘gift’ you wrote
WOW!!!! Awesome!!!
April 16th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
SDZ, I don’t know why you handle things so differently from the other Zoos with regard to informational updates and allowing us this blog as a public forum, but I am sincerely grateful that you do. I know we panda fans can be bossy, critical, nosy, extremely possessive of “our bears”(don’t be mad at me Pandafans, you know we can!), but you always take the time to answer our questions and quiet our fears and concerns. Thank you so much for allowing us to feel as if we are actually a part of the care and conservation of these special bears, even though we may never actually get to see them other than through the panda cams. What a special experience it has been to be able to watch the interaction between Bai Yun and Gao Gao. I know there is one thing you can never doubt, and that is how much pandaholics love these wonderful bears!
April 16th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Just saw ZZ on C15 a couple of minutes ago. She is still sniffing and looking INTO her boo pile under all of that boo to get the best piece she thinks is the best to eat. Picky girl! She’s getting prettier by the day, too! Well, that’s it for now. Will check back in later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
April 16th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Good heavens. What is Su Lin doing? She’s squirming around in the dirt, turning upside down on the ground and grinding dirt into her fur. She’s scent marking and flopping around. Looks like she’s having plenty of fun! (This is just after 4:00, Pacific time.)
I saw her doing this yesterday too, but for not nearly as long.
Silly bear!
April 16th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
#68 Viola – You said exactly what I’ve been thinking about all the SDZ does for us pandafanatics & I’m sure they handle those addicted to the polar bears & other animals the same way. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated staff (& moderators – who allow us to ask all our questions & post our crazy opinions) I have learned so much from other panda fans:)
April 16th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
#51, Rose, in 2007 Gao and Bai had 4 matings in 24 hours which I believe was stated at the time to be a record. This time they had 2 that I have seen posted. It only takes one, so 2+ is extra insurance, and reward for Gao Gao for his patience and gentle nature in waiting for his one special 24 hour period every two years.
#41 Pandabulous, thanks for a fabulous poem on the “stars” of the day.
April 16th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I just realized from watching the time-lapse video that when I thought the howdy gate had been shut behind Gao in the tunnel that it was really the black part of his leg up against the mesh and therefore it looked like it had been shut. He appears to have spent his whole nap in the tunnel yesterday afternoon watching for any movement from his beloved “wife.”
April 16th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Viola #68. FANTASTIC! I agree with you totally. The staff at SDZ rock. The ones I have met personally go out of their way to talk to you and their dedication is so obvious. They love their charges and their work.
April 16th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
#58 Lun Lun is quite a bit bigger than Bai . She weighs about 230 to 250 regularly and I seem to remember a post when she was still nursing Mei that she was sensitive about her weight. I think she had gotten up to 272lbs.
April 17th, 2009 at 1:52 am
Thanks for all the kind comments. Ellie’s great updates were an inspiration.
Three cheers for Bai Yun and Gao Gao, and for giant pandas everywhere! It’s good to see how much they are loved.
April 17th, 2009 at 2:09 am
Pandabulous, FANTABULOUS!!!!! I shared your poem with many friends and family as my way of telling them the happy news! Thanks so much for shaing! Love, Joy
April 17th, 2009 at 6:28 am
It appears that Papa Gao still has the wander lust this morning. He was roaming about his yard near the keeper area when I checked in this morning. Maybe he was getting impatient for his breakfast like ShiShi was known to do?
I continue to be amazed at the patience and determination of panda mothers with pesky cubs trying to interrupt their eating. Lun was chowing down with great determination while a biting Xi Lan was biting her back, her neck, her head, and her forearm. Anywhere he could get a grip. Finally she pushed him away with her forearm and held him at bay. He took it all in stride and came back again for more of the same. I guess it is part of the lesson of persistence, and that eating tops all other activity. If she doesn’t eat, neither does he because she won’t get enough nutrition to produce his milk meal. Cubs don’t seem to get that part of the picture.
April 17th, 2009 at 7:41 am
It is 8:30 AM PDT on Friday, and Gao seems to be looking for his mate at the fence. Since there appear to be no guests yet in the viewing walk-way, I am wondering if Gao and Bai may still breed. Did they have any more breeding bouts on Thursday that I might have missed? I did not notice any guests in the viewing area yesterday either, and assumed that was in case they decided to be together again.
As I recall, in 2007 Bai wanted to be with him, but he grunted or growled at her when she went to the Howdy Gate to greet him. It was then determined that from his perspective their breeding window was over. Has a similar situation occured in 2009? So far, I have observed that he seems to still be interested in locating her, but all I have seen of Bai is her resting on her cave. Since I haven’t had the opportunity to check in throughout the day, I am not sure what her reaction is in the past two days since the second breeding bout.
Moderator’s note: Keepers tell us that there were “just” two bouts of breeding between Bai Yun and Gao Gao.
April 17th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Margaret~I was watching the Zoo Atlanta cam at the same time this morning and it made me think of when my own children and granddaughter were toddlers. I likened it to trying to walk around with a giant tumor on my leg. There is a difference though. Unlike human mothers who breath a sigh of relief when the toddlers go down for a nap, Panda mothers have no qualms whatsoever in swatting them down off their perch when they are sound asleep.
I have high hopes for one more cub from Bai. I’m not getting warm fuzzies from “no updates” at the National Zoo.
April 17th, 2009 at 8:38 am
I saw Gao a couple days ago and he was ZONKED!I believe Bai Yun tired him out.
April 17th, 2009 at 8:58 am
#41 Wow, that was great!
April 17th, 2009 at 9:12 am
See what happens when I away from the computer for a couple of days, Big Daddy didn’t fail us in his quest for Madame Bai, always at the ready he is. P.Wong and Pandabolus Pandas you both got it.Thanks for the great story and poem. I like Margaret is amazed at Xi Lan, that boy is a pest. I noticed that he more then the other young ones likes to walk upright, also I noticed that he is always looking around ,like what can I get into next. If any panda was to find a way out it would be him. Lun has her hands full. Kudo to all the staff and keepers for keeping a great eye on the happy couple and knowing just when the time was right.I should be in California in late Sept or Oct and hopefully we will have a little one by then. Ellie thanks for the great updates.
April 17th, 2009 at 10:16 am
On Wednesday, Gao even pulled his bamboo into the tunnel so he would not miss an opportunity. What a guy!
April 17th, 2009 at 10:16 am
#80 Jan: I’m sure the National Zoo will let us know any news as there is any, no worries. They put alot of work and effort into the breeding program and I’m sure their sense of disappointment is greater than ours when things don’t work out. When Lun Lun was pregnant at AZ this time around, her symptons didn’t show until quite late as opposed to her first time around and if you look through their notes you can see even a few weeks before nothing was showing on the ultra sound and she was out and about like normal and then all of a sudden things seemed to happen within a two-three week period and then just escalated from there.
I wouldn’t write Mei off just yet, you never know! We’re just used to Bai and Gao who always have success but no two pandas and no two situations are alike.
April 17th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Congratulations and a big thank you to the San Diego Zoo, and to all the scientists, veterinarians, keepers, nutritionists, bamboo harvesters, narrators, traffic controllers, and other zoo personnel who made this event possible. When you all have had a chance to catch your breath, I hope that someone will be able to answer a few questions and provide more video. How did Bai Yun’s estrus compare with her previous ones? Were her hormones, vaginal cytology, tail up response, etc. different than in previous years? The “Panda Breeding” video looks more like a “Panda Foreplay” video to me. How long does it typically take for Bai and Gao to position themselves correctly for mating? Has this changed over time? How many mating events actually occurred this year, how long did they last, and how does this compare to previous years? How did the separations go afterward? Were there any injuries? Any problems? Any surprises? You have the only naturally breeding pair of Giant Pandas in the Western Hemisphere, so the mating of Bai Yun and Gao Gao is truly a rare and special event. Please share more of the details with us!
April 17th, 2009 at 11:26 am
This week at SDZ has been so exciting, the comments page is fuller than I have seen in a while. Each time I have tuned into the cam, yesterday and today, noone/nothing has been moving, except for Su Lin once. Saw either ZZ or Su Lin up on a perch, taking a nap. I really hope to come to San Diego next spring, hopefully to see another little chubby cubbie. I’ve been told to plan for at least three days to see the whole zoo and WAP. I can’t wait for my Mother’s Day present, when I visit NZP in May. Haven’t been there before, either.
Watching ZA today, I was enjoying seeing the little prince at the top of an upright log, next to a tree. He was trying to decide if he should try to climb higher up the tree. He kept looking down at the ground, then decided it might be best to climb down. Then it was a chore to figure out how to do it. I breathed a sigh of relief when he finally scooted around and went down the side of the tree. You could almost see the wheels turning in his cute little head.
Btw, I have really enjoyed all of your comments and enthusiasm, and we all really loved the great poem and
Gao/Tourist conversation. Thanks again to Pandabulous Pandas and P Wong.
April 17th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I love the picture of Gao Gao sleeping with his rear end in the pool. I imagine his hormones are still in full swing and this is his only way to take a “cold shower”. I hope it helps and he gets back to normal soon.
April 17th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
#88, Lee, too funny. I laughed out loud at the “his only way to take a “cold shower” comment.
NZP pandas are zonked on the floor of their bedrooms today. We have had two gorgeous sunny warm days and they have been outside a lot. I got a scare last night about 10 PM when I checked in on them. One of them, don’t know which one, was munching away on their night snack of bamboo. In the background in the entrace to the other area there appeared to be a flashing/strobelike light. It almost looked like the other room was on fire. Since the panda was very calm, I decided it must be some internal lighting that was showing up weirdly on the cam view. I saw them outside today enjoying the weather and they were definitely fine, so I am happy it was nothing real. Someone, I think Tai, is sitting in the corner of the bedroom eating very carefully. I guess the stomach won over the nap.
Just saw Bai hanging out on top of the cave. She still looks a bit worn out so I guess the encounters with Gao took a lot out of both of them physically. No wonder they bulk up for weeks before breeding. Pandas don’t normally expend much energy due to their low nutritional value diet, so that much physical activity would have been taxing to their bodies.
It will be good to see the girl out in front again, while their parents get a well deserved rest in the back. Just in time for the spring weather and the crowds to start coming again. It will be interesting to see if ZZ has the same kind of reaction of putting on a show for the visitors that her siblings did when they first appeared on exhibit solo. Up to now, she has always had Bai with her on exhibit. It will also be interesting to see if they show any more interest in each other than they have so far. I am surprised that there has been no interaction in the treetops as reported last week. If that continues, one would surmise that it was Mei Sheng who was the instigator in his communications with Su Lin. Until now we have had to guess.
April 17th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Lizzie #86, I echo those questions!
Dianne #87, yes, it will take three days to see both the zoo and the Wild Animal Park. Plan two days for the zoo (you can get a two-day ticket), especially if you want to spend lots of time with the pandas. If the zoo is crowded they keep the panda line slowly moving, although you can get back in line and go through the exhibit as many times as you wish.
Also, bring good walking shoes and get into shape–the zoo is located in a canyon, and it’s mostly up and down. There are some moving sidewalks and shuttle buses that will get you up the worst slopes, but even with those you’re going to be doing a lot of uphill walking. It’s easy to get lost too, because the map they give you isn’t detailed. I also recommend taking the bus tour when you first get there. It’s interesting and will get you oriented.
It’s a fantastic, although quite physical, experience, so be prepared! If you’re coming in the spring you should have cool weather, and it may be overcast. (It usually doesn’t get hot here until August through October.) So, spring should be great panda weather!
And welcome to the best zoo in the world! (really)
April 17th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Hi Fonsia (#90), I agree with you that the SDZ “is the best zoo in the world”.
I have been to zoos all over and just 2 weeks ago I was at the Singapore Zoo and they claim that their zoo is “the best zoo in the world”. Well, I can tell you that it’s nice and they do have white tigers and orang utans that are not in cages but have free roam of all the zoo but NONE compare to the variety of animals, plants and beautiful grounds that San Diego Zoo has. I go to it every 2 or 3 years and never get tired because of all the changes that are constantly being done. Keep up the good work.
April 17th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Let’s not get upset with the lack of info about MeiXiang from the NZ
- I’m sure they are as frustrated about what may or not be happening Mei as we are. As soon as they have any info they will post it. Last year they were so hopeful for a cubbie & did try to keep us updated – the suspense went on for days & days only to end in disappointment. I know the year Tai Shan was born they were so excited they kept us up to date every day (almost minute by minute what Mei or Tai was doing)
April 18th, 2009 at 3:43 am
no one seems to be mentioning the memphis zoo and their loss. maybe next year!
April 18th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Just an FYI: Mei at NZ has started nest building…Pandas Live On has an article and pictures of her doing so on their site today…
April 18th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Regarding Su Lin and Zhen Zhen interactions. While at the zoo this week, I observed Zhen high in the tree looking over the wall at Su Lin. Zhen also looks under the cracks in the doorways to catch a glimpse of her sister. Quite adorable.
April 18th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Whoop-Dee-Doo! I am convinced that, besides Mother Nature, a lot of the credit goes to the excellent care they get at the SDZ. Many thanks to all of you for that.
April 18th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Thank you, Fonsia, for the description and advance warning of the challenges I might expect. Being in my 60’s, I may have to curtail a bit, go slower, and take a week! ( And use any extra motor power available.)
I also have heard that it is the most beautiful zoo in the world. No place but California. I’m looking forward to it.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Has there ever been a topic here on the panda blogs about the people who choose the trees, plants, etc. that go into the panda exhibits and the process that goes into choosing all of the plant life? I get distracted watching the panda cams sometimes because my eyes wander off to the flowering shrubs, etc. There is some type of shrub with what looks like red blooms in each of the main yards and classroom exhibits at SDZ (at least I think I’ve seen that shrub/bush in each of the yards) and they make a pretty backdrop for the black-and-white beauties. (Gao, forgive me for grouping you in as a beauty but let’s face it, he is beautiful, too (and handsome, etc.).)
I found some topics in the ‘Plants’ section of the blogs about some of the great people that tend to the trees and plants on the grounds of the zoo. I might have overlooked something that dealt with the subject I asked about, but I hope I didn’t.
I know there are big cat lovers here (along with those who share a home with beloved domesticated cats) and I wanted to let everyone know that the SDZ is raising money for the Tiger Trail at the Wild Animal Park. The generous Warren Family Foundation is matching every dollar donated. I’d intended to donate to the wishlist but since I was mailing my contribution, I was concerned that the items I wanted to purchase would be sold out by the time my donation was processed at the zoo. I donated to the Tiger Trail instead and my money went twice as far. It looks like the Tiger Trail will be an extraordinary experience.
Horticulture staff responds: We come up with the overall design based on the area of the Zoo, bioclimatic zones, and what the intended use is of the plant: screening, barrier to an area, or just to highlight the species of plant. We also landscape areas that house specific collections by adding a new species or compatible plants to duplicate their natural habitat: arid, rain forest, shady, full sun, etc. For inside animal enclosures we try to simulate their natural habitat and need to make sure there is nothing that is toxic or can cause an animal to choke, get in their eyes, ears, and noses. Some seed heads can cause real problems with some animals. Through trail and error we have a plant pallet that works well in a lot of the exhibits and the animals pretty much leave the plant material alone, even the primates.
The plant with the red “blooms” in the panda exhibits is really not a flower but the new leaf growth coming out on the Photinia fraserii, a large- growing shrub. It is one of those plants that the animals don’t bother and seems to hold up pretty well in exhibits.
Moderator’s note: Melissa, thank you for helping with our new Tiger Trail exhibit fund-raising. For those interested in more information about this new exhibit, please visit http://www.sandiegozoo.org/tigertrail/
April 18th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
You know, I believe there’s hope for all of our pandas to breed naturally. Gao Gao did have an attempted mating back in China before he travelled to the U.S. He hit it off with the female panda (no fighting, etc.) but they weren’t successful in mating due to lack of experience on both their parts. The Panda Prince then came to America and somehow, he and Bai, also inexperienced, managed to do what Gao and his previous partner and Bai and Shi Shi were unable to do. Another sweet panda mystery.
Also, Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing had some rather notorious troubles getting things in order but after Ling Ling’s unsuccessful breeding attempt with Chia-Chia from London, Ling and Hsing were put together the next year and were finally able to mate naturally.
And if they don’t ever get it quite right, we will love them just the same! (Group panda hug!)
April 18th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Well maybe there’s hope for Miss Mei Xeing on (pandasliveon) website today April 18 there is a story about Mei at the NZ. She has started to made her nest so lets keep our fingers crossed she is not teaseing us again. There are some great pictures of her at work and also a video to.
Now we’ll have about 3 or 4 months to wonder if Miss Bai is going to bless us with a new cubbie. If they both have a new cub we’ll be going crazy keeping an eye on all of them.
April 18th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
The Power Couple of the Panda World! Fingers crossed, can’t wait for another precious little one. Zhen grew up way too fast, they always do, but she is a beautiful young woman.
April 19th, 2009 at 9:05 am
I saw today on Pandas Live On that Mei is starting to build her nest in the small bedroom. That is a good sign. All we need now is to have a good ultrasound showing a ‘little one’ growing inside of her. We will keep our hopes up for Mei and Bai to bring us new panda babies this year. Thanks to all the keepers who do so much to build up the Panda population. They are so charming!
April 20th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I know that pandas eat grass once in awhile but am wondering if anyone knows why or how much. This morning I saw one of the NZ pandas (camera 2) spend about 20 minutes eating grass. He was quite lazy also as he was lying on his stomach doing this and about half way through his munching, his tail went up and you could tell he was going to the bathroom. Once finished he got up and moved to a cleaner patch, dropped down and started eating the grass again. It was raining at the time and I wonder if this plays into the scenario at all.
Thanks for any feedback I can get.
April 20th, 2009 at 8:51 am
#95, Carole, thanks for the update about ZZ looking for her sister SU Lin. Maybe ZZ is more like Mei Sheng than Su Lin. If so, maybe she will be the instigator of their interactions at the Howdy Gate, if they have any.
April 20th, 2009 at 9:37 am
For all of you that have mentioned Mei Xiang in your post, I have watched her some this weekend and she is showing signs of slowing down and sleeping much more in addition to the nest building. I have not seen Mei doing her dancing either at the door. No negative thoughts…let’s all keep the faith. Hopefully, NZ will post an update soon…
SDZ, thank you for all of the updates and keeping us informed. Fingers crossed for a cub or two from Bai and Mei:)
April 20th, 2009 at 9:54 am
It is so exciting about Mei. Let’s pray she/we don’t go through what we did last time. (I can’t imagine how devasted the MZ must have been this year. Perhaps next time?) Either Tai or Tian was acting goofy this morning. Love both of those guys.
My timing must be off with SDZ — haven’t seen a panda yet today.
Thank you a million times to SDZ for letting us be here; for all the updates; and the WONDERFUL care you provide to “our*” pandas. (Our* = wishful thinking; I’m still willing to offer my backyard. )
April 20th, 2009 at 10:13 am
OMG, I just checked pandaliveon, and on the second page, there’s pictures of Bai (who is stunning, seriously) and Gao. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT PICTURE. LOVE IT, LOVE IT. Is it anywhere on SDZ website so I may download it? I love that picture!
Cute video of Tian in the snow, too.
April 20th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Mary Lou, Pam T., and Kathy, thanks for the tip about Mei Xiang and her nest building. I was wondering when she was going to get that started because it’s been about 3 months since her AI procedure was done. I just checked the NZ panda page pandacam, and watched Mei Xiang have a long bathroom session—she just pee’d and pooped! And, she gave the panda keepers and vets some very good samples of both for them to take to the lab to determine her hormome levels. Will get on pandasliveon to check the pics and vid of Mei Xiang.
Was also on the AZ pandacam, and watched momma Lun eating her lunch, and toddler Xi taking a nap on the logs. Just saw Bai on the SDZ pandacam.
Well, gonna get going to take care of laundry and other things. Will check back in later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
April 20th, 2009 at 11:14 am
#98 – Isn’t Chinese Elm in the exhibit too? Flowers are more orange-red than pure red, though.
The Horticulture Department responds. The orange flowers in the exhibit are honeysuckle, which is another plant that does well in animal exhibits. The Ulmas parvifolia (Chinese elm) is also in the exhibit. Its flowers are insignificant and do not show; they develop a papery seed capsule.
April 20th, 2009 at 11:26 am
I hope some of you were watching the AZ pandacam between 12 and 1PM today. Xi Lan was sleeping nicely on top of the tepee structure when Lun Lun decided that she wanted to sleep there. The next hour was just hilarious as Xi Lan was trying to take control of HIS spot again. That Cub doesn’t have “quit” in his vocabullary but is not strong enough yet to force his way and Lun Lun was quite determine to hold HER ground. I thought several time that it was going to end up with a big tumble dow for the cubbie, but no, he is quite agile and resourcefull. When I watch a bit later they were both in the hammock room and Xi Lan was sleeping in HIS corner of the structure and his mommy didn’t try to take over that spot.
I hope Lynn (lcnessie15) will have cought that as it reminded me of some of her previous videos on YouTube “Too Cwose for Comfort, Eh?!“ “Same Sh**, Differwent Day!!”. As I was watching, I was trying to imagine what Lynn would write…
April 20th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Lee, #103, the panda you saw most likely was Mei Xiang, the hopefully pregnant female. NZP has commented recently that she has been chewing on the fresh grass quite a bit lately. I saw her eat it for a long time last week. She seemed to prefer it over bamboo that day. Since her eating will slow down over the next few weeks as her pregnancy (pseudo) continue, her body may be craving the extra nutrition provided by the fresh grass. This is also the time of years that pandas covet their bamboo shoots which contain many more nutrients and higher nutritional value than their normal bamboo diet the rest of the year. Perhaps the grass provides similar nutrients to the bamboo shoots? Since the pandas in SD didn’t have access to grass until it was added by the donation a few months ago, and appears to be mostly worn down by their ambling around the yards, they don’t normally “eat” grass. So, it is unusual for those of us watching cameras at the other zoos to witness any pandas eating grass.
April 20th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Danielle, #110, how do you know lcnessie15? Does she work at the zoo? Her name is Lynn? WOW, if you “know” her, tell her she is so creative, and I love the videos. I just search her name now.
Good to see Cutie Putootie, ZZ.
April 20th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
#109 Sayuri…Ooh, if the blossoms are orange-red, I’ll bet they’re even prettier than I can see on the cams. I usually see the bushes I’m wondering about in low light so it’s hard to tell. Su Lin was standing near one of the bushes in the classroom a while back and it made for a beautiful picture.
#70 Fonsia…I saw Su rolling in the dirt, too, swatting at her ears and shaking her head. When she was done, her bottom half was completely dark brown! She looked like a calico bear. So cute. She and Tai are charming, wacky cousins. Bai, Gao, Mei Xiang, Tian, Lun and Yang should all take their “kids” and meet up for a big panda family reunion. Just kidding, of course, but there would be some goofy stuff going on. I like to think there’d be no fighting, since this would all take place in our imaginations.
April 20th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Linda #112 No, I don’t know Lynn, I just love her videos and have watched all of them. Her name is on her YouTube page. I don’t think she works at a zoo, at least not one with pandas residing, she is from Canada.
April 20th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Forgot to mention that I, too, am hoping Mei Xiang is getting ready for a cub. I’m looking for paw licking (and, er, “other” licking) to begin, along with cradling apples, kong toys, etc. She left part of a treat today after she took a couple of bites, which isn’t like Mei. I couldn’t tell whether it was the bottom half of a pear or part of a sweet potato or what since the cam was in black-and-white mode, but I remember reading that when she’s in the luteal phase and her hormones are high, she develops a distaste for carrots, so maybe that extends to other things, as well. She still seems to enjoy her apples though.
She’s so pretty. I know Mei will have more cubs if and when she’s ready and everything is right, but I would be overjoyed if she was a mom again. I’d be especially excited to see a female cub and watch Mei interact with a sassy, small version of her wonderful self.
April 20th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
To Linda A./NorCal # 112: Here’s a hint on how to save the beautiful photo of Bai and Gao…or any other photos on a site: If you place your cursor on the photo you like and then right click, a dialogue box will open and give you many options. Save as
I too thought the photo was beautiful and I also thought the photos of Mei Xiang doing nest-building were great. Have fun clicking 
April 20th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Margaret #111 – Thank you for your answer to my question. I was very intrigued by all the grass consumption and your explanation helped a lot. If it was Mei then I bet she is much more comfortable on her tummy in the damp grass. Lately I am finding it harder and harder to concentrate on work when so much is going on with the pandas at the different zoos. Thank heavens by boss understands my love of pandas (and is away on holidays for 6 weeks to boot).
April 20th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Many thanks to the horticulture staff for answering all of my questions! They do a wonderful job. It seems like it would be challenging to figure out what’s durable along with what’s best for the individual animals/species.
I’m due for an eye exam in a couple of months and it’s obviously much-needed since I couldn’t tell the difference between leaves and blooms! Not sure if it’s the same variety, but what we call ‘red-tipped photinia’ thrives where I live and is quite beautiful. I will look more closely next time I see those shrubs on the cam.
Thanks to the moderator for directing my query to the horticulture staff.
April 20th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I just caught Mei Xiang awake in the indoor exhibit. She was walking back into her “den” and then settled back down on the floor for another “nap.” She was walking slowly almost as if she was sleep walking. Maybe she had a “potty” break or a drink. I couldn’t tell because when I checked a few minutes ago she was still sleeping, so it must have been quick. I did notice that there were pieces of her shredded bamboo strewn outside the doorway to the den, so perhaps she tracked them out when she left. They would likely cling to her furry body. She has built quite a pile already and looks like she is serious about this endeavor between naps. Will check in on her later tonight to see if she is contributing more to her bedding.
She is a beautiful girl on the camera, but even more charming in person. I haven’t made my spring trip to NZP yet, and had better hurry up if I want to see her in person. We try to go in early spring and late fall, so maybe we will get to see the little cub(s) on our fall visit, if one is born soon.
While reading about Tuan and Yuan in Taiwan and there 1 millionth visitor about a week ago, they mentioned that their indoor habitat is climate controlled because of Taiwan’s tropic climate. That made me think that three of the four US zoos have indoor exhibit spaces that are “climate controlled” meaning they have AC in the summer and heat in the winter. SD has a more moderate climate than the east coast, so there is no indoor exhibit space. There is a classroom viewing area, but that is for humans not pandas. The pandas are outside 365 days of the year, except for the time they spend in their “bedrooms.” However, all but one of them appear to be totally open to some outdoor space, even the sunroom is exposed to the open air. Does it get hot enough in SD to warrant AC in the bedroom areas? I believe that you have foggers that send out mist to cool the pandas outside in the heat of summer. NZP has a similar capability, which is why their pandas stay outside most of the day even in the summer. I think MZ also has mist option. I don’t recall seeing one at ZA which is why they tend to keep their pandas indoors in the really hot weather, except for early morning excursions to the outdoor yards until about 10 AM.
Moderator can you elaborate on the mini-climate in panda canyon for those of us who are not able to go there in person. I am curious how the climate is controlled in a warm climate like CA for bears that are built for and accustomed to a mountainous region of China. I believe that I read that Bifengxia is much hotter in summer than Wolong and that everyone, including pandas, had some adjusting to do last summer. I believe it is also hotter in Chengdu, where Lun Lun and Yang Yang grew up, than in Wolong where Bai Yun, Gao Gao, Shi Shi, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang are from. I remember that they said they built a special place for Hua Mei when she first went to Wolong so she could adjust to the very different climate than what she was accustomed to at SDZ.
Moderator’s note: Panda keepers tell us that the Panda Canyon is the coolest part of the Zoo. The pandas do have air conditioned bedroom areas keepers give them access to as needed. The misters are also turned on during warmer days; if you see a panda in front of the gate, that’s where the mister is. Hope this info helps.
April 20th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
For all of you wondering about the NZ pandas, I watched them for a while this morning. Mei was in her “small bedroom, sleeping with her feet up! (Do panda-ankles swell?:) ) I could see the straw nest she has built in the other half of the room. The panda in the yard, in the rain, was Tian Tian. He was enjoying the rain, and I would suspect the grass tastes sweeter when it is wet. Tian also likes to sit in water, but today he was lying, on his belly, in rain puddles. It must have been Tai Shan, in his indoor viewing room, eating a fruitcicle. I was also checking on the Memphis couple. Ya Ya was up on her log structure facing the viewing window, when they let Le Le come in. I think he wanted to initiate some play with Ya Ya, rearing up on the structure. She promptly swatted him on the nose, sending him RUNNING to the other end of the room, where he promptly scent-marked another log and went out of sight. The cam didn’t move back to them, so I don’t know what transpired from there. Wish I could have seen it all!
April 20th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I forgot to also mention Mei’s ‘dance’. This happens when she is ready to go outside, usually mornings. She stands up at the door, looking through the window, swaying back and forth on her hind legs, and usually sends some vocalization to the keepers to “Open the door!” When Tian comes to the door or any wall, he raises up, nose in air, and does an ‘arc’ motion with his head and front legs, and goes back to the floor. Tai comes to the door, when he wants to come in, and just sits, smiling at the keepers, who usually give him a biscuit for his patience. Sometimes, he will try to climb the wire outer-gate, when he’s really impatient.
April 20th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Moderator, #119, thanks for answering my question about the temperature in panda canyon and the AC in the bedrooms. I thought there must be a really cool place for them to go if needed in a heat wave.
April 20th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Oh no, don’t think I can stand another round of watching MeiXiang – last year so many of us watching were convinced several times a day that she was in labor & a cubbie was due any second – this went on for days & days until the NZ finally gave us the sad news
that Mei had a psuedopregnancy – we were soooo disappointed as we wanted another Tai Shan:) Let’s hope for better news this year – 
April 20th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
114 -Danielle, NY – I think LCNessie must have “panda elves” helping her.
I can watch a panda cam for hours & not see any action while LC has a real talent for capturing the moment along with her own wonderful sense of panda humor. 
April 20th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I have all my fingers and toes crossed for a new cubbie this summer. This is so exciting. Nothing beats the anticipation of a potential new panda cub! Way to go Bai & Gao! Woohoo San Diego zoo!
April 21st, 2009 at 5:57 am
#121 Dianne…No day is complete without Mei’s panda dance. She also dances when she thinks the keepers are taking too long to deliver her “takeout” order: the brown bag of biscuits that she tears into every morning before going outside. One Saturday a few months ago, Mei wanted to go back outside in the afternoon. There was a big crowd assembled at the viewing window. Mei stepped sideways from the keeper door — upright and swaying back and forth — all the way down the wall, across the open doorway to her den and onward to the corner where the wall met the viewing window. She then executed a 180-degree turn, still standing, then plopped her front feet to the floor and walked the length of the glass window as if to say “How’d you like THAT?” It was quite a sight. She has such flair!
Linda A/NorCal…you can save pictures from panda cams, as well, if you have a screen clipping tool. Most Microsoft systems come with a screen clipping tool (you can find it under ‘Accessories’). I use another screen clipping application that came in my MS Office Home & Student 2007. It’s called OneNote. You don’t have to take the time to save the picture because the program saves it for you in a “notebook.” I love it. I think there’s a free trial on the Microsoft website if you want to give it a try. You can get lots of “action” shots of your favorite pandas.
April 21st, 2009 at 7:04 am
It blows me away how great everyone is on this site. I get my questions answered; we find out about the plants/flowers/temperature of the panda area, and updates from SDZ as well as posts from other pandaholics about the other zoos. I love it. Thank you. Especially to SDZ for allowing us this space.
Moderator’s note: Our pleasure!
April 21st, 2009 at 10:02 am
I had to laugh when I read Xi Lan and Lun Lun update last night on the AZ website: “Xi Lan and Lun Lun simply cannot get on the same schedule. While Lun Lun is up and active, it seems that Xi Lan is sacked out in one of his many sleeping spots. Conversely, when Lun Lun is either sleeping or intent on eating, Xi Lan is up and active, climbing all over mom trying to convince her to play with him” as I had just watched them trying to sleep on the same spot of the tepee structure for about one hour at lunch time. Mind you, Xi Lan never found a comfortable spot or at least, in his mind, not as comfy as the spot his mommy had kicked him off from. And he kept trying to regain his spot, so he didn’t sleep during that hour. I suspect Lun Lun didn’t manage to sleep much either since she was under very frequent attack. But when they moved to the hammock room Xi Lan was sleeping on HIS spot of the structure and Lun Lun on the ground. I guess one of the aims of the day for the pandas is to prove us wrong…
April 21st, 2009 at 10:47 am
Was Bai Yun scent marking around 11:30 am SDT, or just scratching? Is this typical post-estrus behaviour, or could she go into estrus again?
Gao Gao is sacked out, covered in his wood chips or shredded paper or whatever he has to roll in today, and there’s Miss ZZ, munching away in the classroom. Eating or napping, she always brings a smile to my face.
April 21st, 2009 at 11:20 am
At round noon SDZ time today, (3 pm ZA time), both cubs were quite active. Miss ZZ was doing a walkabout in C27, sniffing away. She seemed particularly interested in a specific spot on the concrete(?) wall where there is a seam (likely she could hear or smell something through it). I wonder what or who is on the other side of that wall? I also saw her in her little pool – interesting that she doesn’t walk into the water; rather, she backs into it, then sits down to enjoy the coolness. Cute!!
Over at ZA, the Xman was just waking up in the hammock room – lots of awww moments as he proceeded to slide himself, on his back, along the horizontal logs, then did some “stwetches and scwatches” with his short little legs!! Soooo Cute!! Earlier this morning, he and Lun were outside – Lun voraciously eating her boo and Xman trying to initiate play. It was really neat to watch all this in the early morning light – felt very peaceful, like all was right with the world.
April 21st, 2009 at 11:37 am
pandafan #130–I missed ZZ in the pool, but I saw the Xman “stwetching and scwatching”–too cute.
April 21st, 2009 at 12:14 pm
This maybe off-topic but I have a question and I am hoping that one of the researchers, keepers or moderators could respond. I beg your pardon if it has been addressed before. Anyway, more and more I am seeing items made of bamboo being advertised everywhere. Everything from flooring, furniture to even textile things like sheets and clothing. Now we have all heard that the panda’s bamboo supply is threatened. Is this part of the reason? Thanks.
April 21st, 2009 at 12:43 pm
A while back I got a tip from this blog to check out Daniel’s Multipe Panda Cam Feeds (just use a search engine). You can watch SD, NZ, ZA and MZ all at the same time. He has just added 3 Chengdu cams, so that when our pandas are sleeping, you can watch panda kindergarten in China!
April 21st, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Aha, I see that Gao Gao is munching his boo in the mist by the gate.
After saying above that it usually doesn’t get hot in San Diego until August, we got slammed with a heat wave. The weather is supposed to get back to normal starting tomorrow.
Interesting that Gao, who hates rain, is happy to sit in the mist today (it’s in the 80s).
April 21st, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Now, stay tuned for the next episode of “Pandas in the Mist”…
April 21st, 2009 at 1:30 pm
#133- Lynn
Anyway, have faith that both Bai & Mei will be new mommy’s this summer! I am thinking positive thoughts and I really feel more optimistic this year compared to last year.
I heart Tai Shan!
April 21st, 2009 at 1:33 pm
What is the temp in San Diego? When I looked on the internet, it said 71 on one site and 81 on another. Would 81 be considered a heatwave? It’s going to be 96 in Sacramento today. The norm is 71.
As requested by Panda International, I did twitter Hugh Jackman about the pandas.
And thanks to those who helped me save my FAVORITE picture of Gao in my system. What a face!!
Moderator’s note: We San Diegans don’t start whining about the heat until the thermometer passes 90 degrees.
April 21st, 2009 at 1:44 pm
It was cute to see Gao sitting next to his water drinker in the shade while he munched on his bamboo. Very efficient to make sure that he didn’t have to travel far for his frequent sips of water. Gao is one smart panda dude. Maybe he’s misting his face to keep his handsome good looks.
ZZ was so cute in her pool today. I was half-hoping for a cannonball but nah, it didn’t happen.
It looks like Le Le is reclined in the shade eating bamboo in Memphis. He’s all the way against the “retaining” wall where guests can barely see him. NWS says it’s 66 degrees in Memphis.
April 21st, 2009 at 2:52 pm
#133 – Lynn – Wow, thanks for the info about Daniels Multiple Panda Cam Feeds – had no idea we could watch so many cams at a time – another excuse not do to anything but watch.
:)
April 21st, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Moderator in #137. **I** start whining about the heat when it gets into the upper 70s.
I figure I’m a throwback to my fogbound ancestors.
April 21st, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Kris #132: You read my mind! It’s everywhere–every time I see the ads I cringe a little. I hope someone “in the know” can comment. Some of the stuff is attractive, but I haven’t purchased anything for fear of the very issues you raise. Anybody?
April 21st, 2009 at 5:50 pm
#132 – Kris, no, the bamboo used for furniture, flooring, etc. is a different kind of bamboo than what the pandas eat. We were worried about this previously, and it was explained that there are lots of different kinds of bamboo, and the use of it to make furniture, etc. does not affect the pandas’ food supply.
April 21st, 2009 at 6:33 pm
#113 Melissa – re: your comment about all the panda families getting ready for a reunion – maybe if a previous blogger ’s (Pamela G) health is better she may be able to write another “Panda Paws” soon. To read her past poems – check the 2007 archives – The “Shall I Compare Thee” update – #24 for her wonderful panda Christmas.
Not only do we worry about our pandas but the bloggers we get to know here.
April 21st, 2009 at 6:35 pm
#113 Melissa – oops it the Dec 2007 archives for the Panda Paws reunion.
April 21st, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Hello panda lovers. Video alert!!
Go to youtube and search for ‘Gao Gao Bai Yun courtship celebration’ – a very clever presentation of Gao and Bai singing about their latest “get-together”. Do not miss this!
Our dear Su Lin is having fun with her toys. Search for ‘panda@san diego zoo’. Make sure you type it as shown. So good to see her again.
A much welcome look at our princess Mei Lan uploaded last night, April 21. Search for ‘Panda at Atlanta Zoo’ then sort by Date. Mei is so much like papa Yang – loves to have a great time.
Then search for ‘Tai Shan vs the Water Hose’. This one is non-stop laughter – so good to see Tai having such a great time! He was my first panda cub, so he’s special.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:35 am
Dear Moderator,
Don’t know if it’s OK to post… I uploaded Gao Gao Bai Yun courtship songs to Youtube under PomptonMusings channel. Enjoy! (thanks)
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:42 am
Lynn (#133) – Thank you so much for the info on Daniel’s Multiple Panda Cam site. Wow! That is way awesome and convenient!
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:56 am
What is it with drainage grates? In checking ZA, the X-Man was sleeping peacefully on the grate. He woke up, and looked sweetly at the grate and a rock. If I remember correctly, Tai had a love affair with a grate, Mei Xiang pulled it into her nest (last year?), and Mei Lan had fascination with a grate. What about the SDZ pandas?
Fonsia, #140, it was 96 in Sacramento yesterday and humid. Yucky. It suppose to be 85 today — perfect!
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:43 am
Lynn (#133) again – I am not able to view ZA on the 5 cam page even though it is listed. Is anyone else having the same problem? Any suggestions?
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:51 am
Linda #148 – I had the same reaction about the drainage grates when I saw Xi Lan sleeping on it yesterday, I wonder if it is cooler or if there is a draft???
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
#144 Maureen…Thank you for the information about Pam’s poems. I will look them up, as I’ve read here that they are awesome. In my mind I picture a panda family reunion with the mother pandas bringing Tupperware bowls of cut-up apples and carrots, etc. and lots of silliness and fun. (Pandas inspire a lot of goofy thoughts in my head. If I were a panda I would surely be related to Yang Yang.) I even had a dream last night that Mei Xiang was tending to an egg the size of a big grapefruit, much like a penguin would do. I don’t even want to know where that dream sprang from!
Thanks again!
April 22nd, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Kris (#149) == the ZA camera is only available between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. That means that Daniel’s site doesn’t show it if it isn’t streaming. Daniel is a really nice guy who lives near DC and is a regular visitor to the NZP. He is also a true friend to all us panda lovers.