#10 Lee…I’m with you. Although the analytical part of my brain has noticed Mei’s hunger and activity levels rise, I also know that Mei tends to defy conventional wisdom so I, too, hope for the best while considering the likelihood of a pseudopregnancy. I read on Thursday that she hadn’t cooperated for ultrasounds for almost a week, much as she had been uncooperative before Tai’s birth. I got the impression that they were still attempting ultrasounds first thing Monday morning (she was lured to and through the door where her training area is by the keeper’s voice and presumably, a big bowl of her favorite treats) and they are still on ’round the clock pregnancy watch as of this morning. The panda house sounds like it is still closed to the public (I don’t see any visitors checking Mei out today and I can only hear childrens’ voices outside but not inside) and Mei has remained indoors. I’ve seen her licking her paws quite a bit and although she seems hungry, she still isn’t eating a lot compared to what she would normally eat. She also has apparently taken her beloved grate into the den, as I was surprised to see her dig it up as she was pawing through her nest at midday. An early estrus and what, for a time at least, were inconclusive progestin levels tell me that the ‘norms’ didn’t apply in the early phases of her reproductive cycle this year and might not apply at this time, either. Maybe she is following the textbook wisdom and has reached baseline but maybe she’s throwing everyone a curveball. Count me in: I’ll believe it when I read it straight from zoo officials!

Yes, I do support PI and I am aware of their updates and fund raisers. I have already gotten my In Memory of Mao Mao t-shirt! It is very cute and soft!

I am hoping to get an answer from the moderator regarding the exhibit schedule of our dear SDZ Panda kids here! ZZ is still not on exhibit in the main area as previously projected, wonder why….???