Fueling Up
Posted at 10:53 am August 10, 2009 by Suzanne HallBai Yun and her littlest panda are doing very well. We continue to see the pattern of feeding, grooming, and resting that is typical of this early postpartum period. As always, Bai Yun is very responsive to her cub’s vocalizations. Although this cub is not as quiet as Zhen Zhen, it isn’t particularly fussy, which is great news for its mother.
One of our newer keepers, experiencing a panda cub for the first time, has marveled at the changes in Bai Yun since the birth. Juli remarked that Bai Yun is normally a bear “with a lot of attitude,” and she is amazed to see her so totally devoted to, and seemingly at the beck and call of, this tiny little creature in her den. It’s as if someone has flipped a switch, and our normally independent panda has morphed into “mothering mode” instantly and completely.
Bai Yun can remain so focused on her cub, foregoing food and drink, for only so long. Mother bears of some species are able to den up, give birth, and manage the initial rearing of their young in the den without eating or drinking. This fasting state can last for months with polar, brown, or black bears. They manage this by fueling their metabolism and lactation with their stored fat, thus protecting their muscle from wasting away during this time without caloric intake. Pandas, like other bears, have many of the same biological mechanisms and drives as do hibernating species, but they are unable to put on the fat layer in the same way as other bears. Bamboo just isn’t as caloric as seal or salmon or berries. Fortunately for the panda, it isn’t as seasonal, either.
So Bai Yun will ultimately need to leave her very young infant behind when she ventures out for a drink or a meal. In 2005, her first drink was 2 days postpartum, and in 2003 and 2007 it was on day 3. In 2009, Bai Yun left her den for a drink in the wee hours of 8 August, entering day 3. Her foray was brief (3 minutes in total) but her cub vocalized nearly continuously in her absence, so she returned immediately and tended to it. Later that morning, she ventured out again for another drink. As of this writing, she hasn’t yet left again, but we can anticipate this becoming a regular occurrence.
When will she eat? In 2003, she fed on day 5 postpartum; in 2005, on day 8; in 2007, on day 9. It’s likely she will continue to forgo food for another few days yet. Stay tuned to the Panda Cam to see if you can spot her running out for a bite!
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
August 10th, 2009 at 11:06 am
thanks SDZ i was hoping you would put up calculations and compare them to her other cubs…I just knew it that this lil tiny one is more vocal then her others…I can’t wait when SDZ will post everyones weight, length etc..so we all can compares and take notes ourselfs…oh by the way welcome Juli…your one lucky woman to see this historical event folding in front of your eyes..
August 10th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Thanks for the update Suzanne. Would it be possible to post a picture of the cub when Bai Yun went for a drink of water? From the Time-Lapse Video it seems to have happened between 12:10 and 12: 12 on 8/08/2009.
Thanks.
August 10th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Thank you Suzanne for another great update. I feel very blessed to be able to view mom and the little guy/gal 24/7. Really appreciate all the hard work SDZ staff is doing!
August 10th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Finally found you, panda blog. The panda blog main page is still not up…
Interesting specifics about Bai and her cub, thank you Suzanne.
Mama Bai always look so peaceful, soft and sweet with her stick of butter on the panda cam.
August 10th, 2009 at 11:58 am
I am hoping robust cub, plus more vocalization = male like its vocal momma’s boy big brother Mei Sheng.
For some reason, as yet undocumented from comments I have read over the past 5 years, male cubs appear to be more demanding of their mother’s attention. ZZ was the ultimate in independent cub from birth, which may be due to her personality, or that she is female. We’ll have to wait and see what the research data shows.
All I know for sure is that all male panda cubs born in USA have been documented to request, and received, more contact and attention from their mothers. Male cubs have been documented to remain with their mothers longer in the wild as well. I read speculation in more than one source that it may be due to their need to protect and defend themselves in the wild.
Whatever the driving force, Bai Yun proved with Mei Sheng that she is up to the task, and prepared him so well that he bred naturally on his first attempt this year. We are still hopeful that an offspring will be delivered from that breeding this year. It would be a wonderful 2009 threesome for SDZ originated pandas – Hua Mei 1 cub, Bai Yun 1 cub, and hopefully Mei Sheng 1 or 2 cub.
August 10th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I have decided to nickname the little one “butter buns”. Since he/she is the size of a stick of butter it makes sense to me. I have yet to glimpse a sight of butter buns (hey, it’s easy to type too) but I will be patient. I am excited to find out all we can about him/her. Bai Yun certainly wasted no time in getting back into her cubby routine. What a good mama she is!!!!
My dad is doing much better.
August 10th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Suzanne, I echo the others. A big thank you for the update. Bai Yun is such an incredible mother, and instinctively knows the point at which she can leave to relieve herself and get a drink. I’ve been able to get only little peek-glimpses of “pee-wee”, but I can see that his (yes, I’m hoping boy) markings are starting to appear. Is it safe to project a public viewing for around the Christmas Holidays? I’d sure like to start planning a trip.
August 10th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Suzanne–I was lucky to see the cub alone this morning at 5:44 am (PDT) (Monday Aug10) when Bai stepped out very briefly, and I have a photo from ‘print screen’ in Word to prove it! It’s a great shot of the little one on the bamboo, let me know if you want me to email it to you there for a blog (but I’m sure you can find it on the time-lapse). I was so surprised as I hadn’t been that fortunate in my timing yet, and the cubbie looks so great! BEAUTIFUL!
August 10th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Bai is only doing what all of us Mothers do. When the baby appears everything else is secondary. I guess she is just shedding her added pregnancy weight. She is a lot smarter than us. I remember wanting to eat anything within 12 hours of having my daughter.
Hopefully now we won’t crash your wonderful site. Thanks to everyone who probably worked like mad to get it up and running as soon as possible. You really are to be applauded for your work with the animals and the site.
August 10th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Your updates are like my water and food, nourishment for my panda-loving soul. It’s amazing how much hormones can direct the behavior of animals, like Bai Yun changing in the matter of a day from pregnant “DON’T BOTHER ME!” to mother-extraordinaire. (When I was training in Labor & Delivery, I met MANY humans who did the same thing under the influence of hormones.)
Thanks for all you are doing to keep Bai Yun happy and healthy and able to care for the newest member of our family. AND especially thanks for providing the updates here despite your busy work day. I hope you realize how much we appreciate all of you at SDZ’s Panda Research Center!
Love, Joy
August 10th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Thank you very much for the latest update! I have been lucky enough to see Bai leave the den two times..and wow she was quick! The little cub looks very good and I’m happy he’s vocal..I’m rooting for a boy and I recall in your older blogs reading back to when you put a chart comparing vocalizations between Mei, Su and ZZ..that Mei Sheng made the most noise, yes? Since I”m hoping for a boy this time, I’m going to take that as a positive sign..lol! Though I will still adore her if it’s a she
August 10th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
It is truly amazing at just how devoted and dedicated mother animals are to their babies. One thing that is clear is that the maternal instinct is hard wired in all mammals. I have shared the news of little one’s birth with many friends who are animal lovers and they all have appreciated it very much. Am waiting for the first really good view of little one.
August 10th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Thanks for the update. Cubbie sounds like a boy to me!
Is there some reason why this update is not in the Giant Pandas blog section, and only in the overall blogs section? Is this a permanent change?
August 10th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
thanks suzanne for this latest up-date!! I was fortunate to get a very fleeting view of little ” pee wee ”
the other night. bai was holding a very wiggly baby under her arm and then proceded to re-position her self thus taking baby out of view. she is very attentive to this new-born and all needs for baby come before herself! ( sound familiar? ) she must be very tired as all new mothers are taking care of demanding needs of a baby who wants to nurse all the time. ( or so it seems! lol ) just think, in another 3 or 4 weeks, we will see a little color start to appear!! I will be happy when bai decides it’s ok to leave pee wee long enough to eat a meal. I vote Bai Yun MOTHER OF THE YEAR AGAIN!!!!!!! anyone second that?
August 10th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Keep up all you do! I am so proud of that mom panda i really enjoy watching her on the cam.
She is a good mom
August 10th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I am soo glad the blogs are back! I missed sharing and learning about our newest little one. Someone in an earlier blog suggested Squeaky as a name for the cubbie, which I think is very appropriate and what I have been calling it. I was lucky enough to be watching over the weekend and caught sight of Squeaky when Bai Yun went out for water, and have once or twice caught a glimpse, mostly of the tail, when Bai Yun is cleaning the cubbie after a meal. Also rooting for a boy, but like kathy #11 said, I’ll love a little girl cub just the same.
Bai in Mommy mode is a total treat to watch. Thanks for the views and all the care SDZ gives to the wonderful pandas–and please tell Zhen Zhen, Su Lin, and Gao Gao we still love them too!
Welcome back!
August 10th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Thanks for the informative update. I was over the moon when ZZ was born and now again!! I’m spending way too much time checking in but I can’t help it. Can’t wait to see if we get to vote on a name again. I’m so amazed and am appreciative that we can get watch. Thanks SDZ for providing the viewing cam.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Thanks for the great update! I managed to catch a glimpse of the little squirmer last night around 9 PM EDT (while watching the Wild China “marathon”). Bai was trying to snooze and the cubbie would have none of it. It seemed like she tried to quiet him (yep, I’m betting on a boy!) by making it bath time. He quieted down for a few minutes then started wiggling again. The treat is to see him against her paw to really get what it takes to be a panda mom. Thanks again Suzanne and hugs to the conservation team!
August 10th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
This is my first time watching the PandaCam and I cannot believe how hooked I am! I am loving every minute of it. I am amazed at how wonderfully the San Diego Zoo takes care of all of their animals and these Pandas especially.
Looking forward to getting to know the Pandas better!!
August 10th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I just logged on to the Panda cam as Bai Yun was rolling over. The baby was in her mouth – with half it’s body sticking out. I remember seeing another cub COMPLETELY in her mouth one time. It scared me to death as she appeared to nod off to sleep, and I worried she would forget about the baby and smother it. I’m sure the keepers were on pins and needles, and perhaps are feeling the same way now. Is this how panda moms protect their babies if they sense danger? Wow! What a nail-biter!
August 10th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Glad to see the blog back and all the information you provide us. The clarity of the camera with this birth and the phenomenal camera work are just wonderful! Each time I check in there seems to be such a Zen like quality to the rhythm of the den that leaves a peaceful feeling. Though that will surely change in the upcoming weeks : )
August 10th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Whew… I really missed you guys!! Today is the first day I’ve been able to read/write to the blogs. I was going through withdrawals without my peeps!!
Have only seen glimpses of “New Moon” — which is what I call the new cubbie since it was born during a full moon (well, sort of… ) — sure is growing like a weed already! Mama Bai sure has this mothering thing down — what an amazing bear. Thank you so much for fixing the blogs (I really did miss you guys!!) — and thank you so, so much for the update. Glad to see that some things never change!!
August 10th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Once again, the miracle of birth! Bai Yun could give lessons on mothering – she is perfect. Do we know what happened to the other cub you saw in the ultrasound? Thanks so much for the updates.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
It is good to have the blogs back. I can not wait to find out the gender of the new cub.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Lisa in Maine # 6: Love the name Butter Buns!!!! Certainly works for me
Oh how I wish I had been able to watch Bai prior to 1966 
)
Nancy from Michigan # 14: Mother of the Year Award ’seconded’ by me
To All who think the baby is a boy: Me too! Having raised two sons….”mommmm, where is/are my ______(feel free to fill in the blank
To the SDZ: Thank you for the updates and for fixing our communication site!!!! Even tho…I am certain we broke it in our exuberence!!!
To Bai: Bless You!!!
August 10th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
We are having a discussion at my house about where Bai Yun tucks the cub when she sleeps. We notice that she typically has her head on one paw and the other paw across her chest. Is she usually holding the cub against chest – or does she have him settled on the other arm under her chin?
August 10th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Re: a name for our newest little panda bear – I do not speak or read any Chinese but went online after the birth of the 5th celebrity (star) and found the following:
five … is … wu
star (in sky) … is … xing
star shape … is … xingxing wu
celebrity … is … mingxing
Just some food for thought. I also wonder if we will get to vote on a name.
August 10th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Like Margaret, I’ve also wondered if male cubs are more vocal than the girls. I really don’t know as I can’t hear the cubs on this cam, but I followed Tai Shan via the NZ cam constantly from the day of his birth and he seemed very vocal as an infant. Whenever Mama Mei would change position he’d squawk in protest. I also remember seeing video of Mei Sheng when he was a very young cub and he was quite the vocal little guy!
August 10th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
OMG, Bai just left the little one. It’s 6:30pm Monday in San Diego. It’s so adorable and I’m so happy to catch the timing.
A HUGE thanks to all the SDZ team, lots going on and you are so good to all of us.
August 10th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
OMG! From about 6:35 to 6:45 PST, Bai left little baby alone almost 10 minutes from the time I started watching. She was eating ‘boo. The baby was moving his little head quite a bit and looks very lively and healthy. I just checked my calendar and this would be the fifth day postpartum. Is the first time she’s been out to eat since giving birth? It was so exciting — Meerkats you are doing a great job! Thank you so much for this rare treat!
August 10th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
I just got on at the right time to be able to see Little Butter Buns squirming around while Mom went and got a drink. I saw Bai go right back in and pick that baby right up. We all knew already that she is a very good mother.
August 10th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Hmmm, Bai Yun gave birth to her 5th cub on the 5th at 4:58 (almost 5:00). I hope the number 5 figures into the name somehow. It seems to be destined!
Congats SDZ (and Gao Gao and Bai Yun) on a job well done!
August 10th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
WOW!!! Yea, the updates and comments are back on the regular blog page!! Thank you so much to the IT guys and everyone else that was involved in getting this whole thing back together again! You all did a great job even tho it took almost 5 days to do it! Hopefully, the IT guys set up a safeguard to keep this from crashing again!
Suzanne, read your newest, latest update for today, 8/10/2009. I didn’t know that Bai went out to get a quick drink of water already until I read that part on your update article. I was hoping that she would get something to drink real soon to keep her strength up. Caring for a new baby panda cub is exhausting for Bai, but she has this all down to the minute after raising 4 other cubs.
Been reading a few of the latest comments, and a few people are already thinking of a name for this newest cutie cub. I’m gonna wait until I see some fur on him, and then I’ll think of a cute name for the cub until his 100th day birthday. I’ve been on the pandacam pretty often, and I still haven’t caught sight of the cub yet. Bai is still keeping the tiny guy covered and warm! Sounds like from the update that he’s doing very well 5 days after he was born.
I got my Pandas International email newsletter today, and they are really getting concerned about a new study that was just done in the mountain areas where the wild pandas live in. I’m going to write another comment to give a few details so that I won’t use too much room with this one.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
August 10th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
How wonderful to have blog back up, and thank you for the updates. I have been watching the cam and seen the baby cub many times while Bai Yun has been cleaning it or picking it up in her mouth as she sits up to nurse it. Is it my imagination or is the cub already looking a bit larger and more plump? I keep referring to this cub as a she. I wonder! Bai’s gentleness is amazing and I loved watching the video of the birth. It seems like the moment she picked the cub up she sat down and rocked with excitement over her newborn and those maternal instincts just kicked in. She is a happy and proud Mommy!
August 10th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Hi, again! Here’s the info from the Pandas International email newsletter that I got today.
Pandas main food source, bamboo, has been ravaged by the 2008 earthquake. Recent study by Chinese Academy of Science this year has found thru the use of satellite images that the specific area studied, 354 square kilometers=nearly 137 square miles, or about 23% of panda habitat, was converted to bare land by the quake landslides. They also believe that about 60% of the panda population was also affected to some extent. PI has reported recently that one wild panda has been found dead from starvation, and farmers in these remote regions are seeing more wild pandas scavenging for food. PI was asked by the CCRCGP (Wolong Panda Center) to spearhead a drive to replant the bamboo destroyed by the quake. Bamboo planting and harvesting will be done by local farmers who will benefit economically from the project. Each acre will cost about $4,500.00, and the money must be raised now. They want to start planting the boo during this summer to get ahead of the coming winter for it to be successful. PI also wants all of us to pass this info on to other panda lovers so that they can help in this huge project.
As you can see, there is a very desperate, urgent, and critical situation that is happening in the Wolong Reserve with the earlier news of only 35 wild live pandas that have been seen so far, and this bamboo replanting will be a very crucial and important project that PI and China has ever undertaken to date. The wild pandas that are out there in those scarred mountains are in serious need of our help to keep them going and sustainable thru the winter.
Please pass this info to all of the pandafans out there, ok? If some of you did not get the PI email newsletter, keep checking the PI website for this newsletter. They should have it up on their site in a few days.
Well, gonna go and check on Bai again. I’ll let you know if I catch a peek at the tiny cub!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
August 10th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Just had to write again today to say that I was watching when Momma left to have a snack (about 6:30 p.m.)…..it was nearly 8 mins or so…..the little one is getting so big. I hope many others were tuned it too. It was darling. I wish I had sound. I’ll bet he was making quite the noise but then Momma didn’t rush back in so maybe he wasn’t. Yes I’m betting it’s a boy…..
August 10th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Debbie #26–I think she mostly keeps it on the arm under her chin–that’s what I think I see at 20:51 on the cam. She also has a neat Tai Chi-like move which lets her sit up and shift the cub to the other arm to feed or for her to roll over.
Ooh–she just stretched and yawned and you could see the cubbie right under her chin!
August 10th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
It’s wonderful to see Bai Yun mothering again. I missed seeing Hua Mei’s infancy, but I’ve watched all the others avidly. Totally amazing.
Does Bai Yun eat any of the bamboo that she brought into the nest before giving birth, or is it just cushioning?
Melissa
August 10th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I was watching Bai in her den this morning and thinking , gee it would be nice if she let us see the little fellow (I’m rooting for a boy too), and she woke up and lifted her head and there he was. Just as cute as a button. She quickly repositioned herself and the cubbie for some nursing. I was so happy to get a peek at our newest little panda star.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Thanks for the great update. I also saw Bai with the little one in her mouth….was worried she was eating the baby. But she was being a good Mommy. I have 3 brothers no sisters and Mother always said girls are easier to raise than boys. A friend of mine was just in China and on his tour saw pandas. I pray that no pandas are hurt by the typhoons going through the area. Thanks again Suzanne and Juli and all the staff..this has to be hard on all of you..but very worth it. We do not have pandas in our zoo here in Phoenix as the habitat here is not meant for any animals…and I think it isnt meant for humans but I live here! Thanks again.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
“Panda Nursery” about the raising of captive cubs in China is going to air again on WPT (Wisconsin Public Television) at 7:00 PM CDT on August 19th.
Thanks to all who worked so hard to get the blog working again!
August 10th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
thanks for this update. can you post more pics of Bai, thanks!
August 10th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
I wish we had audio. I just loved it when I heard that precious cub just after birth. It was absolutely awesome. SDZ staff you are awesome and you absolutely know that we love you and the giant pandas. This is my second cub to watch from birth…I don’t recall Zhen Zhen being this vocal. I began following SDZ pandas when I saw ZZ birth announcement on Yahoo’s news. I just love these beautiful bears. Bai Yun is the most precious of mothers. I wish ALL human mothers were so attentive to their baby(ies).
August 11th, 2009 at 3:05 am
It is so nice to have the blog back on single click. Thanks to your IT people for getting this fixed. I’m sure that there was much more involved in this fix than most of us realize. Sorry we crashed the server, but we’ll try to keep things to a “minimum” of activity (and I have a bridge…..)
This cubbie is growing nicely; looks almost like a half pound of butter! Bai is certainly doing it proud. Love the way she catnaps sitting up perfectly still when baby must be nursing.
Thanks again for the one-click access to this blog. It’s so much fun to read people’s reactions and see their expressions of wonder and awe and appreciation for all that the SDZ staff does.
BTW, the symmetry between Bai and Hua Mei is to ponder. Bai, 5th cub, 5th day; Hua Mei, 7th cub, 7th day, 7th month.
August 11th, 2009 at 4:47 am
Just out of curiosity – When does a Panda cub start to eliminate on it’s own? That must be the most ‘icky’ part of being a Mom in the animal world, even though I know the reasons why they have to do it. Thanks.
August 11th, 2009 at 4:53 am
Thank you for another great update! I always enjoy learning more about the pandas’ personalities and chuckled at the description of Bai as “a bear with an attitude.” It makes me think of Zhen toppling her birthday cake and “manhandling” it until she got the bamboo she desired. Maybe ZZ got her assertiveness from her spirited mother! They all must be a joy to get to know behind the scenes. It’s always a joy for me to see slumbering Bai Yun with her head resting sweetly on one paw while she holds her little one under the other paw/arm. I’m glad all is going well thus far!
August 11th, 2009 at 5:05 am
I cannot take my eyes off Bai Yun! I love watching her dote over her newest baby – she is so focused on the little one. Have y’all been able to examine the baby yet? I’m hoping for a closeup picture really soon! Thanks for the updates and being aware of the “extended” family here waiting for bits of news daily!! Love to SDZ staff, Bai Yun and Baby Butter Buns!!
August 11th, 2009 at 5:22 am
Saw the little guy (Yes I think he is a boy) and it looks like he’s all ready developing the roly-poly panda belly. Way to go Mama Bai….
August 11th, 2009 at 5:50 am
Hooray! I got a chance to see “pee wee” last night when Bai went to get a bite of bamboo. He (yes I too am hoping for a boy) squirmed a little, but I wasn’t sure if he let his mother know he wanted her back. She returned pretty quickly and picked him up with the greatest of care, as always! I just love watching her tend to her cubs. She amazes me with her devotion to her cub.
Thank you Suzanne and the other keepers and meerkats for all you do for us pandaholics! I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t check in on Bai and pee wee throughout the day!
August 11th, 2009 at 5:56 am
I just find it amazing how well Bai can keep her cub hidden. She is a master at moving and turning without letting out any glimpse of the cub. She is getting her rest which is good and with such a vocal cub that has to tell you how good Bai is at serving the cub’s needs.
Thanks Suzanne for the info and welcome Juli. You are one lucky lady to have had the chance to see this event close up.
August 11th, 2009 at 6:03 am
I wonder what Bai Yun would say if she knew just how many humans watch her on a daily basis. And that her uber-mothering skills are fascinating, educational, and special to us all. How many of us remain devoted fans of her fabulous offspring even after they grow up and “move out”. And how we root for her to have many, many grandchildren. Right now, I’m sure it wouldn’t be worth trying to talk to her, since she’s so focused on the newest cub. Mr Tourist would just receive a “shhhh” and a “talk to the hand” gesture. Perhaps after the cub is old enough to venture from the den, someone can conduct an interview. I can’t wait until it has markings!
August 11th, 2009 at 6:34 am
I’ve caught a glimps of the little one a few times now, while Bai is grooming him/her. So exciting.
And just now, just before she tucked the little one under her chin…. I just love watching Bai Yun be a mother. Love watching her. =) Thank You Suzanne for the update.
August 11th, 2009 at 6:45 am
So glad to hear that Mama and cubbie are doing well. I HAVE MISSED THE BLOGS AND THE UPDATES. Thank you, SDZ, for EVERYTHING!
August 11th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Ah Ha got you Bai, you weren’t fast enough tucking that baby under you this morning. I only got a quick peek but a cutie indeed. every peek is precious and i will take what i can get. check on her later
August 11th, 2009 at 7:22 am
And as the feeding sessions grow in length we gain a better opportunity for you to “snatch up” the newest addition and get some pictures for us – yes?!?! I know we are all anxiously awaiting the day when we see your first video of the 2009 panda baby!! YAY!!!
August 11th, 2009 at 7:42 am
The blogs are back up! Yippee!!
It’s just so wonderful to have one more little giant panda in the world. I have a smile on my face. As always thanks to everyone at SDZ for taking such good care of all of the animals.
August 11th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Whew! The blog is back! This is the first time I’ve been able to access it since the crash.
Good heavens but that is a fat little cub! It’s enormous! (Yeah, I think it’s a boy.) Somebody called it “pod” just before I discovered that the blog had crashed. I thought that was a great name–kinda goes with ZZ’s first nickname, “pea.” Anyway, that’s how I’ve been thinking of it.
I’m just in awe of Bai Yun. Whatta mom! Glad to hear she went out for a drink on day 3–I missed that. I only saw her having a snack last night. Got a wonderful screenshot of the cub. It certainly looks robust!
I especially appreciate that the SDZ allows Bai Yun to take care of her “pod” on her own, just as she would do in the wild. Having a special “birthing den” is something I haven’t seen with any other zoo, and I’m betting that may have something to do with SDZ’s continued success with panda cubs–allowing them to just be pandas with minimal human intervention. No doubt the keepers would react quickly if something seemed to be wrong, but it is so much better to allow her to do her mothering naturally. Her diligence and attentiveness put humans to shame!
And congrats to P. Wong for the wonderful song he posted under the “Arrives” entry.
August 11th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Fonsia #57 The zoo in Vienna has a similar birthing den, it is square, not round, and might be even smaller in surface. Yang Yang gave birth to Fu Long in that birthing den on 23 August 2007. Fu Long will turn two in less than two weeks; he still lives with his mum. Don’t miss the latest video posted on “Pandas Live On” website on 09 August 2009; he is so cute putting his “arm” around his mum’s back!!
August 11th, 2009 at 8:46 am
P.Wong, I’ve just “found” your lovely song which was sooo moving, great! Rose, I am sorry to hear about your loss, my condolences. I am sure that watching our new guy (I am also quite sure that it is a boy!) will ease your pain a little bit, at least for some time.
After the birth the vet commented that Bai Yun does what she does best, i. e. being a mother. I could not agree more, she is just amazing the way she cares for the little one. I just wish I could have a glimpse at baby but whenever I check the web cam baby is covered by her mommy. Well, as long as baby feels happy and secure in Bai”s paws or wherever. I am sure that we will have many more moments being able to have a glimpse at the little one.
August 11th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Danielle #58, thanks for the info about the Vienna Zoo. That’s good to know.
August 11th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Come on Bai Yun, Please be a Champ
Give us a glimpse of the wee “little scamp”,
We know you are keeping him warm and well fed,
From the tip of his tail to his little white head.
Your arms and your chin keep him well out of sight,
You’re a master at hiding that small little “mite”
We stare and we stare at the screen till we’re weak,
All we ask in return is a short little peek.
So come on Bai Yun, please be Champ
And give us a glimpse of your new “little scamp”.
BTW~I’m predicting a boy.
August 11th, 2009 at 9:09 am
I think Bai Yun is starting to tease us more with views of the cubbie as she stretches and shifts position–got great views a couple of times this morning.
Danielle #58–I have a couple of postcards of ZZ with her arm around Bai Yun’s back too–so cute.
August 11th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Hi Suzanne, I want to thank you so very much for all your timely updates and also a big thank you for the 24-hour cam viewing. Whenever I get at glimpse of our little treasure, I end up spending hours watching the cam. It is hard to back away.
A week before Bai gave birth, I mentioned to my family members that Bai would give birth be on the 5th of August. Now I am telling my family members, that Bai’s baby is a boy. (So far, one of my predictions came true. Now, lets see if my second guess is correct.)
The SDZ Panda Team is the BEST. I want to thank everyone for their dedication during this time. I know it requires working extra long hours around the clock. Also, a big thank you to our Moderator who is doing a great job keeping up with the huge number of panda bloggers. I’m sure that you are swamped by all our questions.
August 11th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Michelle G in Beijing – I just read in your previous blogs, dated 7/30/09 & 8/9/09, where you mentioned that you are working in Beijing. I’m hoping that you will be able to take a few days off to visit with our sweet Hua Mei & Mei Sheng.
Michelle – Thank you for your kind words. I must admit it was quite a surprise when I finally caught up with all the previous blogs. Thank you for sending me my very first virtual hug – it was a very nice surprise and it truly made me feel good.
August 11th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Great poem Jan #61. You and P Wong are very creative. We pandaholics are grateful for your inspirations
August 11th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Thank you Susanne! Baby and Mama seem quite content – of course, Mama is the very best. A healthy cub is what I am praying for; but….since I still miss Mei Sheng so much, maybe we will get to follow another Mama’s Boy. I tried to find current pics of him in China but was not successful. All of you must be quite tired at this point. Hope you get lots of rest before Baby hits the ground at full speed. Blessings, Claudia
August 11th, 2009 at 10:57 am
2:56 pm EST time and Bai left the baby for a few and came back to the doorway with a mouth full of boo! She dropped the boo in the doorway and picked up the cub and is now bathing him and cuddling him. Wondering if she was hungry and tried to grab a bite and the cub cried for her .
August 11th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I havent seen the little peanut yett, but i wish i could! ive never gone this long without a glimpse of the little angel!
August 11th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
#13 Ava – I agree with you. I think it’s a baby boy too!
I saw glimpses of the butter stick earlier, he was getting a bath. lol
August 11th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Butterstick alert! lol
August 11th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
#57 Fonsia, Memphis Zoo has a special birthing den shaped inside and out like a hollowed out tree. Unfortuntately they haven’t been able to use it yet. In 2008, they posted a video taped “tour” by a keeper of the birthing den about a week before they determined that Ya Ya would not be giving birth. It was so sad, especially as the keeper in the video was so excited when explaining all about the special features of the den.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Butterstick alert at 5pm EDT!! I just saw the little cub twice on the pandacam! YEA!!! I caught sight of him when I saw Bai sitting up. I got a peek of a part of the cub while his mom was cleaning him up. Then, after a few minutes, I saw the little cub again when Bai was laying down on her side, and she was getting her baby situated on her big arm, then she did some more cleaning on him while he was laying down on that large arm of hers. Bai is doing her job keeping her baby warm, fed, and cleaned.
Going back to the cam for more looksees!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
August 11th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Me again! Just got off the AZ panda page and read their update from yesterday, 8/10. It looks like Xi Lan has finally developed a great taste for bamboo. He’s been ignoring his bananas and biscuits in favor of the boo. But, he’ll still eat the fruits and biscuits after he’s done with the boo. He now weighs in at 50 pounds! His mom, will not let the biscuits and fruits go to waste, tho! She’ll snack on them, too! Xi has mastered the same strategy as ZZ of getting his boo pieces up the log structure to make sure he has his own share of his meal! Missed the AZ pandacam today, but will get on there tomorrow to check out Lun and Xi. In the meantime, I will get on the SDZ pandacam at any time tonite to watch Bai and her little baby panda. Gonna go for now. Will check back in later.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
August 11th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Any idea when the initial exam will take place? I can’t wait to see how long he/she is, etc. And PICTURES too!!!
August 11th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Margaret #71, thanks for the info on Memphis. It just doesn’t seem fair that Bai Yun is so, um, “productive,” and other zoos are having such difficulty. Let’s hope that they’ll be able to put their birthing den to good use next year. It really was heartbreaking that Ya Ya lost her little one. She seems like a very special panda lady. And I was spending hours staring at the National Zoo’s cam earlier this year, sure that Mei would be successful.
We’re incredibly lucky to have Bai and Gao at the SDZ.
But I’ll bet that Memphis and NZ are just as excited about our new little one as we are. I so look forward to the time we can be excited about theirs too.
August 11th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
The cub is almost 1 week old now. Many thanks to SDZ for all the information and to the bloggers. I have
learned so much from you. Now about that nickname. Peanut & Butterbuns are sweet -BUT he/she will
not be peanut size for long; and he/she will not have “buns” only 1 super-size one before long. So, I
still think my daughter’s suggestion of “Squeaky” would be a great nickname. At birth, he/she squeaked
loud and clear!
August 11th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I guess my poem worked. 7PM here in the East and I decided to check the cam one more time. Lucky Me. Right time, right place. There he was and the cam was doing a closeup. Fat little belly tells the story. Looks like Bai was gone for at least 5 minutes.
August 11th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Great close up of the cub just before 4 p.m. San Diego time! Others have said this, but the new camera is providing amazing detail. You can see the fuzz and the tiny claws. I also swear I see some faint markings beginning on the ears, eyes and saddle area! So glad the blogs are back. I was going through withdrawal symptoms without them. Anxiously awaiting the next official update!
August 11th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
7:05 pm What a wonderful few minutes we just had with the baby. Thanks SDZ and Bai !! From my view here in Sarasota FL, it appears that the “iconic black-and-white coloration” is visible around his (?) eyes and ears. Can it be possible? So mature for his days!!
August 11th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
WOW! Just got a good long look at the baby, (s)he’s got quite a round little tummy! Also saw the tiny little claws-amazing. I can’t thank SDZ enough for providing the public this cam!
August 11th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I got home just in time to enjoy a beautiful close-up of the little cubbie (15:59). It is very active, bobbing its head up and down and was squirming around. It is so cute and adorable. Thank you Meerkats for the wonderful camera action.
August 11th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I agree with you Marilyn (#79). It seems like the black markings were visible last night when I saw pee wee as well. Suzanne, can the markings be detected this early?
August 11th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Just got a full glimps of the little one when Bai got up for a bite or drink @6:47-6:50pm. I got to the cam just in time before mom got back, to send out a few postcards. =)
Before we know it, this little one’s gonna be just as big as his/her sisters ! I just cannot get enough !
August 11th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
thanks so much for getting the blogs back up. I was going crazy all weekend, with out them Great job. its 9.50 pm here and had an awesome view of the cub. it is so cute,and it sure looked like its markings are coming in. Bai seems to be a very devoted mom..
August 11th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Wow – have seen our I-Pod (or maybe he’s P-Pod) alone several times – he (yep, am sure our latest cubbie is a he) sure looks healthy – he’s got a fat belly already. What a Mom Bai is – love Juli’s description “a panda with an attitude” until she has a cub – then what a mom:) The new camera is a million times better – THANK YOU.
#58 Danielle NY – thanks for the word on the video of FuLong & his mom – too cute for words – here he is almost 2 years & still with his mamma -guess neither mom or the Vienna Zoo is in a hurry to wean him (is the thinking if he’s not yet weaned he cannot be returned to China). And sadly it seems that China is having problems with their plans for the pandas. The bamboo shortage must be affecting China’s hopes of releasing captive born pandas back into the wild.
Chari Mercer has described the plea from Pandas International – they are in desperate need of funds to plant bamboo this year to keep the wild pandas from starving.
August 11th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Hope the Moderator will allow this quote from Pandas International –
“What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, Men would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man.
— Chief Seattle, Suquamish Indian Tribe./
There is also another Heartbreaking Chinese quote that has been posted here a couple of times that I was unable to find – it’s something about the world with pandas after millions of years – help please from our Chinese friends – we need to be reminded of this quote.
August 11th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
# 55 lynda from lansing mich. I agree totally that it will be exciting to see the 1st video of our new baby! we are very close neighbors as I live in grand ledge!guess we have our love of pandas in common!
# 61 Jan in Richmond: wonderful poem! you are one of the talented ones!
# 76 Rosemarie: many of us out here have given baby # 5 all kinds of nick names. just to name a few………
pee wee-peanut-butter buns-butter stick-pod-pea pod-squeaky and probably some that I forgot to mention. they are all cute and only temperary until he or she gets their chinese name in 100 days!
everyone has their own pet name that they want to use for now! all these cute little names won’t fit when baby # 5 weighs over 100 lbs !!! we don’t really want to think of that yet!! let’s enjoy all the fun ahead of us with this baby and wonderful mommy!
August 11th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
www (dot) zoossa (dot) com (dot) au(slash)fun-stuff(slash)blogs-1(slash)giant-panda-updates?postid(equal) 61883
The above direct to anyone, like #66 Claudia who’s wondering about Mei Sheng.
The Adeliade Zoo will be welcoming their very own Panda pair this Dec., Wang Wang (Male) and Funi (Female).
Evidently, one of the Zoo’s vet got a Chance to go to Bifengxia with a film crew and that blog there, they got a chance to witness Mei mating with a female! Yes, they didn’t name any names but come on! There is only one, “a 5 year old male born in San Diego!!!” hehe! Evidently, Mei was pretty clumsy and didn’t know what he was doing for the first time. Luckly, the Chinese knew what they are doing and the experienced female coax him back again and again after Mei gave up.
Anyway, my point is, the film crew was there and filmed down the whole entire thing….Hmmm…..Many you pandahollics can go over there, on their blogs, not only to welcome them to the pandahollic sphere, teach them “proper” ways to love pandas, spread some panda knowledge, but also, pester the hell out of them to release a few mei mating clips! hehehehehe!
August 11th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Suzanne, may I ask a question about what you wrote in the previous blog entry, “Repeat?” You spoke of infant mortality due to the mother’s exhaustion, saying that they sometimes can crush their infants.
I assume that happens accidentally when the mother falls asleep and rolls over on the cub? I can’t imagine that a normal mother of any mammal species would deliberately kill her infant out of frustration.
I did see that on the night of the 6th or 7th, Bai Yun briefly fell asleep on her back and dropped the cub into the nest. She immediately awoke, picked up her baby and soothed it for quite a long time. It must have been squawking!
It’s really amazing what an effort a panda mom has to make, especially in the first days when the cub essentially is still almost a fetus: keeping it constantly warm and fed, keeping it clean and stimulated to eliminate waste. And all the while without eating or drinking herself, and without sustained sleep. With all they go through just to get pregnant at all and deliver a cub, what a tragedy when an accident happens. The keepers must live in fear of something like that happening. No wonder you’re relieved that this cub isn’t too demanding.
What a miracle these creatures are!
August 12th, 2009 at 4:56 am
Thanks for the update. I caught a glimpse of cubbie a couple of times yesterday. Still hoping for a Boy!!!
August 12th, 2009 at 5:44 am
Hello to all our panda fans out there every where , Chari Im happy you got to see the little butter stick
Bai Yun you are such a wonderful mother you are a born natural thats for sure 
Have a great day everybody 
Im off to work and I will try to seek a peek at the cam through out the day. I havent seem the one yet except I got a glimpse of tail and feet LOL
August 12th, 2009 at 7:15 am
I’m so glad the blog is back up and running. Everytime I check, I hold my breath! But alas, you’re all here, and I’m grateful.
In my google panda alerts, there was a story listed by michael stetz of the SD union tribune entitled “pandas are cute but, please let’s get a grip.” Interesting stats in the article.
Bai is such an amazing momma. Hope the girls and daddy are all well! I suspect SDZ will see a huge increase in visitors when the little one goes on display. I am serious about the road trip!
August 12th, 2009 at 8:36 am
I just read the article in the SD Tribune by Michael Stetz. Obviously the Pandas are not his passion. Wonder what is??
The stats are interesting, but, I can’t imagine a time when I would prefer less fanfare over the birth of a new cub. Every birth just makes me fall in love with all of them even more!! They are obviously my passion!!
August 12th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Thanks, Strydent #88 for the link to those pix. I have a friend in Adelaide, who so far has resisted the charms of the panda. I’ll have to see how she feels after they arrive at the zoo.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Strydent #88 – Thanks for the info on Mei Sheng. It is fun to see pictures of him. What a guy!
August 12th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Jan#61, what a lovely poem, you sure have some talent! I just hope that Bai will also listen to this fine poem and act accordingly, i. e. let all of us see more her baby! Fonsia#89, you are absolutely right, in nature it is totally abnormal for the mammal species to deliberately kill their infant unfortunately this applies only to the human race, one of the terrible incidents which has just happened here in Austria.
Chari Mercier #35, yes, the situation in China seems to be frightening. I just hope that the pandas out in the wild will have a chance to survive. There are so few of them left in any case. I do not want to become political but China with its thriving economy (according to the media) most probably would have sufficient funds to support Wolong. I have been donating money to Pandas International on a monthly basis, which is only a small amount considering the funds they would need. But I feel if more panda lovers worldwide could contribute it would help them tremendously. Going back to the cam to catch a glimpse of the “champ”.
August 13th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
“The stats are interesting, but, I can’t imagine a time when I would prefer less fanfare over the birth of a new cub.”
I can. :/ A while ago Antwerp Zoo welcomed the very first elephant ever born in Belgium, Kai-Mook. Crowds swamped the place – not just on webcams but in person! So many people showed up on her first day on exhibit that the zookeepers and other staff were overwhelmed, and the zoo director gave a press release that told other people planning to visit “Give it a few days. Baby elephants stay cute for a long time.” That’s preferring less fanfare over a calf, but I could imagine it happening with a cub too.
August 14th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Found out about the birth by pure happenstance, and have not unglued my eyes from the Panda Cam since August 5th! Well, perhaps for a nod of sleep or two. Fascinating watching how extremely gentle Bai Yun is with the cub. I watch her licking it non-stop, and wonder what the purpose is behind that. It can’t be that dirty! Bai Yun seems to be so mindful of where the cub is at all times, and rolls over so gently so as not to disturb the wee one. It’s been fascinating and educational watching this experience. Can’t wait to see the cub growing up and out in public for us all to see “live.”
August 15th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Liana, I noticed you asked a question that wasn’t answered on this blog installment. By now I trust you have been keeping up with the blogs as they are posted, and several times it has been mentioned that mom’s licking the cubs tummy and genitals stimulates waste (i.e. pooping and urinating). Mother pandas (and most other animals) do this after the cub eats. She is not necessarily keeping him clean, but after leaving him for a few minutes, will lick him over again to renew her scent on him. Now, aren’t you glad you asked!
August 16th, 2009 at 5:22 am
Wow!!!! This is my first Panda cam following. I am completely hooked. I never played with dolls when I was little but I loved all of my stuffed bears especially the little black and white PANDA. And now I get to watch real ones. It can’t get any better then this.
Help. Big problem. I can’t get my housework done. Too much cam time. Beth McConaghy, Ohio
PS My husband and I are retired and Planning a Western winter vacation and SDZ has been added to our plans.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
What fun to watch this little baby grow and what a very good mama Bai is. A big thank you for providing the live cam to watch this exciting happening.