Hungry?
Posted at 8:14 am August 12, 2009 by Suzanne HallAs of the evening of August 11, Bai Yun has made a total of six den departures. In the afternoon of August 10, she enjoyed her first bites of bamboo since before the birth of the cub. For this, she must leave the den, travel through her bedroom, and enter her outdoor sunroom. Here, the keepers leave fresh snippets of choice bamboo stem and leaf for her.
Keepers feed her far from her den intentionally. There is a door they can close between the bedroom and sunroom to allow the keeper safe entry to the area to place her food and remove any debris or feces Bai Yun leaves behind. The den door itself can close, too, but staff won’t attempt to move that door until much later in the denning phase, when Bai Yun is clear of this most sensitive time. The quiet zone is still in effect, and we are disturbing her as little as possible to protect the infant panda and ensure that Bai Yun is not stressed.
During these initial feedings, Bai Yun spends only a few minutes ingesting bamboo. She hasn’t been out of the den for more than eight minutes in one trip thus far. Even if the cub is relatively quiet, she seems not to push the boundaries too much yet. It will take her some time to be back to her usual hour-long bamboo feasts.
Bai Yun’s increasingly frequent forays will leave the cub exposed to the Panda Cam viewers. See if you can spot the black saddle and ears starting to color up. This change in color is actually a pigmentation change of the skin, as the hair-like fur on the infant is still a snowy white. The fur is very sparse yet. Look also for signs of Bai Yun’s quality mothering: little rolls of flesh developing behind the neck, and a full, round belly indicating a well-fed baby. All are indicators to us that things in the den are going very well indeed.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician for the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research.
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August 12th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Thanks for the update, Suzanne. I’ve been watching but have yet to see cub#5, but will soon. Is there any chance that SDZ would add audio to its panda cam feed? Bai is just amazing as are most all panda moms for sure. I know the cubs grow too soon but time seems to be moving glacially until that first baby panda exam.
August 12th, 2009 at 8:31 am
I got to see the baby on the tenth and got very excited. Bai Yun is always the best mom
And I hope it’s a boy, Mei Sheng is so alone haha:) Thanks for the update. I only saw it once good luck=]
August 12th, 2009 at 8:41 am
I’m sure the zoo got at least one picture of the little guy by himself. Any chance of posting it in this thread?
PS…While we are all waiting for more glimpses of the new cub, and to find out the sex, could the Polor Bear keepers give us an update on Chinook? Thanks
Moderator’s Note: We’re processing the video footage in order to grab a picture, so keep checking!
August 12th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Have caught several good views of our little one (thanks, as always, Meerkats – GREAT JOB). No specula-tion on my part concerning whether we have a boy or a girl – I’m always wrong anyhow. I love the cub as much now as I will when we find out. I saw Mom transferring the little one from her paw to her mouth yesterday, and all I could think of was that it looked like a piece of taffy. LOL (Don’t worry – she wasn’t stretching it!!)
I’m in a real fix here; I am having company Friday and Saturday and I really need to shovel out my apartment before they get here. I’ve been letting things slide since baby watch began, and even my cat has started sneezing!! Oh well, it has all been worth it. I’ll just park more chairs in front of the puter, and it will be okay.
August 12th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Kudos to you, and all your colleagues, for your dedicated and thoughtful care of these special animals.
I just caught my first glimpse of little #5 (around 9:37 am your time) when Bai rolled over on her back and displayed the little one lying horizontally across her chest. Momma then rolled upright, but with her arms open (she appeared to be cleaning one paw) and allowed further viewing of the cub. She’s back in her traditional cuddle-it-tight pose – I saw one headline describing Bai as Super Panda, and she really is a great mother.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:06 am
I was so excited to see Bai Yun leave the cub yesterday, and I could see the black markings starting to form; it is a beautiful cub indeed! I, too, am hoping the cub will be a boy, to help diversify the wonderful strong genes of Bai Yun and Gao Gao. I so look forward to watching this cub grow and plan on multiple visits as soon as it is on exhibit.
Thanks, again, to the San Diego Zoo team for the wonderful opportunities their love and care provide us.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:13 am
thanks for another informative update Suzanne. We just can’t seen to get enough of them. I also got a peek at the baby on the 10th and it was really squirmy. Really appreciate the pandacam available for us. What a gift it is to see such a tiny special miracle.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:26 am
I WAS WATCHING BAI AND CUBBIE YESTERDAY—I THOUGHT I WAS STARTING TO SEE EARS AND THEN MARKINGS AS THE IMAGE PASSED BY…MOMMIE HAD THE BABY EVERY WHICH WAY…SHE LOVES BEING A MOMMIE..AS FOR ROBUST CUBBIE…( I THINK IT’S A BOY)!!!!!
August 12th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I agree with Jersey. It’s great to see the new cub and Bai Yun in her MOTHER MODE. But if there was sound, it would be even more awesome. I hope you guys take it into consideration. At first I had no idea why Bai Yun was in a tiny little room, but now that I know it’s exciting to see Bai Yun in her den.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Many, many thanks for your update. I hope you know how much we all appreciate it!
I never know if I should go back to the last update to post something that was being discussed there or post it on the current one. I rarely go back to the last update after a new update is posted. So here goes…..Joan #93 from the last update, thanks for reading the newspaper article. I have no idea why it was presented the way it was. It kinda offended me but perhaps it was actually meant “tongue in cheek?” I would like to think that the births in captivity could sustain the species!
Anyway……………..thanks again, Suzanne. SDZ is the best.
Road trip! (I’m determined!)
August 12th, 2009 at 9:45 am
I keep missing Bai yun leaving her baby…Suzanne doesn’t the baby get alil cold if Bai Yun leaves her even for a min or so? or is the Den heated ?
August 12th, 2009 at 9:50 am
thanks Suzanne for the most appreciated up-date. I have been very surprsed and lucky to get some good glimpses of little pee-wee! the other night especially when bai stretched her arms and head revealing a
good look at baby under her chin! then, very carefully puts her paw over the baby hiding it from view! I also happened to be watching when she returned to the den after leaving briefly with a mouthful of boo!
too cute for words! WHAT A BEAR! WHAT A GREAT MAMA BEAR! SDZ is very lucky to have such a successful breeding pair. maybe they will want to borrow gao gao! bai seems to like him alot! LOL! I didn’t realize that any color would be apparent yet at this stage. I thought it took about a month before you could see any color. WOW!
August 12th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Thank you for the update….I know I can watch, but the information that you and others provide is so much more. I always wonder about how “noisy” this young one is and how the feedings are going. I have definately noticed the round tummy when she leaves so I did think that was a good sign, but I am hardly an expert and never know if it’s just being optimistic. Thank you so much for getting the updates out to us.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:58 am
I have caught sightings of the little one a few times and I am so in awe of Bai’s mothering. Thank you so much for the updates and especially the panda webcam. I am so honor to be able to see and witness such an event.
August 12th, 2009 at 10:12 am
I still have to see this precious little cub, I miss out when Bai leaves to feed, ah well, time will come. She really is a great Mother, she just loves her babies.
Thanks Suzanne for the update. Good job all you keepers.
August 12th, 2009 at 10:15 am
I saw little peanut’s legs! sooooo cute!!
August 12th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Bai Yun is such an outstanding mother. Her milk must be exceptionally rich because the little Munchkin is very, very chubby! It is such a joy to once again watch Bai mothering a cub and to see it grow. The only downside of watching panda cubs is that they grow so FAST!
August 12th, 2009 at 10:42 am
We’ve seen the new cub several times – the first when Bai Yun got her first drink of water on 8/8. This cub doesn’t seem as chubby as Zhen Zhen was (so far), but it sure is feisty!
August 12th, 2009 at 10:48 am
I love the panda cam.
I spread it to alot of people in sweden, therefor so many visits from sweden!
Haha, more panda cams!!!
August 12th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Thanks for this update! I’ve seen the cub alone once so far, but I keep hoping to see it again. Bai Yun is such a good mother, and the SDZ staff gives those pandas the best care. Thank you for your good work!
August 12th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Maybe a few of us could meet on the 100th naming day at the zoo. I hope they will give us a day soon so I can get my tickets on line and make a reservation for a vip tour. How about Sat Nov 14th please
August 12th, 2009 at 10:58 am
I check the cam all the time- she is sleeping alot of course. Question- does she ever leave the den and if so where is the baby? Do they have a pouch of sorts like a joey with his mama or does she just hide it and scoop it constantly? I am new to all this so I am learning about Panda’s as I go . Love the webcams- wish more
animals had more to watch. maybe someday. thanks Cindy
Moderator’s Note: Bai leaves the den every so often to get a drink or a little something to eat. She’s never gone for very long at this stage. While she’s out, she leaves the cub on the den floor; keep watching and you should eventually have a chance to see the cub on its own. Pandas do not carry their young in a pouch as do marsupials.
August 12th, 2009 at 11:02 am
So much to catch up on…..
My husband passed away from cancer last Fri. This blog and the other zoo sites has given me much needed breaks in the last 14 months!! The timing of Bai’s birth could not be better for me! Just a tiny glimpse makes my heart jump with happiness!
Keep up the great job there and thanks for all the GOOD news!! I can’t wait for new pictures!
Moderator’s Note: We are very sorry for your loss. May you continue to find comfort in Life’s happy moments.
August 12th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Thanks again for the update!! I managed to catch a few glimpses of the little guy when Bai has gone off foraging around 9:30 pm EDT (which would mean it’s dinnertime in San Diego!!). I immediately saw the eye patches and those little ears, along with what I thought was the vest. The cam operator did a fabulous closeup job and the new cams are wonderful! ! I was chatting with a friend who was watching, too and he said we either both saw a vest or our eyes were playing tricks on us! The cubbie seems healthy and chubby and growing quite nicely. Nothing relaxes me in the evening like watching Bai take care of her cub. At one point he (yep, I’m hoping boy, too!!) squirmed into view and Bai never opened an eye – she just covered him with her free paw to quiet him down.
August 12th, 2009 at 11:16 am
As always, Bai Yun is an excellent mother. It was fun to catch the closeups of her licking her baby. What a wonderful treat you are sharing with us.
To Candy in Victor, IA – may you find joy and peace in watch these wonderful pandas and also the polar bears (one of my favorites). God bless you and keep you close in this time of need.
August 12th, 2009 at 11:40 am
I’ve caught the cub alone a few times and screen shot pics into my Word program so I have a bunch, if you need one to post! S/he looks just like I remember ZZ at this stage, complete with rounded belly and the start to black markings on eyes, ears, and even the saddle area! It’s so fun to watch Bai do her perfect panda mothering thing, I even gave in and got cable just for the Bai watching! (and cub…and all the others…and a few other things…)
p.s. pandafans, they can’t do audio on the cam, just be thankful we have cam on 24/7! And watch the videos they make with your sound on!
August 12th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Oh, geez, Candy in Victor, IA, I am so, so sorry. Bless your heart. I am so glad you can find some comfort here. And do enjoy the pandas as much as you can.
Barbara, #21, I would love to do it the 21st of November, however, I will literally just getting back from Tahiti. My road trip will have to wait until after the first of the year. Can you go again then????? But I am seriously determined, and I mean determined, to visit the SDZ.
Haven’t seen the little one yet today. I hope the girls and Gao are doing well!
August 12th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Candy #23…very sorry to hear of your loss. Words seem so inadequate at a time like this but I do hope things get better for you soon…I did see the patches around the cub’s eyes starting to come in. Bai is doing such a good job of being a mother, sightings are very few and far between. He seems noisier than his big sis Miss Z. I love the little motor mouth no matter what sex it is..but hoping for a boy.
August 12th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Thanks for the update Suzanne. My timing has been of so far this week and I haven’t gotten a glimpse of “peanut” live yet. Bai Yun seems to be almost tempting her fans by letting us get sneak peaks of part of her rapidly growing little “guy” but not the whole body. For that one must be vigilant and catch her out on a nutrition break.
Excellent job of getting closeups of the loving scene. Many thanks!
August 12th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Candy, Victor, Iowa: Praying for you and your family in the loss of your husband this past Friday. The hurt from the loss will get easier one day at a time. Trust God for the comfort, and keep watching the pandacams to give you some joy as you go thru the next days and weeks. I know that your family will also give you some comfort and love during this time.
Watched the pandacam off and on today, but couldn’t get a peek of little butterstick! Will keep trying to catch him by himself on the cam.
Suzanne, great article again! I’m glad that Bai is eating again! She’ll really need that extra food to stay strong for her baby panda! Fueling up for the long haul as a mom!
Gonna go and get back to the cam!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
August 12th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Susanne, The video was so great to see. Based on previous cubs, I did not feel this precious cub was a “loud mouth” or any of the other nicknames. (I know I am very protective of all babies!) I have noticed Mama “rocking” this cub which I do not recall from the prior 3 birthings and time in the den. Is this a new movement or does my memory just not remember? Thanks so much for providing ongoing information to all your “students”. Blessings, Claudia
August 12th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Candy #23, very sorry to hear of your loss and can understand how you would find comfort in watching the panda cams. The birth of a new life, regardless of the species can provide a balm for the soul and give us hope when everything around us seems so chaotic. May you continue to find peace here.
Suzanne, thank you for the latest update.
August 12th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
I noticed the rolly polly cub too! I knew that Bai Yun would continue to be the great mommy she has always been! Good job, Bai Yun!
August 12th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
@ Candy in IA => My condolences to you and your loved ones. May the Lord comfort you in times such as these. Hopefully, the precious new addition to the SDZ panda population will give a smile daily! God bless you!
August 12th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I had the good fortune to turn the computer on last night about 6:30 pacific time and there he was, our little cubbie, all by himself in the den. He sure is a chubby one, and it looked like the black is showing on his ears. He was alone for just a very short time and Bai came back in and picked him up. What a treat it was to see him. Adorable!!!
August 12th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Candy #23, I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you will have memories of the good times the two of you had together to comfort you. It’s a tough time, but I’m sure we’re all thinking of you and wishing you the very best. So glad you have the panda cam to bring some special joy to your life.
August 12th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Suzanne: What is the temperature in the den cave? The baby obviously is kept warm by Momma but I’m wondering if Momma ever gets cold? Thanks.
August 12th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I am nervous each time Baiyun leaves the den , I fear that she accidentally steps her infant. I watch closely each time Baiyun feed the baby, trying to confirm that the cub still squirms. I know I worry too much, but all that realy make me nervous.
August 12th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
to @23 candy in victor
in 1999, i first became interested in pandas, the year hui mei was born.
my husband had been diagnosed wiith non-hodgkins lymphoma at that time, and i would spend time watching pan. cam, which gave me some up time.
i am so very sorry for your loss, i understand your pain.
enjoy our newest #5, he will bring you smiles.
sincerelly,
joan
painted post, n.y.
August 12th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Candy #23 I am sorry for your loss. Please know that there’s nothing like the birth of a baby panda to put a new light in your heart. It helped me and I know that it has helped you. Viewing of today’s latest video, Hear Ye, Hear Ye!, of the baby panda will help to lift your spirits even more. God Bless.
August 13th, 2009 at 8:41 am
I just turned on the panda cam and mama was standing completely upright for about 10-20 seconds all alone and the cubbie who now to me looks like the size of a regular puppy when it’s born, laying on the straw moving, wiggling and moving it’s tail! TOO CUTE! She took a time out for a bit, went right back to scooping ‘him’ up and let him feed. I watch the cam daily to see what is happening next.
August 13th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Candy and Rose N, I’m sorry for your losses and hope that this little bundle of joy will somehow bring a smile to your face and ease some of the sadness in you hearts.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:42 am
To Candy #23, I am very sorry for your loss. I know that nothing can take away your pain, but I completly understand how the Panda Cam can give your mind and heart a break from the hurt. I am a faithful Panda Cam watcher, especially when there is a lot of bad things in the news I just go to the pandas and I get my peace. I hope you continue to find peace in these beautiful animals.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
So sorry, Candy, for your loss. I have been in your shoes. Enjoy this sweet pair as they help you to recover from the past months.
I just KNOW this is a little BOY….I watched this morning, as he sat QUIETLY waiting for mommy to scoop him up. I notice darkening places on his rump, ears and shoulders….He grows so quickly on that rich, lovingly offered diet. Good job SDJ Panda caregivers. We so appreciate your best efforts to make this another successful birth!
August 13th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Candy in IA: I, too, am so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband to cancer 28 months ago. It is a very hard path that you are on. It is excruciating now, but, trust me, it will be better, and you can breathe again. These wonderful pandas are a dose of good medicine for anyone’s grief and/or ailment. They will make you smile, even through your tears. Aren’t they amazing?
I’m catching up today after a couple of hectic days. So, Suzanne, thanks again and again. Bai Yun, especially these days, if just a White Cloud of Heaven. Such a good mom. And her little cub is a “puff” off the White Cloud. So sweet, so sweet.
August 14th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Baby seems to be getting a little squirmy now, or is it my imagination? Yesterday, and a bit today (sneaking peeks at wk…), in momma’s rest, she moves her paw and there he is…upside down, his little back legs and tail wiggling around, I sure hope he doesn’t suffocate! He looks like he’s squirming around so he can get out from under ma’s paw to get some air!!! Toooo precious.
Can that happen, can he suffocate?
p.s. for one brief moment, ZZ’s cam was on her, I saw her! I miss ZZ….
August 14th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I’m amazed that Bai Yum manages to not crush or step on the baby. It seems she is always fully aware of her baby’s position relative to herself. Is that purely by sight or is it sounds, smell, etc?
August 14th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Oops, meant to write Bai Yun!
August 14th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
p.s. I would like to thank you too, Suzanne. It’s exciting to hear reports from behind the scenes. I wish all baby pandas of the world got the kind of love and care momma b provides to our baby.
…and I’m sorry, Candy, for your loss. You sound like a very nice person. You are in good company here…..
August 15th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
I am loving this web cam at the zoo ! It is hard for me to keep my eyes off of the animals. The
ma-ma panda & baby are awesome… I wish we could send postcards of other animals.. Today-
the polar bears were playing ball in the water. Yesterday – elephants were playing. Audio would
be good.
I thank the San Diego Zoo for sharing their zoo with the whole world.
I am from: Dallas, Texas. hee-haw!
August 15th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Dear Researchers, would you please be able to tell me where the absolute best place a donation can be used at this time? I keep saying I am going to make a donation, but want to get off my tush this week and really DO IT. Do baby and momma need a shower gift or should I make a donation for replacing the bamboo that has been destroyed? If you would help me make a choice, I will definitely act this week, before spend the funds on something frivolous…
Thank you so much.
kat in LA
Moderator’s note: Our Adopt a Panda program might be a good fit for you, kat, and your donation goes directly to help our pandas. Please visit https://secure3.convio.net/sdzoo/site/Ecommerce/1132815687?FOLDER=1090&store_id=1401
Thank you!
August 15th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
thank-you for the web cam viewing day and night. I enjoy getting up during the night, just to see if i can see the little one. I have seen it a couple of timess since i have been watching Tonight i had a great view, wanted to send a post card off to a friend, something was too full so it woudn’t send off the picture.
I tell everybody that i get into a conversation with about you web cam available to view the baby panda.
August 16th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
First of all, our warmest Congratulations to Bai Yun and her baby. Suzanne, please extend our Hello and Kudos to all the SDZ Panda Keepers. My husband and I are over-thrilled when we saw the baby the other day by itself. And I thought my heart swelled with love when I saw Bai Yun picking her baby up and licking it all over. Oh, how sweet and loving she is…I miss going to SDZ….it’s been a busy summer, but we’ll be back soon.
Once again, thank you for all the updates. As of this moment, Momma and baby are asleep. Hugs, hugs and lots of hugs….
August 17th, 2009 at 11:33 am
could we have more updates on mom a and cub?
August 18th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
#23 Candy, I am so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences.
August 18th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
The baby is absolutely enchanting. I agree – audio would greatly enhance the experience. I’m interested in the tail. It looks so long compared to Mom’s. Does it naturally fall off, does the cub ‘grow into’ it’s tail or does Mom help out with it. Mom is incredible and so is #5!!!
August 18th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Barb #56 – I also inquired about the panda cub’s tail. I was told that the tail of a newborn panda is long relative to its body length. As the baby grows and its body length increases, the tail becomes proportionately smaller – amazing.
September 6th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I LOVE PANDAS CAN YOU SEND ME PICS OF ANIMALS EVERY SINGLE ANIMAL IN THE ZOO?