Su Lin Antics
Posted at 11:59 am September 2, 2009 by Ellie RosenbaumWho can keep track of the antics of the most marvelous Su Lin? She has, as visitors have seen over these last few weeks, been in a spurt of activity, at least in panda terms. Once or twice a day sh’e been revving up to have a fine old time, climbing the structures, hanging upside down, racing around the exhibit, grabbing things she shouldn’t, trying to figure out how to get over the back wall, bouncing on branches too close to the fence (so of course, the saws have come out).
With Cubbie (4 weeks old today, thank you) in the den, chainsaws are not usable in that area, and it has been a challenge to modify Su Lin’s enclosure by hand, but our talented team has done it…and done it again a few days later. Not all the changes have been reactive, though. Some nice fresh topsoil as been added to the side, the better to dirt-bathe in, and Su has been checking that out.
Why the sudden burst of energy? No one is sure. As a maturing female, hormones are always a possibility. We suspected the cooler weather of a few weeks ago, but the recent heat wave negated that as a possibility (although the shortening days and something more akin to Circadian, or seasonal, day/night-length issues may be in play here). Su Lin’s play and interest are often directed toward the back fence; she’s always anxious for keeper interaction, whatever the form, more so than any of the other bears, except her father. The girl just loves company, at least when she feels like playing. Whatever the reason, it’s been fun to watch.
Zhen Zhen continues to nap in her elm tree and charm visitors with her mini-me style of eating. Her weight approaches 115 pounds (52 kilograms), so she is still visibly smaller than her 200-pound (91-kilograms) sister, and she retains that cub-like quality to her movements. And it appears that ZZ has a new and never-before seen talent. But more about that another time!
And Gao? Word is he’s doing just fine. While he’s in an out-of-view area, he can still be heard behind the wall, vigorously munching bamboo for extended periods, in typical Gao Gao fashion, each morning and afternoon. Go, Gao!
Meanwhile, back in the den, you’ve all seen how the cub is growing round and plump> Everyone is anxious for that first physical and peek. The keepers are watching Bai carefully and working with her to ensure that this can take place sooner rather than later, but as always it’s up to Mom. But boy or girl? We’ll have to wait and see.
Ellie Rosenbaum is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo.
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September 2nd, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Thank you for the update on our favorite bear family
Would the disparity in weight between Su and ZZ be a factor as to why they haven’t been introduced to the howdy gate yet? I know it’s quite a difference but would Su be able to potentially hurt ZZ – unintentionally of course!- through the gate?
Moderator’s note: The panda keepers have been very busy these days, so a howdy gate intro between Su and Zhen will have to wait a bit.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Wow, Su! Sounds like you are having a grand time and keeping the keepers on their toes! Wish I could be there to watch your performance. It sounds truly entertaining! Glad to hear all is well with everyone and yes, we are all anxiously awaiting the new cub’s 1st exam!
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Thanks for the update on ‘the rest of the family’! You’ve also done a great job distracting me/us from ‘when is the exam/boy/girl?’!!! Now I’m really wondering what this new ZZ talent is!!! Hmmm, guess I’ll just have to wait for that (too!).
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Thanks for the update on what, at this time at the Panda Palace, are the “other” bears. (They tend to get less camera time so we can all see how the new cub and Bai are getting along…not complaining though!) It’s great to hear about my favorite SDZ offspring, Su Lin (but I love them all!). I must be the only one who sees a resemblance sometimes between Su and Gao so it’s good to hear that she takes after him when it comes to enjoying the company of humans. It must be wonderful to be a keeper and have “conversations” with Su and Gao through the fence. I envision the expression on Gao’s face when he interacts with his keepers and it makes me smile. He’s such a charmer, not to mention a bona fide marathoner when it comes to bamboo consumption. Go Daddy! His bamboo munching must sound like sweet music.
And Su is as adorable and engaging as ever. I love her sweet, playful spirit.
I was re-reading some old blog entries about Mei Sheng’s travel preparation and training. From what was last shared with us, I understand that a date has not been set for Su Lin’s trip to China but the old blogs left me wondering if Su has begun any crate training and/or dietary adjustments. As much as I don’t want her departure to be so, I hope we’ll get to stay updated on the whole process.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Miss Ellie, Thank you for the update about our girls, Su is really keeping the keepers on their toes and the maintinance dept also. I remember a while back Su was seen starting to climb out over the visitors area, I don’t remember seeing if Su has met her sister at the howdy gate and maybe this would give her a little company and away from those trees.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Thanks for the update on Su Lin, Ellie. We saw Su Lin when she was young, at the stage when she wasn’t coming down from the trees very often. She certainly hadn’t started running around yet. Wish I could see that, but we’re too far away (Alberta, Canada) to pop down to San Diego on a whim. So it’s great to hear about her. She was “my” second panda cub. I loved her brother Mei Sheng so much, and voted on Su Lin’s name. Wonderful to be able to feel I’m interacting with the panda world. I think you may be right about Su Lin’s present activity being hormonal in origin. Hua Mei went to China at age 4. How long was it before she began having cubs? I certainly don’t want Su Lin to leave any time soon, but she may be a hormonal teenager, running around and getting into trouble.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Thanks for the wonderful update on all our pandas. I am very intrigued by the hint regarding ZZ’s new talent! I bet it’s something truly awesome. It is so cool to hear about all the pandas’ distinct and endearing personalities.
Just wondering….IS there any way for a precocious panda to escape over a wall??
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Thanks Ellie for the update on our other bears! What I wouldn’t give to be able to be there in SD to watch Su Lin bouncing around having a great time. I love to hear what the other members of the family are up to, and can’t wait to see if Su and Zhen’s new sibling is a brother or sister…..
I have to say again how wonderful it is to have an “eye” in the Panda world. Such dedication and hard work from all the people involved in the care of these precious creatures…
Take a bow, you all deserve it!!!
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:49 pm
LITTLE SU LIN…..GOSH I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SEE EVERY BABY PANDA SHORTLY AFTER THEY WENT OUTSIDE FOR THE PUBLIC…
SU LIN WAS HAVING LESSONS FROM MOM…SHE HEADED FOR THE BEDROOM AREA AND WITH SUCH A SAD LOOK…LOOKED AT MOM…”CAN I GO TO MY BEDROOM MOMMY?” BAI JUST ROUNDED HER UP AND NEXT THING SU WAS FOLLOWING MOM…
PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS MOMMENTS…IN MY HEART FOREVER…
I FEEL VERY LUCKY THAT I AM ONLY A COUPLE OF HOURS FROM SAN DIEGO ZOO…
PICTURE A YOUNG CHUNKY SENIOR CITIZEN FLYING DOWN ALL THOSE STAIRS AND HILLS TO GET TO THE AREA WHERE ZHEN ZHEN WAS NEWLEY OUT FOR ONLY A COUPLE OF DAYS. BEING ABOUT THE 10TH IN LINE….TAKING A POTTY BREAK AND BACK IN LINE AGAIN THIS TIME TO PASS BY THE OTHER PANDAS THAT WERE OUT BEFORE SEEING ZZ AGAIN…!!!!!
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Hi there, I am coming to San Diego on holiday from Sept 10th – 24thand wondered if Su Lin will still be on show please? This will be my 3rd year in a row and want to see Su Li? many thanks.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
For the last 3 days the cam has been out of focus and blurry. Very different from last week. Can someone PLEASE fix this? Thank you.
Moderator’s note: We’ll look into this. Is anyone else having this problem?
September 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
If you missed Su Lin antics, you can watch some of it on YouTube. DoxieMom19 has recently posted two videos of Su Lin: “2009 08 27 Su Lin, the Donut, and the Boo” and “2009 08 30 Su Lin and Her Treats”. I want what she is having…
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
No, moderator, no problem with my view of the panda cam. Great pix—oh, wait a minute—everything seems to be in black and white! LOL
Can’t wait to hear what Zhen’s “new talent” is. Thanks for the update on Su, and Zhen Zhen, and Gao.
Moderator’s note: So many of you make us smile–thanks!
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Melissa #4–I also see a resemblance between Su Lin and Gao Gao–especially in profile. And, perhaps, in temperament.
Now I’m very curious to find out about Zhen Zhen’s new talent! (And the sex of the baby, of course.) I always knew Miss ZZ was special.
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Thanks, Ellie, it sounds more and more like the “wild” rain adventures Su Lin and Mei Sheng had this time of year when ZZ was a wee cub and he was getting prepared for his long journey. They both got wound up as I recall, especially Mei Sheng. Maybe it does have something to do with maturity and hormones. If she has already had one estrus, you know for certain that her hormones are in full gear moving ahead in the maturity process. Perhaps her body is prepping itself for what would potentially be a long mating journey in the wild. It is interesting to think of how the seasons and diurnal issues might have an affect on her behavior. Interesting that ZZ is more laid back like Su was at the same age.
More and more things to ponder and research. Meanwhile Bai, as usual every 2 years, is totally oblivious of this activity in the front and very content to be the Numero Uno mom that she is.
What is behind the back wall that Su Lin might be trying to reach? Is that where the keepers are, or where Gao is? I remember you saying that Mei Sheng also thrived on keeper attention. It is interesting that Gao enjoys it but Bai doesn’t seem to need it as much.
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Did anyone else just see the baby rollover? We are getting good at this. The speed is amazing and wee look quite proud of ourself also.
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Awwww, how fun it would have been to see my girl Su Lin, run around like a crazy nut ! Wish I could have been there. The blog says Su Lin likes to interact with and play with her keepers. What kind of interaction does she get with her keepers, or is interaction or play as she would want it, kept at a minimum ?
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I am puzzled as to what & where the Howdy Gate at SDZ is. Although I visited the pandas 2 years ago, I
do not recall seeing a Howdy Gate. Is it similar to the screened door between the panda yards at the
National Zoo in D.C.?
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Once again, I feel like I was there, thanks to Ellie’s wonderful way of blogging.
Su Lin has always been the designer in the family, great to hear she’s still at it. What a cleaver panda to have her “talented team” make the improvements to the branches for her! And to add that “dirt bath-tub” she was wanting for her rumpus room.
I hope China is ready for another precocious American panda when she arrives. Maybe they are ready after dealing with Mei Sheng’s great escape. She might give them a few sleepless nights as they try to invent a way to keep her from getting over the back wall.
I am also looking forward to hearing about ZZ’s special talent.
Thanks for the update on the whole gang!
Joy
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:28 pm
every nite bai has been leaving mini Bai Yun by himself…he is sooo strong i have seen him roll over..Ellie at this week of age did the others roll over this fast??? Ellie do you guys play with Su Lin maybe she is bored or is forbidden to play with them all…
now these days you can just see mini Bai more clearly in “black N white”
why are you holding out on ZZ’s talents! your killing meeee I look forward for more blogs ellie
thank you so much for the update
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
No problems here with the panda cam feed…the only problem I might have is in the future. I have to have a cat scan and the only thing they might see is “Panda on the Brain” since that seems to be all I do…think panda’s, watch panda’s and repeat 10x’s a day. Love those Panda’s!
Moderator’s note: Too funny, Widget!
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Su is really funny! (She is also very naughty!) Why did they have to redo the enclosure? Did Su mess things up? I am keeping a watchful eye on the baby every time I can! I have watched it in the library, and the oddest place is….At the dentist’s office! That was cool. Baby kept looking to the ceiling and yawning. SDZ’s little cutie!
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Pandafan#2 #22, if you watch the video “2009 08 27 Su Lin, the Donut, and the Boo” on YouTube, as I mentioned on entry #12, you will see that at one point she was very close to the visitors, as she could just jump on them…
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Thanks, Ellie, for the Su Lin and ‘cast’ update! I don’t know how many times I*’ve watched and/or read about the Panda Antics and started singing “Peripatetic. Poetic, and Chic….She’s the One…” from the musical A Chorus Line. It happened again today
I Love the Panda Family!!! Cannot wait to see if another ’show’ will appear on You Tube! I am so glad that you mentioned that you can HEAR Gao cracking his bamboo 
And, welllll….I cannot wait to hear what Zhen Zhen has ‘invented’ 
And, Lee in Vancouver #16: Tues. AM about 7:15 Pacific time, I watched Little butterball roll so fast and with such force from back to tummy that he rolled over again from tummy,back, tummy and out of camera range with only his back legs showing when the manuever was completed!!! I was very impressed and thought, my goodness he’s going to be an Olympian 
Bai is going to have her paws full with this little one 
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:39 pm
“Yikes! It suddenly got dark in here. Oh it’s you mommy.”
“Little one how are you? You smell OK, you look OK.”
“Mom’s going to make you some fresh bedding. You just stretch your legs a bit and get some exercise, OK? I am right her beside you. Can you smell me, and hear me? Good, be a very quiet little cub while I work, OK?”
This is the first time I have seen Bai return, check out her cub, and not proceed to pick him up. Instead she started stripping bamboo. Perhaps she decided to freshen up the nest a bit and get the smell of fresh bamboo back inside?? Ah, now it is time for the little one to have a drink. Bedding material can wait until later.
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
re: cam clarity-the only thing I’ve noticed is cam 25 is VERY sharp & clear when zoomed in close to Bai & cubbie and much less clear when zoomed out, particularly if cubbie is alone in the den (about the same resolution the old cam had all the time). I noticed it last night when it’s set zoomed out after the Meerkats go home for the night.
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:13 pm
TANK has really made Mom work today. He ate and squirmed and wiggled and rolled and slept and ate and rolled again and fidgeted and looked adorable and ate and slept and, did I mention he ate? He already looks like he’s ready to get up and go exploring, just as soon as those skinny little legs can hold up that round little belly and big diaper butt. His antics just might rival Tai Shan’s. Mom doesn’t put him down for very long or leave for any length of time because she knows he’s gonna get in some kind of trouble. Some Mom’s just know “if I can’t see you, I can’t trust you”! This afternoon when Mom tossed and turned him over and over, I thought maybe she was nibbling on an ear of corn! LOL
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Widget #121 – Best of luck with the cat scan…
Ellie, thanks for the Su Lin update. She was my first SDZ panda and is still a real joy to watch. I agree – China is going to have ther hands full.
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Ellie – what fun SuLin has been having
So we wait for news of the exam (& a long week-end coming up – do hope any news that happens over the week-end will be posted) 
As we wait for news of the exam our our chubby cubby we also get word from Ellie that Miss Z has a wonderful, amazing new trick
Check youtube for ” 2009 08 30 Prepping Bai Yun for Cub’s First Exam” It shows how the staff is helping Bai get comfortable leaving her cub
And If you want to see what Bai will facing in a year check out “2009 08 25 Xi Lan throws a Bday Party for Lun Lun” I am still laughing – XiLan has become a feisty, aggressive cub (reminds me of Tai Shan) & mom is more than willing to teach him how to fight
And yes I do believe our new cub is a male & Mom will need patience 
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Oh My, when I was having fun at youtube I found this one ” Panda (Zhen Zhen) playing with San Diego Zoo keeper.” Hmmm, what’s a keeper to do when cubbie thinks you’re a playmate:) What would we all give for the opportunity
Understand our giant pandas have sharp claws & teeth so keepers must be careful 
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I agree with ei of 26 regarding the graininess (is there such a word) but I also attributed it to maybe no natural lighting since it’s evening.
On to my cutie pootie Su Lin (yes, I claim her — she could be my daughter with her antics). I love that girl. Now I know how my parents felt while I was growing up. She will always be my screensaver,
Have another stupid question……told you I have lots……..could the intial exam be performed in the evening if that’s what Bai’s schedule so dictates? Or do the keepers/vets go home at night? Not only do I ask stupid questions, I’m always curious.
I bet ZZ has learned how to sing. Because she is one talented panda. And she has such great genes. I know Bai sings to cubbie.
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Hi! Just read the new update about Su Lin, ZZ, and Gao Gao! Su Lin, the very actove one; Zhen, mostly laid back but still cute and loves those trees; Gao, also the laid back one and the eating machine! Momma Bai is in her momma mode with the cub. Now, you got all of us teased about ZZ’s new talent! Hope to read about that real soon! Was just on the pandacam and saw the little guy by himself laying on the nest. He was pretty still and looked like he was napping. I do agree with Ei about cam25. It does have some good, clear, sharp pics on it when the cam people zoom it is on Bai and the cub, but when it is zoomed out, the pic does get a little bit blurry somewhat. Even when it is zoomed out, you can still see the cub by himself pretty well, tho. The other pandacam set ups are very clear from what I have seen.
Hoping that Bai will give you and the vets that window of opportunity so that you can do the vet check on the cub, and we’ll know what the gender is. From what I have been reading over the last 4 weeks since the cub was born, I think about two-thirds of the bloggers are thinking that this cub is a boy, including me! We’ll be finding that out soon enuff, you all!
Happy 4 week old Birthday, little cub! He’ll be officially one month old this Sat., Sept. 5th! His next milestone is when his eyes start to open and making it to his 2 month old bday!
Well, gonna go for now. Will check back later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Lynda #27–your last comment brings to mind the caption under a pic of Xi Lan and Lun Lun on the ZA site: “Panda cub, or corn on the cob?”
There were times this afternoon when cubbie was lying on his back and on his side and I thought he looked like a teeny version of his dad–a mini-Gao!
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Bai was giving a bath to #5 again tonight. Cub was up, down, sideways,and everywhere in between Momma has her very own special black and white flavored Lolli-pip!
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Cindy #28…thank you for your kind wishes of good luck. It’s nothing serious at this point…I wish I had a laptop I could take out of the house just for occasions like this…but I can also imagine a headline on the 5o’clock news….woman blows up cat scan machine while checking for new’s on sex of new cub at the San Diego Zoo! More to follow at 11! I don’t think my insurance would cover that. I guess I could always claim dementia because my whole family knows how crazy I am about my panda’s. Thanks again.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:43 pm
How spoiled our Pandas
- read the ZA Wed update & pappa Yang’s dlslike of rain & how ZA protects him 
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Just watching Momma Bai right now. I haven’t seen them all day, so I am just wondering what’s the “stick” doing in her den? Oh, she is soooooooo loving:-). My heart swells each time I see her with her cubbie. She is rocking her cubbie right now.
Also, thank you very much for the update about our precious friends…Best of regards to Su, ZZ and Mr. Gao:-). We miss seeing them lately.
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Thank you Ellie for the update on our beautiful pandas. Last evening at about 5:30 PM, we stopped by the Panda Exhibit to visit our sweet Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. Su Lin was on her best behavior. She looked so adorable sitting in her pool, fully surrounded by a large pile of bamboo. The mister was blowing a cool mist over her. She was sitting with her body slightly turned so that we could get a good photo of her profile. Su Lin was eating bamboo with both paws, alternating fistfuls.
She was eating and watching the visitors from the corner of her left eye.
Next, we checked on our sweet Zhen Zhen, who was also enjoying some bamboo. Zhen had her back to the visitors. She was concentrating on a large piece of culm and having a lot of fun stripping it into smaller pieces. Ellie, we saw the patch of wet topsoil last night. When Su Lin decides to romp in this topsoil, she will certainly turn into an all black panda.
The area looked quite flooded last night (watered down).
Watching Su Lin and Zhen Zhen eating made us hungry. We decided to go up to the Elephant Odyssey and get something to eat. After snacking, we returned to visit with the girls once again. This time it was almost 8:00 PM. Su Lin was still enjoying her bamboo. Zhen Zhen was fast asleep on top of the cave. She looked adorable. She was facing the viewing area. Her left paw was covering her left eye. We all commented on how cute she looked.
At 8:30 PM, we headed up to the Hunte Amphitheater to watch the new show, Soar – A Symphony in Flight. It was an amazing show. There are free-flying birds, singing birds and beautiful music. One of my favorites was an “all white” red-tail hawk. She was so beautiful as she glided above the audience without making a sound. Another interesting long legged and largest flying bird is a Marabou Stork. This giant bird took off and flew over the crowd with graceful ease. All these birds performed in a dimly lit area around the stage and above the audience. It was absolutely spectacular.
The birds acted out a message of the need for conservation for all species. One cute little bird swooped down and picked up a couple of crushed soda cans and placed them in a recycle bin.
There were many more amazing feats performed by all of these intelligent birds.
Many thanks to all who worked so hard to make this show a success.
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:21 am
#21 Widget…I was joking with a friend of mine a while back that there must be a tiny part of my brain with a panda imprinted on it. I so often think of things in terms of pandas. “This is panda weather,” or “It’s so hot…definitely NOT panda weather”…”I wonder if pandas have ever eaten strawberries and would it upset their digestion if they did”…”Wow, that guinea pig reminded me of a panda when it …” as I walked by the guinea pigs at Petsmart. I’m pretty hopeless! I wish you the best possible results for your cat scan.
#14 Frances…The resemblances definitely depend on what angle the eye patches are viewed from. Although Su outweighs her papa now (if I remember correctly), my eyes see that she takes after Gao in having a more compact body but maybe she’s still not quite full grown (and maybe I need an eye exam! LOL). I don’t envision her being a long, tall, fuller-bodied bear like her mom, Mei Xiang and Lun Lun.
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:25 am
Conversation with Bai Yun #13
Cubbie #5: Squeak (Mama)
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
C: Squeak (Who was that?)
B: Oh, it was the Panda King.
C: Squeak (Panda King?)
B: Yes, he came by for a little chit-chat.
C: Squeak (Chit-chat?)
B: He brought some blogosphere news.
C: Squeak (blogosphere?)
B: That they’re discussing your anatomy.
C: Squeak (Huh?)
B: Like the parts where you itch.
C: Squeak (You mean the parts where you lick?)
B: Something like that.
C: Squeak (Huh?) (And by the way, you lick too much…)
B: Some day when you grow up…
C: Squeak (Grow up?)
B: You’ll scratch with your paws.
C: Squeak (Hee hee…)
B: Or you’ll rub against some trees…
C: Squeak, squeak (Oooo)
B: Or some rocks…
C: Squeak (You mean I’ll scratch my own itchies!)
B: That’s right, my dear.
C: Squeak, squeak, squeak (Wow! I can’t wait to grow up!)
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:49 am
We have no date or information on a move to China for Su Lin but will, of course, be keeping you informed as the plans move forward. At this time, no rotation of the pandas is scheduled, so ZZ and Su Lin will remain on exhibit for the foreseeable future.
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:07 am
I could sit and watch cubs sleeping for hours. I do drag my laptop with so I can check on all the pandas. But the cubbies just amaze me. Not that I don’t adore our teenagers and adults, but it’s so fun to watch the cubbies sleeping.
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:53 am
just popped on- camera wouldnt come up to see any body… maybe later..:(
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:30 am
Cute one, P Wong! Bai and cubbie talking about growing up! If only the cub knew how fast he will be growing up! Was just on the pandacam, and Bai and baby are napping with the cub snuggled under her arm with just his head showing. Loving it!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:46 am
Thank you Rose N. for keeping us up on actual visits to see the girls. Almost— not quite!
—as good as being there. Your posts are very visual. What a joy to be able to go when you want.
P. Wong – wonderful, funny as usual!!
Linda A. – any sleeping baby is adorable whatever the species, isn’t it so?!
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:01 am
Thanks, Ellie, for the info about Su Lin (comment #41). I mentioned my pragmatic side but lately it’s been a little bit hard to think about Su and Mei Lan going to China (and probably Tai, too) as the end of the year looms large. As a person who gets very attached to my own animal friends, I know how hard it will be for the pandas’ keepers and all those who work closely with them to say goodbye (including you!) and my heart hurts for everyone involved. I do know it’s for the best and they are first and foremost research animals and ambassadors for conservation, but they also become special friends across the miles as we watch and learn about their personailities, likes and dislikes, etc.
I’m sorry to be gloomy…I guess I couldn’t wait for cold weather to wear my heart on my sleeve so I just pored it all out here instead.
Thanks again for letting us know. I appreciate all of your updates. They give us more insight into the pandas’ personalities.
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:37 am
Cindy in KC be patient. I expect it is because of volume but the feed is being slow as of late but it does come up.
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:50 am
I can not believe these incredible pictures we are getting. Thank you so much.
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:58 am
Help me!!!!! Cubby was just laying on it’s back and I didn’t see any evidence of male stuff. Do I need an anatomy class?
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:02 am
Melissa–yes, sadly, Tai Shan will be going to China in early 2010. Last I heard, there was no exact date yet. But, you’re right–sad as it is, it is for the preservation of the species. We will miss him very much here in the DC area.
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:09 am
ROFL – Su Lin always did entertain. My favorite of all times was when she was a wee cub covered in mud – you couldn’t see the vest for the rest of the panda (well, you could but ….). My stress release are the cams. And hearing about “my Gao”. I’m anxiously awaiting news on the exam of Bai & Gao’s newest production.
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 am
As I have said before, and some of you feel the same, I dread my Su-Lin leaving us, after seeing her born, and grow up. Also, I did get to come out and see her when she was little. Oh boy, I knew it would come, as it will with them all, but, it is hard. Sounds like she was having a ball with her antics, she is one precious bear. And the little one continues to get bigger on Mommy’s rich milk. It is amazing how soon they grow, look at little ZZ, it seems no time since she was little.
Good work to all the keepers and camera people.
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Oh, #40 P. Wong! “scratch my own itchies!”???? How much funnier can you get??? ROFL!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Rose N. Thanks for sharing your wonderful visit yesterday. I bet it will be crowded in Panda Canyon this weekend with the wonderful news that the cub is a boy!
September 4th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
In response to a few of the questions not previously answered:
Rosemarie, the howdy gate is the glass and mesh structure located to the right in the far left enclosure (the one currently occupied by ZZ.) The door which would allow Su Lin access is located on the other side; Su Lin would move through the wall/tunnel toward her side of the mesh and glass. The door can be opened for direct access for panda mating, but as of this time there is no firm plan to allow protected contact between the two sisters any time soon and at no time would the door be opened to allow them access to one another. No one has introduced siblings of such disparate sizes and ages in captivity, and the staff is understandably reluctant to try anything that might put the pandas in any danger.
lainie, panda interaction with the keepers can be as simple as a little “face time” and conversation, a scratch through the chainlink fence, or a few treats passed through the fence. Su Lin’s obvious affection for the keepers is yet another similarity between her and her brother, Mei Sheng.
September 5th, 2009 at 7:19 am
My dogs don’t understand why I keep cooing at my monitor and saying out loud ” what a cute little bear” They think I’ve lost my mind, they’re dogs not bears.
September 5th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
pwong-how endearing….! I still believe the pandas need other panda stimulation, in addition to the enrichment toys…that’s why Su LIn is as fidgety as she is, and Zhennie too….if SDZ can’t use the Howdy Gate yet….can’t they put some panda blow up dolls out there for them to play with? Or hire some enrichment playmates, like some of us panda people out here….you know we’d do it for free! I believe Su and Zhennie are on to the scent of baby and want some of that attention…they remember those days…….they want their momma too! xox
September 5th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I just read 55 Ellie-can’t they just VIEW each other without problems? Just to see that they are not the only panda there? You know how anyone always feels a bit better when they realize they aren’t alone….
September 8th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Moderator…can you explain the comment about Zhen Zhen’s “mini me style of eating?” Congatulations on an incredible website. Baby Cubbie is enchanting, and his Mom is an incredible, gentle giant. I have watched in awe that she holds him and loves him just like a human. And cringe each time she gets up and DOESN’T crush him or step on him. Nature is simply amazing. You guys are doing an stunning job sharing the birth and childhood of such a pretty animal!