Baby’s First Exam
Posted at 11:40 am September 3, 2009 by Kathy Hawk
This morning, around 8, we did our first panda cub exam. Everything went very well! Bai Yun was very calm and ate during the entire exam. It was pretty challenging, trying to crawl into the den and get the cub. Bai had done an extremely good job of threading/weaving bamboo to make a nest! See video!
Kathy gently holds the little one.
Our baby was pronounced very healthy and was already trying to do some head lifts on the exam table!
When the five-minute exam was finished, I put baby back into the den, and Bai was reunited with her cub. Bai very calmly picked baby up and rested. I have to say this was one of our best first exams on a cub: baby did not cry and Bai was not stressed.
I am sure by now you are all wringing your hands as to what the sex is. I saved the best part for last! Our fifth baby panda is…A BOY!
Kathy Hawk is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
Moderator’s note:
This post has received a large volume of comments recently expressing various opinions about Panda Cam’s new format. Your voices have been heard! But for now we ask that future comments sent to this post be related to the topic of pandas, please, and not about the changes to the Panda Cam page. Thank you all for your understanding.
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.
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
Yeah!!! Another boy!
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:43 am
Congratulations! It will be nice to have a little boy cub for a change. He is just adorable! Glad he checked out okay. Just another reassurance that Bai Yun is a good mom!
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:46 am
Oh my Geez…..I was pretty sure he is going to be a boy….Yohooooooooooo!!! Congrats Mommy Bai and Daddy Gao…Oh, wow….Su and ZZ have a baby brother now. Now, I am going to line up and wait for his name:-).
SDZ staff, keepers and our moderator……you’re all amazing people. Thank you for sharing these precious creatures to all of us….I can’t wait to tell my mom that cubbie #5 is a boy…she was thinking it will be a girl:-)….
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:49 am
I couldn’t imagine Kathy’s feeling while holding the cubbie. Oh…….to all of you, our warmest hugs for being all so wonderful…When are we going to vote for his name:-)? Hehehe….Just wondering…
Moderator’s note: We’ll keep everyone posted the naming selection process. One milestone at a time….
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:49 am
We knew it..yes we did
! woohooooo…congratulations!
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:50 am
Kathy, you are the luckiest person ever!!! Getting to hold that precius little BABY BOY!!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
Congratulations and thank you so much for the update!!! I feel so excited to see the baby’s first color picture. From the picture, it looks like our little boy open his eyes already?
Moderator’s note: His eyes have not opened yet. Isn’t it nice to say “his” instead of “cub’s”?
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:57 am
Lots of folks knew it was a boy from its behavior. Great News.
Will Gao Gao be helping any of the females who can’t get the position right this spring?
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:59 am
Congratulations to Bai and Gao Gao and to the SDZ. What a lovely picture of little cubbie, he seems to be smiling and looks like he’s going to be very cheeky!
Moderator’s note: We’ve just added some more photos to our What’s New? slide show: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/whatsnew/
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Yea – great news on a boy cubbie. Bai Yun will have lots of fun later training him to be a strong, independent, male Giant Panda.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Hip! Hip! HOORAY! I got it right! How exciting…a little brother in the family now. I even resisted the urge to skip to the bottom line. It’s amazing how these babies grow in just 4 weeks! 2.8 pounds, and 14 inches long! WOW! Momma Bai’s milk must be the richest stuff. What a great report, and I can just imagine how excited you all were to get to be that close to HIM! at last. Congrats for a job well done. Bai Yun’s calmness since this birth has to be a factor in how calm the cub was during the exam. So, to the baby, “You did good!”.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Whooopeee a Boy!! I thought so!!
I am having trouble viewing the cam…….it works a few minutes and then stops. Is it my Cam or is this happening to everyone?????? I’m soooo upset as I look forward to watching Mom & babe through out the day! HELP!!!
Moderator’s note: It could be the extra traffic to the Panda Cam. We’ll look into it.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Congrats to all he is adorable. Bai is letting us get good realy good looks at her son. I have been watching them on a vista gadget. Thank you all
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Wow!! How exciting to have another Baby Boy to carry on Gao’s genes. Oh Kathy, how we all wish we could be you! Thank you for the wonderful story and pictures.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Wow! It’s a boy!!! I am glad the first exam went very well.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Thank you for the long-awaited news! I’d somehow missed out on ever seeing the relevant parts that everyone else saw, so I was just patiently waiting and wondering. After 4 weeks and one day, I can finally say, “Congratulations…It’s a boy!” He looks very charming, just like his dad. The color photo lets us see his sweet, pink nose and lips. Love his perfect little claws!
Great job, Kathy! I know you were thrilled to hold the little one. Looks like a boy cub was expected, as a BLUE blanket was at the ready!
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
finally,we can use “he” .boy ,welcome to the world
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:16 pm
WHOOO-HOOO!! I am so glad we have a new boy! I can’t wait to make my first trip down to see him. Well done, again, Bai and Gao. You are the best..as are your wonderful keepers! Thanks again, all at the zoo, for all you do to give us these wonderful moments we would otherwise never experience.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
The baby is absolutely too precious for words. Thank you to the staff at the San Diego Zoo for keeping us all up to date with notes and photos. You are wonderful folks and the animals are lucky to have you all care so much.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Yeah, finally a boy. I just had that feeling but what ever it was, as long as it was healthy it really didn’t matter. Kathy you are one of the luckest people on earth to hold that baby. I ‘m glad that everything went well and Bai was tolerent of the door closing. I do have one question, how many of you voted for a boy.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:22 pm
OH BOY OH BOY YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was at the SD Zoo yesterday and WOW I had a blast from 9:30am to5pm I saw ZhenZhen,Su Lin, Then Kay the lady who was talking and giving all the info on the pandas. Thank Kay your a wonderful lady
I will be back at least 2 more times before I go back home to Seattle,whitch by the way Fall has srung in Seattle meaning yes RAIN!! Im from there so Im use to it.I got sooooooooooooooo many pictures video it was a awsome experience. CONGRADULATIONS Bai Yun & Gao Gao on your baby BOY!!!!!! again,OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:27 pm
I KNEW IT!!!!!!! Whooo Hoooooo! Thank you to the Panda Staff at SDZ for all of the updates and heartwarming narratives. It’s almost like we are there!
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Glad all is well with HIM!!! He is a butterball. Did we get a measurement on that tummy Kathy???? Just curious to know how round he is!! Now I can relax because every day I’d open the site looking to see if the exam had been done yet – Kathy hope you gave him a little squeeze for all of us!! Thanks for the update!
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Thanks so much for sharing this w/ us. The cub is very adorable and I am sure he has inherited his parents good looking genes. I was wondering if there will be any video of the exam you can also share w/ us eager pandaholics. Again, great job everyone is doing at SD Zoo
)
Moderator’s note: Video will be posted soon, but we knew our panda fans wouldn’t want to wait for the news
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Glad that he is doing well and growing as he should. I had guessed at the cub being a boy right from seeing the clip of his birth!
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
BAI IS RUNNING INTO THE DEN. THERE IS HYSTERICAL CRYING COMMING FROM THE CUBLETT..
B: LITTLE ONE WHAT IS THE MATTER?
C: MOMMIE IT WAS AWFUL..DON’T LET THEM TAKE ME THERE AGAIN…
B:WHAT HAPPEN?
C:WELP THEY WERE NICE AD FUSSED OVER ME..AW, OOOH…BUT THEN SOME ONE SAID HE’S SO PRECIOUS I CAN JUST EAT HIM UP..MOMMIE I CAN’T GO ALL GONE..I SCARED!!!!!
B:OH LITTLE ONE THAT IS AN EXPRESSION OF LOVE, THEY’RE JUST FUSSING OVER YOU.
C:OH TA MOMMIE.
B:YOU’RE A BOY!!!!
C:LIKE MY DADDY? OH BOY…WILL YOU TELL MY DADDY I AM JUST LIKE HIM??
B:YES SON.
C:WHAT ARE I CALLED?
B:WE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE 100 DAYS OLD…CHINESE CUSTOM.
PEOPLE WILL BE ASKED TO VOTE ON A NAME. THEY WILL GET TOGETHER WITH CHINA AND AND
GIVE US 5 CHINESE NAMES FOR 5 DESCRIPTIONS OF YOUR NAME. THE HUMANS WILL VOTE AND THE NAME WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE 100TH DAY!!!
C: I WANT TO BE CALLED “CUDDLES”
B:OH NO, YOU’LL BE GIVEN A STRONG NAME-YOU’RE A VERY ROBUST CUB…A WARRIOR.
C:OH MOMMIE I AM SO CITED FOR MY NAME.
B:PATIENCE SON..
C:MOMMIE HOLD ME AND TELL ME THE SORY OF “BAMBI”….”WAKE UP, WAKE UP!! A NEW PRINCE IS BORN…WHATCHA GONNA CALL ‘EMMMM?
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm
My Boy Lolli-pip…well, now I know exactly what pip is and I’m as thrilled as everyone else. I’m very glad that the exam went well. I miss Sheng so, and I am just thrilled to have another little boy to watch grow up. These pandas really do enter your heart and never leave. No matter where they eventually reside. Thank you for letting us all know about baby boys first exam.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
So when is Gao Gao handing out blue bamboo cigars? The girls will love having a baby brother to boss around. Congratulations to all – da bears, da staff and da bloggers.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Yippee!!! A baby boy!!! Great to hear that mom and babee where okay with the first exam. I can almost hear Bai’s grateful sigh…”thank God, SDZ finally let me eat my breakfast in peace…and took the baby off my hands…”…hahaha…
In the midst of life’s trials…it’s great to celebrate with SDZ!
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:45 pm
What a great experience for me as a newcomer to the Panda world! Your cam has brought me up close and personal to the birth of a baby boy! Bai is such a good Mom, watching her the past few weeks has educated me on panda behavior; and she even looks at the cam giving permission to check out her baby!
The pictures of baby cub’s first exam are precious! Thank you to all, I envy your positions at being so close to these wonderful pandas!
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Wooohhh, 1,259 grams!!! At 29 days Xi Lan was weighing 969 grams… But he was weighing 1,244 grams at 34 days. Considering Xi Lan difficult beginning in life, it is not too bad that he was only about 5 days behind Bai Yun’s cub.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I knew it! I knew it! i knew he was a boy the minute I laid eyes on that sweet little creature. Thank you for the thrilling, furry news!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Thank you all SO much for the utter bliss and joy of being able to share the birth and growth of the new little boy. The only thing that would make it any better would be allowed the privilege of holding him just once. Many many blessings to all your staff, team and of course mama and baby boy.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
This is my 3rd cub here at San Diego, and I have witnessed one at Zoo Atlanta, As I saw the post and started reading, tears were welling up in my eyes. Everyone one of us wants our child to be healthy. Then to here he is a boy. If the guys I work with weren’t here I guarentee you I would have been crying my eyes out.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Did the staff know he was a boy from the get go and just kept it a secret? He looks ever so content now…I think he’s just laying there without ma, being all proud of himself….thank you everyone for this great day.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Woo hoo! A beautiful baby boy! How exciting for all, especially the much-envied Kathy. How ever do you restrain yourself from just kissing him all over? I don’t think I would be able to.
Congratulations to all the wonderful people who make this all possible. And, of course, to the Bai-Gao clan on their new scion!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Yeahhh…. A boy !! I knew it, I knew it !!! Congrats Bai, Gao, & SDZ, it’s a boy. =)
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
From the minute we (many of the bloggers) saw that Bai and Gao Gao had mated, we “knew” that beautiful Bai was pregnant and we just “knew” it would be a boy this time. Who knows how our wishful thinking was translated into reality, but how exciting to finally know! Little mini-Gao is as adorable in color as he is in black and white and will keep Bai very busy in the coming year and a half.
And for those of us who are Zhen Zhen fans–she’s still the baby girl!
Moderator–I’m looking forward to seeing the cub comparison charts that were mentioned a few blogs back. Any idea when they will be posted?
Moderator’s note: We are still working on it as time allows.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
As a native of San Deigo and an admitted lousy Zoo vistor, I must confess, if I’d not had the last 3 months off due to a “short term disability” stint, I’d not of become a “Bai Yun & Cubbie, cam fan.” I’ve watch this amazing animal and an outstanding mother, nearly 24/7, not to mention we’ve bought “2″ year around passes since! I difinitely have educated myself and been educated by this Panda, Bai Yun and her “keepers.” I’ve been stunned to see what an amazing and wounderful mother Bai Yun is. As I return to work next week, I fret that I must attend, “P.C.A!” That’s short for, “Panda Cam Anonymous,” as I’m certain to have “withdrawls,” (at least during the day!) Who whould of thought a Panda and her cub could bring so much contentment, joy and be the perfect “medicine” to a human!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Yay for the boy! I was wrong! (I thought it was girl, but was hoping for a boy.)
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Yippee! He is adorable! What a beautiful bouncing baby boy and so healthy and chubby! Bai is nursing him right now and is such a patient and loving Mommy! He looks so tiny on the cam, next to Bai, but what a handful he is when you see a human holding him. Thank you for sharing the stats! Off to watch the slideshow and giggle with joy!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Well, give the majority of us a gold star, because we guessed HE’S A BOY! (Just like we knew what we were doing.) But I’m so glad he’s a boy. I know he will be just like Tai and Sheng. What a joy to watch.
Congrats to all the panda team and keepers. You have the system down, and the happy, healthy pandas are a testiment to that.
For those who have trouble with the cam because of all the traffic, most of the time you can hit the postcard button and you get a (still) picture. At least by doing that we can know what is going on.
Congrats to all of us!!!!
And a happy, healthy life to you, little boy.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I have never seen a momma breast feed her baby, this is awesome right now. Momma b changing baby first from one arm and breast to the other. What an amazing view we have. I am truly awestruck. It is like she is in a training video for all panda moms. Thank you meerkats, for this amazing view! I have never seen a momma so calm and relaxed and loving toward her child. She is the best of the best mommas…..
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Congratulations SDZ staff and to Bai and Gao – it was so wonderful to learn ‘officially’ that Mei Sheng now has a baby brother.
I recall Mei Sheng’s birth, Bai was just as attentive and also enjoyed many extra cuddles with him, I think she has ‘early learning’ play classes with her cubs! When Mei Sheng was born we had to wait for dna results to determine who was his ‘daddy’? I guessed his daddy was Gao Gao because he also had a ‘dip in his profile’ which gives ‘likelihood’ of being the correct parent! Bai Yun loves all her cubs however I recall Mei Sheng being a momma’s boy.
Kathy …… I was delighted to read your report as I have not heard news of you for awhile, I was very happy to read your most informative write up, as I expected you carried Bai’s precious cub for his first examination – I recall when you carrried the first cub to be examined – seems like only yesterday!
I have loved every stage of a new cubs ‘adventures’ – it is wonderful news that we now have a new kid on the block, I am certain all ‘panadholics’ will be intrigued with his development in the coming months.
P.Wong…..I feel a conversation coming on…….
SDZ – many congratulations to all concerned, you all work as team with excellent results – thank you for making our lives that much happier.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Congratulations Bai Yun and Gao Gao and SDZ! We were right in our guesses from scientific evidence from the research graphs, as well as from the video close-up of the “jewels.” Glad to know HE is healthy, and obviously happy. I knew Bai Yun was protecting her precious son for some reason. She was so proud she wanted to keep him to herself until he was old enough and confident enough to greet the keepers and the world. Besides stethoscopes can be cold if you are not used to them. By protecting him for so long they were both ready for his “debut.” What a joy it must have been for you Kathy to have the privilege of holding the “little prince” for the first time! It is wonderful that he was so calm and enjoyed the experience and time with you. You too are an acrobat to crawl into the den. I thought you used an access door in the side, so having to crawl through the entry door must have been a real challenge. Now you know how well Bai Yun had prepared her den to keep her cub snug and warm and safe from predators, who she also built to keep out.
She is holding him so tenderly this afternoon ’sitting’ against her body on her forearm. She definitely has a special spot for this boy for reasons known only to her. We will have to watch and see as his life unfolds.
In the exam photo it looks almost like his right eye is partially open, but that doesn’t seem possible from previous cubs experience. At what age do the eyes start to open? I was thinking it was more 2-3 months of age and this would be way too early. But, since this exam is later than others, it may be possible. Could you tell if his hearing is more acute than before? Any behavior comparisons, other than that he was very CALM, and therefore the exam went extremely well. At least you didn’t have to run back to the den and crawl through in a hurry to return him before he or Bai Yun became impatient and agitated.
Moderator’s note: Since we’re working on the milestones, we can say that our previous cubs’ eyes have opened fully between Day 50 and 60.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Yay!!! A beautiful baby boy!! He is so cute!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Oh how wonderful — now Mei Sheng has a little brother!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I knew it !!! He has his ‘man stuff’ starting to show already… how cute and awesome for the zoo… I also said on the FB page a while back, ‘he’ would weigh more than 2 1/2 pnds when it came time.. good eater.. fat belly very happy…
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Well, aren’t we all a bunch of smarty pants — we knew all along our little cubbie was a boy!! Congratulations SDZ — you all must be over the moon — have such a beautiful, healthy baby to carry on Gao Gao’s genes — truly spectacular. Looking forward to all the fun to come — once this little guy gets his “sea legs” — bet he’s going to be a handful and pure delight to watch cause mischief and drive poor mama Bai crazy! YAY!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Can you please let us know how this wonderful little boy compares to his siblings at the same age for weight and height please?
Thank you for keeeping us all posted on this wonderful news.
Moderator’s note: At 34 days, Zhen Zhen weighed 1,466 grams or 51.7 ounces.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Opps, Kathy now I see the door you used. It has an access hole in it, but I didn’t realize it is also a door. It would barely fit a thin agile person like you. Congratulations on getting into the mouse size keyhole.
I knew that being the impatient creatures that humans are, we would barely get through this milestone and the race would be on for the naming events. Hopefully Bai Yun can teach us all some lessons in patience. She takes her time deliberately and savors every moment. So should we. He will be grown soon enough and we will wistfully wish he was a tiny cub again.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I knew this cub was a boy! I am so excited I guessed right. More importantly than being right about the sex, I am glad the exam proved all is well with the new “male” panda at the San Diego Zoo. We are all blessed to be able to take part in this exciting time. Thank you again for sharing this wonderful and precious news with all of us.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I watch the panda cam at “little breaks” in my day. He is soooo adorable. I had a hunch he was a boy too! Its just amazing to see Mommy and baby together. Bai Yun is sooo great at being a Mommy, the way she holds and cuddles him. Thank you SDZoo for taking such good care of these beloved animals. I love them so much. Keep up the great work! Enjoy the cam immensely! — A panna fan in Milwaukee
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
To Tami Michaud: Keep the “stories” from the panna cub coming! How cute! Reminds me of Nessie’s work on the Zoo Atlanta cam videos! (By the way, what ever happened to Nessie and the videos? Haven’t seen anything in awhile ?!?!)
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:49 pm
thanks for the update and thanks to tamy for that…um…great exchange of words between mom and son. Speaking of son, congrats! its a boy! Sure, it may look cute now, but it will start to get an attitude later, and im sure mom will not like that.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
The Update we’ve been waiting for has arrived!!!! A Boy!!! Congratulations to the SDZ and especially to Bai and Gao!!!! The photo is so nice!!! I think Little Dude is smiling
He’s obviously ‘Star’ material 
Tami #26: Very cute conversation
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Kathy, what an honor — the first person to hold our panda boy! How exciting! Mei Sheng now has a little brother and hopefully a little daughter.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
LOL – I think we all “knew” it was a boy…or at least suspected/hoped!!! Congrats again to Bai, Gao, and, of course, the SDZ staff. Our boy sure looks the picture of perfect health, and robust seems to be an understatement! I’ll have no problem remembering his birthday since he was born the same day as my dad who thinks the cub should be named after him. For some reason I don’t think Sam quite fits. Looking forward to watching many more milestones in his development.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I knew it! Plumpers acts just like Sheng did with Bai: very clingy, seeking attention constantly, crying when Mommy is away for too long. Every single boy panda cub I’ve ever seen has always been a Mama’s boy ,and they always have a huge amount of trouble separating from Mom when that time comes. Sheng did, Tai Shan did, Xi Lan will, and Plumpers will when the time comes. All the panda cub girls have been very independent from the get-go.
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Congratulations; I just saw the sweetest picture ever seen of a baby panda on Facebook and I had to come here to read all the beautiful news. Thank you!
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
that was my guess a boy!! oh man that is sooo cool…and he was quiet thru the exam?!! and he came out of mama like someone spanked him LOL …I can’t wait for the videos of him..he sure is strong tho
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Did you all just hear me gasp? I gasped with excitement when I just clicked over to the blog! The first exam!! I am so excited!! And it’s a BOY!!!!!!!!! And I don’t need an anatomy class!
SDZ you all are the very, very best!
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
He is a beautiful baby boy! Thank you for the pictures. I’m looking forward to watching him grow. Can’t wait for more pictures of the little guy. Sooo cute!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Yesss! Anothers little mommas boy! Congratz to everyone at the zoo and the proud parents and sisters (and of course, little Peanuts siblings in China!)
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
THANKS for the news Kathy!!! I’m so excited for you that you got to hold our baby boy first!!! How exciting it must have been for you.
I knew Bai and Gao had themselves another son because I saw a few screen shots of his little “boyness.” The other indication that it was a boy, to me, was the fact that Bai seems to always hold him. He is very much a momma’s boy! He doesn’t like for her to leave him. How exciting for Su Lin and Zhennie (AND Mei Sheng) to have a little brother!!!
I’m looking forward to more updates on our Big Big Boy!!! Thanks for everything y’all do to take such wonderful care of our beloved panda family!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Way to go pandaholics predicting a male! Is it me, or does the young lad already resemble his father Gao Gao?
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
OH!!! So happy to hear the cubbie is a BOY! Beautiful!
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Oh my…a boy…another precious panda boy….thank you for all that you do….oh my
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Wow!!! Just got a view of the photos and the video. Kathy you are one very blessed and special lady!!!
This cub is awesome, and appears to be as sweet as Daddy Gao Gao, and big brother Mei Sheng. He was so calm it was amazing to watch. He didn’t seem to be phased at all by the exam. He seemed to be quite comfortable in human hands, guess all that manipulating and licking Bai Yun has been giving him prepared him for the turns and measurements.
When I saw the close ups of his very closed eyes, I realized that due to the double eyelids in pandas the distance shot made it look like they might be opening slightly. What I said earlier about it being 2-3 months of age looks more realistic. 50-60 days is the exact timing as provided by moderator #45 above. It also sounds like he is on target weight wise if at 34 days ZZ was 1,466 grams or 51.7 ounces. How old was ZZ when Bai allowed her first exam? It will be interesting to see the graph again now that we know he is a boy.
Moderator’s note: ZZ was 20 days old at her first exam.
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I was so excited to get home today and see the great news we now have our second little boys. I was watching the video and it’s amazing how much he’s grown in a month they grow way to fast.
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Wait! Stop! Would someone – Hazel #44, moderators, keepers, someone – please explain Hazel’s comment about having to wait for a DNA test to learn that Gao was the father of Mei Sheng..?? It was my understanding that Gao and Bai mated naturally from the get-go. Was AI also done at that time to try and ensure a successful pregnancy? If so, who was the other possible father?
Oh, and BTW…. Congratulations all! What a handsome boy cub and I can’t wait to watch him as he continues on his journey thru life!
Moderator’s note: Hazel was talking about Mei Sheng, now living in China. A female he bred with had a baby, but she had bred with other male(s) as well, so a DNA test will be needed to determine that cub’s father.
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
What GREAT News!!!
He’s healthy!
and having a full belly helps the exam.
Thanks for the video of the exam, I have a HUGE smile on my face!
Yeah!
Joy
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Kathy, just saw the video and loved the look on your face when the doc told you “it’s a boy”. Sure you work with the pandas but you are just as happy as we are, aren’t you.
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Our little guy reminds me of Mei Sheng!
Cute video and pictures!
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I JUST WATCHED THE VIDEO..NOT ONLY WAS HIS BIRTH QUIET (UNTIL HE HIT THE COLD WITH A ROBUST CRY)…BUT HE WAS AS GOOD AS GOLDDURING THE EXAM..NOT A PEEP!!!! HIS MOMMIE TOLD HIM ABOUT THIS DAY AND NOT TO BE SCARED.WE WOULD HAVE BEEN EXCITED BOY OR GIRL…BUT WATCHING A LITTLE BOY EXPLORING, ETC…IT’S BEEN AWHILE….AND HE IS ROLLY POLLY….
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
wooooooooo hoooooooooooooo we have a little boy cub. How wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!! THanks for the info and keep up the good work. This is soooooooooooo exciting.
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Thank you all so very much for sharing “his” first exam with me. It’s been an amazing and exciting journey for me from his birth to his first exam. I look forward to watching this little guy grow up as I have thoroughly enjoyed watching my gal ZZ grow up. I am so happy all is well with him and Bai Yun.
Congrats again Gao Gao, Bai Yun, and to the SDZ.
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Gosh how happy am I…..just thrilled it’s a boy….and we all knew he was healthy the chubby little thing. Silly as it sounds I feel like he’s my boy…….
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Congratulations to Bai Yun and Gao Gao on the birth of their second son!
Kathy you did a great job carrying the beautiful bundle of joy. The sweet cub is indeed roly-poly, adorable and very well behaved. Thank you for the wonderful video. What a joyful day. I am looking forward to many more videos of this delightful and sweet cubbie. Congratulations to the Panda Staff at the San Diego Zoo for a job well done.
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Now that the little guy has made it through his first exam, he looks like he’s sleeping off his big day. Bai has built him a little shelter to curl up in while she’s not in the den and all looks peaceful.
Uh-oh, squiggle alert, he’s awake. And right on cue, there’s Mom. So sweet.
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Oh my goodness!!!! I predicted that this baby was a boy!!!!!! Congratulations Bai Yun and Gao Gao, and also the Keepers. San Diego if very proud.
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I just watched the video, and I have to agree with Kathy. This was indeed the calmest exam I have ever seen! There was not eve one squeak I heard during the exam! Thank you for posting the video and the photos! Yay for a boy!
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
He is adorable. Good job. I love him. keep up the work little one. tonia
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
That is one healthy handsome looking BOY! It’s a relief to hear that he’s doing so well. It’s nice to look forward to the antics of a boy again after the his last 2 sisters. Mei Sheng was such a joy, I’m sure this one will be, too. What am I saying? They are ALL such a joy to watch grow!!
I am so envious of you Kathy! You always get your hands on those adorable cubs! Congrats to the staff on another healthy 1st exam!! Can’t wait for next weeks report!
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I was sooooo hoping for another little boy. I miss Mei Sheng and this little one will be very blessed to be among his wonderful panda family and all of you fans, of course and super congrats to all of you who get to work in such a wonderful place. I will be down sometime in the Spring and of course I will visiting this new guy. FANTASTIC!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Now that he has been examined, can the staff say at what point they pretty much determined it was a boy? I know you could not officially announce until examination, but when did you get the first good look on the cam? Okay, time to break out the red cloth and get it dry cleaned. He will be ready for his close up soon.
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Congratulations to SDZ staff, Bai, and Gao! So exciting! Welcome beautiful baby boy!
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:58 pm
So thrilled that the exam went well and that -no surprise here – the cublet is perfect in every way! Bai takes such amazing care of her babies, and she has just lavished love and attention on this one. He is as cute as a button. I’ve even posted the video on my Facebook page for the world to see what a cutie pie we have at our very own San Diego Zoo!
To Kathy and the vets, what a marvelous job you have all done, and how patient you must all be to wait this long! It must have been exhilarating to hold the little tyke and check out his vital statistics. Keep up the phenomenal work! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Does anyone else think he looks very proud of himself in that top picture? He knows how chubby and handsome he is!! Yay panda boy! Heart heart heart
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Just knew it was a boy. What a handsome little dude.
For those who like comparisons, I kept records of all Tai Shan’s early exams. He seemed like the biggest little bubba panda ever, but #5 has him beat! On day 30 Tai Shan weighed 2.6 lbs & was 14.25″ long. On day 29 this cub was 2.8 lbs & 14.7″ long. So he has now taken over the nickname “Bubba” as far as I’m concerned.
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Another male for the breeding line. Great for the pandas survival.
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
So glad to hear it’s a boy!!!! Congratulations Gao and Bai. What a handsome son you both have.
Thanks so much for the update. Kathy I envy you getting to carry that adorable young man to and from the den!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Tony #66–I think he looks exactly like Gao Gao. I’ve been calling him mini-Gao.
Kris #71–I think they also used some of Shi Shi’s frozen sperm via AI even though Gao Gao and Bai Yun mated naturally, and had to DNA test to see who was Mei Sheng’s father.
Thanks for the adorable video. Another star is born!
Moderator’s note: Yes, DNA testing revealed the Gao Gao is Mei Sheng’s father.
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I have to add another comment. Back when Tai Shan was named, I had a second favorite name: Qiang Qiang (pronounced I think chee-ong chee-ong) meaning strong. Given the robustness of our little Bubba, I think this would be a good name for him. It is different and I don’t recall any other panda with this name (although there may be some in China).
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Awww, Bai has the poor little guy covered in straw and bamboo right now. LOL !
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:58 pm
so happy the little baby boy is in good health – he seems to be getting fatter and cuter by the minute, if that is possible! and Bai Yun seems to be getting her appetite back in full force – so nice to watch her munching on bamboo with baby panda at her feet. of course, she doesn’t need an exam to know that she has given birth to a perfect little boy
thanks for keeping us informed and for providing the world access 24/7 to this amazing phenomenon!
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:14 pm
I’m so pleased he is so big and healthy. I never doubted he was a boy. If he’s half as much fun as Mei Sheng, he’ll be a handful for Bai Yun and “her staff”!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
#71 Kris…Bai was artificially inseminated with Shi Shi’s sperm in 2003 when she and Gao first mated. It was unknown whether Gao or Shi Shi was the father until the DNA test determined that Gao was Mei Sheng’s dad. A similar scenario played out with the first panda pair at the NZ, when Ling Ling was mated with a panda who’d been shipped in from London. I can’t remember if that was the first year she finally mated with Hsing Hsing or if there was an AI, but a cub was born. Although the cub died, a DNA test confirmed that Hsing had fathered the cub. Hope this wasn’t too much info!
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:42 pm
And #89 Amanda P…The cub does look rather distuinguished for such a little guy! Only a panda cub could pull off distuinguished and adorable all at once!
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Moderator #71 — I think they are referring to Mei Sheng’s pedigree which was uncertain due to Gao’s natural mating and the AI by Shi Shi. Gao, of course, was proven to be the father of Mei Sheng.
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:50 pm
We are all just a bunch of gooey human emotional “stuff” inside. We are all so in love and so GRATEFUL to SDZ. I sent a link to the announce to friends/family. We are all a bunch of panda addicts. But it’s not the least embarrassing at all.
I am blown away these magnificant creatures. So in awe. I just peeked at Lin Hui, and she’s trying to cuddle with Lin Bing. She’s too big now and way too wiggly. She is an incredible mom too. I’m repeating myself, but I am in awe!
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Kris #71-My memory may be rusty, but I believe Bai Yun mated with Gao Gao naturally and had an AI from Shi Shi (Hua Mei’s father) as well the year Mei Sheng was born. DNA showed Gao Gao is Mei Sheng’s father.
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
I just say his video..omg look at his face…his umm got a big nose lol sooo cute…I gotta compare with his sisters! I am excited to see his first crawl
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Oh I wanna be a Pandhandler….LOL!! Congrats SDZ. So exciting. This little guy isn’t as small as he looks on the camera. I broke out the tape measure to get an idea and he is good size. I’m so excited to watch him grow!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
IT”S A BOY!!! Yippee !!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
#71 Kris — you asked about Hazel #44 saying that DNA was done on Mei Sheng to determine his sire. Yes, Bai had mated naturally with Gao Gao, but AI had also been done with sperm from Shi Shi. It was determined from the DNA that superstud Gao was the father.
Oh, happy days are ahead for us, to watch another boy grow up — and with such a marvelous mother to teach him.
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
WE CALLED IT, YOU ALL!!!!!!!!! We have a boy!! Let’s give each other some high fives!! Just saw the pics of this little guy, and he is soooooooooooo CUTE!!!!!!!!!! What we all saw over the last couple of weeks on the cam turned out to be proof positive that Bai has a baby panda boy this time around! Mei Sheng has a little brother, finally! After all those girls! Thanks keepers and the vets for confirming all of our guesses today! We all appreciate it very much! Now, we will all look forward to voting for a great Chinese name for this little guy soon! Moderator, please let us know when you will let all of us start voting for a name, ok? Was just on the cam, and Bai was doing her usual cleanup of her little boy. She’s doing a great job with her cub!
Was also on the AZ cam earlier today, and Lun and Xi were in the other dayroom with the teepee tree structure. Lun was laying down on her pile of boo napping, and Xi was laying on the very top of that teepee structure napping. Still can’t believe that Xi Lan is a year old now! AZ panda keepers are planning a really big birthday bash for all 4 pandas on Sat., Sept. 19, 2009. All 4 pandas will be getting more bday presents on that day, and there will also be keeper talks and other activities to celebrate their bdays! That will be a fun day for everyone. Unfortunately, there will be no pandacam on that day!
Well, gonna get back on the pandacam. Will be back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I just got home – now the tears have started – a boy!!!!!!! How wonderful! Blessings to all, Claudia
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
If I may comment on behalf of lots of staff here, regarding the gender of the newest cub.
WHOO-HOO
–so many peole, in many departments, have been hoping for a boy. I ‘m personallly intersted to see if the diferent rearing we saw among Hua Mei, Mei Sheng , Su and ZZ will show us and teach us exciting new things.
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Oh wow, Kathy, what wonderful news
Now that we’ve gotten the official word that our latest miracle is a healthy chubby cubbie 
we can all breathe a sigh of relief 
Even though Bai is a wonderful Mom & cubbie looked great we all wait for the first exam to confirm that all is well 
And to find out that our cubbie is male just made my day 
And Kathy, how we envy you – it seems as”Senior Keeper” you’ve had the honor of picking up several cubs (how many) for their first exam
– oh dear, poor Bai your fun with a male cub is about to begin -
TAMI – Love your conversations – little one must be scared
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:07 pm
We’re still calling HIM #5 until we get a name. I saw the video! (Kathy was very happy for a boy!) I hope there are pictures in the newspaper! (I will put it in my diary!) That baby boy is a cutie!
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:13 pm
welcome little prince.
looking forward to that mei sheng smile on the little brother.
he looks like he is going to be a really “big big” panda boy.
hugs,
joan
painted post, n.y.
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Thanks for the good news of our new Gao-let.
Conversation with Bai Yun #14
Cubbie #5: Squeak (Mama.)
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
C: Squeak (Where were you a few minutes ago?)
B: Oh, the sun room, dear. So how was your first exam?
C: Squeak (Exam?)
B: Yes, you smell like you’ve been company with latex.
C: Squeak (Wow. You know everything, Mama!)
B: So did you behave during your exam?
C: Squeak (Yes, Mama.)
B: So did you get measured?
C: Squeak (Yes, Mama.)
B: Weighed?
C: Squeak (Uh huh.)
B: Any thoughts?
C: Squeak (I’m in love, Mama.)
B: Huh?
C: Squeak (Auntie Kathy smells really good.)
B: Mmmm. I know Auntie Kathy well.
C: Squeak (And Dr. Pye’s cologne…)
B: Oh, you mean mouthwash, dear.
C: Squeak. (Oh, mouthwash?)
B: Or maybe it was Vegemite…
C: Squeak (I like the smell of Vegemite, too)
B: I tell you what?
C: Squeak (What?)
B: Next time, ask him to try Tabasco sauce.
C: Squeak (Okay, Mama.)
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Now that we know he’s a boy, we can get better at recommending names!
“Opps, Kathy now I see the door you used. It has an access hole in it, but I didn’t realize it is also a door. It would barely fit a thin agile person like you. Congratulations on getting into the mouse size keyhole.”
And Kathy, if anyone ever picks on you for being skinny, tell them about this!
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Yay! Thank God that Mei Sheng finally gets his little brother! LOL! I thought I saw a little wee wee last week when the cub was on his back, exposing his lil round tummy! Wonder if he’s gonna be like Mei Sheng????
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:09 pm
#71 Kris – I think the moderator misunderstood your question. – from what I understand the SDZ performed an AI using Shi Shi’s sperm & then because Bai & super stud Gao mated naturally they had to wait for the dna results to determine Mei Sheng’s pappa
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:44 pm
So it was a boy! Everyone was right. He is about the most precious thing ever I am addicted to Panda Cam and am in such awe of what a wonderful mother Bai Yun is. Thanks so much SDZ and the keepers for letting us see so much and for the wonderful updates!
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Just viewed the video, for the 4th time, of exam this am, what a good boy he was, didn’t make a peep, wonder if he thought it was just ma looking over him very thoroughly…and look at that lower lip! What a munchkin…. just like he’d done this before….what a little pro….and momma so proud today. Sweet angels, Bai and babe.
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Congratulations, It is so nice to have a boy after got 3 girls. But I have been wondering about one thing for long, and i can help asking now, i watched Baiyun’s ultrasound video before, and i want to know what that green crystal stuff is, that was put on Baiyun’s belly before the doctor started ultrasound, is that thing edible? would Baiyun lick it up after ultrasound? what does it taste like? does Baiyun love that? Thanks for replay.
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:38 pm
WELCOME Little Boy!
Thank you so much for letting us all know so quickly that the cub was a boy. He’s so adorable!
I love seeing his cute little “rolly polly”-ness – quite the little tummy on him!
Congratulations to a great mom! Well Done, Bai!
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:44 pm
Gao Gao will be free spring 2010, could it be possible to send Gao Gao to National Zoo Washington DC in the next spring season, and let Gao Gao breed with Mei Xiang ? I am sorry Tian.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:26 am
I think there might be an unintenional wrong answer given moderator..#44 Hazel was talking about Mei Shengs birth and having to have DNA testing done to see who his father was. There was a AI procedure done and also a natural mating with the super couple Bai and Gao. I might be wrong but I think the AI was done with Shi Shi’s sperm. Of course we all know the results of the testing made Gao Gao a first time father. And even more amazing, now we have to wait to see if Mei Sheng is the father of Ying Ying’s cub. It’s happening all over again! Pandaholics are the facts true as stated by me? If I’m incorrect on any of the statements made, please jump in and correct what is wrong.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Wow, such incredible news, a boy!!! I am sooooo happy and joyful to find this out, and on my own birthday even. A happy and healthy boy cubbie for all of us to love and adore. It just doesn’t get any better than this!
September 4th, 2009 at 7:51 am
I am so excited the video of the first exam is posted. Now if only I can watch it. Waiting patiently for the video link and the panda cam to start working again! Thank you meerkats for all you do for us pandaholics!
September 4th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Woo hoo! I got to see the exam. Thank you so much for getting the video site and panda cam back up and running so quickly! Love all you do for the pandas and us pandaholics!
September 4th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Great we’ve got another little boy and wasn’t he quiet. Obviously you want that for the exam since Bai would hear him otherwise. He seemed fairly sleepy but looks just great.
September 4th, 2009 at 8:33 am
How sweet, i just would have given him a kiss! so cute glad he is doing well , i will be watching him grow. It would be a pleasure to hold him, you are lucky.
September 4th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Pandasliveon has 5 of the most adorable picture of our BOY, I still think he is so much like his brother Mei Sheng and now more future super genes to keep the breeding stock healthy. Now for sure Nov. won’t come fast enough for me to be able to see him.
Amanda # 89 you are so right ,just look at that lower pouty lip. To cute
September 4th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Congratulations to SDZ on their adorable, healthy panda boy! When I was watching Su Lin as a baby, I remember thinking that she might well be Bai Yun’s last cub. So what a blessing to be able to see Su, Zhen Zhen, and now this little guy grow and thrive. SDZ should be so proud of all they’ve accomplished. One thing I can’t figure out, though. Dr. Pye and Kathy Hawk never seem to age–is that from working with pandas?
September 4th, 2009 at 8:48 am
YIKES! Did we crash the site again? I’ve been trying to get in all morning, but wasn’t able to do so until a few minutes ago. Hmm… never underestimate the power of thousands of people worshipping an impossibly cute baby panda, I guess.
I laughed out loud when I saw Kathy mouth the words, “It’s a boy” in the video. He sure is a cutie!
September 4th, 2009 at 8:52 am
I am finally going to visit the SDZ and see these amazing pandas for myself. I have been pondering this for the last few years. As soon as the little one goes on display, I’ll be there!
Thanks for the update! Congratulations Bai and Gao. Thanks to all the keepers, I wish I had your job, panda poop and all.
September 4th, 2009 at 9:00 am
What great news about the baby being a boy. The video so great. He is so round and cute. Will do my job and vote in the naming when it is time. Good job SDZ.
September 4th, 2009 at 9:14 am
To #39: AJ, I totally agree with you. The moment I came to see the giant pandas three years ago at SDZ, I became their instant fan:-). Ok, I loved the koalas and polar bears too. SDZ is one of the best places on earth for me. If only I can go there everyday. I am not as lucky as you are because I don’t live in SD. Each time I visit SDZ and the Wild Animal Park, I wish I work there too. And yes, SDZ thank you for giving us the chance to visit both places for such a cheap price by offering us an annual price.
To #26: Tami….as always, thank you for Mommy and Baby’s conversation:-). It always makes me smile.
SDZ, thank you for the video of the baby’s first exam. Indeed, he is a rolly-polly:-). He is so adorable….and those pictures are priceless.
To everyone at SDZ, HAVE A HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND. Every creatures under your care are very lucky to have you all.
September 4th, 2009 at 9:29 am
This is the most fabulous news, A BOY !!!, I was wishing for a boy,, he has been a long time coming,, Congratulations to Bai and Gao, and ofcouse all at SDZ too,
It’s so wonderful to be watching a baby oncemore,, it only seem like yesterday that Mei Sheng was a baby,,
I’ve been calling the cub “Little Nibbit”,,, since he was born,, so now I can’t wait for his naming day to come round,,, I wonder if he and Bai and Gao will like the name he will be given,,, perhaps he will still like to keep all is sweet baby names we have all called him, from Cuddles, cutie pie, and chublet,,
Maybe,, we will hear him say, ” I izz a big bear now at 100 dayzz,, izz chooz’z my ownzz namz,, izz will “,,
and Bai will say,” Now little one,, we all have to go through it,, be good,, it doesn’t hurt you know “,,
Oh whay fun we all are going to have watching our little one grow,, though not to fast I hope !!!
Chrissy Beahan,
Worcestershire,
England.
September 4th, 2009 at 9:33 am
#113 – P.Wong..Thanks, you’re the greatest interpreter!
So glad the first exam went so well. HE is such a bundle of joy for all of us. I can’t think of a day starting out well without a “tour” of all my panda sites. It is like sunshine every time I see any of them. Like all the rest of you, I want to cuddle and kiss them all (and who could possibly resist our new joy boy???).
September 4th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Thanks to all who answered my question about Mei Sheng’s parentage. I wasn’t aware that Bai also had AI at the time. And I was a little more confused when the moderator said Hazel was talking about Mei Sheng possibly being a daddy because Hazel wrote “when Mei Sheng was born”. Anyway, thanks for clearing that up for me!
Hopefully soon we will hear the results of the China cubby’s DNA test. It would be wonderful if Mei Sheng was a father too! Then, Gao and Sheng could enjoy bamboo cigars together, at least in our imaginations. Maybe if we get the news that the cub is indeed Mei Shengs, P Wong could find a tourist in China to have a conversation with him! 
September 4th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Oops – I also wanted to say – Kathy, you have the most awesome job in the whole world. And the look on your face in the video when you said it was a boy – priceless!!!
September 4th, 2009 at 9:48 am
How sweet! I thought it would be a boy ! Wanted to add, the date today, exam day is Friday SEPT 4. Shows the date as the 3rd of Sept.
Moderator’s note: The exam took place Thursday, Sept. 3.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:12 am
“YIKES! Did we crash the site again?”
Anyone know the Mandarin words for “site crash” and whether or not these can also mean something else that’s dignified, and masculine or unisex instead of feminine, when written with other characters? That could make such an apt name for he who inspires his fans to crash this site.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Thanks, P Wong #113. Squeak!
And if I may continue to be irreverant (after the exam, back in the den):
B: Hello, little one (taking furtive look under the cub) how was the exam?
C: Squeak! (Why does everybody keep looking there, Mom?)
B: Well, dear…(thinking to herself: the little knobs are still there–it must be OK. I don’t have to lick them off after all! In fact, they all seem quite pleased)…they’re just making sure I’ve been cleaning you enough.
C: Squeak! Squeak! (Believe me, Mom, you have!) Squeak! (That tickles!) Squeak! (I’m upside down again!) Squeak! Squeak!
B: It’s so nice to hear you squeak when I clean you–you must like it a lot.
C: Squeak! (Mom!)
B: In honor of your first exam, I think I’ll give you an extra special cleaning…
C: Squeak! Squeak! Squeak!
B: That’s nice dear…
I was very interested in Ellie #109’s comment that the staff are excited about the cub being a boy, too. Good work, Bai and Gao!
Happy weekend, all.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:15 am
One month old tomorrow, Little Man. Have a great day.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Congratulations Bai/Gao and the siblings, all. Plus you wonderful keepers, and the Doctors. He is an adorable little cub, and to watch his first exam was awesome, I am now going to watch the pictures.
Thanks SDZ.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:28 am
#113 P Wong – Gao-let! Love it. And the conversation too.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:45 am
I would just love to hold that little chubbie cubbie! He is adoreable! Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on his health. Bai done good!
September 4th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Wow I all most had a heart attack I thought you done away with the panda blog and exchange it with the Facebook blog. I see you just redone your website and add Facebook to it. I love this blog not so foe of Facebook even through I have a page.
Now I can enjoy my pandas and the panda blogs. Our little guy is so adorable I just want hug him.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I just got on the Panda Cam, and there it is, the revamped Panda Cam site! I guess we pandaholics have crashed the site too often these days. It needed a new facelift! =)
September 4th, 2009 at 10:53 am
What wonderful news, a healthy cub!! We all knew he was but nice to get confirmation. I needed the good news after a minor surgical procedure yesterday. It really helped me feel better.
Congrats to all at SDZ, get ready Bai, the boys are always a handful.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:59 am
It is 11:00 am San Diego time and I’ve been watching the panda cam for quite a while now. Bai Yun doesn’t seem to be acting right. She seems to be acting like something is wrong with her baby boy. Can the moderator please reassure us that all is well in cub land?
Moderator’s note: We have not heard anything to the contrary.
September 4th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Regarding the new look – Are you hinting that we should place our comments on Facebook rather than the usual blog section? If it ever goes to a vote mine will be a ‘no” as the text size, space available, etc. is just not as good as you have here. Why change something that isn’t broken? Sorry.
Moderator’s note: No, we appreciate and encourage our blogs’ readers’ comments. We’re just trying to include a new audience that might not be familiar with or have time to read the blog posts.
September 4th, 2009 at 11:25 am
This has nothing to do with the baby panda I’m sorry to say. The facebook section that is on the panda cam page
is terrible it is to distracting. It takes away from the whole experience
September 4th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Sounds like I am not the only one who doesn’t like facebook here. Please put the camera back in the middle of the page also. It is much more comfortable for people to watch the middle of their screen than the top left corner since that is how we set the screen up in the first place.
September 4th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Hey SDZ……………..In reading the live messages on your new cam page, it seems most folks don’t like it and I for one don’t care for it either. When I’m watching the pandas on the cam, I like that there are no distractions. Your new cam page has too many distractions, so please please change it back to the way it was!!!!!!
TYVM
September 4th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Not sure about having Facebook next to the cam, it’s very intrusive.
September 4th, 2009 at 11:42 am
On the new panda cam page, am I missing the links to the other cams or did you do away with them? I like to switch back and forth to the other cams. Thanks.
Moderator’s note: We are continuing to make upgrades to our Web site. For now, you can link to the other cams by clicking on the “Animals and Plants” subhead at the top of the Panda Cam page.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Thank you for the great update! The video was exciting. It is no wonder why the SDZ’s cubs do so well…look at all that great care. Bai, you are an excellent Mom!
This adventure is going to be fun.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I still prefer the name of Gao Yun, a fitting tribute to both Gao Gao and Bai Yun, and which can apparently be translated as Big Cloud or High Cloud indeed a reference to our little cubbie. As far as the name sounding to much the same as the others consider for a moment Mei Lan and Xi Lan in Atlanta and Hua Mei and Mei Sheng in S.D.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
There is a site on face book for SDZ fans,most people know about face book, i am not sure why you have changed to this, face book is what it is and the live panda cam is just that ,sorry dont mean to sound of but a lot of my time is spent anSDZ panda cam, and all the other panda cams you have, i use face book .to talk to friends and relatives, and cams to wach all the precious animals.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Oh dear, I thougt I was the only one who was kind of confused about the “Facebook” thing:-). I’m not complaining after I read our moderator’s note:
“No, we appreciate and encourage our blogs’ readers’ comments. We’re just trying to include a new audience that might not be familiar with or have time to read the blog posts.”
I just want to let P. Wong, Tami and now Nancy on NYC to know how much I appreciate their interpretations of Momma Bai and our new baby boy’s conversation. You all made me smile…. P. Wong, I miss your posts for awhile now. Thanks for the laugh:-)….
September 4th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Great shot right now showing how high the wall of bamboo is that Bai Yun has made at the opening. Is it to keep people out while Mom is out eating or is it to eat once the little guy is asleep?
September 4th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I am thinking of joining Facebook:-)….Well, let’s see…
September 4th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I agree with Pat #152. It is great that you are making updates to the webpage, but the things that most people watch are now hard to find and the facebook feature is very distracting. It is great to know there is the facebook chat option, but it doesn’t need to be so obvious. It definitely detracts from the primary purpose of why visitors around the world go to this page, TO SEE THE PANDA CAM, and check up on their favorite resident pandas.
Plus, as someone else mentioned we often go back and forth between cameras and it is now much harder to do. That is what keeps us interested in SDZ animal residents and donating our money and making plans to visit.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
#121, in 2007 NZP used Gao Gao’s frozen sperm flown across the country specifically for the purpose of using for AI on Mei Xiang. Unfortunately the AI was not successful. Perhaps in the future this will be tried again as both Gao Gao and Mei Xiang belong to the same panda conservation service in China, and were determined to be a good match genetically. Since Gao Gao is wild born, he is not related to any of the pandas now in captive breeding program to anyone’s knowledge. Therefore the constant reference to how valuable his genes are. To my knowledge the only female that ever had AI with Shi Shi’s sperm was Bai Yun. I do not know if there is any left to use on another panda, but if there is I am certain that Chinese panda authority has it under consideration for the appropriate match.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Please remove the Facebook box or put it under the cam. The picture was small as it was and now it’s half of that.
Moderator’s note: The Panda Cam image is the exact same size it was before the redesign.
September 4th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
P. Wong #113, another lovely conversation between mother and cub, teaching the facts of life around humans. I love the Tabasco comment.
Moderator, thanks for your patience with the exceptional volume of bloggers due to this fantastic announcement of the cub being a little brother for Mei Sheng. Mei Sheng would have been very happy too.
You do an excellent job sorting through all the questions and comments from new bloggers as well as veterans making sure that the facts get stated correctly for the educational enjoyment of all.
Happy Labor Day! Your labor of love for all the animals at SDZ is very evident.
Moderator’s note: Thank you for your kind words, Margaret.
September 4th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Our local NBC station just aired the cubbie’s first exam on the noon news! Very cool to see it on the big screen! He’s even cuter in high def.
September 4th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I like the new look of the panda site. If you find it too distracting then use your arrow keys and make the window smaller so you only see the ‘cam’. That’s what I do and it enables me to watch both Bai and the ZA pandas at the same time.
I really like the photo sections as well..much easier to find things now.. Well done to your web team!!
September 4th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Facebook is blocked at the government facility where I work. Fortunately zoo sites are not! But that means the new panda cam page has a big blank window in the middle. I didn’t even know what that was supposed to be until I read the blog posts complaining about facebook. I would recommend taking it off the main page, as I don’t want to generate a lot of hits trying to access a banned site.
Congratulations on your beautiful boy! I have greatly enjoyed watching the past 4 weeks. Our boy (Tai Shan, Lord of the Trees) is all grown up.
September 4th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
I am sorry that Facebook has been added to the panda cam. There are responses from people who do not love the pandas like the people who have been loyal on the blogs. And they use inappropriate language. Pandas are not boring! Please take it down. My heart hurts for the fans and
Bai Yun and cubbie who have to read the facebook notes. Please!
September 4th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
As usual the people or management at the SAN DIEGO ZOO and the WILD ANIMAL PARK just can’t leave well enough alone and this is from a member and ZOO contributor while other parts of the web sites take forever to update!
September 4th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
This is my first comment.
I’ve loved the panda cam since my sister sent me the link after Hua Mei was born. It is truly one of the neatest sites on the whole internet. Thank you San Diego Zoo, and wonderful people who take care of the pandas.
The addition of comments is DISTRACTING and unfortunately takes away from the experience of watching the ANIMALS. We have technology intruding into every segment of our lives. We protect animals in zoos in order to share them with people who would otherwise never see them.
Watching this panda mom with her cub has been especially heartwarming because she is SO nurturing and committed to the well-being on her cub.
She could be a role model for most moms today. We can learn from animals. I think intoducing this Facebook feature alongside the panda cam diminishes the purity of the experience. Unlike the comments HERE, some of those comments are inane. If someone really wanted to show how humans are often exceeded in nobility by the animals, this would be a great way to do it. Unfortunately, it pulls down the beauty of the page:-(
Thanks again for providing these intimate glimpses into the wonderful world of animals, especially these beautiful black and white bears.
September 4th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Kris #71 and #136 – and our hard working moderators.
Please accept my apologies for the ‘confusion’ I caused in my post #44 by omitting to mention that Shi Shi was in contention as Mei Sheng’s ‘possible’ other daddy, Bai Yun had AI with sperm donated earlier from Shi Shi (who is also is the father of of Hua Mei – by AI)
Mighty Gao Gao had arrived at SDZ a few ‘weeks’ earlier and when he met Lady Bai Yun it was ‘love at first sight’ and they mated naturally – he was eventually determined as Mei Sheng’s sire.
A special thank you to all the bloggers who have clarified my post.
Like everyone I am delighted the new kid on the block is another boy, Bai loves all her cubs but the boys seem to enjoy being with mom whereas Su Lin and Zhen Zhen (little Miss Independence!) kept Bai on her toes from the day they were born!
When I logged on earlier today I noted the updated site, the Facebook link that earlier was on the right hand side of the front page appeared in the centre.
This is not to my personal liking, because it is ‘mobile’ and constantly updating, therefore it a distraction from baby boy and momma Bai Yun…….regards…
September 4th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I was wondering what was up with the cam page-there’s a big white block with ACCESS DENIED-SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ARE PROHIBITED! in it from my work web filter. So, it sounds like there’s an active Facebook screen on there now. That may be a HUGE problem for some people whose work doesn’t mind a zoo web page, but they may get in hot water for trying, although inadvertantly, to access Facebook at work. Just a thought.
September 4th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I have to cast my vote that I don’t care for having the facebook thing on the panda cam page either. It is great that you all are trying to be innovative and improve the website but change isn’t always necessarily for the better. Now, I realize this may change nothing but thought I’d just put my 2 cents in..
September 4th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I have the same issues as Kathy # 167. Also, I liked being able to switch between cams (pandas, elephants, polar bears, etc.). This is not as easy with the new design.
I do like having the recent blog titles on the main page so you know immediately if there is something new. It is also nice that you don’t have to scroll to get to the blog button. Thanks for all of your efforts to share information with so many people!
September 4th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Can we tweak the Live Panda Cam so we aren’t forced to watch the facebook dialog? A nice box to click on to shut it down would be very helpful. I find it distracting!
September 4th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Take facebook off and make the image bigger!
September 4th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Are you getting money or some type of payment from facebook- is this what changed the site? just make a box I can click on to shut it down. Then the other audience you are seeking will be happy and so will we.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
# 176 – Jane. Yeah, kinda not diggin the Facebook plant either. Mods. We are happy with reading the blogs, but to be forced to look at everyone’s facebook entry ? Not everyone is a fan of Facebook and or Twitter.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I agree! The facebook sidebar is really distracting. I’m having to minimize the window to block it out! Would be great to have the option to take the facebook window away and make the live cam shot larger. Many thanks!
Moderator’s note:
This post has received a large volume of comments recently expressing various opinions about Panda Cam’s new format. Your voices have been heard! But for now we ask that future comments sent to this post be related to the topic of pandas, please, and not about the changes to the Panda Cam page. Thank you all for your understanding.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I have been watching the cub daily since his birth, and I must say it’s been one of the highlights of my day to see how he is doing. And I love the blog entries too. This is a wonderful thing that is happening and is a prefect use of the internet.
Best wishes for the cub and the staff and everything you guys are doing at the zoo!
September 4th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Thank you Kathy for the joyous news regarding ‘our’ new baby BOY!!! I am so thrilled – I had hoped for a boy! Kathy, your reaction was PRICELESS! He was such a sweetie during his exam, not even a squeak! I watched Bai come back to the den afterward, you’d never know something had happened! Fantastic protocol, SDZ! Know that your ‘work’ is appreciated by so many!! Good job, Gao Gao and Bai Yun!
One question: Why does Bai sometimes dig at the bamboo when she returns (and inadvertently bury the precious boy)? Is it to “fluff” it? I’ve seen her do it so often now…I’m curious!
September 4th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
This blog for and by people who really have something significant to say about SDZ and our Pandas and have demonstrated their vast knowledge and appreciation of SDZ and the staff here in this blog. This is the most wonderful blog about Pandas on the internet (I think) and during the tragedy at Wolong it proved to be more than a fan page, it was a lifeline and news source as to how we could pitch in and help and where we could make donations.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I know I am late with this, but was away all day yesterday and missed the news about the baby being a boy!! I am so excited today..,will definitely watch this little guy growing up and anticipate him turning into a dandy panda man some day. It is a happy day for me today for sure! Thank you San Diego Zoo for having these magnificent creatures, and for giving them your best care at all times.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Glad the cub is a boy, no surprise for those of us who saw him a lot over these 4 wks! Adorable exam video and nice pics. 2 boys 2 girls is perfect!
September 4th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I never cease to be amazed at the perceptions when watching the cam live that things move so slowly and that there is not a lot of movement in the den and watching the “high speed” videos which are a real revelation of the activity that is going on. The little guy is definitely moving a lot more — wiggling, stretching, etc. — than even a couple of days ago. It’s so much fun to watch him grow.
Tami and P. Wong — you did it again — and Frances you caught the follow up with Bai and cublet with perfect pitch. Thanks guys!
September 4th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
If anyone can try to write a “conversation” about how the girls are feeling about their new baby brother, it would be great!
Congrats to the new little boy!
September 4th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Kathy I too love the expression on your face when you are holding the cub in the blanket and when you are “announcing” to the world that its a BOY! Priceless.
Bai and Snuggles are sleeping soundly oblivious to all the attention about them. Since Snuggles in sleeping under a big piece of bamboo, I wonder if Bai is getting him acclimated to the scent? Eau de bamboo, sorry not Tabasco this time. I think it very interesting how Bai is fond of cologne and other scents on humans. I recall seeing Su Lin stop and sniff the air when certain visitors were passing as if they had on a particular scent that caught her attention. She did it for several minutes, so it wasn’t a passing thing. I have not observed ZZ being as enamoured of scents. ZA recently wrote about the first time they have seen Mei Lan react to any scent. Her parents are very scent motivated, so they were surprised that she was not. Since Shi Shi’s scent receptors seem to have been affected by his injuries which ultimately brought him to Wolong for treatment and permanent residence, he must not have been motivated by scent enrichments either. That would leave keepers with some very creative thinking to do.
September 4th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Ahhhhhh, it looks like Bai is patting Baby Boy. And he has so much frog fur. What a baby.
Someone emailed the picture of the Baby Boy to me, and I emailed them back, telling them who it was. I was lovingly told that it was scary that I knew who the picture was of and who his mommy was. So I emailed them back with the whole family tree of names. We are just a bunch of misunderstood pandaholics, I guess.
September 4th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
The closeup of Snuggles just now showed HIM in all his splendor. It was hard not to notice that he is a BOY!
I love the photo gallery. It is hard to believe that the cubs were so small when they first went outside. I remember ZZ learning to climb. I especially love the three photos of Bai staring intently at her cub. She has such tenderness in her eyes which is amazing for such a large wild animal. The one with the cub (ZZ I presume) lying on the log looking straight at Bai with two pieces of bambo extended toward the cub is a classic. It is as if it is a lesson in bamboo and how to eat it.
September 4th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Since most of us on this blog have been watching Bai Yun and her cub in the den for hours on end, we might understand better the problem encountered in the wild by Panda mom or future/potential mom. For a long time the decrease in bamboo in the wild has been seen as a reason for the endangered panda population. There is an article “Panda mothers and the importance of adequate den sites in the wild” posted on “Pandas Live On” on 2 September 2009 in which Ron Swaisgood of the San Diego Zoo, among others, suspects that past logging might have deprived pandas of “suitable family accommodation”. Don’t miss to read it, it is very important for the panda protection.
Just to remind us how fast panda cubs are growing, there is an entry today, also on “Pandas Live On” about Lin Ping starting to walk… Very cute pictures. There is such a strong contrast between the “bear” concrete room where she normaly is with her mom Lin Hui and the baby crip in which she is when on display…
September 4th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Hi,this is Pandafan #2 with a new name! I just saw our little boy alone again! I really want to see the girls and Gao again! I miss ZZ’s tree climbing….could the camera operators do anything to make camera time equal for the other pandas?
September 4th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
ZHEN ZHEN AND SUE LIN UP IN YHE TREES HAVING A COVERSATION:
Z: WHAT WAS WITH DADDY YESTERDAY????
S: THE KEEPERS TOLD HIM HE HAS A SON AND HE WENT OVER THE TOP!!!
HE’S BEEN ASKING THE KEEPERS TO GIVE OUT LEAF EATER BISCUITS TO ALL THE ANIMALS IN THE ZOO.
Z: OH OUR BABY IS A BOY…YEA MOMMIE AND DADDY…WE’RE A SANDWICH A BOY, A GIRL, A GIRL AND A BOY. I FEEL KINDA BAD FOR OUR VERY BIGGEST SISTER…SHE’S MOMMIES AND OUR HALF SISTER BUT SHE’S NOT PART OF OUR FAMILY SANDWICH BUT WE LUV HER JUST THE SAME…
S: YEA….MAYBE WE WILL SEE EACH OTHER AT THE HOWDY DOOR SOME DAY?? ANS MAYBE WE CAN SEE OUR LITTLE BROTHER,TOO…
Z: I GOTTA GO THE KEEPERS CALLING ME…SEE YA LATTER..BYE…LUV YOU…XXXXX
September 4th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Thanks, Mary #185–couldn’t resist.
I am still puzzling about what ZZ’s new behavior might be. I have seen her standing up on her hind legs to eat–part of her asserting her identity as a GIANT panda, perhaps.
I agree with you Margaret #189 about that picture. So many new teachable moments to look forward to! My other all-time favorite picture is one of the ones issued as a screen saver–the one of Bai Yun holding Zhennie, framed by the tree. Makes me sigh every time I look at it.
September 4th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Yeah! I am so glad it is a boy. I love looking at the Panda Cam. Mom really takes good care of baby. He is so cute.
September 4th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
hi, my name es diana, from the chihuahua city, mexico. estoy encantada con el bebe panda,
que es NIÑO !!!!! todos los dias lo veo, y es un bebe realmente hermoso, cuidenlo mucho, felicidades a la mama panda por este hermoso bebe. MIL BESOS
September 4th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
estimados profesionales:gracias por hacernos participar de la magnificencia de la naturaleza en su expresion mas simple.A los que seguimos el proceso ya consideramos a este hermoso bebe como de la familia.he visto todos los links, estan para el discovery!!disculpen el no escribir en ingles,espero que lo puedean leer … saludos,desde sudamerica,let. next time i promise to write full english.
Moderator’s note: Yes, we usually just post comments in English, as the moderator’s are not fluent in other languages and we don’t want to risk posting something inappropriate. Thank you.
September 4th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Kathy – had no idea you had to be Houdini to get into the birth den & scoop up our cubbie for his first exam
We have the DVD of Tai Shan “A Panda is Born” & the keepers seemed to run from the exam room to the den & when momma MeiXiang got upset they hurried him back to the den where mom gave him a extra good licking:) I know several have had conversations between Mom & cub – so am sure a new cub is sick of being “licked & mauled” by mom – come on it’s being held up, well now it’s upside down, front & back – getting dizzy- she never quits 
Bai sure seemed comfortable leaving her cubbie alone for quite a while tonight
As the moderator reminded us this is a “panda forum” but questions, concerns & comments can be sent to the SDZ – click on “contact us” at the bottom of the blog – I did
September 4th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
It’s always so amazing to see the cubs with their Mommas. When their moms hold them they look so small and then when one of the keepers or vets hold them they seem much bigger. Goes to show that pandas are pretty big bears.
Our little boy is getting spunkier. When Bai starts to clean him he’s starting to protest with little slaps and kicks. It’s so adorable!
September 4th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Hi Moderator-
So where do we send our comments to express ourselves? That info my be helpful. Just post an eddress and it will be done- Jane
Moderator’s note: At the bottom of the Panda Cam page is a “Contact Us” link. The link does not currently work from the blog section.
September 4th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Watched the exam video…again…keep thinking I might have missed something, if nothing else, to look at the CUTIE! Hey, sometimes when you can’t resist, pressing your finger on the screen on baby, and rubbing just a little, kinda helps like you’re actually touching him….
ah oh. I’ve GOT to get a life. =-<
September 4th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
I am so happy for the mom panda of having her new bundle of joy and keep up all you do with your baby!
I love watching the cam! They are so cute with each other mom and baby!
September 4th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
what a good mommy she is, bai, and gao, should be very proud of this one.to watch him grow everyday is a special thing.i hope that when my triplet granddaughter’s get older we can bring them out to visit all the panda’s and other animals i hope never go extinct.thank-you keepers for taking such great care of all our animals.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Checked the pandacam a couple of times today and tonite. Bai was either in her furry ball or on her side with the little guy all snuggled under her. I did catch a peek of the cub a couple of minutes ago when Bai was sitting up, then she laid down on her side getting her baby boy settled in that warm spot under her armpit and chin.
In case you all haven’t been able to watch the news today and/or yesterday, the news on the huge LA County wildfire is looking a little bit better. Firefighters have it around 35% contained and the weather is starting to be in their favor. The bad news is that this wildfire was arson related. That means that this person who started this fire did not care for people, property, and WILDLIFE! What a shame! There are still some other fires burning, so the firefighters still need our prayers to get thru all of them! I’m also glad that San Diego County did not get the worst of the smoke from those fires! Still praying for rain for you all! I know that the pandas will love to feel some rain right about now!
Well, gonna go for now. Will be check back in later on! Oh yeah, almost forgot! Pandas Live On and Zooborns websites have pics of SDZ’s baby panda boy taken during his first vet check! Go check them out! They are TOO CUTE!!!!!!!!! Also, my Sept. PI email newsletter came in, and there is more good news about baby pandas being born in China. Looks like Bifengxia and Chengdu will be breaking last year’s panda cub numbers, which is great news for the pandas. After the May, 2008 quake, this will be a huge win for all the pandas, wild and captive! PI is still reminding people about the bamboo planting project and to continue to donate for that. (PI=Pandas International)
Now, I’m gonna get and go to bed! See you later!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 4th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Frances, NYC; your conversation that you continued after P Wong’s was also very cute! Keep it up! Another conversation writer to the list!
Pandafan#2, thanks for the suggestion of a conversation between Su Lin and ZZ! I think I’ve got something going in my brain on that! Here goes!!
Conversation between Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, Cubbie’s 2 sisters, sitting in their favorite trees:
Su Lin: Hey, ZZ! Have you heard? We have another little brother! This is Momma’s 2nd baby boy after big brother Mei Sheng!
Zhen Zhen: Oh yeah? How did you know?
SL: A tourist told me!
ZZ: How did the tourist know?
SL: Reading the blogs!
ZZ: Who wrote the blogs about our little brother?
SL: The vets who checked our little brother.
ZZ: Are you sure that you heard that we have a brother?
SL: Yes, I’m very sure!
ZZ: OK! Do you know how old he is now?
SL: He’s a month old!
ZZ: WOW!!! He must have grown alot in his first month!
SL: Yes, he has!
ZZ: Well, I’m happy for Momma! She’ll have fun with her new baby boy!
SL: So am I, little sis! Yes, Momma will have alot of fun!
ZZ: I’m going to take a nap. Talk at you later, Su!
SL: Me, too, ZZ! This is more excitement than I expected! Have a good nap!
Su and ZZ go to their favorite spots to take their naps.
Well, that’s my stab at it! If anyone has a better one, go for it!! Love reading these conversations!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 4th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
One more thing—–hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend with families and friends! Pandas and other animals will probably have some extra goodies on Labor Day! Have fun!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 5th, 2009 at 4:41 am
Wow! A boy! Thats amazing! Hes so cute as well…I wonder what his name will be? I’m so glad that ZZ and SuLin have a little bro, and Bai Yun is a great mother.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:03 am
I have long been a fan of pandas. I first became a fan in Washington DC when the zoo had their first baby a few years ago. Then I followed the baby pandas at Atlanta zoo. Now I am enthralled by Bai Lun and her new baby boy. Congratulations, San Diego!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Mom just walked out leaving our young BOY laying there. I can’t believe he already has that big butt diapered look to him!! It is so adorable!
It is so nice to not say IT any more! Can’t wait for his eyes to open and the naming process to begin. I should slow down though, before you know it, they are being weaned!!!
September 5th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Been following the cubs progress since his birth, great job SDZ.
My wife and I are visiting the SDZ from England on Saturday 12th September. Is there any chance the cub will be old enough for public viewing by then?
Moderator’s note: The cub won’t be ready to make its public debut until he can walk, and that will be a few months away–sorry!
September 5th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Where do the momma Panda nurce from, like a monkey (as in humans) or a dog @ the
bottom?..
Moderator’s note: Mother pandas have 4 nipples: two upper and two lower. A young cub nurses from the upper nipples and as it gets larger it may nurse from the lower ones.
September 5th, 2009 at 9:00 am
This morning at 6:52, Bai left the den to get some breakfast. The adorable cub was alone and fast asleep. I decided to watch the cam and wait until Bai returned from her breakfast outing; So, I baby-sat until Bai returned. I whiled away the time by playing solitaire with one eye on the panda cam.
Bai returned to her cub at 7:52, exactly one hour later!
During the hour, the cub was asleep most of the time. He would move occasionally, but never called out for Bai. I saw him move his front legs and scrunch up his hind legs. I guess, when Bai Yun left the den, the cub’s tummy was full. He was content and serene.
When Bai returned to the den, she was carrying a large piece of bamboo. She immediately placed it on the floor and picked up her sweet cub and started to nurse him. This was a very loving and beautiful scene.
Moderator: Could you please find out if this is the first time that Bai left her cub for one hour. Thank you so much.
One hour watching and waiting for Bai’s return…now I know that I am truly addicted to PANDAS.
Kathy responds: Yes, that would be the first time.
September 5th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Marti from Oregon #184 guess you are new here but the count is 3girls and 2 boys just in case you didn’t know.
September 5th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Conversation with Bai Yun #15
Cubbie #5: Squeak (Mama)
Bai Yun: Zzzz…
C: Squeak (I’m ready for the milk bar)
B: Oh, uh, yes.
C: Squeak (What flavor today, Mama?)
B: Uh, bamboo.
C: Squeak (Yummy!)
B: And when you get older, you’ll get leaf eater biscuit.
C: Squeak (Leaf eater biscuit?)
B: Yeah, it’s a nice beet flavor.
C: Squeak (And where would that come from, Mama?)
B: Oh, you’ll find that in the lower left nipple.
C: Squeak (Oh… And what’s in the lower right nipple?)
B: Gao Gao juice.
C: Squeak (Huh? What’s that like?)
B: Oh, just heavenly.
September 5th, 2009 at 10:41 am
I noticed baby boy is rolling from one side to the other. This is the first I saw this. He seems upset if he is on his back while alone. Now he seems to be able to roll to his side.
September 5th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Oboy a boy i am very happy to see a new babby panda.
September 5th, 2009 at 11:44 am
WAY TO GO GAO! YOU GAVE US ANOTHER BOY! THAT’S WHAT WE WANTED!! U DA MAN GAO!!!
Now we got another lil pooper to watch!
We’ll see u on November 13th lil one. We cant wait to learn your name. You got a great big brother’s legacy to live up to, but i’m sure you’ll do just fine.
September 5th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Can anyone tell us what “Son of Gao” would be in Chinese? I think that’d be an awesome name.
September 5th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
My name is Anne. I am a pandaholic and proud of it. Thank you to everyone at the Zoo for giving such wonderful care to our panda family. And thank you to all panda fans who use this blog. I love sharing my pandaholicism with all of you. Question: Is there a Chinese translation for name “little brother” or for “younger brother”? Of course this is to honor our new cublet’s cherished relation to magnificent Mei Sheung. I visited him several times at the panda research center. Also, to celebrate San Diego’s rich history we could always call the cub “El Cinco de Bai-o”.
September 5th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Congratulations to US ALL!!! Especially to Gao Gao and Bai Yun and the rest of the family! You folks at the zoo are incredible! Thank you for the close coverage, updates and LIVE CAM 24/7! Sincerely, Joellen Megan Iowa City IA
September 5th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Question: Zoo Atlanta has two bears with “Atlanta” in their names (Atlanta Beauty & Atlanta Joy, I think). Any chance “San Diego” could somehow be incorporated in the new cubbie’s name? I think it would be a lovely tribute both to the city and the zoo staff that have loved and nurtured the whole “Gao Family” all these years.
September 5th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Anne (#218) “Cinco de Bai-o” is so cleaver! Love that one!
Joy
September 5th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
#218 Anne in San Diego – you crack me up!! “El Cinco de Bai-o”!! – what a hoot!!! That’s very clever! For now, I’d be content just knowing him as the “Panda Prince of San Diego II” – anyone care to find out what that would be in Chinese? I like the name “Little Giant” too, but this one won’t be staying little, so that won’t do. He’s literally growing right before our eyes. So sweet!! So priceless!!
Video Alert!! Today, I saw two new clips on youtube called “Guardians of the Panda” (1 & 2). Unfortunately, it’s all in Chinese, but the camera work is wonderful and the pandas are mesmerizing, as always. It appears to be a documentary about the care and protection of the pandas in Wolong (and maybe Chengdu). Both clips will run about 16 minutes total. Also DON’T MISS “2009 09 05 Bai Yun and BaiBy Boy” just uploaded today. DoxieMom19 has put a great slide show together of the cub’s first month – from breeding to the first exam – a lovely look back at the little one’s journey from dream to reality. Enjoy!!
September 5th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
There’s a dark spot on Cam 25. Next time the cub is out for an exam, can someone clean the lens?
September 5th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Good conversations about the sister’s feelings! That was great! (Claps) I am not a tourist,but boy, am I an addict to the cams!
September 5th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Thank you for the postings today. It seems like we have some new pandaholics…………WELCOME!!!!
Do cubs knead when they nurse like kittens? Has our baby boy heard any human voices? The cub only nurses from the top two nipples because momma can hold him there?
Yes, we all need to get a life!
And thanks everyone, for the conversations. I’m always interested in hearing what our “kids” have to say. I wonder if Mei Sheng and Hua Mei? Knowing Mei Sheng, he probably has a cell phone. He’s probably called Tai and the X man to brag about the “boys” “Born In The USA.”
September 5th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Anne #218–I love “El Cinco de Bai-o” (but I bet it won’t be on the approved list)–very funny!
September 5th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Happy One Month B-day to Precious Little Boy:-)….A month old:-)!!! It feels like it was only a few dyas ago when I saw your hairless body, your first week old photo and now, you’re a month old! You are an adorable one and I am sure, Momma Bai is going to have a handful one of these days:-). I’d like you to know that you make us all so happy just by watching you over the cam. I wish that I am one of your keepers but sometimes, I think twice about that very thought. I might start squeezing (‘cuz you’re super cute and adorable) you and I am pretty sure Momma Bai won’t like that at all.
Hugs, hugs and lots of hugs….My three four-legged kids here extends their wishes to you:-). They might get jealous if I will tell you that you are way cuter than them… See you soon. I am pretty sure sister Su and ZZ are overjoyed to hear that they have a baby brother….Someday, please give our hugs to them too:-).
September 5th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
It’s 8:30 pm and I’m watching the Chiang Mai webcam (as well as Bai and baby), and Lin Ping is in the crib. The keepers don’t wear gloves to handle her. While I would love to be that keeper and actually feel her fur, it’s interesting the differences in how the cubbie there is on “display” and how the cubbies here are never put into cribs, and separated from Mommas. But Lin Ping is one cutie pootootie.
September 5th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Congrats on the healthy baby boy.
Took the quiz and I am ZZ.
Moderator’s note: There is a “Which Panda Are You? quiz on Facebook. This moderator is Mei Sheng! It can be viewed at http://apps.facebook.com/whichsandiegbtefpn/
September 5th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
I’m in love. Will he have to go to China, or do some of the cubs get to stay in San Diego for life?
Moderator’s note: It’s all up to China.
September 5th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
To Margaret #189
I’m not sure but I think it is Su Lin that we see lying on the log in the picture you’re talking about, not ZZ.
September 5th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
I can’t tell you how excited I was to hear that our new little cubbie is a BOY!! I was so hoping it would be since Mei Sheng’s departure left such a void for the panda fans who loved him so much. I think Bai has done an outstanding job producing these beautiful babies. Great news from the SDZ.
September 5th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Watching the cub between 10 and 10:30 pm Saturday and his mom is out of the den and he is kicking his back legs as hard as he can, waving his little arms, and since I can’t hear him, I will bet he is hollering for some nursing! So cute, and is he strong!
September 5th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
P Wong, your latest conversation is really funny! Thanks!
Was just on the cam and the cub is on his back wiggling around trying to figure out how to turn over on his stomach! Looked like he was none too happy to be on his back by himself! I saw the cub earlier today, and he was by himself at that time laying down on his tummy napping. He’s really looking good and healthy!
Well, back to the cam! Will be back later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 6th, 2009 at 5:14 am
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AT SDZ, TO BAI YUN AND GAO GAO AND ALSO TO ZHEN ZHEN AND SU LIN AND MEI SHENG (does he already know that he has got a baby brother?). Hurrah, it is a boy! Nice for a change, however, I would have also welcomed a little girl since all pandas are soooo cute. But naturally this baby is especially adorable and utterly cute being a rolly polly. He did not seem scared during the whole exam, thanks to you, Kathy, who did a great job. Gee, did I envy you being able to hold this little chap!!! During the last couple of days I was able to mail quite a few postcards to myself featuring HIM sitting on Bai’s left arm, feeling and looking very content and happy. He is a chubby little chappy probably owing to Bai’s rich milk bar.
Great conversations from you guys, P. Wong, Frances, Tami and Chari! They really made my day!
Thank you for all the gorgeous videos lately “starring” Su Lin and Zhen Zhen and of course Bai Yun and HIM.
September 6th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Thanks Kathy for another great blog! It is great to hear the keeper’s perspective on the blog site. What a great job you have, and what a great job you do!
September 6th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Does anyone else notice a difference in Panda Cam and the site? I get it on the left of my screen now, and there is a message in the middle each time, telling me Panda Cam is finished for the day, the whole thing has changed, is it just me, or has anyone else found it different?
Moderator’s note: We have redesigned the Panda Cam page.
September 6th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Ref. No. 18, Anne in San Diego – that’s too funny for words – “El Cinco de Bai-o”!!!
September 6th, 2009 at 11:05 am
When will Plumpers be getting his own photo put up under “Meet the Pandas” ?
Moderator’s note: We’ll probably wait until he receives his name.
September 6th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
A very Happy 18th Birthday to Bai Yun on Monday. What a lovely little cuddly present she has. Will she have time for some cake or will you save it for a later date?
September 6th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
P. Wong needs to make more conversations!
My brother and I reenact them. My bro is the baby and I am Bai. The cubbie is learning how to be macho…You should have seen the position he was in earlier….looking cool!
September 6th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I wonder if Miss Su Su’s antics might be related to an almost estrus in the almost fall? Or just more of our lovely young lady coming into her own… confident, having fun…! Not to mention distracting the visitors from ‘cub talk’ and ‘giving the keepers and staff something else to do (besides watch baby…)!
The Decorating Diva strikes again! Go Su!
September 6th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Hello, Is baby panda ok? Mom seems to be handling him a LOT. It’s like she is worried about him.
September 6th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
#218 Anne in San Diego: I LOVE your name idea for our little boy of “El Cinco de Bai-o,” and for those who aren’t sure what it means, it is a take-off from the “El Cinco de Mayo,” or the Fifth of May, a Hispanic holiday. Anne says “El Cinco de Bai-o,” or “the fifth of Bai” or Bai’s fifth cub. Very very clever!
September 6th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I love looking at the Panda Cam.
maravilhoso filhote!!!!!!!!
wonderful!!!!
Anita – Brasil
September 6th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
P.Wong — loved the “Gao juice.”
And Anne #218, “El Cinco de Bai-o” just cracked me up. That has got to be one of the cleverest and “worst” puns of all time.
To all (including da bearz), hope you have or had (depending on when this gets posted) a great weekend.
September 6th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
This boy sure likes to Snuggle with Bai Yun, and she seems to love every minute of it. It is wonderful to see the bonding between them and the tender and gentle way she handles him, except of course for the thorough cleaning. Even then she is careful how she holds him as she completely covers every inch of his body with her tongue.
September 6th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Thanks for this site! Watching this little baby boy and his loving Mom, Bai Yun, makes my day. What a daily lift. Awesome!
September 6th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Rock on! he is so cute! its so cool i get to watch the baby boy grow up!
September 6th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
keeping an eye on the cam tonight, and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen Bai leave chubbers three different times! He has been calm each time…he’s growing up already, and mom obviously knows it! Hope she’s getting lots of ‘boo time.
September 6th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Hello….I am very, very, very appreciative of the cam, but is it a bit fuzzy or are my eyes getting a little crossed due to panda over exposure? Again, not complaining just want to make sure everything is a-okay on this end………….. hi baby….momma left ya alone again, eh?
I’m just wonderin’ what am I gonna do with all these screen shots? Just at home a lone, I’ve taken over 400, does anyone have a suggestion? Some are just so darn cute… I try to share them, but some of my friends, for some reason, think I’m getting a little weird about the whole thing here….did I read earlier someone starting a 12 step program? I think I could be ready….momma not back….baby okay….he appreciates being on his tummy, if ma is smart, she will always leave him on tummy, if she wants longer breaks…yap, I think she’s finally on to him….xo
September 6th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
What’s going on?? Bai Yun has been gone for over 45 minutes, which is very odd. Has something happened to her? It is 11:15 on Sunday night, Sept. 6th. Where has she gone? Her baby is alone…
September 6th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
9-6-09
As I watched the Panda Cam tonight, I became a bit nervous. Although Bai Yun is a great Mom I observed that she left the den at 9:30 p.m. and did not return to the baby until 11:20 p.m.! I was very concerned, but is this normal for her to leave the baby alone for so long?
September 6th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
#218. It is really up to China what to name the cub which would be more appropriate.
September 6th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
ma, you were gone soooo long, I missed you….kiss, kiss, kiss, love, hug, hug…..
September 6th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
I did the quiz and I am Zhen Zhen.
September 7th, 2009 at 1:46 am
Notice how momma uses her back foot for a diaper table? it’s kind of hysterical really, watching her balance baby on the bottom of her foot..she’s doing this right now, and baby is not happy! It’s 1:30 in the morning ma, let’s go to sleep….ma, pleeeeeeeese?
September 7th, 2009 at 6:00 am
Happy 18th Birthday Mama Bai! WE should all age so gracefully!!
September 7th, 2009 at 6:33 am
i like very much panda
i look every day at webcam
i am from romania……and i want to say that last year i visit your zoo and it is very wonderful!!!!!!!
i like the baby panda
very pretty
:X kiss all of us
September 7th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Happy 18th Birthday Bai Yun! Thank you for the gift of another beautiful cub, and for being the teriffic mother that you are.
September 7th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Happy Birthday to Bai Yun…we are so lucky to have her and her babies here. Each of them is a joy. This little boy will be loved by all, as were each of her other little ones. It is wonderful to be able to watch them grow no matter where we are located. Many thanks always to the San Diego Zoo and their remarkable staff.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:48 am
#243, CatherineV, The baby is fine. He just doesn’t like to have Mommy Bai put him down at all. All panda cub boys seem to be less independent and more clingy than panda cub girls.
September 7th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Hi Kathy – Thank you for your reply to my blog #211 above. This little tyke is well fed, happy and content. Bai Yun feels comfortable staying away one hour because she knows and trusts the Panda Staff completely.
Once again: Happy Birthday to Sweet Bai Yun!
September 7th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I hope I didn’t miss this if it was addressed in comments on other blog posts, but there was something I was wondering about: the cub’s 100th-day birthday is November 13, which is Friday the 13th. I’m not superstitious, but was wondering if that is the tentative day of “No. 5’s” special namng ceremony? I hope to be tuned in no matter what day he receives his name!
September 7th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I recently learned about the baby from an article in my local paper here in Canada. I have been following along ever since. I want to thank the zoo for allowing us to peep inside the den to watch Mum and baby. It truly is exciting and Bai is such a good mum. Thanks again for sharing this with the world. Lots of love, Denise
September 7th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
It seems to me that ever since the exam, Bai Yun is leaving her baby alone A LOT more –hours at a time, which she never did before. Is there a correlation between the exam and this new behavior? Thanks.
September 7th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
When Bai leaves her cub in the den for extended
periods of time….how does he stay warm….climate
control?
I WANT TO SNORF HIS BELLY REALLY BAD!!!!
September 8th, 2009 at 11:30 am
I love the panda cam! What a cute little bear!
September 8th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I am so glad the new cub is a boy! I hope the zoo asks the public for names again.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
He’s so cute! Now I know what I’ll be doing at lunch every day – looking at that cute belly and wishing I could hold him for 5 minutes. Give him hugs and love from all of us
September 8th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Let’s name the new baby PANDA> ‘Dong Dong’
Very Sweet Chinese name
We are bring our Preschool to the Zoo tomarrow
Can’t Wait!!! Thankyou San Diego Zoo; We Love ALL THE ANIMALS
September 9th, 2009 at 7:37 am
I could swear baby has grown a few inches since yesterday! It’s just amazing…maybe a b-day present for ma! It’s bath time, and he doesn’t like it one bit, typical boy….Happy Hump Day to all!
September 9th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Great Pic’s- he is sooooo cute…keep us updated
September 9th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Will there be a contest to name the new panda? I’ve been checking in from time to time and would like to suggest a name.
Moderator’s note: We have not yet announced our plans for this cub’s naming yet. Rest assured that we’ll let everyone know what they are when the time is right.
September 9th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I am so happy to have another baby Panda. He matches my tattoo Panda on my leg. I have loved them since I was a baby & they brighten y day when I watch Bai take care of him the way she does. She is an excellant mother …
September 9th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I have been watching the panda cam on and off for a few weeks now since a friend told me about the birth of a new cub. Congratulations SDZ, he’s just adorable.
I only just found this forum or would have posted before
Moderator’s note: Welcome to our blog section, Claire! You’ll find lots of great info from our staff as well as our readers; we learn from each other.
September 9th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Wonder what momma bai is thinking as she looks down on baby nursing? Does she panda hum, or sing him a panda lullaby? Does she burp him afterwards? I wouldn’t be surprised…changing from one side to the other and back again, so gentle, so tender. She is a very proud mummy. I can almost hear her humming softly.
September 10th, 2009 at 2:11 am
Is this the cleanest baby panda in the history of baby pandas? Was mama like this with her others? I suppose the den site hasn’t been formally cleaned for a month now, but I’m sure that’s how things would be in the wild…hmmm…much to ponder on…
A great antidote to the stresses of the working week, dealing with *difficult* teenagers!
September 10th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Bai Yun just took baby out of the den!! Out to the sun room perhaps??
September 10th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Yes, she did take him out. It was wonderful to see that! I am sooo… amazed by Bai. This is the first time I have ever seen a Panda give birth. I don’t shut my computer down anymore. When I am walking by my in home office, I always have to take a sneak peek. I wonder if his eyes have opened? Oh, I am so excited! Thank you San Diego Zoo for the cams and all of the updates and all that you do!
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Does momma panda know when the baby is taken out and does she mind?
Moderator’s note: She probably knows he’s been elsewhere when she returns to the den and gives him a sniff test. As long as he doesn’t cry out in alarm during the brief exam, she seems to be okay with it.