Celebrate Bai Yun
Posted at 6:45 am September 7, 2009 by Kathy Hawk
Today, September 7, our giant panda matriarch Bai Yun is 18 years old! It’s hard to believe that in September 1996, this beautiful youngster made her debut in San Diego. Between her and adult male Shi Shi, they literally won the hearts of people all over the world! Born in China in 1991 at the Wolong Giant Panda Center, she was Wolong’s first captive-born panda! Her name in Chinese means “white cloud.”
Bai Yun with her firstborn, Hua Mei.
Bai Yun on her first day in her new exhibit, 1996.
So today we celebrate her birthday. We can’t give her an ice birthday cake, as she is busy being Mom to her cub #5. So, happy birthday, Bai Yun! Thank you for all you have given us. You have become a very important ambassador for your species, raising awareness of giant pandas and adding hope for panda conservation in China. We honor you on your special day!
Kathy Hawk is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
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September 7th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun ! you have no idea how you change the world..how many lives you touch…awareness about being endangered mean…your an all around ROCK STAR! as for me you changed my outlook on Zoo’s for that I am grateful..if I hear anyone say “shes just a panda” I”ll say no she has spoken for the rest of the endangered animals…thank you for being here and thank you SDZ for taking good care of her and has giving us alot of information and fun facts…
September 7th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun. You are so very beautiful. Thank you for giving the world 5 cubs to continue your species and WOW how your first born, Hua Mei, has also contributed. You are one very special lady — enjoy your day with Little Boy Cubbie.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Very Happy Birthday Bai Yun, you are a wonderful Panda and mom,thanks to you all at the zoo for all the hard work you do, give Bai a bit extra bamboo from me .
September 7th, 2009 at 7:14 am
A warm and happy birthday to Bai Yun. Special thanks to Kathy for her wonderful blog entry honoring Bai.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Rock Star, indeed! Thanks, Kathy, for the wonderful tribute to Bai Yun. What a super momma, and what a super panda. I echo the sentiments of all the other comments here.
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun. Happy Labor Day, everyone.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Happy birthday to beautiful super mom, Bai Yun. You captured my heart the day I saw you on the panda cam, and never let it go. Watching you care for your babies has been one of the most exciting things in my life. I hope your birthday is over the roof great, and that the keepers give you extra bamboo for the lack of ice cake!
September 7th, 2009 at 7:15 am
just popped on- is Bai and cubbie ok?? she seems to be fretting with him this am… he and she were asleep, she woke up to feed him but seems to be worried with him… ??
September 7th, 2009 at 7:17 am
Happy Birthday “White Cloud” so very glad you came to America. Thank you for all the joy you’ve given us all !!!!!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun! Nothing is more beautiful and moving than to watch you with your adorable cub. One could not find a more devoted mother. If Michelangelo were alive, he would surely create a sculpture “Madonna Bai and Child.”
September 7th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Thank you Kathy for this wonderful blog on Mama Bai Yun and thank you to Woolong for trusting us with your first captive born panda. She is one special panda
Hope the keepers were able to sneak in an extra treat or two for her today in honor of this special milestone!
September 7th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun! Enjoy your day with your new cub. Thank you for all the joyous moments you have brought to Panda lovers all over the world.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Happy birthday Bai Yun. What a great panda she is. Thank you for the info on her didn’t know she was the first in Wolong to be born there. How lucky SDZ is to have her.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:29 am
wow! 18 yrs. old!!! bai yun, you are the best. happy birthday! we all wondered if you could still produce cubs & that has been answered for us with your new baby boy! how delightful for us all here in panda space as well as those at the zoo. enjoy your day and that bundle of joy. love ya! stay healthy big mama!
September 7th, 2009 at 7:29 am
I am amazed at the Giant Panda species! Giant Pandas are one of my favorite animals to watch–they seem to flow through their days with not a care in the world. When I am feeling stressed or just need a pick-me-up, I head for my computer and click on the PandaCam. For a few minutes I forget what might be bothering me and watch these beautiful Giant Pandas eating their bamboo, playing with an obvious sense of humor, gently caring for cubs, or just sleeping. I wish I could sleep like that! I am sure my blood pressure drops! I thank the San Diego Zoo for bringing these moments of peace and calm into my day. I don’t live very close to any Giant Pandas, so your technology is a blessing. And Happy Birthday to our special lady Bai Yun.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun! You’ve made me such a lover of Pandas. Watching you with your little ones, if so heart warming.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun!
September 7th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun!
You are my favorite Panda Mom. I know your loving keepers will give you a few extra treats on this special day. Have a wonderful birthday and enjoy your sweet little boy.
Thank you Kathy for your heart-warming blog honoring our beautiful Bai Yun.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Happy Birthday to a beautiful mommy panda!!! Bai Yun, you are so special!!!
Have a great day with your little boy and thank you for being there for us, your human fans!!!!
Big virtual hugs and kisses!!!
Sophie in Montreal
P.S. Kathy, your blog is excellent, thank you for sharing this with us!
September 7th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Happy Birthday, Beautiful Bai Yun! You have given so much parenting knowledge to every single person who has watched you over the years! We are all so much better off having witnessed your capacity for tender love given to your cubs. We have been blessed to watch your fun with your little ones as you prepare them for adulthood! To the staff at the SDZ: Congratulations! You have enabled ‘parents’ everywhere by creating the opportunity for us all to watch Bai, Gao, and ‘All their Children’.
September 7th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Happy 18th Birthday Bai Yun! Thanks for the joy you have contributed to the SDZ and the world. Your a beautiful Panda. Your a great mom to that handsome little panda. Thanks to all at the SDZ providing live webcam daily and Panda news. You Rock!!
September 7th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun, you are indeed a special Panda, and wonderful Mother. Enjoy your day with your baby boy. And thanks Kathy for telling us all about our beautiful “White Cloud”
September 7th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Thank you Kathy for honoring Bai Yun with your beautiful words. You have such a special way with words and I appreciate it. Bai is my favorite panda of all the zoos and I adore reading about her. It seems that Bai has a very calm and serene personailty from what I have read here. I can imagine how attached you all are to her as she has been a part of your family for such a long time. Thank you Bai for all that you have taught us about your species.I’m sure you friends will find an extra treat for you today!
September 7th, 2009 at 8:39 am
祝你生日快乐!
Happy Birthday Bai Yun!
Hope you enjoy this day with your little cub!
Greets from Germany =)
September 7th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Happy Birthday, Mommy Bai–watching you and your beautiful cubs has truly changed my life! I send you lots of virtual treats all covered in bamboo and honey with kisses and hugs on the top!
September 7th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Happy Birthday to beautiful Bai Yun! Love the top picture of her — she looks like she’s laughing and happy. It’s fun to hear about her personality and what she was like as a 5-year-old panda, just a year older than playful Su Lin is now. I hope Bai has a wonderful birthday with her little cub! If you listen closely, some of his urgent murmurings might sound a little like “Happy Birthday.”
September 7th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Happy 18th Birthday Bai Yun!!! Oh, to be 18 again. LOL.
You have brought me and my family much joy watching you and all the other pandas at the SDZ.
September 7th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Happy Birthday to beautiful panda Bai Yun! Thanks the SDZ for taking good care of the pandas. Love the warm and friendly interaction between Bai Yun and her keeper Kathy.
September 7th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Happy Birthday to my big sister, Bai Yun!
September 7th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Thanks for a special blog devoted to Bai Yun, Kathy. She is really one special panda. I still am amazed that the Chinese allowed us to have her, since she was their “first” born at Wolong. She is special for that but there is so much more to her… Just think she has spent much of her time either being pregnant or a paws-on Mommy for much of her 13 years in San Diego.
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y Bai Yun !!!
Love, Joy
September 7th, 2009 at 9:01 am
What an awesome day in the world of Pandas! Happy 18th Birthday Bai Yun!!! I know that if there would be a party that we could ALL attend, it would be unbelievable how many guests would be there to honor you on your special day. You have touched SO very many hearts over these past years.
I was at SDZ one week before you went on exhibit to the public in 1996 and try as I might with all my begging, I was not able to see you up close. However, there was that one little wall that beckoned me to climb up and I got a teensy peek at you snoozing in a tree. (Shhhhhh….) With tears of joy at the very first sight of my favorite animal, I instantly fell in love with you and have been an avid SDZ panda watcher ever since.
Thank you to all of your caretakers at the SDZ for sharing magnificent Bai Yun, Shi Shi, Gao Gao and all of their adorable kids with us. I know us pandaholics would love to care for you ourselves, but we know you are in the great and loving hands of your keepers who do the job for us. It is apparent to see how very special you are in Kathy’s birthday tribute, and to all those who write their wonderful blogs to educate us and keep “our” pandas secure in our hearts everywhere.
Love to all of our panda pals, and especially to the incredible BIRTHDAY Mom, Bai Yun and her wee little boy!!! We will all be celebrating your birthday from every little part of our world.
September 7th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun you are a beautiful panda and a wonderful mother. You have added so much to the future of all pandas.
Love ya
September 7th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Happy Birthday, beautiful momma bear Bai Yun! We are so grateful for all the precious moments–and gorgeous cubs–you have given us throughout the years.
September 7th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun!! I guess you’ll be busy with your little boy today and will not be able to enjoy a big cake! You are a beautiful giant panda and a most wonderful mom. You break my heart when I see you care for your cubs. You deserve a song or poem dedicated to you. I wish I were a writer.
I love you Bai Yun!
September 7th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Happy birthday Bai Yun, and thank you for the laughter and learning that you have given to the world.
September 7th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Happy Birthday to the most awesome panda momma I know!!
You can’t have a cake this year but you are in all of our thoughts. You are a very special panda.
September 7th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun!! You are one awesome panda mama! Thank you for your five beautiful gifts to the world!
September 7th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun !!! She is a perfect panda !! =)
I wanted to point out at the top of the blog is says “Today August 7th”, instead of “Today September 7th”. Not sure if anyone caught the typo.
Moderator’s note: Thanks for the catch, Lainie. We’ve made the correction.
September 7th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Happy Birthday Momma Bai Yun. I love you and wish you many more happy years to come!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Happy Birthday to you Bai Yun; thank you so much for all you have given us. You are a true treasure!
September 7th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Happy 18th birthday to Bai Yun!!!! Congrats on the new baby, and late birthday wishes to Zhen Zhen and Su Lin!!
September 7th, 2009 at 9:55 am
We have the same birthday!! Congrads to your little boy cub and I await the celebration of his naming 100 days after he was born. You are beautiful to watch on the panda cam.. you spend more time caring for your cub than most people do! keep up the good work
Moderator’s note: Happy birthday, Gail!
September 7th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Happy Birthday Baiyun!!!
You’re so pretty and such a loving mom! I’m going to SDZ in mid nov but think I may not get to see you as you should still be in your birthing den busy with your cute little handsome boy.
Enjoy your special day! Staying pretty, healthy and happy!! =)
September 7th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun! I know you’re doing what you love best on your birthday.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Although I wished Bai a Happy Birthday on the last blog, I shall wish it again! Many Happy Returns Bai, you are a very special lady and you have a very special present. You are gorgeous.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Happy 18th Birthday Bai Yun – you are the best panda momma in the world, who has brought much happiness to your 5 children, keepers and staff at SDZ, plus all pandaholics.
Your soul mate Gao Gao sends his birthday wishes ~
I think this calls for a celebratory birthday ‘conversation’ xx
September 7th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun! You are the best White Clouda panda mom!
I love all your offspring, and your handsome lovable Gao Gao too.
I see you have brought more big pieces of bamboo into the den with you. Looks like it is time for some more nest refreshing. Moderator – do you know why Bai Yun occasionally brings such big pieces of stalk for shredding? Or, are they placed there by keepers while Bai is out? These new pieces seem to appear about once a week, which makes me think she is using them to “freshen up” the next for her special boy.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun brings them in.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Watching Bai Yun and baby on the panda cam seems to me to be a sacred experience. Good food for the soul. Thank you Pandas, and SDZ staff!
September 7th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Kathy, thank you for reminding us of Bai Yun’s birthday, and for writing so eloquently about her gift to the world. Actually, not only is she herself and amazing gift, but also her birthing five healthy cublets who have become ambassadors in their own right. Bai Yun is one amazing panda – mother, trickster, playmate, lover. She does it all effortlessly.
I do hope that at some point she’ll get her cake, even though it may be months down the line. She absolutely deserves it! Meanwhile, take care of the wee one, who grows by leaps and bounds every day with her mothering.
And to you Kathy, who’ve done such an amazing job with the pandas. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you are and do! And may I say I’m just a little envious that you get to play with them, and that you got to hold the cublet. Perhaps some day…. Meanwhile, thank you for your great care of these special beings!
September 7th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun! You are one beautiful, special panda!
Seeing you raise your babies has been a fantastic experience – you are the definition of Mother – knowing when to hold and when to let go. Being able to watch you is a gift beyond compare.
Thank you to all the caretakers at San Diego for giving so much of themselves to the care of these very special animals and for your consideration of the “cam watchers”.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Bai Yun – you don’t even know how much you have given the world. Personally, the birth of Hua Mei made a huge impact on my life. I created an entire bathroom devoted to pandas. I have a framed picture of baby Hua Mei, a panda kleenex box, panda table, panda lamp, panda light switch covers, panda shower curtain, panda toilet bowl cleaner, several beautiful panda pictures on the wall. I even made a panda quilt that hangs in the bathroom. I put Hua Mei’s name on the back in bamboo fabric. So, see, because of you I have a huge daily reminder of how important you are in the world of pandas. You have given us all 5 more pandas to perpetuate the species & you have brought so much joy to us all. Happy, happy birthday to you !!
Moderator’s note: That’s an impressive panda bathroom, Donna! If you need more panda-themed items, be sure to check out our online store, http://www.Shopzoo.com
September 7th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Happy 18th Bearday to Hero Mother Bai Yun! Thank you for being the wonderful, gorgeous lady that you are, and thank you for giving us the joy of watching you mother Hua Mei, Mei Sheng, Su Lin, Zhen Zhen, and Gao Gao, Jr. God bless you!
September 7th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Happy, happy, happy Birthday dear beautiful Baiyun!! You are such an amazing panda and mother…and my most favourite panda.
Love and hugs to you darling girl! May you stay healthy and playful always.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Happy Birthday Bai! She should be proud, a new son and she is one year older!
September 7th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Happy Birthday beautiful Bai Yun! You make the world a better place. I love your smile and wish you many more years with us. Blessings, Claudia
September 7th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Happy, Happy Birthday to YOU Bai Yun…even if you had not given the world so many beautiful cubs, you still would be so very special. I am amazed that China let us have you being you were probably so extra special to them. That’s ok though, now the whole world has you to love. Give your newest boy a kiss for me, and I hope you have many more Happy Birthday’s to come. BTW…i took the quiz too, and i am SuLin! I have no idea if that is bad or good, but I will tell you this, I will not be hanging from any trees by my heels anytime soon!
Moderator’s note: You might want to give it a try, Widget!
September 7th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun. You are one beautiful panda and a wonderful mom. I consider myself really lucky to have seen you in person along with your first cub, Hua Mei. I wish you many more good birthdays so that we can continue watching such a lovely and loving panda.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Thank you Kathy for a beautiful tribute to the most wonderful Panda mom, and thanks to Wolong for allowing this special creature to live most of her life with us. Last but not least, Bai Yun……Happy, Happy Birthday and may you have many, many more. You are a true example of what the words BEAUTIFUL, SMART, LOVING, and PERFECT stand for. You will always remain a legend in your own time. You truly deserve every accolade ever bestowed upon you. Thank you for allowing us to share in your life. You are most loved.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Congratulations Bai! You have given us soooo many wonderful moments on the Panda Cam with all of your ‘5′ babies. Boy #5 was so adorable this morning as I watched him stretch and stretch and then ‘finally’ turned himself over onto his tummy. What a delight! Thank you for being such a wonderful mom and thank you to SDZ staff for all you do for these fantastic animals!!
September 7th, 2009 at 11:35 am
“Today, August 7, our giant panda matriarch Bai Yun is 18 years old! ”
Sorry to say, byt today is September 7th, isn’t it?
Perhapas you correct this tiny mistake
Wonderful pictures, wonderful Pandas!
)) Thank you !
Love them
Moderator’s note: We have indeed corrected the date. Thank you, Eija.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Happy birthday Bai Yun. What a delight it is to watch Bai Yun care for her baby cub – so gentle and
attentive. I so enjoy the keepers blogs and especially Bai Yun’s birthday blog.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:53 am
Happy 18th Birthday, Bai Yun! I have been watching you and your new baby and you are one of the best mothers I’ve ever seen. You are a very beautiful animal and your baby is so cute.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Happy Birthday my beautiful Bai!! I love you.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:58 am
to a great mother – Happy Birthday Bai Yun, thank you for teaching us, from your life and your children
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo – a special greeting, for a long life 
thank you!
September 7th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
It is a tribute to the trust that the Wolong Giant Panda Reserve staff and the Chinese government has in SDZ for them to have entrusted their most precious first captive born panda to live out most of her life, especially her prime cub bearing years, in the USA at SDZ. They knew that she would receive the best care in the world from world-class nutrition and veterinary science to accomodations that she could traverse in “hurricane Bai Yun.” She has lived up to all the expectations that everyone in China and USA had for her, and through her have come 12 healthy cubs, 5 of her own, and 7 from Hua Mei. And, if Mei Sheng is the father of the recent birth in China, it is 13 cubs in 13 years. That is an amazing accomplishment and a true testiment to the outstanding care and love she has received which living at SDZ.
To say that she has provided an enormous amount of research information is really an understatement. As Kathy so eloquently said, everything that her keepers have asked of her Bai Yun has provided and then some. She is the most trained panda I have heard of as far as husbandry behaviors are concerned, including urinating on command. How much more could humans possibly ask???
Thank you Bai Yun for the wonderful legacy you have given us, and for the unspeakable blessing we have in knowing and admiring you from the closeness of your SDZ panda home.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
happy birthday to our beautiful queen mother, bai.
what gifts you have given this world, what joy you have brought to all your panda followers.
this world is a better and more beautiful place because of bai yun and all those who have understood, learned and cared for this magnificient being.
joan
September 7th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun. You are a great mom! My sister led me to Panda cams with Tai Shan at the Natl Zoo many years ago. Since then, I have taken every opportunity to watch these amazing animals. Like others have said, a few moments watching pandas, and I forget all the stresses of the day and just sit in wonder and delight with these beautiful, black and white creatures.
Last year, I put the Atlanta panda cam on my computer in my classroom. My students fell in love with them and I had an opportunity to talk about pandas and the dangers they face. On the anniversary of the Chinese earthquake, we talked about the devastation and all the people who were left without homes. We talked about the Chinese government and for a few moments, my students looked outside of their world and experienced empathy. And all because of some silly and precious pandas! They change the world everyday.
Thank you to all the zookeepers who care and protect our favorite animals!
September 7th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun. You are such a wonderful mom. I really enjoy your show.
September 7th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bai Yun!!!!! You are so beautiful and such a wonderful lady. You have brought much joy to thousands, and have been such a wonderful mother to all of your cubs. You are a real lady!!!!! I have been watching you & your cubbie on the panda cam all the time and it brings tears to my eyes when I see the both of you together and to be able to see such tenderness, love, and care that you have. I have never been to SDZ but I hope to make it there one day so I can see you & your family in person, this is a dream I would like to fullfill. Eat lots of bamboo today and enjoy your day!!!! Happy birthday again you are quite the lady!!!!! Love you bunches.
And I would also like to thank your keepers for doing such a great job and for being such caring individuals they deserve kudos & hugs too!!!!
YOU ARE AWESOME BAI YUN !!! YOU ROCK and keep that that big smile of your smiling!!!!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Happy birthday, Bai! We are so blessed to be able to watch you…you are beautiful and perfect! All hail Queen Bai!
Does anyone have any idea what 18 would be roughly equivalent to in panda years? I’m guessing she’s older middle aged now…? Either way, many birthday blessings and wishes for many many more!
September 7th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Is it my imagination, or a shadow, or does this cub have a black neck? It appears that the left side of his neck under his chin is black. If so, that may be a distinquishing feature for him as I believe all the others have black only on their saddle and white neck and face. It is kind of endearing.
September 7th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Happy Birthday beautiful Bai Yun! You’re a great Mom! Love ya! Happy Birthday!
September 7th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Looks like he has reached the “pushups” stage. I remember when ZZ went through that on her way to eventually crawling and walking. She did it so much we were sure that she would walk early, but we were wrong. It was still a couple of months before she could crawl or walk. It is fun stage to watch in a confined area. Before you know it they are grown, walking, then climbing up in trees out of view for hours.
September 7th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Kathy, that is a wonderful tribute to Bai Yun! Thank you!
Happy Birthday, Lady Bai!! You are one hot mama! Enjoy your day with your precious little boy. I look forward to more great panda watching as you continue to nurture him with your gentle and firm hands/paws. I bet there are no other cubs cleaner than him!!
September 7th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY “HERO MOM” BAI YUN!!! I hope your keepers give you an extra special fruity cake and presents for your special day. I love you Bai Yun! Thanks for all the cubbies you’ve given us!
You are such a wonderful mother to you babies. I love to be with you everyday via the cam in your den. You have given birth to beautiful babies over the years. Did you know that your first son, Mei Sheng, may be a daddy too?? LOL
Thank you so much of all you’ve contributed to save your most precious species. I LOVE YOU BAI YUN!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
OOPs! Bai, I’m sorry to mention the fruity cake!!!
But perhaps your keepers will give you extra biscuits? LOL
September 7th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Happy Birthday wonderful Bai Yun! Many thanks and much love to you from my heart.
September 7th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I noticed on pandasliveon they have a picture of Bai Yun and they have her age as 19. If she like most ladies they’ll be in big trouble if she see it. LOL
September 7th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Sorry it’s not pandaslive site it’s Daniel’s Multiple panda web cam site that has Bai’s age as 19.
September 7th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
*bowing very low*
With much respect, my dear Mama Bai Yun, am sending you happy birthday wishes. I am honored to know you and excited to celebrate your special day.
Aloha,
Noreen.
September 7th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Many many happy birthdays to Bai Yun! Such a wonderful, caring mother with such a special personality! You sure are taking great care of your new little boy! Wishing you all the best!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Bai Yun, you and I share the same Birthday! I am honored.
Moderator’s note: And a happy birthday to you, Suzanne!
September 7th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Kathy, thank you for the beautiful tribute to Bai Yun on her special day. I went to the blogs to see if any mention of her birthday had been made, and I was so touched by what I found.
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun! We love watching you on the Panda Cam and visiting you in person. You are a wonderful mother, and we already have plans made to visit you in March and August. See you then!
September 7th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Happy Birthday Mama Bear. You’re a loving, attentive mother.
I just thought of something your keepers might be able to explain to me ;
Do panda cubs have umbilical cords?
I’ve never seen a cub born with one. If yes, what happens to them at birth? If no, how does the Mom give the cub nutrition in utero?
Lilane
September 7th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
IN HONOUR OF OUR BEAUTIFUL BAI YUN
Happy birthday to you, our precious Bai Yun!
On August 5th you were over the moon
giving birth to a cubbie, your child Nr. Five.
Your husband Gao Gao has a wonderful wife.
You kept us all guessing what sex it would be.
And then Kathy told us that it was not a SHE.
Since we all did assume that it would be a boy
and now it is true, oh dear, what a joy!
If it had been a girl the excitement would be
just exactly the same as it’s now for the HE.
But for you with Mei Sheng being so far away
the new baby boy does make you feeling so gay.
So enjoy your sweet “Snuggles” as long as he’s small
for soon baby grows to be strong and, too, tall.
And last but not least you’re the best mom of all!
Thanks to everyone caring for Bai Yun’s family.
We all hope for more pandas, in future, to be.
September 7th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun! I haved loved watching and visiting you for years. Cheers!!
September 7th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Thanks for the opportunity to wish this lovely panda Bai Yun, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
You are such a “sweet” panda and such a “wonderful’ mother to your little boy cub. Love watching cubby grow and you being so tender to him is such a honor. Bai Yun, you have made us all better and have a wonderful birthday!!!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Bai Yun…as soon as you get out of the birthing den time remember to ask for your ice birthday cake. If anyone deserves it you do!! You are a joy to watch. What lucky little cubs you have.
September 7th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun! We have enjoyed coming to visit you & your children and Gao Gao too.
September 7th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
A very Happy Birthday to you, Bai! You are an amazing panda bear and wonderful mommy! Enjoy your special day!
September 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
A very happy birthday to the most beautiful panda, Bai Yun. I feel deeply humbled and honored to be able to watch you caring for the little pudgy one. I hope that you have been having a wonderful day with your new little boy!!
September 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Aww, Happy Birthday sweet, sweet Bai Yun! You ares such a wonderful, precious girl and the best panda mama ever!
September 7th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Congratulation for a big mother. I wishing the best . Bai Yun, you are the hope for all pandafans.
Five cubs in ten years, a famous performance ! Good Luck and health for you, your little boy
and all the other pandas!!
September 7th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Happy Birthday to the beautiful Bai Yun. You are such a joy and a great Mom. You bring so much happiness to so many.
September 7th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Happy birthday Bai Yun! You will always hold a special place in my heart…my daughter loves pandas, and the day we took her to SDZ, you were the first panda she saw in real life. It brought tears to my eyes just watching the look on her face to be so close to you. I have been a panda lover since I was a child and saw the pandas in DC in the late 70’s and now I share that love with my daughter. She even got an A+ on a diorama and report about giant pandas last year!
Have a great birthday Bai Yun, and enjoy cuddling with that beautiful little boy!
September 7th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Many Happy Returns to Bai Yun!!! It is so remarkable that she has produced five wonderful cubs. The best part is that each and every one of them has Bai’s genes which means that they too will be wonderful pandas that we can all celelbrate. Congratulations to Bai and to the staff at SDZ. Keep up the good work, although one might wish a little respite for Bai – she has done her duty perhaps it is time to give her a rest.
September 7th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Happy Happy Birthday BaiYun !!
From TOKYO with lots of love.
September 7th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Happy Birthday to our wonderful Super Panda Mom – what joy she has given us & the world
always enjoy reading your blogs – can just see you hanging out with Bai 
– give her an extra back scratch for me 
And – thanks to the Chinese government for loaning us their first “captive born” panda
Kathy
September 7th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Just curious – By any chance is #81 Suzanne our Suzanne? Or is it another one?
Whoever it is…a very happy birthday to you too.
Moderator’s note: No.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun.. Love watching you and baby on Panda-cam.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Ahhh, Bai, happiest of birthdays to you! The love you have inspired is quite impressive. You should be very proud of yourself. Thank you for being all the wonderfullness (hope that’s a word) that you are. You have given us so many “gifts.” We all celebrate you!
AND THANK YOU TO SDZ FOR ALL THE LOVE, CARE AND ATTENTION YOU’VE GIVEN HER. It is a credit to you all that Bai is who she is. Thank you. I know, she is wonderful all on her own, but thank you for giving her to us. I only wish I had started loving pandas way back when she arrived. I’m a newbe having fallen in love with Tai. Now I can’t get through the day without watching all the kids and reading what’s going on here. Yesterday, I couldn’t get on the website, and I was going crazy. Luckily, I could get on Daniel’s page, and watched Bai and cubbie from there.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Kathy, thank you for the wonderful blog about Bai Yun!
Happy Birthday Bai Yun! You are so beautiful, and such a great mom. I have enjoyed watching you on the panda cam with Su Lin, Zhennie and now Gao Gao Jr.
Tian Tian sends his wishes for a happy birthday!
September 7th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Happy, Happy Birthday Bai Yun! You are the best Mom ever! Watching your endlessly patient cuddling and nurturing has turned many a sad day into a joyous one! You are the best anti-depressant available, and no prescription required!! Many thanks to you and the Zoo!
September 7th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Happy Birthday Big Girl!!!
I hope you enjoyed it very much.
You are a wonderful lady.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Bai Yun is quite a bit out and about today. Right now, Jnr is on his back, flapping his arms and legs and proving to us he’s a boy. Earlier today, he was crying (seemed to be), she picked him up and put him down on his head and she went out. I made “postcards” out of those!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
At 18:05…our little panda boy is on his back, crawling with his little feet and hands…probably crying a bit for his mom…he has such a big belly….he’s beautiful and lovely… I felt in love…. Sigh! ;o)
Sophie in Montreal
September 7th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Cubbie is all alone, doing crunches and crying! I cry when I do crunches too.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Happy and blessed birthday to a very pretty momma bear, Bai Yun! God bless you, Gao, and all your children, grandkids and great-great grandkids and all the generations thereafter!
Thanks for being such a great mommy! Hugs.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun! Bai Yun is the one who made me fall in love with pandas. She is really such a great mom. I love to watch her everyday to see her funny postures, including her cub.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun!!! Congratulations also on your new cubbie. He is absolutely wonderful, and you are a very very special and loving mom
September 7th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun!
I love the top pic of Bai – she looks very happy with that biscuit in her hand. I tried downloading that pic but it turned out to be fairly small. Is there anywhere I can find a bigger and clearer version of this pic?
September 7th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
I see Bai is leaving “El Cinco de Bai-o” (love it) alone for longer periods
She must have figured “he told me about his first exam & all was well” so now she can leave for an hour or 2 at a time 
If she were in the wild she would have to leave her cub to forage for bamboo.
but he has done it. But mom is back now & all is well in cubbie land 
Poor little guy doesn’t seem to happy when on his back – I watched him try so hard to turn over with no luck
September 7th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Happy Birthday….. Bai Yun!!!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Hi! Been out to my parent’s house to have a family get together today, Labor Day, so getting on the comment page a little late tonite.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BAI YUN!!!!!!! Hope that your day was very quiet, uneventful, and wonderful with your new baby panda boy! This little guy is your birthday present! We’ll definitely work on really celebrating your birthday next year to make up for this year! You are a gem, and like Kathy said, a real ambassador for pandas worldwide, captive and wild. You have raised 4 kids very successfully, and now on your 5th cub to raise for the next year and a half. Being 18 years old has not slowed you down one bit! Have a nice, peaceful nite with your little guy!
Luvs and hugs from a panda fan,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 7th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I am celebrating my birthday along with you, which is such a joy for me. I love watching you with your new little one and am looking forward to when he gets his name.
You have been a great mom to all your panda cubs : )
Moderator’s note: Happy b-day to you, Roxane G.!
September 7th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Happy Birthday to Bai Yun! It’s so good to see you and your baby boy on the cam.
Greeting from Hong Kong.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Happy Birthday, Bai!!! You are such an amazing and wonderful panda. I love your picture at the top of this blog – you look so merry!!
I took the facebook quiz on Which Panda Are You? I am so honored that the result was Bai Yun!
September 7th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Happy Birthday, even as you are busy with baby #5, your human friends remember and care.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
This just in from across the Pacific — Hua Mei and her seven and Mei Sheng say “Happy Birthday momma and grandma”. They wish you many more lovely and fulfilling days just being you. They are also very thrilled about their new baby brother!
Bai Yun, you are simply the best. You and your kids have brightened my life in thousands of different ways (and endlessly amused my husband). Hope you have as much fun with this little one as you did with your other four. May you live and prosper all your life long. And thanks so much SDZ for sharing this extraordinary bear with us.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Happy Birthday and thank you for the beautiful cubs and helping make the world more wonderful for the future children. I hope you still get your cake when you are able to eat it. Maybe you can have a belated cake.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Margaret#64…I just had to giggle at the one statement you made about Bai Yun, and I’ll tell you why. Please forgive me for this, but the other day I had to go to my urologist and I could have used Bai Yun’s wonderful ability to do certain things on command. But Alas…no deal. Happy Birthday again to “our” wonderful bear Bai Yun who has done many wonderful things for Panda Preservation.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Happy birthday, sweet Bai Yun!!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
A very, very Happy Birthday to you Bai Yun!!! You are a very special Panda and very loved here in San Diego!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
I remember back in 2000 visiting SDZ and getting a look at Bai Yun with her first born Hua Mei, what a thrill it was! It was my second time seeing a Giant Panda, first time was in China in 1986, that’s when I fell in love with these beautiful animals, and it continues to this day. Happy Birthday Bai Yun and many, many more. Congrats on the new baby boy, and to the Panda staff, you guys rock!!
September 7th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun! You are a remarkable Giant Panda. I have watched you and your newborn since day one and you are a very loving mother. As I watch you, I see many traits a skin mother does with her baby.
I know you were not able to have your Ice Cake this year, but I think you have the best birthday present.
Today at my home it is Bai Yun Day!
September 7th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun!!!! Birthday wishes for many many more, right here in the good ole USA.
September 7th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
SUE LIN AND ZHEN ZHEN UP IN THE TREES…..
S:OH ZZ DID YOU REMEMBER MOMS’ BIRTHDAY IS TODAY?????
ZZ:AW NUTS! I DID’NT….
S:WHAT SHOULD WE DO???
ZZ:MMMMM….SHE ISN’T HAVING AN ICE CAKE,CAUSE SHE’S TAKING CARE OF SQUIRT.
S:THERE’S MY KEEPER…THINK HARD…”SOMETHING FOR MOM…SOMETHING FOR MOM”….OH,OH….SHES HOLDING UP A PRESENT BOX…SHUSH SHE’S SAYING SOMETHING…”HI GIRLS I WRAPPED A PRESENT FOR YOUR MOM AND PUT IT FROM YOU 2…OK????
ZZ:ARE WE LUCKY OR WHAT???
S:YES WE ARE…HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMIEOLA!!!!!!WE LOVE YOU…..
September 7th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
A conversation overheard on September 7th, between C= cub, and B= Bai
C: Mommy why do you keep leaving me lots of times today?
B: My Little One, it is my Birthday!
C: What does that mean Mommy?
B: It is the day I was born in China. Everyone was so happy that day, just like the day you were born, everyone celebrated.
C: Oh Mommy, that is so special. Do we celebrate every Birthday?
B: Yes Little One, we are happy on our Birthday and the people we love are happy and we get Birthday treats, special goodies.
C: Oh Mommy, that sounds like fun.
B: Yes, Little One, it is special.
C: Did you get treats today?
B: No, not yet, I hope I do. I’m feeling very special because it is my Birthday and I have you this year. That, Little One, is why I keep going to check. I hope they didn’t forget my BIrthday.
C: I hope they didn’t forget you Mommy, I love you.
September 7th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
NOW WE TUNE INTO THE DEN….
C:IT’S MY MOMMIES’ BURFDAY…MOMMIE, MOMMIE WAKE UP!!!
B:LITTLE ONE YOU JUST ATE….
C:HAPPY BURFDAY TO YOU…HAPPY BURFDAY TO YOU….HAPPY BURFDAY DEAR MOMMIE, HAPPY BURFDAY TO YOU….I WUV YOU….
B:OH LITTLE CUBLETE HOW SWEET…THANK YOU…I LOVE YOU, TOO.
C:YOU USED TO BE LITTLE LIKE ME…NOW YOU’RE BIGGER HUGH?
B:YES I AM AND I AM GLAD BECAUSE I HAVE ALL YOU BEAUTIFUL BEARS AND GRAND BEARS…I AM SO HAPPY…THIS HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE AND RAISE YOU ALL.
September 7th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
TAMIS’ COMMENT…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAI THE” QUEEN”
I DEDICATE THIS SONG TO YOU…..”YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL”
AND TO THE STAFF FOR BAI…THANK YOU…FOR RAISING SUCH AN AMAZING PANDA BEAR..YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY…YOU’VE ALL BEEN HER PARENTS…”THE APPLE DOESN’T FALL TO FAR FROM THE TREE” YOU’VE ALL BEEN HER TREES!!!
A SONG FOR YOU FROM BAI….”GETTING TO KNOW YOU”
THANKS…WE ALL LOVE YOU GUYS…STAFF IS COMMENTATORS ETC….(I HOPE I LEFT NO ONE OUT)
September 7th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
A very Happy Birthday to the best mom there is Panda or any other species I think. The tender care Bai Yun gives to her son should be used to teach expectant mothers of the human race.
I guess I am a big goof, but, as I sat here and read all the wonderful comment made by the Panda nuts like me, I was brought to tears. My husband, poor man, couldn’t understand he was afraid something was wrong. Far from it God bless you all from the wonderful people in China who gave us this precious soul, to you caregivers in the SDZ and also all who wrote the loving words to our beautiful Birthday Girl.
Also thank you for the Panda Cam so we can feel connected to these remarkable creatures.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun! It’s been a hectic day and I’m just checking in, but could not let the day go by without birthday wishes to you. My Mom is 81 this year. I posted last year that you and her were celebrating birthdays the same day. Hope you got apple slushies like last year. She has 6 children to her credit; you’re catching up!!
Thank you Kathy for the beautiful praises to Bai Yun. She is so deserving.
Moderator’ note: Warm wishes to your mom on her special day!
September 7th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Happy birthday beautiful Bai Yun, wonderful mother and inspiration to us all. I watch in awe as the little one grows under such tender care.
Thank you Kathy for the beautiful blog post, and everyone at the San Diego Zoo for providing such an awesome habitat for these amazing animals.
Thanks also for providing us such close up and intimate glimpses into their private worlds. I just love the panda cam and these special bears.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Watching Beautiful Bai with her little one, sometimes I swear she’s playing with him. She so obviously loves being a mom.
On Rita Petita’s Flickr page (pandas 2009 set) there’s a set of Bai greeting ZZ during her weaning process. Bai sat up suddenly when she saw another panda in her space, then saw that it was ZZ and pulled her little girl close to her. You really can read her expression in those photos. She clearly loves her babies, and I don’t think I’m anthropomorphizing. She does!
We are incredibly lucky to have the Queen of Pandas right here at SDZ.
Happy Birthday, wonderful panda lady.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Dear Bai Yun,
Happy Birthday!! You are a beautiful and great mother panda bear!! Your baby is so cute!! I love watching you and your baby on Panda Cam! I hope you had a wonderful birthday today.
Love,
Seiko
September 8th, 2009 at 6:06 am
Good morning Bai Yun….I watched you and your baby on the panda cam yesterday, it seems that you had a wonderful, peaceful birthday yesterday. Just think, you will be able to celebrate your birthday again when the time comes with an “ice cake” which you truly deserve. Your baby is soooo cute!!!! wish I could hold him. I am just so happy that you have such amazing people taking care of you, your cubbie, and your family. Take care….love ya bunches as always. Give the baby a kiss for me. XOXOXO
September 8th, 2009 at 7:17 am
I am a bit late, as I have been out of town but I wish you the very best Bai Yun! Happy Birthday to you and I hope that maybe a little later, when you are able to partake of some special treats, the keepers will make you something wonderful!
September 8th, 2009 at 7:52 am
Watching Bai makes me tired. She is such an attentive momma. She is tiredless.
In watching Daniel’s cam page, there’s been Memphis feed and the Atlanta feed has transmission lines on it. Or is it my computer? I couldn’t access SDZ’s website Sunday so maybe it’s my computer?
September 8th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Interesting scenario with Bai and Snuggles this morning at 8 AM PDT. He was resting, appeared to be quiet, on his own in the middle of the nest in the den. Bai came in, bent over him and smelled him all over. She sat down at his tail end bent over several times and smelled him again. In between she would sit up and listen, and look down at him. Once she seemed to nudge him with her nose. She did not pick him up, and once she seemed satisfied that he was ok and quiet, she gently rose and went out of the den again. Perhaps this is the week that she is starting to venture out on her own more, and checks in with him periodically to be sure he is OK. With his fur starting to come in, he seems to be able to keep himself warm more of the time, and needs to be covered less. I notice that she has him sleeping up against her but exposed, probably more for security and comfort than the need to stay warm.
Did you by any chance do another exam today? Her reaction when she went into the den makes me think you might have removed him and returned him and she was checking to be sure he is OK.
When Bai bent over him, it appeared that his length is now about as wide as the top of her head. He continues to grow before our eyes. He is obviously a very healthy, and happy boy. Greatest present any mother could give themself for their birthday.
September 8th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Ruth #84: Beautiful Poem!!! Brought tears and a smile
Thank you so much for writing and sharing!
September 8th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Happy Birthday to our fabulous mama bear. I so enjoy all the blogs updating everyone on what’s up with the Pandas.
September 8th, 2009 at 9:20 am
3 days without seeing the pandas has been hell. I feel so much better now. Happy Belated B’day Bai Yun. To celebrate the day I watch you and Zhen Zhen on Panda Tales.
September 8th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Happy!Happy! beautiful Bai! You are an unbelievable panda. You make us human mamas look like slackards! Just curious, how old were su lin and Bai’s other cubs when they were first displayed at the zoo? Can’t wait to see the little boy and if he is as playful as the little girls were, and still are!
Moderator’s note: Hua Mei was 6 months old, Mei Sheng was 17 weeks, Su Lin was 18 weeks, and Zhen was 20 weeks when they made their public debuts.
September 8th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun! This is a very special day for you this year. You can celebrate with your new baby boy. What a joy it is to watch this wonderful mother take care of her baby. We can all learn a lesson from her…..so warm, so gentle, so kind with an amazing gentle touch. I love to watch the little one as he plays with his mother, but most of all when he attempts to turn over from back to tummy! Go littly guy!!!!!
Take Care sweet mother!
September 8th, 2009 at 10:14 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bai Yun… Having checked-in on you via live-cam since the recent birth of your son (Aug 2009) I have learned Panda’s are the best moms ever. You’re fabulous, selfless, snuggly and truly wonderful. My two young sons and I have been watching in awe as you and your son bond, and are impressed with his growth. Too cute… We cannot wait to see you the end of September when we’ll be in San Diego – making a trip to the zoo just to see you!!
Moderator’s note: We look forward to your visit, but please know that Bai Yun and cub will not be visible to the public for several more weeks/months.
September 8th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun!!! You’re a great mom. We love you!
September 8th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Happy Birthday Bai Yun!! YOU are the Best!!
September 8th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Happy birthday to you Bai Yun!!!! Hope it is a special one for you and with that special baby boy you have!
September 8th, 2009 at 11:04 am
just popped on- saw the sweetest, most tender napping going on, sent out immediate post card pictures to my friends who are panda watchers now too thanks to me! She had him under her chin just close enough to ‘feel’ him there and breathing! How Cute!
September 8th, 2009 at 11:06 am
HAPPY HAPPY Day Mama Bai!!! Sucha sweet momma!! You have brought us a nother precious package to cherish and learn about!! Thank you!!!
September 8th, 2009 at 11:16 am
At around 2:10pm EDT, I got on the pandacam and caught the best pic of Bai’s baby boy getting his lunch–momma’s milk! Great closeup shot, Meerkats! He was nicely snuggled on mom’s arm, and he looks like he’s a little bit upside down, but no matter! He’s getting his milk anyway! That was a perfect opportunity for me to get a great postcard snap of baby boy to send to me! Loved it!! Hope everyone else got a chance to see that as well!
Gonna go and do some errands. Will be back to check on Bai and cub later on.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: Good news on the LA County wildfire—it’s 60% contained! YEA!!! Well done, firefighters!
September 8th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Happy birthday Bai Yun, you are one of the most beautiful animals on earth. Everything about you (pandas in general) is just so fun to watch. Love you!
September 8th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Hi, again! Just got on the AZ pandacam, and the cam people are experiencing some tech difficulties with the cam. The cam is on now, but it’s a little jumpy on the picture. They should have this fixed today. Just thought I would let you know!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 8th, 2009 at 11:24 am
WOW — 1996 — I remember when Bai Yun came to SD — hard to believe it was so long ago!! Happy Birthday special girl — looking forward to the day when we can see you and your little man on exhibit. You are certainly a treasure to the city of San Diego and to all the pandas in the world!! I think the Mayor should give you a key to the city — or at the very least proclaim a day after you — Madame Bai Yun Day!
September 8th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Hi! You guys are going to get tired of me yet! BUT, I have some fantastic news to tell you!! I just got my Pandas International email newsletter in my inbox today, AND–SUZANNE BRADEN, DIRECTOR, PANDAS INTERNATIONAL, HAS MADE THE TOP TEN LIST FOR ANIMAL PLANET’S HERO OF THE YEAR FOR 2009!!!!! Now, PI wants all of us to go to the Animal Planet website, go to the link for Hero of the Year, and vote like crazy for Suzanne Braden! She should have gotten this honor last year in 2008, but the one year wait will be worth it when we all vote for her to get this honor this year. Suzanne has worked very hard since the May, 2008 quake to make sure that all of the pandas at Bifengxia, Chengdu, and other panda research centers are well cared for, housed, have medical care, and are well fed. Let’s get busy and start voting! PI will probably have the link to Animal Planet’s Hero of the Year on their website as well. I’m going to get on there and start voting right now, you all!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 8th, 2009 at 11:42 am
PS: Just checked the AP Hero of the Year page, and the voting will start on Monday, September 14, 2009; they will have the full list of the ten finalists then. So, starting next Monday, vote for Suzanne Braden!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 8th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Happy, Happy Birthday Bai Yun! You are an impressive gal and a terrific Mother. The San Diego Zoo sure got lucky when you arrived in 1996.
Kathy, how old is 18 in Panda years in relationship to people years?
Thanks for the great update.
September 8th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
#157 Susan:
I happen to know that one Panda year equals to about 4 human years, so BaiYun is around 80 years old in human years.
Just some informaiton I read sometimes ago about the oldest panda lived, her name is TaoTao (”Peach” in Chinese); she lived 36 years, gone in March, 2008, she never got her own children in her life. If you remeber, the 1st Panda visited SDZ, her name is BaSi, she is 29 years old now, she is very well taken care and living happily in FuZhou Panda reserve now. BaSi doesnt have her own children either. Scientists have tried to use Clone to keep her gene but found it is way too difficult.
September 8th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Happy Belated Birthday Bai Yun. Sorry I missed your day! You are the best panda momma there is!!
September 8th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Bai will get cake anyway, because the little one will get cake on his birthday!
September 8th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
For the Pandas International/AP Hero of the year, go to Animal Planet between Sept 14 and Sept 27 (not open for votes yet). ONE VOTE per email address – follow the rules to make sure all our votes count… but spread the word! The grand prize WILL be $10,000 for the charity that wins (YAY Pandas!). That’s a lot of bamboo, panda cub milk, medical supplies, etc!
Mark your calendars, spread the word, VOTE!
September 8th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Snuggles does have a black neck. Do cubs “grow into” their necks like their tails? I have not noticed such a high line for the black on the neck of a cub before. Maybe I missed it, or maybe his is unique?
Little man is doing his leg pumps this afternoon, even moving is cute tail. He moves his right leg in unison with the rear leg movement. Thankfully he has not started the “twitch” stage where the cub’s whole body seems to be in convulsions. It is very scary to watch. I finally realized on the third cub I watched as an infant (Xi Lan) that is is most likely an involuntary muscle reaction as the nerves and muscles are growing so quickly. The cubs seem to end this phase as abruptly as it started a few weeks prior. Then on to the crawling stage they go.
September 8th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Happy Birthday and many many more Bai Yun. You warm my heart watching you and your baby.
September 8th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Chari, I put it on my calendar early this morning when I received the email. She won last year, right?
Love the panda conversations everyone.
And it seems like more and more people posting. I love it; the poor moderators!
September 8th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Love the new panda cam page! The viewing “window” is right in the middle and maybe it’s an optical illusion, but it looks bigger. (Am I seeing things???) I also love the great big picture to the left of the panda cam window with Bai eating happily and Zhen (?) looking towards Bai and the camera. The web designer did a great job.
Moderator’s note: It’s just an optical illusion, but we’ll pass along the compliments to our Web designer.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Bai Yun, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You are the best mother EVER and a beautiful giant panda. I can’t wait to see you soon. Enjoy your birthday bamboo.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Bai is stretched out in the den, facing towards the door. The sun is shining on her face and the cub is a few inches away, also facing the door. She reached out her paw and put it protectively on his back, seeming to pull him a little closer while they looked contentedly out towards the world. Absolutely beautiful and stunning to see. Moments like these are why I’m so thankful for giant pandas and the panda cams.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Happy birthday Bai Yun – the most perfect bear in every way
September 8th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Thank you for making the changes on the web page. It is much easier to navigate and enjoy the panda cam.
Notice the big smile on Bai Yun this afternoon? It is great to see her so content, and bringing her little boy near the door to the den to feel the fresh air and light. The light is shining on her forehead so she must be happy in the best of both worlds. Perhaps she is starting to let him know about the outside world???
Another milestone may be coming in the next couple of weeks.
Maybe not having cubs to rear help both TaoTao and BaSi live long lives. BaSi was a wonderful ambassador on her travels around the world. She was a well trained acrobat who rode a tricylce as I recall and played with a big red ball. I fell in love with pandas when we visited her at SDZ in 1987. I had seen Hsing Hsing and Ling Ling in DC, but they were both asleep so she was the first “active” panda I saw in person.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Happy Belated Birthday Bai Yun… You are a great Mama to your little boy.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
If xiaohan #158 is correct about the age thing, Bai Yun is one spry and sassy 80-year-old! Something tells me that the age correlation is not too exact, as there are precious few 80-yr-old humans still able to bear children.
Margaret #162–the way Bai Yun is lying at the moment, I think I see that same high black neck marking on her. It must get covered by longer white fur that grows over it. Someone in an earlier blog mentioned black on the cub’s chest, and I think all the cubs (and Bai Yun) have some black there also.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Wow! Look at the comments on this blog! What a wonderful fan club you have, Madame White Cloud. I feel honored to be able to watch you and child from afar. The portrait I have been watching for the last several minutes, is one to cherish, be sure. Momma and baby laying together, looking out towards the door. Wonder if baby is starting to see shadows yet? Everyone, you have to look at this now, SOOOOO precious!!! Thank you, SDZ, for this heavenly picture of 2 of your amazing, furry angels!!!!
September 8th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Just discovered the great news – in celebration of Bai Yun’s 18th Birthday she and her baby son are now back in their rightful place in the centre of the Panda Cam page, it looks very attractive.
Thank you to everyone concerned who made this possible.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
p.s Belated Happy Birthday, Momma Bai, you look mavoulous for 18!!!!!
September 8th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Thank you Xiaohan #158 for the current information on BaSi. I hadn’t heard about her for a very long time. I am happy to hear that she is doing well.
The little guy sure is growing quickly! Talk about an adorable baby. A couple more weeks and his eyes should be open so he can see the world around him. And his adoring mama.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Thank you, Ohhhh, Thank you for the new live cam page !! Looks perfect !!! =)
September 8th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
It’s been a delight sharing a birthday with Bai Yun (wish I were 18 again, though), and a particular delight to see what a loving attentive mother she is. There’s not much that can beat watching her cradling her cub with such tenderness and keeping him warm and safe beside her. Thanks to all at SDZ. This is the third precious baby I’ve watched on Panda Cam and Bai becomes more of a champ each time – the picture of devotion. Beautiful!
Alayne from Memphis
September 8th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Thank you, moderator. I just sheepishly realized that I had the panda cam webpage zoomed to 125% so that while it looked bigger to me, it is still the same size, just as you mentioned. Still love it, though! That picture of Bai and Zhen will make me smile each time I visit!
I can’t get over how beautiful Bai and the cub look at the den door. No. 5 is now leaning gently near Bai’s shoulder. So sweet and one of my all-time favorite panda moments.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
love the new look page.
September 8th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Loving the updated panda cam page (panda cam in the middle) – a huge improvement. Thanks to the web team!
I will be coming to San Diego for the first time in November, a trip booked specially to visit the zoo and, of course, the pandas! I’ve been wanting to come for years and have the opportunity to do so now. I am so excited
Belated happy 18th birthday to Bai Yun. Your cubbie is growing so quickly – the next few weeks are going to be such a special time for all us members of Pandaholics Anon as we watch him learn to crawl about and become a bit of a handful (pawful??)
Moderator’s note: We look forward to your November visit, Vicky! Be sure to leave some time for the other Zoo animals
September 8th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Hello, Bai – sorry I missed your birthday! I’m sure you had a great time with Junior!
September 8th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
The new page is impressive! A thing of beauty, it portrays the Pandas beautifully.
Keep up the good work!
I enjoy seeing how the new baby is progressing, thanks to Bai Yun and the incomparable San Diego Zoo!
Georgie McAleer, West Chester, PA
September 8th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Happy Birthday Bai. You are the most wonderful mother any baby panda could want. You are so very special to all of us in California. You may be Chinese and we may have to give your babies back to China but for most of us your 5 babies are American. As noted though and seen in the responses here you are loved far and near. You are indeed “White Cloud”. You are beautiful and we love you very much. Though you are busy being Mom right now I bet the keepers will have something special for you when you start spending more time outside. That little boy you just had is going to grow so fast but we know that you will be right there to make sure he does it all right and has some fun at the same time.
Thank you to everyone at SDZ. You are tireless and so dedicated yet you still find time to keep us filled in on what’s happening.
September 8th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
No cam! What happened?? HELP!!! Need my Panda Fix!!
Moderator’s note: Yikes! It’s working for us. Please try again.
September 8th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
The new cam page looks great! I love the background picture. Thanks for changing it!
September 8th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Vicky #180 I think we are all Pandaholics Unanimous!
September 8th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
The new page looks great! Thank you Bai for just being-you’ve brought so many joy and a smile.
September 8th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Since I started watching “Panda Cam”, I noticed a little more dust on the furniture. But I can’t seem to get away from the computer once I start watching the Panda’s. Have seen the birth of the last 4 pandas, and each is more exiting than the last.
How long will you keep breeding Bai Yun? Is there an age when they no longer can bear ? Thank you all for the wonderful work you are doing for the continuation of this line of Pandas.
September 8th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
BTW…. Love the new cam page!!
We know we are picky but hey – we know what we like. Thanks for listening to us!
September 8th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Mary #186–I love Pandaholics Unanimous!
September 8th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Boy – we are kinda “shouty” when we don’t get what we want, aren’t we!?
Isn’t amazing how quickly the cubs start to look like little minature pandas? I mean, all of a sudden, there is this little tiny panda doll in Bai’s grasp. Simply incredible. How lucky are we to watch — and really – I swear — If I stare at the screen long enough — little man looks like he’s grows right before my eyes.
September 8th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun! You are such a good panda and good mom.
September 8th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Happy Happy Birthday dear Bai Yun! You’re soooo beautiful!
I watch the panda cam since Hua Mei born!
thanks for the 5 cubs and especially for this little baby!!!!
Lolla from Italy (but know I’m in WV for a long period!)
September 8th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun you are a good moommy to your little baby he
is so cute i like watching you and your baby on cam have a good night
September 8th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Well, Bai Yun, you’re just turned 18 and I just turned 62. You and I share the same birthday!!!!
I hope you had a relaxing b-day as did I. You have been an amazing ambassador to your species. Your children will continue to help your species for years to come. Years from now when they look back to study the Pandas that were released back into the wild, they will find the founding parents were you and Gao Gao. Thank you Bai Yun.
Moderator’s note: It’s so fun to hear from so many of Bai Yun’s “birthday buddies.” Happy birthday to you, Kathy.
September 8th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Margaret #162 and Frances #171 — pandas do have a black throat and under the chin. The black comes up from the saddle between their arms but does not go all around the neck.
Happy belated birthday, beautiful Bai Yun. I saw you in 2000 — both you and Hua Mei were draped over something and were sound asleep. You were beautiful in that pose and at 18, still no other panda can touch you for your beauty, your personality, your mothering, and what about that beautiful smile! Many, many more years we hope, and maybe even another cub??
The new panda cam page is wonderful, with the cam in the center and the picture. SDZ outdid itself again.
September 8th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
She really is a wonderful mother.
September 8th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
I see Bai is leaving “el cinco de Bai-o” alone more often & for longer periods
That means our newest cubbie is growing up too fast. 
I was surprised to read the moderator notes that our intrepid Miss Z was 20 weeks old when she went on exhibit – she was the one momma Bai dragged out of the den to “star gaze” all night – would have thought she would have been on exhibit sooner
Thanks for the new panda cam site – LOVE IT – THE PICTURE OF BAI & CUB IS A TEAR JERKER
And are we sure Bai is 80 in human years – if so how can she raise another male (sure to be a terror) cub at her age???
September 8th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
The new cam page is great! Keep up the good work!
September 8th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Linda A., NorCal; Suzanne Braden did not make the top ten finalists in the 2008 Animal Planet Hero of the Year. That is why this is so great when PI announced that she made the top ten list of finalists for 2009 Hero of the Year! Glad that you got the date down to vote for her. Spread the word to your friends to vote for Suzanne Braden, ok? She needs as many votes as she can get so that the pandas can be helped in the best way possible in China! The money will be a great help in the bamboo planting project that they are trying to get started in China as well. I’ll be voting for her, too!
BTW, have you heard anything about any of the NorCal fires being contained in the last week? Hope that the firefighters are working hard to get those fires out in NorCal!
Well, back to the pandacam. Just saw little guy all snuggled up with his mom!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 8th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Webmaster and moderator, loved the panda front page! The redo is great, and the pandacam screen is back in the middle where it belongs! Thanks for listening to all of us and working hard for us and the pandas! Meerkats, loved the closeups of the cub in the last few days! Great cam work!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 8th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
A day late, Happy Birthday, Bai. A great mom – so delicate of all your babies. Our mother celebrated her birthday with you.
To Kathy Hawk, a super Keeper, who I’ve seen through the Panda Cam from the beginning … raking, sweeping, cleaning the pools and at times tickling the young cubs in the reachable branches, preparing and bringing in all the wonderful bamboo for Bai Yun, Gao Fao, Shi Shi, Hua Mei, Mei Sheng, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. What an honorable job to have. Thank you, Kathy and all the zookeepers and of course the camera person.
September 8th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Happy Brithday Bai Yun my Husbend loves the new baby boy you have and he is very cute
September 8th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Well its been a BLAST here in Sandiego, I want to say that Im going to the SD Zoo on Friday the 11th it will be my third time I went today and saw Zhen Zhen and Su Lin just before lunch it was sooooooooooo cool I can say I had lunch with the GIRLS : ) If I could I will try to come for 5 days in December so I can see the little guy in person!!!!!!
Moderator’s note: Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit, Marlene!
September 8th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
What a truly lovely tribute to Bai Yun. It brought a tear to my eye……Late at night when the house is quiet and I imagine the zoo is too as all have gone to sleep, I watch Bai and her baby boy sleeping or Bai trying to sleep as he begins to discover his little world. Many times I feel like I am intruding on her privacy. And yet, I also feel honored and privledged to be able to witness this event. Her instincts to nurture this tiny little animal without human intervention, watch it develop and grow plumper every day, is nothing this than one of nature’s many miracles. This is such a crazy world with sometimes misplaced priorties and human abuse of our planet, yet when I watch that little circle of a den on my screen, I always think how tremendously significant that big, beautiful black and white bear and her little carbon copy are to this world. One tiny little cub contributing to the continuance of an endangered speices and I get to watch it live, in real time everyday. Priceless……….Thank you Bai Yun and Happy Birthday.
September 8th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
SDZ, thank you for redesigning the webcam page! Much easier to view – not so “busy”. I notice that the fan club has just grown by leaps and bounds since the birth of our little mister. Welcome to all new panda fans.
September 9th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Kathy Hawk: thank you for all of your loving care to Bai Yun over the years. She is truly a very, very remarkable bear and mother. Can we nominate her for mother of the year (or decade)?? Since I have been watching her regularly over the past two years I can never get enough of her and am constantly amazed at this truly great bear and the super SD zoo Panda Exhibit and the entire crew. You are doing an outstanding job …. also good work on the revised pandacam page!!!!
September 9th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Thank you very much for returning the front page to it’s former glory! You are great.
I love the way Bai lies with her feet pushing on the side of the den. Very comfy.
September 9th, 2009 at 4:00 am
Thanks for new cam page, its great.
September 9th, 2009 at 5:24 am
Happy Birthday Bei Yun, you bring me joy and amazement as I watch you and your beautiful little son on and off all day on the panda cam.
September 9th, 2009 at 6:08 am
I just came upon your site, quite by accident and am now addicted to the “cam” shots of the exhibits and their inhabitants. I do have a favorite though, it’s your cam of your newest little boy Panda. I watch this cam throughout the day and often find myself getting up in the middle of the night, just to check on momma and baby.
Bai Yun is the most loving and dedicated mother. She can be very gentle, but also very boisterous with her month old little boy. She tussles him around, playing with him, licking him and gently biting him. When he gets a little bigger and out of the birthing den…look out Bai, he’s probably going to be constantly at your heels, giving YOU little love bites. He is just precious. I can’t wait to see him out and about in the Panda enclosure, discovering the world around him, while momma fills herself with fresh bamboo shoots; but yet keeping a watchful eye on her little boy.
It’s been fascinating to learn what these endangered animals go through to raise their cubs. One baby looks like it takes more then enough attention from the mother, I cannot even imagine having twins to care for.
I have seen in television reports, how boisterous Panda’s can be, when a man got too close to an enclosure in China. The pure strength of these animals is unbelievable. So I was more than fascinated to see how gentle and tender they can be when raising their young. How gentle Bai is, when she picks up her tiny cub in her massive jaws; bringing him up to her breast to feed.
Thank you, San Diego Zoo for all that you do, for all the sacrifices you make for all the animals at your facility. I know it’s hard work, but must be so rewarding to know how much you contribute to these animals and their well-being. Thank you most of all, for helping to further the research into Panda behavior and doing everything in your power to boost the Panda population for all generations to enjoy.
Your “Panda Cam,” is a healthy addiction. It’s helped to keep me out of the refrigerator, by keeping me happily occupied, watching Bai Yun and the new baby boy…Thanks!
Heather
Moderator’s note: Welcome, Heather!
September 9th, 2009 at 6:44 am
First thing this morning the baby is getting a bath, everyone on my job is just in love with Bai and the little one. Yesterday the baby looked just like a mini Bai lying next to mom. The new cam page is so nice, love the picture. I’m hoping that by Nov. the baby will start to come out so that i will be able to get a good look at him. Thanks to the meekats for the great pics.
September 9th, 2009 at 7:50 am
I was so excited when I wrote last to say, Awsome new Panda cam web page and even though Gao Gao was in the back in his bedroom and Bai in her den taking care of her baby boy. It really felt good that all is going well here at the SD Zoo!Happy belated 18th birthday Bai Yun, what a great present for you a baby boy,to carry on ahe Panda name : )
September 9th, 2009 at 9:08 am
“el cinco de Bai-o” — I love it Maureen!!
September 9th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Happy Birthday to the best panda mom ever!
September 9th, 2009 at 9:37 am
You are so right Mary from Brooklyn #186–Pandaholics Unanimous is perfect!!
And I must add my comments, moderator, to the rest. The new panda cam page is beautiful. The web designers are to be commended. The picture of Bai and Baby is beyond adorable.
So happy for you marlene snyder from Seattle that you made it to San Diego. Maybe will see you there in December. Will keep fingers crossed for both of us! I’m not sure I can find somebody to go with who just wants to walk, talk, and stare at pandas all day for days on end. And of course make time for the polar bears, the sun bears, little Frankie and his family…..(Course my husband would be content to sit in a hotel room with a TV for hours…might work!)
September 9th, 2009 at 10:05 am
A recent photo of Hua Mei and Bai’s 7th grandchild ( I think the cub has Bai’s smile!) can now be found by googling “huamei and cub & flickr” – pick the first entry and it will take you there!. Also photos of Mei Sheng’s recent birthday and other china pandas.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:43 am
This chubby cubbie is growing visibly every day! Just think, when three inches of fur sprouts on that fat little body, El Cinco de Baio is going to be completely round!
In a couple of weeks he’s going be so cute that watching him will make your teeth fall out. Much too sweet!
September 9th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Cubbie is lying on his back holding a little sliver of bamboo in his left paw, just like ZZ does–part of Bai Yun’s panda lessons, I bet. El Cinco de Bai-o is growing so fast! I agree with whoever said that if you watch long enough you can almost see him grow.
Thanks, kathy #217 for the info about the pictures.
September 9th, 2009 at 11:35 am
I love “el cinco de Bai-o” too Maureen. Has a certain ring to it.
Is that sun outside the den door or light from a bedroom? I was trying to follow the description from last blog about prepping for the cub’s first exam. I thought the sunroom was outside the bedroom, but maybe I am confused. The light looks to bright not to be the sun. And, Bai seems to enjoy being near the doorway and the light this week, which makes me also think it must be the sun. Most animals instinctively gravitate near the sun for their health as it becomes necessary. NZP learned this lesson the hard way many years ago when Amazonia was built with a roof that blocked ultraviolet light. Several animals had injuries or their physiology changed, as in poison dart frogs did not produce poison and were eaten by birds who were not repelled because of the lack of poison. So, they had to put in skylights that allow nature UV rays to enter the indoor spaces, and things are back to “normal.” So, it is logical that Bai Yun’s body craves some UV after weeks in the dark den.
Moderator’s note: Per our keepers, the “bedroom” is the room that is adjacent to the den. When you see Bai step out of the den, she enters the bedroom. Next to the bedroom is the “sunroom,” so sunlight coming into the sunroom also comes in to the bedroom through the doorway connecting them. Next to the sunroom is the”garden room,” which Bai Yun will have access to soon. Hope this helps!
September 9th, 2009 at 11:37 am
P.S. for Moderator and WebTeam. Although there were LOTS of negative comments about the webpage last week, there are LOTS and LOTS of positive Thank Yous about the webpage this week.
Thanks for listening. You came up with a CLASS A result.
September 9th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Welcome, Heather, #211, to Pandaholics Unanimous. (great title, Mary!)
You refer to a report you’ve seen with a panda trying to get to a man by his enclosure, and then managing to get the man’s coat off him. At least that’s what I think you were referring to. We have probably all seen this clip, and it’s probably on Youtube. Well, I have my own ideas about that. I think the panda was enchanted by the scent on that jacket (men’s cologne, perhaps) and just wanted the jacket. The panda took the jacket and rubbed it all over his/her body. We panda “experts” know they like to self-annoint with scents.
However, it did show that the giant panda is a very strong animal, as all bears are–and need to be in the wild. But I think in that case it was not trying to hurt the man. So what do you other pandaholics think?
September 9th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Baby boy is so so so so so so cute!
P. Wong, any thoughts???
September 9th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I love the new panda page, moderator, do you know who the baby is with Bai?
Moderator’s note: The cub pictured with Bai Yun is Zhen Zhen.
September 9th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I’m continually amazed at just how fast the little one is growing. WOW. Every day he is getting bigger and bigger.
September 9th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I have watched you each day since the baby was born
and I can see how you care for your own little boy.
It is amazing to me how dedicated you are,
you can feed, comfort and love him through the hours that pass.
He is getting much bigger, stronger as well
and you have so much to do with that everyday.
In a few months, when he grows a little more,
I hope I can see both you out at the exhibit with joy.
You are a wonderful Panda Bai Yun and an incredible mommy too!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAI YUN!!
September 9th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
To Maureen #198 – I questioned that 80 years old myself. The oldest lived giant panda was Taotao, who died at age 36. The average life span of giant pandas is around 25, which probably takes into account both wild & captive giant pandas. Many of those in captivity live into their thirties. Based on those statistics, I think 2.5 or 3 human years for every giant panda year is more accurate. That would make Bai Yun somewhere in the range of 45-54 in human years. As a captive panda receiving excellent care and having a longer life expectancy, she is probably closer to age 45, in my opinion.
September 9th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Belated happy 18th birthday to Bai Yun the Queen of panda Mom’s!
Our young boy is by himself right now and the way he is laying he looks like he is nothing but a big fluffy white butt! He is really packing on the weight! I just love watching them grow.
September 9th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Congratulations on a wonderful website. We have some animal websites in England but not to this high standard. I spend a lot of time watching Bai Yun and her beautiful baby. I always have a quick look first thing in the morning before I go to work and as soon as I get home in the evening. Weekends are heaven because I can spend a lot more time watching them – cannot believe how quickly he is growing. Bai Yun is such a caring, gentle Mom – he is a very luck little boy.
One day I would love to visit San Diego Zoo – my first port of call will certainly be the pandas!!!
So thanks for all your hard work in ensuring that the future of these remarkable animals looks so much more positive.
September 9th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I have recently become addicted to the Pandacam. and am going to ask a question which maybe the “oldies” will think is sacrilegious, but I must ask…. how can you tell the difference from one panda to another? Do they have distinctive markings?
September 9th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Belated birthday greetings to Bai Yun!
A friend recently lent me a book, Life at the Zoo (Behind the Scenes with the Animal Doctors) by Phillip T. Robinson who “directed the veterinary medical program at the San Diego Zoo for ten years.” This book gave me fresh insight on the role and difficulties of zoo animal keepers and intricate dynamics of how the zoo is run. Many thanks again to you and staff for all the good work you’ve done.
September 9th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Happy Belated Birthday to Bai Yun. She is an amazing animal and a terrific mother. Baby Boy is too adorable. I love peeking in on them. Thank you for this chance to view such a wonderful event. Absolutely love the Panda Cam. I wish I could meet Bai Yun and baby in person!
September 9th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Getting on the pandacam late today after coming back from my eye appointment, and saw the little fluffy butt all by himself in the den. Looks like he’s napping because he’s very still. There’s another Bai Yun birthday buddy–my first son that was born on Sept. 7, 1978. Unfortunately, I had to give him up for adoption back then due to family situations, but I still think of him often. He turned 31 years old on 9/7/2009! Praying that he’s doing well!
Well, not much else right now since I haven’t gotten on any of the other pandacams today. Won’t be on the cam until I get back from my doctor appointment tomorrow, so I’ll check in then.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 9th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Now that our boy is more comfortable (and quiet) when Bai Yun is away, are you giving her special foods to help recharge her batteries and body weight. We all know how much bamboo is required to bulk her up but calories from fresh fruits and veggies I’m sure would help her regain her usual svelt form quicker.
I’m waiting for the moonlight jaunts into the garden room since I’m sure Bai will continue what she started with Zhen Zhen. Those evenings are perfect to tell the little one bedtime stories about how lucky he is to be born at the San Diego Zoo.
Kathy responds: Yes, we have been gradually increasing her folivore diet every two days as well as her bamboo. We keep in contact with our nutritionist, updating him on Bai’s diet progress.
September 9th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Got back on the pandacam again, and saw little man in the den laying down on his back wiggling his legs! Mom hasn’t come back to rescue him yet. I read that he knows how to roll over, but haven’t seen that yet. Kept watching cubbie to see if he will roll over, and he hasn’t done it yet! Maybe next time!
The pandacam is slow to come on. It took about a couple of minutes for the cam to come in when it used to take just a few seconds. Can anyone check that out for us? Will appreciate it! Thanks! Will be back later on. Got to get some dinner for me; I’m hungry!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 9th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Wish I had thought of el cinco de Bai-o but it was mentioned on another blog & I thought it was a riot so borrowed it ). We all have had nicknames for our other cubs before the official naming ceremony – our favorite one was “Bright Star” for Miss ZZZ – there have been several nicknames mentioned but none have seem to catch our fancy
September 9th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Happy birthday BaiYun, you are the queen. I love you.
September 9th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
When will his eyes open? El cinco de Bai-o, the fifth of Bai. Makes sense!
September 9th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
#234 – Lee – do we think that Bai is going to drag this chubby cubbie outside to watch the stars as she did with Miss Z – Bai had the staff stumped why she had such a young cub out of the birth den
Bai sure does have pile of bamboo piled in front of the den door
There is no way that any intruder was getting into her den 
Kathy – how did you do it??
September 9th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAI YUN !!! I LOVE WATCHING YOU AND YOUR NEW BABY EVERYDAY ..ALSO WHEN YOU HAD ZHEN ZHEN 2 YEARS AGO..YOU MAKE MY DAY EVERYDAY…I LOVE YOU…
September 9th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
OH YEAH MY DAUGHTER KRYSTINE ALSO WAS BORN 9-7-94
Moderator’s note: Happy 15th birthday to Krystine!
September 9th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Dearest Bai Yun, Happy Birthday! and may you be blessed with many more! Thank you for being such a loving Mum Bear! We are so very luck to have you in our country. Your Honorable Country Men and Women and Pandas in China, have changed the world for the better to share and involve the rest of the world in helping to keep the pandas alive!
Love and Honor to each of you! May your gentle lives always surround us on mother earth! Sincerely, XO, Joellen M
September 9th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Moderator, #220, thanks for the lesson in relative locations of rooms Bai has access to. Yes, it helps a great deal. I am happy to know there really is sunlight coming through the den door and that Bai Yun can enjoy the warm glow of the sun’s rays while sleeping in peace beside her beloved cub. It is good to know too that the cub can get the warmth and UV from the sun while still in the protected confines of the den. No need for Bai to take this cub out under the stars, she can let him have sun baths instead. I don’t remember her putting ZZ in this position, which may lend more puzzlement to why she instead chose to take her out under the stars. If memory serves me correctly, she was only about 6-8 weeks old when the excursions took place, which is not that far away from now. I hope she is “happier” with the current situation and leaves Snuggles, aka el cinco de Bai-o, safely in the confines and comforts of the den during the starlight hours. Perhaps she sensed that ZZ was an independent adventurous cub and that somehow instinctively triggered her nighttime journeys? Since none of us can with certainty know what is going on in Bai’s brain, we will never know for sure why she did it. Since she did not do it for the previous three cubs, it is not likely that she will do it with this one either. Lun Lun’s journey around the day room with Xi Lan by the scruff of the neck was out of the ordinary as well. She did not do anything remotely like that with Mei Lan. I perceive that each cub is different, in personality, temperment, physical make-up, etc. and the experienced and astute mother that Bai Yun is, she instinctively knows what is good to help that cub grow and learn panda behaviors the best way possible. So, stay tuned Pandaholics Unanimous. We are in for an interesting journey with el cinco de Bai-o and Bai Yun.
September 9th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
WOW! I saw the little cub flip over today with no problem! He was on his back where mom left him and WHAM! he flipped over onto his stomach. I was very surprised at how strong he is. Bai Yun is flipping him around all the time. Sometimes I am surprised at how rough she is with him already. He seems to be fine with it. It is fun to watch. She is a very calm mom. That must be because this is number 5.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Happy brithday Bai Yun. Bai Yun is so cute. She takes good care of her baby boy. Her baby boy is so cute, and funny, he rolls sometimes!
September 10th, 2009 at 12:29 am
I chuckle at the appellation “el cinco de Bai-o”, and it certainly does fit, but as cute as it is, gosh that’s a mouthful! Is there a phrase for “second son” in Chinese?
Whenever I think of us panda fans’ reluctance to see “our” cubs leave for China, it makes me remember Bai Yun. Oh how the people of Wolong must have fretted to see their first born leave for San Diego. Yet under the terriffic care of the SDZ team Bai has thrived and produced five fabulous offspring, the most recent one seemingly to order. (Breeding, check. Birth in 1st week of August, check. Boy cub, check.)
Happy Birthday, Mama Bai. My own second son is a holy terror compared to his older brother, and his personality is a huge part of the reason he is my youngest child (I used to call him “the other 5″); here’s hoping you’ll have an easier time of it.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:32 am
#230 Susan…When I first started watching pandas, I looked at the eye patches and the black band across their backs to tell pandas apart. As I watched them more and more, I was able to notice other things (how they walk, how high their black “stockings” are on their rear legs, mannerisms, how they eat, distinctive things about their noses/snouts, etc.). I also googled photos of the pandas by name. I’ll bet other panda watchers have things that they notice that helps them tell pandas apart, too. You will get the hang of it (and you will fall in love with them all!).
Happy panda watching!
September 10th, 2009 at 3:48 am
I was wondering if there will be a fan club for Bai Yun?? She needs one!!!!
September 10th, 2009 at 3:53 am
Have the cub’s eyes opened yet? Is he hearing yet? Wait till he sees what his mom looks like and how big she is! He will feel even more secure! I know I’m being silly, but I am so in awe of these beautiful animals and their ability to be gentle giants and to raise such a tiny baby so carefully. There is so much we can learn from them, particularly how to be a great mother and raise happy and confident little giant pandas. I know we aren’t supposed to “humanize” these animals, but it is hard not to when I see such obvious gentleness and what appears to me to be affection displayed by Bai to her cub.
Moderator’s note: His eyes and ears are not open yet.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:26 am
MZ cam is up and running this morning! NZ pandas got enrichment toys; what a treat to watch. ZA is pretty much unwatchable. And Mom and Baby are being really cute. What a way to start my morning!
September 10th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Moderator — Many thanks for the information on the “layout” of the panda area; den, bedroom, etc.
In July 2007 I visited SDZ and visitors could pass 2 exhibits – and we saw SuLin & Mei Sheng. Bai Yun was
off exhibit as she was expecting ZZ and , I believe, Quiet Please signs were posted. My question is, once
the latest cub is on exhibit, are visitors able to enter a building and see the pandas (as is possible at
National Zoo) when they are inside & perhaps see the person operating the pandacam? Of course, given the fantastic San Diego weather, the pandas are rarely insdie, right?
Moderator’s note: The panda building is for staff only.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:41 am
el cinco de Bai-o is such a wonderful mom. Just look at her this morning giving cubbie hugs and kissing and licking her all over. She is such a role model.
September 10th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Is the beautiful picture on the home page Bai and ZZ?
Moderator’s note: Bai and ZZ are pictured on the Panda Cam page.
September 10th, 2009 at 9:09 am
MY….BaiYun just took her baby out with her…..the first time??…..little boy will got sunshine all over him maybe today……..:) @12:07 Eastern Time
September 10th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Ooh–Mommy Bai just dragged her little bundle outside the den! He’s getting a very early look at the bedroom? Or maybe the den needs cleaning? Can’t wait to find out.
September 10th, 2009 at 9:54 am
#254 and 255, I saw that too and wait anxiously and nervously for the pandacam to get back to Bai Yun and her cub, it has been on Su Lin sleeping in a tree since then… I hope the cub is OK.
Moderator’s note: Fear not! The cub had his second exam this morning. Photos and video to come.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Now you’re talkin! Look at this amazing view!!!!!
September 10th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Thanks, Moderator–i was worried too.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Well, I am feeling much better after seeing Bai Yun and her cub outside. He seems to be enjoying the adventure. Bai Yun must have thought that her boy needs some direct sunlight, not an “under the stars” first outing. She then walked further out, carrying her cub, then back in before changing her mind and going out again. She is definitively handling each cub differently…
September 10th, 2009 at 10:18 am
I just caught Bai coming back into the den with little one but she changed her mind and took him back outside again! Ah well, womens prerogative and all that!!
Its lovely to see the gorgeous Su Lin again. She always makes me smile.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Margaret#243…I was just reading your comment about Bai’s and Miss ZZ’s treks outside early in Zhen Zhen’s life. Someone said it might have been because the den was “dirty” or didn’t smell fresh, because after it was cleaned by staff, Bai didn’t take ZZ back out. Well, then I looked at the Cam, and Bai had Pip Squeak outside in the sunroom today! I couldn’t believe it. At one time Bai looked right into the camera and I said “Oh..what’s the matter honey ,Are you OK?” She didn’t answer me, just sat there with her baby laying on her feet enjoying the sun. Yes, I talk to the Panda’s as you can see. I guess there are worse things I could be addicted to…..
September 10th, 2009 at 10:35 am
I was so excited to visit the zoo and the pandas on the 4th. Happy birthday to Bai Yun! My mother in law has been glued to the panda cam ever since baby cub was born and she got to see the panda exhibit for the first time ever. She then spent alot $$$ in the panda store so I hope that helps the conservation efforts. For anyone visiting the zoo. You have to get a “panda poo” item, it is seriously the coolest thing there is. Big Kudos to the zoo staff. I can’t wait to see more updates on the cub and all the activities in the park.
Moderator’s note: Every little bit spent in our gift shops does indeed help. Thank you! For those interested in the “poo paper” products we offer, visit our online store at http://www.shopzoo.com/advanced_search_result.html?keyword=poo+paper&search_in_description=1
September 10th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Drats! I missed her bringing him outside! I did get to see Bai have a lovely boo dinner while junior was taking a nap on the den shavings. Now he is sleeping away, but my! How round and big Little Fluffy has become! So adorable!!
September 10th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Just watched Bai giving El Cinco de Bai-o a bath … what a difference a few weeks makes! She used to just lick him where ever he was laying. This morning, it looked like she had to put him on one of her paws, and then put the other paw over the top of him to keep him from squirming away! Such a boy (not wanting Mom to clean him)! Thank goodness Bai has such practice – she’ll have her paws full to be sure, but she’s up to it!
I missed the expedition! Darn!!!
September 10th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Oh Boy! 2nd exam photos and videos coming. It was a pleasant surprise to see Su Lin up in her tree tho’. Always good to see her. He’s off exploring the bedroom area at an early age!
September 10th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Bai sure does like that sunny spot by the door. She looks so happy and peaceful lying in the sun!
September 10th, 2009 at 11:28 am
#230 Susan and #247 Melissa, I also use the head’s shape, ears and eye’s patches to tell the pandas apart. Some pandas have spherical heads, like Yang Yang in Atlanta; he also has kind of sticking out ears, Mickey Mouse like. Lun Lun has round and fluffy cheeks and as Mei Lan is growing, she looks more and more like her mother, and so is Xi Lan, his cheeks are filling up as well. Most of the zoo websites have a “meet the pandas” page where you often can get the characteristics and pictures of the pandas at that zoo. SDZ website gives very good description of their pandas.Both pandas in Memphis , Le Le, male, and Ya Ya, female, have spherical heads, but Ya Ya’s ears are les round, less Mickey Mouse like than Le Le’s ears. “Pandas Live On” website has a lot of pictures of pandas, which might help you learn the differences. Enjoy those fascinating animals.
September 10th, 2009 at 11:35 am
#228 – Candy – I’m sure our new boy is supplying you with lots of smiles. Just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you.
I also love watching them grow. It seems kind of like the corn in Iowa – you can hear it grow and almost see it grow right in front of you. LOL Slow down a little baby boy, we want to savor every bit of you for as long as possible!
September 10th, 2009 at 11:39 am
You can catch a glimpse of Bai Yun and her cub out in the sun room on the Daily Panda Time-Lapse Video, she took her cub out at 9:14AM and they were seen outside at 10:16AM.
September 10th, 2009 at 11:44 am
# 266 Diana – I was just noticing the same thing. I was almost wondering if she was just outside the den with little man, since it is so sunny.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Happy Birthday Bai Yun! You are truly an amazing Panda and such a wonderful mother to your little cub. I hope we all can enjoy watching you in San Diego Zoo fo many years to come.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Happy Birthday, Bai Yun! What a joy it has been watching you on Panda Cam for the past 3 years. I was fascinated watching you raise Zhen Zhen, and now your new baby boy. I was thrilled to see you and Gao Gao and Zhen Zhen last December when I visited from NY. I look forward to seeing you again this Christmas!
September 10th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I think there should be a fan club for the baby boy, but a fan club for Bai Yun whould be great! I whould join!
September 11th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Everything everybody else has said is true, but I have to add my impressions, too. Seeing Bai with her new baby boy on the webcam, especially when she was sitting up and cradling him in her arms, made me thing of Dumbo and his mother in the movie when she is holding him and rocking him to sleep to the song “Baby Mine”. Bai is such the perfect mother and cubby is all hers.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:12 am
What in the world was Bai Yun doing during that fidgety little interval at around 6:45 am, your time? Dragging in some bamboo shoots but not eating them… folding herself into her little “I’m a soft, warm cave for my baby,” in that forehead down position she uses, with a nice, protected little space beneath her belly… rearranging herself and still not including the baby off to her left side…
She’s usually so calm and slow moving. Was she upset about something?
September 28th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Has anyone seen the recent new cast talking about how we should just let the pandas go extinct. First of all as long as there is breath in my body I will NEVER let this happen. How could we not want to share these adorable animals forever and ever. God Bless the zoo’s that care for these rare and delightful animals, and also kudos to the Woolong resever… We as humans have a duty to care for God’s blessing, this world is not just ours…