Panda Cub: 3rd Exam
Posted at 4:37 pm September 17, 2009 by admin
We know everyone is eager to hear the results of this week’s panda cub exam, so here goes: Now 43 days old, the little cutie weighs 5.1 pounds (2.318 kilograms), which is an increase of 1.2 pounds (0.5 kilograms) from last week, and is 15.75 inches (40 centimeters) long. His eyes and ears have not opened yet. His teeth are just below the gum line but have not yet erupted.
Those are cute feet, but it's hard to see the webbing we've heard so much about.
Hua Mei, Day 46: 2.159 kg. or 4.76 lbs.
Mei Sheng, Day 43: 1.923 kg. or 4.24 lbs. pounds
Su Lin, Day 42: 2.0 kg. or 4.4 lbs.
Zhen Zhen, Day 41: 1.89 kg or 4.17 lbs.
2009 Cub: 2.318 kg or 5.11 lbs.
Yes, it appears our newest cub is one roly, roly poly guy!
More photos are in the Panda Photo Gallery.
See video
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September 17th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
LOL He is so adorable! What a cutie! He is going to be a huge Panda Boy! I think it is fabulous that Bai, on her fifth cub, is able to produce the yummy milk he needs to grow, for growing he is! She is funny, now, because she holds him like a football!! He has really grown into his tail, too. And those paws…so cute! Did you just want to kiss him forever? Did he vocalize, at all, during this exam? I am off to look for the other photos! He truly is roly poly!
September 17th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Little man is rolly polly for sure !! =) thanx for the update. As I asked in another blog, his eyes and ears should be opening any day now, yes ? It’s normally around 45 days old, if I’m not mistaken.
Moderator’s note: With our other four cubs, it has been 50 to 60 days for the eyes to open.
September 17th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I am loving the panda cam and the time lapse viewing. I am not getting a thing done in the house because I finally have found something that keeps my computer running.
Can’t wait to see him grow and tumble about the viewing exhibit…..
They had me worried the other night when she took him out of the birthing den!
September 17th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Thanks for the summary informations about the cubs.
For the keepers: Good job !
September 17th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
OMG He is big!! you know I can’t even see his feet when his on his tummy….his just that huge..I see the difference !
September 17th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I thought baby boy was a chunk -o maybe this guy is going to be bigger than daddy. maybe he will take on his mommy’s bigger size and daddy’s webbed feet!! anyway, he is certainly getting plenty to eat. that’s why he is probably sleeping for longer periods of time! hungry little guys grow up to be big guys? maybe!!
gao gao is smaller in size for a male giant panda, but is a bamboo eating machine. so, appetite doesn’t necessarily mean he will be huge. we will just have to wait and see! actually, I am in no hurry for this little one to grow up! they grow up way too fast as it is! looking forward to all the changes and fun times we will get to observe on the panda cam. THANKS TO THE SDZ!!…………AND the latest up-date on pee-wee’s third exam! he’s growing by leaps and bounds!!!
September 17th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Goodness, he really is one big boy–our eyes are not deceiving us! Bai must really be supercharging the milk, and it seems that el Cinco de Bai-O has inherited his dad’s hearty appetite–he even seems to slurp in his sleep the way Gao Gao sometimes chews in his sleep.
He is one little cubmuffin for sure. xoxoxoxoxoxxooxxooxxooooooxxoxxoxoxoxoxooxoxooxoxo
September 17th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Don’t you just love how they have that smile when they are little!!
September 17th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
The baby definately looks like his daddy. He is definately taking after his dads name Gao Gao(Big Big)
September 17th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
You should find the name roly poly in chineese since everyone is calling him that i think it is a good name but will sound better as roly poly in chineese my mom and i want to eat him up and just smother him in kisses (but not as much as bai does, poor thing has saliva fur! lol) and boy he is the biggest one of the bunch as he is a male i assume but he is just so cute. also at night are there people on the panda cam to watch him i notice that when bai leaves the cam doesn’t zoom in on him?
Moderator’s note: We have a skeleton crew at the panda station at night and they don’t have much time to man the Panda Cam.
September 17th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Wow he has out done all his sibling I’ve been thinking he looks larger than what I remember the others being at his age. If he keeps this up he will be one GIANT PANDA.
September 17th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
As we suspected he is going to be one big fella. Hua Mei is a big girl, so it is great that Bai had one big boy as well to take after her. Gao passed on his “smaller” genes to Mei Sheng and Zhen Zhen.
It will be interesting to see if his personality is like any of his siblings. So far, he seems to be very mellow like his dad, and perhaps Su Lin?
He is awesome for sure.
September 17th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
roly poly for sure
September 17th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
roly poly sounds to me like “滚滚 (guin guin) ” in Chinese, means”strong & round” and also “rolling and rolling”. In China, it is a very popular and loving nickname for pandas, simply because they are so roly poly and like doing somersaults, and rolling and rolling on the slopes. This baby is indeed a little “滚滚“
September 17th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
He is such a lucky boy to have a good mommy feeding and cleaning him so well. I noticed his “pot belly” helping him roll around the den this week, very cute to see him move about on his own. Can’t wait for those big eyes to open up and start exploring the big world around him.
September 17th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
He really looks so content in your photos…and he’s a healthy boy! I’m in no hurry for him to grow up, I want to enjoy this little guy and savour every day we have with him!
September 17th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this update! OMG – what a little chubba bubba this little cubbie is.
September 17th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
CUTE, CUTE, CUTE, CUTE, CUTE!!!!! Rolly polly for sure! Hope to see the webbed feet on the photo gallery. Would also like to see measurement comparisons of the cub’s first 2 exams as well, including neck girth, abdominal girth, and tail length measurements. The abdominal girth measurement will be very interesting to see! The comparisons between all the other cubs look pretty even, but we Americans are not metric savvy, so may you please write down these weights and measurements in American pounds, inches, and feet? Will appreciate it! Will see the vid tomorrow as soon as it becomes available.
Will be back later. Back to the pandacam!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 17th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
i am trying to find a website that defines how and what the chinese names mean does anyone know? bc i think that they should consider roly poly or something to that effect!
September 17th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I would find it absolutely impossible as a panda keeper or vet or veterinarian’s assistant to have contact with Gao Jr. and not shower him with gentle hugs and kisses. You people have a strength of will that ordinary panda fans DEFINITELY wouldn’t have. I admire your will power, but admit it, it must be REALLY hard to limit contact with the cub to a minimum of handling. For me, it would be pure torture which is why I’m not a panda keeper!
September 17th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
how do they determine what the name means is there a website? i really can’t wait to see the poll to determine his name.
September 17th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Come cub naming time, maybe one of finalist names for the lad could be Pan Pan (Bai Yun’s and Tian Tian’s father). As I recall, Pan Pan is a big (280-300 lb) panda. Or for a little reverse logic, since Gao’s name means big, and he’s actually small, maybe name the young lad chinese for small, and watch him grow to be large like his Uncle Tian and Grandpa Pan.
September 17th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
C:QUACK, QUACK (SIGH) QUACK, QUACK ETC…………..
B:LITTLE ONE WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
C:MOMMIE I HAVE TO GO BACKWITH THE DUCKS..
B:WHY DO YOU THINK THAT?
C:WELL WHEN THEY WERE CHECKING ME OUT SOME ONE KEPT SAYING “HAS ANY ONE SEEN THE CRACKERS? WE NEED TO PUT EMMM BACK” QUACK QUACK I’M GOING BACK TO LIVE WITH THE DUCKS MOMMIE!!!
B:OH HONEY THEY WERE SAYING CRACKERS…THOSE ARE WHAT YOU EAT…A DUCK QUACKS.
WE’VE GOT YOU OBSESSED WITH YOUR CUTE LITTLE WEBBED FEET…YOU’RE NOT GOING ANY
WHERE…NO MY DUCK STUFF O.K.
C:OH TA MOMMIE SOUNDS GOOD TO ME.
HE’S GOT THE CUTIEST FEET EVER…I SAW THEM EARLIER WHEN HE WAS TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM MOM….
September 17th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
He is going to be one big Panda for sure just like his Dad Gao Gao. He is just so so cute. I love watching the Panda Cam.
Thank you for having the panda cam so everyone can watch.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Our Chubby Cubby is just that, chubby. He really is the biggest so far. Maybe there’s more of Bai Yun him than the other babies. I love watch him by himself and waiting for him to call for Mom. We are so blessed to have Bai Yun and her offsprings representing the Pandas of the world. What a family tree you have started at SDZ.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Wow he is just to damn cute this tiny most lovable little pandababy. I send the link to pandacam to all my friends probably 30-40 times a day, and yes, they are moderately annoyed but i don’t care. This little guy is just so lovable and happy. Thankfully pandas breeding cycle doesn’t shoot out babies in December or May, otherwise law school finals would still surely play second fiddle to such cuties.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
He is just the most adorable little guy I’ve ever seen. I love the pandacam!! What a rare opportunity to see into their private den. I wish there were some audio files to go with the video. Thanks, SanDiego Zoo!!
September 17th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
He looks like Gao in the top photo! So cute! His feet are adorable. Maybe he will grow up to be a 300-pounder someday like Yang Yang.
Thanks for sharing the comparable data for the other SDZ cubs and for keeping us updated.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I know Bai is related to Tian but I’m can’t recall if its Tian or Mei who has Pan Pan in their family line. Pan Pan was a very giant Giant Panda. Tai is also a very big teenager having the Pan Pan genes. So the little one may be taking after mama. Either way they are adorable at any age and size.
Moderator’s note: The NZP adult male Tian Tian is a half brother of our very own Bai Yun. Their father, Pan Pan, is one of the most successful captive breeding males ever at the Wolong Nature Reserve in Sichuan, China.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Bai & Gao have done it again
But this guy seems huge compared to others 
He may have pappa Gao’s webbed feet but it sure seems like he’ll be a big panda like Momma Bai.
Reading this update did take away some of anger caused by one of the comments in the previous blog – Mark – your comment was unkind & uncalled for
But we’ll enjoy our healthy & go on.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Thanks for all your info. We pandafanatics love all this panda lore.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
What a joy it is to watch mom and baby. She is so loving to him. This would be great for young human parents to see that instinct plays such an important role in nurturing.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
0648 pm PT — just checked in the little nipper — he’s alone in the den right now (momma must be eating) and it looks like he’s trying to do headstands. He’s rolling on his side, sticking his little left back leg in the air and wiggling it around! Just too adorable!
September 17th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
He’s HUGE! What an incredibly sweet face. I can’t wait to see the video tomorrow!
Michelle #8..oh yeah…that smile is awesome! Can I just have 2 mintues to cuddle that sweet boy?
September 17th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
That’s good news. He’s bigger than the rest… :-O Can’t wait for his eyes to open. Checking every day to see if it has… to no avail. But it’s good to hear he’s in prime condition
Keep on growing little guy!
September 17th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
The growing boy sure is busy and getting plenty of milk. I was looking at Bai’s paws and boy are they big..wouldnt want to run into her in a dark alley…wonder if the roly poly will have big paws too. Thanks for all the great care the panda people do to keep just a great thing going.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Open, open, OPEN your eyes, baby!! Look at his darling feet!!! Those little pads…..I guess they look just extra cute, because I’m used to cat feet…
September 17th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
How adorable, our big boy! Looks like they are out for another night under the stars.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Big Boy in the making!!!! Perhaps he will be the biggest SDZ male yet!!!! LOL
September 17th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
OK – here I am in Mich at 10:15 edt & the den is empty again. Bai must love taking out elcinco de Bai-o out every night
September 17th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
For comparison:
Mei Lan, Day 43: 2.24 kg or 4.9 lbs.
Xi Lan, Day 43: 1.76 kg or 3.9 lbs.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Oh he is so so cute! Oh he is a big little guy! Yes he is a roly poly little big boy! Oh he is just the cutest thing ever!!!!
September 17th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
it is 10:00 and i do not know where our pandas are???????????
Hope all is well at SDZ good nite all
Moderator’s note: All is well, Pat!
September 17th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
LOL. Yes, he sure is a roly roly poly guy, an adoreable one at that. It’s 7:40 p.m. and there’s no one in sight in the den. I’m so glad they are both enjoying these cooler nights outdoors now. I’m sure BaiYun is tickled pink, so she can eat while he sleeps.
Just can’t get enough of them. I too now keep the cam on all day when I”m home and don’t get nearly as much done as I normally do, but oh, it is so worth it watching these two.
Thank you again for the updates, the wonderful camera work, and bless you for all that you do for the pandas.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
I think he was giving us a “hi-5″ during the physical and the picture you took…so cute!
September 17th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
He is sooooooooooo cute I watch him everyday…I just wanna hug him and keep kissing him.I can’t stand it!!
September 17th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
#9 Susie, I agree that the cub looks like Gao Gao. I think it’s unusual for a baby panda at this age to resemble an adult panda, but he’s adorable. Glad to hear he’s bigger than his siblings were at the same age.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
ARE you guys selling any t-shirt of the new cub..I want to buy his t-shirt I’m a big panda fan. also ZHEN ZHEN T-SHIRT…
Moderator’s note: We do have an online panda shop at http://www.shopzoo.com/panda-shop-c-27.html?zenid=ohdpll3nesdlroo24lganvd6l3
September 17th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
how many more exams will they give the baby? has he been vaccinated or is it too early?
Moderator’s note: He’ll have weekly exams for the next few months. Our other cubs received their first vaccinations at 9 weeks of age.
September 17th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Well, it has been about 10 days since I have been on the blog. We have some new names? Welcome, everyone. I cannot believe how this little boy has grown! But I remember raising my young’uns, and everytime I let Grandmother keep them, they had grown 6 inches when they came home! Margaret, #17, you always know so much about all the pandas. I am always amazed by your diligent observations with these wonderful creatures. I am now anxious for his naming ceremony, so that we can make nick-names for his given name!
Now I must go and catch up with the news I have missed, while away. I have missed everyone.
Moderator’s note: Good to have you back, Dianne!
September 17th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
It’s now after 11 p.m. EDT and that baby has gone again! Did Mommy take him outside again?
Moderator’s note: She did indeed. It’s a beautiful evening!
September 17th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Awwwww hes just so cute and cuddly!!!
September 17th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
The chubbie cubbie is getting cuter everyday!! Bai Yun takes such good care of this big boy! She is a good mama. She must have him out under the stars because I don’t see either of them. That boy is spoiled rotten…. he has to tug along when she goes out to eat!! I loved the milk mustache from last time. I want a close up of the duckie feet… a chubbie duckie cubbie!!
I love him.. That you SDZ for taking care of the Pandas and Panda baby!!
September 17th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Let’s call him “Huan Ke”…. cute cute
September 17th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Watched the Panda Cam tonight, no Pandas. Oh well, goodnight little one. Maybe I will see you tomorrow.
September 17th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
He is geting bigger he is sooooooooo cute sometimes when i see them on the web cam they are not there
Moderator’s note: Lately, Bai Yun has been taking the cub outside at night. Check back in the morning (San Diego time, of course!).
September 17th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Must be another evening out – past midnight here & still an empty den
Ok we nned P. Wong or someone else to tell us why Bai is telling her cub about spending the evening under the stars. Bai we sure need more studies to figure you out 
And how to tell what she’s thinking as each cub is different in personality & its needs 
Many more studies are needed before our pandas are sent back to China 
September 17th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
What a little chunk! I can’t believe how big he is in the new pictures compared to last week! How can he keep getting any cuter but they always do!!! I’d just love to get my hands on that cub…..
September 17th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
He’s a living doll all-right! I noticed in the pictures how long and sharp his little nails are. Do you ever have to trim them?
Moderator’s note: No, we let Bai Yun take care of any cub chores!
September 17th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
So, is there a camera outside so we may see our baby outside? He must love the fresh air. Maybe mom is educating him
Moderator’s note: When Bai Yun takes her cub outside during the daytime, you’ll be able to see them.
September 17th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I miss having my chubby cubby Panda fix! What I would give to have a camera outside to see them spend the night. I keep a small window open permanently on my computer monitor with the live cam so I can keep an eye on them all day while I work here. I have a question… will you let the public know ahead of time when he’s going to make his first public appearance? I want to plan a trip to San Diego so I can meet him in person!
Moderator’s note: We will indeed let everyone know when cubbie makes his public debut.
September 17th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Moderator, good heavens, you’re working late tonight!
Can’t wait for the video tomorrow.
Moderator’s note: Yes, I was working from home trying to keep up with all of the comments
September 17th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
He is going to be one BIG, cuddly Panda when he grows up. What a sweetie.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:08 am
Even after all those CRUNCHES, he’s still that chubby?? (Seriously, has anyone else noticed? If he’s on his back, he’s doing crunches. It’s so cute!!)
September 18th, 2009 at 12:19 am
Let’s name him Zhīfáng!!
September 18th, 2009 at 1:17 am
I want to know does Gao jr. ever poo and pee? how do you trim a nail with what? I see her licking him ..but that ain’t gonna trim some nails is it?
Moderator’s note: Of course he does! His mother cleans him, as you may have noticed. And cubs really don’t need their nails trimmed; once he gets moving around, those nails will come in handy.
September 18th, 2009 at 2:06 am
I watch on my webcam in England with my small son, we check in most days to see the new cub and Mum, it has been wonderful, we are coming over to the Zoo in 10days time and we will make sure we get to the panda’s. Keep up the good work you all do there and look forward to visiting very soon.
Moderator’s note: Enjoy your visit to San Diego!
September 18th, 2009 at 2:09 am
I was so suprised to here about his web toes,When I was born my didnt notice till 2 weeks later that Ihad to toes on my right foot that are webbed together. I guess my grandma on my moms side also had a web toe. When I was little I felt like a weirdo,but as a adult I think its very unique : ) I also so say yes born raised a true Washingtoner with web toe LOL : ) Is that a uncommon thing for pandas ? and what foot is it if I may ask please? He is definately a looker : )
Moderator’s note: Please see the following post for all webbed feet questions: http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2009/09/11/panda-ducklings/
September 18th, 2009 at 3:56 am
At 40 days old, Tai Shan weighed 4.2 pounds.
September 18th, 2009 at 4:17 am
Bai Yun: “you ain’t using pedi-paws on my baby”.
September 18th, 2009 at 4:32 am
Thank you for the great up-date of Snuggles. I totally agree, his feet with his not so tiny nails any more are adorable. He reminds me of one of the plush toy animals made by Steiff; just the button in his ear is missing! When watching the panda cam I experience the same sensation as lots of you panda lovers, I totally relax no matter how excited or stressed I had been before. Panda cam is one of the best antidotes to beat the “blues”. I found it quite amazing how many people worldwide have become panda lovers and bloggers since baby was born, e. g. #4 Ralf from Germany, my home country, and panda fan from South Africa (my second home country for 16 years). Great that you two have joined the blogger crew!
By the way, if Snuggles carries on growing like he has been doing he could well be the main actor in the next movie “Kung Fu Panda” (my husband’s suggestion!). Well, he is famous already!
September 18th, 2009 at 4:53 am
So our lil Chubbie Rock Star has had another photo shoot! Wow, he has gotten so much bigger. And those perfect little paws, furry potbelly and sweet smile, oh my gosh. Hehehe…tickle, tickle,tickle. It is so hard to stop looking at those pictures
But seriously, I think Pandas are such a beautiful and unique gift to the world. For me, it is hard to express the joy they can bring, just to watch them scampering around. Hehehe! Or wiggling as in Chubbie’s case
They are just so heartwarming, gentle, playful and precious. The range of emotion they can inspire is just amazing. And to watch Bai’s mothering skills just fills me with awe everytime.
I was wondering if they can recognize their names if called? Does anyone know ? They seem so very intelligent.
Big “Thanks” to the Docs, Keepers and SDZ for all that you do and for including us in these precious panda moments in time!!
Love and Peace all
Moderator’s note: Yes, the pandas respond when their keepers call their names.
September 18th, 2009 at 5:37 am
Wow he is roly poly!!! Thanks for the update. He will be big and strong some day. Bai takes such good care of him. Maybe he will get to see his keepers at his next exam.
September 18th, 2009 at 5:50 am
He has no choice but to be rolly-polly with all the time he spends nursing! I am not keeping records, it just seems to me Bai has spent more time feeding him than she did with the other cubs. Do the research notes and stats confirm my impression?
September 18th, 2009 at 6:09 am
I agree with Kathy……….let us savor each moment as he grows…they grow so quickly. Bai Yun may be a Hero Mother but cannot continue having these darlings forever. Please enjoy being in the moment with our little blessing and his mother.
September 18th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Thanks to the moderator for clearing up Pan Pan’s connection. Now I’m hoping one the the name choices will be Pan Pan. Its a good thing I’m not a panda keeper either, I would get the baby in my hands and would not be able to resist giving him a swarm of butterfly kisses.
September 18th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Loved the pictures from the 3rd exam my what a big boy!!!! I agree with the other comments, I think he is going to take after his daddy. Chubbie-Chuberoo is so adorable and cute!!! Mama is going to have her hands full when he starts crawling he is already a stong little one. I find myself wanting to kiss my screen when I look at his pictures. I would love to know what Bai & cubbie do at night outside besides enjoy the weather. Can’t wait to see the video. You are doing a wonderful job Bai!!!!couldn’t ask for a better momma. Again, I would like to thank the SDZ staff for always watching and taking care of Bai & cubbie, and of course all of the other pandas. You do a teriffic job.
September 18th, 2009 at 6:27 am
This “little” guy is just so adorable. It’s no surprise that we don’t see mom holding him as much. He is a chunk! It’s also so amazing how fast he grows, but we all know that is because Bai Yun is such a wonderful mother. Thanks to San Deigo Zoo and all the keepers for the information you share with us. It makes us truly appreciate the miracle of these animals and what a precious addition they are to our world.
Carol in Kalamazoo, MI
September 18th, 2009 at 6:33 am
I so wish there was audio to the live streaming! Does the baby make a lot of noise like the first moments he was born? Is there “verbal” communication between mom and cub and if so, does he “call” mom when she has been out too long?
Moderator’s note: Keepers say the cub doesn’t vocalize very much, although he issues a little squawk when Mom returns to the den.
September 18th, 2009 at 6:34 am
First, I’d like to say, actually swoon: HE IS SUPER CUTE AND ADORABLE:-)… Look at that face, can’t stop loving him. He is my first rolly polly:-). It is amazing to watch him grow. SDZ keepers, vets, mods, camera people, everyone whose involved with these amazing creatures, A HUGE THANK YOU to each and everyone of you. Without the cams and the blogs, I have to go down to SD every weekend, which is impossible! I am sure, you’re all getting deaf by my thank you’s by now:-).
Indeed, can we hug him? I have my own giant panda stuffed toy, which I bought from there, and it looks just like our Little Rolly Polly:-). Oh ok, my stuffed toy is a lot bigger than he is for the moment. I am pretty sure, though, that is softer and cuddlier than his stuffed toy counterpart.
A very good morning Rolly Polly; Momma Bai, you’re simply the best.
September 18th, 2009 at 6:34 am
September 18th, 2009 at 6:55 am
I think I’ve figured Bai Yun out. I’ve noticed she will take the baby out of the den after her keepers and other staff have gone home for the evening. She’ll then bring him back to the den when she expects the keepers to return in the early morning. To me, this is a clear signal that she trusts her keepers to take good care of the cub when she’s away. She doesn’t feel comfortable leaving him alone in the den at night when she needs to eat and take care of other business, at least until he’s older.
I just love Bai Yun! She’s such a sweet, wonderful, extraordinary mother.
September 18th, 2009 at 7:00 am
# 65 “Megan C” that’s so funny that you said that about the crunches! My Mom and I have been counting out loud every time he starts his “workout”! He’ll have an adorable, tiny 6 pack in no time
September 18th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Little Gao sure is roly poly. Wouldn’t that round belly make it more difficult for him to turn over from his back to tummy? I agree it looks like he will be a big panda like his mama–and like cousin Tai Shan.
September 18th, 2009 at 7:25 am
What a chunk-a-munk!! I just love him! Thanks for the update and GREAT pictures on the cam!
September 18th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Wow that guy is going to be a chubbie wubbie boy maybe they should call him CHUB CHUB…LOL Oh he has the cutiest little feet and so pink. I also love that he likes to sleep on his back with his feet in the air…can’t get enough of his cuteness…The keepers are taking such good care of all the pandas so a shout out to all of them for there hard work…PANDA KEEPERS ROCK !!! So I wonder when does the pandas eyes usually open? Well I have to go watch the pandas. Have a great day everyone.
Moderator’s note: Panda cub eyes open at 50 to 60 days.
September 18th, 2009 at 7:45 am
The blogs just get better and better. Thanks for all of the insights from the moderator, and the cute pictures along with the stories. I’m back with another curiousity type question. When Bai takes the baby outside, how does she actually transport him? He can’t ride on her back, and she walks on all fours, right? So, does she cradle him under one arm or hold him in her mouth like a mama cat? I can just imagine right now, but it must be second nature to her. Can’t wait to see them outside during the day…
Moderator’s note: She carries the cub in her mouth.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:23 am
I was rewatching the video of the cub’s birth, and I have a question. There doesn’t seem to be a n umbilical cord. How is that possible?
Per Suzanne Hall: Panda placentas are very small, the size of a silver dollar. When one is expelled after delivery the female bear will quickly ingest it, as most animal mothers do. I consulted with our vet, Dr. Meg Sutherland-Smith, and she assures me that pandas are indeed attached to that placenta via an umbilical cord, though it’s very tiny, and the mother likely ingests its remnants shortly after birth as well.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Lin Ping, the female cub in Thailand, weighted 2.070 kg at Day 40 and 2.545 kg at Day 47. She is growing so fast, she is now 115 days old. She has started fight/play with her mom Lin Hui and is trying to walk but she is facing the same problem as the cubs at AZ, the concrete floor is slippery. That must be frustrating for them but might help them build stronger legs…
September 18th, 2009 at 8:29 am
It’s interesting that he’s not just bigger than his siblings, but SO MUCH bigger. I would have expected a boy to outweigh the girls (but maybe that’s not a logical assumption with pandas, since Bai Yun is so much bigger than Gao Gao), but he outweighs them ALL.
I wonder what could cause this? Has Bai Yun been healthier or better fed in some years leading up to the denning phase?
September 18th, 2009 at 8:30 am
When does his nose start to turn from pink to black?
I still can’t believe how much he resembles Gao. Their cheeks are very similar. It’s amazing how much the cub’s cheeks filled out between exam #2 and exam #3. He will be stunningly cute when he’s a sub-adult if he continues to look like Gao, who was so adorable (and still is!) in his youth. Cubbie will be gorgeous no matter what or who he winds up looking like, but if he looks like Gao, watch out!
September 18th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Kristi #82 – you put it so perfectly, I have thought this myself.
Moderator – you have been kept busy with all the comments for weeks now, when do you get a break?
Moderator’s note: Good question
September 18th, 2009 at 8:37 am
It was so cute the other day to watch ‘Roly’ on his own. He was on his back rocking back and forth trying to get on his side. He looked like a turtle on its back:-)
Thanks for all the updates and photos…we are one lucky Panda loving population to have all of this access.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:48 am
He looks like he has been stung by a bee. His snout appears to be extremely large (wide). Or is his skull is extremely small. I am so used to the girls all petite and delicate.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Do you know when his name choices might be posted? he is sooo cute I can’t wait to see them.
Moderator’s note: We have not heard yet.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Best thing that ever happened to my computer………I want to adopt him; so sweet.. What a great world it would be if all mothers nertured their off-spring like Bai Yun, she sets a wonderful example! Keep up the great work and thank you again for giving us this amazing opportunity to watch live. Love all those beautiful bears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Moderator’s note: We do have an Adopt an Animal program that includes panda options: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/adopt/index.html
September 18th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I forgot to thank the moderator(s) for staying up late to keep up with our chatter. You are the mystery element here on the SDZ blogs, a bit like the banker on “Deal or No Deal.” Maybe someday we’ll get to “meet” you here on a blog post.
Moderator’s note: I like that analogy!
September 18th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Panda cubs have such long claws so quicky. Are they hard enough to scratch whoever is holding him during an exam? If so, do you have to use an antibacterial wash and treat it with Neosporin? Not that our beautiful chubby guy has dirty nails, of course. His little paws look clean as a whistle.
Moderator’s note: Keepers say they have never had a problem with scratches from a very young cub.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:15 am
I’M ADDICTED!!
September 18th, 2009 at 9:26 am
#14 Xiohan: GREAT THOUGHT for Little one’s name!!!! Perfect!
#82 Kristi: I agree with you regarding why Bai may take her baby with her at night
To Staff: Thank you for the third exam update and the new photos!!! Over FIVE Pounds of Fuzzy Fun!!! I cannot wait for the video
To Moderator….working from home. Thank You..I think the staff at SDZ is so remarkable!!
To All: Have a great weekend!
September 18th, 2009 at 9:26 am
my daughter fell in love with pandas at the age of 1, that is 30+ yrs ago, and needless to say, so have I.
I am so greatful for the panda cams, and have all of them as a favorite on my computer. It is such a miracle to see their birth and watch that tiny creature grow into the most lovable “fur ball” there is. We have been to San Diego twice to see the pandas………..Thank you and all your staff for taking such good care of another of God’s dear creatures..and thank you for having a cam available for us to watch them, it is a fantastic “addiction”.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Count me in as another panda-fanatic! I ADORE seeing all those cuties, but especially the newest member. What a wonderful mom Bai Yun is . I keep thinking a good name for her hulking new boy would be Gao Yun-to honor both mom and dad.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Cam 21 is just the best cam! Meerkats should use it more often…thanks! look at the close ups, and look at baby now….squeeze, squeeze, squeeze….(that’s therapeutic!)
September 18th, 2009 at 9:39 am
…and GREAT shot of Cam 11, look at baby inside nursery, and ma sitting at doorway looking out…both their cute tushies just hangin’….
September 18th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Great shot of Bai Yun in the doorway between her bedroom and sun room with the cub at the den entrance at 9:37 AM.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:42 am
What a chubby little thing!! I love him.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:45 am
#67 Tracy: Wish you and your family a wonderful visit out here, especially at SDZ.
#70 Cheryl: Loved that pedi-paws comment.
I’ve been reading about Rolly Polly’s paws. Oh, I know…the other day, I swear he was waving at me:-). I sent postcards while his paws were waving. My friend thought I suddenly gone crazy since I have nothing to do but fill her inbox with postcards:-)!!! Love you Bai, Gao, Su, ZZ and Little Roly Poly…you all make my day wonderful.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Looks like Bai is moving chubby cubbie closer and closer to the bedroom door. This way he can get acclimated to the increased light, air, and sounds from the outside world while still being in the safety of the den. She can get her beloved sunshine and well deserved rest while still being within sight of her cub and can return quickly if needed.
Tian family at NZP are having a very lazy day. They are sleeping in the same spots they were in several hours ago. Tian/Mei (I can’t tell them apart yet) on the patio, and Tai in the grass. Great day for a leisurely snooze.
XL is sleeping on the crosstimber of the hammock structure while Lun paces for lunch at ZA.
YaYa/LeLe (not sure which) is having their lunch at MZ.
All is well for today with our USA pandas.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:59 am
I am so upset with Bai. One night, she took ‘roly poly’ out at 8:42 PST…. so I sign in next night and watched and watched and she didn’t make a move. Then last night, poof! cub was gone when I checked! Moderator, can you please get (from Bai) the EXACT time that she is planning to take ‘roly poly’ out tonight??
Moderator’s note: I’ll have her people call my people
September 18th, 2009 at 10:08 am
I would again like to express my thanks to the SDZ staff who do such a wonderful job of updating us on how the little one is doing, he sure is a big boy, and looking very healthy too, i love checking in on them when i wake to see if they are napping under the stars or curled together in the den, this is such a precious time.
I would also like to express my thanks to the blog moderator who takes such care in answering questions no matter how big or small they are, it is all appreciated very much, hope you all have a wonderful weekend at SDZ
Moderator’s note: You’re very welcome, Dawn.
September 18th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Thank you to all the Staff at the SDZ. Love the new view of camera 21. It let’s us know how close Bai Yun is to the little guy.
September 18th, 2009 at 10:13 am
THis really is reality viewing at its best! I can watch pandacam all day wothout getting bored. I don’t know what the protocol is for naming giant pandas, but perhaps his name should translate into Roly Poly, Gentle Giant or Chubby Cubby.
September 18th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Beautiful boy!! I’m watching U from Thailand, and watching Lin Hui’s daughter, Lin Ping too. Today they’ve got a gift from FLOP, very appriciate.
September 18th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Does anyone know the Chinese translation for Roly Poly? It might make a cute name option, LOL. He is totally adorable!
September 18th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I love the way the San Diego Zoo deals with the birth and early upbrining of baby pandas. SD allows a more natural open rearing of the babe! SD has the floor covered in hay(?) and there is access to another room which is filled with light (an outdoor habitat?).
I believe its more in the way a panda baby would be brought up in the wild, where the mom doesn’t have a “cave” to hide in for months before taking her baby outside.
The Little-One is so cute and so cuddly that you almost wonder why toy manufacturers don’t make a baby panda cub doll. I know I’d be first in line to buy it for my granddaughter.
Keep up the good work – it seems to being doing wonders for all concerned!
Moderator’s note: The panda den is covered with shredded bamboo, which is all Bai Yun’s handiwork.
September 18th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Watching Lin Ping , 3.5 months old, starting walking.
September 18th, 2009 at 11:19 am
re chubby cubbie’s growth pattern so far, i hope this mellow fellow walks early, cuz mama bai will have a hard time picking him up. he may have to be rollled instead of carried.
what a guy!
hope pan pan will be offered as a name, seems to be an excellent fit.
joan
painted post, n.y.
September 18th, 2009 at 11:28 am
He is so cute! Little chubby guy!
September 18th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Thanks for another update on the roly poly Baby! Another 1 1/2 pounds in a weeks time. Sure will be interesting to see who he takes after as he grows, but for now we will just cherish every moment of him being a most adorable Baby.
Makes sense to me Kristi #82. Bai certainly has mothering all figured out in every other aspect.
September 18th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Sumo Panda!!!! I can’t believe how big-adorable-perfect he is. Thank you for the update. He’s just a cutie!
I watched Lin Bing “walk” around this morning. She is getting very mobile.
Moderator………….you do an awesome job. Thank you SO much.
Moderator’s note: You’re welcome, Linda!
September 18th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Quick question…….while the ears aren’t open can the baby still hear well? And are the keepers/vets quiet when they examine him? I would like them to tell him that Auntie Lin loves him! LOL
Moderator’s note: It’s hard to tell if he can hear very well yet with his ears still closed, but staff is calm and quiet during exams just to make sure he is comfortable.
September 18th, 2009 at 11:43 am
#82 Kristi I believe you are correct in figuring out the nightly excursions Bai and the chubby cubbie go on. All the pandas have such trust and love for their keepers.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
What a cutie pie! I’d love to get just a little squeeze and maybe a kiss or two. Aren’t we lucky to be so up close and personal, thanks to his marvelous keepers who keep us so well informed and the Panda Cam.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
It looks like the little king is propped up against bamboo and sucking on his paw. How adorable! And what a full tummy he has.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
I think he’s listening to his MP3 player! He’s tapping along to the music. Maybe a bit of Elliot Minor? Or perhaps Lady GaGa??!!
September 18th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Just watched the video of the 3rd exam – you can hear Baby “squawking”. He doesn’t make much noise tho’.
Wow, moderator, you’ve had a busy morning! Is there more than one of you? So you can spell each other? I know I read in another post that the moderator worked from home to keep up. How nice of you all is that!?! I guess you know by now that you are appreciated. And we’ll do our best to tell you that too!!!
Moderator’ note: It’s just me!
September 18th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
This is just the cutest little chubby boy. I just love this site and I come here often to just sit back and relax and watch what nature can do.
Thank you so much in keeping us so well informed about both the baby and mom.
September 18th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I also like #14 Xiaohan’s suggestion for ‘guin guin’ as a name! It is fun, descriptive and demonstrates how fond everyone is of him.
‘Sumo panda’ made me laugh, Linda!
And moderator, you made me laugh, too, when you said you’ll have Bai’s people call your people to find out Bai’s excursion schedule. I’m imagining Bai’s assistant running around with a pencil tucked behind the ear, furiously tapping on a Blackberry to keep up with all of Bai’s followers. Maybe someday Bai will start “Tweeting.”
September 18th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
And I meant to add, “in addition to “bleating.”
September 18th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Thanks for the updates. My 17 month old son loves to watch the baby. The cub is a real cutie.
September 18th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
How can anyone (Who takes him in) keep from kissing him! I don’t think he likes the caliper. I hope Zhen isn’t jealous of this attention he’s getting!
September 18th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Thanks for the video! What a cutie. He is growing so fast.
Bai is taking such good care of her baby. Gao Jr. I like that name!!!
And a big thankyou to our moderator, you are the best. Without your endless hours of dedication we would be lost. THANKYOU THANKYOU. I think once our cubbie is a little bigger you should be awarded a few days of R&R (or perhaps a bonus).
Moderator’s note: Thanks!
September 18th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I am totally amazed at how completely still this cub is when he sleeps. I remember fretting starting about now with Mei Lan, ZZ, and XL, because they twitched in their sleep. I finally decided it was the growing muscles. But, this cub seems to be very soundly asleep, which is wonderful for Bai because she gets to have calm quiet sleep to keep her strength up and prepare her for the even busier days ahead keeping up with Gao Jr.
The SDZ blog moderator is AWESOME and one very busy and dedicated person! To keep up with this crowd, plus the elephant, polar bear, and Ape fans is an incredible balancing act. We really appreciate all the time and attention to our questions and comments. A priceless service for the zoo’s virual fans for sure.
Moderator’s note: Gee, now I’m starting to blush…
September 18th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
My 7 yr old grandson and I have been faithfully watching the progress of the Bai Yun’s cub since the day he was born. We are thrilled to see how devoted mom Bai Yun is. My daughter and I watched her with Hua Mei and know what a wonderful mommy she is to her cubs. Everyday has been an educational experience for my grandson to see how the chubby little cub is progressing. He thinks this little guy is a real BUTTERBALL. We keep tabs on the little cub quite a few times a day. We look forward to the time we can visit the zoo and see this special little guy and all his relatives. Thanks so much for the great opportunity of viewing the pandas via the panda cam. We hope you will have continued success with more cubs in the future.
September 18th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
There is no way to adequately thank everyone at the SDZ (including the Moderators) for going above and beyond the call of duty, when caring for ALL the zoo’s inhabitants. I would hazard to guess that it’s not all about the ‘paycheck’ (although that certainly helps) for all the members of the SDZ staff, when it comes to providing the best life possible for all these animals. God Bless everyone that works at the SDZ.
Although all the animals are precious, I am particularly interested in the Panda’s. This is my first experience with watching the birth and growth of a baby Panda and like everyone else, I am addicted. If it were not for the zoo’s allowing the public a peak into the private world of the birthing den, we would never see what this miracle is all about. No wonder the staff enjoys what they do and are so committed to this cause.
I am sure that other’s will join me in thanking again, all the staff at the SDZ for their love and compassion of all the animals. Especially the endangered Panda’s. Without your committment and tireless efforts to see to all the needs of these Panda’s, you wouldn’t have the success of all the Panda birth’s, we get to share with you. You and the Panda’s do all the work and we get the benefits. Thanks to all of you members, also, for your contributions to the SDZ and the other zoo’s around the nation. You deserve a huge pat on the back.
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart. God’s creatures and God’s people come together as one.
September 18th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Let me preface this by saying, ” I’m sorry, this may sound tacky but I feel as if he were my own, and I’m just sooo PROUD!
I think I MAY have called him roly poly first (maybe not), #182 on the “All Is Well” blog. OMG!! It’s JEALOUSY!! That’s not good! Truthfully, I’m so very grateful of EVERYBODY (SDZ) who contributes to the well being of these Panda’s (that’s true jealousy), and my fellow bloggers who are just as passionate about them.
Now can somebody please check out that exposed nail by RP’s head? I don’t want him to poke his eye out w/it!
Did anybody else notice?
Also, I would gladly volunteer to work the Panda Cam @ night since you’re working w/a skeleton crew. Pretty please?
Moderator’s note: Per the keepers, the den is made of plastic, no nails at all, just some smooth-headed screws to hold the plastic flooring in place. The floor is replace for each new cubbing season.
September 18th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Sorry if this question has been asked and answered but in regards to the little one’s teeth coming in, do they go through a teething process similar to children when it is painful and they get fussy. I haven’t seen it this baby is so easy going. I just adore his little baby noises.
Moderator’s note: Our cubs haven’t seemed too fussy as their teeth come in.
September 18th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Here’s an idea to fill the coffers at the zoo————- let guests hold the baby for one minute each. I’ll guarantee, I’d be first in line and the zoo would make a FORTUNE!! Any thoughts from the keepers? We would promise to wear gloves and give him back after our minute is up!
September 18th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
#116 Pandamania… is there a live cam to watch Lin Ping? I’ve been searching and I can’t find it.
By the way moderator, thanks a billion for your info and for keeping up with the comments. You do great work…. Please, tell baby cub I love him!!
September 18th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
This is the greatest ongoing event in the world right now. Forget the recession bottoming out, forget the political ongoing battle of the health plan, forget about the ongoing political and ideological battles between right and left …. Bai Yun’s thriving cub under her careful and constant watch is the biggest and most important single event in the world right now ….. Go Bai Yun, the Cub and the great SD Panda reserve staff, you made it happen !!!!!
September 18th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
What a perfect panda prince! I loved his vocalizations during the exam.
September 18th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I just looked at the video of the 3rd exam–even when Cinco de Bai-O is a little hungry and a teeny bit cranky, he’s still a mellow little dude. An adorable mellow little dude.
September 18th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Lucky keepers! You all are now Bai Yun’s official baby sitters while she’s away sleeping, bamboozing, and otherwise taking care of herself. LOL
IF I worked there I’d never want to go home!
September 18th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Its always nice to read everyones excitement and joy over this little guy. I’d like to say hi to #115 Patsy Ann for we are neighbors. I am accross the river in Ulster County. Moderator, I didn’t know you were the only one addressing all our questions. So I give you a very special thanks. You are very good at it. My question is, how up close and friendly can the keepers get with the Pandas? Can they actually get into their enclosures with the bears or do they have to keep a distance? Do bonds ever occur? They always seem to be so docile. Are they as gentle as they appear to be? Again, many thanks.
Keepers respond: We always have “protected contact,” meaning a safety fence between panda and keeper. Even though they look cute and cuddly, they are bears and have the potential to injure us. We do go in with the cubs up to a year old and by then a yearling panda can
be very rambunctious, and those teeth and claws, even in play mode, could hurt a human. Compared to other species of bear, pandas are a more docile-tempered bear. Keepers do form bonds and the pandas do respond to our voices.
September 18th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
I know there is no contact between daddy panda Gao and the offspring, but was just curious how he’d react if he was in the midst of any of them? Would he react at all? I know Mama bears like Bai could get angry at the presence of other bears as their top priority is the care and safety of the cub and would consider them a threat, but was wondering how an adult male like Gao Gao would react. Thanks for any info. The keepers are wonderful in the loving care they give these beautiful bears.
Moderator’s note: Check out a previous post that addresses your question at http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2005/09/09/howdy/
September 18th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
How about Gao Pan? This little guy is so beautiful but this time Iam trying not to call him “my baby boy”. Thank you to the vets for also understanding how much we want to know and see. Even though his eyes are closed I have watched him manage to get into the sunny area of the den…amazing! Blessings to everyone and all the animals! Claudia
September 18th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I would give a suggestion of the cub’s name, “zhuang zhuang” (壯壯) meaning strong and vigorous in Chinese. It is inspired by the cub always stretching his little legs and body vigorously.
September 18th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Each time I see one of the staff bringing the Panda baby into the examination room, I can tell just how big the new baby is getting. It’s amazing from the first exam to yesterday’s exam, just how our little “pudge boy” is growing into quite a little man. From a “stick of butter” to a five pound plus “roly poly” boy; all in 40 plus days. Amazing.
You can tell just by baby boy’s good health, that Bai Yun is well taken care of by her keepers and medical staff. I noticed the other day that baby boy is using his paws to kneed Bai, while he’s nursing. It’s so precious. Making sure he gets every drop of that rich Panda milk. I think he will be much bigger than Daddy Gao Gao and probably bigger than momma, Bai Yun.
This may have been asked before…if it has, excuse me for repeating, but has momma Bai been examined since she gave birth? I have noticed several times that (how do I say this) she has been touching her private area, smelling her paw several times and sometimes moving away from the spot she was sitting in.
Maybe this is normal behavior, since it hasn’t been very long since the birth. I’ll admit that I am human…I’m a worry-wart, not only about the newest Panda miracle and his continued good health, but Bai Yun, as well. She has a 24 hour a day job and it’s a big one.
Moderator’s note: She has not been examined per se, but the keepers do keep an eye on her behaviors and report anything out of the ordinary to our vet staff.
September 18th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
To Brandy #144 and everyone else
On You Tube, there is video of Zhen Zhen and a keeper. Type in Pandamonium. 3 ninutes of hilarity should come up of video added in October 2008. There is also a short 47 second one…perhaps from a visitor the same day. The title is Panda(Zhen Zhen) playing with San Diego Zoo Keeper.
Also….There is a video from yesterday of Zhen Zhen playing in the wood chips. Just type in Zhen Zhen Panda and then click on the Newest dropdown. Very cute
Now, I’m going to watch the video of the third exam
September 18th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Hi everyone ~
I have added ’symbols’ after my name as recently I have noted a person posting #112 Hazel and using the same name as myself ! – no probs – if anyone objects I can change to another ’sign in’ name.
I have watched panda cam since when Hua Mei was born, and blogged from when it commenced after Su Lin’s birth ~ I prefer to let the new viewers discover the real life of a being a dedicated pandaholic !!
Thanks for the great update on Bai’s ‘extra large’ young cub, he is growing so fast and seems advanced for his age, his eyes and ears will open any day now, Bai is a wonderful advert for being an ‘older’ mom!
For the 100 days I am certain the Chinese will include a name which is appropiate to the cub being a ‘large’ masculine boy – we best not tell Sheng as until recently he was our ‘big boy’.
The video is excellent as always, as usual Bai takes everything in her stride – she is definitely Mom of the Year.
September 18th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
#139 Rebeca Yes there is a live webcam for Lin Ping in the Thailand Zoo. Try this go to Google Search and type in zoothailand dot org and the first search headline topic that come up, under it you will see the words Panda live click on it and it should go right to the webcam. Then you can put it in your favorites and you’ll be able to go right to it. I hope this helps.
September 18th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Before the first exam, Mom used Cubbie as a pillow, now it’s the opposite!
Three Cheers for the moderator! It’s great having one!!! 
September 18th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Rebecca #139–go to pandasliveon dot com and look for the link. It only works for Internet Explorer.
September 18th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Question, as I love the panda and panda babies and never want them to leave. Do pandas ‘grieve’ when they leave? What I mean is, do they get homesick when they leave to go back to China. Do they cry like puppies do for a couple days when they leave their mother?
Thank you for all you do, from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Moderator’s note: Pandas are much more adaptable to new situations than we humans and they live in the moment.
September 18th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
#139 Rebeca, you can watch Lin Ping at www(dot)zoothailand(dot)org(slash)pandaSlash)livepanda(dot)php
or you can go to the “”Pandas Live On” website and click on the “Watch Lin Hui & Cub Live” picture on the right site column, you will get the english translation on the Thailand website through Google.
September 18th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
He is just beautiful! He is a joy. really…I find myself watching him more every day. They stay this way for so short a time. .Mei Sheng was the first I watched from the day of his birth on to his departure to China. I am so glad this is a little boy (not so little!) .. he does remind me of his older brother. I’m sure he will be as much fun as Mei Sheng was as he grows.
September 18th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Oh be still my heart–the baby squawks each time Bai Yun returns? Like, “Hi Mom, missed you, where’s my snack”? How sweet is that???
September 18th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Can the cub detect light and darkness before his eyes open? It looked like he was covering his eyes with his front paws again today while he was facing toward some sunlight. It has also appeared like he wanted to try and follow Bai when she was leaving the den. Wondered if he could see her dark shape against the light.
September 18th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Jane Cartwright #138…What a GREAT idea! I would stand in THAT line for sure. We could make tons of money for the SDZ! Let’s see I would have to book a flight from Florida…get a hotel room…transportation to the zoo and I would pay whatever they wanted for just one minute to hold Mr. Roly Poly. It is brilliant! What do you think moderator? Think you can get this idea to fly? Hahaha! I can just see thousands of people waiting in line for their “one minute.”
Moderator’ note: I don’t think Bai Yun would approve
September 18th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
#109 – to Moderator -toooo funnnyyy
:) Momma Lun must have gotten into Yang’s chili powder or something that day – she was on a tear – so when you see our Bai doing the same things – do not panic – baby cubs somehow have the ability to put up with being mauled by Mom, being dragged, knocked off trees, falling & on it goes. The fun is yet to begin 
:)
# 138 – Why not – understand that both Wolong (before the earthquake) & Chenghdu both would allow visitors to hold a cub for about $100 US
#140 – Steve – you said it – all is well while panda watching
#144 – Brandy – a year or so ago one of Tai’s keepers made the mistake of entering his yard while he was there – Tai just wanted to play – the keeper was able to radio for help & just received minor scratches on the legs
For those who’d like to see how panda moms move their cubs -for a more sedate move check out Tia’s’ first year highlights” on the NZ website – The staff had moved Tai outside the den onto a pile of bamboo to check Mei’s reaction – oh, no you don’t – back you go
But if you want to see a poor panda having a great adventure – watch “Xi Lan – My Twip to Hell and Back!” on youtube – this one will have you gasping
September 18th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
#140 Steve, I agree with you. Very good points. We may not all agree on things but I think everyone would agree that watching panda cam is the best. Maybe we should get Congress and all the radio/tv/internet pundits to watch for an hour. You never know it might relax them enough that we could get something done.
September 18th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
I wonder if our new cub will be like his dad Gao Gao and be another bamboo eating machine.
September 18th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
so, did you see that? baby semi crawled-wiggled on his little tummy closer to the nursery door, ma saw this and scooped him up and out…..that little tushie looks like a great big snowball!
September 18th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I get my yearly membership at the Curator level. Proud to do so.
There is so much to appreciate at SDZ even tho I don’t drive. I guess I’d better go up a level, as us old folks sre so numerous we need to cast our votes these days. The Pandas are a favorite since my daughter brought me a full size Panda, baby, and plastic bamboo back from a trip to China. The cable
tv coverage is pretty good. The smiles on the vets seem appropriate!
September 18th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
#131, Zhen Zhen is jealous…
September 18th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Woah! I just watched the Time Lapse video for today and noticed a few times that it actually looked like Roly Poly Cub actually did a bit of unsteady crawling and the last time right out of the den! Are my eyes deceiving me? I will watch it again to see if I can catch Bai grabbing him, as the den is presently empty and it looks like another night out for Mr. Chubby! I have noticed lots of tummy crunches and action with his feet, and some definite crawling action. Amazing since he can’t even see or hear, yet. He is going to be so much fun and get into mischief…Bai you have your paws full!! But how adorable can you get? The video of the 3rd exam is fantastic. His voice is so cute!! I can’t imagine how hard it must be not to kiss him and want to play with him, but exam must be done quickly and then off to Mama!
September 18th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
WHAT DID I MISS? ONE MINUTE THE SERENE SON WAS IN THE BIRTHING DEN AND THE NEXT HE WAS GONE. WHEN I WATCHED THE REPLAYS IT LOOKED LIKE HE LEFT HIMSELF! IS THIS POSSIBLE? THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR ATTENTION AND CARE IN ANSWERING ALL OF OUR CARING, IF SLIGHTLY STUPID QUESTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS. I AM REALLY CURIOUS ABOUT HOW HE LEFT THE DEN TONIGHT. PLEASE HELP.
Moderator’s note: It’s possible that it looks that way from the time lapse, as it skips moments, but I don’t believe the cub is able to locomote that well on his own yet. Usually cubs don’t start to make forward progress until Day 73 and can’t do “belly-off-the-ground” locomotion until they are about 15 weeks old. I’m sure Bai Yun picked him up and took him out.
September 18th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Chubbie cubbie is AWOL again tonight. He sure is getting out and about. I wonder if Bai Yun gets tired of the camera and just moves him so the two of them can have some privacy. I think she’s well aware of the cameras. Some years ago I saw her stand on her bed on tippy-toes one night and carefully inspect the camera that was mounted near the ceiling over the bed. She gave it a good once-over. I don’t think much gets by her eagle eyes.
September 18th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Am I mistaken or did Roly Poly just crawl out of the den and into the bedroom all by himself!!!
September 18th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
He is getting more cute every day. Do they vocalize more as they grow up or less?
September 18th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Been on the pandacam a couple of times tonite, and Bai has taken cubbie out for another nite under the stars! Don’t know how long they will be out, tho. Will keep checking back to see if cubbie is back home. Saw the vid of the cub’s 3rd exam. WOW!!! Is he plump or what?!? And those paws!! They are huge for a cub his size! But, I could not see that webbing that you all have been talking about when I looked at the pics on the photo gallery. I hope that someone will be able to get the cub out for his next exam and get a very good closeup picture of those webbed feet! I did look at the cam earlier in the day, and saw the cub by himself laying very quietly on the pile of boo.
Well, gonna go and vote for Suzanne Braden again tonite. Missed voting for her last nite; was very tired and went to bed! Check back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 18th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
The little rascal!! He left the den by himself this time! You can see it in the lapse time cam… the cute little mischievous chubby cub… oh, please, please, let us see the cam in the adjacent room like you did earlier!I am so in love with these Pandas I hardly think of anything else throughout the day
The should be given the Nobel Peace Prize for showing how amazing motherly love can be.
September 18th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
THANK YOU. I WISH I COULD SEE ALL OF THEIR MOVEMENTS BUT I REALIZE THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. THANKS FOR THE PROMPT RESPONSE. I THINK YOU ARE A SAINT.
September 18th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I saw baby woke up, stretched and rolled a little, then crawled right first then left, like magic he definitely moved toward the light – the door as well, just as he moved at the doorway, the mom appeared at the doorway, so tenderly, she smelled a bit and picked up the baby, off they gone out of the camera. His eyes has not open but I think he can sense the direction of the light.
Also saw LinPing in Thailand Zoo walked, actually really stood and walked, took a turn of the room. A keeper nearby as I saw a hand patted her, a reward maybe.
My eyes hardly blinked when I watch these two cuties!
September 18th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Another beautiful night under the stars for Mama and baby…sweet dreams little one!
Just wanted to mention, to all my fellow pandafanatics, that if anyone lives in the Atlanta area, tomorrow is the big “Pandamonium Birthday Bash” for daddy Yang Yang, mama Lun Lun & adorable children Mei & Xi Lan. Since all their birthdays fell within weeks of each other, they decided to have one big party for them. It’s also the last American party for beautiful Mei Lan and her final farewell to everyone who has watched her grow up before she return to China in early 2010. More info can be found on Zoo Atlanta’s website.
I had asked if Zoo Atlanta’s Panda Cam would be left on this weekend, to televise the celebration. But, although it was suggested at the meeting for all the preparations, they won’t have it on. They will, however, be recording a lot of video and pictures for everyone who can’t make it. The party starts from 10 am to 3 pm. The proceeds will go to the “Give So They Stay” campaign. If anyone is not familiar with Zoo Atlanta, this campaign was started so that the public could help ZA keep all their pandas. They’re struggling with the costs and the 10 year contract for Yang and Lun is up by the end of this year. They’re even running a dollar raffle for a chance to meet one of the pandas! Wish I could go!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
September 18th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Hey Moderator….I am sure Bai Yun wouldn’t approve at all , but if she did…somehow I think you would be first in that line of roly poly lover’s waiting to get their one minute of JOY holding that sweet baby. Come on….admit it!
See #138’s awesome idea!
Moderator’s note: I’d want more than one minute!
September 18th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Empty den….Mama and Roly Poly are outside watching for shooting stars.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
OOOOOOOMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGosh, I really don’t think my eyes deceived me. He walked out of the den on his own tonight didn’t he? I’m not crazy am I? I watched it several times on the time lapsed camera. He must have smelled mama and wanted to be near her. Our little Butter Dude is growing up.
Jennie
So Cal
September 18th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Conversation with Bai Yun #17
Cubbie #5: Squeak (Mama.)
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
C: Squeak (Where were you a few minutes ago?)
B: Oh, the sun room, dear. So how was your third exam?
C: Squeak (Third exam?)
B: Yes, dear.
C: Squeak (I was hungry, Mama.)
B: Mama was hungry, too.
C: Squeak (Oh, you mean you went to get more Gao juice?)
B: Yes, dear.
C: Squeak (Wow, you must show me how you get more Gao juice.)
B: Yes. Some day you’ll know all about it.
C: Squeak (I think Gao juice tastes good.)
B: That’s what makes you so chubby, dear.
C: Squeak (Hee hee.)
B: Now, Gao juice has a long story.
C: Squeak (Huh?)
B: It begins in the wilds of Qionglai Mountains…
C: Squeak (Yes, Mama. I want to hear the story!)
B: Where there are running streams and groves of bamboo grasses…
C: Squeak (Exciting!)
B: And enchantments of Fengtongzhai…
C: Squeak (Wow…)
B: Especially Sichuan hot pepper sauce…
C: Squeak (Please continue on, Mama.)
B: Uh… uh… A-A-AH CHOO!
C: Squeak. (Wow! C-O-O-L!)
B: Yes, exhilarating!
C: Squeak (For my next physical exam, Mama.)
B: Yes, dear.
C: Squeak (I’ll make sure to request Sichuan pepper sauce from Dr. Pye!)
B: Splendid, my dear!
September 18th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
must be out in the stars again with mama- den is empty- I do so wish we could see that as well but I do understand mechanics and all. He is one chubby cubbie!
September 18th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Baby Bai didn’t crawl out of the den, but he did kind of ‘rollover’ to get himself out the door, and then Bai Yun scooped him up, and they were off for a night in San Diego!
September 18th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
No sense in checking to see our cubbie at night – He will not be there
Momma Bai thinks its great fun to take him out & stargaze every night 
September 18th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
On the time lapse today it did look like the little snowball went out on his own this evening, but I’m sure it was a case of beleive half of what you see.
Mama beat the camera between the lapsed time.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
I too was watching and swear I saw the little chublet crawl out to the doorway to mom! It appears there was a large bamboo tree in his way and then she came over and “rescued” him. If he did not crawl over, it sure appeared that way. What an adorable strong little guy. I could not believe how much he grew in a week! Thank you so much moderator and SDZ for your time on this blog and Pandacam. I also saw the playing in the woodchips outside, it was so cute. I love watching these panda’s, it does relax me also. This chubber and Bai have no idea how much they affect people. It seems to me when he awakens and mom is not there that he might be vocalizing and she seems to come back immediately. What a great mom. I assume they are solitary animals out in the wild and that is why they do not coexist as a sort of colonly? Thanks again, they are out for the evening and I miss seeing them! Pleas put the camera outside with them!!!!!
Moderator’s note: They are indeed solitary animals in the wild. More info can be found in previous posts http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2005/09/09/howdy/ and http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2005/10/24/pandas-play-solitaire/
September 18th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
WOW!!! What a big boy!!! He is ssssssssssssooooooooooooooooooooooo adorable!!!! I am really in love with this “big” ball of fur!! I can’t wait to see his eyes!!!
He is a real joy to look and probably cuddle!!! Bai Yun is a very lucky mommy and also all the panda keepers who take care of this large family!!! Lucky you!!!
Keep good care of these beautiful pandas, they mean so much!!!
Sophie from Montreal
September 18th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
oh em gee!! i just want to squish him until he makes a little grunty noise. hahaha. what a chubbles! loving him!
September 18th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
#114 Nancy Goertz, Roly Poly Chinese translation is “GunGun (滚滚)”.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
I just saw the 3rd Exam, oh boy, SD prince is way too cute. I have to watch it twice.
#160 China is too far, I can’t take such a long plane ride #138 count me in too.
September 18th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Moderator, just wanted to add my additional thanks….i really enjoy your responses.
Moderator’s note: Thanks, Marlene. I sure have been kept busy lately. These a fun times for all!
September 18th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
thanks for the answers you have given me..anyways like I suggested before..we need a discussion board/chat room….someone need to do it…we have so many questions and were basically family …I know the mods/staffs gets tired of our questions lol i hope not though..if I were a computer geek I would do it ..anyways Mods/staff thank you for your time with us..I appreciate it
that Gao Jr. is quieter then rest I think
September 18th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Actually, those of you who think you saw Cubbie crawling etc; I was watching last evening (sorry, it’s my morning so your yesterday here!) and I was sure he managed a little crawl of about 4-6 inches. I couldn’t believe my eyes (maybe that’s my problem) and thought I was imagining it. But since several of you have mentioned this I thought I’d throw my bit into the mix. Did he or didn’t he? Perhaps it was an ‘accidental’ crawl, if you know what I mean.
September 19th, 2009 at 3:10 am
when start vote for name? i prefer Gao Yun
Moderator’s note: We’ll let everyone know about the naming process when the time is right.
September 19th, 2009 at 3:24 am
Bai took the cub into the bedroom briefly about a week ago. I don’t know whether it was sunny or cloudy that day. Other than that, it seems that she hasn’t taken him out of the den during the day. Until a couple of days ago, Bai seemed to keep him just out of the sun’s rays in the den while she sought out the sunlight on her face. Now she allows him a little bit of sunlight near the den’s door. Could shielding him from sunlight be the reason that she only takes him out at night and in the evening? Perhaps his developing eyes need to be shielded from the sun, so she leaves him in the den until sundown. The cubs eyes are closed, they have a third protective eyelid, and they have the membrane sealing their eyes that breaks down in the first weeks, but as I mentioned on a previous topic, I wonder if he can still sense sunlight through his closed lids. Bai’s instincts might tell her that his eyes are just now able to handle some sunlight. Also, until his coat uniformly covered his body, he might be at risk for sunburn, much as hairless cats, etc. can be sensitive to the sun.
September 19th, 2009 at 4:16 am
I witnessed my first empty den last night and this morning. Logic tells me that Bai Yun takes the cub outside or into the bedroom once the zoo has closed for the day and it is much quieter. That probably makes her feel it is a safer place and time for him to be outside. Besides, the fact that so much of them is black he would be harder for a predator to spot in the dark. She must get more rest then too, and it is much cooler when there is no hot sun on them. I was not watching all night, but from 7 PM PDT to 4 AM PDT, it appears that there was no cub in the den. It also makes sense that she would bring him back inside in the early morning when the keepers arrive because the noise level goes up, and then the sun does too.
She knows he is safe in the den, and that the only “predators” around then are the keepers. She trust them with him, so she is free to rest in the sunroom while he safely rests in the warm, dark, secure den.
Thank you so much for the privilege of seeing into this very special window of nature, and the maternal behavior of a mother panda and her cub.
September 19th, 2009 at 6:08 am
I swear this little guy is getting to be just about as wide as he is long!! Hey Bai, You Go Girl!!
September 19th, 2009 at 6:15 am
Good morning all. Here in N.Y. woke to a beautiful sunny day in the mountains and got my coffee and Panda fix only to find they are under the stars again. As a name for our little guy, maybe “one who sleeps under the stars” I couldn’t find the translation. Is the process of giving him a name left to China or does the SDZ have a say? Heres an idea. You could have a contest for all us Panda loveing bloggers. If their name suggestion is chosen they win a trip to see our little guy. How about that? To #149- Bobby Woods Thank you for your suggestion. But I must of done something wrong. I didn’t find it. Though I did connect to Thailand Zoo. Thanks to you all for sharing sites. To #161 I will send this site to my congressman today. But you are sooo right about the ugly attitude out there with our so called leaders. I noticed the same with with everyday people. Soo much anger. I’ve noticed this with myself lately so I decided to stop watching the news and concentrate on our little guy. Wish you all a great weekend. You to Monerator. You deserve a break.
September 19th, 2009 at 6:18 am
we just a cute baby panda,when it is grow-up are you bring it to houston texas zoo.
September 19th, 2009 at 6:20 am
POOR BAI! IT’S TOUGH TO DO YOUR HOUSEKEEPING WHEN THE KIDS ARE CONSTANTLY UNDERFOOT.
September 19th, 2009 at 6:32 am
I just had to come back toshare with all who are still sleeping, what I just saw Bai doing. Finally they were back. Bai had alot of energy. She decided to do some housekeeping. She tossed all about the bedding. Baby got totally covered except for his ears. Then she dug him out relaxed and nursed.
September 19th, 2009 at 6:35 am
One of the best beginnings of my weekends, to watch the video of Snuggles’ third exam. He is too cute and adorable for words! Thank you, moderators and Meerkats for enabling us to watch the little, Big Boy. I just loved when he was vocalizing so much, is was just heartwarming. I think he is more and more turning into a self-assured little boy, no wonder Bai Yun being his mom. I cannot wait for his eyes to open…. To then look into these blue eyes…. I admire the strength and willpower of you, keepers, not to be tempted to cuddle and kiss him. I guess I would not let go anymore!
This morning SDZ time Bai Yun and Snuggles went AWOL again for quite a while. Most probably they were star gazing again and Bai showed his son the Great and the Little Bear. Who knows if these two signs of the zodiac are named after our pandas, i.e. the Giant and the Red Panda?
September 19th, 2009 at 6:48 am
This morning it looks as if Bai Yun is building up a barrier so little guy can’t move from one room to the other? Or perhaps mom is agitated about something? Hope not!!
September 19th, 2009 at 7:16 am
That little lower lip is just too precious…wonder if he thinks the doctors are momma bai fidgeting with him during his exams…since she always is….those noises he makes just endures you more to him. Look at those claws now, wonder if ma takes a little beating with them now that he seems to be a little more assertive when she’s rolling him around in her arms during baths and such….thank you so much for our little peeks into these precious lives…..
September 19th, 2009 at 7:29 am
TO THANK MODERATORS AND MEERKATS
Without your people’s dedication
there would be all around frustration.
We pandaholics would not know
if all was well, did baby grow
into a strong and healthy boy….
But now we know which is pure joy.
We watch him being nursed so well
by mommy Bai, we also tell
ourselves that she is super mom
in panda world, just No. ONE.
We would not know if Gao munchs boo.
Are Su and Zhen stars at the zoo?
If Mei Cheng longs for USA
where he was happy day by day.
You mean, the world would still exist?
May be, but now it’s truly bliss!
So let me thank you one more time.
I hope that you will like the rhyme.
With you we feel in paradise
and, too, would be so much less wise.
Moderator’s note: This is a nice way to start my day. Thank you, Ruth!
September 19th, 2009 at 7:41 am
p.s. I too, always have the cam on in the corner of my computer at work, and I esp keep an eye out around 6:30-7:00 pm, that’s when it seems mom comes back from outside and grabs him in her mouth and swoosh, with a turn, takes baby out to the stars….I took a screen shot last nite when she did this, it happens real fast so you have to really pay attention. HOLD DINNER, the chores and family time……if you want the opportunity to see this!
September 19th, 2009 at 7:45 am
okay…one last question for the morning…..Dr. Pye’s accent is driving me crazy! Is he from Australia?? I just can’t tell…..Thanks!
Moderator’s note: He is.
September 19th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Our sweet roly-poly cub makes the local headlines!
In the Our Region section of today’s San Diego Union Tribune there’s an article all about our sweet cub’s “veterinary checkup on Thursday”. To view the article: – goggle – zoo’s newest panda cub packs on a pound – written by Angelica Martinez. “Zoo officials said they have tracked 37,000 daily page views since the cub was born”.
Isn’t it eye-opening that one little; cute, lovable, darling, adorable and precious panda cub can attract so many people from around the world.
September 19th, 2009 at 9:10 am
What a wonderful video of cubbies 3rd exam. He seemed a little unhappy this time though. He is so cute and adorable and is getting so big. Just want to kiss and hug him!!!!! Can’t wait for his eyes to open and for when he starts crawling, it will be a wonderful sight to see. Yesterday was an exhausting day for me and the last thing I did before going to bed was to watch the video what a great relaxant!!!!! What a beautiful sight to turn on the pandacam and to see Bai & cubbie snuggling. I wouldn’t mind kissing Bai either. She deserves a kiss and a hug for all her hard work and I might add she is doing an exceptional job!!!
Moderator: I would also like to thank you for being so patient with all of us pandaholics and answering our questions and keeping us informed. You do a fantastic job and you are awesome!!!!
I would also like to thank the SDZ staff for everything that they do and to let you know you have hearts of gold and do a teriffic job.
XOXOXOXOXO to Bai & cubbie!!!!!!
September 19th, 2009 at 9:31 am
He’s huge! WTG Bai Yun.
September 19th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Moderator, have any studies been done that show panda fans to be more talkative than “normal” people?
This site has been busy!
The term “Mommie Monster” (Lun Lun, Zoo Atlanta) was coined by lcnessie of YouTube fame, & it’s definitely a term of endearment! Remember, what we see as rough play is actually Mom teaching cubby survival skills. Both of Lun’s cubbies always came back for more play!
As for Bai Yun rubbing cubby over her body, it always reminds me of scent-annointing. Is it perhaps Bai’s way of marking cubby as family? I’ve seen all the cubby moms do this (SDZ, NZ, ZA, China, Thailand–I watch them all!) & it seems to start around the same time as mom starts to leave cubby for short periods of time. Just a thought.
And I’d liike to join everyone else in my thanks to SDZ zoo staff & volunteers–you do a fantastic job! I agree, pandacams are great therapy. They’re the first things I look at in the morning, & the last thing I look at at night. And I have to confess–before I shut down the computer for the night, I kiss my fingers & touch each panda & wish them a good night–please don’t tell anyone!
Moderator’s note: That would be an interesting study, dd.
September 19th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Janice #169 – I agree with you. Due to the delay between time-lapse pictures, it did look as if the cub crawled out of the den. Lately, I have noticed that he has started to propel himself. He lifts his front leg and propels with his back leg and slowly slides along the den floor. Slowly but surely, our precocious cub was on his way towards the exit when mommy Bai picked him up.
Moderator: Even though the cub’s eyes are closed, is it possible that he can still see a glimmer of light near the den opening?
Moderator’s note: It does seem possible, but I am no panda expert.
September 19th, 2009 at 9:51 am
This little cutie is so spoiled! At times, when Bai leaves to go eat or do whatever she does, he looks like he might be having a temper tantrum! Just having a fit because mama is doing something that does not include him! How quickly they learn, just like children! He has temper tantrums because he is jealous..Just like a boy! He is going to drive mama Bai crazy trying to keep up with him when he learns to walk… and when she’s not trying to keep up with him, he’ll be trying to hang on to her every move… so cute! What are we in for next??? Big boy chubbie-cubbie! So glad he is healthy and growing like a weed. She sure kisses and hugs him a lot, she holds him so close, just like a human! So sweet. Super mom Bai!
Thank you to the SDZ for taking such good care of the pandas.
From Charlotte, NC, we love watching the cams. You do such a good job taking care of all the animals and we appreciate all you do!!
September 19th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Margaret # 194 — Very good point about the timing of Bai’s outings with the cub. I think it makes perfect sense.
September 19th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Good morning, Panda lovers, Bai, cubbie and moderator (what’s your name??) Thank you for bringing this whole new experience to my life!
September 19th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Susan #191 – I know exactly what you’re saying. You did not imagine it. I also saw our little cubbie propel, (that’s what I’m calling it) along the den floor. He slides his tummy along by digging in with his front paws and following with his rear paws and voila he starts moving slowly but surely.
This is just the beginning. Lots of fun to follow.
September 19th, 2009 at 10:21 am
A big thank you to the moderator of this blog, you do an amazing job. I hope you have had some time yourself to peek up close to the little one even hold him.
Moderator’s note: Maybe someday…
September 19th, 2009 at 10:30 am
#190 Lid- There is a group called Pandas Unlimited on Flickr that is all about Pandas, not just San Diego but all over. It is one of the Panda sites I check frequently daily (along with SDZ, NZ, Memphis and ZA Panda Cams). There is lots of information and points out new posts by all the zoos.
SDZ’s Polar Bear Cam has also become a favorite lately.
I was last there when Su Lin was still with Mama, and will be there in late January-hoping to see Su Lin again and the new cub.
September 19th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Patty #198, I know exactly what you mean. I trod on the cat 3 times in 20 minutes the other day!
September 19th, 2009 at 11:30 am
I am so enjoying seeing the roly poly… he looks so much a miniature of Bai Yun from the back…. nice saddle shape and broad back!! Looking forward to see what names are to be chosen from and better believe, I’ll be voting for sure!!
September 19th, 2009 at 11:45 am
This latest cub certainly is cute (not that the other ones weren’t as well) – hard to believe that each one seems more adorable than the last!
In case any of the panda fans on this blog haven’t spotted it already – there’s a Pandamonium Tour up for bids on the SDZ Celebration for the Critters online auction – http://www.cmarket.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=90685201
September 19th, 2009 at 11:56 am
MODS/Staff????I want to know who would admit that they kissed the lil one ..come on you can tell us …I know you can’t resist….would it be a no no if anyone does it? would Bai get really mad to that different smell?
September 19th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
How is it determined who gets to do the cub exams? I remember with Zhen Zhen it was Dr. Meg Sutherland-Smith who conducted a lot of the exams and now with the little guy it’s Dr. Pye. Keep up the great work!
Moderator’s note: It just depends on who is available that day. The vets tell me it is a privilege to do the panda cub exam and they look forward to it as much as we do!
September 19th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
He is so precious and definitely one roly poly. Thanks for sharing all the pics and updates with all of us. I truly enjoy them. I watch constantly and have brought it into my classroom. Kids enjoy it just as much.
September 19th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I think the name should be Guin Guin it is the meaning Strong and Round, he is so adorable :=)
September 19th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Looks like Bai and Baby Bai are having an afternoon talk. She has him cuddled tightly, looks to be telling him Panda ways, with an some occasional grooming. Ah, so sweet!
September 19th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I laugh, and imagine as I’m sitting here (pretty much all day), w/my finger on my mouse waiting for the perfect picture moment(s), that simultaneously, thousands of flashes are going off throughout the world. I must have sent a thousand postcards! My son asked me how much I was actually downloading everyday because the computer was really getting slow! Of course I couldn’t admit I was a Pandaholic. I thought it was pretty funny and thought I’d share. Because I know you all are doing it, too! Its like we’re the Panda Paparazzi : )
It’s EVERYTHING I can do to keep myself from looking at the recommended Panda sites all over the world. It’s hard enough sharing my time between our pandas, elephants, polar bears & monkeys! NOTHING would ever get done if I started watching & reading more!
Love to all Panda keepers, moderators & stalkers alike.
Nancy
September 19th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Looks like ma is starting to have a little tougher time holding baby up to feed, since he’s getting chubbier…maybe my imagination….Cam 21 is on….yippee! wonderful views…thank you, Meerkats!
September 19th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
I am SO grateful every single day that I’ve gotten to see this baby and her wonderful mother, and that the staff (especially you, moderator!) are so helpful in sharing the experience with us. How amazing, how lucky to have the internet, how lucky to have the SDZ!
Three questions: Bai Yun is now 18, which is pretty well along for a panda from what I’ve read, yet she is going strong as a mom. Will she be able to have yet another cub?
Is there any chance she can live out her life in San Diego?
Is there any chance that any of the babies will be allowed to stay and breed here?
Thanks (again, for everything)!
Moderator’s note: Those are great questions, Page, but we’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, enjoy the little chubbykins!
September 19th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Another question….Zhennie was my first baby, and I wasn’t glued to the computer, yet (no computer at home at that time). Did Momma take all of her babies out all night so early? Sorry if you’ve already covered this…thank you!
Moderator’s note: Here are two posts from 2007 that cover this question: http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2007/09/12/the-great-outdoors/ and http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2007/09/28/there%E2%80%99s-no-place-like-home/
September 19th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Wheeww…. ah, dear Moderator… I empathize with you. It’s also tough keeping up with reading the thread.
There’s always so many more interesting posts when I log back in to the ‘net. Let’s see… what number was I at last night? Hmm.. time to go back and do some more reading… 
Hang in there, dear moderator.. for you are infinitely patient with the lot of us!
September 19th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Earlier today mom left and in leaving, baby was sprinkled with bamboo while on his back. One can imagine his vocalization as he was struggling for several long seconds. But mom came back quickly and scooped him up for a long snuggle.
Should she not have noticed his distress, would a keeper come to his rescue?
Moderator’s note: It’s hard to imagine Bai Yun NOT responding to a distress call from her cub. But in that most unlikely of events, the keepers can hear the cub quite well and would check in on the Panda Cam to see if action was needed.
September 19th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
I just watched the third exam for at least the 10th time. Roly Poly Dude is just too darn cute! I want to pick him up and put a really soft raspberry on his tummy, then kiss him on the head and just rock him. What is is about giant pandas that bring out such maternal felings? Must be the big eye spots and the round tummies. Oh, and the gentle squeak/growls…oh my. Please, can I have one for my very own?
September 19th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
There’s a picture in one of the papers today of a panda mom named Lou Sheng in Shanxi with her twins, who were born on Sept. 18. There’s a boy and a girl (imagine Bai Yun with a Cinco de Bai-O and a Zhen Zhen!). The Toronto Sun web site has six adorable pictures.
I swear our little cubmuffin grew an inch between this morning and tonight.
September 19th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Moderator, could you please tell me what that tool is in the above pic of widdle Gao Gao? What is the purpose of the tool? I’m just wondering….The cubbie’s widdle paws are too cute! Also, thanks for your dedication and commitment to the blog and providing us answers and comments.
Moderator’s note: I believe it’s called a caliper and is used to measure the cub’s leg/foot width.
September 19th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Where’s the baby???? I left the computer for 2 minutes to use the bathroom and the nest is empty. I know I shoulda waited to go >:(
Moderator’s note: When she decides it’s time to take the cub outside, Bai Yun is quick, isn’t she?
September 19th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
To our new panda fans – here’s an interesting Chinese legend of how a panda got it’s markings
– makes me cry every time I read it.
Long ago,a young and beautiful girl lived in the Wolong valley with her family. She was a shepherdess, loved by all who knew her for her kindness and good nature. Whenever she took her sheep into the hills a young panda would come to join her flock, perhaps mistaking them for its own kind for in those days pandas were all white.
One day the panda arrived as usual, but it had not been playing with the flock for long when a leopard jumped from a tree and begun to savage the helpless cub. Careless of her own life, the girl picked up a stick and began to beat the leopard. The panda ran off, but the leopard turned on its attacker and killed her.
When the other pandas heard this, they were stricken with grief. All came to attend the girl’s funeral, and as a mark of their respect they covered their arms with ashes as was the custom.
At the funeral, they could not contain themselves. They wiped their eyes to dry their tears, and hugged themselves as the sobbed. The cries became so loud that they covered their ears with their paws to block out the noise. Wherever they touched themselves the ashes stained their fur black and since that day all pandas have carried these marks.
Overcome with sorrow, the girl’s three sisters threw themselves into her grave, whereupon the earth shook and in place of the grave a huge mountain appeared. That mountain still stands, and is called Siguniang-the four sisters mountain. Each sister was transformed into one of it’s peaks, and between the ridges that spread from it the sisters continue to protect the pandas to this day.
September 19th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
The little one is out, again! This is becoming a regular procedure with Bai and cub! Good thing they are in SDZ. We are expecting a frost, tonight, in New England! Brrrr!
I love watching Bai give Chubble Bubble a bath and snuggle with him. You can tell he complains when she holds him upside down, on his back, cleaning his underparts! He just wants to go back to sleep or roll and crawl around! Poor little tike! He must be the cleanest bear around!
September 19th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I love how we all our ideas why Bai has taken “his plumpness” out of the den every night -when Bai took Zhen (who was even older) out the staff was befuddled. Bai had never done this with her 3 previous cubs – what was going on
The zoo staff decided something in the den was making Bai unhappy so they did a thorough cleaning & then Bai happily moved Zhen back in – that’s why I say we need years to study why our own Bai does things – how does she know when & how she should.
September 19th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Five Pounds???!!!!! He is a perfect little bag of sugar!
September 19th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
To those who suggested “holding a panda as a fund raiser” Why not …… ZA had their pandamonium birthday celebration today – all 4 of their pandas have birthday this month…. included was a raffle with the winner having the opportunity to meet a panda – maybe not to hold but to see close up. I’d sure spend a few $$ on a raffle to see a panda up close
ZA is having major financial problems with their panda lease. I understand that their 10 year lease of Yang & Lun expires in 2010 & ZA is not sure if they can afford to continue “leasing a panda” So now you have Lun still nursing XiLan – so Lun will probably have to stay & if the Chinese lower their rental maybe “our Zany Guy- Yang Yang will be able to stay also 
Moderator’s note: We are auctioning a behind-the-scenes Pandamonium Tour at http://www.cmarket.com/auction/item/Item.action?id=93563275
September 19th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Moderator, #133, no need to blush. All the heartfelt thanks and kudos are true. Without you, our panda learning experience wouldn’t be anywhere near as enjoyable. The ability to blog to communicate and learn is truely price-less. For someone to be so dedicated to spend all day on a weekend reading, researching and responding to questions and comments is extremely commendable. Thank you doesn’t seem like an adequate enough response from my perspective. We know you love what you do, and enjoy it thoroughly. So, we hope that you do get to be fairly close to the animals, not just their keepers when you do in person interviews.
Moderator’s note: That’s what keeps me going
September 19th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Before a worldwide panic starts, Bai and Plumpers are camping outside the den again. My theory for this is because the den is getting too small for both Bai and her roly poly widdle guy!
September 19th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Thanks Maureen for the beautiful story of how the pandas got their coloring. And thanks to the keepers for all the work they do in keeping us updated on chubby cubby. He is adorable, and gets more adorable each day, as if that were possible! I marvel at how Bai keeps him upside down, and laugh at the little one’s legs just flailing in the air at this ignominy! And sometimes, she drapes her arm over him, practically suffocating him. Seeing how roly poly he is, and how contented he is, we can’t panic at the things Bai does, because clearly she is just the best mom ever!
Thanks for the video and the photos of the little one at his 3rd exam. Loved them! Can’t wait for more!
September 19th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
#138 Your idea is great! Did you know that at the Wolong National Natural Reserve they actually allow visitors to hold a Panda for a few minutes for some outrageous amount of money, like…. $150.00? Of course it’s not a baby Panda, but like a one year old or something. They’ll give you a robe, gloves and a mouth piece and they’ll let you sit and hug him or her. It would just be great to be able to go and do that
Now I guess I’ll go to bed since there’s no Rolly Polly in sight tonight… again… sleep well, little one, and enjoy the beautiful night! Nighty night, Bai! Good night all!
September 19th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Omigosh…he is sooooooooooooo adorable. I am so smitten with this little guy!! My sweet little roly-poly dude! Bai Yun is such a good momma….I just love watching them both. The den is empty right now – they’re sleeping under the stars again tonight I bet…
September 19th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Yep, am looking an empty den again
Love our Bai – what is she doing – she’s driving the research staff crazy!!!!
September 19th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
do the cubs vocalize more as they grow or less? The cub is so adorable.
September 19th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
HMMMM. ( AM SURE – DID HE OR DID HE NOT ) “His Plumpness ” did he leave the den on his own
??? it sure LOOKED LIKE IT.
How long will it take for our guy with its chubby tummy to be able to lift himself off the floor to crawl -
Another question for the staff -
Does a panda weighing less crawl sooner – seems like a cub with a big belly would have a harder time lifting itself up
September 19th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Maureen #237–I think Bai Yun just likes being outside in the night air and she realizes that Cinco de Bai-O is still pretty portable and can’t wander away, so why not take him out to enjoy the yard. I’m pretty sure that even with fresh bamboo and AC going the den could get a little stuffy at times.
I kinda like the name Guin Guin (I’m assuming it’s pronounced “Gwin Gwin”), ’cause it’s what I do when I’m watching cubbie, and the Chinese (Strong and Round, thanks, Sheila #123) seems fitting.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:56 am
i just looked at the cam. it’s 1:55AM and it’s empty. that happened last night also. are they sleeping in a different room? can they put a camera there?
Moderator’s note: Please see the previous post, http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2009/09/15/pandas-all-is-well/ for an explanation.
September 20th, 2009 at 4:49 am
lol – little pudgy was “sucking it in” when his chubby little girth was measured! so cute! i know it is horrible to say since he appears to be in discomfort, but i just love hearing the little squeaks he gives off when he is pinched by the calipers. so adorable!!!
September 20th, 2009 at 6:40 am
Good morning all. Another beautiful sunny am in N.Y. Enjoyed your stories and poems and added information. Frances # 232 and x’tra thanks. I did go to the Toronto Sun website. The pictures were priceless. Even more so because I believe I read somewhere that it is very rare for Pandas to have twins and if they do the mother kills one for the other to survive. I don’t know if this applied to births in the wild or not. Another question for our friend the Moderator. Correct me if I read wrong. How many actual twins have been born in captivity and the reality of them both surviving? Do to them being endangered has there ever been any concideration given to implanting 2 eggs into a bear to encourage multible births? Or is that something that just can’t be done or dangerous to the bears? Also thanks to the Zoo Atlanta tip. I’ll have to wait until a week day to view for the cam doesn’t run on the weekend. So yet another special thanks to Moderator ( we need to give you a nick name) and cam operators for allowing us to watch our little guy 24/7.
Moderator’s note: I am no expert, so I’ll refer you to some previous posts about panda twins: http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2005/09/05/more-questions-answered/ and http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2007/08/26/to-twin-or-not-to-twin/
September 20th, 2009 at 6:55 am
“Reading this update did take away some of anger caused by one of the comments in the previous blog – Mark – your comment was unkind & uncalled for
”
Sorry, I wasn’t trying to be unkind! The suggestion was simply a place to start and not simply a place to stop, so I thought talking about the feasibility of the suggestion was called for.
September 20th, 2009 at 7:04 am
Bai is making the bed again w/ baby in it! Fun to watch.
Reassuring when Mamma plucks baby out from under the bamboo.
Wonder if Maureen #237 is correct in assuming that there possibly is something in the nest
that is bothering her sense of smell?
Who can fathom the mind of a gentle Panda?
She probably just has cabin-fever and wants to go outdoors w/ little one nearby,
to enjoy the San Diego evening breezes from Balboa Park!
September 20th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Moderator: Have you any clues as to why Bai is seemingly aggitated by something in the den? Every morning she’s “raking” it. Very early this morning she stood on her hind legs, looked into the camera and then proceeded to be sniffing for something on the wall. After that, she brought more “branches” into the den. Any thoughts?
Moderator’s note: I’ll pass along the question to our Panda Team.
September 20th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Good morning moderator, Is there somehow we can get some information on you? Like what’s your name? How long have you worked at the zoo? I think it would be nice to be able to address you by your name. I understand if you would not want to give out this information. Have you had any contact with any of the pandas? You do such a wonderful job keeping us updated. You have great answers to our questions. How long have you worked with the panda staff? Hope you have a great rest of the weekend. You are awesome!!!!
Moderator’s note: Thanks, Deana. The Panda Team is just one of the many departments I work with through my position as an associate editor. I did work as a panda narrator when Bai Yun and Shi Shi arrived, but most of what I’ve learned about pandas has been through these blog posts. They hold a wealth of information!
September 20th, 2009 at 9:00 am
sending love, kisses, and hugs to Bai & cubbie through my screen. Little cubbie is resting in the den while mama is outside. He looks so peaceful and content laying there. Too adorable and cute!!!!! What a way to start my day watching the cubbie and mama.
September 20th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Do the panda fathers participate at all in raising their young? Has Gao Gao even met his son?
Moderator’s note: Panda fathers do not stay to help with their offspring. Gao has not met his newest son. For a story of a “meeting” between Gao Gao and his first son, Mei Sheng, please read the following post: http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2005/09/09/howdy/
September 20th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Moderator, please take the day off! OMG, you are working way too hard. Thank you, thank you for all you do. Has this birth resulted in a record number of posts? If so, WONDERFUL!! Just means the world is getting to know and love these very special animals.
Moderator’ note: There are certainly more comments with this birth. What a unique way for people to learn about these wonderful animals!
September 20th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Thanks, moderator for answering my question (#233).
September 20th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Thank you moderator for passing on the above info. Very enlightning.
September 20th, 2009 at 11:36 am
What name means Bigger Than Big? Because that’s what the cub will be, and already is!
P.S. Moderator…How do you keep up with all these comments? (Superhuman knowledge?
)
Moderator’s note: Super understanding family!
September 20th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Whew! It has taken me over an hour to finish reading this comments board. Wow! Doesn’t pay to be gone and not have time to catch up quickly. (Had to take time to watch Chubs squirm and grow.)
Tai’s eye-patch is a graceful combination of mom and dad’s. And Tai’s face is not as rounded.
I have to respond to Margaret #108: the way I learned to tell Mei Xiang from Tian Tian is their eyes. (They both have beautifully round faces.) Mei’s eye-patch is almost round, and kind of feathers out around the bottom half. Tian’s eye-patch is elongated, narrow, and slanted inward at the top…almost makes him look like he’s squinting!
Fran#99: You nailed it. Everyone is addicted to these adorable, huggable bears. Tiny #72: your description of our emotions is dead on. Our bears are beautiful, unique, and so special in our hearts. That is a better addiction than any pill or booze. Our love for them is a drug in itself. Soothes our tattered nerves, and makes our hearts smile! I don’t EVER want to have to go on the wagon for this addiction.
I have to add to the accolades for our moderators: You all are the absolute best! No boast, just fact.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Hello -
I am six years old and I love to check the Panda Cam! The baby looks fluffy. Does he feel soft and fluffy in person?
Moderator’s note: Keepers say panda cubs are not as soft to the touch as they look.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I join the other writers in thanking the moderators for all of their time. I’m learning so much about the pandas by reading the posts.
I do have a question, too. When I saw baby alone in the den this morning, he seemed to be trying to turn himself over. Very cute. He was also opening his mouth alot which made me wonder if he cries for his mother when she’s away. I can’t believe how adorable he is and what a caring mom he has.
Moderator’s note: Keepers say he does not vocalize much, but he does open his mouth frequently to yawn.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
It is Sunday afternoon Sep 20 and I just tuned to watch the pandas. About a second later baby gave a big heave trying to pull his backside out from under Mom, who was sleeping. As he tugged, she reached with her arm and pushed him away! He landed almost on top of his head with his body contorted, and there he laid for a quick moment, then he rolled himself back over toward Mom’s warmth. Mom’s reaction to his wanting to get out from under her was so funny, because she seemed a big exasperated, but then the cub’s reaction was even funnier! I hope you all saw this, or try to spy it on the time-lapse tomorrow.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
It is such a touching sight when the baby starts wiggling and possibly “crying” and all of a sudden this huge shadow comes in from no where and there is Bai. She’s always ready to comfort the little one.
I’m sure there are many from the scientific side who would credit that to “instinct”. But after watching so many panda mother’s and their babies (ex. Lun Lun & Xi Lan, Lin Hui & Lin Ping, Yang Yang & Fu Long) each one has their own special way of caring for their child. I really feel that these bears have the capacity to truly feel love and give love to their cubs.
September 20th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Thanks for the exam 3 video! Junior seems to hate the calipers. Also, what happens if you touch the baby while Bai Yun is there, instead of waiting for her to go away first? Not to take him away for exam 4, but to get a less formal close look at him while he’s with her? Would she accept that since she’s been handled by humans her whole life herself, or would she still get defensive and dangerous?
Moderator’s note: The keepers would not try to take the baby when Bai Yun was present.
September 20th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Hi! It’s Sunday afternoon, heavy rain here in Pinellas County, FL, and just checked pandacam to watch Bai cleaning up her baby boy. Been reading a few of the comments that have been put in since last nite, and it looks like our moderator has been getting a ton of kudos and well wishes over the last couple of days if not the last week! Well, I’ll definitely add my yeas and hoorahs to our moderator for a great job well done and working very hard to keep up with all of our comments on the panda blogs and the other 3 blogs as well. I did not realize that this moderator is the ONLY ONE that handles all of the comments on all 4 blogs! I thought that each blog page had their own moderator to keep up with our comments. Always learning something new! Moderator, I agree with a few of us commentors—take a day off! Our comments will be waiting for you when you come back! I’m glad that you have a very patient family! I’m sure that they enjoy reading all of our comments, too.
Got over 260+ comments on this article update alone, matching the update about the cub’s birth and one other update! Looks like we are pushing that record number of comments, and like you said, the more people commenting about the pandas, the more they are learning about these adorable animals. Now, you have an increased work load with all of the new people coming in and making their comments. Keep up the good work, moderator! (Is this moderator a lady or a gentleman?)
Well, gonna go back to the pandacam. Will be back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 20th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Jennie (#178), I read your comment, then I also checked the time lapse video from Sept. 18 to see what you just saw. Believe it, I saw what you saw—Little Chubbies scooting/crawling out of the den towards the end of that vid, and no Momma Bai with him! I was very surprised to see him do it! He must be starting to do the crawling thing a little bit earlier than any of the other cubs did that I have watched on all of the pandacams! If I remember right, I think cubs do start their crawling phase at around 2 or 3 months old (let me know if I’m correct, moderator, please?), so this little guy has gotten a little bit of a jump on that milestone a little bit earlier than that. I’m getting the feeling that little chubby will be making his milestones a little earlier than the other cubs did, so now the real fun is just starting! Gonna be a blast to see this cub grow up! Well, Jennie, you have your back up!
Enjoy the pandacam!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: See response to comment #167.
September 20th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Oh yeah, one more idea to think about! I also think that this little boy is going to be a momma’s boy! Was Mei Sheng a momma’s boy when he was a cub? Just wondering! Back to the cam; cubbie is by himself right now.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 20th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Aw, poor chubby cubby is on his back, which he hates, and is crying for Bai to come to his rescue. I just want to roll him over and kiss him! Have you noticed he pulls at his ears, just like a human baby, when upset or possibly tired and hungry? I’ve seen him rubbing the ears when he starts to cry (which I assume he is doing since his mouth keeps opening!).
September 20th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Thank you moderator, for forwarding my questions to Bai’s “Panda Team!” I’ve notice this behavior for the last 2 mornings, approximately, between 4:45am and 5:30am(p.s.t). Although, I’ve not seen her get up on her hind legs(paws?) in the den to investigate the walls or whats above her. It was a bit startling to have Bai looking right back attcha, although it was really cool at the same time! I’m no Panda Bear expert, but there seems to be something Bai is not quite right with, seemingly, only in the early am!?!
Thank you for your time.
Panda Team responds: This behavior has more to do with maternal vigilance and care. Bai Yun isn’t agitated; she is just making sure everything is as it should be.
September 20th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Re Panda Team response to #272 AJ – Bai’s just being what she is – a loving and caring mother who just wants to make sure things are in order on the home front. I guess this is her way of “fussing” over her “not so little” baby boy, just like the way we, humans, like to fluff our pillows and cushions, straighten the furniture, pick up clutter, etc.
Thanks, moderator, for being so dedicated. And thanks to your family for their tolerance of all of us, panda addicts – I, myself, think we are absolutely beyond help!! Totally hooked on these marvelous creatures!!
September 20th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Hello, it’s me again. Panda lovers, check the latest blog on Pandas Live On – great news about the wild giant panda population and habitat in the areas that were hit by the earthquake last year. It seems the damage is not as bad as they feared and the pandas are doing okay. They even have a picture of one of the wild pandas.
September 20th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
The little one seemed restless most of Sunday afternoon. Bai tried a lot of different positions for her and the cub to take a nap, but it was hard to please him. At one point Bai rolled him away from her, but he just rolled right back at her, like a rubber band. Late in the afternoon he finally settled down to some serious napping.
September 20th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Lilarose #265–I saw that too. A few seconds of cubbie on his back and then one gigantic roll back towards Bai. Too funny.
Now there’s a closeup of the baby in the ‘boo, sleeping so sweetly—sooooo cute.
Karen #238–perfect analogy of cubbie to a 5-lb bag of sugar!
September 20th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Baby Chubbie is on his back and must be dreaming of swimming. All four paws are moving like crazy. Looks like he is trying to do the back stroke. Good exersize for all those baby muscles. The tummy crunches are the best! I love to watch his mouth move. Moderator says he doesn’t vocalize much in the den…and in all of the vet visits when he cries, his mouth is closed. He sure yawns a lot! I wish I could pick him up and hold him just for a little while. If everyone online got to pet him like we wish, he would be bald!
September 20th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
#226 kat…I agree…Bai is starting to use a rear paw on occasion to hold the cub while she turns him to and fro, kind of a “power assist”!
The panda lad was on his back when I opened the page and he was squirming around. He looked like Gao when he rolls around. So cute. We need a counter on the panda cam page to keep track of how many hearts the cub has stolen so far!
September 20th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Hi, Moderator! Hope you are getting some much needed rest and sleep! Have another question for you–are the cub’s vet exams going to be every Thursday for the next few weeks? Just wondering so that I can watch for the next vet update about the cubbie. Just got on the pandacam, and mom and cub are out under the stars again tonite. Expect them to be out for most of the nite. So, nite nite to Bai and cubbie!
Will check in tomorrow!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: The exams won’t always be on Thursdays; life at a zoo is never that predictable!
September 20th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Moderator, #257, thanks for the tip about the Howdy Gate scenario between Gao Gao and Mei Sheng. That happened before I became an avid viewer of the blogs so I was not aware they had ever had the opportunity to greet and meet at the Howdy Gate. I also enjoyed the following blog “The Mating Ritual” which is also excellent reading and education for new bloggers, and seasoned bloggers who want to know more about the mating ritual for Bai Yun. I encourage everyone to check both articles out. They fill in many blanks, and answer many questions I have seen asked over the past year. Although they were written in Sept 2005, the general information covered is still appropriate.
P.S. Moderator, it saves Suzanne from having to reanswer the same items again.
Moderator’s note: Yes, previous posts are great sources of panda info. Readers, just look for the archives in the gold bar on the right. You can compare this cub’s September activities with those of Zhen Zhen’s in the September 2007 archives and those of Su Lin’s in the September 2005 archives. I highly recommend it!
September 20th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Gee moderator you must not got the weekend off so many blogs. I usually don’t check the blogs on the weekend because they aren’t updated till Monday but to my surprise there’s tons of them on Sunday.
Bai is taking little rolly poly out everynight now I guess she doesn’t want to be alone or maybe she’s afraid of the dark. hehehe
The AZ had there big birthday party Saturday and they also had 3 inches of rain. I got a thank you for the X-Man for his new blue jolly ball I sent him, he said he was enjoying it. He looked so cute with it no more having to play with his sister pink ball.
September 20th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
A.J. is right. I only saw her look at the camera once but it did take me by surprise! I thought maybe the camera was moving or making some kind of noise as it moved. Sometimes I see a flash of light too, maybe that’s from outside.
Sometimes when Bai and baby are being especially cute, I find myself talking to them in baby talk. Can’t control it!!!
I love the “Postcard” feature. I’ve got some great ones.
It would be nice to have a facebook feature to post the postcards there
Thanks for all you do to keep us Panda watchers happy.
September 20th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Mother and son are camping out again!
September 20th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
When the vets are doing the exam on cubbie (and her previous cubs) is Bai far enough away that she can’t hear when he vocalizes? And if she is close by does she hurry in upon hearing his squawks? And does the maternal response vary from panda to panda? I wondered because I remember seeing a video several years ago of the NZ doing a vet check on the then baby cub Tai Shan and upon hearing him squawk, mama Mei Xiang became very agitated and immediately ran over to the door of the room her cub was in and was looking in the window and trying to get in. She paced around quite frantically until she was able to get to her cub.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun has excellent hearing and can hear her cub when he vocalizes during his exam. However, she would likely only be concerned if he made an alarm call.
September 20th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Yep, my usual check in – yep, den empty again
!!!! (And she seems to take him early – I checked about 10 EDT & he was still there but 10 minutes later the den was empty – there should still be some daylight in SD. Bai is determined this cub is not going to be stuck in a den watched by all the panda addicts – he is spending his nights with mom under the stars 
Momma Bai you are impossible to figure out – 5 cubs & the staff is not sure why you’ve taken the last 2 young cubs out of the den at night 
And to our moderator – add my thanks for all you do for us – we all have questions, answers, opinions & we all have love & concern for our beloved pandas
September 20th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
#252 -Mark – I think what the blogger meant by the term “barter” was more a “trade” type situation with China – our zoos & research staff have a wealth of info they’ve gathered about the pandas plus our zoos have sent staff to China to help conduct studies & if China wants this info we’ll trade it for a better deal on the rental fee – the way it is now China gets mucho $$$$ plus all our research & studies plus any cubs born. Seems like we need a better panda trade policy system – will not comment on any other unfair trade policies
Lun Lun allowed staff to take XiLan for weight checks & exams 3-4 times a day after his health scare. Am sure Bai would trust her keepers enough to allow her cub to be removed if needed
September 20th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
It seems to be a regular routine of going out every night! I bet the baby is bored and cold, but glad to get out of the stuffy (maybe) den. He’s a tubby one! If I could sleep at the zoo, I would be sleeping next to the den, to hear the little guy squeak when he’s hungry. He’s SO SO SO SO cute! (Wish he’d stay this small!)
P.S. Moderator, you are so mysterious! Keeping your identity hidden and all that. Maybe we should call you by some other name…do you prefer an alias?
Moderator’s note: I’ve had way too much attention on this post. Let’s keep the focus on the topic at hand: one cute panda cub. Maybe one day I’ll write my life story!
September 20th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
“Panda Team,” thank you for the info.
Hmmm….wish I could of been raised by Bai, instead of by the “system.” I think Bai and cubbie “watching” should be a pre-requsite for all those who sign up to foster parent. My experience tended to lacked this, “maternal vigillance and care” which Bai does so flawlessly……………………………….
Well…….back to reality, I know I’d of been kicked to the curb at about 2 yrs old, by Bai Yun, but heck it would of been worth it!……ROFL!!! Ahhh…to be raised by a Panda! Sounds like a future Disney movie to me!…lol
September 20th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
It sure looks like we have another night out, as all is empty in the den. When they are outside at night does Bai stay right with baby?
Moderator’s note: She sure does! Bai Yun is never more than a few strides away from her cub at all times.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:38 am
“Moderator’s note: The keepers would not try to take the baby when Bai Yun was present.”
Yeah, that totally makes sense! I should have been clearer: is it feasible to go close to the baby when Bai Yun is present? Like not taking him anywhere but looking at him where Bai Yun puts him? Would she accept *that*?
“Lun Lun allowed staff to take XiLan for weight checks & exams 3-4 times a day after his health scare. Am sure Bai would trust her keepers enough to allow her cub to be removed if needed
”
I’m sure too (BTW, isn’t Lun Lun the one who basically *told* staff to take Xi Lan when Xi Lan wasn’t doing so well? or am I remembering wrong?), and I was wondering about the possibility of extra observations without removing the cub.
Moderator’s note: The keepers have no reason to try to get a close look at the cub with Bai Yun present. They can do that with the camera system. Let’s not try to guess what Bai Yun would or wouldn’t do. Keepers try to provide her with the privacy she needs to tend to her cub.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:30 am
Is Bai taking the cub all the way outdoors for the entire night, i.e. Sunroom or Garden Room, or is she staying near the Bedroom. From her timing, it still looks to me like she is taking him out as soon as the zoo closes and it gets quiet, and bringing him back in when she hears keepers and more noises around the zoo in the AM. That equates to the noise levels in the wild to me as well. Their main predators must be out during the day, and with their light bodies they would be visible in the daytime. With the black legs, they can be less visible while sleeping curled up at night. One can be sure she has him very close to her body when they are outdoors at this stage in his life. He is totally dependent on her for protection and food since he can not see yet, move yet, and has limited hearing. Even if he heard, he can’t defend himself. He can only cry for his mother.
I wonder sometimes what happened to Gao’s mother, whether she was injured/killed by another animal, or if she abandoned him for some reason. One will never know I guess, since to my knowledge a mother panda without a cub was not found in the area at the time he appeared. As I recall he was dehydrated and malnourished because he was so young and dependent on mother’s milk for survival.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun has been taking her cub into the sunroom each night, which is located next to the bedroom where the den is. Perhaps we should rename it the “stargazing room”?
September 21st, 2009 at 6:37 am
Watching Bai Yun nursing chubby cubby this morning after they returned to the den made me think of why he would now be nursing from bottom nipples. He is getting pretty heavy to hold in her forelegs when she is sitting up. By laying him on the ground he can reach the lower nipples while safely perched between her back legs. This is her most usual eating position for her bamboo consumption, so it is good position for both of them to eat. I notice she brought in a very leafy piece of bamboo with her, so it looks like she plans to eat it before stripping it for nest materal. Makes very efficient sense to me.
September 21st, 2009 at 6:40 am
P.S. Since the piece she brought into the den is tall enough that it almost reaches the camera, maybe that is why she has been checking up high on the walls to see what size will fit inside safely.
September 21st, 2009 at 6:47 am
I love watching the Panda Cam. Bai Yun is such a wonderful mother and that baby is so adorable….I can’t wait to go to San Diego and see him!
September 21st, 2009 at 6:59 am
Looks like Bai has been busy re-arranging her den. Her and the cubbie are sitting in the middle of a brush pile that she has brought in and she has been hiding under it with cubbie. How cute, but I haven’t seen this behavior before from her. Is she trying to tell us something? Was nice seeing her and cubbie this morning though, I missed them last night again.
September 21st, 2009 at 7:19 am
Do we know when Bai actually takes Chublet out at night and when she returns to the den?
Moderator’s note: As others have stated in their comments, it seems that Bai Yun takes the cub outside after the Zoo closes (around 7 p.m.) and returns to the den when the morning keeper shift arrives (around 6 a.m.).
September 21st, 2009 at 7:24 am
Panda mommies are some of the best in the world, I do believe they can differentiate between cries from their babies that they are hungry, scared, in danger, or just want some attention but nothing is really wrong. They are quick to attend to baby and they can be inches away or a whole yard length away. I remember when Mei accidently knocked baby Tai off the mountain and he was crying so bad she immediately went to him, got him out in the open, got him walking to make sure he was oky and got him calmed down. It was the scariest thing to watch and hear but Mom was right on top on things. Bai, Lun and Mei are extraordinary moms. I think this little chubby cubbie is going to be a momma’s boy like Mei Sheng but look at how wonderful he grew up and now doing amazing on his own in China.
September 21st, 2009 at 7:42 am
wow a.j. i bet you are not alone. i am raising my son whom we adopted at 4 1/2 yrs. of age. his mom gave birth and ‘left the den’ at his birth and never looked back. so many times animals make better mothers than humans. and it is a joy to watch wonderful parenting no matter what species. gives us all hope & joy. to say such a beautiful thing as you did you obviously became a wonderful human. awesome!
September 21st, 2009 at 8:01 am
I saw the mother take the cub out of the den last night! That was the first time I managed to see, in real time, the mother exit w/ her cub. She walked in, groomed Fuzzball and GONE in no time. It was so awesome and she moved pretty fast. I managed to get several snapshots of the incident!
September 21st, 2009 at 8:40 am
I would think by the 5th baby, even the most dedicated mother (as Bai Yun is) might want a change of scenery sooner than with earlier cubs.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:07 am
Thank you to the SDZ Panda Team: Keepers, Vets, Photographers, Meerkats, Narrators, and the Moderator for providing us with this amazing opportunity to watch and learn about this precious family, chunky cubbie , Bai Yun, Gao Gao, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen!
It was facinating to watch Bai Yun this morning as she mixed it up a bit. She returned without the cub! But she had a large quantity of bamboo and appeared to be doing some den redecorating! Only then did she go get her cub. VIDEO ALERT: Those that missed this can watch it on YouTube, “Bai Yun: Fall Cleaning without BaiBy Underfoot!”
September 21st, 2009 at 9:18 am
Chubby cubby looks like the strong, silent, very intelligent type to me. He is working hard on his rear legs and gets them up under his hefty body and can scootch himself along, even though he is too young to intend to do so. The bamboo substrate flooring his mother provided gives him much better leverage than the concrete floors that the other cubs in other zoos have had to learn to walk on. It is even better than the concrete bedroom floor and the soil in the garden and sun rooms at SDZ. I remember ZZ doing similar activities and we were all sure she would crawl before she left the den. She did not. So, we must wait and see how he does. But so far, I think he may be quiet type, but he will be very much as independent as big sister ZZ.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:22 am
Moderator, #291, Stargazing room sounds like a very appropriate name. She seems to spend more time with him there at night under the stars than she does in the sunlight in the day. It makes sense that she is using the closest outside area to the bedroom so she can “retreat” to the den if necessary. Besides, it isn’t as far to carry his rapidly increasing weight in her mouth. Does he squirm when being carried like he does when being washed? I haven’t seen her carry him yet, I don’t seem to have the right timing. I was preoccupied when she brought him back in this morning, and even though I had the cam up I missed their grand entrance and was greeted by the stalk of bamboo.
Moderator’s note: Keepers say he doesn’t squirm when Mom carries him.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:29 am
Bai Yun’s evening departure from the den roughly coincides with the time the sun dips below the horizon in San Diego (according to U.S. Naval Observatory sunrise/sunset data, adjusted for Daylight Savings Time, of course!). Maybe Bai enjoys the beautiful colors of the sunset and the gentle light and brings Junior along for company.
It’ll be interesting to see if she takes the cub from the den as the moon’s light gets brighter next week in advance of the October 4th full moon.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:42 am
Can someone on the blog tell us if the zoo in Atlanta is anywhere close to the flooded area in Atlanta? Thanks
September 21st, 2009 at 9:51 am
I love the way Bai comes into the den when Chubby Cubby is still asleep. She looks at him, snifs him, rolls him around. Hmm… Not crying! He is sleeping! Hmmm…. Won’t wake up. Not hungry? Hmm…. Smells clean. Hmm… What to do? Oh, he is just so cute and adorable I will pick him up and cuddle him and wake him up because I want to play with him! Junior….Momma is here. Let’s snuggle!
September 21st, 2009 at 10:04 am
Oh no!!! My panda cam is down. I’ve been reading these blogs all morning so I’ve hardly had any viewing time!!
It’s cold turkey w/drawl. I need to know if all is still well?
Moderator’s note: All is well.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:45 am
#310 Jayne O. Thanks for posting the video alert for “Bai Yun: Fall Cleaning without BaiBy Underfoot!” We can see where Su Lin got her redecorating genes from… The video also contains the den’s exit by Bai Yun and her cub from last night for those who have missed Bai Yun carrying her cub for their night out under the stars.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:46 am
Woke up very tired this morning so I’m getting ready to take a nap. I’m on my way in the front gate of SDZ and making a beeline to the pandas. Whew…..I made it, that was a long walk. Now I am crawling over the wall to find Bai & cubbie so I can share the den with them to take my nap I should be there shortly Bai.
But in reality….a friend of mine and I are planning a trip soon to see the pandas. She loves the pandas also!!!
September 21st, 2009 at 10:51 am
I just found out this morning that Hua Mei’s first born son is in Taipei zoo, Taiwan. His name is TuanTuan around 5 year old. With her girl friend YuanYuan, their name means “Reunion”. They arrived Taiwan in 2008.
For Panda family, it is really a small world, everyone knows everyone.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:53 am
Bai Yum and her son have brightened my life!!!!!!!!!Yes my computor is always on. When will the big boy be able to go out for the people can see him? I live in Carmichael Calif. But I will be there in San Diego that day!!!!!!!! How long has it been when Bai Yum had her last baby? And how long will she go befor doing it agin? Thank you so much for the wonderful cam!!!!!!!!!
Moderator’s note: The cub will make his public debut when he can walk and his mother is comfortable having him in the large exhibit area. Bai Yun’s previous cub, Zhen Zhen, was born in August 2007.
September 21st, 2009 at 11:29 am
with the way the cub is growing it looks like mama and baby are sending out for pizza’s when she takes him out at night.
September 21st, 2009 at 11:29 am
#303 – Margaret – Based on several videos I’ve seen on youtube where you can see ZA’s Lun Lun carrying little Mei Lan around, cubs don’t squirm while they are held in mama’s tight grip. Mei Lan would just literally hang like a stuffed toy being dragged around by the neck. I’m not sure if those videos are still available but you could see – they are a lot of fun.
September 21st, 2009 at 11:46 am
Re: 36 1/2 centimeters. I just have to giggle. For all of you who read Gone With the Wind and remember Scarlet O’hara’s 16 inch waist. Well, Little roly poly has a waistline only 1 1/2 inches smaller than Scarlet
September 21st, 2009 at 11:47 am
The AZ is not in a flood zone but we’ve had so much rain the ground is saturated and flowing water could appear just about anywhere. Xi Lan and Lun Lun are doing fine. Playing right now.
September 21st, 2009 at 12:04 pm
He is a big boy for sure. It would seem that Bai is giving him more milk than previous cubs. How much does weight factor in with their mobility? I mean can it affect how soon he might be able to get up and walk if he is a bit too heavy?’
First we will get to the name day and some of the suggestions I’ve seen here are pretty good.
Are there any other mammals where the eyes and ears open so late?
Thank you for the videos and thank you moderator for making it all work. We are so lucky.
September 21st, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Baby is all alone again! Can he move himself like a worm??? (You know, front part forward, then drag the back part?) He starts at the middle of the den (Perfectionist: Bai Yun), and ends up near the door. Names are exciting! I really want to be there for the naming ceremony! (Any info on when it is, yet?)
Moderator’s note: No info yet.
September 21st, 2009 at 12:57 pm
When the bigger pandas want a biscuit or piece of fruit. Do they vocalize to the keepers or are they given treats on a scheduled basis?
Moderator’s note: The fun of getting treats is that you never know when you’ll get them or what they will be. And we certainly don’t want to teach the bears to vocalize to get a treat!
September 21st, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Was just wondering how big a production the cub naming ceremony is. How many Chinese scientists from Wolong come over for the event?
Moderator’s note: Each time has been different. The biggest production was for the naming of our first panda cub, Hua Mei.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:21 pm
# 315 Paula in Atlanta, thanks for the information about the fact that the zoo in Atlanta is not in the flood zone. Since when I was watching the pandacam it was always in the Teepee room, not the hammock room where we might have been able to look at the weather through the window, I was a bit concerned. I have never been in Atlanta so I am not sure where it is in comparison with the Chattahoochee River. Hope you will all manage to stay dry and save.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I know she takes him out occasionally but I want to know……. does she carry him like cats and dogs do in her mouth or in her arms like a football?
Moderator’s note: In her mouth.
September 21st, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Hmmm, I wonder why baby wasn’t invited to go stargazing? Tonight Bai didn’t leave until after it was dark. Surely she won’t leave him alone all night, will she? Since he has sooo much weight on him now, she probably figures he’ll sleep sound for a while, and she’ll get some time to herself! Taking care of babies can be exhausting! I NEVER bathed my kids as often as she does! She’s the best momma!
I think we’re going to have polar bear babies next! I can’t wait!! Moderator: Will you be joining us over there, too?
Moderator’s note: I moderate all of the posts, from the Animal Stories to the Zoo Journal categories seen listed on the gold bar to the right of each post.
September 21st, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I also have a question about the nails on a panda. Are they retractable like a cat? Bai also has very long nails and I wondered if they go in. It is amazing how she handles chubby cubbie with those nails! Love watching them! Thanks for the great job you do answering all these questions, you are great also. I saw Bai this evening in super cuddle mode. She even pats the baby’s bottom like a human mom! It is adorable. I cannot wait for next exam to see how much more weight the chublet has gained! I wish I could afford a trip to SDZ to see these wonderful animals up close, but maybe someday……..
Moderator’s note: Giant panda claws are not retractable.
September 21st, 2009 at 8:47 pm
8:46 p.m. SD Time – Plumpkins is doing his crunches, in proper form – hands on his temples. Too cute!!
September 21st, 2009 at 9:01 pm
#318 Sukochi – I agree with Moderator – you don’t want the pandas vocalizing for treats – or the keepers will never get any downtime, not to mention peace and quiet. Interesting question, though. Reminded me that in Atlanta, in their hammock room, there is a window where Lun Lun and company can look into the back of the exhibit and, occasionally, I’ve seen them get treats from the keepers. When the bears are in active mode and doing their walkarounds, they often stop at this window to check on the keepers and hope for a treat.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:17 pm
WOW!!! 321 comments on this article alone!! I know that we all have broken a record! No wonder our great moderator has been so busy! Great comments, everybody!!
Got some panda news from Pandas Live On that will be interesting for everyone. They got some info about Atlanta Zoo having their Pandemonium on Sat., Sept. 19, 2009 to celebrate the birthdays of all 4 pandas this year. There’s a video of Xi Lan being outside on PLO, too. There are great pics of Tai Shan and Tian Tian on PLO. They both had great poses, too! PLO also had an update from Adelaide Zoo, Australia. The zoo is getting close to finishing their panda facility and exhibit there. Adelaide Zoo will be the home to 2 pandas coming from China, Wang Wang and Funi. Both pandas are scheduled to arrive in Adelaide around mid October from China. There are a few pics of the construction progress on PLO. Shaanxi Research Center announced the birth of 3 cubs! Twins were born to 6 year old Lou Sheng–1 girl, 1 boy–on August 18; Zhu Zhu, 9 years old, had a baby panda girl cub on Sept. 4!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 21st, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Hi! [There is an] article that was posted on Pandas Live On about the wild pandas in China after the May, 2008 earthquake.
This article is a little bit of a relief for me because I have been so concerned about the wild panda numbers in that area of China since the 2008 quake hit that region. The area near the epicenter is still a little bit disturbing, tho, since that area was heavily damaged from that quake. That’s why Pandas International has started the huge fundraising effort to replant the bamboo in that area and other parts of Sichuan Province so that the wild pandas will have enough food available for them to eat.
Well, that’s all the panda news that I have for now. Just checked the pandacam before I wrote this, and Bai came back in the den and has her little guy all snuggled with her.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 21st, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Sue Martz #312 – good one!
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:23 am
Thank you, thank you for the updates and adorable pictures!! I love to read everyone’s comments; so good to see how many people in the world appreciate the cuteness of this wonderful panda family!
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:24 am
“Moderator’s note: The keepers have no reason to try to get a close look at the cub with Bai Yun present. They can do that with the camera system. Let’s not try to guess what Bai Yun would or wouldn’t do. Keepers try to provide her with the privacy she needs to tend to her cub.”
Thanks for clearing that up, and I totally agree that Bai Yun knows what she is doing!
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:33 am
Cubbie looks so peaceful in the den right now. Mama went outside probably eating her breakfast. I was wondering if Bai has been given a treat since giving birth since she was not able to have an ice cake for her birthday? Maybe she could get a surprise from her keepers and at least have a cupcake sized treat? I was also wondering, I have read where the pandas get biscuits along with their bamboo. What do the biscuits consist of? Are they like a doggy bisuit?
Bai was fun to watch yesterday when she was re-arranging the den and when she tossed the flooring up over her head, I laughed so hard it was like she was saying “I sure don’t need this pile here anymore so I’ll move it”. It was great!!!!
Moderator’s note: The leaf eater biscuits do look like reddish dog biscuits. They contain soy bean meal, cornmeal, soybean hulls, sugar beet pulp, corn, apple fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. We feed them to many of our Zoo animals. The biscuits come in two sizes called gorilla and lemur. The pandas receive the gorilla-size biscuits.
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:57 am
Based on how big he’s getting, I think he should be called…MOO SHU PORKER!
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:08 am
Appears Bai is trying to acclimate the chubby little one to the smell of bamboo…leaves him alone for awhile under the pile. Does this make sense?
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:50 am
AWESOME CLOSE UP SHOTS OF BABY ON CAM 25! YOU MEERKATS ROCK AND ROLL!!! He is ADORABLE!!!
I will NEVER get anything done today………………………………………..
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:51 am
I just LOVE how they are pigeon toed!!!!
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 am
Oh my goodness! What a cutie! I just found out about this Panda Cam and I am addicted to it! I can’t get any work done because I’m so fascinated with the pandas. When will the baby receive a name? Also, does Bai Yun leave the den to eat? What is she doing when she leaves the baby? Best of luck to all of you at the San Diego Zoo and Bai Yun & her new baby!
Moderator’s note: The cub will receive his name after he is 100 days old. Bai Yun leaves the den to eat, drink, nap, and take care of personal “business.”
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:30 am
#331-Deana – I saw Bai’s redecorating rampage on youtube last night – I agree it was hilarious to watch!! I loved the way she just throws piles over her head and let’s the boo rain down on her and ‘plumpkins’! At one point, I didn’t even see cubbie under all the shreds until Bai moved it off of him. She must have thought, “I better take this off ‘the boy’ or I’ll lose him in this mess!” Too funny!!
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
OMG, can this little “big” guy get any more cute?!?! If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he was sucking his thumb! (imagine w/claws, OUCH!) The close up has him sleeping w/his paw up next to his face, and when he he curls his fingers it looks just like it. He’s sooo sweet. It almost looks like he’s smiling.
I thought I saw his eyes were open this morning when he was fighting to get out from under the nest. Boy, he was doing some serious crunches! As #324 Panda fan says, “in proper form – hands on his temples”. TOO CUTE!! I was surprised that mom didn’t show up and rescue him. He was clearly frustrated, I know those weren’t yawn’s I was seeing. Oh well, everything is all better and now he’s sound asleep. I’ve taken sooo many postcard pics today!
You know… if we were to have to pay for these postcards, even just a nominal amount, it would bring in so much money for Panda research. Or, they could put the postcard feature on all the animal sites w/live cams. Previously I had inquired about this (on the polar bear site because there’s a possibility that we’re going to have a baby), and, they advised that it’s not in the budget. They’re still hoping for funding for a sound system! That’s a shame because they’re ALL deserving of the same research, and improvements. If I could, I would take care of EVERYBODY (@ SD ZOO). Although I’m unemployed, I’d still pay for postcards. I’d just be more selective, and aware of how many I’m taking. Just a thought…
Being a SD Native, we were always @ the Zoo! My dad used to take us almost practically every weekend, including the kids in the neighborhood. However many would fit in the stations wagon. I believe it was free at that time. The only requirement was that you had to eat a peanut butter, banana, mayo & lettuce sandwich! I have sooo many memories, getting lost, having a birthday party there, my brother even got his arm pulled by a monkey! Things are waaay different now (as they should be). I wish I could give the SD ZOO back in donations as much as it brought enrichment to my life, my children’s, and continues to do so. Thank you!