Pandas: Change in the Weather
Posted at 8:48 am September 30, 2009 by Anastasia JonilionisIf you have seen the panda enclosures in the summer at the San Diego Zoo, you know that when it gets hot the girls can be very uncooperative when it comes to public viewing. As the weather cools down a little bit, we have seen more of our girls and their activities. Thankfully we are seeing much more of Su Lin; instead of taking her naps near the front wall on the grate, she’s sleeping on her climbing structure in the breeze. Even if we just get a glimpse of her profile, it’s much better than nothing at all. Zhen Zhen is also more active; we are seeing more spurts of energy and more running around.
For those watching Panda Cam, we are also seeing Bai Yun in her sun room more often. She is even taking her cub outside to enjoy the weather for longer periods of time. This isn’t uncommon for Bai Yun; even with her previous cubs, she has taken them outside so she can eat for longer periods of time, and she doesn’t have to leave the cub unsupervised. Sometimes Bai Yun takes the baby outside with her during the night for a midnight snack. Also, if it’s been a warmer day, she waits to take the baby out until it has cooled off a little more.
Not to worry though, as this is Bai Yun’s fifth cub, she is a master at managing her cub and still going about with daily routines. Our keepers are still able to weigh her when they get the chance to make sure that she is healthy; naturally she has lost some weight due to nursing. Our keepers increase her amount of bamboo culm and treats to help that along. But so far everything is going extremely well with our cub’s weight, thanks to Bai Yun’s impeccable mothering skills.
So if at first you don’t see Mom and baby, wait a little while, and I’m sure they will be right back.
Anastasia Horning is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo.
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September 30th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Thanks for the update! It is nice to know that the girls are now back to their “normal” selves. And Bai Yun, a wonderful, nurturing mother as she has been!
September 30th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Every time I see the phrase “panda narrator,” I think, “That’s what I want to be when I grow up!”
September 30th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Hi
I just had a thought! Since the natural environment for the Panda’s is a misty, cool environment; are there any plans to put in some misting machines w/fans for the outdoor exhibits?
Moderator’s note: We do have large misting machines that are turned on during warmer weather.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:02 am
We are being really spoilt with all these postings. It’s lovely to turn on my laptop and see another write-up on one or all of the pandas. It makes my day. Thank you everyone who writes the posts for your precious time keeping all of us Panda fans informed and happy.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:11 am
#2 – Jackie H – You’re not the only one. A few of us our kicking ourselves for not getting into a career with animals when we should have. =)
September 30th, 2009 at 10:13 am
#2 Jackie H…you are far from alone. I’m a third year law student wondering if its too late to change my career path…
September 30th, 2009 at 10:26 am
What a smart mama!!
September 30th, 2009 at 10:26 am
I agree with Jackie H. I’m completely in the wrong line of work
So nice to know that all is well with “the family” and I know Cinco-de-Bai-o will enjoy relaxing under the stars even more now that he’ll be able to see them. Momma can even point out the Big and Little Dippers to him.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Oh how cute. Bai Yun is so cute. Bai Yun brought bamboo inside (her den)!
Bai Yun is funny she eats a lot of bamboo. Su Lin is becoming like her mom!, every time i see her on the panda cam she’s eating and eating!
September 30th, 2009 at 11:11 am
You guys open up a window for us that otherwise we may never get to see through….I look forward to checking up on chubbie every day via the webcam!
September 30th, 2009 at 11:45 am
I was in my 40’s when I realised I should have been working with animals. Now I’m in my 50’s and sometimes very sad that I won’t get the chance now. Still, that just means I visit every wildlife park over here and the SDZ when I can (wish it wasn’t thousands of miles away though). Thank goodness for the cams. Some lovely views of Pudge today.
September 30th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I know how you gals feel..I wish I knew what i wanted to be ..but I’m glad my daughter is studying to be a Vet maybe she can sneak me in to see some animals heheh….thanks for the update…SDZ never fails to amaze us all
September 30th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
It’s so wonderful to see those beautiful little eyes what a great video of cubbie’s 5th ex. I have noticed the girls are more active lately when the cam has been on them . I still can’t stop thinking and smiling about the two at the Howdy Gate lasted Thursday.
September 30th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I cannot begin to tell you how much joy seeing the mother and cub and then the sister’s meetings bought to me. I keep logging back on hoping to see more of those precious moments between the sisters. How I wish they could be allowed to try being together. Their meeting was so sweet. What are the plans?
September 30th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Everyone at the SDZ is so great to keep us updated. And so often lately!! Can’t thankyou enough.
Everytime I read one of your posts, I learn something new and unique about our beloved panda family. I am so thankful for all the information. My friends have started to call me a panda fanatic since I am always telling them something new about them that I have learned on this website.
BaiYun and Gao Gao the proud parents of the girls and little chubbie cubbie, make an adorable couple and hence have the cutest offspring.
September 30th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Oh My Gosh! The baby is adorable!!! The vets had better figure out a way to impress the him for the next vaccination. I love the wee little eyes. Do the cubs like toys? (Like bright colored things?)
Moderator’s note: When he gets a bit older, he will delight in most anything he can get his paws on!
September 30th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Wow. God is just truly amazing to have created such beautiful animals.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Bai is the best mother ever. She sure could teach human mothers a thing or ten, not every human mother of course, I know there are many wonderful human moms too.
I am anxious to come down for a visit and see the girls and am hoping to be around for Butter Dude’s first romp outside on his own. It’s so hard to get anything done when rewatching panda videos all day.
Thanks for the constant updates. It’s so reassuring to know how all of them are doing on a regular basis. I feel like the keepers and doctors are personal friends now. Well done SDZ staff.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
#6 Fox, and # 11 Susan — It’s never too late. Contact your local no-kill animal shelter. They always need people to show animals, take dogs for walks, pick up abandoned critters, foster animals in their homes, and in some states (I live in PA where it is being done.) are developing rescue plans for animals during catastrophes, because it came so clear, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, that many, many people would not leave their homes, even when facing floods, because they had no place to take their animals. There’s also always a need for foster and forever homes for larger animals — horses, donkeys, goats, etc.
I’ve said, for a number of years thatI want to grow up to be a crazy ol’ goat lady. (There’s a wonderful children’s/adult’s book called “The Goat Lady.”) I seem to have done so. But maybe I could swing a midlife — well, maybe a LITTLE bit past midlife — career change to be a pands narrator.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Bai Yun is so funny – flipping that little guy all over the place when she plays with him and play-biting him. And I think he just had a big night – I watched him at 11:30 last night and when I tuned in this morning he had grown noticeably bigger. No wonder she needs to eat so much – she’s growing a bruiser of a kid. Maybe you could name him the Chinese word for Refrigerator! or Tank!
September 30th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Our “chubby cubby” is really getting a workover today. Everytime I check on him, mom is giving him another bath. My mouth would have dried out hours ago! You can tell that he is starting to see things as he tends to be looking around a little more now than before. Just LOVE those pandas soooooo much!!!
September 30th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I GET ON HERE & WATCH AS MUCH AS CAN. REALLY DO ENJOY WATCHING LEARN SO MUCH BY WATCHING THEM. SHE IS A VERY GOOD MOTHER. THANKS FOR HER KEEPERS THAT ARE WITH HER ALL THE TIME.
HAVE THEY A NAME FOR THE BOY YET? KNOW IT WILL BE A GOOD ONE.
tHANKS
Moderator’s note: Not yet.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
For those of us that live in the UK and don’t get the chance to visit and see Pandas, your webcam and regular updates are worth their weight in gold. It is so lovely to read things from real live Pandas than what are written in books or on websites.
Watching Zhen Zhen and Su Lin the other day brought back memories of the beautiful Mei Sheng and Su Lin when they used to meet at the howdy gate. I bet Su Lin enjoyed it aswell as she hasn’t got to do that ever since Mei Sheng left to return to China.
I agree with Jennie #18, Bai is the best Mother ever, how she cares for her babies is wonderful to watch. She is so attentive to their every needs. No wonder new cub is like a dumpling with all the nursing she gives him lol. If this has been her last cub then what an achievement she has made to the Panda population.
Well done SDZ as you have played an enormous part in all of this and should feel very proud of yourselves aswell.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
ABOUT FEELING THAT YOU CHOOSE THE WRONG CAREER……DON’T YOU THINK THAT ITS’ REALLY OUR AWARENES….WHILE WE ARE GROWING UP WE ARE AWARE OF ANIMALS BUT WE ARE NOT SAYING IN OUR TEENS OR DO I THINK WE REALLY THINK OF WHAT GOES ON BEHIND THE SCENES. I WANT TO ME ONE OF THOSE THAT TAKE CARE OF THE ANIMALS. BECAUSE OF THE INTERNET, CAMERAS AND OUR BLOGGS ETC, WE HAVE MORE AWARNESS OF THESE BEAUTIFIL TEDDY BEARS..THEY ARE CUTE AND TO BE NEAR THEM WOULD BE NEAT. I EVEN WOULD LOVE TO BE NEAR THE PANDAS…EMPTING TRASH CANS…ANYTHING JUST TO BE NEAR THEM…DON’T BE HARD ON YOURSELFS YOU PROBABLY ARE IN THE FIELD YOU NEED TO BE IN…THESE CRITTERS GET UNDER OUR SKINS BIG TIME. ENJOY WHAT IS OFFERED TO US…WE HAVE ACCESS TO A GREAT ZOO THAT HAS BROUGHT US AS CLOSE AS WE CAN GET…HOW NEET IS THIS??? ENJOY!!!!
September 30th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Jackie H is so right!!! I can’t even peek at my sweethearts during my workday, but it’s the first thing I do when I get home! Of course, my desk is adorned with pandas!!THANK YOU to SDZ for all you do and the daily updates!! They make my day!!
September 30th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Love the new Panda Cub Milestones button on the cam page. It is great to compare all the cubs side by side. Thank you!
September 30th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I know the cub won’t be named until he’s 100 days old, per Chinese tradition. How will the name be chosen? Do the keepers come up with one? Will the public vote on it? I have a few ideas for names, but don’t know if there’s some place to submit them.
Moderator’s note: All will be revealed soon.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Ending our work day here at our local college & feeling good with the new panda reports and pictures. These videos and blogs help us pass our days of looking at acrive animals instead of sleepy college students Keep up the great work and love our pandas back for us.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
zz outside now in the sun- breeze blowing,just eating bamboo. ahhhhh.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
#27 – Moderator – now you are just being a tease!!
Moderator’s note:
September 30th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Dear Moderator – (I’m buttering you up), you do a great job (honestly), thank you for your patience (without a doubt!!!!), may I ask a question? We have lots of new posters, right? Does the Zoo keep track of the number? You should be VERY proud of yourself(ves) on the outstanding forum/education/entertainment/smiles you provide. I’m just curious because it heartening that we have a lot of new people; which means more knowledge, conservation, love, etc. for the pandas. As I stated early this morning, cubby was in our local newspaper this morning. If just ten people saw the picture and were moved by Mr. Chublet’s cuteness, and they checked out SDZ cool website, that’s 10 more people who will there if for the panda “movement.” I bet many of us donated to the China earthquake cause because of seeing it on SDZ website. That wasn’t well said, but I think it’s great the way there are so many people who seemingly live for our pandas. And you have THE best website, and have contributed a great deal!
Moderator’s note: What a nice comment to end my work day on–thank you, Linda A.! I don’t believe there is a way to track new readers, and of course not everyone who reads a post sends in a comment. But I can say I have never been so busy with all of the comments, and it does seem that more and more people are becoming panda fans, and that’s always a good thing. The Panda Team and I are delighted that there is such interest and goodwill sent our way. We will continue to do our best to provide Panda Cam viewers with information, photos, and videos, as often as our time allows. And it is my hope that a lot of you will venture further into our blog section and read posts about some of the other amazing animals we care for at the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, and the world!
September 30th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Was ZZ this noisy during her vaccination? Gao Jr. is getting used to life with his eyes open now. He “crawls” around the den. So cute!
September 30th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
I love getting to be up to date with all the panda news; it makes it feel like they’re my own babies
September 30th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
I recently went on vacation and visited the San Diego Zoo. I prepared my sons ahead and downloaded the cams. Everyday they would go to the computer and check on the pandas. When we got to the Zoo, we only got to catch a glimpse of the pandas(they were far back hidden. It is great to have these live cams, at least we can catch a view everyday. Anyways, my sons still enjoyed the Zoo very much especially the Elephants.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Thanks for the updates. May I ask a question? Why Gao Gao and Bai Yun didn’t play together in the same enclosure? Is it for their size’s sake? Bai Yun is much bigger than Gao Gao.
Moderator’s note: Please see the post, Pandas Play Solitaire, for an answer.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Dear Moderator-
I have a question that has been bugging me all DAY!!
Has there ever been a freak accident were a mama panda didn’t know what her cub was and either rejected it or killed it??? I was just wondering because pandas are sooooo small when born I didn’t know if a 1st time mom would make a reaction like that or not!! I have seen many farm animals that had there first reject or accidently kill there newborn and I was wondering if there have been any pandas recorded of doing so.?
I am happy to see this little boy growing big and strong and to hear that he can see the world!!
Su Lin must be very happy!!! HOw is Gao Gao??? Ever since this cubby has been born there hasn’t been many blogs on our wonderfull father!!
Thank you for taking you’re time and reading this!!
Moderator’s note: Your first question has been forwarded to our Panda Team. See the post Mr. Gao Gao for the latest on our handsome gentleman.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Hi, guys! Been a little bit busy the last couple of days or so with a doctor appointment and doing things around the house. I’ve been watching pandacams during that time, seeing Bai and cubbie together, and cubbie by himself. Right now, no one is in the den; they’re outside under the stars again! Pandas Live On and Pandas International have issued statements about that Noted Naturalist’s comments about the pandas, and both of them are still very committed and determined to make sure that the pandas are still here for generations to come! Also, Pandas Live On has been keeping up with the cubbie’s exams with great pics and vids, as well as putting SDZ’s links on their website for people to get on the panda page. There are other news from PLO: Adelaide Zoo, Australia, has chosen their lead panda keeper, and she will be going to China to meet Wang Wang and Funi for several days. She will also be choosing a panda keeper staff as well. Chiang Mai Zoo has built a new, small outdoor enclosure for Lin Bing, and the keepers there will be letting Lin use it for a few hours on certain days but no firm schedule yet. Lin Bing is still staying with her mom, tho. There are a few pics of Lin Bing in her little enclosure with a keeper with her. She is soooo cute!
Did read and watched the vid of the cub’s 5th exam! He was very vocal during this vet check! He sure did not like that shot, tho! He let out a big yelp on that one! Also saw the vid of Su Lin and ZZ having a great time at the howdy gate! Looking forward for more interactions between those 2 sisters! They were fun to watch!
I’m glad that you all are finally getting cooler weather in now. That will get the pandas a little bit more active! Here in Florida, we got our first fall cool front thru my area, and we are feeling the cooler air mostly at nite for now. Nice change for us, tho! We are still getting temps in the mid 80s during the day, but the 90s are pretty much gone for the next few months! YEA!!!
Need to send my condolences and prayers to the people of Indonesia, Samoa, and American Samoa who were seriously and severely affected by the major earthquakes, and in the case of the Samoas, the huge tsunami, in the last couple of days. Been a tragic week for all of them, and with US aid on the way to those countries, hopefully they will see some relief as they recover from this.
Well, back to the pandacam. Maybe little guy is back in the den! Then again, maybe not! Bai will have that answser soon enuff! Will check back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 30th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
for Susan #11 in the UK…..my name is actually Susan! (I chose Lilarose because my grandmother, who was born and raised in London was named Lily, and Susan means “lily” in Hebrew. Sometimes I see a reference that “Susan” also means rose/lily. Whatever, I chose “lilarose” and use it for about everything. I am sending this message your way….can’t fix that you are there and I live in Oregon, USA, and I have zillions of second and third cousins in England! I have never been there and have never met any of them, but we do e-mail (thank goodness for that, eh?). I just wish there was some way we could exchange places, if only for a day, and you could go down to San Diego and I could visit my English folks in many places in England! Now, if I could only win a lottery…..I have never been to San Diego, but my little truck is there right now! A friend borrowed it to drive there from Oregon because it has air conditioning, so when I get my truck back, I will ask it if it had an opportunity to see the Giant Pandas and everything at San Diego Zoo! Imagine, being jealous of my car!
September 30th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Conversation between Su Lin and Zhen Zhen:
Su Lin: Hi, Zhen!
Zhen Zhen: Hi, Su!
SL: Did you have fun at the howdy gate?
ZZ: Yes I did! Did you have fun at the howdy gate?
SL: Yes I did! I hope our human keepers will let us do the howdy gate again!
ZZ: Me too! That was so much fun! I enjoyed meeting with you, Big Sis!
SL: I enjoyed meeting with you, Little Sis!
ZZ: Do you think they will let us in a yard together?
SL: Don’t know, ZZ. That will be up to them.
ZZ: Oh well! I like the idea of the 2 of us meeting each other at the gate.
SL: Hope they will let us do that again soon! It’s much better than seeing each other from high up in a tree!
ZZ: Oh yeah! Much better at the gate than in a tree! We can sniff each other!
SL: Bamboo lunch is here! Gonna go eat now!
ZZ: My boo lunch is in my yard, too! Hope to see you at the gate again soon!
SL: Me too! See you later, Little Sis!
ZZ: See you later, Big Sis!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 30th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
At 9:45pm EDT, got on pandacam; mom and cub back in the den! He was nursing, then Bai started handling him in her arms, turning him every which way, and then putting him on the nest floor. Last nite, I watched Bai and cubbie in the den on the cam, and Bai was in the den eating her boo while the cub was taking a nap beside her. I haven’t seen her do that in a long while!
Forgot to mention in my last comment–loved the cubbie’s cute little eyes now that they are totally open! Before long, he’ll be seeing his mom, keepers, and surroundings. The next thing will be those 4 little legs getting their grip, and he’ll be crawling and walking before we know it! After that, he’ll be chasing mom all over the yard! More fun to come, you all!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
September 30th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
#29 Cindy, That is a great poem!
September 30th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I could swear I was watching momma b with baby this morning, holding him up on her hind feet (panda diaper table), licking, chewing, and it looked like she was momma teasing him softly biting him on his side…am I starting to see things?
September 30th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Video Alert: – As promised, in my blog #84 “Panda Sisters”, I have posted two videos on Youtube of the second meeting of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen at the Howdy Gate. Search for: Youtube “Su Lin and Zhen Zhen at the Howdy Gate”. Don’t forget to use the double quotes. Enjoy!
September 30th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Love all the recent updates
So much info provided about our SD panda family & we all have so many questions 
Somehow Lun Lun alerted the ZA staff that something was wrong with her cub so XiLan could receive the care he needed & he is now another healthy chubby cub. 
Good news from all our zoos 
While all have commented about what a wonderful mother Bai is (& she is) but we also have Mei Xiang as a first time mother raising her “holy terror” Tia Shan (he was a pawful) And LunLun has done a super job with her two cubs – Lani now weighs @ 198.5 lbs & is going to be another HUGE panda like daddy Yang
September 30th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
#32 Pandafan#2 – My recollection is ZZ was much louder. There used to be video of that exam. Wonder if it is possible to repost it.
Conversation with Gao Gao #66
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: Hey, looks like your Gao Gao label mooncakes are a hit.
G: Yup. Gotta keep the supply chain going.
T: Now what’s all this?
G: My fan letters.
T: Looks like they’re sending you organic kudzu tuber chips, too.
G: The ladies are requesting my fragrance collections…
T: Ah HA!
G: And performance schedule…
T: Performance schedule, huh?
G: And my audio recordings, too.
T: Of course! Your Kangding Town Love Song!
G: And we’ll waltz under the moonlight. Hee hee.
(In the den)
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 fifth exam?
C: Grrrr… (Grrrr…)
B: Not to your liking, my dear?
C: Squeak (I was sleepy, Mama.)
B: Yes, your usual sleepy state, of course.
C: Squeak (I was prodded…)
B: Yes, dear.
C: Squeak (poked and calipered)
B: Yes. But some day you’ll appreciate it more.
C: Grrrr… (AAAArgh! HATED that distemper injection!)
B: Well, that first one had to come eventually.
C: Squawk (Groan.)
B: But look at it this way.
C: Squeak (Huh?)
B: Some day they’ll give you special treats as part of your vaccination procedures.
C: Squeak (Treats? But what was my treat this time?)
B: Gao juice, my dear.
C: Squeak Squeak Squeak (Oh, that’s right! Gao juice, Gao juice! Ra Ra Ra! Gao juice! Y-A-A-YYY Gao juice!)
September 30th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
What a good mom she is keep it up momma panda!
October 1st, 2009 at 7:30 am
Rose N. #43, excellent ‘on the scene’ videos! Thank you so much for sharing them. I hadn’t read your comment #84 under “Panda Sisters” describing in detail the 2nd encounter between Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. Highly recommend other readers go back and read this if they haven’t already. Very informative!
Those of us watching the PandaCam that day saw a dejected Su Lin repeatedly going to the gate and Zhen Zhen sound asleep in her tree, so we had no idea that they’d again met!!
With so many Pandas to watch, Meerkats, you’re doing an excellent job of covering this exciting time at the Zoo! Thank you Anastasia for this wonderful update!
October 1st, 2009 at 7:33 am
That is big panda boy. I am glad to hear that he can see. I am glad to hear he is doing so well.
October 1st, 2009 at 7:51 am
#36 Alysia
There have been several documented occurrences of cub rejection by the mother. A decade ago this would have meant sure death for the cub, but in more recent years, and with the advent of “cub-swapping,” cubs have been hand-raised and reintroduced to the mother at a later date. There have also been some occasions where the mother has sat on her young cub and killed it. This is generally assumed to be the result of extreme fatigue on the part of the mother, or in cases where the female has had twins and attempted to raise both.
October 1st, 2009 at 9:30 am
Thank you for the update. Glad to hear the pandas enjoy the cooler weather and are more active. I know I sure do!!! LOL.
You didn’t mention Gao Gao. Does he fair better in cooler weather???
October 1st, 2009 at 10:07 am
Hi #38 Lilarose. Thank you for your kind thoughts. I did visit San Diego last year and had a brilliant time at the Panda and Polar Bear Breakfast. I met some lovely people. My daughter came with me and we stayed for about 10 days, visiting the Zoo lots and lots! And I still haven’t seen it all. I hope to be coming over again next year. Yes, Susan does mean Lily. I’m not sure if I’m as graceful as a lily though! Maybe one day you’ll visit all your relatives in Britain or maybe some of them could visit you?
The October Wish List is full of lovely things to buy for the animals. It was so hard choosing. Right, off to watch the Panda Cam for a while now.
Moderator’s note: Thanks for donating to our animal Wish List, Susan! The critters thank you as well.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:48 am
Bai Yun is so smart–she just retrieved some bamboo branches she had stored in the den, shook them, distributed them–and voila! The den has been refurbished and freshened for the little cubmuffin.
P Wong #45 is correct–Miss ZZ let out some very loud squawks upon getting her first distemper shot. Dr. Meg was quite surprised.
And great interviews, P Wong, as always!
October 1st, 2009 at 11:00 am
Did i realy see Gao jr sitting up OMG looks like he is playing with the bamboo. What eyesight will do for our Gao jr.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:17 am
Thank you Rose N. #43 for the video! And for your post on the Sister blog about the meeting. It’s wonderful to get a perspective from someone actually there.
Thanks as always P. Wong ! for your conversations. (I haven’t heard “kudzu” since I lived in So. Carolina).
Loved the new video with his eyes open – they ARE beautiful. The squeaks and squawks give him a new dimension that we don’t get to see on panda cam – Cubbie “speaks”.
I, for one, started out on the panda cam and panda blog long before I ever started posting. There just comes a time when you need to share! A story, a laugh, an awwww…. And then time permitting I move on to catch up on the polar bears, little Frank, the ellies, etc. etc. Thank you for having all of this info available to us. We get to feel like we really know the animals.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:39 am
#45 P. Wong – another brilliant conversation! Thank you!
As for ZZ and her “very loud squawks”, I remember that video very well. She squawked loudly when the needle pierced her and she continued to squawk (sometimes more like ’screech’) even as the keeper was taking her back to Bai. She was out of camera range by then, but you could hear her down the hallway – the look on the face of the vet who gave ZZ the shot was very amusing!! This video should still be available from the zoo archives. Those who haven’t seen it should see if it’s still around – it is so precious!
Moderator’s note: I don’t believe it is available on our Web site any more. Sorry!
October 1st, 2009 at 11:42 am
#36 Alysia, There was a very sad story three years ago at the Chongqing Zoo in Sichuan province. Ya Ya gave birth to twins, and two days after birth she fell asleep and accidentally crushed one of her cub. The zoo removed both cubs and confirmed that the cub died from its injuries, the surviving cub was cared for by the keepers. After that Ya Ya was looking for her cubs everywhere and the zoo wrote that she cried. I never found out if the surviving cub was eventually returned to Ya Ya once she had time to rest.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:51 pm
The new little Panda is just adorable! I am so fascinated by the Giant Pandas and how beautiful they are. The first thing I do when I come home from work is go online and check the Panda Cam. I could sit all day and watch the Pandas. I am so jealous of the team that gets up close and personal with them. Good Job, Panda Team!
October 1st, 2009 at 12:59 pm
The weather must of been nice last night. Late last night, I saw Bai Yun walked in the den, scoop up Chubbie, and was GONE is a matter of seconds
October 1st, 2009 at 1:02 pm
1st Oct and counting the days until my visit on 15th and 16th Nov. I am waiting on the naming day announcement with fingers crossed that it happens before or after I visit so that the zoo and especially panda canyon isn’t too busy. Hope the screens to view little cubbie are working as no matter how quickly he grows he won’t be on public show.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:09 pm
My daughter and I have watched the last two births and get such joy out of watching all the pandas, but especially the babies. I would not make a good keeper as I want to cuddle them all the time, even though I know it is in their best interests not to be handled too much by humans. They have such good mothers, it is so wonderful to watch them, Thank so much for the “cam”, if one of us sees something, we go get the other one to come watch.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:33 pm
What a fab close-up of Mr Pudge!! Sleeping on his back in what looks to be a soft nest of bamboo. Awww. Is there anything cuter..??
October 1st, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I wish they had videos of all the panda cubs! (Of course, we have lots from the new cubbie.) When will we start voting? What will be the names? (Oh, BTW the cub is playing with bamboo now. So cute!
) Do the pandas like it when it is windy?
October 1st, 2009 at 1:45 pm
I notice roly poly boy loves to sleep on his head just like my cats do! He is absolutely the cutest!
October 1st, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Ok, it’s 1:55pm SD time right now, can someone pleassssssssse go and help the little chubins roll over.. ha ha OMG, this is too funny.. I’m sitting on the edge of my chair (at work) talking to the computer screen, saying “come on honey, you can do it, just a little more and you’ll be on your belly”…. I work with men, thank goodness they are all out in the field and can’t hear me…. They would really think I’ve lost it… and my friend “Lee in Vancouver” is OFF TODAY.. how dare her take a day off work….
Anyways, love the close up shots of our little boy today…. What a precious little guy….
October 1st, 2009 at 1:57 pm
#42 – Bai used to do that with Hua Mei, too — holding him up on the bottoms of her feet, legs up in the air. She’d admire her for a minute, then spread her legs to the sides, letting Hua Mei drop onto her stomach. It must have been quite a surprise for a little panda to drop like that, but Bai Yun seemed to laugh every time she’d do it. Bai was very playful with Hua Mei. I’ve never seen an animal be so happy to have a baby. It was a playmate for her.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:58 pm
My colleagues and I have been keeping an eye on the little cub for about a week now. He really brightens up our day!:) And her mothering skills are phenomenal! Such grace.
October 1st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
#55 The video that you refer to can be found on You Tube… It is posted by SDZoo and the title of it is “Panda Cub gets her first vaccination.”
Moderator – thank you for all that you do! It can’t be easy keeping up with all the comments for the various updates, plus updates on the other animals, too. Thank you!
Moderator’s note: I forgot about YouTube videos–thank you! Yes, you can view many “older” videos under the sdzoo (all one word) account name. Here’s the link…
October 1st, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Rolly Polly was alittle outside of the den on a flat surface. I swear I saw him sit up. Then Bai scooped him up. I have checked the zoo atlanta Pandas and I believe they interact with each other in person. I understand SDZ wants to keep things as they would be in the wild but I was wondering if the zoo Pandas will ever go back into the wild? If not and they stay at a zoo why could they not be placed to interact with each other as companionship since they were raised in captivity. Seperated durring breading season so not to interbreed. Especially with the younger Pandas.
Moderator’s note: See the post Pandas Play Solitaire for an explanation.
October 1st, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Yes, that video of Zhen Zhen getting her first canine distemper shot was precious. She did protest more than Cub#5…but I just loved seeing them both and how special is it to hear them vocalizing. It’s a “mom, come help me…these people don’t care about me…” The beautiful babies, all the pandas and animals and the love and care from SDZ is wonderful.
Moderator, you are just the best. I love to read your comments. Keep up the great work! You keep things light, informative, and most of all your oversight is much appreciated. You’re the best. The interaction and ability to comment on the bears is really great, therapeutic and a great community. You deserve a raise. Send this to your boss.
Moderator’s note: Will do!
October 1st, 2009 at 3:29 pm
#36 – Alysia – Sadly, Ling Ling ( one of the pandas China GAVE US IN 1972 as a goodwill gesture) accidently crushed one of her cubs – that was doubly sad as had any of Ling’s cubs survived they would belong to us and not have return to China
October 1st, 2009 at 4:06 pm
#43 – Rose – thanks for more heartwarming videos of “the girls at the Howdy Gate” How long is the gate open ? Do the pandas wander off to eat or does the staff close the door after a certain time? And how much time can visitors spend watching the fun? When we were there in Feb 2005 to see Su Lin as a cub – we were “herded” through rapidly
October 1st, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Bai’s Bundle of Boo seems to be sitting at the front of the den watching something. Maybe Bai is in her bedroom eating and doing her thing and he is watching on? He is so adorable. Earlier today I saw him getting tousled and bathed by Bai, and at one point she seems to be holding him up to the cam for us to see! Hilarious!
October 1st, 2009 at 4:23 pm
#16 Pandafan#2 – Susan (UK) mentioned the wish list in post #51, the moderator provided a link to it there, and I thought I would explain a bit for our newcomers. SDZ has a wish list page of supplies and toys that they need for the animals. They make all of us feel closer to the animals and their care by allowing us to buy those items through their website. And it goes direct delivery. We don’t even have to figure out how to fit a boomer ball into a box! The keepers tell the wish list people what kind of toys tigers like, or what they need for turtle enrichment. I’ve learned a lot about animals by just reading the various items and descriptions. Around Christmas last year nearly everyone on this blog all chipped in together via that wonderful method, to purchase a new (awesome) bamboo cooler for “our” pandas, as the old one was breaking down. When this new cubbie is older, I’m sure some colorful baby panda toys will make their way onto the wish list, for us panda fanatics to buy for him.
Keep your eyes peeled!
October 1st, 2009 at 6:40 pm
I see mom has brought in lots of bamboo. Is it getting colder in San Diego and does she want to cover him up? Or… is she having him teethe on the bamboo?
October 1st, 2009 at 7:40 pm
#65 Betty — I love your recollection of Bai with Hua Mei & that Bai seemed delighted to have a playmate. I understand that Bai Yun had a playmate — a female — in Wolong for a time before she was shipped to San Diego. They apparently somersaulted and played all day long and seemed inseparable.
I cannot access the video on YouTube of Su Lin and Zhen’s second encounter at the Howdy Gate.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Rose N. #43: Thanks for alerting us and sharing your video of Su Lin and Zhen Zhen on youtube. First class stuff! The girls seems to have been enchanted with each other from the beginning (1st meet), until Su managed to get a tuft of Zhen’s hair in her mouth!
But Zhen didn’t seem to mind very much, and managed to escape.
Mr. Bruiser-Man seems to have entangled himself in some bamboo at this hour. When their eyes open, I know they can’t see much right away, but it seems to change their demeanor. Maybe it’s only in my eyes that I see that. The exam video was great, and I flinched, too, when he got his shot! Poor baby! Maybe he’s finding his voice now too. Thanks SDZ, every day, in every way, for just being there for us pandaholics.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:22 pm
#75-Carole-when you type in the search item be sure to quote it exactly (as Rose N. said) and use quotation marks. I had no trouble accessing that way.
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:13 am
Dear Panda team,
Thank you so much for answering my question #36!!!
I am very greatfull!!!!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:37 am
#75 Carole in San Diego, “Su Lin and Zhen Zhen at the Howdy gate Part I” and “Su Lin and Zhen Zhen at the Howdy gate Part II” were posted on YouTube by “taorminamia”. I hope it will help you to access the videos which are very good.
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:38 pm
I am so in awe by Bai & her little boy( whom I’ve nicknamed Roly Poly or Chubby Boy). This is the first time I have witnessed a birthing process of a panda. I was so amazed that I “adopted” a Panda. I visited the SDZ when I was in my early 20’s. I am now 50. I am not sure if I will ever return there because I live on the East Coast but this brings me closer. Bai is such a great mother. I work evenings and get home around 12:30am EST. I see her around 1-2am cuddling her baby and so amazed by it. I am in love with these two. Thanks so much for the live webcams to keep me occupied…..lol
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:06 am
Laughed just now to see Bai stick her nose into the den to check on Chubby Cubby, who had been hollering because he was lying on his back and couldn’t flip himself over. He was on his tummy by the time his mom got there, so she just sniffed him as if to say “You’re okay, I don’t know what all the fuss was about” then turned around and left. You are right, she is an experienced mother and not one to get too terribly ruffled about things.
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Our family just gathered around the computer to watch the Panda Cam (as we do for a few minutes close to every day). We think the baby cub is one of the most adorable things any of us has ever seen and we’ve really enjoyed watching him get bigger and stronger throughout the weeks. Thanks for having such an awesome website and making our family in MN feel like we’re right there at SDZ visiting Bai and her baby in person!
October 4th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Does Bai only nurse the baby in the den? Or does she nurse him when the spend the night outside?
Moderator’s note: She nurses him wherever she wants to.
October 4th, 2009 at 10:56 am
was lovely to see the panda sleeping in the climbing structure x
October 4th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Do pandas consistently go to one spot to go to the bathroom? How does a panda react to a human if they meet in the wild?
October 18th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Is the baby getting enough nourishment????? Seems mother is having a hard time nursing the cub?
Seems the mother is getting frustrated?? Hope the baby is OK??
Moderator’s note: All is well, and the cub continues to grow, thanks to his mother’s milk.