Fifth Exam Stats
Posted at 4:24 pm October 1, 2009 by admin
For those who like to compare our five panda cubs (and you know who you are!), here are the latest statistics from our cub’s fifth exam on September 29. We’ve even included chest girth this time. Enjoy!
Hua Mei (53 days):
5.8 lbs (2.6kg); 18.5 in long (47cm); chest 13.7 in (35cm)
Mei Sheng (57 days):
6.2 lbs (2.8kg); 18.5 in long (47cm); chest 15.1 in (38.4cm)
Su Lin (56 days):
6.4 lbs (2.9kg); 17.7 in long (45cm); chest 14.6 in (37cm)
Zhen Zhen (55 days):
6.4 lbs (2.9kg); 17.2 in long (43.7cm); chest 13.4 in (34 cm)
2009 Cub (55 days):
6.4 lbs (2.9kg); 19.6 in long (50cm); chest 13.9 in (35.4cm)
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
October 1st, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Well looky there, we’ve all been saying how huge he is, but by day 55 Su Lin and Zhen Zhen weighed the exact amount as their little brother!
October 1st, 2009 at 4:43 pm
I just want to hold him so bad!!!!!!!!
October 1st, 2009 at 4:51 pm
That’s what I was thinking too. He is longer. Maybe he is fuzzier. Sooo adorable!
October 1st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Interesting stats–though the weights are the same, the girls seem to have been more compact–almost 2″ shorter.
I looked at the exam video of Miss ZZ during the exam in which she got her first distemper shot and noticed that her paws seem smaller than the width of her legs (like Bai Yun’s paws, which I think look somewhat dainty on her) as opposed to Mr. Cinco de Bai-o’s which look to be the same size as his legs. Is this a male-female thing? Or does it foretell, as puppies with large feet are said to, that cubmuffin will be really big when he grows up? Of course, we’ll have to remain glued to our screens and wait to find out–as if anyone could drag us away!
Is there any way for these weights and measurements to become another chart that lives on the “milestones” page? I think that would be really cool.
Moderator’s note: We are considering it.
October 1st, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I was just thinking the same thing as Joy. He seems huge, but he looks about average for her cubs. He is, however, extremely high on the adorable scale!
If Bai ever needs a babysitter, just have her give me a call….
October 1st, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Cubby seems to be the longest of our pandas, I wonder if this means anything as far as comparisons in adulthood? Will he be taller? Thanks for the update.
October 1st, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Most interesting – we all thought this cub seemed bigger than the other – longer but not chubbier around the middle -
October 1st, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I have been checking in on Bai Yun and her cubbie since the day he was born and have been delighted with the almost daily updates and the live video-cam. He is absolutely adorable. It seems that Chubby Cubbie has been spending quite a bit of “alone time.” I’m not concerned because Bai Yun is a highly experienced panda mom. When I saw the cub on a local newscast earlier this week, I thought, “Hey, that’s my baby on TV!”
October 1st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I AM CURIOUS FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT HOW BAI AND THE “LITTLE ONE” ACTED AFTER THE EXAM. I KNOW BAI WAS ANXIOUS TO GET TO HIM WHEN SHE HEARD HIM CRY. CAN ANYONE DESCRIBE IN MORE DETAIL WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THEY WERE REUNITED? THANK YOU ALL FOR SHARING WITH US.
October 1st, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Wow. It is very interesting and unexpected to see how the other cubs caught up by this day. I guess our new tiny most loved little pandababy (yes, this is what i call him amongst my friends) is just a tall for his age, and not chubby as we all initially thought…keepin growing pandababy, you’ll be motoring around soon enough!!
October 1st, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Thanks..its seems not a whole alot of big difference…and how did you know we were waiting for this ! Hmmmm
October 1st, 2009 at 6:00 pm
oh yeah you should have included alil more like who has the web feet? eyes , ear open etc..but I know SDZ will put out the graphs soon!
October 1st, 2009 at 6:13 pm
That’s right, he’s not as huge as we thought. But I still think of him as “Chubby Cubby”! Great to be able to compare the cubs I’ve been watching since Mei Sheng was born. They’re endlessly fascinating.
October 1st, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I was surprised by the weights, being the same as ZZ and Su; he sure looks chubbier to me! Maybe he’s extra furry?
October 1st, 2009 at 6:38 pm
He’s longer though! He’s an absolute doll. I love watching Bai Yun handle him – she’s a beautiful mother!
October 1st, 2009 at 6:49 pm
And this little guy is almost 2″ longer, so Su Lin was chubbier at the same weight. Regardless of the statistics they couldn’t be any cuter!! Bai is the best mom ever!
October 1st, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Want to see what Bai has to look forward to in the next few months – check this video on youtube –
Baby panda playtime No rest for mommas when cubs get mobile
October 1st, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Thanks for the comparison stats! As far as size is concerned, little pudgy butt has got all of the other 4 cubs beat on the body length! On the chest size, Mei Sheng has everyone beat for that one. I agree with the weight, tho. Just about all of the cubs weighed about the same between 53 and 57 days old. This cub has grown a little bit faster than the other ones on body size. Maybe in about another couple of weeks, you all can do this comparison of the cubs on weights and measurements again to see where this cub ranks with the other 4 cubs by that time. I know that there might be a big difference! Also, I loved the chart you all have set up on the cub milestones of each cub. That was a very nice comparison of when all of the cubs reached their milestones.
Was just on the pandacam at around 9:45pm EDT tonite, and it looks like the cubbie is buried under some of the boo nest in the den, or am I seeing things? Anybody seen that, too?
Back to the pandacam again. Gotta see if cubbie is out from under all of that boo nest!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 1st, 2009 at 6:57 pm
yes, there is the surprise. He is big but Su Lin was too and her chest was bigger. He is a big boy but I guess that Bai isn’t really feeding him any more than any of the others. Thanks for the stats. It is very interesting to see the differences.
October 1st, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Just got back on the pandacam, and watched Bai UNCOVER her cub from under the boo nest! I was not seeing things; the cub was buried under that boo when he was by himself, and he was just napping away!
Moderator, can you check out something for us? Do mother pandas have a habit of burying their cubs under their nest to keep them safe from predators in the wild? That will be an interesting fact to find out about! I’ve never seen Bai, Mei Xiang, nor Lun Lun bury their cubs under the nest before until tonite. I’m interested in the answer that you can get for us!
Thanks,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Now, back to the pandacam!
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
October 1st, 2009 at 7:14 pm
The one thing they all have in common . . . panda perfection!
October 1st, 2009 at 7:48 pm
My first time seeing new panda, I have enjoyed seeing him and how the mother handles him. So very
gentle and loving. I watch every day and see how he has grown. I hope to get down to San Diego one of
these years. Your staff and the reports are great. Love seeing him grow.
Thanks for all info
Lu L
October 1st, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Ahhhhhh, that is so neat to see the stats for all the kids!
October 1st, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Interesting, cubs come in different shapes – length and chest combination – and density, for the same weight ZZ is shorter and smaller chest, i.e. more dense…
October 1st, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Oh he is so cute! He is very fat!! He gets cuter and cuter every day! (and bigger and bigger too!) Oh he is adorable!! He is the cutest ever!! He’s a rock star!!
October 1st, 2009 at 9:18 pm
It looks like Butter is the tall one of the family though.
Tall, dark in some places and handsome.
October 1st, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Felicidades por el pequeño!!
Conoci su zoologico el fin de semana pasado, esta hermoso y espero tener la oportunidad de volver a visitarlos.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Momma dragged in bamboo stayed for a while, then left, but I feel real bad that baby is laying on his back, very still, covered with bamboo, is he okay? I am going to say good night, sweet prince, and when I look at the screen in the morning, hope he will not still be in this position…. = – ( he needs a little hug….life’s just been a whirlwind for him lately, hu?
October 1st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Thanks for all the updates!!! I love everyone’s comments too; it is so nice to see that so many people appreciate the pandas like I do. I have been addicted to PandaCam since Hua Mei was born. The cuteness is pretty overwhelming!
October 1st, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Been traveling and missed my daily panda addiction… wonderful to get back home, read about his fifth exam, and see the video. What a cutie pie he is! And even though he might be the same girth as his sisters, he sure is a long one! And as everyone esle has pointed out, the adorable factor is outta sight!!! He is just much to precious for words.
It would be fun to see tapes of Bai Yun while Baby is being examined… I can only imagine her consternation while she hears him vocalizing and then yelping after the vaccination! Was she very agitated? or just highly concerned?
As always, thans for the wonderful coverage of this wonderful event.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I do think Miss ZZ did carry a bit more of her weight in her fluffy butt, and cubmuffin’s seems to be more in the belly–perhaps another male-female differential. Carol #21 is right about the panda perfection, though!
October 1st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
He is so cute!! When were the other cubs put out for public viewing, and is there a date set for this one?
I am hoping he will be out when I visit the zoo in early November.
Moderator’s note: Check the Panda Milestones chart (a link from the Panda Cam page). This cub probably won’t make his debut until December.
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:07 am
So interesting to see the comparison of the measurements! Mr. Chubbiness is the tall one, but has a smaller chest measurement than some of the others. How about his abdominal girth? Also interesting to see how close they are in weight. I just love all these updates, and appreciate how much work the staff are doing not only to care for these precious animals but to let us all know what they are doing and how the animals are doing. Thanks for all that you do at our “World Famous San Diego Zoo!” The descriptive words “world famous” are certainly warranted, just by seeing from how many places around the world we have panda fans!
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:33 am
He is the most precious little baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:13 am
Thank you for the update. The various measurements compared between all the cubs is interesting. Pudge looks so deceptively big and round but Su and ZZ weighed the same. I, too, wonder if this cub’s rank as the “tallest” will result in him being the biggest/tallest of the five skeletally when he’s an adult.
When does a panda stop growing skeletally i.e. when do they reach their maximum height at the shoulders and body length?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:40 am
Our little chubbie cubbie is growing so fast. Amazingly, he is the same weight as his sisters were. I guess we all tend to forget previous cub’s stats and concentrate on the latest. I too thought he was heavier than the others but it seems he is just about normal for the SDZ panda siblings.
Thanks for the information.
October 2nd, 2009 at 6:44 am
Oh boy – growing strong and steady!!! I would LOVE to put my hands on him and that cute ROUND belly of his!!! When he’s on his back I could just – well I’m sure all of you know what I’d do because y’all would do the same thing!!! Love him – cuddle him – bury ourselves in him!!! thanks for the update SDZ staff!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 6:44 am
Awwww his face is changing! He is looking a lil older everyday… SOOOO ADORABLE! I just want to cuddle with him like his mom. =)
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:06 am
Like Patty #9, (and others I’m sure); could you please tell us what happened when Bai Yun was able to get back to her little boy after his first shot? As much as I know they are necessary, I hated seeing the little guy get upset and probably a bit frightened. Even when I had a newborn myself, I couldn’t wait until she was old enough to be told she was going to get an injection beforehand, so she wouldn’t get any nasty surprises. It prevented any upset or tears because she was prepared. Obviously, there is no way of explaining it to a panda baby verbally, so I am praying that he will somehow learn to take it in stride. Am I silly to hope for such a thing, or do the cubs (and bears) eventually learn to roll with it and not get upset?
God Bless You all for the loving care you give to all the animals, and thanks again for allowing us to be part of this experience.
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:23 am
just popped on 7:20 CA time– mama is out in the sun eating a nice bamboo breakfast sitting on her perch all alone… chubby cubbie is wrapped in the den fast asleep. Love mama Bai!:)
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:48 am
Gorgeous cam of Bai Yun sitting on a table eating Boo! She looks much smaller than she does in the den! Is this her bedroom or is it her sun room? Sorry, but I have never been to SDZ and not sure where a spot like this would be. She seems to be having a wonderful and relaxing time. Pudge must be sleeping!
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:55 am
Good to see Bai Yun enjoying “Mommy’s Time Out”–a snack on her platform while the cub naps. Every new mother needs space. The log at the platform reminds me of the day a log was installed for little Su Lin (I think in another inside space) and she started climbing up to be with her mother. I held my breath every time she did it–she seemed so small and the log so far up.
Thanks to SDZ for providing the stats for each panda cub–it’s fascinating. Cub #5 looks so much bigger than the others, but I guess he isn’t that different. His paws, though, always look huge to me so maybe that’s a sign of things to come.
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:07 am
WOw the longest cub YET!!!!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:20 am
now she has eaten so much and is so sleepy, she seems to have half fallen over on her perch
what a picture! Im so glad I got to see it and send the postcard to other panda watcher friends!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:49 am
#20 Chari
We don’t know if panda mothers bury their cubs in nesting material in the wild, but we have seen Bai Yun do it on numerous occasions. It is possible that this behavior is a way of protecting their cubs from predators.
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:17 am
Hi, Panda Team! Thanks for your answer. I still think this could be an interesting study of panda mothers covering their cubs under the nest in the wild. The trick is to find the moms in the wild with cubs and see if they do cover their cubs under the nest. Right now, I thnk that this will be difficult because the wild pandas could be scattered and not in their usual areas since the May, 2008 quake hit. But, this will be an interesting research project should anyone wants to do it.
Was just on the pandacam, and chubbie cubbie is partially covered with the nest sound asleep. Apparently, being covered up has not bothered him at all.
Gonna get back to the cam!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:20 am
A fine sturdy son! More proof that he has a terrific mom AND a great zoo staff.
Thanks for all you share – checking on the pandas is one of the highlights of my day!
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:33 am
The little guy is doing his morning exercises right now. It won’t be too much longer before he has the strength to scoot around the den and eventually, out of it. Bai is taking some much needed “me” time because she knows what is to come. I did take yesterday off so I want to thank Darlene in Chilliwack for sending me the great postcards. SDZ should be so proud of themselves for having this feature that no one else has.
I ‘copied’ and ‘pasted’ a previously posted picture of the little guy (the one with the milk mustache) and it is now a 5 x 7 pic sitting on my table at home in a beautiful frame. We can do so much now with computers that I don’t know how we survived without them before.
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:35 am
All these wonderful updates… Thank you so much for keeping all of us informed and up-to-date!
I was just watching our little chubba and he was on his back waving a front paw around. Pretty sure he was saying, “Hello, world! Here I am!!”
Love him. Love his wonderful Mum. Love everyone at the SDZ! Again, thanks for doing such wonderful work with all of the animals.
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:52 am
#41 Debi of MA
There is a platform directly across from the opening of the den that Bai Yun can rest on or eat from. It doubles as a digital scale, so we can get a weight on her as well. There is also a table platform, with a log leading up to it, that is located in the garden room. Hope this helps.
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 am
will someone please squeeze his cute little tummy for me?
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 am
The little chubby cub weighs the same as Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. Like # 2 Connie says, I wish I could hold this little furry cub also. He is just so cute.
Thanks for the update on all the panda siblings.
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:03 am
Patty, #9, Liana, #30, and Phyllis, #39
I was present during the cub’s fifth exam and first vaccination. Periodically, when the cub vocalized, I would look up at the monitor to see how Bai Yun responded. His initial grunts were soft. Bai Yun would look up with a mouthful of bamboo but would continue to eat. As the cub got a little louder, she left the bamboo and, after a quick stop at the closed den door, walked to a nearby keeper who rewarded Bai with a few biscuits for remaining calm. It was that last loud yelp that caused Bai Yun to head directly to the door, where she knocked and waited until the den was reopened for her to reunite with the cub. She immediately cradled him and licked him. I didn’t hear any more protests!
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:07 am
Melissa #35
Great question! Generally speaking, pandas stop growing in structural size by the time they are four years old.
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
Appreciate the exam posting comparisons. His chest may not be the biggest but it sure looks like the most robust. Just so adorable.
Also, thanks to Yadira (post #53) for updating us on Bai’s demeanor and reactions as the cub was yelping during the exam. What an insight. I too was wondering how concerned or agitated she became after hearing the baby’s cry. Nice to know that the cub has such a sweet and nurturing mom. Keep up the excellent work SD Zoo staff. You are tops!
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:47 am
THANK YOU Yadira for the info. I guess we all seem like new mothers out here, but he IS the first panda cub I’ve ever had the pleasure of observing and he and his mom have me TOTALLY captivated. Your reassurance that our beautiful Bai Yun coped as well as she did and then gave her cub such loving comfort, eased my mind tremendously. I shouldn’t have worried. All at the SDZ are incredible, the sincerity of the love for the animals is apparent. Thanks again-Phyllis
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:23 am
Thank you for the comparison chart – how interesting the similarities are. Cubbie sure LOOKS bigger. And for your answers Panda Team to questions on this post. We sure do appreciate all your time in answering our questions! Love the milestone chart on the panda cam page too. It’s a very nice addition to keep up with Cubbies milestones as well as compare to his siblings.
I’ve actually caught Bai a couple times taking Cubbie out of the den. She is quick! She grabs him up and they’re gone!
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:57 am
Wow, the comparison of all five of Bai Yun’s cubs at roughly the same age is great. It would be interesting to see how Tai Shan in Washington and Mei Lan and Xi Lan in Atlanta compare too.
I would imagine Tai Shan’s data would be similar to Bai’s cubs since they share a common grandfather (Pan Pan).
I’m glad all of these cubs have done so well, I can still remember the sad days in the past when all of Ling Ling & Hsing Hsing’s cubs did not survive. We have come so far and have much to be thankful for!
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Yup, ZZ And Su are his sisters. they weighed the same thing!!!! (LOVE the picture!)
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Yes I do beleive all you good peopel there at SDZ are the best in taking care of all the animals there. I have really enjoyed watching the little guy grow, he is the first of this cam as did not know of the others. Have learned a lot from reading the comments from the people also the Moderator that give the answers.
Thanks again for it all.
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Moderator and Panda Team – Thanks so much to you all for trying to keep up with our questions, concerns, and comments!! You do an absolutely awesome job, and it is appreciated by all of us – old and new pandaholics.
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Just too cute! I just want to hold him and love him.
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
It seems to me that the little guy (lol) is being vocal in the den – I see his cute little chops opening and closing and am not sure if he is just yawning or being vocal. If he is being vocal would love to hear it on the pandacam – is that possible? I am so attached to the daily routines of these wonderful animals – Keep up the good work.
Moderator’s note: We can’t offer sound on the Panda Cam. Thank goodness we have the exam videos to hear the little trooper!
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Thank you, Panda Team, for answering my question about when a panda stops growing in height and length. Su Lin has really started looking like a “grown-up” (at least to me) as far as her body is concerned so I had been wondering for awhile and this post seemed like a good time to ask.
I just can’t quite figure out if she’s a big bear like Mama Bai, Lun and MX (her weight would seem to put her in that category) or if she is a “cobbier” body type like Papa Gao, carrying her weight a little more densely on a shorter frame (which is how my eyes often see her). Sorry to use the word “cobby” — I’m a cat person and adore the shorter-in-length, cobbier kitties! I don’t know if there’s a better word to use for bears.
I have figured out Bai’s stargazing trips with the cub: she’s showing him Ursa Major (“Great Bear”)and Ursa Minor (“Little Bear”).
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
#50~Panda Team…
Thank you! Yes, that helps a great deal. Neat how the table serves as both a perch and a scale! Brilliant! I was curious as to its placement because sometimes it looks like our Chubby Cubby is looking out into her bedroom and possibly watching her, while resting near the entrance of the den. I’ve also noticed that he seems to be more comfortable on his back, now, and wonder if it is also because he can look up and see things. I know it is supposed to be dark in there, but doesn’t some light filter in through her bedroom at the entrance so he can look around and see things?
Moderator’s note: Sure, some light does filter in to the den’s threshold.
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Gee..all these great responces we are getting. Up until 6 weeks ago, or until #5 was born, I didn’t know our moderator could even talk! Now we have the Panda Team, and all these important people at SDZ answering questions….thanks so much for all of your info on everything Panda!! We know how busy you all are and to take the time for us is truly a nice thing to do. Have a great weekend everybody…pandaholics, moderator, and everyone else, Yadira, Panda Team and anyone else who is involved in the blog and taking care of all of our precious animals….and Mr. Pip and Ms.Bai Yun you make my days very special so thank you too..
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I can’t wait for him to sit up and start crawling. I love it when he rolly polly’s on his back though. Tooooo cute. I love him! Thank you to all the employees of the Zoo that are keeping us up to date and are working the video cameras so we can keep track of his progress!
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Dear Moderator,
#4 Francis mentioned watching a video of Zhen Zhen’s exam. Is there a library of past videos? I haven’t been able to locate them on this site. Could you please tell me how? I’d love to see some of the other cubs when they were younger to compare what they looked like to what our new baby looks like. Thank you.
Moderator’s note: We don’t have older videos archived on our Web site, but we have several from last year that are posted on YouTube, including Zhen’s first vaccination. Here’s the link to the sdzoo page.
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
When will we panda fans get a chance to choose a name for Gao Jr.? Is a list coming soon?
Moderator’s note: Info about the cub’s naming process will be posted nest week.
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I love the Panda Milestone charts!!!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Reading the stats of all the different cubs born to Bai Yun, is fascinating. Thank you SDZ for providing all of us with the fascinating data.
I have been watching the den cam, everyday, since Cubbie was born. Today is the first day I have noticed the Cubbie has not been very active and seems to be sleeping a lot. It also seems that Bai has not been spending as much time with Cubbie today. I don’t see the longer nursing periods of the cub, as I normally see.
I don’t want to come off as a worry wart, but I have to admit that I am indeed puzzled by the change in some of the usual behavior of both Bai Yun and Chubbie Cubbie. Has any of our other Cub Camaholic’s, noticed what I have?
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I’m kind of concerned! It looks like the baby is by himself and not even in his den? It that safe for him? I can see him right outside of the den area.
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
He is in the sun too
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:32 pm
oh my god! hes over the threshhold of the den, did he crawl out there? i just checked on him, and hes outside the den wow!!! its 6.30 pm here.
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I simply want to say thank you! We have been blessed and spoiled (!) with an abundance of wonderful blogs the past week or so. I appreciate the time and effort it takes to contribute a thoughtful and educational blog. A special thanks too, to our moderator! Facilitating our questions, among your various responsibilities requires lots of work, too. This site remains one of the best ever. I visit nearly every day and sometimes 2-3x daily–a pandaholic’s gotta do what a pandaholic’s gotta do!
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Boy is he ever a long one! I did notice one measurement missing that I (personally) would really love to compare…. his tummy! Yes, chest is important, but he’s a Pan Pan grandson and Pan Pan was a big panda… and I believe a fair amount of that ‘big’ was in the lower half!
Panda Team – we’ve seen Dr. Meg measure the cubbie’s tummy – could you possibly (with pretty please and panda biscuits on top) provide those measurements to compare?
thanks! I’m thinking that might help in some of the differences we see!
Moderator’s note: Your request has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
October 2nd, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Will cubbie get used to his shots? What exactly is the howdy gate? Can he crawl yet?
Moderator’s note: I can answer two out of three! The howdy gate is a gate with a mesh barrier between the two main viewing exhibits; it can be opened so the pandas can see each other through the mesh and say “howdy, neighbor!” The cub is not crawling yet, but he is practicing his scooting technique.
October 2nd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Oh where, oh where did our chubby cub go,
Oh where did Pudgy cub go?
Bai picked him up and he rolled out the door,
Oh where did our Pudgy roll go?
October 2nd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Today, Oct. 2, it’s 5pm your time, I noticed the panda on the apron an hour ago & now he is missing…i am frantic with worry…I am concerned that mother dropped him hard on what appears to be a concrete apron. Did she drag him off to safety? I know as a researcher you are supposed to only observe, but what happens when the baby is in harm’s way?
Moderator’s note: The cub is not in harm’s way; he is safe with his mother. She often takes him out of the den, especially in the evenings. Please don’t worry. All is well.
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I just witnessed little man scooting, or trying his hardest, in the den. He did pretty good. Closed my eyes for a second, and poof, he was gone. I’m guessing Bai snatched him up real quick. Boy was it cute. He’ll be crawling along in no time.
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
I would like to be able to see the cub and Bai Yun when they leave the nest. will this happen as time goes on?
Moderator’s note: As long as you don’t blink! Bai Yun’s pretty quick.
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
It looked to me a few minutes ago as if Bai was starting walking lessons with mini-Gao, giving him something to push off of (her paw) and starting getting him used to the idea of pushing towards her and fighting to get his food. Never too young for valuable panda lessons!
lydia #79–not to worry. Many panda cubs live their whole cubhood on unpadded concrete floors. He’s protected by his fur and his general resilient panda-ness. And I’ll bet mom wasn’t very far away.
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Looks like it’s time for yet another road trip for Bai and Plumpers! Have fun you two!
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Moderator–I think Vie #81 is wondering if the cam can be switched to the bedroom or the sunroom when Bai and cubbie are out there.
Vie #81–they usually do–there must not be anyone free to switch the cam view.
Moderator’s note: You’re correct, Frances. We don’t have such frequent Cam staffing in the evening as we do during the day.
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:44 pm
The baby panda is under the bedding. Mama needs to come in and check on her baby.
October 2nd, 2009 at 6:23 pm
thanks moderator, thanks Frances in NY…helps me quit pacing…. I’d give a million dollars to hold that baby for an hour…my computer is on 24/7 so i can’t miss a minute. This is the best site on the web. I know several state offices (on the west coast)whose employees watch all day too. We all pray for baby’s safety…i have to take my laptop everywhere so i can check on him…this is agonizing ecstacy to be able to watch him grow! Stay safe baby panda!
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
#58 – Bruce in KC – you’re right we have a come A LONG WAY in saving cubs – we watched poor LingLing lose all 5 of her cubs – each cub loss was worse – can still see a picture of her in her den holding a stillborn cub – she looked so sad & it was days before she would the staff remove her baby
#79 – lydia keller, INDIANA – get ready – when the cub starts crawling, walking & climbing – you will see many heart stopping moments when momma Bai drags him off a branch or he falls off & goes SPLAT & there are a lot of OMG SPLAT MOMENTS with a cub – they will scare you but will bounce right up & will be off again
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I agree with all, it would be great to see them out in the other room. Oh well, the fresh air is great for them. I do not doubt that Bai is always with him or aware of what he is up to. I peek on them at work throughout the day and agree Bai is finally getting some alone time. I am sure he lets her know when he is ready to eat. Thank you SDA, moderator, panda team and all who help share this with the adoring public. Each of the panda’s are unique and adorable. Chublet is precious! This is my first experience with pandacam, and it brings a smile to my face after a bad day. I will check your wishlist to help the wildlife you guys are so wonderful to protect. It is sad we let animals become endangered before we can appreciate their beauty and special place on earth. Just curious, how do you give exams to the adults? Do they let you get that close? Bai seems to breath quick, is this normal for bears? It could be the camera. Thanks again!!!!!
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:58 pm
I always miss Mommy taking cubby out!
I love being a friend of SDZ on facebook. Lots of great stuff posted on my page.
Thank you SDZ, and especially you, Moderator, for everything.
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:07 pm
SDZ is so very informative and interactive with us Pandaholics….I cannot thank you all enough, especially our Moderator! You really pull it all together for us with your answers and direction.
I am so excited – I get to go to ZooAtlanta’s New Member Welcome Day tomorrow, which promises to include *gasp* Animal Encounters! Oh Please Oh Please Oh Please I wanna see ZA’S pandas!
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
#64 – Melissa – each question asked means more questions for all the pandaholics – hmmmm – ZA’s pappa Yang is a HUGE panda – he usually weighs @ 300 lbs “)
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Was just on the pandacam tonite. Pudgy cubbie and momma Bai are back out under the stars again tonite! This could be a short outing or an overnite outing. No matter how long they are outside, they are enjoying it thoroughly!
Gonna get back to the cams. Will be back later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Oh yeah! I would love to hold, squeeze, and love this little cub, too!! He is waaaaay too adorable!
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Wow, chubby sure is a star here in our local newspaper and television news. When he’s on tv, all the ppl say awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. LOL. Thank you for the comparisons and the updates…….
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Whoa. Same weight as his sisters! Does that mean we can’t call him Roly Poly anymore?
Bah.
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Just checking in from Kathmandu, Nepal. Have enjoyed reading the posts, but will have to wait until I get home on Monday to catch up on the responses. Said goodbye to the high Himalayas this morning with the Annapurnas barely visible through clouds and rain. They were spectacular yesterday morning, so no complaints.
Am so glad “our” pandas are doing well. The cams have helped keep me sane when the weather was very hot and humid and the electricity at the hotel iffy.
Hope everyone has a great weekend. Will be so glad to pig out on panda watching soon.
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:53 am
Thank you moderator for answering my question on the pandacam sound issue. The cubs vocals are so adorable! I watched over and over when you were performing the 5th exam. My heart melts when he lets out his wimpers. I hope one day before I am too old and gray to visit your wonderful zoo and get a birdseye view of my favorite animal the panda! Its on my wish list. Thanks again for your prompt response – and I will keep on enjoying the pandacam. God bless you and your team!
October 3rd, 2009 at 7:40 am
I am so glad to see Bai and chubby again this AM. Bai seems on the sad side, or is it just me. She is one gorgeous Panda!!! To all the moderaters, thank you so very much for the live cams and updates. I, along with many, appreciate it very very much.
October 3rd, 2009 at 7:52 am
Is cam 17 right outside the den?
Moderator’s note: Camera #17 is a view of the sun room, which is just beyond the bedroom.
October 3rd, 2009 at 7:58 am
oh dear……#87 Maureen in Michigan, I know the SDZ is the best in the world, but now I know I will be worried for months more. I have cats that weigh more than that baby so I know how tiny he is. Love you panda baby!
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 am
Did I read somewhere that our latest cub might be Bai Yun’s last cub? When do we humans who are at the zoos and research centers generally stop breeding the females (age wise)? What would be an end date in the wild? I am sure that is nearly impossible to know…..
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:52 am
I knew I wasn’t alone. This boy is way too cute and brings constant cheer to our hearts. Thank you zoo people for the excellent job you do bringing this family along.
ps: To Lu L. in post 22, did you ever hang out at Dicks drive in?
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 am
i so wanna hold him so much its my dream i love him more than anything i love pandas there me fav i cnt wait to come and see them both i love them xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx love u ben n jezza my fav pandas of all time
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 am
He is getting so big!!! He’s longer than all his siblings were when they were around his age. You can tell his eyes are a lot more open and clear. I can’t wait to see what he will be named!!
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
#88 Linda in Pittsburgh
Bai Yun’s breathing is normal for a panda, and we often see variation in the pace of her respiration. The pandas at the San Diego Zoo are trained for certain veterinary procedures, but for a more thorough exam or veterinary procedure they would be sedated. This doesn’t happen more often than once a year.
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
#97~Debbie,
I don’t think you are seeing sadness in Bai. I think you are seeing her relaxing. Her cub is doing well, he is healthy, well behaved, she has a routine down, she is feeling comfy being a mom again. She is getting some downtime to herself to mellow out or eat and care for herself, take a walk, etc., just like a human mother does after that first few anxious weeks of caring for an infant. You get comfortable in your new role. And, of course, this is her fifth cub, so she is a pro. I am sure the keepers would notice anything out of order with her behaviour and check her out if they felt something was wrong. Every Mom needs a break, and when she is playing with her bundle of love, she looks happy and very content being a mom again! Sometimes she looks up at the cam and seems to be smiling at us saying “Look what I made!!!”
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
he’s gotten so big and adorable.
I wonder when the naming ceremony for him will be.
Moderator’s note: Look for naming info in a few days.
October 3rd, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I’ve really enjoy watching this little guy and his mom, he is so adorable, so fluffy, I look forward to seeing him every day here on my computer to watch him grow up. I love Panda’s and he is soooo cute…
October 3rd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Please oh please put the little guy out for all to see in December! We are planning our Christmas travels around him!
Moderator’s note: It all depends on Bai Yun and her comfort level with her cub, of course, but her last three cubs were all out before Christmas.
October 3rd, 2009 at 3:15 pm
#88 Linda in Pittsburgh – there are several videos of panda training on youtube – Yang’s Training, Part 1 shows how a keeper checks the panda’s well-being
Amazing 
October 3rd, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Dear Moderator,
Just wanted to say thank-you for the link. I watched today.
October 3rd, 2009 at 5:16 pm
There are many ’splat times’ with baby cubbies. I remember when Tai was 5 or 6 months old and he climbed to the top of the mesh and splat fell down hard on the outdoor concrete patio, without a yelp or cry (NZ cams have sound), Mom came over and checked him out., he was fine. While I was busy trying to get my heart back in my chest Tai was off on to the next adventure.
October 3rd, 2009 at 7:19 pm
When Bai takes the baby out, does she hold him in her teeth or carry him in her paws?
Moderator’s note: She uses her mouth.
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Bai & her “plumpkins” have been out of the den for hours today – when I did manage to see his royal highness he was covered with bamboo (Bai’s latest trick??)
MY next panda check – the den was empty & has been – they must be out in Bai’s garden room – the research staff must be having fun keeping up with Bai – she seems to be doing something different with each cub 
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:30 pm
#100 Lilarose
If Bai Yun shows normal behavioral and physiolgical signs of estrus in 2011, we could pair her with Gao Gao again. From our records of females in zoos, pandas over 18 years old are less likely to bear offspring. That said, Bai Yun has always shown exemplary reproductive behavior, so who knows what she has in store for us.
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I haven’t seen the Panda Baby lately on the cam. Where is she???
Moderator’s note: Mom takes him out of the den at night.
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I am just curious. Is the baby panda’s fur as soft as it looks to be? I don’t know how much you can tell with gloves on. Or is it coarse? Little one is so cute!!!!!! I agree with so many who just want to hold him and cuddle with the baby. If I ever get the chance that would definitely make my day.
Moderator’s note: Keepers say the cub’s fur is not soft but coarse.
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I just have to say another thing…who is the Mods??? I think you guys are sooo funny..I love reading your answers…and of course thank you for answering our questions!
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I wonder if Bai is done with the den so soon? Or maybe today was just an extra nice day outside. I wish the cameras could be motion-sensitive to follow her and mini-Gao around–they have been out of sight for hours, with just a little tantalizing view of some black and white fur at the mouth of the den. Panda withdrawal–sigh.
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Question! I been reading the Milestones data….anyways what is the difference between Mama leaves the den and Mama eats for the first time ???? don’t mama leaves den to eat anyways? …thanks!
Moderator’s note: They are different events. The mother panda first leaves the den to get a drink and “go to the bathroom,” but she doesn’t eat at this time; eating comes later.
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
I love the live cams. Question, does the mother clean or dig or “scratch” the nest, is it hay, or bamboo leaves. I thought I saw her try to cover him, not sure. Or do you clean it out and put fresh hay now and then? Do you ever let regular people hold other babies, I guess Panda babies are too rare, how about like Frank the Gorilla. Maybe we have to be a Vet and work there at the Zoo. Something to look forward to in a career. Thank you for all the learning experience with this. Claudia from Fullerton. PS let us know ahead of time if you have Panda Snow in December when Baby Gao Chub Cub comes out.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun is supplied with lots of fresh bamboo every day. She uses some of that bamboo to cushion the den and she sometimes like to cover her cub with the bamboo, too. We do not let Zoo guests hold baby animals.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:21 am
Hello again, I just happened to be up late, and Bai is reaching up and grabbed a branch from a ledge in her den??? and she is tossing the bamboo all over, and digging and tossing the hay or bamboo all over, like wow, she is having a midnight snack. The baby boy is knocked out asleep, kind of burried in the hay….cool
October 4th, 2009 at 5:14 am
If reference to post #114, I would like to ask a question. As in humans, as we women age, there is a greater likelihood
of conceiving a child with a birth defect. Does this also happen in the animal world, if you know?
Bai Yun has spent alot of her adult years caring for offspring, which as I understand; is at least a two year commitment for the mother. I suppose in the wild, if a female Panda is able to conceive each time she is in estrus, she would indeed continue to have cubs. Bai Yun seems to be one Panda that seems to be thrilled at the birth of a new cub. With this latest birth, I saw her bouncing up and down on her front paws, which we humans may perceive as joy and excitement. Maybe this is actually the way the mother Panda, helps to clear fluids from the newborns lungs. Instinct on her part.
Since a Panda is only in estrus for 3 days a year, a Panda in captivity would be more likely to conceive, since the female and male are not out in the wild, looking for each other to mate. No time is wasted, is what I am trying to say.
Sorry to make this so long, but I am so interested in Panda reproduction, that I seem to be filled with questions. So my last question is: What types of health, behavior or physiological behaviors, if any, would make the zoo feel that another baby would not be in Bai Yun’s best interests?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this long post. Panda’s are so endangered, that every successful pregnancy and birth, is extremely important to the survival of the species. I do remember those years so long ago; of breeding Panda’s in captivity, resulting in a cub that didn’t survive. Thank God the San Diego Zoo has been at the forefront in their goals and tremendous efforts, (and successes) that strive to save this gorgeous animal from extinction.
Moderator’s note: Your questions have been forwarded to the Panda Team.
October 4th, 2009 at 5:35 am
Saw Chang Qi (“Chunky”) back in den alone at past 5 am; don’t know exactly the time that Bai brought him back in. Minutes later Bai was back with bamboo, held Chunky while still holding bamboo. Can’t see much of what Bai was doing ‘cuz her back was turned.
October 4th, 2009 at 5:53 am
#105~Debi
Thank you for the feedback which of course makes sense. I love how Bai looks up at the camera also. This is just so fascinating to me and look forward everyday to watch mom and her chubby guy.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:38 am
Thank you for the stats which are most interesting considering that a lot of us pandaholics assumed that the cub would be much larger than his brothers and sisters. But the panda cub milestones show clearly that there is hardly any difference amongst all the cubs.
When looking at the panda cam at 4 a.m. your time I was surprised to see Bai Yun and Snuggles sleeping and cuddling, for a change. May be the full moon frightened the baby?! So Bai Yun may have decided to stay inside instead of moon and star gazing with her cub.
Thank you, Panda Team and moderators for attending to all our questions. We are learning such a lot and still know very little about these amazing animals.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:51 am
I have just witnessed some strange behaviour of Bai Yun’s which I did not see before. While the cub was sleeping close to the den’s door and Bai Yun being outside the den Bai Yun walked past the den’s door backwards and forwards several time. Then for a brief moment she entered the den as if wanting to check that everything was ok with the cub. Then she stepped outside again and this behaviour of her’s repeated ifself. Why would she do this? As mentioned, I have never seen this before. Can you please throw some light on this behaviour? Thank you.
October 4th, 2009 at 7:06 am
#105-Debi
I loved your comment about Bai seeming to say proudly “Look what I made!!!” I have thought the same thing many times when Bai looks up and seems to be very well aware that we are watching her. I’m new to watching pandacam because I never knew it existed, but I agree with you totally that if there was the slightest sign of something unusual happening with Bai or her baby, the SDZ staff would act on it immediately. I can’t say it enough how impressed I am with the obvious devotion all have to our beautiful pandas. Thanks again staff and love and hugs to Bai Yun and Baby Boy.
October 4th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Panda Team,
Keep up the great work. You are the Public Relations Team’s right arm. Public Relations Team – take note!
Question about clean-up: Does Bai eat all the cub’s feces or does she only clean up his private areas or???? Since we do not see if/when the PT reaches into the den for anything, we do not know who is keeping all the bamboo “flooring” so clean.
Thanks for the details. Inquiring minds need to know.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun does all the cleaning right now.
October 4th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I was there the day it was announced that she was going to have a new baby. I am 6 yrs old and my cousins and I were interviewed by 6 News. We were so excited, and loved the Panda’s. Now my mom and I watch the panda cam almost every day. I love my baby cub and his mommy too.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
#91 Maureen…Lately I’ve been wondering about Yang Yang’s milestones since he wound up being the Goliath of the pandas on American soil and probably a big guy among pandas everywhere. (I like to say that Yang put the ‘giant’ in giant panda.
). It would be fun to see the adult male pandas in U.S. zoos drawn to scale on a chart, side-by-side, on all fours and standing on their hind legs, just to see the genetic variation between them all. As far as the “girls” go, I was surprised when I read in one source that Ya Ya weighed 220 pounds and it made me wonder if she’s “tall” and carries her weight on a long frame. It’s neat that there’s so much variety in the panda world.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
How come most pandas seem to be only vocal as babies? When they are adults, do they still yelp when they get their shots?
October 4th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Lil plumper bumper boy! Look at that smile on him! So adorable and endearing. I wish I could hold him!!!!
October 4th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Mrs Bai is so beautiful. I just saw her on her back cradling Mr Plumpness. Her ears look like a bow on her head, so fancy, so adorable.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I haven’t had a chance to read all the comments, but…I am wondering if anyone else thinks baby looks like his daddy? Well, I mean, it makes complete sense, but even more so than Zhen Zhen or the other sibs.
Momma Bai just grabbed baby by the scruff and in the nursery they went…Momma sure loves her scrumptious boy….yum, yum, yum, too darn cute, those two.
hmm, another question, is Momma purposely going outside to the restroom, because she doesn’t want to soil the nursery? I think she is so much smarter than the average bear. She doesn’t just live in the moment then, she anticipates, just like when she prepares the nursery for her babies. Amazing. Thank you!
Moderator’s note: Yes, Bai does her “business” outside.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I AM PRETTY NEW TO WATCHING THE PANDAS. MY DAUGHTER TURNED ME ON TO THIS. I HAVE BEEN READING THE OTHER BLOGS ABOUT LOSING OTHER PANDA BABIES. I AM CONCERNED. HOW LONG BEFORE WE CAN CONSIDER THE BABY OUT OF DANGER AND SURVIVING TO ADULTHOOD. I WAS FEELING PRETTY SMUG ABOUT OUR RECENT ADDITION BUT AM WORRIED ABOUT HIS CHANCES OF SURVIVAL. AM I BEING FOOLISH? PLEASE HELP ME SET MY MIND AT EASE ABOUT THIS. AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND ATTENTION TO OUR QUESTIONS.
Moderator’s note: The cub is in excellent health and has a great mom to care for him. Please enjoy watching him grow.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
“Put one foot in front of the otherrrr……” Little man did some crawl steps this afternoon around 3:00pm.
He almost made a break for it out the den… Then I guess he changed his mind. He turned around and started back in the direction in which he came. =) He is just too adorable !!
October 4th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
it is 6:15 eastern time, and just watched our sweet prince try to scoot out the front “door” looking for mom.
won’t be long and he’ll be up on all fours.
what fun these wonderful pandas provide. we are so lucky.
joan
painted post, n.y.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Hi! At around 6:10pm EDT my time, I got on the pandacam and watched this cute furry cub trying to do some scooting/crawling at the den door. It looked like he was about to crawl out of the den, then he did a little bit of a turn around. After that, boom! He’s taking a nap! Looks like all of that effort tired him out! It was so cute to watch this little chubby cubbie try to work those 4 legs and figure them out. The other thing that I noticed is that he is turning his head from side to side looking around, which makes me feel that both of his eyes are alot more in focus now to where he is seeing his surroundings. OH BOY!!! Now the real fun is about to start as this little cutie starts to get motoring. I could see Bai’s shadow in the sunroom eating her boo. I guess the cub wanted to get out there to be by her side.
Got an email back from Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet about the Hero of the Year award date. I found out that they will be naming the Hero of the Year sometime in December, but don’t have a firm date right now. I’ll keep checking the site for more news about that. I’m really hoping that Suzanne Braden has gotten enough votes to win this for the pandas! Keep all of your fingers and toes crossed!
Gonna get back to the pandacam and other cams. Will check in later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 4th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Okay, I documented with my screen shots a little less than an hour ago, baby made a complete turn around all by his little self! It must have taken a lot of energy, because he promptly fell asleep right where he ended up….how sweet.
October 4th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Never mind Bai Yun burying Cubbie in the bamboo…he’s doing a very fine job of it all by himself this evening!
October 4th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
kat Wilson #134–I think he looks exactly like papa Gao Gao, just in miniature.
I also saw cubmuffin valiantly try to crawl out of the nest, turn around, and splat down in the bamboo to take a nap after his exertions. Soooooo cute.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
THANK YOU. I WILL KEEP ON ENJOYING HIS GROWTH AND CELEBRATE HIS LIFE. DON’T KNOW WHY I WAS SUDDENLY STICKEN WITH INSECURITIES.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Ashlen R., keep watching and keep loving. Maybe you’ll grow up to be a person who helps the panda species to live and thrive.
Moderator, is there only one of you? If so, you are working WAY too much. But thank you, thank you. You are really appreciated.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
#135 – Patty Dixon – sorry if we made you worry about losing cubs – the zoos have made so many advances in panda research (as we all know the SDZ led the way) developing their panda cub milk formula that has saved many Chinese cubs.
From what I’ve read NZ’s Ling Ling & Hsing Hsing arrived here with some health issues so their cubs had problems right away that they could not overcome 
If anyone sees anything unusual the staff & vets step in. Note ZA when Lun’s cub was having trouble – my heart broke when I read that her cub was in an incubator – but here we are over a year later & XiLan is another male hellion 
Not only do we have trained staff watching our new cubs 24/7 for the first few weeks but we also have all the volunteers keeping track of every move of momma & cub
October 4th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Is it just the times I have watched the cam or is Bi Yun leaving this cub in the den while she is out more than her previous cubs? If so, how come?
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun seems to have a different approach with each cub. But who are we to question her actions? She knows much better than we do what she and her cub need at any particular time.
October 4th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Is it me, or is Bai Yun either not taking the cub out under the bright moon, or is she taking him out later this week? I have checked several evenings around 7-7:30 and he is peacefully asleep in the den. A week ago he was long gone before 7 PM PDT. I checked at 4:45 on Thursday and Friday and he was asleep in the den as well.
October 4th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Momma Bai & his “Royal Plumpness” are having a good wrestling match right now – cubbie is holding his own
October 4th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Go Roly Poly go!!!
October 4th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I just finished watching “Miss Potter,” and while I made my way over to the cam, there was baby on his back, wiggling his little legs, the theme song playing so softly in the background, went so sweetly with baby’s movements…
“When you taught me how to dance, years ago with misty eyes, every step and silent glance, every move a sweet surprise
Someone must have taught you well, to beguile and to entrance, for that night you cast your spell, and you taught me how to dance
Light reflections in a lake, I recall what went before, as I give, I’ll learn to take, and to be alone no more
Other lights may light my way, I may even find romance, but I won’t forget that night, when you taught me how to dance
Cold winds blow, but on those hills you’ll find me, and I know, you’re walking right behind me
When you taught me how to dance, years ago with misty eyes, every step and silent glance, every move a sweet surprise
Someone must have taught you well, o beguile and to entrance, for that night you cast your spell, and you taught me how to dance…and you taught me how to dance.
October 4th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Oooooh! I just love watching him all day!!! If I could just blow a raspberry on that big tummy of his… he’s just asking for it rolling on his back like that!
I notice that Bai is leaving him alone for long, long periods…. can she see him from where she is when His Plumpiness is alone? Thank you Panda team and Moderator for your patience and your wonderful answers!
Now, when will ZZ and Su Lin be ready for motherhood, and do you think they’ll breed them in SDZ?
Nite nite, sweet Pandas…
October 5th, 2009 at 1:07 am
Has Bai Yun been adding more bamboo to the den? It seems that she’s drawing her cubby more to the sunroom…or is he just rolling over and over ’til he gets near the light? Can he walk yet…or is he too
roly-poly to stand for long? It seems mama and baby are sleeping every night under the stars!? I love to see her tenderly pull him near her face. Sweet!
October 5th, 2009 at 6:42 am
Thank You for the stats, SDZ! I was away from computer access for 8 days and was delighted to see the video of exam # 5 when I returned! I will have to check in often today to see if I can see the ’scooting’ that so many of the viewers saw over the weekend
I’m also looking foreward to see the list of the names we will be able to vote on for Little Mr. to all who are new cub watchers: The babies do sleep for longer periods…..remember the old adage ‘never wake a sleeping baby’? The areas which Bai goes are very safe. I would bet that you can find old you tube videos of Zhen Zhen playing in the bedroom, the sun room which will give you a visual of the living quarters 
October 5th, 2009 at 7:06 am
#135 – Patty – As a seasoned Pandacamholic, the cubs mother Bai Yun is probably one of the best, experienced mothers in the animal kingdom. Lot’s of us on here who have been watching since her first cub was born, to this latest cute little round ball of fur will tell you she is the best ! I have been watching since the birth of Su Lin, others here, much longer. Unless there were a health issue, there is no better mother for these cubs then Bai Yun. Not to mention there are no words to describe the staff and keepers at the SDZ, other then the best at what they do ! Keep watching, you will be more the pleased, hooked, and there for the next !
October 5th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Maybe Bai covers Junior with bamboo now to keep him from “traveling” too far or where she doesn’t want him to go. He will be “motoring” much faster very soon.
The naming process in recent past has included the fans, but there has been a selection of names (Chinese) for us to choose from. It might be that this process will change this year. Maybe fans won’t be voting, maybe folks in China will vote, but I don’t think you will see any Americanized names, although I love the Cinco de Bai-O! Nothing stops us from using our own favs on these posts, of course.
When we see the list, if there is one, you will hopefully see the pronounciation, which is not usually how we would pronounce the name. A good example is “Zhen Zhen,” which is actually pronounced as “Jun Jun,” although I think alot of us posters prefer “zen zen.” I hear the staff pronounce it “Jun Jun,” however.
October 5th, 2009 at 9:55 am
He is so cute. I want to hold him so bad.
October 5th, 2009 at 10:11 am
“We do not let Zoo guests hold baby animals.”
…and with very good reason. You need to kep the trust of the parents!
Zookeepers can’t get *permission* from animal mothers to let guests near their babies, can they?
October 5th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Little cubbie is growning like a bad wead.
October 5th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Oh, wow, Chubby Cubby is sure mobile today. He might not be walking, but he is rockin’ and rollin’! He got himself turned 90 degrees, then turned back. Now he’s gone 90 degrees in the other direction after taking a little rest in between. What a guy!
October 5th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I hope you all have been watching the panda cam during the last hour. Bruiser-Man was sleeping quietly, when mom enters, rolls him over, then picks him up by the scruff and takes him out. Several seconds later, she re-enters with him, sits down and proceeds to try to bathe him. Apparently he wants none of this upside down business, starts to squirm, lands on his head, mom rolls him over and leaves by herself. Non-plussed by this he tries to follow her, but, needless to say, his back legs aren’t working well. He reminded me of a “Weebles” the way he started to scoot around in a circle, bobbling all the way!
Mother returns, sniffs him, and leaves him again, after which he starts scooting again. After a few minutes, he collapses in exhaustion. Looks like he worked himself into a nap. I can tell today, that watching him from now on will be very interesting, as well as very entertaining! 
Happy viewing!
October 5th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I too have been noticing how our little one keeps trying to escape. I held my breathe just now and watched as he almost kicked off his little hind legs strong enough to overcome the build-up Bai Yun has made at the entrance. Goodness, is she on her toes or what?? I truly love her as much as our little Plumpness. What was extremely obvious was that he was looking at something VERY intently before he tried to go thru the opening. Moderator, do I understand correctly? When he looks out the door, can he see Mommy and in what room, and is that where the platform is? Also, when he gave up trying to get out, he turned to his left, and appeared to be doing alternate leg push-ups, testing their strength one at a time. With all of us humans bursting with pride at his every accomplishment, can you imagine how proud Bai Yun must feel? THAT is what I see in her eyes every time our girl looks up into the pandacam. I really wish I could kiss our baby and give Bai Yun the biggest hug imaginable.
Moderator’s note: He can see into the bedroom, and there is a platform for Bai to rest on, so he may be able to see her if she is there.
October 5th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
How adorable ! I see that the roly poly cub is trying to move more on his own. It’s so cute watching him wobble around. Bai Yun is such a great mother. I’ve noticed her covering him with bamboo. Is this normal ? I love making all the pandas a part of my day. It brings a smile to my face !
Moderator’s note: See comment #45.
October 5th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Dear Moderator,
As usual, thanks for the info. One thing I keep forgetting to ask. I don’t remember where I saw how long a panda’s pregnancy lasts, but I remember it struck me that it seemed to have a wide window. How long is the normal pregnancy period?
Thanks in advance.
Panda Team responds: The average panda “pregnancy” is about 135 days, and the documented range among zoo pandas is from 100 to 180 days. However, true gestation of the fetus only takes about 50 days.
October 5th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
This panda baby is the cutest thing on the internet me and my mum watch him everyday.
October 5th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
When are the munchkin’s ears going to pop up?
October 5th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Just wondering-does anyone know how much Mei Sheng currently weighs?
October 5th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Oh wow – thanks so much for putting together the panda cub milestones section! It’s great to be able to just read across and compare all the babies/big girls now!! Some things are close in comparison and some are not so close in comparison!! As is life with humans!! Thanks again for taking the time to do that for all of us. Take care mods and hands-on staff!! And of course Bai and little BIG man!!
October 5th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
i love them.
connor, age 5
October 5th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
#155- Everyone shares your sentiment. We would all love to hold this little guy. #156 Mark Just because someone says they’d love to hold him, doesn’t mean they are going to rush to the zoo and try and do it.
October 5th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
If the pandas have to defend themselves, how do they? Teeth, claws? Happy 2 month b-day to the little guy!!!!
October 5th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I would like to direct a comment/question to the panda team.
Rose N.#84 under the “Panda Sisters” blog stated that “Su Lin let out a loud chirp” at the howdy gate on 9/29/09. Rose was at the zoo at the time.
I personally have heard the well known chirp vocalization that Bai Yun (and other female pandas in estrus) use as they prepare to mate.
I also heard Mei Sheng chirp (multiple times) when he sighted Bai Yun not long after his separation from Bai Yun in 2005.
My conclusion is that the “chirp” vocalization is one used by pandas of various ages to indicate intense “longing” for another. In the first instance Su Lin for Zhen; in the second, Bai Yun for Gao; in the third, Mei Sheng for Bai Yun.
October 5th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR REASSURANCES. I AM NEW TO THIS AND I JUMP FROM THE SECURE KNOWLEDGE THAT ALL IS AND WILL BE WELL TO WORRYING ABOUT THE WORST. LOL. JUST LIKE I DID WHEN MY BABIES WERE BABIES. THEY GREW UP OK (FOR THE MOST PART) SO I GUESS I JUST NEED TO RELAX AND ENJOY. THANKS AGAIN. KEEP UP THE SUPPORT. HE IS GETTING A LITTLE MOBILE, ISN’T HE?
October 5th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
“#156 Mark Just because someone says they’d love to hold him, doesn’t mean they are going to rush to the zoo and try and do it.”
I agree! When I posted that, I was responding to the Panda Team comment and thinking of another case in which someone did take a baby super-close to adults of another species without the mother’s permission (except in that case the someone was human and the baby’s grandfather, the other species was his local elephant herd, and the mother who didn’t give permission was his daughter-in-law who wasn’t on speaking terms with him for a long while after that. Fortunately the elephants just gently sniffed the baby instead of denting him like they dent jeeps and now that he’s a big boy the adults of both families let him play with their baby ellies!).
“If the pandas have to defend themselves, how do they? Teeth, claws?”
I know Gu Gu in Beijing Zoo uses his teeth and I don’t know if he uses his claws too.
October 5th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Doggone I missed “his royal plumpness” crawling attempts today
but did watch it on time lapse 
He looks like he’ll be on the move SOON 
Love the way Bai swoops in the den & in the blink of eye scoops him up & out for another adventure 
I don’t recall Bai covering her other cubs with so much bamboo or making a “bamboo door stop” the way she’s doing now – but we are able to see so much more with the enhanced cameras – I know when SuLin was a cub if we could see a blob in the birth den we were lucky 
#169 Pandafan # 2 – From the looks of pappa Gao’s torn ear it seems like he lost his fight to a panda using his teeth. Then on the other hand one day when Mei Xiang (NZ) decided she’d had enough of Tian’s play she went after him like a mad woman – teeth & claws – it was scary to hear – Tian had enough sense to run away
October 5th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Awww .. I am ready to cry with cubbie …. when his Mama leaves him asleep and then he wakes up he misses her. I had to call in my family to see the lil guy crying out for Mama. Why doesn’t she rush in to help him? Lots of other times I see her cuddling and kissing him. Hey Mama … w h e r e a r e Y O U???
October 5th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Does the cubbie have a patch of black on the tip of his tail?
October 5th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Looks like Bai and Bubba are celebrating his 8 weeks old evening under the full moon! He had a good nap, this afternoon, too, so how exciting it might be for him to see his very first moonlit night!
October 5th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Hi! VIDEO ALERT!!!!! Pandas Live On has 2 short videos of Xi Lan the Xman—one with Xi playing with his bday present, the light blue ball, on the hammock, second vid of Xman playing with his broken bday ice cake! You all will enjoy those vids; they were really cute! Good stuff!
Just got on the pandacam at around 11:45pm EDT my time, and both Bai and cub are out of the den. They’re out under the stars tonite. Saw the little guy earlier today, and he was by himself just relaxing on his side, moving his legs, just being himself.
Firefighters are in San Bernadino County fighting another huge wildfire! Keep them in your thoughts and prayers, ok?
Gonna go for now! Will check in sometime tomorrow!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 5th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Holding panda babies is a part of raising funds for the pandas in China. The last time I checked, the fee was $175 for about 5 minutes. You can take photos and videos with the panda on your lap and feed it apples, carrots (whatever the keeper hands you). Of course, you will have to suit up like an astronaut to prevent spreading your disease to the babies.
I was in mainland China four times last year but due to pressing schedules I missed out in visiting the pandas. I missed the 5/12/08 earthquake by a few minutes when it hit Shanghai, probably did not feel it ‘cuz I was in a train. I had to leave for the U.S. the next day and was totally devastated by what I read and saw on the internet; my heart went out not only to the pandas that we so adore but to the human tragedies as well. But sometimes, I do feel guilty when I think back because my concern was more for the pandas. And this is probably because in our mind they have evolved; we see them now as “humans.”
Honestly, I was going to go back and visit Chengdu to cuddle one but when I saw Chunky (whom I have monitored since birth), I have changed my mind. Now I will travel to San Diego when he will be put on exhibit, and to the rest of the zoos in the U.S.A. to visit our “own” pandas.
However we choose to spend our time and money, it will go to the panda conservation, so it is a win, win…
October 5th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
#171 please type in lower case.
October 5th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
It’s about 10:30 pm now and I just saw Momma Bai playing with her darling roly-poly:-). It has been awhile since I have seen them on cam since I was busy at school. I try to watch them at night, but most of the time they are out of the den.
He is growing too fast:-). He is still so adorable though….I’ve watch the video of his 5th exam countless of times, yet, I couldn’t get over how “cute” his reaction to the needle was:-).
SDZ keepers, vets, dear moderator….thank you so very much for all of the updates, videos, pictures and cams. Visiting this site is my way of relaxing, especially when my brain couldn’t handle anymore schoolwork!
Thank you, all…Goodnight, Momma Bai and Roly-Poly Dude….Hugs to both of you, Daddy Gao, Su and ZZ.
October 5th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
CHEEZE ALERT!!
As this is my 4th time down this path, i KNOW bai has no idea the camera is there, or that she’s got such a following, but if you guys did not just see that cheeze grin she just gave us, you need to go hit the replay and try to catch it. She’s givin the lil guy a bath and she’s right under the camera and she just looked straight up into the camera and flashed the biggest “bai-only” grin that just made us all bust up laughing. now THAT would be a t-shirt shot if there ever was one. Look in the time lapse, at about 10:20 -ish and see if we’re lucky enough that they caught it.
Moderator if it’s not on the time lapse, is there any way they can pull the tape and post a freeze frame of that grin?
Gao & Bai.. u did good. See u in November !!
October 5th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Brandy #168…What? Oh..I’m so embarressed cause” I was leaving on a jet plane, didn’t know when I’d be back again…”…I had my ticket, suitcase packed, and cab waiting just for that very adventure!!! Ha! To actually be able to hold Mr. Pip? Oh..what a dream…
October 6th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Aww, this is the first time I’ve seen Bai Yun bathe the noob.
October 6th, 2009 at 6:50 am
Mom is a very good mom to baby. Baby is geting very big and very cut. I love to watch panda cam all the time it is lots of fun. I am glad both are very healthy and happy too.
October 6th, 2009 at 6:54 am
I was just watching the den cam and noticed our cub looks like he might have a bloody scratch from one ear. I hope I am just seeing shadows of something else, but not sure. I also saw some of the large pieces of bamboo being dragged out of the den (by Bai or Keepers?) and then the cam turned to another scene. If I remember correctly, this is another exam day. I hope the little one is okay. I wonder if he scratched himself with his long nails…
Moderator’s note: Keepers say the cub is fine.
October 6th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Is it possible that Bai can see a reflection of herself where the den cam is and may be why she often looks up at it, admiring herself and her lovely cub?
Moderator’s note: The cam makes a small sound when it moves, and that’s probably what attracts her attention. But I like your explanation better!
October 6th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Thank you, Moderators! It must have just been a piece or shadow of boo on him. Thank goodness! I have to remember he has thick fur, too, so it would be hard to scratch himself.
lol about the cam!
I just love the way she looks up at it and smiles with very content eyes!
October 6th, 2009 at 8:29 am
181–TonyMo
Thanks for the post, it made me smile even though I wasn’t able to catch it on replay. I had the opportunity to see what the other pandas here in the states look like on a site I found browsing in the middle of the night, and although they are all good-looking pandas, Bai Yun really does have a beauty all her own. I think it is the love and quiet calm that you can see in her eyes. She really is a remarkable mom. I hope it is possible to post a freeze frame. I would print it in a heartbeat.
Have fun in November!
October 6th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Is it just me or does it look like little cubbie is trying to prop himself up on his hind legs? Its like hes rolling around and trying to figure out how his legs work. Its so cute
October 6th, 2009 at 10:53 am
I love watching Bai taking care of her little chubbie….it’s so neat to watch how she takes care of him. He’s a picture of health.
October 6th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Little man is just getting hugs, and kisses, and nuzzles galore from Bai. She is just having so much fun with him right now . Sooo fun to watch !
October 6th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Dear Moderator and the Panda Team,
I am just wondering whose work are the bamboos in the den? If it is Momma Bai doing that, then she is doing an amazing job. I can barely see her or Mr. Roly-Poly:-).
Thank you.
October 6th, 2009 at 11:25 am
# 179 Sometimes people type in uppercase because they have problems not being able to see good. So it’s best just to let people type the way they are comfortable.
October 6th, 2009 at 11:28 am
#177 Chari The blue ball the X man got for his birthday was from me.
October 6th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
At what age will our adorable chubby wubby start to eat bamboo? I understand his teeth need to come in first, but when will he start nibbling? How long will he nurse?
Thanks -
Moderator’s note: These answers can be found on our Panda Cub Milestones page (found on Panda Cam).
October 6th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Saw Bai on her platform and it made me think of how wonderful Panda Cam is when she has a young cub up there with her. SO funny. I’ll never forget Mei Sheng’s antics on the platform, and getting off it. Hoping Chubby Cubby is as much fun to watch as his big brother and his sisters at that stage… I’m sure he will be.
October 6th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Hi Carole #170 – I agree that the chirp seems to indicate “longing” for another panda but in this case; Su Lin chirped loudly one time, when she was in the tunnel approaching the gate, to get Zhen’s attention. It was kind of a “Hey, here I am” chirp. This did get Zhen’s attention and she came straight to the gate.
October 6th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
#181 TonyMo – sounds as tho’ you were on panda cam at exactly the right moment to capture the best look at Bai’s grin! I’ve never caught her looking at the camera myself. Will have to keep watching I guess! I do hope it is possible to freeze frame and post it. It’s the same as trying to catch her grabbing up Cubbie and leaving the den. I’ve seen it twice now and boy, is she quick! Enjoy your November visit!
Bai is the most beautiful Mom and it is sure is evident that she loves taking care of her babies. Cubbie is so healthy and so content. That boy wants for nothing for long. That bamboo barrier she’s constructed reminds me of the baby gates and fences we used when my great nephew was a baby!!
October 6th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
#170 Carole in San Diego
You are right on target with your assessment of the chirp. The only caveat to this description of the motivation for the chirp is that when the female is ready to breed, her hormones have a lot to do with her expression of longing!
October 6th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
#199 Panda Team
Thank you for your response. I certainly would agree that the hormones of the estrus female are raging and precipitate “longing.”
October 6th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
This is so fascinating to watch these lovable Pandas. The mother is so adoring of her cub and holds him like a human does with her baby. I have shared this site with many and we are all enjoying watching the baby panda grow. Bai is so clean and beautiful and careful with the little panda. I also think it is great to read the other links and to share the videos with children.
Thank you to the Zoo for sharing their pandas with people all over the world!
October 6th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Pam T., your beautiful blue ball made it to Atlanta and Xman was just having a great time with it! That was a very successful toy for Xman to play with, and I enjoyed that video of him playing with the ball. Unfortunately, that vid was a little bit on the short side, but I hope that there are more vids of Xi Lan on Youtube with that ball.
Been checking pandacam, and Bai and cubbie are outside again!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 7th, 2009 at 8:53 am
I am sharing lots of “Panda Postcards” with my five grandchildren, to spark their interest in such a rare animal. One of the grandchildren, said she is sending everything in her piggybank to the SDZ, to help the Panda’s. This is what it’s all about. Getting the next generation involved in conservation and helping to protect our endagered animals, such as the gorgeous Panda.
Their natural habitat is being destroyed one acre at a time. I see a time in the very near future where Panda’s will no longer be seen in the wild…only in zoo’s. This is true for too many animals species. It’s a very sad future for them.
I guess we all should reach into our “piggy banks,” to help zoo’s around the world, in their tireless efforts to save the creatures we have left. The SDZ is the first place my family is going to start.
Thank you SDZ for everything you do, for ALL the animals. And to all we humans, that have been given an opportunity to look into the private, never seen places; like the birthing den of a new mother Panda. Your work truly reaches around the world.
Moderator’s note: How nice of your granddaughter to save her money to help animals! She might enjoy selecting something tangible from our monthly Wish List, as there is a range of items to choose from.
October 8th, 2009 at 10:42 am
It would be really cool if the webcam also had sound capabilities. We could hear all of the vocalizations.