8th Exam: Jealousy Strikes
Posted at 1:21 pm October 20, 2009 by Yadira Galindo
When keeper Heidi carried our now almost 11-week-old (76 days old) giant panda cub into the exam room, my initial reaction was, “Oh no, we’ve disturbed him!” From the very first minute he was softly protesting. It was truly a protest, a “Can I have just five more minutes?” kind of plea. Or maybe I’m just recalling what I thought when my alarm woke me this morning…
Our vet, Dr. Beth Bicknese, moved quickly through the exam, looking at the cub’s ears, paws, roly poly belly, and the yet-to-erupt teeth. All the while, Heidi gently held the cub, stroking him softly or scratching under his chin and cooing softly. Jealousy struck. Yes folks, even I wish I could be the one holding the little guy. Instead, I observed the Panda Team as they continued to gather their data and give the cub a clean bill of health. Today he weighed 9.25 pounds (4.2 kilograms) and measured 22 inches (56 centimeters) from the tip of his cute little pink nose to the end of his wiry tail with its tufts of hair sticking out in all directions.
I don’t know if Heidi’s words were comforting or if the cub is getting used to being rolled over and gently squeezed here and there during his weekly exams, but he finally quieted down. It’s really quite cute how he lifts his head momentarily, trying to take in all the sights, and then suddenly he seems to melt onto the tabletop, eyes shut tightly, not seeming to notice the buzz of people around him. It’s really easy to guess when he’s going to snooze because he starts to yawn and he goes limp. In the end, the team had more than enough time to complete their exam and see that he gained a whole pound by consuming only Mom’s milk. Maybe next week all those little teeth under the gum lines will finally poke out. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Yadira Galindo is a senior public relations representative for the San Diego Zoo.
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October 20th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Today is not Nov. 20!
It’s Oct. 20! 
You Panda People are funny! Looks like our big boy just got bigger! When will we find out the top 5 names?
Moderator’s note: Yikes! We’ll make the correction. And you’ll have to give us time to go through the thousands of name submissions.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Still going strong
Can’t wait for his teeth!
October 20th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
He just keeps getting CUTER!! Just a little cute CHUBBY CUB and the whole world loves him! Waiting for the video to be posted so I can hear his little sounds, and want to kiss him all over!!!!
October 20th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I love this line: “he starts to yawn and he goes limp.” Too cute. And he gained a whole pound from last week. I love seeing updates on this little guy and can’t wait to see which names are selected for the voting process. As for Bai, what an awesome mommy you are as all of your cubs (past and present) can attest!
Thank you panda team for once again allowing us into your special world of working with these amazing creatures! You are amazing!
October 20th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
He is so adorable! I want to hug him so badly.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
He is getting bigger every week. He is so cute. Wish I could hold him while he is still small (getting bigger I mean). He is going to be bigger than his dad Gao Gao.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Yadira, how could you not be jealous? He is only just the cutest baby Panda born in 2009! It is so very sweet when he just falls asleep right in the middle of something. Thanks for sharing him with us.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
You mentioned his “little black nose” — but it still looks pink to me. When does the nose turn black, and when do the ears “stand up”?
Yadira responds: Oops! I did mean to say his nose is pink. The correction has been made.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I think the line up to hug the cubbie starts waaaaaaaaaaaay at the back
Great to see he’s gained a pound already and he was just examined on Thursday so he’s making up for lost time! Thank you for quenching our thirst for all things pandas with all the exams, the blogs and just taking all the time to answer our many questions and listen to us gush over this little guy. You guys are the best and waiting with excitement for the new video!
October 20th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
We noticed (on panda cam) baby seems to have a little black patch of fur on the underside of his tail. We know Xi Lan & Mei Lan (Zoo Atlanta) have a black patch of fur on the tip of their tails. Does Bai Yun, Gao Gao or any of the previous offsprings have this same marking?
October 20th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
OK, STOP IT!!!! I am positively green with envy!!! The thought of being right there and actually being able to control yourself while that chubby, furry, sleepy, little ball of absolute deliciousness is so close, is driving me NUTS!!!!! I swear on all that is dear that I absolutely would knock everyone over to just get my hands all over that little guy and plant so many kisses on that little nose that….. Oh dear…. I think I have totally lost it. Ummmmmmm…..could you please just ignore everything I just said???
October 20th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Aaaah! He is so adorable and so big! Woohoo! I was just watching him sleeping in the den and then suddenly stretch. I just melt when he stretches! And those adorable paws. Good grief, I can’t wait for the video of him. I have noticed some very aggressive nursing sessions so I am not surprised he gained so much! Bai is probably really glad those teeth have not come through yet. Ouch! This just made my day!!
October 20th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
HE JUST KEEPS GETTING CUTER!!!!!!! I wish I could hold him as well. He is ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE
October 20th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
What I too wouldn’t give to be the one holding him and comforting him! What a cute chubby cubbie. I can’t remember the last time I lost my heart so completely…oh wait, of course I remember…our beautiful little Zhen.
October 20th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I am totally hooked on the Pandas…the new Panda Cub is totallly amazing and captivates you….
October 20th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Oh he is sooo cute!!
He is the cutest thing ever! He is one big boy! what a cutie, I am in love!;) yeah he gained a whole pound! 
I just want to kiss him so much 
October 20th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Thanks again for the up date on our little man, I’m so glad he’s doing well. I can’t see how you can keep from kissing him all over. He is just tooooooo cute. I’m so in love with him and his Mommy.
Thank again, OXO for the baby
October 20th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Oh to be able to Hug a panda baby!!! Great update
Thank you so much SDZ staff for making these weekly exams part of our panda-fan lives!!! I too, cannot wait for the video and will have the sound turned up 
October 20th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
oh tiny most lovable little pandababy you just get cuter and cuter every single day.
October 20th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
#12 LOL! I thought of the same thing….Bai is sure glad those teeth are taking their time…! I can’t wait for the video….I am so jealous….you guys at least get to see him and hold him. Thanks for the update!
October 20th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Glad he made up his weight this week, and as kathy #9 noted, he gained it between Thursday and Tuesday. Bai Yun must have supercharged the milk for her little one. And as Debi #12 noted, he really does go after that milk aggressively. When Bai looks up into the camera, I always imagine her saying, “Does anyone know where I left the Bag Balm?”
Bring on the video!
October 20th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Wow, almost 10 pounds. He’s just so huge and still so adorable. I’m glad we’re not the only ones green with envy.
Earlier he looked like he was trying to crawl soooo much. He’d move, Bai would lick him some more and then when she left the den he was so pooped out he just collapsed into a heap of sleep. So darling. I love you Butter Dude. lol
October 20th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I can’t believe how much cuter he gets as the days go by…but, then I look at his Mom and I should know…he will be a knockout too!
I love checking up on him everyday (if possible) and reading all the updates! Looking forward to the video, so I can hear him again
THANKS…you guys make my day!!!
October 20th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
So adorable now on the live cam, just snoozing and stretching….and if there is a Chinese word for Roly Poly, then that would be the winner…..Mommy’s milk is sure making our little guy pudgie alright. Thanks for the report, Yadira, and I would like to cuddle him too.
October 20th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
To tide you over, there is a new video on YouTube called “Bai Yun and Cub in the Bedroom”. If you missed Bai pull the SLEEPING cub out of the den around 12:00 today, then you need to watch this!
Thanks for the heartwarming update Yadira! Lisa T. #4, I too loved that line: “he starts to yawn and he goes limp.” Who wouldn’t melt upon reading or experiencing that first hand! Lucky SDZ staff! But you guys deserve it for all your hard work and efforts on behalf of the pandas, and in your spare time, us pandaholics! Thank you so much!
October 20th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Actually, I was watching him earlier–he’s really putting a lot of effort into trying to crawl so it’s no wonder he tired himself out! It seems as if Bai Yun will let him do as much as he can, and then when he just can’t any more, she’ll go and get him. He was trying to follow her into the den but he just couldn’t make it up that little step. For now, but the more he tries, the stronger he’ll get and I imagine Bai Yun knows this–5th baby, after all! I’ve also noticed that since his eyes opened, Mama’s taking him out more to get him used to the light. Bai Yun is an amazing creature; for all that pandas are supposed to be solitary animals, I get the feeling that Bai Yun is happiest when she has a baby to care for
xox
October 20th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
poor guy all he wants to do is sleep ..i watch mama last nite cleanin him up and one of his paw was covering his eye like he was embarrssed lol he is so dang handsome! I don’t think we will see him crawl asap bcuz all he do is sleep!
October 20th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Yadira did say “cute little pink nose.” = – )
That’s funny, when momma Bai looks up at the camera while baby is eating, it looks to me like she’s saying “Dear Lord, this kid is a handful” lovingly, of course, because she sure does love to hug and lick and love the little rascal all over!
Yeah, #11 Candy, you’d knock everyone over to get to baby, and they’d promptly show you the door! haha!
I miss my Zhennie…all I saw of her this morning, was the back of her cute little self, sitting…eating….boo.
Thank you, SDZ.
October 20th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I have a comment about a name suggestion that I have seen many times on this response board.
Lots of people have suggested naming the little guy “Gao Yun” after his dad and mom. The naming committee might find it useful to know that Gao Yun does not mean Big Cloud, it actually means Cloud High in the Sky. This is because Gao means big in terms of height, not weight. In the case of Gao Gao, his name technically translates to Tall Tall, but Big Big roughly means the same thing, so it’s fine. Gao Yun, on the other hand, definitely refers to a cloud that is high in the sky, not a cloud that is big in size.
I know it seems like a nit-picky detail. It’s just that many people have suggested Gao Yun because they think that it means Big Cloud. Big Cloud is really cute and it does fit this cub (cute, fluffy, big and round). However, that’s not what Gao Yun means.
October 20th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Oh, please post the video before I leave tomorrow. How can I go two weeks without seeing it???????
October 20th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Aw. I should have submitted the name “Ball of Joy”! It goes well with his roly polyness.
October 20th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
DO YOU SUPPOSE THIS WOULD WORK????
WE CAN DRESS AS THE PANDA TEAM…WALK RIGHT IN… SQEEZE, HUG AND KISS AND THEN RUN…
I THOUGHT IT WAS WORTH A TRY!!!!!!!
October 20th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
#25 thanks for posting about YouTube. I’ve just watched and am captivated. This little guy is so adorable. I loved when they said he yawns and he goes limp. Can hardly wait for the video. Thank you for all the updates, and for having the Panda Cam.
October 20th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Pandafan#2…Asking the same question over and over, when you have already gotten a responce 2-3 times from our overworked moderator, is not going to make the process go any quicker. Just have some patience for the very hard working staff, and the names will be up as soon as they can be…I myself have noticed the little hairs sticking out of Mr. Pips tail in certain postcards I have sent to myself and my poor family,who have put up with my postcards for the last 4 years of cubs and mommies and sisters and brother panda bears in various stages of growth. The hairs stick out like little antenna…very cute, just like everything else on this little bear.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I was wondering if you guys even do get to kiss on the little guy??? Do you resist to keep Momma from getting the scent?? Just curious. It would be absolutely impossible for me not to. He’s so precious!!
Thanks again for this awesome priviledge!
October 20th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
I love him so much it hurts!!!! I need to say something: I know she’s never gonna admit it, but don’t you think Heidi, or whoever gets to carry the cub from the den to the exam room doesn’t sneak a kiss on his head on her way there?????? If it were me, I couldn’t help myself
October 20th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Yadira, YOU have a whole ton of jealous people lined up that would just LOVE to hold and kiss that little cutie cubbie!! OMG!!! 9.25 pounds already!! He’s still got that round tummy from watching him on the pandacam off and on, including today. I’m glad that those teeth have not come thru yet either! Bai does not like little baby teeth poking on her! But, those teeth will start coming thru sooner than later, so Bai will have to get used to that all over again. Can’t wait for the vid and pics to come out tomorrow to see how this cub does with the vets! I love hearing him sound off at everyone!
I did see the cub today on the pandacam 3 different times of the day, and he was all by himself napping all 3 times in the den by himself. He’s just waaaaay toooooo cute and furry!
Well, gonna go and get back on the pandacam. Lots of love to the cubbie! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 20th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I have not commented before, but have been watching the Panda Cam since the cub was born. He is growing by leaps and bounds and is adorable. It seems I can’t get enough. It is amazing how attached each of us gets to this little guy (big guy). I have a question about Bai Yun – when she can no longer have cubs will she be allowed to live out her life here? I’d hate to see her leave when this is the only home she has known for many years.
Moderator’s note: Our current agreement with China states that we’ll have Bai Yun and Gao Gao for at least four more years.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Reading this reminded me of when we first brought our chihuahua home. He got so worn out when I took him out to “do his business”, I put him down with all four feet on the ground and he promptly fell over on his side. So I propped him up on his feet again and he fell over again.
I would have wanted Heidi’s job too. Just rubbing under his chin and cooing, I might have had to sneak a kiss though.
He is growing so quickly. I wish it would slow down just a little so we could enjoy it all the longer.
Thanks for all you do.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I think that he’s trying to get attention!
All the same, he is too cute!!!! Wish he was always this little. I wonder…..is he trying to be nocturnal, or just get enough rest for his big public debut in Dec.?
October 20th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Thanks so much Yadira for the detailed update. I am very pleased that the exam is earlier in the week this time. Just can’t seem to get enough of baby stud muffin.
Candy C (#11)- your post is too funny. I am sure alot of us will follow suit if given the chance. Little guy is way worth it.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Oh strange! Bai must have taking the cub for an outing, but if you look at the boo on the den floor, you can actually see a shadow, or rather an imprint, of the cub and where he was lying! He must have been sweaty or something! Neat! Must take photo of this!
October 20th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
#11 I totally understand what you’re saying… would give anything to have a chance to hold the little one, or even be in the same room with him. He’s just too cute for words!! And Mommy Bai sure knows how to take care of her little ones, doesn’t she? Gained another pound on nothing but delicious fatty milk from mom. Oh boy! Can’t wait to see the video of this exam.
Moderators, do you have stats on when the teeth erupted for the other cubs? Is it normal for Chubby Cubby to be so late in having his teeth come through?
Thanks for all the wonderful postings that keep us up to date on our little heartbreaker!
Moderator’s note: Check the Panda Cub Milestones page.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I wonder what happens when the “chosen keeper” moves OUR CUB from the den to the exam room. What happens when OUR GUY is out of camera range for those brief moments? Can we really TRUST this keeper? Do you think she is taking STOLEN KISSES while the camera is out of range? I am not sure there is anything we beyond the cameras and fences can do about this situation, but we can lodge our complaints about UNFAIR ADORATION! Again, if you are desperate for giant panda cub contact, be sure to visit the Zoo’s store and purchase your own cub. And just think, YOU can name your own cub whatever you like!
October 20th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
How great to warch Bai Yun and cubbie out in the sun room! Bai looks like she’s in mommy panda paradise–a bunch of boo to roll around in and a little one to play with. And maybe a little nap. Ahhhhhh.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
The big baby!
I love so.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
#25 Jayne O. , thanks for the video alert. I suspect Bai Yun wanted to give her cub a thorough wash after all those human hands handled her cubby and decided she better do that with daylight to see what she was doing and make sure he was really clean under all the angles!! I don’t know if anybody else noticed that, but when our mellow fellow tries to move or stand on his feet, most of the time his hind paws are in the proper position to stand on it. Most of the previous cubs I have watched growing were, at first, trying to get up with their hind legs stretched behind them and therefore their paws were not in a position to stand on it. I observed that it seems to be the hardest thing for them to learn: put their hind legs under their tummy. When our mellow fellow tries to walk, you barely can see his hind legs from above, which means they are under him. A really cleaver little guy…
October 20th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Just when you think he can’t get any cuter along comes a wonderful description of the latest exam & more pictures
No doubt this cubbie has taken the world by storm 
Less than an hour after this latest posting there are already 25 comments 
Thanks SDZ for letting us see into the world of the Giant Panda
#25 – Jayne O – thanks for the heads up on the video on youtube – am guessing you are Doxiemom – you have captured many moments that I missed – so thanks
October 20th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
9 lbs? WOW……what a chubby cub.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Awwww, each cub is so special and endearing! God bless all the pandas in the world, of course, especially the SDZ royalties!
October 20th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
you said so so just name him ROLLY POLLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 20th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
No wonder he has gained weight……he doesn’t move much. Even Momma has trouble waking him up to feed! Can’t wait for the current video since he was shown on the local news tonite sleeping during it.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
October 20th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Yadira, thank you very much for an entertaining update: you made me smile and wish that I am in that very room too…and perhaps, like Candy C (post #11), I won’t stop hugging and kissing Butter Dude (loved that name, Jennie (post #22).
Momma Bai, you are one WONDERFUL MOMMA!!!
Thank you, SDZ….you are the very best.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
It’s 6:02pm right now and Momm Bai brings in some bamboos in the den:-). Isn’t she sooooooo wonderful? Now, I truly wish I live near SDZ. I would love to be one of the volunteers…hmmm, someday:-). I promise I’ll finish school, so I can move down there:-). Now, being an SDZ volunteer is an inspiration to finish school:-).
Thanks, Mommy Bai, Daddy Gao, Su, ZZ and Butter Dude-Roly Poly for making me a part of your lives.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Judy In Texas – in the previous blog you asked if pandas were being raised with dogs & trained to fight – the answer is yes -if captive born Giant Pandas are to released into the wild they need to know how take care of themselves
The goal of the Chinese is to save these magnificent animals from extinction. That said the goal is to release captive bred pandas into the wild. If these pandas have been hand raised by a human keeper & are used to finding bamboo, biscuits & other panda food in it’s enclosure it will not be able to survive in the wild. The Panda Team has mentioned several times that a captive born male was released into the wild a few years ago & died from wounds after a fight with another male wild panda. 
China was criticized for keeping his death a secret for months but mostly for releasing a human raised, pampered, captive bred male into the wild that was unable to take care of itself 
So yes, now China is trying to train some of their males pandas to be more aggressive – we must remember the goal is to save the Giant Panda – it is a WILD ANIMAL & not some cute cuddly bear we see on the panda cam. But for those who worry, none of our zoo raised pandas will be released into the wild
but possibly some of our pandas offspring may someday produce a cub born in the wild
October 20th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
I asked on the growing panda blog about the paws and claws on the cub, are his claws hard and sharp or are they more like a human baby’s fingernails that stay softer for several months? He is cute as a button, I love his paws and his long claws facinate me.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Oh my, that video is just PRECIOUS!
October 20th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I love watching the Panda Cam! I wish I could hold him and pet him! I hope you pick a
good name for him, nothing stupid! I send postcards of him all the time. It looked like
Mom was rocking baby watching a short time ago. You can tell his mom really loves
him! Wish we could have seen the exam.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
The eighth exam video is the cutest yet.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
I am noticing that he sleeps a lot. He barely even sees his mom anymore. She’s so busy elsewhere, it seems. What is a normal amount of awake vs sleep time in baby pandas?
October 20th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
I can’t recall, were the other cubs this mellow and docile at this age?
Last night saw Bai turn on her side and wait for the cub to move by his own volition to nurse, which of course did not happen.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
This little chubby churub has captured the hearts of so many people! It is heartwarming to see comments from all over the USA. Have hopes of going to visit one of China’s panda reserves sometime in the next year.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
He gets more chubbier, cuter, and handsome with each passing day. Bai has done such a wonderful job with him as with her previous cubs.
I am looking forward to the video of this exam. I keep checking for it………….
Thank you for the update. I, like so many other fans on this blog, would love to just cuddle with this little guy. He is so mellow……….LOL………………
October 20th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Oh lucky, lucky Heidi! It was just adorable at around :40 in the exam video when you gave him some chin scritches and made soothing noises to calm him–he looked right over at you like you were his mama and settled in!
What a big beautiful boy!
October 20th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
HE JUST KEEPS GETTING CUTER! He is so cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 20th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
he is getting cuter as he gets bigger. Is there a “Pandaholics Anonymous”?
October 20th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
I love the look of disgust on Plumpers’ face that you had the NERVE to take him out of his den while he was napping! He looks like he was really ticked off. Of course, once the exam got underway it was obvious from the pictures that Plumpers went into “super charm” mode if the look on Nannykeeper Heidi’s face is any indication.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
He is just adorable but I was hoping to see the video!!!!
October 20th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Hello to all Panda lovers ! Just in case my name for cubby does NOT get picked, Ha Ha, I want to share with you. Don’t you think he looks like the classic Victorian “Man in the Moon”? Like he has a little grin like he knows something and is about to tell us ! Panda in the Moon, I looked up that name, and there is something in Chinese for “Lady in the Moon” but that would not fit here and it is really long. Panda Moon might, its shorter, and when we all look up to a full moon, we will remember that ROUND panda face, and that we all live under the same moon! Yippee for Panda Moon….our round, happy, grinning, Panda face !
Panda in the Moon (Xiong Mao zhong tai yin) Too long help:
Panda = Xiong Mao
in = zhong
the moon = tai yin
Panda Moon = Xiong Mao tai yin
Full Moon = yuan
October 20th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
are you allowed to kiss his little pink nose or does that have to be done in secret? hee hee.
October 20th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I still we should name him George. Is thier anyone that knows the chinese name for it?
October 20th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
I dont speak english, but I cant say it’s a beutiful baby I love hem so much. I from to Mexico and every day I saw a dream of a baby. Thank you for this chance. Kisses for little baby.
October 20th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Yo no hablar Inglés, pero puedo decir que es un bebé beutiful I love hem tanto. Yo soy de a México y cada día que lo veo es un sueño de bebé. Gracias por esta oportunidad. Besos para bebé.
October 20th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
I just got my stuffed Panda Bear Cub from Shopzoo.com. It is so adorable like our little cubbie. I’ve decided I am going to name him the same name as our little friend ( when it comes out). Whether I like it or not….lol. Thank you staff at the zoo for all you do. I always wanted to be a vet when I was younger. I am a MRI tech. Still medical, I guess. This cub has captured so many of our hearts. Keep those videos coming. Bai Yun & Gao Gao you are the best for giving us this little one.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Thank you for all the updates. He is very big. After I see him I go and give my stuff panda bear in my room a hug it help because I would love to hug he so much. Have fun with him.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
OK, I have to add: The cub is a cutie!
October 20th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
What a little beauty he is, watching the video of the 8th exam today…what a beautiful child.
Good job, momma.
Thank you so much, China, four more years with Ms. Bai and Mister Gao.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
At first, he protest with his bleat, then he can’t help falling asleep, and at last, he give us a fantastic smile. He definitly is a super star since he was born. Thank you for the update.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
It is so much fun to read this post!! #11 made me laugh out loud! – I and so many others share your sentiment!!! After i watch the video I can hardly STAND it and I love sharing panda love with everyone. I have been a pandaholic since 1999 when Hua Mei was born…… Watching this miracle is something I never take for granted!! Thank you Yadira and the wonderful SDZ staff for sharing this experience with us!! You guys are great!!
October 20th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Rita #62–cubbie is way more mellow than Miss ZZ was/is. I went back and tried to find an equivalent exam blog about her and found one from Oct. 25, 2007. In the picture, she is standing on her forepaws (well, sitting, but with her upper body raised all by herself) and looking alertly into the camera. They have totally different personalities, as do Bai Yun and Gao Gao. I don’t know what the others were like as cubs, as I joined the panda adoration club when Zhennie was born. I think cubbie knows that the world (and stolen kisses) will come to him, whereas Miss ZZ was/is our Miss Independence, our intrepid explorer. Guess we’ll just have to stay tuned and watch the magic.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
This video just killed me! Must hug him! Must kiss him! Can’t control myself! He has the most amazing and expressive face and his whimpers just melt my heart. I’m going to hug and kiss Pasha my Pomeranian like crazy, but I hope he doesn’t find out I’ll be fantasizing about hugging the cub. This is the best video ever, thank you so much!
October 21st, 2009 at 12:02 am
#39 Lisa, I remember the same thing happening when we got our latest kitten home a few years ago. My daughter played with her for hours and she just keeled over (the kitten, not my daughter!) and slept for hours.
Yadira, what a really fun post to read. Heidi, can I have your job? Yes, I know, get a ticket and wait in line!! Love the video, love that Panda.
Any of you who remember I’m growing bamboo, an update. It’s growing beautifully and is really bushy now. Little cubbie would fit very nicely!
October 21st, 2009 at 12:14 am
For those of you who haven’t yet seen this, go to Pandas Live On and look at the US Panda Reunion at the Pumpkin Patch.
October 21st, 2009 at 1:12 am
Once again…. OMG!!! He’s sooo CUTE!! Cutest video ever. I love how he protests, then falls fast asleep after just a few scratches under his chin. What an EASY baby. Perhaps because he feels so safe, secure, and loved by all. If only he could talk, he could tell us how many times he’s been kissed, and by who. How much do you want to bet he’s been kissed by more than one person? Come on zoo keepers, moderators, anybody who has access to him, you know it’s true!
October 21st, 2009 at 1:43 am
Just had a quick watch of the video without sound (I’m at work) It looks like his nose is starting to get it’s pigmentation and I love that Y shaped marking, I hope it stays so that it’s an easy way to identify him on panda cam when he’s older.
He certainly knows how to play to the camera already.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:05 am
29 Dear Anna
Thank you for explaining about the translation. I became aware of the fact that Gao meant “tall” rather than “big” when name choices were first being submitted. I mentioned it on one of the blogs stating that it seemed to fit perfectly for Gao Gao because he is a master at handstand scenting, which is a technique only some males seem to accomplish. Scenting this way places the bear’s scent “higher” on what he is marking, making him appear “taller”, therefore bigger, therefore more dominant. My clarification seemed to go unnoticed as everyone continued to state their preference for Gai Yun. This led me to believe that perhaps my sources were wrong so I let it go.
Hopefully the fact that you translated “Gai Yun” rather than “Gai” like I did will make more people understand the fact that Gai Yun does not mean what everyone thinks it does. Thank you for doing a better job than I did.
32 Tami Michaud
I don’t think your plan will work; but if you decide to try it, let me know—I’M IN!!! Hee Hee
Dear Moderator,
Since I read somewhere that in the wild a mother panda sometimes continues to care for her cub up to three years, doesn’t 6 months seem like it would really upset the natural order of things and somehow hurt the cubs because they didn’t have a mommy as long as they should have? I do understand that they are focused on increasing the panda population as soon as possible in case the worst happens and it is left up to the captive panda population for the species’ survival. But at what cost? Why don’t they do it like the SDZ does it, and allow the mom’s to wean their cubs when THEY say it’s time (at approximately 18 months)??? Have studies been done PROVING the cubs are not negatively affected, or is this a case of not being able to control how other people do things?
I’ve been trying to convince myself that the Chinese know a lot more about pandas than I do, so I shouldn’t be concerned. But, I am!
Well, Mommy just came in and is cuddling our not so “little man”. I’m leaving to enjoy the sight. It calms me (even more than herbal tea–Hee Hee
) Thanks moderator. Have a beautiful day!!
P.S. 9.25 lbs.—Way to go our mellow munchkin!! Three cheers for Mommy Bai!!! XXX OOO
October 21st, 2009 at 5:08 am
Here in Ohio it’s your typical fall weather dark and gloomy ! But with the Panda Cam you can click and watch Mama and Baby cuddle together with such loving emotions it’s just like a “Ray Of Sunshine” Thank You all for your hard work and dedication .
October 21st, 2009 at 5:15 am
I was so tire and planed to leave work early today. But after I watched this video, I am fine and ready for work. The 8th wonders of the world. Thank you,…, thank you SDZ and staff. That’s got to be the cutest thing, and his darling voice … my heart…
October 21st, 2009 at 5:46 am
I hope our mellow fellow will remember the smell of his loving mommy… lol
October 21st, 2009 at 6:03 am
What a heartbreaker … love the little guy.
October 21st, 2009 at 6:07 am
Thank you for the video update on the chubster.Made my Wed morning.Time to get a quick peek at the cam and off to work.
October 21st, 2009 at 6:39 am
Baby is so cute–love the little noises he makes during his exams. Wish I could hold him. Thank you again for sharing everything with us.
October 21st, 2009 at 6:59 am
I just watched the video of yesterday’s exam. He is so adorable! I just want to play with him and nap with him (Bai can nurse and bathe him, though!). He is such a gentle, good-natured little guy that it will be interesting to see how his personality develops or if he will remain a mellow fellow! When you take him for his exams, do you usually try to get him after a long nursing period, so he is sleepy and content? Do you have any worries about how sleepy he seems to be, or is this just natural for a cub of this age? And how incredibly cute are his paws!!!! He always looks so small in the den, though definitely getting bigger, but when you show the videos of the exams I can’t believe how huge he is. What a lovely round face he has, too! Just like a full moon!
October 21st, 2009 at 6:59 am
We all know there is no money in the budget for sound on the panda cam… but do you all listen to them when they are in there? The reason I ask, we all know how VOCAL this wonderful little man can be… we have all seen how he seems to TOTALLY protest when Mommy turns him upside down to “clean him” (my bet is Bai Yun thinks he sounds adorable when he sweaks too and does it on purpose!) So to my VERY IMPORTANT question! Does he make all kinds of noise when Bai Yun has him upside down cleaning him? If you do not know.. WE MUST KNOW!!! Can one of you sweet kind wonderful people be noisy and listen and let us know! He just looks like he is yelling at her to stop each time she does it! Please let us panda insane people know!!! This is very important to us! We must find out!
October 21st, 2009 at 7:11 am
I do believe our sweet boy was trying to blow kisses to everyone at the end of the exam. He knows he’s special! (Rightfully so!)
October 21st, 2009 at 7:16 am
I have noticed all of Bai’s cubbies walking much earlier then other cubs. Does the webbed feet they have all inherited from Daddy Gao have anything to do with them being able to get a better grip and get control of those back leggies better.
October 21st, 2009 at 7:38 am
Great work on the latest Chubby Big Bruiser Cubby Physical….My wife enjoys every blog as she is still in the hospital with degenerative Bone Joint disease……I found a new web-site for all Pandaholis that actually shows all 4 USA Webcams at one time : Daniel’s Multiple Panda Cam Feeds.
October 21st, 2009 at 7:39 am
This little guy just keeps getting cuter and cuter! I’m not getting any work done because I can’t keep my eyes off of him! As always thanks for the videos and keep them coming!
October 21st, 2009 at 8:34 am
I remember that I read an article somewhere in the SDZ panda website a few years ago , it described the character of baby Hua Mei as “ stubborn” . We pandalovers prefer a positive saying of stubborn which is “determined”.
There are three video clips in youtube show how determined the baby pandas could be , search for “EscapingBabyPandas ” , “Willful Lin Ping”and “Lin Ping’s New Bamboo Barrier”.
October 21st, 2009 at 8:47 am
Thanks for the update Yadira! I don’t know how it is possible but he gets cuter and cuter each week.
The video was priceless. Oh how I wish I was a panda keeper. Maybe in my next life………………….
October 21st, 2009 at 8:56 am
Just wondering when Gao Gao and Bai Yun go back to China in 4 years..is that mean they have to learn and understand Chinese? Since the staff only speak in English here…
October 21st, 2009 at 9:23 am
I’m so grateful that the video was posted before I left! Thank you so much. He couldn’t be any cuter! I’ll check next week if I have internet service. I’m going to miss you all; especially watching all day.
October 21st, 2009 at 9:25 am
OK, everyone is so enchanted by the sight of a sleeping panda. It is cute to see, but it’s starting to seem to me that he’s sleeping more than he did a couple of weeks ago. Even when Bai comes in and starts to nudge him; he sleeps. Is there anything to worry about? Should he be so exhausted after only a few minutes of trying to crawl? In the wild, mother animals abandon those that aren’t progressing normally. I hope Chubby’s lethargy is normal because I’d hate to see Bai walk away. I hope this is the quiet before “the storm.” It isn’t all about cute, after all.
Moderator’s note: Each cub is different, as we continue to delight in discovering.
October 21st, 2009 at 9:40 am
I would give anything to just be able to hold him. He is so cute, and I am so addicted to these Panda cubs that I am driving everyone at work crazy.
First it was Zhen Zhen and now this little guy! I’m in heaven!
October 21st, 2009 at 9:46 am
Susan #84–thanks for letting us know about the “Pumkin Card” at Pandasliveon–it’s adorable and even shows all the U.S. pandas’ relative sizes to each other.
P Wong–is there a festival coming up that the pandas are preparing for at this time of year?
October 21st, 2009 at 9:50 am
He seemed to fuss a lot when having his ears looked at. Poor little bear.
October 21st, 2009 at 10:00 am
Another beautiful and heartwarming video of “our” gorgeous panda cub, thank you so much, Yadira for the video and your report. One thing is for sure: this little guy knows already how to charm the whole word. I love to hear him protest, his voice is sooo sweet. And when he looks at you with his cute baby face….. I feel the same as all of you pandaholics. I just wish I could hold and cuddle him! But I guess I would not let go any more! #39 Lisa and #83 Susan I had exactly the same experience whenever I brought home a kitten or when my cat had kittens. They do play until being totally exhausted and then, from one second to the other, seem to “drop dead” enjoying a good and healthy snooze. And so does our little guy here, mind you, most probably only until Momma Bai wakes him up again to “wash away the human scent” after the exam. She is such an excellent mother! Thank you again, SDZ team, for enabling us to be part of the Gao/Bai family.
October 21st, 2009 at 10:05 am
AHA!!! Did all of you “I want to kiss him so badly” pandaholics notice that at the end of the 8th exam video it looks like the keeper is puckering up and leaning in for a quick smooch????? LOL Certainly it only looks that way. She couldn’t have done that… Or could she??
October 21st, 2009 at 10:10 am
Although I have watched the video here a couple of times — I still caught myself waiting to see the clip at the end of the news last night and again this morning — as did my pup Diego — who found the cub’s noises very interesting. He looked at me at the end and thought that maybe I had brought home a new toy for him. Sadly no — but I think he would love to have Fluffy Butt to play with — as would I!
October 21st, 2009 at 10:26 am
I just finished watching the video for the third time and I just can’t resist watching him. I leave for California 3 weeks from today and will be at the SDZ on the 13th. I got my VIP tickets for a behind the scenes tour and If I just happen to see a certain panda baby around HE’S MINE for the taking. I have a question, has anyone heard from Mei Shengs keeper Scott as to how he’s doing.
October 21st, 2009 at 10:45 am
Leticia from Las Vegas,
Good question Leticia. Since our bears have been trained and understand English, what will they do about the language barrier???
Rita and Frances in NYC!
I know it is natural to compare our past cubs with our new little man. I agree with you that it will be very interesting to see what the future holds. After watching quite a few videos of Zhen Zhen, I agree she is an adorable little spitfire. But, don’t let Baby Boy’s mellowness fool you. Other experienced viewers have commented that he is a bit precocious when it comes to sitting up by himself, or pulling his little hind legs “under” his belly at this age into the required position to walk. That takes a lot of strength; but it also takes a lot of thought and willpower. Perhaps he seems “quieter” because he’s expending so much energy figuring out how to accomplish his feats. Using so much energy will make the little guy sleep VERY soundly. I KNOW you adore our little man so please don’t misunderstand me. Although I am a bit partial to this baby (he’s my first cubbie); I love ZZ too. I believe like his daddy, this one is meant for “greatness”.
I have to do some work now
BLAUGH! Have a wonderful afternoon friends! I’ll check in later 
October 21st, 2009 at 10:47 am
I am glad I am not the only one who watches these exam videos more than once, or twice, or….! Last night while watching the 8th exam video, I had one of my cats in my lap, who, like 110. Cheryl’s pup Diego, found the cub’s vocalizations very interesting.
October 21st, 2009 at 10:54 am
I’m not certain that sharing our plans (for our hugging and kissing session on chubby cubby) with our WONDERFUL moderator (brownie points for us) is the best plan. However, it is our only means of communication, so we’ll have to take the chance. I would like to be the leader in this plot. I am almost 65, legally blind, with deg. disc disease. Therefore, I will go rolling through the doors in a wheelchair while flailing my white cane about!! That will startle everyone so much and they will feel the need to be gentle with me (old age and all) and the rest of you can very QUIETLY grab chub cub (don’t want to upset mom) and we’ll lock ourselves in the first room we find. THEN, being the leader, I will get to be the FIRST to plant kisses on that little nose. When I am done, I will gently pass him on. I’m thinking perhaps we can bribe our WONDERFUL moderator to help if we promise to give him/her a minute or two with our little baby fluff butt. As soon as mom comes looking for him, you are all on your own!!! Now, the most important thing of all, keep this quiet – we don’t want anyone to find out. I will put on my ninja gear right now and start for San Diego. Meet me at the zoo. By the way, I live in Iowa and don’t drive, of course, so can’t be certain about my arrival time. just be patient….it will all be worth it!!! Think about it WONDERFUL moderator….
Moderator’s note: I can just picture it, Candy C.!
October 21st, 2009 at 10:58 am
104 Shirley,
At one point I was VERY concerned about how soundly our little guy sleeps. Our wonderful moderator reassured me and let me know that there are people checking in on him all the time; and the vets are on call 24/7. So don’t worry, I don’t anymore.
If you are getting bored with watching the munchkin sleep. Be patient, I don’t know much about pandas, I’m still learning, but like I said in a previous entry–experienced panda-viewers have commented on the fact that Baby Boy has done a few things earlier than the other cubs. I’m sure he will do some things later than the other cubs too. I think it is like with human children, they all develop at their own pace. Like the many different kinds of flowers, they are all a little different; but it takes all of them to make a spectacular garden!!
October 21st, 2009 at 11:23 am
Oh my goodness, he is so cute!
October 21st, 2009 at 11:24 am
I was just wondering if he protests when mom is flipping him all around, or is it only when he’s taken out of the den and examined by people.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:31 am
Candy C #114 – Love You! That’s what I like, a good sense of humour. We can dream, can’t we?
October 21st, 2009 at 11:34 am
Thank you for another enjoyable update. I just watched the exam video three times and it is my favorite so far. Mr. Cub surpasses any words that can describe cute and adorable. He’s so woolly now. He showed us his cute tongue and gums. He was like putty in Heidi’s hands as she held him up at the end of the exam. She’s a lucky woman to hold him and stroke his fuzzy cheeks during the exam! I chuckled when I think I heard Dr. Beth refer to him as ‘rotund.’ I love that he is so laid-back. He is a distuinguished little gentleman.
I’ve been wondering for a month when his nose will turn black. I went back and looked at the blogs to see when Su Lin’s and Zhen Zhen’s noses turned from pink to black. From what I could tell from the pictures, their noses were still pink around mid-November but were black by the beginning of December. Do their paw pads change from pinkish to black around the same time as the nose?
October 21st, 2009 at 11:35 am
Hay Candy #114 sounds like a good plan count me in LOL
October 21st, 2009 at 11:47 am
#102 Leticia — Keep in mind that Bai spent her first 5 years and Gao almost 11 years in China so Chinese is their first language. One of the panda narrators told me that Bai Yun always stops and listens when visitors to the panda exhibit are speaking Chinese.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:53 am
I’m right behind you Candy, but I wonder if there is another way. I could take a cotton swab, put it in his mouth and steal some dna, we could clone him then we could all have our very own Panda. We wouldn’t have to give him a Chinese name, chubby cubby will do. I was on you tube last night and had so much fun watching all the Pandas. It is fun to see them getting a bath in what looks like China, they all wait in the other room for their bath, soap and all. counted 7 at one time all climbing on each other to watch the other getting his bath. They look like they can’t wait for thier turn.
me
October 21st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Candy C #114–wonderful images indeed. Some of the rest of us can dress up like bamboo and help you sneak in. Of course we’ll have to be very careful that Bai doesn’t grab us and shake us around or roll over on us or–heaven forefend–eat us. We’ll have to plan carefully…
October 21st, 2009 at 12:54 pm
# 100 IHN from Asia, thanks for the video alert. There is an even funnier video of Lin Ping on YouTube: “Lin Ping Being a Rascal”. She has now learned to climb on the bamboo barrier in a flash and she is still trying to push herself between the metalic bars. I think we have another ZZ in the making…
Too bad I can’t find the video showing Tai Shan climbing on his mother’s back to escape their room through the window of the door. But I found another video “Tai Shan comes through the window!” of the escaping artist…
October 21st, 2009 at 12:57 pm
It is amazing how many people from all over the world are all enthralled and love the Pandas and how all of us are in total agreement on how amazing the staff is and how incredible they are to all of the fans in keeping us informed of everything that goes on in Panda World…..It is astounding how loved these incredible gifts of nature are….all of the other animals in the world should be as loved….I love the Pandas and watching the Baby Panda grow is a true joy and makes my day…
October 21st, 2009 at 3:00 pm
*Big sigh* I am ssssssooooooooooo in love!!!! This little man is just too adorable!! Thanks for the video!!!!!
For all the keepers, veterinarians, nurses, etc who take care of this little man, I hope you enjoy your job because you are doing great things with these pandas and also all the other creatures!!!
Thanks!!!
Sophie
October 21st, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Candy C., (#114), count me in on your hijinks in hugging that cutie cubbie! I’m all for it!!!
Finally got on the pandacam late this afternoon EDT, and little chubby cubby was napping in the den by himself. He looks soooooooooooo adorable!!
Gonna go for now. Will be back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 21st, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Sue Martz, YES! There is a “Pandaholics Anonymous”!!!!!!! And, it’s ALL OF US on this comment page (and several others on other past comment pages)!!! Unfortunately, this PA will not cure all of us of the undying love and devotion for these lovely, adorable panda bears! So, guess what??? You, as well as the rest of us, are stuck on the panda addiction—FOR LIFE! These bears will steal your heart in a heartbeat, especially the cubs!! My advice, ENJOY!! Watching pandas on pandacams can and will relieve whatever stress that you have had during the day! Have fun, girlfriend!! LOL!!!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 21st, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Cub No. 5 Haiku
Beautiful dreamer;
Blissfully unaware that
He’s a sign of hope.
October 21st, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Just watched the video of the cub’s vet check exam. He was a little bit noisier this time around but not as loud to where Bai can hear him. He is still very relaxed when the vet gets his weight and measurements, and he behaved very well for them. I did noticed when they got the cam on his face and he yawned that his bottom front teeth are ready to poke thru the gum line. I’m glad that those are baby teeth!
Gonna go for now!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 21st, 2009 at 3:47 pm
If we should happen to NOT get arrested, eaten, or locked in the new refrigerater, I have the escape covered! I have a handicapped license plate, so I can park anywhere. Of course, i have to drive from Pa. to San Diego, so give me a week at least. Meet me at Panda Canyon…I’ll be the one who’s face matches the Most Wanted Poster at your local Post Office.
October 21st, 2009 at 4:05 pm
What time of the day is he most active? I seem to always get on the cam when he is sleeping and no movement.
And, are their regular times he nurses, or just when hungry and she hears him? Thanks I love the cam!!
San Rafael, CA
October 21st, 2009 at 4:43 pm
So far we have 5 conspiritors (sp) Candy the leader, Pat, Frances, Widget and me. Pat what will you bring to the table? Widget is in charge of escape and I’m the dna expert. Frances is in charge of our disguises. We have to make it very late at night to make sure all keepers are napping!
I don’t even think we have to be quiet because Chubby Cubbie won’t wake up anyway. Bai might still be eating so we will need a distraction for her.
me
October 21st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Over Nine Pounds and 22 inches long!!! Mr. Chubbie now weighs as much as my little Chihuahua-Mini Pin, Max
Max can make me feel as if I’ve become Bai Yun or Lun Lun when we play together; I call him ‘Wild Child’ 
He is also somewhat jealous of the time I spend watching the Pandas. When Mr. Chubbie ’speaks’ when I’m watching the videos, Max will look at me quisically and respond with a very concerned, “Woof”. I have told Max all about my ‘habit’; he understands….sort of 
October 21st, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Crazy as it sounds I’d love to curl up with baby and take a nap. He seems to sink into such a deep slumber. He’s the same weight as my puppy (although much rounder)…..and for the record I’m jealous of anyone working with the pandas…..jealous jealous jealous!!! Lucky all of you!!!
October 21st, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Thanks for having panda blogs mobile version now! I am watching the little cub almost every day and waiting for the videos and pictures too on mobile. You are a great team there, congratulations for your work!
October 21st, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Sue #129 – love your haiku! I’m a great haiku fan, also.
Little furry one
Object of adoration
Sleep on blissfully
The world is watching
With great anticipation
But cannot hear you
October 21st, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Thank you so much for keeping us updated. We all feel like Baby Boy Panda is ours. This is an amazing process and I am thankful to be able to watch!
October 21st, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I would love to hear the noises in the den right now. Chubbie is wanting to move around and Bai wants a cat nap! It is so funny. It is her fault though, he was sleeping nice when she came in and woke him up. Now she is paying the price. He is climbing all over her and hitting her face and she keeps trying to keep him still. It is all too cute!
October 21st, 2009 at 6:51 pm
On Oct. 21st at 18:54 by the clock on the screen……Bai Yun was actually pushing the cub around so much and he almost looked like he was trying to play with her or bite her nose. She kept her arm against his head like she was trying to prevent him from nursing!
I have never seen him this awake and active…..either that, or due to poor screen views, he was asleep and she was flipping him around.
So exciting to see such activity after all these weeks! Check out the time lapse for that exact time to see what has been happening over the last several minutes.
October 21st, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I just watched them both playing with each other, then they both fell asleep………….soooooooooooo adoreable………………….
October 21st, 2009 at 7:23 pm
#124 – Danielle – doggone I thought I had I had that video of Tai using Mei Xiang’s head as a stepping stool to climb out of their exhibit saved but couldn’t find it
#131 – Widget – how about if you pick me in Michigan – we can share expenses
October 21st, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Candy C in Des Moines
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I really needed that laugh! If you decide to go through with it, you will have a lot of company, including me of course. (And don’t worry about our wonderful moderator; I think she has earned the right to be second in line. 
)
Carole in San Diego
Thank you sooo much for easing my concerns. Some pretty upsetting thoughts had entered my mind. How about our beautiful Bai Yun!! She REALLY is one very intelligent panda, isn’t she?
I think I see her intelligence in baby’s eyes; he always looks wise beyond his age. I think with mommy’s brains, and daddy’s temperament; he is going to grow into a pretty spectacular guy!!! 
I plan to enjoy every minute of his growing up. I AM HOOKED!!
Fellow Pandaholics (especially newbies like me)
Please read the past blog titled “Celebrating Gao Gao” from January of this year. It tells Gao’s story very nicely. I think we all should be aware of little “fluff butt’s” daddy. Our munchkin has some big shoes/paws to fill! I’m sure he will
Dennis & Lynn Carney,
I wish you health Lynn so you and hubbie can take that trip to the SDZ!!!
Well goodnight panda family (both 2-legged and 4-legged)! Pleasant dreams
Baby Boy-XXXXXX on your little nose!
October 21st, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Those of you who think the cub sleeps a lot now, just wait until he’s a little older. If he’s anything like his sisters, he will climb waaay up in a tall tree and go to sleep for hours. All that will be visible on panda cam will be a tiny black and white furball swaying in the breeze. Enjoy the closeups of him sleeping now, while you can!
October 21st, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Do keepers kiss their pandas
YES, YES, YES – All you have to do is watch “Tai Shan and Brian on July 2, 2006′ on youtube 
Tai is almost a year old by then but keeper Brian still hugs & kisses his panda & seems willing to stop several times for another hug from Tai 
October 21st, 2009 at 9:27 pm
#144 – Joy in Kansas – right on – seriously for those planning a trip to the SDZ to see our new cub – I’d wait a few more months. After learning how to walk cubs also learn how to climb – if you think they spend hours asleep now wait till they climb up their favorite tree where they spend hours & hours & hours – if one is lucky one can see a white fluffy butt. We were there to see SuLin – right-she was high in her tree, Mamma Bai was asleep on her cave structure & pappa Gao had his back to us eating bamboo. Pappa Gao finally did come to life roam around his exhibit – the thrill of my life
October 21st, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Candy ‘C’. a woman after my own heart!! you’re idea is rockin and should be put into action at the earliest! i’ll shall practice my subversive ninja moves and await your instructions. ( ;
October 21st, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Candy C, count me in too. I might be just a little bit jet lagged, I’ve got to find a flight (no Zoom airways now to take me straight to San Diego so I’ll have to change at Chicago) and then spend a day getting to you. I know, we could always steal one of those lovely electric carts and go whizzing quietly around the zoo. I’ll bring up the rear and keep a look out and if anyone gets locked in the fridge etc, I’ll rescue you. Do you think we could add a Polar Bear to our grab list?!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:15 am
I watched the keeper kiss Tai…I think every zoo has their own rules…I saw on youtube pandas breeding in public! i heard laugther etc…it was so noisy..it just wasn’t right…I am glad SDZ has more class..back to the keeper kissing Tai can we blame him!…I would do it also…but like I sad I guess they have their own rules
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 am
Hi everyone and thank you to SDZ staff and all of the bloggers. I am hooked, addicted – just have to have my panda fix several times a day. What an amazing mother and such a beautiful chubby cubby. I can’t wait for us to get our 2 Pandas in Adelaide – Wang Wang and Funi – not lomg now. When will the names be on the website for us to vote – I have submitted 2 names so can’t wait to see if i have been shortlisted = Thanks to everyone – I just love this website. Cheers from Adelaide , Australia
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:30 am
Can’t sleep…..thought I’d check in with munchkin and momma…look at them. one of Bai’s favorite poses on her back, legs spread out to the left, to the right in the air…baby snuggled next to her head, in her arm. How much closer and sweeter can it get? Makes me think of Zhennie and the other sibs before. Having gone through the same exact poses and momma creating those bonds. What do they feel once they go on to be on their own? Happier, more stable for their relationships with momma? Momma and baby look so content, so human like laying there together. Do they have feelings similar to humans? I’d like to think so, but not so much, Zhennie and the others feel something missing, because the same thing is going to happen to munchkin. Sorry if I seem a little gloomy, and I don’t mean to, but just having access to viewing these amazing creatures, one can’t help but wonder. But what matters most is that our pandas are in a good place with caring, loving SDZ. They are safe and taken care of and loved and given the utmost respect. Wow. Thank you, thank you all at SDZ, that you do what you do!
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:50 am
Love the 8th exam video. The baby boy’s whimpering sounds are so cute! Love his round face, round body and smile.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:54 am
I forget if I mentioned this before or not. Is the clock on the panda cam off by about 15 minutes? It appears to be 15 minutes fast. I bring this to your attention so that if it is changed when the time changes on Nov 1, it can be corrected.
Great view of Bai and cub sleeping soundly this morning at 5 AM. He is by her left rear hip tummy up near the doorway of the den and Bai appears to be on her side with her head near the den wall. It must be cool outside, because they are both in the den. Other mornings this week at this time he was in the den by himself.
Moderator’s note: The Panda Cam clock is a little fast. Fixing it would require having the cam down for a bit, so we will most likely leave it as is. On the bright side, if you time your departures to Panda Cam time, you’ll always be early for appointments!
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:29 am
#124 on you tube there is a video of tai using mommy’s head to go through the window. ‘Tai Shan the Escape Artist” Its just so funny I have it saved as a favorite and rewatch over and over.
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:29 am
Hey Maryellen–
We still have the problem of distracting mommy Bai though, and THAT’S a biggie. Somehow, I KNOW that will be the hardest part. Anyone have any new recipes for boo bread??? I make a good sweet potato pie, I’m sure I could substitute yams!!! Keep me posted guys–Hee Hee 
(Isn’t it fun to dream???)
You forgot me!! I would be honored to get the doors for our leader, Candy!!
Sue 129 & Mary G of MA 137,
VERY TALENTED guys…I loved them both. I wonder if Beautiful Bai knows how much we adore her children, and her of course. I would give anything to kiss our baby boy and hug Bai Yun.
Hi Moderator–
I watched a video of a mommy panda with twins. It was dated 04/11/07, it had no title but “hinapocha”.
Any idea who she was and where “hinapocha” is? Thanks
Oh my goodness…I just watched “Tai Shan & Brian on 7/02/06. What an adorable cub Tai was (now he’s a handsome teenager, I think), and what a beautiful man Brian is! I say we send a copy of this video to Brian’s significant other. I guarantee they will never have another argument. If she ever gets angry with Brian, she can watch the video and fall in love with him all over again. I know I can be upset with my hubbie, and all he has to do is feed the birds, or do something nice for my dog and I have to forgive him. [Whatever you do, don't tell him that!!!] Hee-hee
I watched another video on Youtube where a Chinese man VERY gently assisted a very young panda cub do it’s business, and take a bottle. I wonder if men really realize how impressed we are when they are confident enough to drop the “tarzan” and show their gentler side??
Have a great day panda-lover-friends!!! I really enjoy talking with all of you.
Moderator’s note: I’m afraid I have no answer for you as to where the video was taken. Maybe one of your fellow Panda Cam followers knows. Anyone?
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:40 am
140 Jeslyn in San Diego
Thanks for the suggestion, but when I tried to see it on the time lapse, I was unsuccessful. I’ve noticed the time-lapse seems sped up or something. I’ve tried on other occasions to try and watch something special I saw over again, and it doesn’t work for some reason??? Thanks anyway, so glad you got to see it
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:44 am
do pandas snore?
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:09 am
Carolyn 153
Oh my Lord!!! How hilarious was that? Thanks so much for the recommendation. I don’t know what was funnier–little Tai Shan squeezing thru the window, or mommy Mei Xiang trying to look innocent. Tai is REALLY a character. I also watched “Cool Tai and His Hideout”. Loved it just as much. I have to figure out how to save videos from Youtube! Thanks again
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:25 am
#124 Danielle, NY
The video of Tai Shan you talked about was taken by Somesai of Panda Unlimited during a visit to NZ in 2006, you can find the original video uploaded to youtube by Somesai , the title is ” The Escape Artist (c) 2006 by somesai ” .
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:37 am
# 154 Phyllis
I think that “hinapocha” is a Japanese name of the blogger not a name of a place .
The mommy panda with twins are living in Adventure World, Wakayama, JAPAN
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:48 am
Hi,
Would you be able to add the weight comparisons in the milestone chart? Thanks
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:03 am
#124 Danielle & 142 Maureen – The video of Tai escaping is still on youtube.com, it’s called “Pandas escape from zoo”. I just watched it again – soooo cute.
To everyone who wants to see the little guy when he gets out on exhibit. Last September my daughter and I went to the zoo and for the month preceding our trip I recorded every day the times Zhen Zhen was awake and when she slept, trying to find a pattern. It was a good idea as you could really see a pattern appear.
But also a dumb idea, as when we got there when the zoo opened, 9 a.m. she was up in the tree asleep. The next ‘optimum’ time was around 11:30 – she was still up the tree asleep. The 3rd time I just picked at random, 3:30, and she was awake and she and Bai were having a great play session. After I dried by tears, I was able to take many pictures. My daughter went with me the first 2 times but passed on the 3rd as she puts up with my addiction but only so much.
So what it boils down to is just go up and down the canyon as many times as it takes to see the pandas. It really is good, healthy exercise and there is so much to see that the time passes quickly.
Hope this helps everyone who want to see the pandas.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
#154 Phyllis – hinapocha is a user from Japan. The twins are probably Aihin and Meihin, who were born in Dec. 2006 at Adventure World in Japan. Their mother was Mei Mei, who sadly died last October. She was a hero mom, being the first to care for twins by herself.
Adventure World has a very good website. It’s at aws-s dot com slash english-new slash panda
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:25 am
# 153 Carolyn, Thanks, but on YouTube the video is not coming up in the search. I also had saved it in my favorites; I suspect it was taken off. Could you please check your saved favorites and if you get it to work, please gave the name of the user who posted it? Thanks.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 am
# 162 Lee in Vancouver, Thanks!! I suspect someone saved the original video and reposted it, because the original that I had saved as a favorite did not have text on it. But otherwise, it is the same. I remembered that Tai Shan had climbed on his mother’s back and went through that window so fast; Mei Xiang didn’t seem to realize what happened until Tai Shan was on the other side!! If pandas would get grey hair, Mei Xiang would be grey after only one cub, that cub was a pawfull!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:48 am
# 156 Phyllis, actually, time-lapse is not a real video; it is a succession of pictures taken 2 minutes apart. So if one event last less than 2 minutes and happen in between the pictures taken, it is not going to appear. Check the clock when you run time-lapse, the seconds barely moved and the minutes are jumping by a 2 minutes increment.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:50 am
Thank you San Diego Zoo Panda Staff for making available the video and written exam information so promptly and for having the Panda Cam for all of us “pandaholics”. I check in several times a day to see what Mom and Baby are doing. I can’t wait for Chubby Cubby to have a real name and for his public debut. Bai Yun is simply an awesome Mom and baby is off the cuteness scale! Thanks again.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
#157 maryellen…Updates from Tai Shan’s cub days indicated that the staff watching Mei Xiang and Tai on the cam heard her snoring. It’s easy to find the update if you put ‘Mei Xiang Snores’ in the NZ’s search box in the upper right corner of any of their webpages. The first mention of her snoring is in the July 16 update. There is another mention of her snoring in the July 27 update. Ever since I read that, I’ve wondered if other pandas snore, too. Surely Mei Xiang can’t be the only one.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
# 155 Phyllis, The Adventure World in Japan had three sets of twins born there over the years, at the present time they have seven pandas. Ryuhin and Shuhin born in September 2003 were the first set of twins for Meimei, they went to China in October 2007. Meimei had a second set of twins in December 2006, Aihin and Meihin, they are still in Japan. Meimei past away on October 15, 2008.
Rauhin was born on September 6, 2000, her mother is Meimei.
Rauhin gave birth to twins Meihin and Eihin in September 2008.
So the video you watched was probably of Aihin and Meihin with their mother Meimei.
If you google “Adventure World panda Japan” you will find their website.
If you still have doubts about pandas being able to sleep through anything, watch “Twin Panda cub, Aihin and Meihin, Nanki-Shirahama” on YouTube…
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:45 am
Since I haven’t seen him on the Cam much lately, I was wondering how the proud daddy Mr. Gao Gao is doing. He reminds me so much of a much loved panda stuffie. I just love him to pieces!
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:51 am
# 159 IHN from Asia, thanks! It seems that the video has been posted on YouTube by many people, probably taken from flickr.
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
ATTENTION ALL PANDA GANG MEMBERS!!! Ooops! Forgot to whisper. Things are falling into place beautifully. I have reached the outskirts of town!! Uhhh…no, not San Diego….Des Moines. Did I mention I’m afraid to fly? It rained all night so it was slow wheeling. And with my black ninja gear on I had to do a lot of dodging semi-trucks. Susan (UK), I’m thinking you will have plenty of time to get over any jet lag. Liz (Panda Stalker) Smith, we’ll count on you for any defensive tactics (this is a peaceful expression of love, of course). Phyllis, so glad you will be getting the doors (I’m always catching my cane in them and breaking the cane). Hate to go rolling in and flailing with half a cane – just not impressive. I think the pies will do the trick for sure…we will need several – 2 or 3 for Bai, and I’m sure this wild bunch will holler if there aren’t some for them!! Maureen in Stanwood, great idea! Car pooling. Wish I had thought of it. Widget, the escape sounds perfect for you. Make sure you have a full tank of gas!! And don’t worry, I will take the blame for everything. Maryellen, I think you should be in charge of making sure everyone is positioned where they should be and also the cotton swabs…be gentle. Chari Mercier, I KNEW I could count on you. Tami Michaud, you get your disguise ready and we will have you act like your taking bamboo (alias, Frances in NYC) to our lovely Bai and Gao as a midnight snack. Pat from NJ, can you pick locks? Could you work on it? Judy from California, Hua Mei was my first baby, too. I really think you should join this gang! Dennis & Lynn Carney, we will need an appropriate name for these “gangstas” and someone to talk to the press for us after our siege!! Get prepared. Lee in VanCouver, LOVE YOU 2 and hope you can make it. Liana and Simply Sandy, this is your chance! Well, it is still raining and cars and trucks are drowning me every few seconds. I may need to stop for snow tires before I get out of Iowa if I don’t start making better time.
WONDERFUL Moderator, I think you would be the perfect one to serve lots of “Sleepy Time” tea to security and prepare “Morning Blast” coffee for the rest of us. We promise to keep your identity secret. Sorry this was so long, but these things need lots of preparation.
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Hi! Just caught Bai Yun in the garden room eating her lunch on cam 15! She is looking very content, happy, and well fed! Will check the cam again to see where the cub is at.
Also, got on the AZ pandacam to check on Xi Lan the Xman; it’s been a few days. Unfortunately, the cam is having some issues again, and the IT guys are hard at work to get it fixed and back online again. They said to hang in there tight! So, keep checking the AZ pandacam as often as you can, and hopefully they will have it back online for all of us SOON!
Florida is back on the warm side of the weather this week after that lovely cool/cold air we had for a few days. At least it was NOT in the 90s! Looking for more cool air this weekend and next week! Hope you all are having some nice decent mild weather in San Diego! The pandas will love the change for sure!
Jan Cecchi, Adelaide, Australia: We here in the USA are also looking forward to all of you Aussies receiving your 2 pandas soon! Hopefully, Adelaide Zoo will have the money available to have one or two cams installed so that we all can get on the Aussie pandacams to watch Wang Wang and Funi, too! I know that all of you are very excited about getting the pandas! Pandas Live On has had a couple of articles about the zoo’s progress on the construction of the panda facility every so often, so we are able to keep up with what’s going on in Adelaide! Have fun!! Enjoy the other pandacams in the meantime!
Well, gonna go for now. Will check back in later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I read all of the archival blogs about panda food, but nowhere did I find a discussion of why pandas have evolved to have a diet that is so poor nutritionally. I’ve been watching Bai eat her bamboo, and it looks to be so tough and fibrous. Yet, I’ve also read that pandas don’t have the digestive set-up to really process the bamboo, and most of it passes through and is eliminated. Is that diet rather like humans trying to survive on just celery? Did Mother Nature play a trick on the wonderful pandas?
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Just had to stop to get lots of lip balm and to check on our baby. He and mom are fast asleep. When he stretches his chubby little self out, he points his toes as though he is ready to do some ballet for us. Sooooo adorable!!!!!! Can’t wait to kiss that nose!!!! Susan (UK), I love the polar bears too, but I’m not sure how they would react to all of us kissing on them. On second thought, I am sure. Let’s just love them from a little distance. Okay?
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
#162 – Lee in Vancouver- thanks for finding the video of Tai climbing though the window – now we need someone to find the one of Mei helping Tai climb over a tree guard
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
New Name submission after watching video #8 “Squeaky Toy” …. he’s just waay too adorable for words; I just want to squeeze him (I really mean hug him alot…..)
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Phyllis I’m sorry to have left you off the list but anyway your on! Great idea about holding the doors for Candy. I still haven’t heard from Pat as to what she wants to do, maybe she would like to come up with a great recipie for boo bread.
Thank you Melissa for the snore report and I will check out the sites you mentioned. What a beautiful sound a panda snore would make.
me
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Hi everyone. Hurry drop what you are doing and go to ” danielsmultiplepandacam.com” You can still watch our little chubby and other cams at the same time for you who donot know this. Scroll down until you get the cams. Top left is a beautiful Red Panda. I don’t know if it is an adult or an older cub. Beautiful.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Sorry. After I wrote the previous post and went back to the Red Panda the cam changed back to I think Sui Lin. But keep checking and you may catch if you haven’t already. Soooo cute!
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
#177 Brandy – the red panda is either Tate (male) or Shama (female). Tate was brought in last February as Shama’s potential mate. Their area is across from Tai’s yard.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:05 pm
#114 to Candy in Des Moines, IA from Candy in Victor, IA – Count me in!! I’ll get heading west on I-80 and pick you up! It would be a DREAM come true. I’m just crazy over these animals!
Can’t wait to vote for his name!
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:21 pm
I just love watching RPD (Roly Poly Dude) when he twitches in his sleep!
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Cubmuffin looks like he’s practicing his flying moves for “Crouching Panda, Hidden Dragon.” Need I say, sooooooo cuuuuute!
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Brandy — the red pandas were on the National Zoo camera. A friend of mine does that shift and she usually manages to catch the reds. Glad you enjoyed them.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I was at the Zoo the other day. I’m a member and can go anytime but just don’t get there as often as I’d like.
As a native San Diegan, I am so proud of the San Diego Zoological Society and what it has accomplished and is accomplishing on behalf of wildlife. When friends come to town, I drag them to the Zoo whether or not they really want to go. The Panda breeding program is so spectacular and those cute little pandas raise awareness about all endangered species. Keep up the great work!
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:44 am
IHN from Asia 160
Jeri 163
Thanks so much for the info and link to Adventure World Japan. I was not having a very good day yesterday, so I didn’t check it out yet, but God willing, I will do so today!
Danielle NY 166
No wonder why, I never noticed that. Thanks for the observation.
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:21 am
baby is just soooo adorable! this morning i saw mommy Bai drag a huge pile of bamboo into the den, simultaneously burying and sweeping the little chubby one aside. she then had to search through the bamboo to find baby and immediately scooped him up to nurse. so precious! it seems like mommy is leaving him alone for long periods. will he soon start venturing out to find her? does he know where she is when she leaves? has anyone studied panda cognitive development to know what they understand about the world at what stages?
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
i love the little panda i wish i could hold it…i cant wait till it get named
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Thanks for the exam video. I was so loving the close-ups of those droopy eyes. Couldn’t help but laugh and smile through the whole video. He looks like he really loves all the rubbing and massaging done throughout the exam. Who wouldn’t sleep? Thanks again, SDZ.
October 24th, 2009 at 6:37 am
Now that there are some other Spanish-speaking-pandafans at this forum, I am glad. Love for the animals, for nature itself doesn´t know of nationalities or languages. The universal language is LOVE. (El amor por los animales, por la naturaleza, no conoce nacionalidades o idiomas. El lenguaje universal es el AMOR). This is the first time I have been following the born and growth of a giant panda, and I have learned so much of this species: the tenderness, the care, the patience, the love a wonderful panda Mom such as Bai Yun is capable of. I wish at schools children all over the world would have access to this panda site. We would be building a whole generation of people aware of the importance of taking care and protecting endangered species.
October 25th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
well im glad that the little panda is putting on some weight
October 25th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
If I could figure out what “world uniter” is in Chinese then I would submit that for his name.
October 26th, 2009 at 12:23 am
12:00-12:10 a.m. or so, Bai & baby chub bug are sleeping face to face, she’s totally in love w/him. It’s sooo adorable I can hardly stand it. I LOVE THESE GUY’S SOOO MUCH it makes my heart ache!!!!
October 26th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
All I can say is this. There is NOTHING, ( Not even a real human baby) cuter than a baby panda!I just want to squeeze them all over and kiss there little noses. Thank god I live in Atlanta and have been able to spend alot of time visiting our precious baby boy. I’m trying to figure out how I can take time and come to the San Diego zoo and see your baby and the rest of the zoo. On Line it looks really fantastic.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:22 am
what happened to the 8th visit title “wake me when its over” to “jealously strikes”? thank you
Moderator’s note: The former title was too long for listing on the Panda Cam page.