Den Cleaning
Posted at 10:07 am October 26, 2009 by Juli Borowski
Hello again, panda fans! I’m happy to report that Bai Yun’s newest cub is doing well. As always, Bai Yun is an excellent mother.
You may have noticed that the den floor looks a little different as of late. It’s a little less smooth, a little lower against the den walls, and Bai has been bringing in and rearranging fresh bamboo pieces. Now that the cub is a little big bigger and is starting to scoot around, the Panda Team has decided that it’s safe to clean out some of the older, dusty bamboo. If you’ll remember, Bai started building her den well before she had a cub to put in it, so some of that bamboo has been in there for a couple of months. To keep Bai and cub healthy, some of the bamboo on the den floor has been removed, and Bai has been given the option to bring newer bamboo pieces in. However, as the cub grows, he’ll be spending less time in the den, so den management will continuously change.
This being my first panda cub, I’ve really enjoyed watching him develop. He’s growing so quickly! He still has a pink nose, but yes, it will turn black as he grows up. You may have also noticed that our new cub has a black spot on the tip of his tail. We don’t think that’s something he’ll grow out of; he may have that cute little spot for life. Several blog post readers have also asked why our young cub doesn’t have the pinkish tint to his fur that Zhen Zhen had when she was a cub; once in a while he seems to have pink fur, but most of the time he does not. Why is there a difference? One of our pandas’ favorite treats is something called a leafeater biscuit. It’s a red biscuit that provides the bears with essential nutrients. When the biscuits are wet and mushy, they leave a pink tint on Bai Yun’s mouth and fur. Consequently, when she gives her cub a bath, he turns pink.
Each time our cub has an exam, we see something new. For example, his ears are starting to get that “Mickey Mouse” look to them, he has webbed toes like his daddy, and he has that cute little black tip on his tail. If you’ve been watching the cub exam videos, you have probably noticed that the keeper and veterinarian staff changes with each exam. The vets take turns with the exam so that everyone can have the neonate exam experience. If a new vet is doing the exam, there’s an experienced vet there as well. Panda keepers each take a turn bringing the cub out for the exam and holding the cub. At least two keepers are needed for an exam, though: one keeper carries the cub, and one occupies and keeps an eye on Bai Yun during the exam.
While everyone’s eyes are on Bai Yun and Cub #5, all of our other bears are also doing quite well. Gao Gao, Su Lin, and Zhen Zhen are each participating in their own training programs, so don’t worry: they’re also getting plenty of attention! I’ve had the pleasure of working with both Gao and ZZ. Each day, Gao has a training session around lunch time. When we open the door to let him out of the exhibit, he goes right to his training station and sits patiently with me. He’s a sweet bear and seems to enjoy the one-on-one attention.
Our little ZZ has her own training sessions now, too, and doesn’t seem so little anymore. During the weaning process, we started her on her own training program as a way to calm her during her separation from Mom. This is the earliest we’ve ever started a training program with one of the pandas, but Zhen has definitely benefited from the experience. She loves the attention! She already knows how to sit when asked, put her paws on the floor, target her nose to my fist, and open her mouth for an oral exam.
Of course, Su Lin is no slouch either! She’s been working with another keeper, learning some very important behaviors, and is starting ultrasound training.
That’s all for this time. Until the next, happy reading!
Juli Borowski is a keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
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October 26th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Juli this is informative!!! Thank you…we were wondering about the “pink” look lol …I guess it would be fair to let each other hold baby panda bcuz that will be the only time you guys would hold him…please PLEASE I think you guys should have more panda cams on each Pandas : )
October 26th, 2009 at 10:40 am
thank you sooo much for the informative “up to date ” you are all so devoted to the well being of the pandas
October 26th, 2009 at 10:43 am
What is it in the biscuits that makes them red?
Moderator’s note: Beet pulp.
October 26th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Great blog — it was so informative and included lots of interesting info on our favorite panda family. Sounds like everyone has had a very busy and exciting summer! Thanks for the updates.
October 26th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Thank you, Juli, for a fantastic update about all the bears! I love hearing about Gao Gao heading straight to his training station. He sounds like a very sweet, considerate and disciplined guy but I wouldn’t expect anything else from distuinguished, handsome Gao! ZZ sounds like she is doing very well in her training. I can imagine how much she likes learning and interacting with the keepers. And wow…Su Lin starting her ultra sound training. I can just see her learning to recline on her side in the cage. It is all so exciting to hear! You must be so proud of all of them!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Wow! It is hard to believe that Su Lin is ready for Ultrasound training, but with her 2nd estrus coming in a few months, it is a necessary step in preparing her. Besides if she locates to China by then she may need the real thing. Time flies when you are a rapidly growing and physically developing Giant Panda.
Sleepy head seems to be more interested in sleeping than eating this morning. Bai Yun is having a tough time getting him to wake up, and finally had to pick him up in her paws to position him to nurse.
October 26th, 2009 at 10:51 am
wow~I’m the first reader, excited!
Gao Gao is sooo cute. Thank you so much for taking such a good care of them.
Does Gao Gao or Bai Yun has a black spot on the tail too?
October 26th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I really enjoyed the information from keeper, Juli Borowski. How often do the pandas have training sessions and is Bai Yun having them now? Also, is there any chance that a training session may be shown on the panda cam? or possibly a video of a training session as SDZ shows videos of the cub’s exam?
Thanks for all the information you make available!!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Hi all you other pandaholics!
I’ve been reading the blogs since I visited SDZ last winter and saw ZZ, Bai Yun, and Gao Gao. However, this is my first posting. I’ve loved pandas since my childhood when my parents bought me a plush panda with a music box inside. It was a thrill to see the living pandas at SDZ so many years later.
Thanks to you all (bloggers and staff) for sharing all the wonderful information, emotion, and humor. Yes, Juli, it is “happy reading”!
October 26th, 2009 at 11:02 am
How were you able to get into the den to clean it? Was Bai Yun in a different area that you could keep her out? Thanks for all the infro on how the rest of the family is doing.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Hi, Juli–thanks for the updates on the rest of the family. It’s not surprising that Mr. Gao Gao enjoys his training sessions (he’s such a social guy) or that Miss ZZ, our little bundle of precociousness (precocity?) is a quick learner, or that Su Lin is progressing into more “adult” learning. After all, doesn’t Bai Yun respond to more commands that any other panda ?
I think Bai Yun gives the cub so many baths, she cleans the pink tint from the biscuits off!
Since you mentioned cubmuffin’s webbed feet, and since little dude is usually so sleepy and accommodating during the exams, do you think you could ask the vets to get a picture of them?
Thanks, P Wong and Tiny, for your latest panda conversations.
Moderator’s note: Our photographer valiantly tried to get pictures of the cub’s webbed feet when the news first came to light, but his little paws are so hairy that the webbing can’t be seen, just felt.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Oh yes if anyone has notice the little girl at Thailand Zoo has a black spot on the tip of her tail also. So maybe someday cubbie and Lin Ping can get together and have another cubbies with black tips on their tails.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Another fascinating blog entry. I was going to ask what ultrasound training, but I’m assuming it’s for her stomach area, so that when she moves to China, she will understand what needs to be done to determine if she might be carrying a baby? Is my understanding/assumption correct?
October 26th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Glad to hear he’s doing well
October 26th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Thank you for the update on all the Panda’s. I did notice Bai Yun bring in bamboo earlier this morning. The little one is getting bigger. He is not so little anymore. Bai Yun is a great mom. I cannot wait to pick out a name. When will this happen?
October 26th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Juli, thank you so much for the great information. I learn something everyday from the zoo keepers and posters. Appreciate your taking the time to post this.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Wow – school for pandas! I wish we could see some of the training sessions. Any chance you could to a video of that? The pandas seem very smart and eager to learn. It must be fun to work with them.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Thank you for the updates, it’s very informative and educational, I learn more and more every day about these amazing creatures. I can’t wait to see chubby cubby’s next exam. I look forward to seeing them. Thank you for sharing them with us.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:25 am
You guys are really rooted in classroom activities now. Looks like Bai might be the first soccer panda-mom on record. This is great. ZZ is making milestones in training, her little brother is making milestones in growing cuteness (look out, you panda girls in China! Mei Sheng is just the tip of the ice burg.) And you China guys will be getting the most intelligent, classy panda debutantes….ever! SDZ rocks on all fronts. Right, Pandaholics? It just keeps getting better and better. Moderator, do the trainers ever allow visitors to see training classes in progress? Like, with exhibitions in the yards?
Moderator’s note: Training sessions are done off exhibit, so bear and trainer can work without distraction.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Thank you Juli,
P
I really appreciate the way you tell a story. I learned alot from it. The tail spot will be a great sign post for me, who still cant tell who is who yet; though, I have had some help from the peeps on this sight. I hope that spot stays forever. oh, we could have named chubbie cubbie “spot” I guess it’s too late now.
lol
October 26th, 2009 at 11:40 am
When mom goes to cleaning out the den, and straw goes flying, it seems like little pudgy gets buried sometimes to where he can’t be seen. Does mom do this intentionally to cover him up and hide him, or does it just accidentially happen? Could he get any cuter? Please give him a big hug from me, whoever handles him next, as he looks like a good cuddlely boy! I’ve never gotten in on any of the other pandas, and I think this is great. I keep him on my back screen, and when I get down at work I just bring up pudge’s picture and I laugh out loud. I’ve turned several co-workers on to him also. Thanks to all of you for your dedicated hard work with the pandas. It’s really been appreciated.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Looks like our boy is ready to go mobile! He’s trying soooooo hard right now, in the den with Bai.
Thanks for the great update, Juli. I saw Zhen Zhen playing in her pool over the weekend, she seemed to be having a terrific time.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Thank you so much for your updates! I hadn’t noticed the black tip on his tail before. This is my first cub too!
I was just noticing on the live cam that little cubbie is trying very hard to move his paws to crawl, but isn’t getting anywhere. He seems very strong. (Is he doing sit-ups?)
…Can you predict when he might start crawling, and could you put a video of his first little steps on the website when it comes time, in case we miss it?
Thanks again!
October 26th, 2009 at 11:57 am
As usual Juli, a very interesting read. I love hearing about how the pandas (and other animals throughout the Zoo) are trained. I think it brings a special relationship between the animals and their keepers. I asked about Gao Gao last week, and I’m so glad you have mentioned him and that he is doing well. I remember when I met him last year that he is very eager to present his arm to have his blood taken and did it several times in a row! A very accommodating bear and I love him very much.
Little Cubbie looks so big now when the camera goes in close. Oh how fast they grow!
October 26th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Thanks for a new look inside the panda facility, Juli. Every new fact helps panda fans learn what is going on with our favorite animals. I can well imagine Gao Gao enjoying his training. He was such fun to watch when we visited the San Diego Zoo. What a good-natured guy!! At the time, Su Lin was up in the trees most of the time. And now she’s getting ultrasound training. I know it’s important to have her start the training long before there’s any chance of her becoming pregnant, so that, when the time comes, she’ll be ready. Of course, that raises the question of who can father a cub with Su Lin… does the SDZ have arrangements with other zoos in the US for such eventualities? Are the males at other zoos from different bloodlines than Bai Yun? I know Gao Gao came from the wild after being injured, so chances are his DNA is quite different from that of most pandas bred in captivity. Oh, all these genealogical questions! Meanwhile, congratulations on the wonderful job you and the rest of the staff are doing at SDZ.
October 26th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Thanks Julie for the update, that was most interesting. I love the Blogs.
October 26th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Enjoy so much getting updates and I think I am really adicted to the pandas. Love watching Bai Yun and Pandababy. She is so big and he is so little you sort of wonder how he manages not to get injured. But Bai Yun is a very good mother. Until next update. Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Shirley
October 26th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
i just enjoy the blogs so much, i can’t wait until we hear what the ‘boy’ is doing once he starts to move out of the den on his own… should only be another month, maybe sooner!
October 26th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Will we be able to see Gao Gao on the panda cam anytime soon?
October 26th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Thank you very much, Juli! Very helpful and calming info…. I KNEW I saw a spot on the tip of his little tail…
could we say a “beauty spot?”
I miss Zhennie so much. I seem to miss most of the her cam ops in the mornings. I love watching momma and sweet newbie, but, Zhennie is still my baby.
I am sure this has been covered, but would you tell me how old they are, typically, when they reach full size?
I’d like to go and see ZZ before she’s fully grown….
Thank you!
Per our Panda Team: Generally speaking, pandas stop growing in structural size by the time they are 4 years old.
October 26th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Juli, please accept another thank you for your blog post. The details are what we love to read. It seems we cannot get enough of them. Just keep up the good work and save all you write – you never know when your unique experience (thousands of keepers all over the world do not get this panda hands-on experience) will come in handy again. Sooner and later, I expect!
October 26th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I’ve noticed Bai has been making “boo tornados” in the den; now we know she’s cleaning! Pandas never cease to fascinate me. Thank you especially for the update on precious Gao Gao. I miss seeing him on the Cam, so it’s good to know he’s happy, healthy and engaged in training.
October 26th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
SDZ you think you can show us Pandas in Training??? we all miss ZZ , Gao Gao and Su Lin we would love to see them
October 26th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Wonderful and informative blog! Thank you! It amazes me how well keepers are able to train the animals to do things like ultrasounds or open mouths, etc. So much love, patience and trust must go into these sessions, as well as a keen understanding of the species involved. I have noticed Bai bringing in new boo and shredding it all over Mr. Cubby Face and then rolling or pressing it down. I also think she is trying, on occasion, to block out the camera! How wonderful that Roly Poly has his very own unique marking. Far in the future it will be neat to see if he hands down that feature to his own offspring! What a cutie!
October 26th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Now that you mentioned it, little one’s ears are more noticable on the distance shots in the den. He sure is sleeping soundly today. Is it overcast like it is im Mid-atlantic region?
Moderator’s note: It’s a beautiful, sunny day in San Diego!
October 26th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
When? When? When? I am really, really, really excited to find out the names for this chubbie cubbie! Have you heard from China yet? The cub is in the den………napping. Shui Xiong has got to be one of those names! (Napping bear!) Can we have more views of Gao Gao? When is cubbie due for his next exam?
Moderator’s note: Patience, Pandafan#2!
October 26th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I’ve done a lot of research and can’t find an answer to my question! What does panda fur feel like? I’ve read that it is oily to keep them dry but that doesn’t tell me how the fur feels. Is it coarse? Or soft? Do they have an under layer of fur? The babies seem to be more fuzzy…like kittens are actually. How long does it take for them to get their adult fur?
Sorry for all the questions! It’s been driving me a little crazy.
Moderator’s note: Keepers say panda hair is coarse, even on the cubs.
October 26th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Thank-You Juli for keeping all of the World’s Pandaholics updated on all things Pandas….Is ZZ Top still humming to her keepers ? All of you are all helping my wife who has been Hospitalized with Degenerative Bone Joint Disease since last December get thru a tough time period as I read her the blogs and some of the well wishes others from the SDZ Staff and fellow bloggers have passed on to her it removes her from the pain for a while and she is now hoping that the Doctors will allow her to come home and hopefully be able to take a trip from NJ I’m hoping as an Aniversary trip and follow up with her Doctor’s in SoCal towards the end of November…..Again we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and keep up the great work….Have wheel chair,will travel,I hope…..
October 26th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Been watching Cutting Edge California on Sky Travel channel and saw Ron and Lisa talking about the panda breeding program. Lovely film of Bai Yun and ZZ and Su Lin. 19 days and counting until my visit. I am so excited. A work colleague was recently at zoo and saw Gao Gao sleeping.
October 26th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
thank you juli for the great update. you keepers know we panda fans hang on your every word.
to my panda lovin family out there, remember when our little guy would move a leg out from beneath mama’s big arm and how thrilled we were to see him? so soon , he will have a name and be scooting all over, exploring.
hugs to the lil guy from
joan
October 26th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Thanks for the update! My sister and I sent the exact same postcard of Baby with his head hidden under the bamboo while at work.
(We like panda cam!!!!)
October 26th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I watched the cleaning. This is just the cutest thing to watch. Love the video blogs of the check ups, too. Friends are probably tired of my snapshots that I send.
October 26th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
If you have never seen a panda training session and are curious, go to YouTube and watch big daddy Yang Yang and his trainers from the Atlanta Zoo: “Yang Yang’s Training Time”, ”Yang’s Training, Part 1” and related videos.
October 26th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Okay, Moderator, I’ll try to be patient, but it is super duper hard not to know the names! I think that Bai is testing cubbie to see if he can navigate yet. She put him under 2 sticks of bamboo, and he got halfway over before napping….again.
October 26th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
thanks so much Juli!! Great update on the SDZ EXTRAORDINARY pandas, ZZ especially. She will always be #1 in my heart since she was the first baby I watched grow in front of my eyes. These guys are so interesting – Bai has almost human qualities when caring for her babies. She is so awesome to watch in the den with them. Thanks again to everyone that makes this possible for all of us to be able to watch.
October 26th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Thank you for another informative blog on our panda family. I was wondering what was up with Bai and all the ‘boo’ she kept dragging into the den. Sometimes you’d see her stand up and look around as if she’s making sure every inch of the den is in tip top shape for her little guy.
It is bitter sweet to hear that Su Lin is now starting training for ultra sounds. Hopefully our friends in China will provide us with photos of Su Lin’s first cubs when that day comes as we will not get to share the joy of that moment with her.
October 26th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
A while ago i saw baby boy moveing around!
He moved a little bit, around the room. I can’t wait to see the nameing poll. It is funny when Bai Yun cleans him up, his little legs go up in the air and jiggle around. When she is cleaning him he opens his mouth!! 
October 26th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Oh what a wonderful blog posting! So very informative. For those of us who are pandaholics, every little bit is just precious information. Thank you so much!
I seem to be missing the times when Bai Yun is busy re-arranging and “redecorating” the den. Only once have I seen her drag in a large piece of bamboo, and it seemed that she covered Mr. Chubbs with it, as she patiently stripped it and made it perfect for the den.
It’s so much fun watching this, and my grandsons have had such a whopping learning experience with it. My oldest (age 6 in Grade 1) did a show-and-tell at school on pandas, and even got the school teacher to explore the panda cam. What a profound influence you all are having on the next generation of young stewards for our animal friends!!!
Thank you for all that you do on behalf of these majestic animals!
October 26th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Thanks for the updates and letting us know what the fury of activity was all about. It all leaves me with one question…
Could Bai Yun come and clean out my “Den”??? It could use a good thorough cleaning and she seems to be very good at it.
I have a new understanding of panda training since the Pandas Unlimited Party at the National Zoo in July. Nicole did such a good job explaining everything to us at Tai’s Birthday Celebration. Tai Shan was working on “Open Mouth” this summer. Sounds like ZZ is a bit ahead of her cousin if she already has it down. Tai kept trying to stick out his tongue, which was not what they wanted… so he was still learning “Open Mouth With Tongue IN” — most likely he has it all figured out by now.
Joy
October 26th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Oh I am just loving my slap happy panda nuts!!!! (that would be ya’ll out there) And here people say I put interesting stuff on here… Ya’ll are over the top at times. Couple of things, Regardless of the name even if we put it in English then a few thousand different languages that have been around.. something or someone is going to be offended. We get to put together a list of our “likes and wants” based on love and admiration for the panda family. However, China gets to decide… it’s after all end all beat all.. THEIR BEAR… Stinks but… it is the truth.
Second and way more important… Just so we get to hear Cubby…. Can he have another shot? That has to be the CUTEST SOUND EVER MADE BY AN ANIMAL! I know.. mean.. but listen to it… I am telling I hear the boy yell “I’m telling MOMMY!!!”
And finally third… I know I am starting to be a broken record on this.. but… Panda breath??? Come on.. We know he is the cutest thing EVER … does he have something like puppy breath? You ALL know you want to get down in his adorable little face and find out! You have the envy of the WORLD as it is.. go ahead and shoot for WAY OVER THE TOP!!!
I would like to post my personal thank you to the entire SDZ staff for your dedication to all animals! There is no question after watching any of the videos how much you all totally LOVE ANIMALS! Teaching a bear to lay down so someone can stick KY JELLY on her belly… Now that is a trick! You all ROCK!
October 26th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Thanks Julie – what a fabulous informative update. I just can’t wait for our pandas to arrive in Adelaide. Hopefully another panda cam to watch
October 26th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I love it when Bai Yun brings in these huge stalks of bamboo into the den. It almost looks like she’s feather dusting the top of the den where the camera is. Waves and waves of leaves all over the place. When I read about her doing 2 sumersaults in the den I had to laugh out loud. Theres still a lot of life in the momma yet and she’s keeping the newbies on there toes. Did she really just do that? You never know what she will do for her next act. She is just a wonderful momma bear. About picking the name for Mr. Pip. It takes a lot more than just going thru a Chinese dictionary and picking out words to find the equivalent in pinyin. Just like the Cantonese person said on the other blog, a certain favorite name on this blog has bad connotations in the Cantonese lanquage. You have to know male, felmale, slang, references to what is male and female in the Chinese lanquage and a lot more than I just noted. So, it takes educated people in the Chinese lanquage to figure out the best names for our precious bears. It takes time, but it is all for a good cause. So, let’s have patience for SDZ because as they have shown so well in the past, they know exactly what they are doing.
October 26th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
uh huh!!
I wondered when you guys at SDZ would finally get around to admitting it. All of ya just dying to pick that big boy up and love on him!! I bet you all had to draw numbers to see who would pick him up 1st, 2nd, ect. And pink on the fur? Yeah, blame it on Bai and the biscuits! (I know it’s your lipstick.) I don’t blame ya! I’d do the same thing if I could.
This is great information! Thanks so much! Keep on lovin’ on that big ole’ chubby cubbie! We love him tremendously!
October 26th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Thanks for the update Julie. I’ve been watching mama lately with all the bamboo she is bringing into the den. Sometimes they look like whole trees, and it almost looks like she covers him up with them! She is as much fun to watch as mellow fellowwhen she is in the den. And as usual she is such a good mama! Love to her and mellow fellow from me!
October 26th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Hi! Den cleaning time!! Cubbie deserves a clean room to sleep in and to start moving around in. Bai will probably repack the den with fresh boo pieces every once in awhile, and even eat a few stalks of it. The cub will be very comfy, tho!
Just watched pandacam and saw Miss Su Lin eating her 3pm PDT lunch. Nice to see her again! She’s getting to be a very pretty panda! Also saw little cubbie sleeping away earlier this morning my time.
I didn’t get a chance to check AZ’s pandacam today. So, I’ll check on that cam tomorrow to see if it’s back online again. Would like to see Xi Lan to see what he’s been up to lately!
Going back to pandacam!
Chari Mercier
St. Petersburg, FL
October 26th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Thanks for the in-depth update, Juli. I’m a SanDiego Zoo PandaCam devotee. I must have watched Hua Mei for several a day when she was a newborn! I remember being surprised at how quickly the PandaCam went live, especially since Hua Mei was the first Giant Panda cub born in the United States to survive past two weeks or so of age. I can only imagine her keepers’ relief when beautiful Bai Yun quickly proved to be an excellent mother, and she has kept on proving it. She’s an old pro now, and it’s heartening to see that Cubby No. 5 is thriving — and so are his siblings and papa Gao Gao. Thanks again for the update on these beloved black and white bears, Juli.
October 26th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
On YouTube I found a video of Mei Lan’s training “Mei Lan Gets Some Learnin’” as well as one of Tai Shan’s training ”Tai’s training” which is short but it shows him putting out his front leg for blood drawing. Both videos were taken when they were about Zhen Zhen’s age.
October 26th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
What a fabulous close-up of ZZ. Many thanks, Meerkats. She as cute very round “mouse” ears. I notice that many adults ears stick up and are not round. Is that what happens as they age, or is it a physical characteristic of a specific bear?
October 26th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Linda A., NorCal; just read your comment on the other comment page, and you are at Society Islands! Now, where are the Society Islands located at?? Inquiring minds want to know!! Anyway, glad that you are able to get on the wifi web to check in on little chubby cubby over there! Hope you enjoy your trip!
Still looking for those top 5 names to get online for us to vote for! Let us know when you have those names, ok? We’ll appreciate it alot!
Well, back to the pandacam!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 26th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Thank you Juli for the info. Did everyone get a glimpse of our baby girl this afternoon? She is just beautiful and not so much a baby now. Bai has the most beautiful babies.
October 26th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
awwwww cub #5 is sooo cute!!!!
October 26th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Oh my goodness, I just saw my little toot crawling!! He is adorable!
October 26th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
“Mommy! Bring in some fresh boo! I am trying to walk across the den, but my feet keep slipping and I fell on my face. Now I am going to take a nap. Shred some on top of me. Hide and seek in boo is fun!!”
October 26th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Juli: Thank you so much for the up to date information on all of the pandas. I enjoy the panda cam so much and the blog is the best.
October 26th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
i like Gao Gao, he is mischievious, when he was released to wild in China when he was about 3 years old, he always visited the local villager’s house to distroy plant, making lots of trouble, he did that again and again, for he wanted the villigaers to bring him back to the panda base Fengtongsai. he missed the food and the care from human. and then finally the people from panda base had to bring him back since he made troubles all the time, and as he grew bigger and bigger, that pose danger to local villager. then he was retured to human care. Gao Gao was rescued first by human from wild when he was about 1 years old, he fight with other panda, and he was brave , he survive the fight but with part of his ear lost. even that, he still looks handsome. i like Gao Gao.
I like perhaps the last cub from Gao Gao and Bai Yun to be named Gao Yun to memorize their contribution.
October 26th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Finally have internet access this afternoon. Since it’s been tough getting access, I haven’t checked on any of our other “US” pandas. Can someone tell if all is fine with them?
And thank you for the update! Glad to hear all’s well with the San Diego pandas. I did get to see Mom and Big Boy for a second a moment ago. After I read the update, I checked the cam, and poof! They were gone. But I’ll take a moment of cuteness!
October 26th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
If you get some time, can you please explain how many times Bai Yun feeds the baby and how much he needs? When she pulls him to her is that her nursing? Sorry, not a panda expert here but I’d be very interested to know!
October 26th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Thanks so much for another informative update
#25 – Kay Davies -Sadly (sniff, sniff, sob, sob) SuLin is scheduled to return to China in the next few months. It doesn’t seem possible that our little “tree climber” is almost ready to be a mommy- don’t understand it – I don’t get any older but our panda cubs grow up way too fast.
#50 – Tina – The NZ reported that Mei Xiang LOVED the “jelly on her belly” for the ultrasounds. Who can tell
October 26th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
I have a question concerning Cubbie nursing. I know that pandas have 4 nipples. Do all four of them hold milk at the same time? And why is it they have four if they only have one cub at a time? I would think they would have only 2.
October 26th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Between 9 & 9:15pm EDT, just watched little man and momma Bai have a cute little wrestling session together! Mom was gentle with her little boy while they were playing, but when he gets a little bit bigger and stronger, the rough stuff will get started! Bai even tried to keep cubbie on her chest to hug him, and he tried to wiggle his way out of her hug! That was cute to watch!
Back to pandacam again!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 26th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
What a serene picture. Bai just finished nursing, curled up with Chubby Cubby who just did a big yawn, and now they are sleeping all snuggly. I love seeing them like this. When the cub leaves the den, will Bai still snuggle him for a long time to sleep with him or will they sleep physically apart, giving each other space? I can’t imagine her not hugging him like she is now. He is growing up too fast!
October 26th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
For those that may doubt the intelligence of a giant panda – check out the ZA’s update – it is no secret that daddy Yang their GIANT panda & he is a HUGE PANDA does not like water or rain . Yang Yang got a tub of water with apples floating in it so he could “bob for apples. He was not a fan of the water and figured out all he had to do was turn the tub over to dump the water and apples out. Then he could enjoy them without a face full of water
October 26th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
If anyone is missing our X Man with their webcam being down. You can go to youtube and type in Xi Lan panda cub and then search the newest. There is some really funny videos poor Mommie Monster isn’t getting a minutes peace from the super cub.
October 26th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
4:00 PM PST
Monday
I was wondering why ZZ doesn’t eat the red or pink flowers in her yard. Does it taste terrible or something? Thank you for taking such great care of all of our animal friends, and keeping us all informed.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
#73 Pam..omg I just watched Xi Lan ….she is a bearfull !! I never saw such cute behavior…thanks for sharing…I only watch SDZ pandas…its nice to see others out there too….I’m surprised mama panda is very patience with her…lol I loved watching them ..I can’t wait til Gao Jr. be a terror : )
October 27th, 2009 at 1:12 am
I look forward to these updates. Thank you so much. They are always so thorough and informative.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:33 am
Hello Juli & good morning from the UK. Thank you for the updates, I am learning so much about Pandas through this site. I wasn’t able to watch the Pandacam for quite a few days, so I was astonished at how much the cub has grown. He looks wonderful & I’ve had quite a few ‘Awww’ moments in the last few days watching him & his mom cuddle together.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:38 am
You should put a cam in every panda enclosure and let us choose witch one we want to veiw cuz even though I love baby #5, I really miss the other pandas.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:21 am
A new YouTube video has been posted that shows the effect of the den cleaning on the cub’s ability to mobilize. Search for “BaiBy: Slipping, Sliding, Whirling and Twirling”. It also shows Bai cleaning the cub while she’s laying on her back using all 4 legs to hold him up – some commenters have called this ‘twirling’.
It was obvious last night that the den had been cleaned when the Meerkats did a close up, you could see the floor base. Cubbie was having a very hard time getting any kind of traction!
Thank you Juli for explaining the den cleaning process!
October 27th, 2009 at 6:42 am
6:40 am, Tuesday morning, PST – Mama is giving little dude a thorough bath. He’s laying on the den floor this time, though. He must be getting pretty squirmy by now. So touching to watch this continually developing bond of love between Mama and Baby Dude.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Thank you so much for the information! I am sure everyone here would love to be able to check in all the time on all the pandacams. Then how would you be able to answer all the questions?! I, too, would love to see more panda videos of the training. I check out the ones mentioned, but it would be great to see some from SDZ with “our” pandas, whose personalities are familiar and whom we love. I’ve adopted a cub, and done so in other people’s names. Maybe we should be able to “adopt” the videographer! Is there an archive of SDZ videos that we can access? A kind of ZooTube? That would be wonderful.
Moderator’s note: Try our YouTube channel and our Video Gallery.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:17 am
Good morning Pandaholics it’s 10:00am give or take how long I type. Here in Florida we are having the kind of day that reminds me why I moved here from Indiana in the 70’s. The sad part is we only get a few perfect days once or twice a year. Either hot or cold, usually nothing other. Right Chari!
Bath time is finally over, housecleaning done, now a little milk. Umm I guess it will now be naptime. Has anyone noticed Bai sometimes puts her nose up 2 or 3 times and then leaves. At least it seems like that to me.
How did I let myself fall in love so fast with these bears. I use to be a Koala fan but one must admit they are not rocket scientist’s and when I found our bears I was a gonner. I am glad you all are there and that I’m getting to know some pretty awsome people. Once I told you that my son is a veterinarian who can’t stand dogs. How strange is that! He has; however, become a panda lover. This shows me that I did something right but I just don’t get the dog thing.
Now I wait for you all to wake up and start with the education part of our day.
me
October 27th, 2009 at 7:24 am
When do we get to vote on the names for the little cub?
October 27th, 2009 at 7:42 am
I can hardly wait to vote for chubbikins name! I’m too excited!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Lid #75 — Xi Lan (aka X-man) is a very happy, healthy young lad.
Jayne #79 — Thanks for the video link Enjoyed watching it very much.
Linda A. — Wherever you are, I’m jealous! (just kidding). Hope you are having a marvelous cruise(?) and will bring back lots of pictures to share.
Julie — Super update. The little guy is getting cuter by the day. Can I substitute for you for a day, pretty please with panda poo on top! I’ll even throw in an apple.
As an FYI, on our refrigerator door, we have a list of 11 healthiest foods that hoomans don’t eat (so says someone). Well, No. 1 is beets. Will the pandas be healthier than us??
October 27th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Yet another YouTube video has been posted by DoxieMom showing Bai Yun bringing a huge stalk of bamboo to the den on Sunday. Great job Meerkats of showing her waving it around in the bedroom, and getting it into the den. I’m afraid the cub gets buried under the bamboo, but Bai, as always, comforted him!
Search YouTube for “Bai Yun Brings Fresh Boo to the Den”.
The cub has been sound asleep in the back of the den for some time, wonder if he had an exam this morning that wore him out!
Moderator’s note: He did indeed. Details to follow.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Loving watching Bai “twirling” the cub while she cleans him. I don’t remember this behaviour with any of the previous cubs. Maybe she has invented a new way of managing the squirmyness from previous experience of using her back paws to keep the cubs away from the Boo.
#82 Maryellen there is a vet near me who is scared of dogs! He will treat them but would rather you were at the other end of the consulting room.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Baby laying with his mum, looks like he’s sleeping, sucking us thumb, so cute!! Hope you catch this!
October 27th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Thank you for showing the gorgeous and beautiful Su Lin! She has grown from supercute cub and sub-adult to quite the stunner as an adult panda! I still see shades of small, young Gao Gao’s face in Su Lin’s expressions sometimes. A big part of Su Lin’s “a little bit of something very cute” is her papa Gao Gao!
October 27th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Hi, you all! It’s a little after 4pm EDT, and I’m a little late getting on the pandacam today. Had some things to do earlier. Anyway, Meerkats gave us a great closeup of little chubby munchkin cubby today while he’s napping in the den! I just read a short comment on this page about cubbie having his 9th vet exam today! Kind of figured he was getting checked out either today or tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing how much more weight he has gained in the last week! The little guy does look like he’s pooped out today!
Got some good info news from Pandas Live On. One article was about a new channel on cable and satellite networks called Smithsonian Channel. Don’t know if San Diego has it on their cable system yet, but I did check their website out, and it looks pretty good with very good informative programming. One of those programs wound up on the PLO website in 3 short clips about wild pandas. They are good and great teasers for us to watch the whole program. I don’t have SC on my cable system right now, but I am going to call them about it! Another article was very cute. Someone did a collage of pandas in a pumpkin patch and it was on the PLO website. It’s kind of like a Halloween portrait of all of our pandas in USA zoos with their names listed on the bottom of the picture. You can click on the pic to enlarge it. Have fun figuring out which panda is which on it! The other article was about Fu Long with a video. Fu is about ready to go back to China late this year (Nov. or Dec., 2009). The video shows Fu and his mom spending some quality time together at the zoo in Vienna, Austria. The last article was the long one that came to PLO from Pandas International. PI’s director, Suzanne Braden, made a big trip to Bifengxia, Sichuan Province, China, and she had 3 huge suitcases full of supplies that Bifengxia asked for. Another item that was sent over to them was a large generator for the hospital and nursery that was ordered by Suzanne while she was there. The generator arrived the day Suzanne left for the states. Apparently the Bifeng Gorge, where Bifengxia gets their electricity from, has had some sporadic outages, and that has affected the hospital and nursery. So, the large generator will be a big help for them now when they have those sporadic power outages. Now, PI needs everybody’s help in getting their account built up again so that they can keep sending the panda milk formula to Bifengxia when they need it.
I checked the AZ pandacam again this afternoon, and it is STILL out! They are still working on it, and hopefully, we will be seeing Xman back on the cam very soon! I missed seeing him last week and now this week!
Going back to the pandacam! Will be back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 27th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Hi, again! This is a shortie! Got curious and went on the Animal Planet website to find out when the Hero of the Year will be announced. Got the date, you all! Animal Planet will be announcing the 2009 Hero of the Year on Friday, December 18, 2009! So, mark your calenders, and keep your pseudothumbs and fingers crossed that PI’s director, Suzanne Braden, wins it!
Just thought I would let you all know about this important date!
Back to the pandacam! Bye!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 27th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
celfy #87–I saw Bai Yun twirling Zhen Zhen too. When ZZ got a little bigger, Bai would stick all four legs up in the air and make a playpen on her tummy. Bai Yun never ceases to amaze me.
Can’t wait for the new exam!
October 27th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I love it when he vocalizes; does he do that much when he’s alone with his mom?
October 27th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Mary, #85, today we are in Bora Bora. It is a cruise; BUT I MISS MY PANDAS. I did just get to see cubby sleeping away. He has gotten sooooo big. In a week, he seems to have changed a lot. I only get a minute to check on SDZ and the postings. I wish I had more time but internet is spotty and expensive here.
Starting next Saturday through Thursday or Friday, I won’t have internet at all. I hope I don’t miss the naming selections. I’m looking forward to trying to figure out the one the SDZ staff/vets/ etc like the best.
Take care all.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Linda, NorCal; voting for the cub’s name starts on Sat., Oct. 31 thru Friday, Nov. 6, 2009! Hope you can find a computer in where ever you are at so that you can see the names and vote for our favorite! Have fun!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 27th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Thank you for mentioning the black tip on his tail! When I first noticed that, I’d honestly been concerned that Bai Yun wasn’t cleaning him thoroughly enough, if you know what I mean…
October 29th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
The comments regarding the webbed feet are intriguing. Is this a mutation like the extra toes on cats or a possibility that in their ancestry the bears were once aquatic?
Moderator’s note: Read the post Panda Ducklings.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Bai Yun I see has put straw over them in the den. Is that because they are cold or because of the light? Why does she do that. 10:37PM viewing 10/29/09.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Oh, one more comment. I was wondering if the floor is heated underneath?
Panda Team responds: The plywood flooring of the den does not have a heat source underneath. Bai Yun’s body heat keeps the den pretty comfy and she fills it with shredded bamboo to make it soft and trap residual heat.