Exam 9: Voting Time
Posted at 3:53 pm October 27, 2009 by Yadira Galindo
I’m sorry, but the saying “a face only a mother can love” does not apply here. In my job I see many baby animals that make my heart melt. But, now that our 12-week-old panda cub has his eyes wide open, and he is able to lift and hold his head up, even if only for a brief moment, he seems to have a hypnotic power that holds you dead in your tracks when he looks at you. At least I want to believe that he’s looking at me. And his usually quiet nature…well, it makes him even more intriguing!
Today he’s one week older and one pound heavier (10.4 pounds or 4.7 kilograms), which means that he is that much closer to receiving his official name. Honestly, I think he’ll forever be my “little guy.” For 10 days we took your suggestions for what our quiet little guy should be named. We received 6,331 submissions, half in person at the Zoo and half online.
Beginning Saturday, October 31, through Tuesday, November 3, you’ll see the final five names, and you’ll get to vote once for your favorite name. We will have the Chinese characters, the name in pinyin, and, of course, the English translation.
I’m not sure my eyes have recovered from perusing all of those little white pieces of paper or scrolling through one name after the other on my computer screen. And yes, I read every single one! I left the difficult task of narrowing down the daily submissions to my coworkers who care for or provide for the pandas on a regular basis. As much as I consider him “my” panda, they work so hard it seemed only fitting they choose five names each day during the 10-day name submission period. My job was to count. Okay, wait: I shouldn’t pretend my role was that sterile. I WANTED to look through all those names so that I could see your creativity at work and take some time during a busy day to smile, because there were some names that also touched my heart or made me laugh.
One little girl suggested “Brain” after her daddy. No, that’s not a typo. Based on her penmanship I believe she’s pretty new at writing and spelling, and I couldn’t help but feel warm inside. I assume, perhaps incorrectly, that she meant Brian. She’s sweet. Now another youngster made me chuckle when he submitted “Jacob” and his explanation was “because it’s my birthday and I’m special.” I believe him, truly! There were those that made me laugh out loud, “Ron Burgundy” and “Augie” (since the cub was born in August). I should say that many people did provide us with Chinese names as we requested. Frank suggested Xiao Fei, which he said translated to “lil’ chub.” I liked that one but when our little guy grows up and it’s time for him to meet a female panda, do we really want to introduce him as lil’ chub? That’s one of those names that people ask, “What were your parents thinking?”
There were definitely patterns. “Wu” (translates to five) was used often in combination with other words. In fact, “five” was so popular we even received “Cinq” as a name. It, too, translates into five, but in French! Diego, for his city of birth, was submitted a few times, but the single word most often submitted in combination with something else was “Gao” in honor of the cub’s father. About half of those were Gao Yun. We understand why this name was so popular, and we appreciate the thought that went into this name, but alas it did not make the final five. I know, I know, you really felt strongly about it, but we had so many great submissions that the team decided to go in a different direction in order to give this little guy a name all his own. He certainly deserves it!
I’ve seen him once a week for the past two months and I believe that each of the final five names have a great meaning that will fit him just right, although at each exam I find myself giving him a new nickname. Today he should have been “Wiggle,” because Jennifer, our nutritionist, couldn’t quite get his length measurement during this morning’s checkup. As she put it, “he was extra-squiggly.” So we will use the excuse of having a rambunctious cub as to why we do not have a body length for you today. Oh, I should mention he also had two vaccinations today, and he took them like a champ! He still vocalized his disapproval, but it was nothing like the first. The little guy is growing up so fast.
Yadira Galindo is a senior public relations representative for the San Diego Zoo.
Watch video of the cub’s 9th exam.
October 31 Note: We apologize for problems some of you were having with our Panda Cub Naming Poll earlier today. Our Web Team has corrected the browser-based problem. Please try again.
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October 27th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Thanks for the updates! Glad to know that our baby is doing so well. What do you think of the name “Nao Nao” which means “naughty” in chinese? He is so active, the name fits him.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
When will we see a video???
October 27th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
What vaccinations did the cub have today. I know a while back he had the distempter shot. What kind of vaccines will he get? How often? Also, does he get heartworm medicine?
Thank you and I love this cub dearly.
Moderator’s note: See comment #202 in Watching Pandas Grow.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Thank you, Yadira, for bringing our beloved panda cub’s progress to us in such a wonderful fashion. For those of us who have watched the baby grow and are now used to seeing him snoozing alone in the den, we hang on every word provided by the panda staff. I am eager to learn his name selections and can’t wait to vote. I am so proud of the San Diego Zoo for making the panda-cam and your updates available to the world! I have learned a lot from this experience. Thank you again.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Thanks so much for the update!
Posters, if you are hoping to figure out what the zoo staff likes, Yadira mentioned “My little guy” and “Quiet little guy.” Not sure if that means anything–maybe the “quiet” part is significant. I am just fishin’, I know, but……
I do hope along with the Chinese characters, the name in pinyin, and, of course, the English translation, that the pronounciation in Chinese will also be given. It could look pretty and sound awful! Of course, you know we will make up our own pronounciation anyway.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Yadira, thank you for an extra-charming post! While I have not submitted any names, I too have been thinking that Gao Gao should be honored in the naming of this most excellent son. But, can’t wait to see the Final Five! So far, I have picked winners in the naming contests with Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. Whatever name he receives, he will still be one awesome panda.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Thanx for the update on little man, and the update on the names picked. I will be anxious to see what has been chosen, and cannot wait to vote. To me, just as Su Lin, is “my girl”. Cub # 5 is always going to be ‘little man” to me. Thank you Yadira !
October 27th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Thanks for all the info on our little guy, who is growing up so fast, but still as cute as ever. Am looking forward for the names to be posted, so he can finally have a name…as I am so use to calling him “Mellow Fella”,since he is so laid back…BUT STILL SOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE! Give him and mama bear a big kiss from me.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Oh, will there be a video of his 9th exam??
October 27th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I guess the camera is deceiving. He looks so small in the camera, but in real life, he’s much bigger. I was noticing at around 1 .am. S. Diego time last night that he and Mom were having some fun. It is the cutest thing to watch her playing with him. She also tosses him aside when she’s done with him. Obviously he’s not as delicate as a 12 week old human baby!!!! They sleep so beautifully together, and it makes my own insomnia bearable!!!
October 27th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
oh tiny most lovable pandababy you are adorable.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Today’s video is the first one I’ve seen showing the keeper reaching into the den to pick up the cub. Certainly didn’t have to chase this guy around. So calm and sweet and adorable. He didn’t look squiggly to me, Jennifer, or rambunctious, Yadira, but he sure did look cute. I must admit I’m sorry “Gao Yun” didn’t make it into the final five names, but I’m sure looking forward to seeing the five that make it to the voting round.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
LOL It must have been a blast going through those names. Did you feel like Santa Claus going through children’s wishlists? I can’t wait until he has his official name! This is such a special time. And how awesome that he has gained yet another pound. He is going to be a gentle giant, methinks, but you never know once he gets out crawling, running, exploring! I think he is quietly plotting some exciting adventures for us all to watch! You can see his legs and paws move while he is dreaming. He looks busy! I think he is getting frustrated with himself and wants to get out now that he can see and hear the world! I hope there will be a video of the exam. I love seeing how much he grows from one exam to another and melt whenever he yawns, speaks, stretches, breathes! What a beloved bear!
October 27th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I’d like to name the panda cub as “Jing Jing” which is one of the mascots for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. “Jing ” means bight or crystal, and also has the same pronounciation as the abbreviation of Beijing, the capital city of his hometown.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
6,331 names were put in??? WOW!!! You all did have a ton of names to go thru! I figured about 1,000 or a little more than that, but over 6,000!! That had to be very tough picking thru that pile and going thru the emails to get them down to the final 5 names! Hope you had fun reading all of them!
Can’t wait for this Saturday to vote on one of those names! I read that we get only one vote, but is that one vote per day or just one vote period? Can you clarify that for us? That will help us out alot!
I knew this little rolly polly cub would hit 10 pounds by this week! My guess is that he will be alot more closer to his mom’s weight than his dad’s weight when he does quit growing! Just saw him on the pandacam again—sound asleep!
Well, gonna go for now! Will check back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: I’ll have to get clarification on the voting process.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
He sure is growing fast. One day and I am sure of it, he may be bigger than his dad Gao Gao. I cannot wait for Saturday to vote for a name. And I cannot wait to see what the names are.
My grandson’s other grandmother made him a Panda costume for Halloween. While he will only be 1 years old in November, he will not be trick or treating but going to the Phoenix Zoo because they are having a Howl a ween.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
When will the name list be posted and when will today’s exam be posted?
October 27th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Can’t wait to see what names are in the final five, and carefully choosing which one i think would best suit him. To me he is known as dumpling as he is such a cute rounded cub. He is perfect in every way and there are lots of us out here that envy the contact you have with not only him but all the other Pandas aswell.
October 27th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
First of all, thank you to all the panda care staff members! I am always appreciative of how gentle and caring you all are at handling the bears. To be able to see the keeper gently fetching the cub from the den is just a wonderful treat! The cub is so mellow that it does not seem to bother him a bit.
After watching the video of the 9th exam, for the first time, I notice that his nose is starting to turn black. It is actually a bit of a gray shade right now, but I am sure that soon it will change color.
It was just too adorable to watch the cub on the video. Can’t wait to see the selection of names chose by the panda care team this Saturday! Hooray for naming a panda cub!
October 27th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Yadira why is the video so short?! Its really nice to see cub so upclose I just want to stare him alil longer ! anyways thanks for the update…I can’t wait to vote…I love this lil guy !
Moderator’s note: Longer videos really eat up our bandwidth. We try to keep videos under 2 1/2 minutes.
October 27th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Roll on saturday
October 27th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I Really hope it is Guin Guin, GG for Short, He is soooo cute
October 27th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
So when do we get to hear what the 5 names to be voted on will be?
October 27th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I was just watching the mother try to fed the cub…..and I think he is still sleeping a lot.
Could his new shots be making him this sleepy? Does he have any side affects from them to make him so out of it?
Also when she turned him upside down, he had something long hanging off his rear.
Was it the straw or perhaps after she cleaned him, was it his penis sticking out?
Haven’t seen anything like that before.
It’s 5:25 pm here in San Diego while I am watching…..
October 27th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Oh i am happy he is going to be named soon!! I can’t wait till i can vote.
baby boy is so big!!
October 27th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
It’s 5:27 pm here now and back to the cam and the cub is trying to hard to get under his mothers arm to nurse now…..glad to see he came out of his stupor! Haven’t seen him this active to move to nurse!
October 27th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I am so disappointed that you didn’t choose Gao Yun. This would’ve been him own name, but it would also honor his parents. Gao Yun or Big Cloud would be a great name for our 5th cubby from SDZ
October 27th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
it is unbelivable that Gao Yun is not selected in the top 5. it is so pity. perhaps this is the last cub from Gao Gao and Bai Yun, we should do something to memorize their contribution to panda breeding program. Gao Yun is most suitable for the cub. i am sorry to hear about the name Gao Yun is not to be used. realy sad.
October 27th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
I found out my girlfriend submitted Jungy; I don’t know how Chinese that is but who knows jejeje When I read your post I envy you people being able to care and watch these beautiful animals grow probably knowing that my chances to be with a cub panda are slim but I hope you enjoy this and keep telling us how it is so we can enjoy them to. Cuidenlos bien y Dios los bendiga
October 27th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
OMG…this was so cute. I mama roll him around. This is just too cute.
October 27th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Can’t wait for the list of names. I watched the last video……………what a sweet heart! I don’t he likes shots much. What are they going to do when he starts to walk? Do they always stay this mellow? I guess my idea of George didn’t make the five. lol
October 27th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Bai Yun and Gao Gao has five kids, but none of the kids’s name momorize their parents Gao Gao and Bai Yun.
, so pity.
October 27th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
I can’t wait to see the final 5-names that were selected from so many. our chubby cubby will soon have his very own name. he sure had alot of knick-names from alot of people. ( me included! mine was pee wee! )
he is so dog gone cute and looks soooo cuddley! when I look at him in the den now, he looks so big. it looks like he is trying to crawl. I don’t think he likes to be on his back very much; he squirms and wiggles until he rolls over in the position that he wants to be in!! lol!!! he looks very laid back, but that can be deceiving right now as he can’t run around yet and get into mischief! that will come later I’m sure. bai yun, I sure hope you have enough energy for this little guy as he grows bigger and more work I’m sure!
bai yun, mama bear o the year!!!
October 27th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
oh yes, it is 4 cub from Gao and Bai, not 5. sorry my mind is not in order now.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Wonderful blog, I share her love and emotion when I look at this little one. Can’t wait to see the final names, and really can’t wait to meet our boy in person! All my love and admiration to all at SDZ for all that you give us. Bless you all.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Is there a video of today’s exam?
October 27th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
He is just a doll and he gets cuter everyday. I can’t wait to vote for his name, and I hope one of the 5 names I chose for him, is one that will be voted on. Thanks so much for all of your dedicated hard work with all of the pandas, and I can honestly say, I’m jealous.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Since I know my favorite name was eliminated for being too feminine, I look forward to finally seeing the final list and voting for my fave. Whatever name is chose, I know it will fit him to a “T”, and will have beautiful meaning. Thanks to all you who worked so hard to select the final five.
You are so right, Yadira; those eyes are mesmerizing, and you wonder just what they are seeing. You didn’t mention if there would be a video coming of today’s exam.
Moderator’s note: The video has been posted.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Say Lucy, #1, have you been looking at the same panda cam that I have? I think he’s gotten less and less active over the last couple of weeks.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Love the update! Thanks for filling us in on what’s going on with the naming of the mesmerizing, captivating son of Gao.
I agree that he should have a name uniquely his own as he sets out into the world.
I enjoyed picturing him being introduced as “Lil’ Chub” to his first panda girlfriend someday but also agree that he might feel a tad sheepish about the name. I can’t wait to see the list of names, vote and ultimately find out the name that pays respect to his Chinese heritage. He’s such a cool little dude!
October 27th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Cant’t wait for the name reveal! Thanks for all your hard work sorting!
October 27th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Now I have to wait for Saturday?!?!? Aww… poo. Still… I can’t wait!
October 27th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Wonderful update – this may the last day for me call our cub “His Royal Plumpness” – am sure that name did not even make any list – thanks for telling us that ” Gao Yun” did not make the list either
There will be many unhappy people as there always are when their name doesn’t make the final list 
So now am wondering what name seemed to be such a favorite for the staff 
And doggone – only ONE VOTE – guess I’ll have enlist the aid of my community to help me out 
And after the excitement of an exam (another good weight gain) & 2 vaccinations I watched our guy squirming all over for a long time this afternoon – he was not the least bit tired
October 27th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
AHHH!!!!! I CANT WAIT TILL SATURDAY!!!! I AM NOT PATIENT :-O
October 27th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
he just keeps getting cuter and cuter – i can’t wait to read the names that were chosen! I agree that it is fitting that the baby have his very own name and something that will be fitting to the gorgeous hunk of panda stud that he will become, rather than the delicious lump of baby pudge that he is now
October 27th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Fabulous video! Thank you for sharing! I loved seeing him being taken out of the den…a wonderful first for all of us viewers. He is getting so big and it looks like his nose is starting to darken! I loved the fact that he was more awake and big eyed. He really is so good natured, as you poke and press him and his “ouch” from the shot was so human sounding! He is the most adorable bear I have ever seen and I am so grateful for SDZ, the program with China, all of the moderators and cam crew and keepers, and especially Bai and Gao for sharing this miracle of furry cuteness!
October 27th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
This was the best view yet of the exams. The close ups were great, I would touch the
screen and pet him, he is so adorable! Thanks for letting us watch these exams and
for the Panda Cam, I watch it all the time.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Wow–little guy was awake through the whole exam today! And I think he’s now heavier than Miss ZZ was at this age? Still cuter than a little bug’s ear, though.
For those of you who are disappointed that Gao Yun didn’t make the list–in China, it would be a name for a girl cub, but not a boy. So we’ll have to see what the choices are and try to guess which one the keepers like the best.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Oh how is this possible…he just gets cuter every time I see him…!! Love him to bits…he’s just the sweetest li’l cutie-pie ever!!
October 27th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Gao Yun Gao Yun Gao Yun Gao Yun Gao Yun Gao Yun Gao Yun
Gao Yun Gao Yun Gao Yun Gao Yun Gao Yun Gao Yun Gao Yun
Please put the name Gao Yun in the top 5 list. please!!
October 27th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I LOVED the update. And I love that the names touched your heart. “Our” cubby has touched so many hearts.
Naming beginning on Saturday? Alas, I probably won’t be able to vote!!!! It will be a miracle if I can find internet access from Saturday through next Friday. Tai was my first panda to be able to vote on; so this will hurt my heart not to be able to vote. Being 4500 miles away from home right now is not making me happy.
But “our” cubby does make me happy, so I’m trusting all of you to name him properly. But I do like “Squiggle” — not exactly appropriate but darn cute. Take care everyone; night, night, dear precious bears.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Just finished watching the video of the ninth exam. He is just too cute. Wish I could have been there to give him a hug.
October 27th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
are his ears starting to pop up, or is it just my imagination?
his nose is beginning to darken.
what a handsome fella.
goodnight, sweet prince.
joan
October 27th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Thank you for all the hard work the panda workers do. Thank you SDZ for helping the zoo in Las Vegas to make it a better place. I hope all the hard work will help it. I will be voting on Saturday. Thank you again.
October 27th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Big baby Boy…wiggle and scream real loud when they give you a shot…I do. Also close your eyes real tight when they put that bright light in your eyes…I do
October 27th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
It is supposed to fit his personality, and our narrator said there is one they like that really fits him, so keep an eye out for something meaning quiet, or laid back, or serene, or sleepy, or bashful….whoops!
October 27th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I am excited to see the choices in names for Big Boy. I know he will get a good name. I am very happy for him and excited.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
He is so adorable, I can’t wait until Saturday to see the names. It was nice to see him being picked up this time. It seems his protest of the shot didn’t bother Bai Yun Like his first shot.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Thanks Yadira – what a lovely overview of chubby cubbie’s ninth exam. He really does go right to your heart doesn’t he. I can’t wait to see if my names are in the final five. Yong Qiang and Jun Hai (Big and Strong and Handsome Son) Fingers crossed – counting the days until Wang Wang and Funi arrive in Adelaide. Thank you to everyone at SDZ – you are all fabulous communicators – i have to have my panda fix every day!
October 27th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Wow! That’s the first time I’ve seen him taken from the den by a staff member. I always enjoy this furry baby’s exams. I find myself grinning from ear to ear! Thank you for posting them.
I’m anxious to see the list of names. I’m sure he will have just the right one chosen for him.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
The exam videos that the staff is providing are excellent!! They give us such a great view of the cub. What a cutie …. keep up the better than outstanding work ….
October 27th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Thanks again for all of the info., can’t wait to see what his name will be He sure is growing fast, way to fast. I love him so much I can’t get enough of looking at him and mommy. They are so cute together.
I was wondering, I have never seen any of his poo poo. Does someone clean it up right away? I
feel stupid asking but I’m curious. I’m thinking that mama cleans it.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun cleans it up.
October 27th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Let’s not take complete advantage of our wonderful moderator and try to find the answer before posing a question. I watched the video of Mr.Pip having his check up, and he seemed a lot more “with it” today. Even being more awake he seemed very mellow and not scared enough to call for mommy. I noticed his nose getting a little bit darker too. He is just a sweet, wonderful, beautiful ambassador for Panda’s.
October 27th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I was wondering: Wil Gao Gao be interacted with the cub when he gets older or will it just be bai yun?
Moderator’s note: No. See previous post, Howdy.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
I went to a Chinese name website and learned that the Chinese don’t name children after their parents so Gao Yun or Yun Gao would probably not have been appropriate.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Yadira, at long last a Halloween Treat after going thru over 6,331 Tricks to pick a name befitting a Prince of Darkness and White a.k.a known as chubby cubby, that has stolen many hearts with his stare…..Roll Over Bella Lugosi on Halloween we finally get our Treat and see the name list at long last for our little vampire of hearts that mesmerizes you with his stare…..My wife’s spirits are up in the Hospital as she anticipates being able to vote for his name at long last…..SDZ Staff you are Saints for allowing the pandaholics worldwide to submit their choice of names and anxiously await the final 5……Trick or Treat in this case it is truely a treat to whittle 5 down to 1,and await at long last the big reveal in November when chubby cubby finally gets his own name….
October 27th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I couldn’t believe in today’s video, just how big our Chubby Cubbie is. It’s absolutely amazing. He looks so small in the den, but you can really see his true size when you see the vets working with him. I think he is going to be one big adult some day. Certainly bigger than his daddy, Gao Gao.
Looks like Bai Yun needs to pay a little more attention to his daily baths. He’s getting that dirty look, for a cub not rolling around in the dirt outside the den, yet. I also notice that Bai Yun has been trying to get him to use her lower teats, instead of the ones on her upper chest. His favorites are still the upper chest. Bai Yun picks him up to try to hold him and looks like he is becoming too heavy for her to do much longer.
I am in awe that he weighs 10.4 pounds now. What happen to our “little stick of butter?” He’s really packing on the pounds now. I’m so glad to see him obviously healthy and happy, with a momma that really seems to love her cubs. I think she enjoys the company.
Thanks for showing us how you all get him out of the den. That’s the first shot I have seen of you all removing him from the den for his check-ups. My only regret, like so many other’s have expressed; is that the cubbie cam has no sound. Hearing the sounds from all the animal cams you have running, would be a real joy. Don’t take that wrong, we are grateful for all that you DO show us and provide for us.
His first public debut in December is going to be a show stopper for sure…
October 28th, 2009 at 1:53 am
Dianne #38, I would love to know how many of us actually put in a vote for Gao Yun (until, as you say, we discovered it was a feminine name!). Perhaps we’ll find out one day. Luckily I also put in a few other suggestions and maybe I’ll get lucky with one of them! It really was difficult with just a dictionary to put the words together correctly and to get the right tense, meaning and gender. I had enough trouble with French when I was at school! And no, I can’t speak French, I gave it up!!
Yadira, please give a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who had to go through all these names. Your heads must have been reeling.
October 28th, 2009 at 4:01 am
Thanks for all the news! I was wondering how tame mom is? Would she attack the keepers if she had to be there when they took the baby? Obviously there is a door which separates the two when the baby is removed from the den for his examinations. How much human contact is there with the adult pandas? I am assuming that the cub is accustomed and comfortable right now with his human friends but would this direct contact continue? The questions just keep coming!
Moderator’s note: We always have “protected contact,” meaning a safety fence between panda and keeper. Even though they look cute and cuddly, they are bears and have the potential to injure you. Keepers do go in with the cubs up to a year and by then a yearling panda can be very rambunctious and those teeth and claws even in play mode could hurt a human. Also see post Some Questions Answered.
October 28th, 2009 at 4:22 am
Thank you Yadira, for such a great report. I, like many others love the work you do and are very greatfull for it. I notice that your cam is the best on sdz and all the other cams around the world. How lucky are we! Have any of you written a book that we could read. If Not aybe you should consider that.
Also, do you pipe in music; you know, like people do to help their kids become genisus? HEHE Maybe then they could help you around the place. Chubbie Cubie would probably sleep even more, so I wouldn’t count on any help from him! The video is really enjoyable but way to short imho.
ok, time for the weather report here in Florida. Rain, rain, rain….It’s 7:15 est and another few hours of sleep would be my wish, sometimes “we don’t always get what we waaant”
October 28th, 2009 at 5:29 am
The mental old lady from South Carolina is speaking out again… So… Since you all have all those vets out there.. looking at the cub.. and checking him over.. and they all have seen a puppy.. and a kitten… (wild dogs and lion cubs.. same thing..) Does a baby panda cub have puppy breath? Or I guess it would be panda breath.. and WHAT CAUSES THAT? Is it the mother’s milk? It doesn’t happen in humans so I am not certain.. I just know it’s the BEST PART of having puppies around… and one of the main reasons we bread dogs! Babies are just so cute. Regardless of what it is. I mean think about it! Picture all kinds of animals then picture them as babies… Have you ever seen a ugly baby animal? Even snakes are cute when they are new born! I have a idea for helping the pandas as well.. if you all tape all of the exams… you could make kind of like a documentary of each “baby” and put it on the web as well as at the zoo to sell. ZZ’s could be her first two years! From birth to now… Talk about wonderful presents!!! Panda nuts (like me) would demand them of their favorite babies… Just a thought! Now back to the important question.. Panda breath? Does he have it? Where does it come from? Can you bottle it!!!!???
October 28th, 2009 at 5:46 am
He is so darned cute!! When he looks right at us in the video I just can’t help but smile at him! Precious little guy!! Thank you all for sifting through all those names to come up with a final five for us to vote on – can’t wait!!!
October 28th, 2009 at 5:51 am
Baby is so cute! He is so mild mannered during the exam–would love to just pick him up and give him a hug and kiss! As always, thank you so much for all your hard work in keeping us all informed. Can’t wait to see the names. Give mom and baby a hug and kiss from me.
October 28th, 2009 at 6:05 am
I cannot wait to see the five names, and I can’t wait to learn which one was favored among the panda staff! Even though I suggested Gao Yun, I understand completely why you didn’t pick it. This little guy is one of a kind and should have a one of a kind name like his siblings! I know the names on the list were thought through very carefully by those with much more expertise than I have. I’m just so glad I was allowed to take part in the name suggestions and will be allowed to vote on my favorite of the top 5. Thank you so much SDZ!!!
October 28th, 2009 at 7:25 am
The 9th exam didn’t show checking if the teeth are through the gums. Are they?
Moderator’s note: Not yet.
October 28th, 2009 at 8:17 am
OMG!! how can you not resist not to kiss and hug him!! he is so big now and soooooooooo cute I just wanna go over there and smother him w/ kisses…
October 28th, 2009 at 9:01 am
My thought is that Bai Yun should get a medal of honor for being the best Panda Mama ever …..what do you all think ? I know you ladies know what it’s like to take a peak in the babys room when they are sleeping and a hush comes to mind….and that warm feeling you get…well thats what i get when i see mama and baby sleeping together… so precious no words can descibed the love ! THanks for everything I Love it .. OHIO LOVES PANDA’S
October 28th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Thanks, Yadira, for the detailed update on the voting and the 9th exam. We look forward to the opportunity to help select the “special” name for “our” special guy.
October 28th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I don’t know Tina my boy was not the cutest baby in the nursery. I considered leaving him but they wouldn’t let me. To answer your question a panda’s breath smells like a mixture of sour milk and bamboo. My sons main interest is lamas and he said smelling their breath is not advised as they WILL spit on you. Seriously they do not come out of the bedroom without brushing thier teeth and gargaling with mouthwash. That is why no one has a clue!
I watched yesterday on and off and never saw chubbie cubbie move. All of you have been saying how much he was squirming around, but, I never saw him awake. It is fun to watch Bai bathe, feed, lift up her nose and leave. He still seems easier than my human children were.
me
October 28th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Hey if his teeth don’t pop out soon.. can we change his name to Gumby?
October 28th, 2009 at 10:41 am
#15 Chari
One vote per person, please.
October 28th, 2009 at 10:48 am
I hear the panda baby has not been named. It would seem to me if he isn’t named “Diego” there is a lack of poetry amidst.
Good Luck with him,
R.Owens II
October 28th, 2009 at 10:59 am
If my calculations are correct, our mellow fellow was 83 days old yesterday, his weight was 4.7 kg, at the same age, Xi Lan was 4.1kg and Mei Lan was 4.5 kg at 85 days.
Moderator: Do you know if we will get the comparison to the previous cubs from SDZ?
Moderator’s note: Probably not this week, but we hope to have some after his next exam.
October 28th, 2009 at 11:07 am
well, he looks like a little raccoon so that is why i think Rocco is perfect for him.
October 28th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Thank you Yadira for your informative update with details of the process of elimination used to determine a list of five names for our amazing ‘Mellow Fellow’ that participants can choose from, not long to wait now until the final list is published.
I agree many ‘pet names’ are appropiate for Bai’s cub while he is a ‘fllufy butt’ and endearing cub, we all have our special name for them even when they are fully grown.
This young man is following in the footsteps of his famous father Gao Gao and big brother Mei Sheng, hence he requires a strong masculine name that will endear his future female suitors!
I feel certain you will have included names that will be appropiate for when he is a fully grown male panda.
Kathy (Hawk) – I note you had the special priviledge of retrieving the ‘heavy weight’ cub from his den, I am certain you cherished every second of holding him, you lucky lady!
I have watched all Bai’s cubs on panda cam since Hua Mei was born in August 1999 – so many changes have taken place since then, with major improvements – we did not have close pics of the cam in those far off days.
It is possible ‘new’ bloggers’ are not aware that blogs were not available until after the birth of Su Lin, however did we manage without them?
Thank you to all staff at SDZ for caring for all the animals hence making the world a happier place.
October 28th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Hi, all. As a follow-up to Jackie, #77, I’d like to add that MICHIGAN LOVES PANDAS, TOO!
Cutest. Baby. Panda. Ever!
October 28th, 2009 at 11:46 am
I can’t wait! I’ve been waiting for what seems like ages for the polls to come up. It’s quite sad that I am most excited for Saturday because of an online poll. Thanks for the updates!
October 28th, 2009 at 11:49 am
#71…I also was one that put down Gao Yun except there was a Tai Gao Yun….
I wasn’t happy totally with the translation though….
All of the pandas are uniqe…and he deserves a very unique name…each panda seems to receive a name that is perfect for them so why should anything be different. I have watched all of the pandas from a-z….including Tai in D.C….they are the most precious teddy bears and even though there is nothing like a cub…they are majestic and beautiful as adults and their personalities stay with them forever…
I think I lived in China many lives ago…I lived at the foot of the mountains…the pandas that were hurt, sick or confused wandered into my village where I was one of many who nursed them back to health…that’s what I feel…they are at the core of my being…
I will hold a panda cub or several in the future. And then I will have come full circle…mean while Ii will have to enjoy on the computer…and what a great thing we have…up close and personal…
Hugs and kisses to my precious cub…sleep and get stronger in a few weeks you will be starting to crawl and December you will be ready for your new adventure…walking!!!
October 28th, 2009 at 11:59 am
There’s a darling feeding session going on now on the cam. Lots of cuddling, too. This is the most action I’ve seen from Baby in awhile. The way he’s chowing down, it makes me think that “Piglet” would have been a good name…
October 28th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
At 12 weeks, Miss ZZ weighed what was described in the blog as a “whopping” 9.7 lbs. Sleepy little brother has her beat by almost half a pound!
Little dude nursing enthusiastically now, and now playing with Bai’s right hind paw. Need I say, soooo cute!
October 28th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Very disappointing that Gao Yun was nixed. Gao Yun not only honors this exceptiional breeding pair but gives recognitiion to the San Diego Zoo’s successful breeding program and contribution to panda conservation. As for the cub’s having a “name all his own” — Gao Yun is a name all his own while recognizing his parents. Honoring one’s ancestors is an important component of Chinese culture.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Thanks Yadira for the up date. Always appreciated…Right now the cutest wrestling match and nursing station location is on. I just cant get my chores done when this action is taking place….Love it. Thanks again for the Web Cam, it is the greatest stress reliever for me.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
How many more years will Bai Yun breed and produce cubs? Age wise, is she in the middle or towards the end of her reproductive years? Thank you.
Panda Team responds: If Bai Yun shows normal behavioral and physiolgical signs of estrus in 2011, we will pair her with Gao Gao again. From our records of females in zoos, pandas over 18 are less likely to bear offspring. That said, Bai Yun has always shown exemplary reproductive behavior, so who knows what she has in store for us.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Kudos to the nannykeeper who reached into the den to get Plumpers. You have a REALLY STRONG arm! The strain must have been tremendous!
October 28th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Love the idea of a Baby Shower. I will definitely tune in Nov. 5 at 11:00 am PST for it. What on the Shower Gift List???
Moderator’s note: There will be toys for cubbie and his big sisters, as well as fun items for Mom and Dad.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I just saw the announcement of an online shower for Bai Yun and her cub with two keepers in cyberattendance! Exciting! The glowing mom is usually in attendance, as well, but we all understand that Bai Yun is busy and will surely be there in spirit. This is such a great idea! Don’t forget the bamboo cupcakes.
Bai Yun is so pretty. I just watched her pull the cub to her in what looks like a warm, protective hug as he was napping alongside her. And now she’s gone…that Bai Yun is a quick one!
October 28th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I am still keeping my fingers crossed for the name I suggested, from the way you say he acts during his exams I think it fits. I cant wait.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Thanks for the update. I look forward to these as well as the videos of his exams. He is so precious. Looking forward to voting for a name for this little hunk!
October 28th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I am now really hoping it is Shui Xiong, because it wasn’t mentioned!
(Like that has anything to do with it! 
) Did the keeper wake him up from a nap? 
October 28th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Baby Shower — what’s this? I will go back and read more about it — how sweet! So looking forward to voting for a name for baby boy — although he is my 5th baby — the naming process and ceremony never get old. I really enjoyed watching the exam video and seeing baby being carefully lifted from the den. He certainly didn’t seem to mind — but I’m sure he is getting used to the routine by now — maybe even everyone’s scent. Wonder if he has a favorite scent yet? Must do some baby shower shopping now — how fun!
October 28th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I think the online baby shower idea is brilliant.
Whomever thought of that should get a pat on the back!!
October 28th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Thank you for the panda cam. It’s been an amazing journey watching this little guy grow and to see how his Mum takes such good care of him. I’m anxiously waiting to vote for his name. I’ll virtually be there on the 5th. Cheers
October 28th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I love the new baby panda it is so! cute I have been wanting a panda for a pet. I think I cant have one.
butI realy want one. I know that it is a boy and I am so! happy.
October 28th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Oh no we’re not going to have an OHIO and MICHIGAN rival too over who loves pandas the most. LOL The football one is bad enough.
Can’t wait for all the great things coming up, naming the cubbie and the baby shower, it’s almost to much excitment for one OHIO panda lover.
October 28th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
#101. I agree with you the online baby shower is a brillaint idea and public relations work! The majority of the bloggers are women and we all love a good baby shower! I think the person(s) should get a raise!
What a wonderful way to provide for Yun-Gao’s!
Moderator, Where can we access the shower list? I must be overlooking it!
Moderator’s note: I don’t believe it will be posted until the day of the “shower.”
October 28th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
About naming the cub Gao Yun or Yun Gao.
Each of those two words means something in Chinese. And together they have to mean something coherent. There seems to be alot of stressing about this combo, and staff has told us their reasons why it won’t work. As has been said, parents in China don’t generally name their offspring after the father and mother. I think you will all enjoy the voting process. You can check out each name in Chinese, what its meaning is, how it is pronounced, how it is spelled, and I think you will find one you will especially like.
October 28th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
I hope a little video will be posted from the shower. Some of us will have to work (what?!?!?!) at that time in situations where we can’t see it live!
I was very happy to be referred to the YouTube SDZ Channel. I hadn’t heard of it before or noticed a link… maybe just not attentive enough! I wonder if longer videos could be posted there without compromising your bandwidth. Maybe as the “footage” (not quite a digital reality) is edited down, there could be a longer version before the final cut is made? (Nominating doximom18 for volunteer editor prize!) Well, you know already how greedy we are for peeks at “our” pandas.
Thanks for all the great blogs and moderation. I’ve learned and enjoyed so, so much.
Moderator’s note: The baby shower is virtual, so there won’t be video of it (unless you want to see keepers madly typing on a keyboard!). It’s our intention to have a transcript of the live chat available for those not able to “attend.”
Our YouTube channel is not up-to-date and we won’t be adding older archived video to it. And it would be a lot of extra work for our videographer to edit longer versions of our Web videos for YouTube. We hope to one day post our current videos there in addition to our Web site’s own video gallery.
October 28th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I just can hardly believe I get to see this every day. I truly thank you. What an awesome priviledge!
October 28th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I like the name Yong Jie meaning Brave Hero which he already has been at his birth. Whatever the name, he is adorable and is a great addition to his bred and to the Zoo.
October 28th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Baby Shower–excellent idea! Creativity abounds throughout the entire SDZ!! I sure hope to attend this virtual event. I hope this is the first of several…thinking ahead to any possible births over at the polar bear den (fingers have been crossed for quite some time now). Plus, the elephants over at WAP might certainly need some things in 2010 w/3 pending births.
I visited the zoo last Sunday late afternoon. It’s a great place to walk and I go whenever I can w/my annual pass. Stopped in to see Su Lin and ZZ. Su Lin was so gorgeous and ZZ seemed to have the Gao eating machine technique going in full force!
October 28th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I caught a glimpse of Su Lin yesterday and she certainly has turned out to be one beautiful bear. Her face has filled out so nicely. Both ZZ and Su look exactly like Ms. Bai. I do not see any Gao Gao in them at all. One would think Gao’s offsprings would be somewhat stunted, but the two girls appear to be very robust.
October 28th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Guess I missed the info. on the baby shower…where it it, when, do we send gifts, etc?
Are stuffed toys allowed or just food items? Thanks…..
Moderator’s note: We just put up a link about it today on Panda Cam. You can read all about it there.
October 28th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
thanks again for another update. Guarenteed I will be glued to the computer to cast my vote. I cannot wait til this little guy is old enough for a public visit. I hope I can make it on naming day. Still keeping my fingers crossed my name choice was good enough for top 5. The SDZ staff rocks! I love you guys! I read blogs for many of the animals but I am such a panda junkie. I’m going to ask my husband for a panda adoption for my birthday, it beats diamonds and lingerie!
October 28th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Well, Deb (# 111), I hope and I am nearly convinced that Panda ladies are not as vain as we human ladies are these days and they won’t mind to be called “very robust”. After reading Diana comments (# 110) I was going to ask the moderator to whisper ZZ weight to us since Diana described her as a “Gao eating machine technique going in full force!”.
Moderator: Do you know ZZ weight?
Moderator’s note: I’ll ask the Panda Team.
October 28th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
what about bao bao that is a great name for a panda.
October 28th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Love the videos and all the info you give us. What a little sweetie!
One question for the moderators: How soon do you think Bai will decide to move out of the birthing den with “little bit”? What clues, if any, do you get from her? I’m assuming you leave it up to her great maternal instincts, and will take your cues from her. How do you go about this? Also, do you have any data from Bai with her other cubs as to when they moved out of the birthing den? I think the stats on this would be interesting.
Thanks again so much for all your hard work. We all really appreciate your efforts!
Moderator’s note: I’ll forward your questions to our Panda Team.
October 28th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Bai Yun is playing with Cubby right now and it’s so adorable. They are really having a fun time. I am totally in love with these two and their relationship. A mommy and her little boy. I cannot wait to vote for a name for this little one.
Thanks for all the info you provide.
October 28th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
oh my! Its’ 6 pm here and the cub and momma totally interacted! They played, she rocked him and fed him….he also scooted under her arm to feed….so he had an actual thought of moving to do it!
Plus when she put him down….he worked so hard to crawl over her rear leg, then once he managed that major feat, he plopped down and went right to sleep.
Finally some activity! Just wish there were close ups since the picture is so small.
That goes for the other web cams in other exhibits…..very hard to see the animals up close…..they are mostly just spots in a small picture! Zoo needs to improve the quality of coverage, especially of the apes.
October 28th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Once again, thanks for the great description of the voting process. And for what it’s worth, we are all acting like addled adults, which of course we are, when it comes to the wee ones. We forget that these are indeed wild animals, and despite how many human behaviors they exhibit, we can’t and shouldn’t humanize them. Naming them with their parents’ name is a Western civilization notion. It isn’t the rule in most other traditions. So Gao Yun would be totally inappropriate, and certainly in Chinese, even more so.
These are adorable, beautiful, wanna-hug-’em animals, but we are responding with our emotions. While I’m sure the keepers are delighted when they get to bring in Mr. Chubbs for his exams, and they get to hold him, they are also reacting as the trained zoo keepers that they are, attending to the medical and research aspects of the exam. After all, the reason we have the pandas here is for our ability to investigate their behaviours… we do it so well that Bai Yun has been relaxed enough to have 5 cublets! For that we should be so proud!
But getting all bent out of shape because the names to be given the cub aren’t cutesy or sweet or “aw shucks” types of names doesn’t befit the legacy and purpose of the pandas. Let’s keep them at the forefront of our thoughts, not our own emotions.
Whatever name Mr Chubbs ends up with will totally be fitting, because he will grow into it. Some folks hated the name Zhen Zhen, and now no one even remembers any other options for that little fuzz ball.
October 28th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Pam, #104 – No rivalry here… just undying love for all things panda! I think Panda Love is universal!
October 28th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
If anyone was watching the cam for the past 45 minutes or so , cubby has been so active! Bai came in and it almost seemed as if she kept picking him up for the camera and all to see. Again, she tried to nap and he would not let her. After about 45 minutes of playing and tossing him around, she finally gave up and left and now he is fast asleep again! It is all to cute for words. Thanks SDZ again and again for this wonderful experience of watching mom and baby together. I cannot get enough of this and I am supposed to be studying!! I cannot wait for the name of our little priceless prince, although the nicknames will never go away!
October 28th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Page #107, thank you for the nomination, but I respectfully decline! San Diego Zoo professionals and volunteers do a tremendous job and don’t need my help! BUT, I will continue to do YouTube videos to showcase their wonderful Panda family!
I just posted a new YouTube video, search for “Happy Bearfday BaiBy” in honor of the cub’s 12 week birthday! There are closeups of Bai inspecting the den camera
, the cub nursing, the cub trying to climb over Bai’s leg, and Bai burying the cub while digging at the bamboo on the den floor! Hope you enjoy these ‘peeks’ at ‘our’ panda cub!!!
October 28th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Yes, I’ve added to the statistic, I’ve got the Flu. I couldn’t go to work for days. Thank you SDZ and staff for providing the updates and the pandacam, these exceptionally beautiful bears never fail to cheer me up. The Exam videos are so lovely to see, I can not watch them only once. I have watch #5 Exam at least 30 times to see him got his first sho. His expression and voice are priceless. I don’t like to see him getting hurt, I hope from then on all his shots are painless.
Moderator’s note: Hope you’re over the worst of the flu!
October 28th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Wow! Gotta tell you when my third graders and I went online today and saw the title, “Voting Time,” you should have heard the eruption of screams from room 9! Then when we read on and found out we had to wait until Saturday you should have heard the groans!
We are so excited…we sure hope we made the list! Then again the kids just want to know what his name will be, so they do not have to continue to call him “Baby Panda.”
Thanks to all at the SDZ for this exciting learning opportunity!
Moderator’s note: You’ll have to tell us which name your students pick!
October 28th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
I am very excited about the name list and the baby shower.
AZ panda cam is still down, it’s been over a week, I missed that mischief X-man a lot.
October 28th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Fellow panda-lovers, -holics, -fans, whatever we call ourselves. How much I have missed in the two weeks I was on vacation – several new blogs, three cub exams and hundreds of comments!! There is no way I will catch up! However, my last two vacation days were a trip highlight – a visit to SDZ!! Yup. I was there for two days – October 23 and 25. My first day at the zoo was my “good fortune” day, as both the girls were on exhibit and in fine form. My second day was lots quieter – they were asleep most of the time.
That first day, ZZ was especially pumped. She pranced around her enclosure, visiting and sniffing every possible corner of it, rearing up on her hind legs every now and then, and showing us her “roll-overs”! She took a special interest in the green bamboo wall way over on the right side – she must have detected a scent or heard a sound – something was calling to her, that’s for sure. She played coy with her pole climbing (the one closest to the glass wall), leading her “loyal subjects” to keep wondering, “Is she going up or not?” Well, in the end, she gave us what I would call a “half climb”. The most fun was watching her play in her pool – something I haven’t seen much on the webcam – she would take a drink, wade through the water, sit down and splash a bit, splash water on her face, then roll around on the ground. Needless to say, she got progressively grungy as time went on. Then, she finally tired herself out and went for a rest on her favorite branch.
Su Lin was more sedate, but still played to the crowd. She has grown into such a beauty! She gave us a good show of her bamboo eating style, even wowing the crowd with her ability to crunch through one very thick bamboo stem. We all know what a climber she is and she did not disappoint. She wandered around her exhibit like a princess surveying her kingdom – slow walk, sniffing here and there, climbing up and down, then enjoying her bamboo again.
It was not easy to photograph these two when they were constantly in motion – sometimes I would catch only their heads or their “other ends”. However, I did manage to get some good shots and I will be posting them on Flickr after I transfer them and clean them up a bit. A big “thank you” to Chris, the narrator, for the nice chat we had. I told her how much we all appreciate them and their dedication to the giant pandas.
I’ve only been able to get to the zoo once a year so far, but I so enjoy these encounters with the pandas and all the other zoo creatures. Do not miss a visit to the Simians enclosure – these little black apes are said to be the smallest in size but with the loudest voices – you can hear them everywhere and they “bellow” almost non-stop!! They share their enclosure with an orangutan species who don’t seem to care about all the caterwauling going on around them – too funny!!
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a lovely lunch, you won’t be disappointed with Albert’s up amongst the treetops (#11 on the map) – excellent service, great food and a cool breeze with greenery all around you. Enjoy!!
Moderator’s note: Thank you for sharing your time at the Zoo with our readers. Sounds like you had a great time!
October 28th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
We know the names offered up will be good ones because SDZ and the Chinese wouldn’t have it any other way.
Did you notice that that Vet said that this panda didn’t seem as far along as the others and it would take longer for him to get his feet under him and moving?
That first part of the video showing the little guy being taken from the den was so cool. He does seem to be a mellow sort which is fine but I’m betting once those feet are moving and he is out of that den he is going to be one little busy guy. Right now he just doesn’t have to do much of anything. He sleeps and gets fed and mama plays with him. It is so sweet when Bai plays with her offspring. The affection is just so obvious. She does tend to toss them aside and go eat but all of that is part of the training she is already giving him.
October 28th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Did anyone else see the pandas in Taiwan, who are getting married soon? Did they seem very skinny to anyone else? I guess it just depends on what they get to eat besides the bamboo but our pandas are so healthy and beautiful. They’re much more robust. I sort of liked the idea of incorporating Gao Gao’s name into his son’s.
October 28th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Hi! Thanks for clarifying the voting process, panda team! That does help me out alot! Now, I will have to really look at the names, weigh them to the cub’s emerging personality, and vote for the name that will fit him the best since I will only get one vote. So, more pandacam watching to see that little guy’s personality coming thru!
Linda, NorCal; sorry that you can’t vote for the panda’s new name. Hopefully by a miracle, you can find some place or someone that has a computer with internet so that you can at least get on the SDZ site for one day and vote for a name. BTW, where are you at anyway that’s got you 4500 miles away from home??
Just checked the pandacam late tonite, and little fluffy butt is sleeping! Mom is out of the den right now.
I love the upcoming baby shower chat that’s on Thurs., Nov. 5th! I do have a Facebook account, so I will be able to get on there on that day. You said that the time is 11am PST (Cal time), so that will make it around 2pm EST (Florida time), right? Hope I am right on that one!
Oh yeah, a head’s up for all of you—-FALL BACK THIS SATURDAY!!! Remember to set your clocks and watches back an hour this Saturday nite! Daylight Savings Time will be going BYE BYE until March, 2010! YEA!!! We’ll have an extra hour to sleep on Sun., Nov. 1st unless some of you have to go to work on that day! Don’t think that the pandas will notice the time change anyway! They are too busy doing their usual stuff—eating, playing, sleeping! They have no sense of time at all! Lucky bears!!
Gonna go back to the pandacam one more time before going to bed! Will be back later!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 29th, 2009 at 3:24 am
The two names I submitted were
Gao Yuan – Big Hope
Gong Xiang – To Share or Honorable Auspicious
From the blog post I’m not expecting either to be in the final 5
#127 Peggy, my understanding of the comentary was that panda cubs physical development is slower than comparable carnivorous species, rather than this individual cub was developing slower than his siblings.
Take this 12 week old polar bear cub as a comparision animalsandearth (dot) com /view /39458
October 29th, 2009 at 3:25 am
Peggy #128 Regarding Yuan and Tuan in Taiwan; in case you were not aware both these pandas are only 5 years old – they are just now becoming panda adults and are still young in panda years. Tuan Tuan is also the son of our Hua Mei and Grandson to our Bai Yun and Shi Shi so he has some good genes. No doubt as he matures he will increase in stature as well. It will be exciting to hear of their first offspring as that will make our Bai Yun a great-grandma, although in our eyes she already is ‘great great’!
October 29th, 2009 at 4:07 am
#127 Peggy – I think he said that panda cubs in general develop neurologically much slower than other carnivores – so it will be about a month before we start seeing what we would expect is normal locomotion, but the baby is totally normal for a panda. I was glad he said this – the previous vet had commented that the baby was not too keen on “pushing his horizons” yet, which made me worried that little pudgy was developmentally slow.
Does anyone know why the pandas develop slower in this respect? I know that pandas are carnivores, but they have kind of adapted evolutionarily to their bamboo diet. How do pandas compare to other vegetarians? By neurological development, was he referring to the motor centers of the brain, or do baby pandas have a less developed sense of spatial orientation that would make locomotion difficult even though they are physically capable? Sorry so many questions, but I am really curious to know what the world is like to the baby panda
October 29th, 2009 at 4:29 am
I have suggested one name, but I’ll like any name you’ll choose for him.
What a great idea to do a “Baby Shower on line Party” and ” Cub Wish List”!
Cute!
October 29th, 2009 at 4:54 am
Today the temp will be 97 with the real feel of 109…..
I think the pandas sweetness and playful behaviors as adults, has to be from so much love, attention, safety and sense of hummer they are taught by their mother during the den time, at least. I have never seen an animal or human mother with such a peaceful and cosy home during these special days they have together.
I’m happy to read that we will hold a baby shower for chub. I think the best gift would be a donation. That is what I’m sending after the cameras have shown me what a wonderful group of people that do all of that work and still make time to make us feel so welcome.
me
October 29th, 2009 at 5:09 am
I worry so about the babies being set into the wild by China. Wouldn’t it be better to temporarily capture and impregnate a wild panda, then set her back into the wild to give birth and let her and the environmnent teach her cub what keepers can’t? I understand the pandas SDZ sends back won’t be sent into the wild but their children can be. What is the position of the SDZ on setting pandas raised in safe environments loose in the wild? Also, I read China is using dogs to fight young pandas to make them more aggressive and self-protecting. Is that true?
Panda Team responds: We can assure you that this is wrong! Pandas that may be identified to be released into the wild are given the space and resources to learn how to be pandas!
October 29th, 2009 at 5:57 am
Is it possible to put a link of the comparison chart and FAQ’s (when do they start eating, etc) somewhere on the Panda Cam page? I can never find it, but I know it’s out there.
Thanks!
Moderator’s note: That link has been temporarily replaced by the link to the Panda Cub Shower. Here’s the Panda Cub Milestones page.
October 29th, 2009 at 6:14 am
Does the Panda Team have any information about the most cubs a mother panda has birthed and raised “back-to-back”? Bai has had four cubs “back-to-back” (every two years) and raised them all to weaning and I was wondering if this is a common feat (I’m thinking not). I know some mothers in birthing centers have cubs almost yearly when the cubs are removed from the mother at a very early age, but they don’t go through the rigors of nursing a cub and raising it for 18 months. The reason I ask is because I admire Bai Yun’s tireless devotion to being a mom. She is a hero in my eyes, and a beautiful hero at that. I’m so glad someone had the brilliant idea to throw her a shower.
I was also wondering who bakes the special bamboo bread that Su Lin has started eating in preparation for her relocation to China? Is it the wonderful staff of the Forage Warehouse? Is the recipe top secret (i.e. could humans “on the outside” be privy to the special recipe for bamboo bread)? Just curious about things such as whether bamboo bread has yeast or some other leavening agent or if it’s an unleavened bread since the pandas’ digestive system is so specialized.
Does anyone know whether the Taipei Zoo has breeding plans for Tuan Tuan (Bai Yun’s grandson) and Yuan Yuan in the spring? They are five.
Moderator’s note: Your questions have been forwarded to our Panda Team.
October 29th, 2009 at 6:27 am
I forgot to say how much I like seeing all of the panda “stuff” in the background in the exam room. In the last exam video, I noticed the panda pictures on the door of the freezer, much like people at home would have photos of their kids on the fridge. I’ve also noticed the framed pics, etc. on the upper shelves behind the exam table. My favorite thing is the big panda face on the wall to the right of the freezer. Very cool!
#177 Peggy…I thought the vet might be saying that giant pandas generally develop more slowly than expected when compared to other carnivores, not that this cub is behind developmentally.
October 29th, 2009 at 6:37 am
Hahahahaha!! Momma Bai has been so spry, here of late. She has been tumbling into the den doing somersaults. Backing into the den as if she were parking a van and generally just being a character
And what is up with those big stalks of bamboo she likes to drag into and then back out of the den? I’m not sure if she is trying to do some decorating or if she is putting up a beach umbrella for a picnic. Hahahaha!!
October 29th, 2009 at 7:02 am
regarding message 127 from peggy, which video did the vet say “… the panda wasn’t as far along as the others and it would take longer for him to get his feet under him…”?
Moderator’s note: In the most recent exam video, our vet was comparing panda cubs in general to other carnivore youngsters.
October 29th, 2009 at 7:17 am
I’m watching the Panda sleep~ta da
I’m watching the Panda sleep
On his tummy or side
On his back with legs wide
I’m watching the Panda sleep~ta da
October 29th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Deb, #111, One projection regarding Gao Gao’s size is that it may have been stunted by the early events in his life, i.e, the fact that he lost (somehow) his mother at around six months of age and the tough time he most certainly had following that, i.e. the fight(s) that resulted in the loss of most of his left ear. He is a survivor if he had to be forcibly weaned that early. So, his size may not be genetic, therefore it wouldn’t show up in his offspring. Gao Gao’s story is remarkable. I love the guy and miss seeing him!
. . . the countdown to the naming vote . . . whatever name is chosen will be just right for our special “little guy.”
October 29th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Noooooo…!! I went to write 5 November for the Baby Shower on my calendar and realised I’d forgotton I’ve got a parents evening at my daughter’s college. Got to travel to and from London so I doubt I’ll be back in time. Oh, bother, I wanted to buy something for Bai and baby.
October 29th, 2009 at 7:43 am
I love watching the pandas, and would like to see more of Bai Yun and the other girls, the baby just sleeps a lot at present, but when he starts getting around we have to watch him, he is sooo cute!
October 29th, 2009 at 8:41 am
I am anxiously waiting for the names to be posted –Maybe at 12:01 a.m. p.d.t.? #119 Liana – I agree with you about a name for the new cub (although I’ll be calling him SQUEAKY for a long time). I voted for naming Zhen Zhen ( but NOT for that name). I don’t remember the English translation but I just thought
Zhen Zhen didn’t sound too feminine — Now Su Lin, is a perfect name for a female panda. I’ll bet is was an
overwhelming favorite.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Thanks Kathy #131. I did not know that was one of Hua Mei’s. They looked healthy of course but I hadn’t noticed that ours even when close to that age looked thin but then again I’m not able to watch the cam as much as others so I probably have just never come across it when they stretch out.
Our little guy seems pretty laid back but why wouldn’t he be? His mom takes good care of him and she lets him sleep except when she wants to feed him or play a bit. I think he is doing very well but it is true that pandas are slow developers. I suppose that is something that became necessary in order to survive. It is unfortunate that they focused on bamboo since it provides so little real nourishment but that was probably all there was at one time. We give ours extra and I’m sure China and every other country that has a pair does the same.
I think the Chinese are being careful about returning pandas to the wild. They want them to be able to survive and to help the species so everything is thought out in advance. They also know that the eyes of the world are on them. We may not all agree on how they raise their cubs but we know that they care deeply for every single one of their pandas. Their timetable is faster than ours but then we give our cubs more time with their mothers and personally I think that makes for a more well rounded panda.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Ah, well, Facebook……please clarify for those of us who choose not to have a Facebook account (I used to and it was abused, so I shut it down). Will there be anything for us to see or do on Nov 5 for the baby shower? I feel like some of us are going to be shut out to some degree since we choose not to be Facebook connoisseurs.
Moderator’s note: We don’t mean to shut anyone out of the fun. On the day and time of the shower, the live “chat” will be streaming on the Panda Cam page for all to see. Those who have a Facebook account can be part of the live chat and ask questions, send comments, etc. The rest of us can watch the fun.
October 29th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Deb, #111 and Barbara, # 142, you can find Gao Gao’s life history in the blog post: Celebrating Gao Gao, posted on January 19, 2009 by Ellie Rosenbaum
http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2009/01/19/celebrating-gao-gao/
October 29th, 2009 at 9:21 am
#111 deb and #142 Barbara…I have wondered whether Gao’s small but mighty stature is due to some nutritional deprivation as an orphaned cub. I’ve searched valiantly through the blogs trying to find the post, but am having no luck. In that post, someone posed the question to Suzanne Hall about Gao’s size and Suzanne thought at the time that Gao’s smaller size is unrelated to his difficult circumstances as a cub. Instead, she chalked it up to genetic variability/diversity (I can’t remember the exact word). Whatever the reason, his smaller frame definitely adds to his mysterious charm.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:00 am
I love watching this little guy!! I had twin boys on June 24th 2009 Liam & Owen -I can’t wait to vote for his name!! My son Aidan & I found him beacuse he is doing a school report on Pandas. Aidan is 7 years old and attends St. Pius School in Loudonville NY. I have five kids and hope to take them all to visit the Pandas out in sunny San Diego!! Until then, i will watch all our boys grow together. Liam & Owen weigh 12 pounds & change. They are like brothers!! how about Colin-which means cub.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I did finally find the previous blog post where Suzanne Hall commented on Gao’s stature. It is titled “Preparing for Potential Pandas,” June 28, 2007, Comment #14. The term Suzanne used is “genetic variation” so that’s why I was having trouble finding it by using ‘variability’ and ‘diversity’ as search terms.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Forgive me….it’s probably not on this blog…..shower…..where do we buy gifts, make donations etc for this….my work keeps me very busy so reading all of these and more I just can’t do…if some one will tell me where to go(now now be nice)so I don’t miss it….thanks…this is a really cute idea….
Moderator’s note: We’re preparing a post to explain the shower in more detail. Stay tuned!
October 29th, 2009 at 11:16 am
At around 2:10pm EDT, I just saw little Mr. Fluffy Butt with all of his 4 feet tucked under him napping! Got another postcard shot of him for myself! This cub is all fluffy butt!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
October 29th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Good morning….I was just wondering if the cam info at the bottom of the screen can be moved to the left or right position of the screen? This morning, baby’s feet look so cute, but you can’t see the left foot at the bottom of the screen, great picture if we could see both his little footsies! in addition to his cute little rump!
October 29th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I just want to say how much I enjoyed watching Plumpers attack his Mommy last night. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time! He must have been saving up all day to be so energetic and intent on biting Bai on the ear,kung fu kicking her on her snout and on her tummy, and just generally giving her a hard time. Bai finally picked him up, twirled him around, then held him upside down for a little while until he calmed down a bit. Plumpers then decided to have a snack before curling up by Mommy Bai and falling asleep. There is more than a sleepy cubby underneath all that robust rolls of chubbiness!
October 29th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
What are the red pellets (?) that Bai Yun is eating in the garden room?
Moderator’s note: They are called leafeater biscuits. Very tasty, if you’re a leaf eater.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I’ve made more than my share of posts today, but I wanted to thank whoever was operating the camera just now. The close-ups of Bai Yun as she was finishing her pile of biscuits were absolutely beautiful. It is a treat to see her bright, intelligent eyes, her thick, fluffy fur and those perfectly round and plush panda ears. She’s gorgeous! Many thanks!
October 29th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Meerkats, thank you for the wonderful close-ups of Bai in her Garden Room. She is looking really beautiful.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
No fair, I don’t have a Facebook account. aww.
Bai is giving cubbie a bath! (Aww, how cute!) Good luck with the voting! I hope to see which names made it through!!!!!!!!!!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I’m having so much fun watching Bai and Chubby Cubby trying to find a nursing position that suits them both. Right now his hind legs are kicking her in the face and she’s just smiling. I think watching interaction between mother and cub is my favorite part of the Panda Cam experience. I’m getting some great postcards today — tiny baby cubs are precious, but when Bai decides the baby doesn’t need to be babied any more, and they enjoy some rough and tumble, it’s wonderful.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Just watching a feeding, bathing, playing session with Mama and Chubby Cubby. Now mom is STRONGLY suggesting a nap session to which our boy is resisting with all his might. What a handful!!!
October 29th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Thank you so much for keeping us updated on his progress. I can’t wait until our little boy is named.
I have been following all the births at San Diego Zoo and I am so impressed with your success.
Thank you for allowing us to share in this experience.
October 29th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Look at our baby boy laying there watching his mama. He’s sooo CUTE! I wish we had audio so we could hear them speak to each other. I’ve been busy, and have only seen him briefly for the last 4-5 days, he’s really growing up. I LOVE HIM SO! Bai Yun is by far THE BEST mother in the entire animal kingdom.
October 29th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I have always loved panda’s ever since i was young. I had panda stuff all over my room. We were at the zoo in APril and I was so excited to hear of the plans for a new baby at the zoo. I have loved watching the little bear and so have my two boys. We check up on him often and can’t wait to hear what the final name is….
Thanks
October 29th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
its so cuuuuuuuuuuuuuute! I hope my name wins! The name I picked is mickey.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
How do we vote for a name?
Moderator’s note: There will be a link on the Panda Cam page beginning October 31.
October 30th, 2009 at 7:14 am
I wish one of the names could have been Gao Yun. I can’t wait to vote for a name.
He is so CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!! I love watching him on the panda cam.
October 30th, 2009 at 8:34 am
its avery cute panda. i would name it bei yun
October 30th, 2009 at 8:38 am
another good name would be beijing
October 30th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Melissa (#137), the late Mei Mei of the Adventure World of Shirahama in Japan had 7 cubs back to back, including two pairs of twins and two births in winter. I think one of the other males also had a twin brother who did not survive. She raised all her cubs, including the twins, without the type of cub swapping that’s frequently done in China. Unfortunately, she passed away in October 2008 at a young age of 14.
9/2000 Rauhin (female)
12/2001 Yuhin (male)
9/2003 Ryuhin (male) and Shuhin (male)
8/2005 Kouhin (male)
12/2006 Aihin (female) and Meihin (male)
October 30th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
My 3 year old son would like the baby Panda to be named Edmond.
October 30th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I just voted for a name….yipeee!!!! I was watching the webcam early this morning and I really thought that Bai Yun was getting Baby to do something ( ie: sitting up ) and the Cubby did it. Bai Yun looked so excited scooped the baby up and was kissing him all over. Such precious moments like this remind me we are all animals and it’s all about “Love”. They are so in love with each other. Hope the name I voted for, wins!!!!!!
Great idea that someone had about a video of the shower because I ,also, will be at work and love this Mommy & Cub.
Thanks SDZ!
October 30th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I just voted on my favorite name too. I understand that you can’t vote more than once, but I would like to see the list of names again. Is there somewhere on the site I can see the selections without voting?
Moderator’s note: Good idea. I’ve added the names to the Panda Cam page.
October 30th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Dawn, I think you voted too early as it is only 10pm here…PST….I am just waiting for midnight!
October 31st, 2009 at 6:10 am
i cant wait 4 voting………..i think his name should be “bobo” idk wat it means but it fits him
October 31st, 2009 at 6:11 am
how do u vote i have not figured that out yet???????????
Moderator’s note: Here’s the link…
October 31st, 2009 at 6:23 am
By the way, the baby looks so adorable in the photo on the name the baby page – he has a very mysterious and quietly mischievous look about him!
October 31st, 2009 at 9:36 am
I am looking forward to discovering the name everyone choose for Bai’s ‘Action Man’ – one day soon he will suprise you all with his daring escapades – those ‘heart stopping’ moments have yet to begin!
October 31st, 2009 at 10:12 am
The choices just came up and I’ve cast my vote.
October 31st, 2009 at 10:59 am
I will be at the zoo on the day of the “Naming” ceremony!! Would you please let me know when this great event starts (time) and if I need any special tickets to be there in the crowd. I am so excited! I can’t wait to see my panda family!
Moderator’s note: The ceremony begins at 11 a.m., no special tickets required. Please remember, no pandas will be present at the ceremony, just panda lovers!
October 31st, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Argh, I can’t decide which name I like best! Will have to mull it over for a day or two. I think this is the first time we have been restricted to only one vote? Such a tough decision, they are all very nice names.
October 31st, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I vote for the name: Yun ZI or son of cloud
October 31st, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I know you can only v te once, but can we review the names? I can’t find them
Moderator’s note: They are currently listed on the Panda Cam page, under “Name Our Cub.”
October 31st, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Love the blogs. It nice to know I’m not the only one that starts my day and ends my day with my fix of this cute little panda and his loving Mom. Thanks for providing us with updates and filling us with Panda knowledge.
October 31st, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Gao didn’t make it, but glad to see that Yun did! It is great to know that momma bear extraordinaire has a probability of being part of her latest son’s name. Since she was named Cloud by her Chinese keepers as a young cub near this one’s age because she was such a beautiful ball of fluff, high in the trees, it is a great name to pass on to her latest offspring that soon will also be a white ball of fluff (cloud) high in the trees like his sisters and brother before him.
It would be an especially fitting climax if this is indeed Bai Yun’s (white cloud) last cub.
November 1st, 2009 at 11:39 am
I voted for son of cloud; I think there was a previous post from the zoo saying that this would probably be Bai Yun’s last chance at getting pregnant. I think it would be so wonderful to have a name for this panda that preserved her name in the lineage.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 am
I would like to see the baby panda’s name be the one that means “little dragon” I could not find on the site where you actually vote could you email me back how to get to the voting???? He is sooooo cute!!! I will be checking to see how to adopt a panda. Thanks
Moderator’s note: The link to the voting page is on the Panda Cam page, upper right-hand corner. Happy voting!
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:31 am
I think you should name the cub: Yǒng Xiǎng (yong siang): eternally blessed.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:05 am
I don’t know about any of the names you have chosen.
I think that one of the names that you
had before would be better: Chubby.
Couldn’t we call him that?
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:31 am
All of the names are great, but I just love the idea of the cub bearing his mother’s name. Son of Cloud is, to me, a perfect name.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:36 am
name the baby panda little dragon
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:53 am
A dragon isn’t very cute, is it? A dragon
is kind of scary!
Shouldn’t his name express how lovable
and cute he is? How much we love him?
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I’ve had a hard time deciding which name to vote on. I’ve now made my choice, and will be happy whichever name is picked. He is such a sweet little babe. I enjoy watching him sleep the mornings and afternoons away, and then at other times he’s moving so much. Love when Mama comes in and cuddles, licks and twirls him like a whirling dervish. Just so much love. Again, thank you to the SDZ and the people who inform us of all that’s happening with our little darling.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:48 pm
pandas ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sooooooooooooooooooo
adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Greetings SD Zoo we went to see the baby panda and he is as cute in person as he looks on the cam. Great job zoo keepers
love and hugs Sandy
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
pandas are soooooooooooo cute.I loveeee soooooo much.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:07 pm
panda’s are soooooooooo adorable. they are god,s pets and god created them.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Hello, What do you think about the name for the baby panda, Kifu.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
I think Ron Burgundy would have been a really classy name. Dang.
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I still like Napping Bear best!
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:53 pm
#195 Sandy – The cub is not on exhibit yet. How did you get to see him?
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:39 pm
No he is nothing like a dragon. He is cute.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:58 am
Name the baby Panda ” Shika”
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:47 am
Oh he is so cute.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
i know i know this sounds dumb but i have no idea where the place is you vote i need HELP !
Moderator’s note: The link is on the Panda Cam page. Or just click here…
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Yes, #195. How come you’re saying that you saw the baby panda when he isn’t on display yet. Were you possibly seeing big sis and just thinking it was little Chubby?
November 4th, 2009 at 10:57 am
All involved did a wonderful job selecting names for the cub. I think they all fit our baby beautifully and will be happy with the winner, no matter which is selected.
November 17th, 2009 at 7:12 am
Here in San Diego, KUSI News producers have Dan Plante and Sandra Maas repeating; “the baby is a girl, 6,000 votes were made for the name”. I called them this morning. They did not seem to know about the naming ceremony, but knew that the name would be revealed today. Does SDZoo send releases to KUSI or the other local stations? Larry Kimmel at Channel 8 has done PR for the Maritime museum, etc.
I am up early to get chores done so I can watch the TV Panda program later. Perhaps I should forward stuff to the Stations?
Moderator’s note: Our Public Relations Department sends press releases to all local stations regarding anything to do with the panda cub.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:08 am
We are waiting for a blogger to tell us the name!! Can’t hardly wait to hear!!