Pandas: From Both Sides
Posted at 8:26 am November 3, 2009 by Anastasia Horning
For a few years now, I have been a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo’s Giant Panda Research Station and have enjoyed watching pandas go through different stages in life as well as their day-to-day changes. I have always admired our keepers and researchers at the Zoo for what they do for our animals here and what they do for the conservation community. Our keepers must do cleaning and feeding on a schedule as well as be incredibly observant of their animals and noticing changes in behavior. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of that and learn valuable lessons from our Panda Team.
Several months ago I was asked if I would be interested in helping our keepers out when they were short handed and needed some help. I jumped at the opportunity! Part of a keeper’s daily routine is cleaning bedrooms and enclosures, and in that routine a trained eye comes in handy: an animal’s droppings can tell more than you think. Their diet is monitored and recorded at every feeding: how much went in and how much is left over. These bears go through different weather changes and even life changes, so keeping track of diet and weight is vital.
Every morning when I arrived I would assist with getting treats ready for the day, weighing Bai Yun and Gao Gao, and feeding bamboo out to both. Both bears were checked each day to see if behavior or physical appearance was altered at all. But I have to say that helping care for Bai Yun with her new baby has been a major highlight! Kathy Hawk (senior keeper) has been with Bai Yun since she came to San Diego in 1996, and watching them interact together shows how much our keepers really put into our animals’ welfare. Every morning Bai Yun appeared at the window of her bedroom ready for her breakfast; she knows to go inside so we can clean her sun rooms and put out breakfast and is so patient.
Each bear has their own personality, and working around Su Lin and Zhen Zhen has only reaffirmed this for me. Su Lin was the first cub I have watched grow from start to present day, and standing next to her with only a fence between us reminds me how much time has gone by. Su Lin often will play “hard to get” to come into her bedroom, but then again some days she can’t wait to go inside. Cleaning the front enclosures, you see and look for things that sometimes you may not notice looking from the guests’ point of view. Su Lin has a knack for being rather hard on the tree in her exhibit. While cleaning, we look at the plants growing and the climbing structures and make sure that there is nothing in the exhibit that Su Lin can remodel.
Zhen Zhen still blows me away when I realize that in just two years she has grown so much. Her evening bamboo is usually spread around the exhibit, and for some reason she loves to leave her droppings in the most difficult places for us to get to. I’ve always joked that she makes keepers work that much harder for a truly clean enclosure, and even though she has never encountered her father, we do see some behaviors that are so similar to her father, Gao Gao. Seeing these behaviors from the narrator’s point of view is one thing, but actually working with a bear while she performs these behaviors is even better!
Overall, these bears are truly amazing to watch up close, and working with a great staff has made the experience even better. All I have to say to our loyal followers on the panda blog posts and Panda Cam is that you have nothing to worry about: our keepers are and will continue to watch over the bears.
Anastasia Horning is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:46 am
Anastasia I don’t blame you – I’d have jumped at the chance too!! It’s incredible all you have to look for and notice when doing that job. But hey – what a pay back to be right there with the pandas!!! Take care and thanks for the information about “behind the scenes”.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:51 am
I enjoyed reading your update, Anastasia! For those of us who can’t visit the bears in person, we get to know them through the panda cam and through the eyes of the narrators, keepers and researchers. It’s interesting to hear about them from your new point of view. Thanks for sharing your excitement and insights with us. I can see how much you care about the panda family.
One of my favorite things is learning how “the kids” are similar to and different from their parents. Hearing that Zhen has some of Gao Gao’s particular traits is really neat. Su Lin is most often compared to Gao Gao when it comes to personality traits and things like that, so it was unexpected to find out that Zhen does some things like her dad, too. Maybe Zhen Zhen is trying to keep her yard tidy and attractive for the zoo visitors?
Are all the bears different in how quickly they adjust to a new keeper when it comes to trust or understanding that they need to follow a new voice when shifting, etc.?
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:53 am
Anastasia, we observers have absolutely no doubt about the dedication and love all of you at the zoo put into the care of your four-legged families.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:54 am
Thank you for this informative message. It is nice to know that such much attention is paid to, what we all consider to be, our bears. Once a person becomes addicted to watching these wonderful beings, they steal your heart, and become someone you can’t seem to get enough of.
Keep up the good work and we look forward to our baby receiving his name.
Love and best wishes to all at this fantastic place, the San Diego Zoo. May God bless you, human or critter.
Love,Linda O. Hays
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:58 am
Thanks, Anastasia, for a fascinating and captivating behind the scenes “tour” of what life as a keeper helper is really like. Sounds like you lived up to their expectations, and that it was truly a thrilling experience that we all envy. It will give you an even greater insight into your role as narrator and interpreting panda behavior for the zoo’s guest.
It is always interesting to see the genes that pass down from parents to offspring, not just in appearance, but in hidden things such as behavior and personal preferences. Each of Bai and Gao’s 4 offspring are completely independent individuals, but they also share some of their parents’ internal and external traits. As the youngest cub matures, what he shares with his siblings will become more apparent. It will be most interesting to guage his similarities and differences from Mei Sheng since they are both males. Su and Zhen are very different temperment and interests as well as physical characteristics, and it has been fun to see each of them develop independent from visual or sound influences of any other pandas in their “world.” Since Mei Sheng and Cub 5 are literally across the globe, Cub 5 won’t have the influence of Mei Sheng’s scent either. So that will provide more research opportunity.
We look forward to all the education and insight that all of you associated with the pandas share with us.
Thanks to all of you for all you do for these very fortunate animals in your care!!!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:58 am
Anastasia, I WANT YOUR JOB. You honestly have the best job available. You interact with the guests, the pandas and the scientific staff. What could be more perfect. Thankyou for the blog.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:03 am
What an awesome experience for you. I would love to be able to do something like that. Even if it means scooping poop. I have cats so I am very experienced at that part of the job.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:06 am
Ms Horning, thank you for this wonderful article! I honestly appreciate informitive writings. I envy you, as I bet all the Panda fans do, for the oportunity you have there at the zoo. I would be fired the first week because I would not be able to resist petting any one of our sdz bears. There is a vidio on You Tube of bath time in China. There are so many baby Pandas in a small enclosure climing over each other to be next in line for their bath. Over there they pet and touch their bears quite often. Why is that? You can see how much the Pandas love being touched when the bath is going on, they stand up and lean against the wall with their paws while they get all soaped up and then scrubed. If you can find that vidio run it because I know you will all love it!
me
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:06 am
Anastasia— You are a GREAT writer with such rich detail. Think about writing a book. You have the talent for it. I would be first in line to get an autographed copy!
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:06 am
Anastasia, this is the kind of information we long for and cherish! Thank you!
Oh, to be a Panda keeper . . .
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:07 am
Thank you again for another very informative posting. You help the world understand the wonderful, extraordinary pandas. How blessed you are to work with them. How blessed we are to be able to share in their remarkable journeys. How blessed the pandas are to have such caring humans looking after them.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:08 am
Dear Anastasia,
I’m a Panda living with a nice family in England. You’re right, we pandas do have very distinct personalities and it takes some times for humans to read the basic signs. It took my keepers at least 6 months to “get me”. Now, they understand some of my needs… which include international travel.
You may notice Bai Yun and “Extraordinary Bear” (my personal vote, which I voted at least 100 times for from an internet cafe near our home) might go missing in a few weeks from now. Don’t fear a panda-napping – it’s simply that they’ve accepted my invitation to spend Christmas with us. Though many Pandas are traditionally Buddhists, we do appreciate traditional Christmas celebrations. Especially the gift giving, or rather receiving. Each December, my keepers offer me thousands of presents which I always accept. Granted 999 are individual M&M’s (a delicacy – especially the green ones), but it’s the thought that counts. This holiday season, the cub will discover the celebratory spirit and Bai Yun will take a well-earned break from their much visited enclosures. Soon, they’ll be visiting other beings’ enclosures and commenting on humans’ curious habits (”imagine that, they line up in little lines to climb on trains in the morning and evening… without rolling around on the ground and enjoying the playfulness of their neighbors…”)
I’ve organized their travel papers – getting visas for native Chinese nationals is always a challenge, even for the cutest citizens like us – and you’ll be pleased to know I’ve convinced British Airways to fly my friends in First Class at no cost (ah yes, Pandas do like to indulge in luxury…). I will show them Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and of course the London Zoo. No pandas there anymore – English cooking killed them off many years ago, which is why the other pandas living in the UK are in the ‘private sector’. Rest assured, Bai Yun and her cub will be well looked after and enjoying themselves. We’ll ask San Diego Zoo to upload videos of our travels together – we’ll be easy to spot: the black-and-white guys dressed as Beefeaters (costumes well suited to our “rotund” frame).
Pandy
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:16 am
Thank you. I can rest easy knowing that. That Panda family is very lucky.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:23 am
Having spent a day helping with Hua Mei and Mei Sheng, I can second everything you say. It was a truly amazing experience. They both were very good while we cleaned their bedrooms (the regular staff did their outdoor enclosures due to heavy rain and obstacles at the time) and did so enjoy our hand feeding them. Got to touch them both when they had their backs to us and were absorbed in eating. Those were special moments and they were so special they just brought tears to my eyes thinking about them. You all at SDZ have raised such extraordinary bears. Hua Mei is a hero mom and Mei Sheng is a rock star over there.
Thank you so much for letting me reminisce about a truly mystical experience.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:26 am
This is the first panda cub we have watched it has been great. Thank you for all the information you have given. I was wondering if he will ever see his dad ?
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
That was very interesting Anastasia, thank you for sharing that with us. They facinate me, I love to see the stages of each one. And now that little guy is a pleasure to watch, and his Mother is the best.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:33 am
Thank you for the post Anastasia. And congrats on the opportunity to get to know the bears and work with them. I’ve never once doubted the SDZ, their staff, the keepers, or the welfare of the bears. We all know that our zoo is very well maintained and the animals have, and continue to get the best care possible, and their keepers are top notch. As I’ve shared on here before, I sure picked the wrong career to get into. You have no idea what I would give to scoop up some panda poop! =)
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:33 am
Nice blog it is nice to read for someone who has a differant view of the pandas. ZZ likes to have some privacy when she has to drop her droppings. She is a little lady. Have a good day everyone.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:47 am
I was just watching the little guy, and he is doing his best to crawl, bet it won’t be long before he is off after his Mom.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:50 am
I want to be a keeper! Can I quit my day job and come live in a tent in the Zoo parking lot? I’ll bathe in the polar bear pool while the bears are in their bedrooms at night!
Thank you for being such a great conduit of information!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:50 am
Oh he is sooooooo cute!! I just love him so much. I like the name that means blessed.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:55 am
Thanks for the post Anastasia, but you leave us hanging there!! “We do see some behaviors that are so similar to her father, Gao Gao” but you don’t say what those are… Does he also leave his droppings in the most difficult places for you to get to, or is it something else? As we know it is not sleeping at the top of a tree or on a narrow branch. At lease one example would be mostly appreciated.
In a previous post, we were told that when the den was left open when there was no cub, the pandas would use it as a latrine, perhaps pandas want to send a message and are like the rest of us, they want privacy when doing their business…
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:56 am
I know it is rare.. but… WOULD or COULD it be possible for us to view some of the relationships between the keepers and the bears? The closest we have seen on the panda side is with the cubs. We have seen where the bears are out of the “room” and you all are cleaning and moving things around.. but to see the bears near you and “communicating” with you. OH WHAT A TREAT! ZZ is getting to be such a big girl.. and I know they have very sharp teeth.. and claws.. but she just looks like she needs a hug! Can I have that job? After they are babies and during their training, I know you have something between you and the bear.. but, is there no touching once they are older? I understand they like to be alone.. I just don’t think I could “not touch” any of them regardless of size just once. Granted I have way more respect for the polar bears.. but they are twice the size! I could see hugging a panda!
Do you all ever get to touch the bears during training? Like they have to touch the hippo’s and elephants and such? Even if it is to “look” at the paws and stuff? I would think with the training you have with them you could do almost a complete check up on some of them wide awake. Am I correct?
Moderator’s note: Watch this video of an ultrasound being done on Bai Yun in July to see some keeper/adult panda interaction.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:57 am
Loved your article it was so informative.
You told us much about the Pandas that is so interesting.
Where else would we learn all this info,
except from someone who is near and up close to the SDZ Pandas?
How do the older Pandas stay so clean…do they preen the same as domestic cats?
Or does the Panda Cam hide a little spot or two?
Thank You for the class in Panda 101 !
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:00 am
9:54 AM Tuesday – the little guy just made several attempts at movement. He did once push off with his hind legs and actually moved a bit. Otherwise, he is using one front paw and one back and turning in circles. I know he’ll get it soon!
SDZ – your cams are still showing Pacific Daylight Time which will be confusing to those not in California
Moderator’s note: Thanks for the reminder. We’ll get that changed.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:19 am
For those who think that our mellow fellow is sleeping all the time, here is the proof to the contrary: “2009 11 02 Bai Yun has her Paws Full with this Cub!!”, the video was posted on YouTube by DoxieMom19
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfEJUggf7KU
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:20 am
I have really enjoyed watching the new baby and how the mom takes care of him.
I hope to come to San Diego this summer and see the pandas and the baby if he is
ready to come and show off.
What a great staff to watch over these great animals.
lu
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:25 am
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with the Pandas. They are such amazing animals and I have truly enjoyed watching our “Lil Man” grow. One thing I have been wondering about; is their fur soft or coarse? I just want to snuggle each and everyone of them, they are so adorable!
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:30 am
Thank you Anastasia. I would trade places with you, for maybe a week? But I know you work hard at your job, and is very interesting and rewarding. Take care of our little one, who will soon have a name.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:46 am
Anastasia, I so enjoyed reading your update! How fortunate you are to have much closer contact with the bears than many of us will ever have. Your description of Zhen Zhen is very amusing – I can see her brain clicking away thinking of the next perfect place to “deposit” her next load. What a goof she is! I was there in late October and was privileged to witness her cavorting in her pool and running around all over the place. I like the way she takes short pauses as if to decide what to do and where to do it next then charges on. I was hoping she would tire herself out so I could take a good photo, but no such luck.
Su Lin and her tendency to “remodel” cracks me up! That poor tree does take a beating when she decides to take her enthusiasm up a notch. I was hoping to see her hanging by her ankles, but not that day.
And, then there’s Bai – the grand matriarch – gentle but playful. She is so the model for all panda mamas. And Gao just keeps on munching and munching – gotta be ready for next spring, you know.
Thank you again, to you and your colleagues, for all the care and dedication to these precious creatures.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:47 am
Has anyone voted for anything BUT Yun Zi? It sounds like everyone likes that name, including me. I am sooo excited for the 17th!!!!!!!!! You lucky keepers get to weigh Bai and Gao….boy, I wish I could do that.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:03 am
There’s a Youtube video of a panda having a bath- lots of suds and spraying with a hose. It’s cute, but the keeper is right in there with the bear. Do the keepers at SDZ ever attempt bathing, say if the bear is covered with mud? Seems like a good way to get bitten or scratched.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Anastasia, what a wonderful description of you experience at SDZ. Thank you so much! Gives us a “fly on the wall” kind of view to your daily activities and the wonderfule world of pandas. I especially enjoy your talk of Zhennie, as she is my adopted daughter and I would give the world to see her up close and personal as you do.
Thank you for all your hard work and love towards these furry bundles of specialness….
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 am
I just noticed that most of the shower gifts are gone. Whoever thought up this wonderful idea should get the honour of carrying the little guy in to his next exam. What do you think?
Moderator’s note: I wish it was me!
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:24 am
Anastasia, thank you for sharing your life with these precious creatures. Oh, I would love to be your assistant:-). I am sure you are one of those people who loves their job that they don’t even consider it a job at all. I am imagining you going to a stimulating, fun place every day. Also, thank you for sharing something about Su. See, she is my “first baby panda.” Sometimes, it is hard to fathom that she is going back to China next year. I think Su is like me: stubborn but lovable;-). Hehehe….
Thank you very much for the update.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:49 am
Oh I totally agree with Lee that you have got the most amazing, wonderful, perfect job! I would love to be that close to the pandas, and care for them. It never crossed my mind that you all wouldn’t take absolutely the most perfect care of these beautiful animals. The way in which information is shared with us, the videos, the comments the moderators post, everything points to complete attention to detail. Thank you all so much for everything that you do!
And in this post, Anastasia, you have shared such fun information about the different personalities the pandas have. Living in San Diego, I am at the zoo at least every month, if not more often. And I love to visit the pandas, even if some other exhibit get s left unseen. So to get the perspective of what they do and “leave” in their space is so much fun to read!
It’s people like you Anastasia that make San Diego Zoo one of the world’s most renown zoos!! Congratulations! And again, thanks for all the care you show the animals.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I don’t like the name “little dragon”. I like the name that means blessed. Last night Bai Yun and chubbie cubbie was geting picked up by momma Bai and then she put him down and then layed down and then ceaned cubbie all up!! Bai Yun scoops him up and flips him like wild! He has been opening his mouth and crying! while Bai ceans him up! The other night Bai Yun went wild with her bamboo, chubbie cubbie was siting up against the den wall and looking up at Bai Yun going wild with her bamboo! Heres a story about Bai Yun and baby.
Bai Yun
Cubbie
B:I love my bamboo
C:mom what in the world are you doing?
B:trying to get the bamboo.
C: but mom you have the bamboo in your hand.
B: oh well i can’t just throw it in my mouth i got to tear it apart the i eat it.
C: oh i see.
B: OH CEANING TIME!!
C:NO NO NO NOT CEANING TIME!
B:Yes ceaning time.
C:please not now i want to just sleep.
B:Yes now do as i say so.
C:At lest wait one night.
B:fine i will cean you when you are alsleep.
C:Good night momma.zzzzzzzzz
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Thank you so very much Anastasia, what a wonderful report, I must say I’m so very jealous, you must feel like one of the luckiest people in the World,, thank you once again,,,
Pandy, I’m ashamed to call you British,,, your only offering a holiday to Bai Yun and the baby,,,, can’t daddy come too to make it a family affair, I’m sure he would love to learn a little of our English History too, you could send him up to me here in Worcestershire, I’d take him to Stratford-upon-Avon, there’s such a great deal to see there and there’s always a boat ride on the river, perhaps you and your guests would like to join us for a lovely typically English Picnic on the river bank by Shakespeare’s Theatre, after out boat ride, what beautiful memories for our pandas to take back to San Diego with them,
Thank you once again Anastasia,
Chrissy Beahan
Worcestershire,UK.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 pm
what a great blog, and what a great job, so much information. I hope to hear your talk when I visit the zoo Nov 13th.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Moderator should have the honor of taking the baby in for his next exam because:
1. Moderator needs a break from moderating.
2. Moderator should not have to moderate comments during the baby shower.
3. Moderator needs to relax and take a break. (Have a smoothie!)
4. This might mean Moderator gets a pay raise. (Yay!
)
The cub is once again….sleeping! He seems to either sleep or eat. I can’t wait until he gets older and can walk. Then, things will get exciting again!!!
Moderator’s note: Makes sense to me!
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
What a great joy it must be to go to work everyday. If I had that kind of a job I think I would camp out at the zoo every night so I can just look at them.
Curious, how long is a panda pregnant?
thanks again sharing their adventures with us, I know I would be disappointed if I couldn’t see them every day.
Panda Team responds: The average panda “pregnancy” is about 135 days, and the documented range among zoo pandas is from 100 to 180 days. However, true gestation of the fetus only takes about 50 days.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Odd question but.. I have gone back over many of the different exams and it seems to hold true.. Do panda cubs wrap their paws around your hand when you are holding them? Kind of like a baby human? It looks like the cub is trying to grab onto you all and the blanket and anything else he can get his paws on in each video. Do they use their paws at this young of an age? Or ever for that matter?
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Right on Doxie Mom 19….The videos on YouTube of Bai Yun and Bebe are incredible!!!
You have given we Pandaholics a whole new world to view and enjoy fully…great work.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Are the bears really going to England for Christmas?
Moderator’s note: Only in their dreams…
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Momma and baby…can it be any sweeter? Momma feeding baby, she holds him to her, constantly shifting positions, left to right, right to left. Always making sure she doesn’t let him drop, always holding him close to her bosom.
Wiggling her right foot, back and forth, so patient. So patient… then when lunch is over, they both fall asleep, how sweet is that? She, still sitting up in the same position, he laying across her leg. I guess feeding time can be pretty exhausting for both parties, hu? If only it could go on like this forever. Remember, baby, tuck this back in you memory for someday you will be out in the big world, a big boy, and this will be a nice memory of momma to recall…
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
To Pandy (#12): Thank you for giving a boost to my favorite name “Extraordinary Bear”. You are pretty extraordinary yourself. I love your comment about English cooking. Savor those green M&M’s.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Thank you CO for zooming on his black tip tail, 5:28 EST!
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
You are very lucky to be able to partake with the Panda Team and to be able to share with us Panda enthusiasts your View from both sides….what an incredible opportunity for you and for us to be able to share with you …..Thank you….we all appreciate the great work you do….
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Su Lin this is Aunt Tami….I knew I should have looked before I wrote…I spelt your name with an e—-ooooops!!!! I do this in real life….my assistant says I am dangerous with my spelling…I make it up as we go along…. Sorry baby….
Did I read of an earth quake in China????? Are the bears and humans o.k.????
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Thank you so much Anastasia for the informative message.
You all do have one of the best jobs ever, and you all give me some of my best days ever……………..
To be able to view Bai Yun and son, and all the pandas on the cam, is such a wonderful gift, so thank you.
Thank you all for your dedication and love you give and show these beautiful bears each and every day, it is very much appreciated……
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Anastasia : Another great insight into the lives of the SDZ Pandas….Is ZZ Top still humming or was that a short term Fluke behavior? My hospitalized wife enjoys being filled in on the Pandas as we have been to SDZ a few times and wonder if the new baby boy will take after his 2 sisters and brother and step-sister and become a tree frog as well!!!We hope that my wife gets released from the Hospital here in NJ soon and that we have another follow up with her SoCal Doctors to be able visit to see Lin Lin before she departs for China….We only wish there was some way to match Lin Lin up with Tai Shan in the National Zoo to keep them both here in the states,as a viable couple….Keep up the great reports and we hope to visit SDZ as soon as posible…..
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Pandy, Pandy, Pandy #12! It is so exciting to read about all your plans and adventures! It’s real nice of you to invite Bai & Baiby for the holidays, but what about Zhennie, Gao Gao and Su Lin? Don’t they deserve a little vacation too, and some quality pampering from your personal staff?
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
After watching some of the U-Tube videos, especially the recent one of Bai “twirling” her boy, I was really surprised at what a handful he is! He is very much into play mode and especially wiggle mode in that video. I am amazed at Bai’s PATIENCE with him. Something we can learn from in raising our own “cubs.”
Thanks to great technology, we the viewers and bloggers are so lucky to be able to see into the intimate and private world of the majestic Giant Panda.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Thanks for the info on your job! Now I really do dislike MY job : )……How lucky you and the rest of the Panda Crew are to have the opportunity to work with the best Pandas in the world…San Diegos of course!
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Thank You Anastasia for giving all of us thoughts with which we can create dreams of being panda helpers
I think the video of the panda being given a bath is from China. The one I am thinking of shows a panda being shampooed while other pandas are watching and waiting their turn. These pandas appear to be younger than a year old. 
Cheryl #28 and Shirley #32: The fur of the panda bear has been described as thick, dense. Thus, the dirt kind of falls off even when they make themselves into mud balls. There is video of Tai Shan on You Tube in which his keepers squirt him with a hose while they are washing the sidewalk. He loved the enrichment.
Brittany #37: Very Cute
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Ooh, Anastasia, sign me up! And do fill us in some more about Miss ZZ’s behaviors that are like Mr. Gao Gao’s. Though I love watching little dumpling and Mom, I fear that Zhennie will be all grown up when we see her on camera next.
And thanks, Doxie Mom for that video–I couldn’t stay in to watch it live. Looks like baby is still a little tuckered out from such a long play session.
Sleep little one and grow, grow, grow.
xoxo–
Auntie Frances
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Thanks so much for all the reports on our pandas (I feel like they belong to all of us). I have enjoyed watching the pandas for years. Maybe someday I will be able to visit the zoo but for now I really appreciate the cam and all the information you send our way. They are truly beautiful creatures and fascinating to watch. You are very fortunate to work directly with them. Thanks again.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Each time I read that the panda cubs are growing into their names, it makes me smile. I wish I could ask Mei Xiang what she thinks of Tai Shan’s name… Tai Shan’s name means “peaceful mountain”, and as a cub, he was anything but peaceful… But now that he is older, he seems to be calmer. We will see when he gets to China if he will try to compete with Mei Sheng for the attention, which ever way those two decide to do it…
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
#12 Pandy I love that you are invisiting Bai and Cubbie over for Christmas but the rest of family like others have said need a vacation too. I did get a new laugh from your story and then the moderator saying that it’s only in their dreams, with Sugar Plums dancing in their heads which is very English.
Oh yes we all want to be panda keepers everything around the canyon would be done in no time. lol
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Pandy,
That was pleasant of you to extend the invitation to Bai Yun and her son. However, Mom and cub will be staying in sunny California during the holiday season, along with Gao Gao, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen. See, our newest cubbie is too young to travel and we do not want to cause any stress on Mama Bai during the journey, the plane turbulence would be too much. Surely you understand.
With that being stated, you are welcome to fly across the pond and visit the Yun-Gao’s during the holiday season or any other time for that fact. Don’t worry about the green M&M’s, they will melt in transit, you can purchase some at the airport when you arrive.
Let us know when you will be arriving so we can have a meet and greet. There are lots of enriching activities and historical places to see on both coasts here as well. In fact, why don’t you plan a cross-country trip, stopping in to see the Xiang-Tians, Lun-Yangs and the Ya-Le’s on your way to SDZ, this way you can share one panda story with another and have some quality panda time together. By the way, Mei Lan Lun-Yang, Xi Lan Lun-Yang and Tai Shan Xiang-Tian also like green M&Ms.
Safe journey and best wishes in your travels!
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Thank you for the post and all you do. There is no doubt in my mind these furry babies get the very best of care! Maybe some day I will be able to visit the SDZ. Thank you for keeping us so well informed and educated!
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Hello! I just want to say thank you all for your efforts on behalf of all Pandas! I have been a panda in my heart & soul since birth. I wish I could be near them like you have. Thanks again for all you do. If you can help me meet a panda in person I would be forever grateful… thanks again -L
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Thank you Anastasia for giving us the view from the other side. I imagine the pandas are like family to all of you and vice versa. Hearing about their lives and habits is so endearing to all of us who can only watch them from afar and we all envy you!
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:32 pm
It was so hard watching baby panda try to roll over. This weekend it took him close to an hour to do this. I found myself cheering him on. that he could do it Ok…it was at that time I realized that I needed to walk away from my computer…however, it was soooo darned cute, I just couldn’t help but watch this adorable little creature. Who out there can’t help but smile when watching this. What a treat it is to watch and learn.
Needless to say, I did watch until he made it. Then it seemed to tucker him out enough to nap. Too cute!
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Thank you for all the information Anastasia. I wish I could be there to help out. I have a dog and 2 cats. Maybe this is dumb but I know that dogs and cats and other animals have feelings and they get sad like people but I am sure that Panda’s have feelings too. Am I correct. Especially the way Bai Yun takes care of her baby. Do Panda’s ever feel sad sometimes or for the most part are they always happy? I am sure other people are wondering also.
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:28 pm
What a great read. It is as close as we can get. You are very lucky but then again as you point out there is a great deal of work to do every day. It isn’t like you just clean up and leave. I’m sure some of the duties become second nature but the key here is being sure you don’t miss something. Our bears seem to be very healthy and happy. That doesn’t just happen. Bai is a wonderful mother and Gao Gao may not get the chance to be dad but he has given his genes and with the two of them they have given us and China the best of cubs.
Add to that keeping all of us informed and it is quite a lot to do but the rewards are amazing.
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:29 pm
If you want to see what is in store for Bai check out LCNessie’s latest upload to youtube. Search xi lan and uploaded this week. Xi Lan is a terror. He does his best to get to mom. It is absolutely hysterical.
I am so excited for the baby shower and the naming ceremony. It is so hard to believe that he is ready for his name already. I visited the Zoo in early March and was lucky to get some great pics of Bai Yun and Gao Gao. I wish now I had spent the whole day at the panda enclosure but we had to try to see it all in one day.
Cubbie does seem to sleep a lot lately. I hope he is storing up all that energy for the baby shower. He must know something special is going to happen.
Again, thanks for all you do for the pandas and for giving us the opportunity to see these amazing creatures. Maine is so far away and we have no real zoos here. I have to live vicariously through all of you.
Lisa
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Cool!
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Thank you for your informative views on the bears. It was nice to end the post with the “don’t worry” statement. Many of us are worriers. Trust me, it is not a lack of faith in the staff at all, we have become so attached to them via technology! It is a wonderful thing. I hope YOU get your chance someday to hold one of the little cubbies. You truly deserve it! They are such wonderful animals, docile and beautiful. So humanlike in their actions with the babies that it is amazing to watch. I truly hope all of this pays off one day and these creatures can again thrive in the wild. Thanks again SDZ for giving everyone the ability to share in the progress and developement of the animals. Cannot wait for our cubmuffin to get mobile either, I only fear he will not be on the cam as much then!
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I went to OUR ZOO today, and thought of all of you, and gave Su Lin and ZZ an imaginary hug from all of us. Su Lin was jumping and carrying around her Boo, and tossing it around, and play fighting with it. ZZ was sleeping in a tree, then came down and ate in front of us, we were told that they most always face away. The moderator gave me a cool “Panda” stamp on my ticket, I am a stamper person, and it was just a Blissful San Diego Day !
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Well, Su Lin just wants to be ready to start a career as a decorator. If I have a garden in home, I’ll consider hiring her!
#8 mayellen from fl, if you have the url of the youtube, kindly post it. Surely many people would like to see them. Your description of the video seems interesting and so much fun.
Keepers, do you give the pandas in sdz an occasional bath too? And in what occasion? I had seen the bath time in other zoo’s video.
Moderator’s note: See the post Of Pandas and Water.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Lucky, lucky Anastasia! I have had the thrilling opportunity to hold a panda cub in China and would love to do it again or be able to interact with pandas EVERY DAY! As it is, I join the Pandaholics Not-So-Anonymous on the cams.
I think our little chubby cubbie is just chugging mommy milk and saving energy during the day for later on! When I have watched late at night there is lots and lots of wiggling. Bai washes (lick, lick, lick) and Cubbie squirms (push, push, push) with all four legs and paws churning away. He may be wilder than Xi Lan when he gets bigger! Can’t wait!
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Hello friends..shortly after Mr.Pip was born, I mentioned that my granddaughter was expecting in the coming months. It is the first baby boy born in our family in over 60 years. Well, that little boy, Max Xavier, was born yesterday at 1:23 P.M.. He’s 7 1/2 pounds and Momma and baby are doing well…she will be coming home today. Now, the real point of all this….while she is resting, I am going to turn on my laptop and have her watch a real expert at mothering. BaiYun can teach her that love, patience, and a good bath are all things a baby needs plenty of. Well, maybe Max doesn’t need so many baths, but the patience and love that BaiYun shows for her son, is really something worth learning and doing. What a great excuse for watching the PandaCam while I’m over visiting!
Moderator’s note: Many congratulations on the birth of your great-grandson, Widget!
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 pm
#70 Claudia, I put myself in your place. What a blissful San Diego day (Fu Sheng). Thank you.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Thanks for the terrific article on what goes on. I loved reading about the different personalities of the bears. This is my first panda experience and I am in awe by it. I am also glad I got my shower gifts early as they seem to be all gone for the Little One. Once again thanks for a great job SDZ and I can wait to read all about the shower when I come home from work ( after midnight EST ).
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Jessy, I’m new to computers, so I don’t know how to send you the url, however: I can tell you how I got there. Pull up you tube and type in panda bath. TIhe fiIrst one is the one I’m talking about, my favorite. There many more there. I hope you enjoy and if any other panda fans know how to send the url, please send url to Jessy.Thank you guys and gals.
me
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:43 pm
I keep reading in the blogs about the Panda U-Tubes a few of you talk about and I’m wondering how do I go to these? I’d LOVE to see the one of Bai twirling her “Little Chub” and all the antics. Can someone tell me how to do this?????
Thank You………
November 4th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Thanks for sharing the experience with us. It must be hard as well as happy to be a panda team member. I have read a piece of news about the bamboo supply for pandas, obviously it’s a time-consuming and sometimes difficult work for the panda team. Gao, Bai, Su, Zhen need fresh bamboo everyday, and soon does the #5. Deeply salute to you pand team.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:12 am
Hurray! I’m glad I had found the video of panda bath in china that I wanted to see.
Every one, it’s a must see!!!! But warning, be ready for stomach ache due to much laughing hard.
Link to youtube, find “Panda bath” by suyajie, August 20, 2008, it shows the Beijing 8 pandas and with suitable funny soundtrack.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS_KLNmxuZo
I know it’s not natural, no wild panda would scrub their fur with soap (even if they can find or given one). But still, it’s so hilarious!
November 4th, 2009 at 1:01 am
Claudia #70, thanks for saying ‘hi’ to the bears on your visit.
Widget #73, congratulations to your grand-daughter. I think Max Xavier is a wonderful name. Have fun with him.
I thought the panda goodies wouldn’t last long. Lucky pandas, they’ll think it’s Christmas come early!
November 4th, 2009 at 5:04 am
Congratulations on your great-grandson, Widget! Extraordinary baby boy would fit Max too.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Widget #73 Congratulation on the birth of your great grandson. A traing film for new mothers, what a great excuse for watching our chubby cubbie. Best wishes to all.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:44 am
When do you give the PANDAS a Bath their backsides are dirty looking..Or is that their natural color ?????form sitting ???
November 4th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Dear Wonderful Panda Family,
To all of you who offered me best wishes and prayers for my health; and condolences for the lose of my dog, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am one of those “good little soldiers” who is very quick to share happiness but tends to keep my suffering to myself, physical and emotional. I guess maybe the angels made me break from my norm and mention it to all of you, because I never expected anyone to really notice or care. THANK YOU– I am honored to call you friends.
Now on a funny note–our baby is beating the heck out of poor Bai Yun. She’s already nursed him and bathed him, so I’m not quite sure what she was attempting to do; but he didn’t want any part of it. All four paws were flying, my nose hurts from watching him hitting hers–hee, hee.
What a wonderful mommy she is, she just took it in stride, and then hugged and kissed him like always. I wish there was a way of putting together all the videos there are showing how beautiful these bears really are and FORCING the people who don’t think they have any value to watch. Only someone made of stone wouldn’t change their thinking.
Anastasia,
Thank you SOOOOO very much for your posting. I just joined this wonderful group with the birth of this cubbie, so I have a lot to learn. I enjoyed everything you told us immensely. I know little ZZ is a spitfire, but I really wonder if she is hiding her poop because she is a “little lady” who wants her privacy like someone else mentioned; OR is she just having fun making you have to play “hide and seek”?
Danielle in NY,
We can always count on you to direct us to something special to watch. Thank you, I watched the video of Bai and Cubbie, and I found myself saying out loud, “SEE, SEE, I TOLD everyone he was just resting and storing up his energy.” Thank you for finding the proof.
Kat W,
What a beautiful sentiment and I believe somewhere he will remember, even if it is just a warm feeling that will come over him from time to time.
YEAH GREAT-GRANDMA WIDGET,
God Bless you, your granddaughter, and baby Max Xavier; who I am sure is the cutest thing in the world next to our cubbie. (O.K.-it’s alright if you think he’s cuter). Seriously, May our Blessed Mother watch over them and May God Grant them his choicest blessings!!
Dearest Moderator,
Thank you for directing us to the wonderful ultrasound on Bai Yun-what a beautiful lady she is, I SOOOOO want to hug her. I wouldn’t even care if I got scratched, I would heal. (Don’t worry, I live across the country, so you won’t be reading about some crazy lady who jumped into the panda cage, o.k.?)
Also, equally thank you about the explanation about bathing our pandas. It NEVER ceases to amaze me how smart you guys really are-love and hugs to all of you!!!!
Lastly, can’t we take up a vote or something so that YOU can be the next one to carry cubbie into his exam?? Or better yet, can we vote that YOU be the one who presents him to the public when Bai Yun says it is time to do so??? I’ll vote for you like a million times
About the shower gifts-I don’t know what is left, and like everyone else, I wanted to buy baby a hanging toy, I wanted to buy Bai Yun a toy, and I wanted to buy Daddy Gao Gao a toy. Lucky for me, the only thing left when I went to make my purchase was a “weeble”??? for Daddy Gao Gao. Although I was a little disappointed because I wanted to get something for the baby and Bai, it was kind of better because I really couldn’t afford all three gifts anyway, and I would have gotten a headache trying to choose. I believe things happen for a reason, and after reading Gao Gao’s story, I am so TOTALLY impressed by his spirit and true “bigness” of this wonderful panda man, that I truly believe I would have chosen to buy him the present counting on everyone else to buy for Bai Yun and Baby Boy.
Dear Moderator,
Sorry, one more thing. I’ve never been to the SDZ and I don’t know if I will ever get there. By any chance, is there a plague of any sort on Gao Gao’s enclosure that tells his story? I find it amazing that a cub of less than a year, was deserted by his mother and survived an attack that almost killed him. And, being 5′2″ tall, I have NEVER believed physical size is an accurate measure of spiritual or moral size. Gao seems to prove this by the fact that he “handstand” scents, which if I understand correctly is a sign of dominance that is only achieved by a small number of male pandas. I think more people would love to know his story, so is it posted anywhere? Thanks again
Moderator’s note: We don’t have a sign explaining Gao’s background, but when he is on exhibit, the panda narrators may tell his story to our guests.
November 4th, 2009 at 7:09 am
I can not commend and thank all of you wonderful “keepers of the Pandas” enough !!! Thanks to my daughter who became a panda lover at the age of 1, I too have become to love them. If I lived in CA, I would probably visit them constantly. I am addicted to the cam and feel lost if I miss a day. I have been fortunate to visit them twice and would love to get out there and see all the young ones again. Keep up the excellent work.
November 4th, 2009 at 7:15 am
There is a notice posted on ZA website that maintenance will be done on the Panda Cam this weekend so it should be working next week.
November 4th, 2009 at 7:26 am
#60 Liz has a good idea….well, maybe someone else did this also. The idea is using Yun-Gao (parts of both of our cub’s parents names) as their SURNAME. This would have to be unofficial, of course, but it might help lift the spirits of those posters who wanted these names as the chosen name of our cub.
And it could be Gao-Yun, whichever. Maybe we should vote on whichever.
So if he becomes Yun Zi, we might want it to read as “Yun Zi Gao-Yun,” and maybe in Chinese the last name is shown before the first name (then it would be “Gao-Yun Yun Zi”). Or it could read as “Xiao Long Yun-Gao.”
Anyone confused?
November 4th, 2009 at 8:26 am
# 65 Karen of Phoenix, AZ. Yes, pandas do feel sad. I think the main reason for panda’s sadness is when a panda mother looses her cub. I posted about a month ago that there was a very sad story three years ago at the Chongqing Zoo in Sichuan province. Ya Ya gave birth to twins, and two days after birth she fell asleep and accidentally crushed one of her cub. The zoo removed both cubs and confirmed that the cub died from its injuries, the surviving cub was cared for by the keepers. After that Ya Ya was looking for her cubs everywhere and the zoo wrote that she cried. I never found out if the surviving cub was eventually returned to Ya Ya once she had time to rest.
I also recall that a panda mother would not let the keepers take her dead cub from her for quite a while, but I don’t recall the details. Perhaps someone else on the blog has a better memory than I do.
It is also known that some pandas don’t like the rain, so I am sure that they are not happy campers when stuck outside under the rain. Others don’t like the heat and are banging on doors to be let inside in the AC rooms during the hot season…
November 4th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Is it just me, or has Chubby Cubby found his toes??? I think he has and he looks sooooooooo cute!!! He has been trying so hard to get somewhere that it just wears me out. Want to help him so we can BOTH take a nap.
By the way, to all my partners in the panda kisses caper, I have finally rolled across the state line…no, not California…Iowa. Been hoping for a glimpse of the other Candy in Iowa to pick me up. Well, I’ll come rolling in a little later than planned. I know you will all be waiting.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:19 am
No 77 – Carolyn – Go to Youtube and type in ‘Bai Yun twirling her cub’ and you can see about 3 minutes of panda fun. The other website is called Pandas Live On. Type that in Google Search and you will be led to it.
Have fun!
November 4th, 2009 at 9:21 am
The “Panda Bath” video on YouTube is adorable, a must see. I would estimate the ages of the pandas at 12 to 18 months, perhaps up to 24 months. It brings back memories of my own experience of playing with eight year-old pandas in their play yard at Wolong in 2004 — an unforgetable experience. They were a handful.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Moderator, what was the total number of votes cast in the Cub Naming poll?
Moderator’s note: 17,526.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I just want to remind everyone, zoo staff and bloggers, to get a good nights sleep tonight so we will all be in tip top shape for the shower tomorrow. I have a feeling that it is going to be like running a 1 hour marathon. Might be hard to work and party at the same time but I know we are going to try. Probably the only ones who will be chilling out are the panda family.
November 4th, 2009 at 11:06 am
I just wanted to comment on all of the comments….I love reading them and I enjoy knowing that everyone iwho watches the Panda Cam is getting such enjoyment and fun out of watching our beloved Pandas, the exams and reading all of the information out there on our Pandas…..keep the comments rolling….
November 4th, 2009 at 11:07 am
JUST to start off.. I AM NOT a computer expert!!! However, You tube ROCKS for Panda nuts… so. on a new window at the top, type http://WWW.YouTube.com A pretty screen will come up with a SEARCH box near the top. In the Search box type – Panda, sneeze. Then press enter. A list of different videos will come up. You will find that in the search box Panda and pretty much anything will work. We Panda nuts cross reference all kinds of stuff.. Oh yeah Panda, X-Man.. that works too! After seeing the way his mommy DRAGGED him around.. she deserves all she is getting now.. I just think it is so funny that our mommy will have her paws so full very very soon! There are videos of baby pandas and playing pandas and all sorts on youtube. ENJOY!
November 4th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Pandas–bath or shower? At NZ, the keepers use a hose to clean off the walkways adjacent to the buildings. All of the pandas like to play in the spray. Tian & Tai will stand up an “shimmy” so the spray can hit their chests! Mei has gotten so excited that she ran & somersaulted all over the yard like a cubby, & then ran back for more spray! Both Tian & Mei enjoy the “spa”–they will sit in the pool with water chest-high, & just kick back. For some reason, Tai does not like to sit in water. He loves the spray from the hose, & he often strolls through the River Shan (the stream that runs through the enclosure), but he absolutely DOES NOT choose to sit in the pool, lol! I’d love to talk to him & find out why!.
November 4th, 2009 at 11:48 am
abby #83–the grey or brown you see on panda butts is probably from the dirt they have been sitting in while they eat their bamboo or play in their enclosures. Panda fur has an oily (?) coating that allows them to survive in wet and snowy climates, so the dirt wears off pretty easily. Some of their enclosures have ponds, so they can rinse off that way. As I understand it, they don’t have to clean themselves like cats–though I have seen Bai cleaning her paws.
The video of the panda cubs getting hosed down is probably of the Olympic cubs being kept clean for their adoring public.
San Diego doesn’t clean their pandas–i know there’s a blog somewhere–Moderator–is it Pandas and Water?
Playtime and bamboo substrate redistribution time in the den!
Moderator’s note: Yes. See my response to comment #71.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Yun Zi Gao-Yun has a nice flow to it – made me smile!!
November 4th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
#84 – Phyllis: Good to see you back online and on the comments board. Glad you are feeling better. I don’t know what I would do if I lost my precious little k-9 companion. He saved me after my husband died.
#88 – Danielle, NY: If anyone watched Mei Xiang much after they realized she was not pregnant, you could tell she was depressed and feeling sad. She wanted to have a baby and didn’t. She played with her “Kong” toy for a long time after that, until they took it out of her den. That was painful for me.
I have really enjoyed reading everyone’s comments over the last 2 days. Anastasia, I have always enjoyed your posts, and felt that you have a real grip on what is going on with our panda family. Your posts are always so detailed and colorful. Thank you for sharing this with us.
The u-tube video of Bai and butter-ball wrestling totally cracked me up. I was laughing out loud and so hard, my dog came to see if I was ok.
November 4th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
# Jessy, I have watched the bathing video, it’s so cute, I laughed hard when the panda sprayed water in all directions.
November 4th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I think everyone taking care of the pandas, is doing a great job. You obviously know what you’re doing, because they are not sick and they are not dying. Thank you all for your hard work, and I’m very thankful to be able to enjoy the web cam. I love watching the pandas, especially being able to see them from birth and how they grow.
November 5th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Candy #89, yes we’re having a great time while we’re waiting for you. We are visiting the Zoo every day (in disguise of course), and putting the final details to our cunning plan. When you get here we’ll go over them with you.
I probably won’t be back from Parents Evening at my daughter’s college by the time the Panda Shower starts. If I’m lucky I might catch the end. I bought loads of things for Bai, Gao, Su Lin, ZZ and Little One, plus some help towards the Polar Cams and something for one of your pretty birds (can’t remember it’s name but it was a lovely white ‘fluffy’ bird) because I knew I wouldn’t be here tonight. I see there are some lovely new goodies on the Wish List now. Buy them lots of things everyone but don’t forget the other critters on the list! Moderator, I just realised I’ve done a sales job on the Wish List – do I get a bonus? Or maybe you can help us when Candy gets here by opening the doors?
Moderator’s note: All I can offer is a big “thank you” for providing so many gifts for a variety of our animal residents!
November 5th, 2009 at 7:18 am
Pandy #12 – Thanks for another amusing post. Please keep us updated on your future adventures.