Exam 13: Development Spurts
Posted at 2:46 pm November 24, 2009 by Yadira Galindo
Am I really this cute?
I knew his teeth would emerge any day, so it didn’t surprise me when my coworker, Jenny, came bouncing in, chipper about seeing the cub for the first time and with the news of his latest developments. When I returned to the exam room last week, Yun Zi had one additional tooth and had gained another pound: not as earth shattering but still wonderful to see my little guy again.
This morning, during his weekly checkup, he gained 1.3 pounds (0.58 kilograms) since last week, making him a whopping 14.5 pounds (6.6 kilograms). The vets say he’s a little shorter in length than Hua Mei, Mei Sheng, Su Lin, and Zhen Zhen were at this stage, but he’s heavier! Not surprised. When I saw him today I thought, “Wow! I think keeper Kathy needs an extra set of hands to carry that robust little guy through the door.” His round figure is deceiving: looking at him in person, you would think he weighs even more.
When he opened his mouth to nibble gently on Kathy’s hands, you could see his canines are much more pronounced now. However, what surprised me most was the sudden explosion of teeth. He now has 12 teeth, including all four canines and a molar and premolar on each side of his mouth (top right, top left, bottom right and bottom left). No wonder he kept nibbling on Kathy: he is really teething now. He received the last of his distemper vaccines, and this time his reaction was a loud exhale of air. That’s it! He’s a big boy now.
The cutest part of the exam was how much “walking” he was doing. Kathy wasn’t letting him get far since he was on a table. He is still wobbly on those legs, and he exaggerates each movement, lifting his paw high up as he tries to take a step forward. It looks like he’s prancing or even waving. Next week, the team is thinking they may move the exam to the floor where he can begin to move around more. And this is when the real fun begins. Somebody please wrangle that panda cub!
Yadira Galindo is a senior public relations representative for the San Diego Zoo.
See more photos in the Panda Photo Gallery.
Here are the latest comparison stats:
Hua Mei, 109 days:
12.6 lbs (5.7 kg); 25 in (64 cm) long; 17 in (45 cm) chest girth
Mei Sheng, 113 days:
13.4 lbs (6.1 kg); 28 in (72 cm) long; 17 in (45 cm) chest girth
Su Lin, 112 days:
11.2 lbs (5.1 kg); 25 in (64 cm) long; 15 in (38 cm) chest girth
Zhen Zhen, 110 days:
13.4 lbs (6.1 kg); 24 in (61 cm) long; 16 in (41 cm) chest girth
Yun Zi, 111 days;
14.5 lbs (6.6 kg); 27 in (69 cm) long; 18.5 in (47 cm) chest girth
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November 24th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Our dear moderator:
A moment ago I was thinking: besides dealing with the daily care of the pandas, the staff at the San Diego Zoo has also to deal with this huge bunch of panda fans! But you love us.
It is unique what you do… the blog is amazing, keeping us motivated and interested (I read the blog at least twice a day). I believe part of this worldwide “Yun Zi” pandamania is due to the pandablog. Your merit.
Saludos, Isis.
Moderator’s note: Gracias, Isis.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Thanks Yadira for our exam update. Nursing with 12 teeth – WoW. Poor Bai Yun.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
14.5 lbs! Are you sure someone’s thumb wasn’t on that scale?! My, my.
I guess we shouldn’t be surprised given the long time Bai is now spending at the morning nursing.
I thought I was hooked before. But it appears I’m going to have to start checking in even more often
now that our little guy is getting so rambunctious!
November 24th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Yes, Yun Zi – you really are that cute!! Oh, to have your job!! Lucky people!
November 24th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
He’s really a “heartmelter”! So much cuteness is not possible!
November 24th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Yea!! He gained more pounds!!
November 24th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Cannot wait to see the video. I saw the pictures in the Panda Photo Gallery and loved those, so I’m sure the video will show him off wonderfully! He is such an adorable chubster, isn’t he? He seems like might turn out to be a bit of an imp, and at the very least a coy little chubster just enthralling everyone who sees him. I know I am totally smitten!
November 24th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
As usual Yadira what a lovely overview – our chubby cubby Yuni is certainly developing well. Can’t wait to see him on the floor next week. Good luck chasing him. 3 days until Wang wang and Funi arrive – apparently they will receive a police escort from the airport to the zoo. My best regards to all of the keepers, moderators, staff and pandaholics world wide – you certainly keep me intrigued and bring sunshine into my life
November 24th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
He is that Cute! He reminds me a little of his older brother. But all the panda’s melt my heart…..Love u Yun Zi
November 24th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Oh my goodness Yadira, How lucky you were to witness all the cute-ness in the world. He has become a little stinker, trying to crawl away, he thinks he’s a big boy. He is growing so fast. I want him to stay a baby a little longer.
Now that he has so many teeth, will he try and eat big boy food (bamboo)? I know that he will still nurse for a long time, but since he is teething wouldn’t he try nibbing on the bamboo?
Thanks again SDZ for the update. Give that cute baby an extra hug the next time you get to see him in person.
THE FOREVER PANDA FAN OXO
November 24th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
He really is darling… I love watching Bai Yun handle him in the den
Great job SDZ!! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and the animals.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Thank You, Yadira! My Goodness 9 new teeth in one week! 14.5 pounds of full bodied Wonderfulness! I hope that next week you all will indeed decide to move the exam location to the floor
I cannot wait to see the exam video from today 
Yun Zi is so sweet, cute, lovable, darling, irresistable!
To All: Have a great Thanksgiving!
November 24th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I too enjoy this blog. I think I am addicted to the Panda cam. It’s the first thing I look at when I get up and last thing before I go to bed! Yun Zi is adorable and Bai Yun is such a good mother. Since I am very new to this blog (and any blog for that matter), I want you all to know how much I enjoy reading it. I find the narratives from the keepers very interesting. And all you other bloggers (I’ve never blogged before) your insights and videos and links to other zoos are really intersting. It’s so nice to have this link, especially when there are so many challenges to face in life. It is refreshing! I look forward to seeing the 13th exam.
Moderator’s note: Welcome to our blog section, Sue! Be sure to check out blog posts about our other animals as well. Select posts from the categories on the right side of this page.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Can’t wait to see the video from this exam, and can’t wait to see the video when Yun Zi gets his next exam on the floor. He’s going to be tooling around that room like there is no tomorrow………………hahahaha.
I agree with kate #5, he is a “heartmelter”.
My husband calls him “chunky monkey”…………………….
Thanks for the update…………and we wish you all a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Last night in the den Bai Yun seemed to have thrown a rather aggressive outburst as if she had lost Yun Zi. He was clearly not with her and it looked like she was tearing at the walls in disapproval. This only lasted about a minute and ended as soon as Yun Zi entered the den. I was not able to see how he returned. Can you provide any insight into what exactly occured last night? Thank you.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
No wonder he was trying to nosh on momma a couple of evenings ago, teething….Night before last, he just wouldn’t stop trying to bite her face and touch her with his little paws. That was a fun show. Momma just changes his position, but he wouldn’t let up. He wants to play, she wants to rest! Right now he’s playing on his back like a human baby, just enjoying himself. What a cute little bug.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I call him chubby cubby he is the most adorable thing since sliced bread. My heart melts everytime I see him trying to walk or rolling around in his den. That squeel sound that he makes is undeniably the cutest sound I have ever heard. I love this cubby.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
12 teeth. WOW! Yun Zi is really cute. I could just see the next exam. He will be trying to walk all over the place. He is really growing fast.
Will the Panda’s be getting something special on Thanksgiving beside the bamboo?
To all Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Oh, I can’t wait for the video! I watch each video several times a day until the new one comes out! I am a hopeless pandaholic! I confess!
Yunior looks like he is very intently investigating something on the wall near the den door – the hinges, perhaps? Maybe he is trying to get out? Maybe he misses Auntie Kathy and all the funny blue hands cuddling – er, “palpating” his “full figured” form?
I’ve read a few posts now about Bai Yun being in distress last night when Yunior was missing. I didn’t see this, but could someone on the panda staff explain what happened? Bai is such a wonderful mother – I am really curious about the attachment relationship between her and Yunior – so amazing and beautiful to watch.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Thanks for the update, I hope the video is ready soon. This little guy is so cute….
November 24th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Our baby has 12 teeth. What an explosion since last week. Bai is surely going to be sore or maybe she has developed callouses (you know where) I brought this up a long while ago and didn’t receive a response, so I’m going to ask again. Does SDZ think it would help at all if we got all the Pandaholics to sign a petition to China and express our love and appreciation for their Bears and beg them to allow Bai to stay at SDZ to retire along with Gao Gao. Also allow Zi to stay and they could send a mate for him when its time. It seems they are overwhelmed with bears. Maybe now would be the time for negotiations. Maybe we can help with the solidarity with support for this to take place. Moderator is this possible for us to do? Yadira nice to hear from you again. Wonderful blog.From the prior blog page #124 Donna Bislow. How wonderful for you to have such an opportunity. Absorb every little thing available. Will you have internet access? I know China has many restrictions. If you do could you blog back to us of all your experiences? It would be like being there with you. If not we will be with you in spirit and await your return for all the info. Best and safe trip. I reserve a virtual place in your backpack:) #91- Phyliss I am greatly saddened to hear your injuries are indeed true. What a terrible occurrence in your life to have happened. You sound like a lady with alot of heart. I believe that heart will help you through this very difficult time of dealing with the healing process. If you need a boost come to your Panda family for encouragement. We’ll be here and so will Bai and Zi:) I wish all a great day of giving thanks. Moderators we give thanks to you specially. One request for further blogging. Please don’t correct the Moderator or other bloggers for mis-spelling and typos. Its just not neccessary. Let it go. We still get the drift of the converstion without your corrections. Thank you.
Moderator’s note: The San Diego Zoo has a good relationship with China and we want to keep it that way.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Yes, you are really that cute!! Absolutely adorable..Yun Zi weighs almost as much as a couple of my male house cats so I can imagine what it’s like toting him around. He is so beautiful that I want to snuggle him in my arms and kiss him all over….I can’t wait to see the video of todays exam. Bai Yun is one lucky Panda .momma
November 24th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Congratulations that the cub has 12 teeth…!!! Little white cloud….everybody loves you! I’ve been watching them in the wee hrs of the morning and Bai Yun is such a good Mama! We really have a treasure here on earth that is as rare as any of the 7 wonders! Keep up the good work guys and gals! Thanks to the folks who provide the panda cam!!!
Sincerely, Joellen Megan Iowa City IA
November 24th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Oh my, just watched the video 4 times in a row! When he has traction he can really move well! He’s just adorable and you can really see how much he’s grown as Kathy holds him now..compared to the last time she had him in her arms in an exam!
He is moving around quite a bit right now, he was just standing up and looking at his reflection in that metal type plate at the back of the den. Wondering no doubt who that handsome panda cubbie staring back at him was!!
November 24th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
What a hunka hunka panda love! Interesting that he started out the longest of all the cubs and now he’s not growing long as much as big around. I think he’s storing up all that energy for when he starts trotting around after Mom and climbing twees. Be still my melting heart!
I was trying to listen to the keepers’ and doctors’ chatter as they were starting to compare his time in the den with Miss ZZ’s. I’d love to hear (or read) more of what they were saying.
Jan Cecci #8–I hope you’re among the first to see the pandas in Adelaide. I was at your zoo a couple of years ago when they were just starting preparations, and now I’m encouraging my Adelaide friends to promise me they’ll go to see them early and often!
November 24th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Hi! Just read your update about Yuni’s vet exam. WOW!!! 14.5 pounds!?!?! That says something about how much milk he’s getting and how well he does eat! I just loved that picture of him with his paw on his head like he’s scratching it while asking the question, “Am I that cute??” That was adorable! And already having 12 teeth come in?? Now, that’s fast! I agree with a lot of you—poor Bai Yun! She’ll be feeling those baby teeth every time he nurses from her everyday! OUCH!! You mentioned about his body length, but we haven’t seen anything on his body lengths from the last 2 exams and today’s exam. Anyway you can get those measurements up for us to see and compare with the other cubs? Will greatly appreciate it alot! Was just on the pandacam, and Yuni was doing his walking around in the den. Big question—when do pandas start to lose the baby teeth and the adult teeth come in? Love to know that answer! Waiting for the video to come in.
Gonna go and eat something for dinner. Will be back later on, like in a day or two!
Wishing all of you pandafans, SDZ keepers & staff, and families a very wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Just don’t eat too much stuffing and turkey, ok? Lots of love yas! XOXO
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
November 24th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
AAAA-DORRRR-AAAA-BLLLLE! That’s what you are, Yun Zi!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, one and all…pandas, keepers, staff, moderators and panda fans!
November 24th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
this little guy is way off the cute-o-meter. i have never understood anyone who can look a a photo of panda cubbie and not melt from the cuteness. thanks to sdz and the moderator for such wonderful updates, photos and videos, you guys truly understand what its like to be a pandaholic and how much joy they bring to us from the time they are cubbies, to toddlers, to tweenagers, to sub-adults and through adulthood.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
How cute thanks for the update on our chubby Yun Zi. He has part of his mother’s name and as you mention in the blog he is shorter than his brother and sisters at the same age so maybe he’ll have his father height.
November 24th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
I’ve just taken a look at the photos of his most recent exam. I burst out laughing when I saw the first picture. He’s got one paw on his head and a look on his face that almost says “Here we go again. My adoring staff poking, prodding and measuring me. That means that soon my picture will be up for ALL MY ADORING FANS to look and admire me.
Thanks again, SDZ staff for all the wonderful pictures and blogs. Love them all.
November 24th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
OMG! I just watched the video and he is just the cutest thing. He really was going to walk right off the table. It is such a blessing during these troubling times to see such joy. My mom passed last month and it is so easy to forget the little things. Thank you SDZ. You have no idea how comforting these videos and pandacam can be. The pandas can always bring a smile to my face. I envy you being able to do this. May everybody have a Blessed Thanksgiving.
Moderator’s note: It is nice to know a small bundle of black-and-white cuteness can help ease the loss you are feeling.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Yun Zi, you really are that cute! I would love to have you look in a mirror and see how you would react. Panda Cutie!! I wonder if he finds walking across the examination table easy because it is less slippery and easy to dig nails in and get traction? I can’t wait to see the video. His exams are such a highlight of my week. I love the photo above. It really shows off that lovely black dot on his tail tip.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
in yun zi’s first exam photo today he seems to be saying……OY VEY (sorry about the spelling) WHAT A DAY IT’S BEEN! i don’t think i’ve read so many cute nicknames for a ‘baby’ in all my life. can i just nibble just a little tiny bit on one of the pads on his feet? please?
November 24th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Months later, yun zi will like to eat apple slices just like his sister zhen zhen, but now mama bai has to eat more boo to feed this fat boy. He becomes very active these days, always playing with mom, trying hard to get out of the den. I come to this blog once I boot up my laptop, and read articles and comments, which enlightening my life. Happy Thanksgiving to everybody here.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Hi, Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on this little chubby cubby’s milestones and antics! My favorite exam is when he barked! I still get a kick out of that.
I do have a question about some of the keepers and/or assistants. Why are some allowed to wear their hair down? It just seems unsanitary or LOOKS unsanitary. Most of the staff pull their hair back in ponytails or have short hair. I would think in an exam room–human or non-human–the staff would have their hair out of the way. Any comment on that? Thanks.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Oh, Little Round Mound, you could not be cuter. Yadira, I LOVE the update. Thank you, thank you! All the keepers write so well. Sometimes, when LRM is sleeping, I want to poke the cam, and tell him to wake up!!!! I love to see the exaggerated stepping. That is too cute.
I can’t wait to see the video.
I spoke to a very nice lady in “ZooShop.” (I was looking for the first volume of a set of books.) We talked panda! She obviously is smitten too; I told her what a great job EVERYONE is doing in giving us an education. BTW, my niece and nephew are only receiving educational gifts from SDZ for Christmas this year. They are going to grow up knowing how many animals can really only be seen in zoos, and how sad that is; perhaps one of them will help their generation to be proactive in perserving natural habitats.
Moderator’s note: Thank you for helping the Zoo educate and support wildlife with your shopzoo.com purchases!
November 24th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
AWWW THAT PICTURE IS ADORABLE
November 24th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Awwwww bless him, he is one handsome young cub! but with parents of Gao Gao and Bai Yun it isn’t any wonder. All those new teeth, poor Bai Yun bet she goes ‘OUCH’ at times. He certainly wants to start walking watching the video he’s ready for the off as they say.
I was watching yesterday when there was some play time between Mummy and baby and it was so beautiful to watch. He is starting to get a real cheeky look about him. I think there will be lots of fun laying ahead for us pandaholics on the pandacam!!
November 24th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
I can’t wait to see the video. Their interaction provides wonderful daily entertainment.
Jane – Our prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.
Dennis & Lynn – Prayers for continued progress.
To all bloggers and their families as well as SDZ staff and their families – Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving. Extra hugs and thanks from all the zoo animals to staff members who will work on Thanksgiving.
Moderator – As much as we all go through withdrawal when you are not moderating, we hope you enjoy some quality time with your family this Thanksgiving.
Moderator’s note: Thank you, PA pandafan
Enjoy the special day of thanks!
November 24th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Like one writer wrote in when I get up I go and look at the blog to see what is doing
and then at noon and last at nite before I go to bed, I’m hook on the sweet little guy and
his mom. Thanks for update. I look everyday for a new blog.
lu
November 24th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Thank you, Yadira:-). I am so thrilled to see Yun Zi walking!!! My heart swells…and to know that he has a dozen teeth…Oh, WOW!!! My “boy” is growing fast…now, I am looking forward to his debut. Dear Moderator/Staff, is there any way we’ll be able to know when he is going to have his debut? Thanks….
Moderator’s note: We’ll be sure to let everyone know. Don’t worry about that!
November 24th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
It has been such a wonderful experience watching Yun Zi’s development. He is such an adorable little guy. I am wondering when the cub will be able to be seen by the public. I will definetly make a trip to San Diego to see him in person.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Just when I thought His Royal Cuteness (aka Yun Zi) couldn’t get any cuter along come more photos of his latest exam
This guy is off the charts in “here I am on camera” cute department 
Tai Shan was the first panda I was fortunate to watch daily & he was a cute “holy terror” (Love him dearly) but for some reason Yuni has stolen all our hearts 
Something about Yuni has gotten world wide attention as we watch this little grow by leaps & bounds every day –
Yep, the news leaked out
# 8 Jan Cecchi from Adelaide, Australia – yes, you atill bouncing up down with excitement – only a couple of more days before your pandas arrive. I remember watching on the news when NZ pandas Mei Xiang & Tian Tian arrived in Washington’s Dulles airport. They arrived in the middle of the night EDT & they had a police escort from Dulles to the NZ but there thousands of people along the roads cheering as they went by
Also recall reading somewhere that even Lloyd’ s of London didn’t want to insure the pandas on their journeys as they are considered priceless
Am off to spend Thanksgiving with our only son, daughter-in-law & after 15 years of tests & finally IVF we now have our miracle – a healthy 16 month old grandson
And yes he is into everything 
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving
To those who have health issues – your panda family is here for you
Moderator’s note: Enjoy your little grandson, Maureen!
November 24th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
I did google “panda teeth”" & Was surprized to find that pandas have 42 teeth
Since pandas spend most of their time eating tough, nutrition-poor bamboo, strong teeth and jaws are very important to a panda’s survival. Giant pandas have large molars (flat teeth used for crushing food). They also have a few sharp teeth which they use to bite tough bamboo stalks. Pandas have 42 teeth. They also have strong jaw muscles which they use for chewing tough bamboo.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
If you have been looking for the video for this latest exam, you can click on it at the end of the first paragraph for Yadira’s blog, “Exam 13: Development Spurts.” I was looking for it at the bottom of the blog.
Our little guy is getting so big! And so active! We are really “in for it” before you know it!
November 24th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Julie #31 So sorry for your lost I know what it’s like I’ve lost my mother and a couple other very close family members this year. So when I get down I just come and look at all my black and white friends and they bring a smile to my face and sometime a tear but they’re tears of joy.
To my surprise I went to youtube to see if there was any new videos from the Thialand Zoo as I haven’t been able to get on the webcam for a good while. Well guess what was on the newest video two keepers were in the cage with Lin Hui the mother panda wiping her down with towels and giving her treat she just set there while they did it. I think they were pretty brave and that could have been very scary.
The video was call Lin Hui get a bath,wnv.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
i absolutely adore how yun zi looks up at whomever is nearest to him. he listens to all the human sounds surrounding him and is so curious. what an intelligent little/big scrunchy boo boo bear.
November 24th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
I’m fainting from cuteness!! I can’t handle it!
November 24th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Thanks for the update. My goodness there are so many fans of His Royal Cuteness Yun Zi & his wonderful Momma. Technology is to thank for that. Hope you all at SDZ have a wonderful Holiday. Also all the Panda-fans too have a wonderful, thankful holiday.
Bai Yun & Yun Zi thank you for bringing so much joy & love into our lives. Bless you!
I can’t wait to see the little one running around.
November 24th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
WOW….Talk about having your paws full just feel sorry for Bai Yuns nose and head as Yunior attacked her in her sleep….She tried to hold him away but Yunior was on a play mission….Bai Yun finally did her hold him up in the air on all 4 paws for some relief….Every time she set him down Yunior went on the attack again….Bai Yun has the patience of a saint and we wonder when she’ll abandon the den area…I was describing Yuniors antics via telephone to Lynn in the Hospital now and she wonders at what age of yunior BAI Yun will reach her I’ve had enough of your antics like she did with Lin Lin and ZZ Top as we still have the surprised looks that the girls gave on screen when Bai Yun finally had enough of their misbehavin’….
Thank you SDZ and all of our extended family of Pandaholic Friends now Worldwide for your kind words and well wishes to Lynn as it is helping give her hope of getting out of the Hospital bed after 11 monthes, as I promise that when she finally gets released from the Hospital and is allowed to travel I will post pictures when we get to the SDZ to see our Black & White Furry Love Bears as I know Lynn’s first stop will be seeing the Pandas….Have a Happy Thanksgiving …..Dennis
November 25th, 2009 at 12:23 am
No wonder he keeps biting Bai! That’s an awful lot of teeth to come through in one week! He does look so so sweet.
I hope EVERYONE has a great Thanksgiving. Enjoy yourselves.
November 25th, 2009 at 2:30 am
Hi! My husband and I have just returned from a trip to the zoo. We went all the way to sunny San Diego from the damp, cold UK just to see the pandas! And it was well worth the trip. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the city and whole zoo, and can wholeheartedly recommend the zoo’s special tours. But visiting the pandas was such as wonderful experience and one I will never forget (and a special thanks to the narrators and security staff for being so incredibly tolerant as we entered and re-entered the panda viewing area on repeated occasions!) Unfortunately we couldn’t be there for the naming ceremony but seeing Su Lin and Zhen Zhen in the fur was so much fun – and you are so close to the bears when viewing them. We were lucky to experience them being very active on a several occasions and they were fascinating to watch, even when sleeping. I hope we can visit again one day. You San Diegans are very lucky indeed to have such an incredible zoo in your city – I’m sure if I lived there I would visit almost daily!
Moderator’s note: So glad to hear you enjoyed your Zoo visit!
November 25th, 2009 at 4:35 am
Well it’s 6:30AM in Chicago and I just saw the cutest thing on the cam. It looks like Bai and Yun were having a play fest. He was on his back on her tummy and she kept rotating him around and around. At points they were face to face with there noses pressed against each other. So adorable.
November 25th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Yadira, excellent post! Yun Zi is indeed that cute, plus some – from his button eyes and 12 teeth to his black spotted tail and webbed paws!
Keeper Kathy described Bai Yun’s personality as “loving” and “devoted”. The same can be said about her – when she talks about “Yunior” in the video it is obvious in her voice! And her Blog on “Panda Kindergarten” was so adorable and educational!
Happy Thanksgiving to the SDZ staff and fellow pandaholics! I am so thankful that this little black and white fluff ball is a part of my life each and every day!
November 25th, 2009 at 5:59 am
Moderator, in post #13 when I read your comment about blogs about other species my first thought was nooo now we’ll never get *anything* done .. and then I realized, I link to the default category, which means I already read and enjoy every blog that gets posted! LOL! And I read most of the comments on every blog post. Good thing I’m a fast reader!
I’m a cat person so I’m always wanting more updates about the feline zoo residents, and it seems like it’s been forever since the last blog in that category. If you have any “pull” in that area could you please put a bug in someone’s ear? We all appreciate the SDZ blog space and all the work you do.
Moderator’s note: I’ll see if I can nudge a cat keeper or two for some posts! I’m glad you read all the posts, not just the panda ones, as there is some great and interesting info!
November 25th, 2009 at 6:15 am
He is definitely that cute! Thanks for the fascinating post.
IMO, I think we can trust the VERY experienced SDZ panda staff to know what is sanitary or not in terms of hairstyles–look at all the pandas they’ve meticulously cared for.
November 25th, 2009 at 6:18 am
He is getting so big and so cute–I wish I could hold him. Always makes my day whenever I see his latest video exam. Have a great Thanksgiving.
November 25th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Yadira you know it is earth shattering when you see the lil guy! I think he is just short bcuz his chubbyness haha…I have a new addition to my family a black puggy name Cello she is a pawful…and I too will become a Grandma next year summer….I am toooo young I’m only 38 : ( ..it’s ok though I need the energy and I look forward running after grandchild…everytime I see Yun Zi being rambunctious…I’m like Oh god that would be me running after baby too! lol …thank you for the update! EXAM 11 is still my favorite…I love that bark he did!! I can’t get enough of it!
Moderator’s note: Wow, you will be a young grandma! Congratulations as you look forward to the exciting event!
November 25th, 2009 at 6:41 am
For some reason I cannot watch the video of the last exam. Is anyone else having this problem? I’ve checked it twice over the past hour to no avail. I want to see him in action!
November 25th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Yun Zi is the world’s cutest baby guy!!! I LOVE the panda cam, the photos, and the blogs! Thanks SDZ!!
(I was just wondering–when Yun Zi has all of his teeth, how many will he have?)
November 25th, 2009 at 7:35 am
The picture on this blog made me laugh Yun Zi has his little paw on the side of his head as to say OH NO NOT THIS AGAIN.
November 25th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Oh yes I want to wish everyone at the Zoo and all the bloggers a Very Happy Thanksgiving and a great shopping weekend. I hope all the pandas get stuffed with bamboo and treats for the big day.
November 25th, 2009 at 7:58 am
Thanks for the update! He is such a cute baby!!!! 12 teeth…..ouch! I look forward to the video.
November 25th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Another nice video, thank you. Yuni is cute beyond words, ah, those little eyes and those paws. And that’s definitely “belly off the ground locomotion”, if my eyes don’t deceive me!
It is good to see and hear Keeper Kathy too. Congratulations on the crocheted BLACK AND WHITE headband! Definitely a must-have in Pandaland, Su Lin and ZZ might want one too!
I just watched the video of Chinook’s ultrasound, very impressive how big she is compared to Bai Yun. And it was nice to see JoAnne too.
November 25th, 2009 at 8:19 am
What a darling Yun Zi is!!!! Love the video and pictures.
To Judy In TX, #123, previous post. I noticed last night that the AZ had separated Lun and Xi Lan. I saw Lun go into the tunnel and the door closed. Then Xi Lan was pacing back and forth looking for Mom – he even looked out the window and saw a keeper come up to him and wave. He was given a treat after standing up looking into the keeper window. He still kept pacing and standing/sitting in the doorway. They were either doing some training with Lun Lun or trying the separation process to see how it would go. Since X-man is 15 months old they may be testing the waters – and I do believe it did not work too well. Even though he may be eating a lot of bamboo, he still needs his mama.
A Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
November 25th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Yun Zi is beautiful! The video is wonderful. Bai Yun is a treasure. Many thanks to the San Diego Zoo and all of you who work there. You make so many people happy. Here’s all best wishes to all of you for a very Happy Thanksgiving!! Enjoy!
November 25th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Ok, has someone give Yun Zi a sleeping pill that has lasted 3 days?????
Everytime I log on to have a peek at him (in between actually working), the little dude is fast asleep, and in some funny positions I might add.. Just too too cute…
I too have watched the latest video over and over, being he is actually “awake” in it.. ha ha… Loved the informative update as always.
To all of my Panda Friends south of the Border, keepers and our special moderator, have a Wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoy your time with your Family, Friends and Hug the ones you love!!!
November 25th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I will try to make this on-topic!
But first I want to comment to #43 Maureen in Stanwood MI how happy I am for her and her family that they had a successful IVF that resulted in the birth of a son/grandson for them! Back in the 1960’s when I realized having a baby might not be so easy, all we had were a few tests and some over-powered fertility pills (since then they have these better formulated so you don’t climb walls). While nothing worked for me except eventually adopting my two daughters (sisters), I am so happy that IVF has resulted in thousands of babies bringing great joy to their families.
Here is my tie-in to our Giant Pandas, moderator! We all know some of our panda cubs are the result of IVF, and for them, the technology came in the nick of time. And in the case of the Giant Panda, IVF might be saving this endangered species, but without IVF, we might not be able to accomplish this goal of saving the most adorable little creature that ever delighted humankind!
November 25th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Thank you for the update. The cub looks so big!
November 25th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Dear Moderators,
THANK YOU for ALL your frequent, thoughtful, kind, diplomatic, articulate, informational, encouraging, appreciative, creative, patient, educated, experienced and humorous notes. You serve the public and the bears beautifully.
Your fan,
LH
Moderator’s note: You are so very welcome!
November 25th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Our Little Guy is walking…. very cute!
November 25th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Hi! Well, I managed to finally check in to all 4 zoos’ pandacams today! First, the NZ pandacams had all of the pandas indoors today—napping! Tai Shan had the funniest napping position! The weather in DC is not that great with cloudy, rainy weather, cool temps probably in the 50s right now. Next, the AZ cam was on the outdoor yard, and watched Xman and mom Lun walking around and climbing up and down the log structures. Atlanta had their rain yesterday, but it was cloudy, cool, but comfy for the pandas to be outdoors. Next, Memphis zoo pandacam. Caught one of the pandas up and walking around for some exercise inside the dayroom! I think that was Le Le because Ya Ya likes to be outside alot. At least I caught her up and moving this time! I usually catch one of these pandas asleep every time I get on the MZ cam. Sounds like Memphis has some cloudy, cold weather today.
Saved the best for last! SDZ pandacam starring Yuni! Well, got on the cam, Yuni was asleep! Will get on it again later, and I bet ya he’ll be trying to walk out of the den unless his mom’s in the den keeping him from going out! Just watched the exam vid! He is the most adorable cuteness I have every seen! Especially when he looks straight into that cam, and I just melt! He may be the cutest, but all of the panda cubs that I have watched in the last 4 1/2 years have also had that adorable cuteness to them at 3 months old! Yuni just happens to turn on alot more of that adorable cuteness charm alot more!
Well, gonna go and do some cookie cooking! Going to my parents’ house for Turkey Day to spend the day with them and my family. So, like I said, wishing all of you a very nice Thanksgiving Day and the weekend. Hope your favorite football team wins, enjoy the nice, cool fall weather, and don’t eat too much turkey and dressing! To those of you that wind up having a snowy Thanksgiving, you lucky people! Enjoy your white Turkey Day! Have fun, everybody! To the pandafans in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America, all of us pandafans here in America also wish you all Thanksgiving blessings as well! Any pandafans in Antartica???
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
November 25th, 2009 at 9:16 am
The video made me SMILE all over the place. His tummy almost drags when he walks! Total cuteness.
Do the pandas get any Thanksgiving treats?
Happy Thanksgiving to my panda family, including everyone at SDZ. For all those who are traveling, safe journeys. For all those whose hearts are little heavy, blessings to you. Take a minute out of a day of thanksgivng, and smile at all the cuteness going on at the SDZ.
November 25th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Wishing a very Happy Thanksgiving to all the keepers and moderators and pandaholics! And, of course, the Bai-Gao clan themselves.
P.S. Kudos to whoever came up with “Yunior” — I could not stop laughing when I read that.
Moderator’s note: Our deputy moderator coined that phrase!
November 25th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Yunior is a perfect nickname for him!
November 25th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Yay! Got to see the video. He is adorable. Look at those deep eyes checking everyone out. He looked like he just want to sniff and stare at everyone and was so aware of different voices, yet so calm considering he spends so much time alone in the den. No wonder it is important to start your training and chatting with him now! He really had his feet under him and wanted to explore. I wish we knew what was going on in his mind. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be a cub and walk outdoors for the first time on your own. If only more and more people watched the cam, videos and blog, they would not keep destroying the animal kingdom, but instead learn to honour it and cherish what a wonderful gift it is.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:21 am
I would like to take a minute and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, To all with ill relatives a special prayer and also for loved ones lost. To all the people who will work this Holiday to make sure all the animals are taken care of a special thank you. Please take a minute tomorrow to say a prayer for all the servicemen and women here and aboard.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Carol #53–If you took any postcards of the early-morning play session, please post them for us to see. Yun Zi is walking around the den now–finding another place to lie down and sleep! So much growing and so much cuteness is obviously sooo tiring!
November 25th, 2009 at 11:01 am
In all of the photos of Yun Zi, he seems to have a slightly darker “Y” that runs up the bridge of his nose. Is this marking unique to him? I know pandas have their own markings like the pale black band that runs across the bridge of Mei Xiang’s nose.
Thanks!
November 25th, 2009 at 11:11 am
There is a new post on the AZ website, but no mention is made about weaning. I am sure they separate Lun Lun and Xi Lan for training and they mentioned earlier that they often give Xi Lan his treats when he is not with his mum as she is trying to take it from him. It is not only Bai Yun who thinks that all the food is mama’s food…
They also posted the current weights of their four pandas: Yang Yang: 124.9 kg (275 lbs); Lun Lun: 99.1 kg (218 lbs); Mei Lan: 86.3 kg (190 lbs); Xi Lan: 28.3 kg (62 lbs). Mei Lan is really catching up with Lun Lun, not just in beauty but in weight too…
November 25th, 2009 at 11:22 am
I LOVE HIM, LOVE HIM, LOVE HIM !!! Every time I see a new video of him, I love him even more. Just wish I could hold him and give him kisses. WOW…he sure got those teeth fast. he’s is a beautiful baby, the cutest I ever seen. Mama is taking good care of him. Just want to say love mama bear also! Love both of you!
November 25th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Hello everyone,
Tai Shan took some time out from his busy Sooperpanna schedule this week to pass on his thoughts to me concerning his little cousin’s new name. When the chubby cubby was first born he called him “Loud Loud”, now he calls his cousin “Cloud Cloud” I told him some of the other nicknames, and the Sooperpanna thought that “Yunior” was great too!
So there you have it, Tai Shan’s opinion in black and white
November 25th, 2009 at 11:42 am
This morning when I got up (Eastern Standard Time) and pulled up the Panda Cam, Bai Yun and Yunni were playing. It was so cute. Mom lay on her back with her legs up and put little cloud on her feet, turning him around. She really seems to enjoy interacting with him. She doesn’t seem to care if he is head up or down. And like another blogger said, their faces were nose to nose, it was beautiful. I have 2 questions. When we look at the panda cam, is that all on some kind of permanent digital record? Some of those scenes are so precious. I’m a social worker and I think it would be great for some parents to watch how adoring mother and son are! And my second question is: is there any difference in temperment between a boy panda and a girl panda? Did Bai Yun play just as hard with the others?
Thank you again, and to all the bloggers, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Moderator’s note: Your questions have been forwarded to our Panda Team.
November 25th, 2009 at 11:51 am
The picture of Yun Zi sums up why he’s Dr. Fluffernutter McAwesomesauce! After watching the video and looking at all of his pictures, I’m amazed by how many facial expressions he has. He’s such a dashing dude!
I agree with Joy #55…I, too, would love more info about the SDZ cat family. Cats come in a close second behind pandas for me. I remember the great story about Orson. Ive been wondering how progress is going with the new Tiger Trail.
Moderator’s note: I’ll ask!
November 25th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Kathy, thanks for the video’s and updates. His Royal Cuteness Yun Zi can’t possibly get any cuter, or can he? It’s fun watching you and the other keepers and vets with him, everyone is smiling. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
November 25th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Nice little piece on CBS Early Show this morning (11/25/09). Too bad Dr. Turner Bell kept mis-prouncing the little guy’s name.
November 25th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
It looks like yun zi is ready. He must be a pawfull for Bai when she takes him out…does this mean he will be on exhibit a little earlier than expected???
Yun Zi you are beyond cute…there is no current adj. To describe you…little ambasador of love and joy. I love you so muches…Auntie Tami
November 25th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I, too, LOVE the name “Yunior”. It’s the perfect nickname for this gorgeous cubby.
Happy Thanksgiving, all you fellow pandalovers!
November 25th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
# 44 Maureen in Stanwood MI, the best picture I have ever seen of a panda’s denture was a picture of Yang Yang from Zoo Atlanta posted on July 11, 2009 on the Pandas Live on website. The picture was from Hammy15 of flickr.
I remember reading last night that someone was asking when the cub would loose its baby teeth, but I can’t find the post now… I read that the cubs are loosing their baby teeth when they are about one year old just before starting to eat more and more bamboo. That may be why the keepers stop their close and direct interaction with the cubs when they are turning one year old, I wouldn’t want any cub nibbling even gently on anybody’s hands with a set of teeth like the one that Yang Yang is showing proudly…
November 25th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
# 80 Danielle they will separate Xi Lan and Lun Lun until after the first of the year probably sometime in February because he will be 18 months old. It’s true that sometime they work with Xi Lan away from his mother but their not separating them yet.
November 25th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
#60 Panda Fan – see the entry #44 from Maureen in Stanwood MI – pandas have 42 teeth.
It’s so great to see all the panda lovers getting such joy from our black and white treasures. I am so thankful for the close encounters (even the virtual or visual ones) that we can enjoy with the pandas everywhere. When I see Yun Zi and Lin Ping nursing so peacefully, I can’t help believing that there is hope for our world. When I get on the cams this weekend, I hope to see the bears enjoying the meals I just bought for them from the wishlist. Too exciting, I tell you!
On this Thanksgiving weekend, I want to wish all my fellow panda lovers in the U.S. the best Thanksgiving ever!! May you enjoy the company of loved ones and not suffer from too much turkey! To those whose lives are going through upheaval due to illness and loss, I send you prayers for love, comfort, and healing.
To our special family in SDZ, a wish for a great weekend and a million thanks for giving us the chance to know and admire a most wonderful part of God’s creation – the beasts of the land, the fowl of the air, and some who dwell in the water.
To the awesome Moderators, I want to say, “Honestly, we panda-crazed fans can manage an entire weekend without blog updates. So, get out of your offices and away from the computers as soon as you can and have a grand Thanksgiving celebration!! You deserve it.” (Panda lovers, we should do our part here and, perhaps, do our best, as hard as it will be, to not inundate the moderators with our posts this weekend so they can enjoy their Thanksgiving.)
November 25th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Yun Zi is adorable. Maybe he’ll be small but mighty like his father.
November 25th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Please show him up close, Mister Cam 25….he is playing by himself right now, and it would be soooo fun to see him up close!
Thank you!!!
November 25th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
As long as we’re begging for updates, I wonder how Scout and Montana are doing. I fell for these two right when they came to SDZ and have always longed for a bear-cam. It would be nice to see some pictures and hear some stories about the boys!
Moderator’s note: I’ll ask.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Bruce in KC (82)
Thank you so much for passing on Tai Shan’s message. Please tell him we love him so dearly.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Great, Mister/Ms. Cam 25! Now if you can move his little body more to the upper half of the screen so the date, etc. isn’t splashed across his little rump! (kinda takes the cuteness away from the experience!).
Yay, thanks again!!!!!!
November 25th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Love that our little boy has the nickname Yunior. What a hoot that is!
Just solved my Christmas gifting dilemma by adopting Yun Zi as a gift for my two grandsons, who absolutely adore it when I come over and we go through ALL – and I do mean all! – of the videos since the litle tyke was born. Then, of course, I gifted myself with an adoption too, since I know that the money will help not only Yun Zi, but other animals at the zoo.
What a great way to go Christmas shopping without even having to step outside the door!
To all the bloggers, I wish you the most wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends and more food than the belly can hold! We’ll all be just as roly-poly as our beloved Yun Zi!!!
Moderator’s note: Thank you so much for supporting our animals with your adoption gifts! For those interested in doing the same, please visit our Adopt an Animal page.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
i am so very thankful for this site, the keepers, vets, volunteers, and of course the SDZ.
my good wishes to my “panda family” for a happy Thanksgiving.
hugs to yuni, bai, zhenni, su and gao.
joan
painted post, ny.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Just wanted to wish you and everyone at the San Diego Zoo and all the U.S. Panda fans a very Happy Thanksgiving! I know it’s tomorrow but I’ll be working and you will all hopefully be enjoying family time and good food ! I’ll keep an eye on Yunior for you all while you enjoy the turkey
And to Dennis & Lynn Carney: Can I just say that Dennis that your support and dedication to Lynn during this difficult time is inspiring. Lynn sounds like a very brave and courageous lady and I wish you both sincerely all the very best and may you both have a Happy Thanksgiving!
November 25th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Has it been raining in San Diego? There seem to be water spots showing in the sun room. I know such liquid events do happen even in Southern California.
It is now 4:30 pm EST and it’s been busy in the world of pandacam. How great! For all you on the West coast, I often find there is activity just when I am getting ready for work (guess I shouldn’t look… it holds me up!). That would be around 4-4:30 am in San Diego. But get your sleep; it’s so important to your health.
I’ve so been enjoying the antics and everyone’s description of what they’ve seen. Such different interpretations of the photo up top. I think he is just saluting us and the moderators. Backatcha, Junior!
A day without moderators? I will have to submerge myself in mashed potatoes, stuffing and pie so I will be in that all-American Thanksgiving stupor and snooze my way through the privation.
Just kidding. Happy Thanksgiving to the SDZ panda keepers, vets, moderators, publicists, ticket takers, all the humans who make our joy possible, and the birds, insects, animals, fish, and any creatures in other exotic categories.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
#67 Darlene in BC….In the morning at approximately 9 AM EST, Bai and Yun are usually awake.
Mama is cleaning house by bringing “tons” of bamboo into the nest…then washing and feeding Bebe.
This goes on for quite some time.
They are awake occasionally ” in the wee small hours of the morning”, bonding with each other.
( As soon as I say this they will probably change their schedule!)
Yun is probably exhausted after the morning ablutions and takes a much needed nap…that is plural..naps!
Blessed Thanksgiving to Everyone.
Also, to all who work on Holidays with the Pandas…and all the other Keepers at San Diego Zoo!
You are The Greatest!
November 25th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Hi Panda fans – hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Maureen #43 – oh yes jumping up and down – they will arrive exactly 48 hours from now. I have just been listening to the Zoo CEo giving the final little update before they leave China
Dennis and Lynn – I have been following your trials and tribulations Lynn – I sincerely hope that 2010 is a much better year for you – just know that there are Aussie thoughts and prayers coming your way.
and to all of the Panda Blog family – I feel like I know you all – I read every blog every day.
Check out the Adelaide Zoo website and the Panda page – Simone is the senior panda Keeper who will be escorting Wang Wang and Funi back from China – she is posting a blog of her trip every day.
One curious thing I have noticed – how many panda fans are also cat lovers – me too. I have 3 cats and about 600 ornanemts of cats and I have just started collecting pandas – no hope for me is there!!
November 25th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
#102 Jan…I’ve been following Simone’s adventures and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Wang Wang and Funi (love her name) in Australia even though I live here in the U.S. On one of the old Zoo Atlanta panda updates, someone who works with the pandas once mentioned that if she had to equate a giant panda with another animal, it would be a cat. She noticed a lot of similarities between them. As a cat lover, there have been more than a few times I’ve noticed similarities myself although it’s hard for me to adequately describe the things I notice. Maybe that is why so many panda people are also cat lovers. I’ve often wondered if panda devotees are more likely to share their homes with cats or with dogs.
Happy Thanksgiving to all, fellow panda devotees and SDZ family alike! Happy Thanksgiving to all the pandas, as well. Here’s hoping there’s a sweet potato for each of them tomorrow, well, except for Yunior, of course!
November 25th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
P.S. Yun Zi’s expression in the photo is what a person looks like when he or she forgot to take the turkey out of the freezer to thaw!
November 25th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
OMG, he is soooooo cute! He seems to be saying “I can’t take all this love anymore.”
:):)
By the way, fellow panda fans, if you decide to adopt Yun Zi, you will be given a 15% discount for your next adoption. This is such a great holiday gift and will help SDZ care for our beloved pandas. And so, this is exactly what I did, adopted Yun Zi for myself, and gave the next one as a holiday gift, which in turned gave me another 15% discount for my next future adoption. Ok, who is next to adopt our darling baby???
Also, he still needs 31 plants for his new panda home. I bought one, anyone else? We need to make him a “happy camper” on his debut day.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
P.S. #13 Sue, massachusetts – Welcome!
Moderator’s note: Thank you for your many adoptions and for helping provide new plants for Yunior’s home!
November 25th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I again want to wish all of our extended Pandaholic Family now Worldwide and everyone @ SDZ a Happy Thanksgiving…..Have been watching Yunior attempting to get traction across the threshold of the den… Mom came and helped him get out and had a nice care session in the sunshine outside….I guess Panda Paws on Aluminium is like a car on black ice!!!Again Lynn’s first words today from the Hospital were how’s Yunior and Bai Yun? Looks like she’ll still be in the Hospital a little longer and we’re hoping for a nice X-mas gift if she finally gets released….Again Thank-You everybody Worldwide for your prayers and good wishes you now are too many to thank individually as you all are helping Lynn deal with her Degenerative Bone Joint Disease and helping her to feel better,with hopes of getting released and hopefully ready to visit the SDZ when we visit ger SoCal Doctors…..Black & White Panda Love to all!!!Oh well Yunior gave up and is back into the den playing with his paws….
November 25th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
New Video Alert: I caught some of the action when Bai took Yun Zi out to the sunroom and he was trying to get up the step to the bedroom. It appears he had 3 if not 4 paws up the step! The video link for “Yun Zi’s Big Step Up!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srM0FJl-eN0
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 25th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Thanks Yadira for another exam update.
Conversation with Bai Yun #23
Bai Yun: Mmmm, bamboo munchies… (Crunch)
Yun Zi: (grunt) [Step 1, step 2... ]
B: (crunch)
Y: (grunt) [Kick 3, flail 4... ]
B: (crunch)
Y: (grunt) [Slide on over the threshold... Hee hee.]
B: (crunch)
Y: (grunt) [Roll left, roll right... ]
B: (crunch)
Y: (grunt) [Slide on back! Ha Ha!]
B: Yun Zi, dear. Milk Bar time!
Y: Squeak, squeak. (Yee Ha! I’m hungry, Mama!)
(In Gao Gao’s yard)
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: Hey, what’s with the catalog again?
G: Yun Zi is marketing an exercise video.
T: An exercise video?
G: Yup. The Chubby Cubby Get Fat Video.
T: Not martial arts training?
G: Not this time. And not only that…
T: Huh?
G: He’s planning on a Turkey Dance video, too.
T: Why not a Chicken Dance video?
G: He likes the turkey costume better.
T: Really?
G: He wants to impress those nice ladies at his medical exams.
T: But the ladies already think he’s cute enough.
G: Well, but he also wanted to say: Happy Thanksgiving to All!
November 25th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
DoxieMom, thank you for the wonderful video our “butter ball”is so active today happy thanksgiving!!
November 25th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
DoxieMom # 107: What a sweet moment you captured today!!! Thanks!!
PWong: 108: Priceless, as always! I do think he looks like he’s doing ab crunches on occasion
November 25th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
It’s great fun to watch this cam!! Is Yun Zi always as clean as he looks on his exams?
Also, do any of the Panda’s try to bite or get mean with their trainers? I love seeing
him really concentrating on how he is going to get over that threshold…so cute!
Happy Thanksgiving to all…
November 25th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
4:45 p, Wed. I was just watching the cam. Bai seemed to be in some kind of cleaning frenzy! I have never seen her do this before. That bamboo was being thrown and moved everywhere. It was kind of funny to see her doing this.
November 25th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I finally got to see one of Yun Zi and Bai Yun’s boxing matches. They are cute playing together. Bai looks like she is really enjoying it. I don’t remember seeing ZZ do that as much. Did she? I remember her being a very precocious cub and seeming to be very independent and advanced at a young age. Maybe because she spent so much time out under the stars early in her life? Bai didn’t seem to take Yun Zi out as long as she did with ZZ. He seems to have spent more time in the den, but maybe that is just my faulty perception.
I have yet to see the Prince walking. He was kicking up a storm earlier today, but didn’t move forward or backward while I was able to watch. I am hoping to get more viewing in of all zoo’s animals in the next 4 days when I am not working.
November 25th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I forget who started the nickname Yunior, but I love it. It is so fitting for both Bai Yun, and Yun Zi.
November 25th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I am another Panda and Cat Lover, especially the Big Cat Tiger. My current cat companion is my third. Happy Thanksgiving to all American Pandaholics!
November 25th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
P wong, cute conversations. I’ve just watched the video, what a brave boy, he doesn’t squeak when got shot. Happy thanksgiving to all of you again.
November 25th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
DoxieMom #107 – thank you for sharing that! He is just a bundle of cuteness, isn’t he? And sooooo determined! He wants to get there, move around, and Bai just reins him in! He must get frustrated being just “that” close to getting clean away, and then doggone it! Mom gets in the way! Great footage. Thanks so much!
November 25th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Dan #15, I can’t answer your question definitively, but I can speculate on what you saw when you say that Bai Yun seemed to have an aggressive outburst when Yun Zi wasn’t in the den.
Every day, at least once, Bai does “housekeeping” in the den. She paws at the shredded bamboo and stirs it up to keep it fresh.
The other night I saw her doing that (it does look aggressive), and when she finished she leaned forward through the door and lifted Yun Zi into the den. He’d apparently been right outside the den while she was doing her cleaning.
I would be willing to bet that’s similar to what you saw.
P. Wong, nice job once again!
Jan in Australia #102, and everyone, yes the Adelaide Zoo already has a wonderful panda section on their website. They have a page with a very long list of questions and answers. Do check it out! I’ll be following Wang Wang and Funi’s journey!
November 25th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
One thing I am truly thankful for is discovering pandacam–whenever I see Bai Yun with a cub, I feel I am seeing love in a very pure form–and I love sharing the sight with so many people around the world.
Thank you, DoxieMom for catching Yun Zi’s latest excursion. I remember watching Zhen Zhen trying for what I remember as a whole day–well, it was quite a while anyway–to make it across that threshold.
Thank you, P Wong, thank you keepers, moderators, pandas, bloggers, vets–Happy Thanksgiving to all!
November 25th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
#108 P Wong, that convo between Bai and Yuni is so cute! You have a great sense of humor. I’ve been wondering where you were, its been a while since you did one. great job. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
November 25th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
I’ve been watching the cam for the past 30 minutes and after a bath from Bai, Yun Zi and Bai are having several rousing games of “teethe on Mommy” and “twirl the cub around”! I have never seen them play together for such a long time. And when Yun Zi decides to kick Mommy in the face, she takes the opportunity to clean between his toes!!
November 25th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
“i can turn you like this, twirl you on my feet, nibble on your ear, your footy, tushy, nose, lean on you, put my arm on you until to settle down.” Really cute “handling” by Bai a couple of minutes ago.
Can’t wait for the TURKEY DANCE tomorrow, Your Royal, Cuteness, Yunior, Little Round Mound.
Again, Happy Thanksgiving Day to all, and thanks to those from other countries for the kind wishes.
November 25th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
#104 Melissa..his expression could also be..”OH NO!!I forgot to take that little bag OUT of the Turkey BEFORE i cooked it!!!”. Yes…fellow panda fans..I am guilty of that myself. My mother, was so horrified when I was cutting the turkey on the table and reached in and pulled out that bag of “stuff”..and after cooking about 15 turkeys myself, I myself was shocked..but it was priceless. I laugh so hard about it now. It’s times like those that make the Hoildays good memories. I wish all of you, moderators, Vet’s, Public Relations, and keepers, Gao Gao, Bai Yun, SuLin, Zhen Zhen and my not so little yz-man a very Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!
November 25th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Oh my, I just want to hug him!! I so look forward to these updates and videos.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
November 25th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Happy Thanksgiving to all of my fellow panda fans and especially the panda team at SDZ. Remember all of our troops that are deployed and alone for the holidays when you say your prayers of thanks tomorrow.
Little Yun Zi and momma Bai, yes we are thankful for you!!!!!
November 25th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
To the panda lovers who are also cat lovers, call it coincidence or otherwise – I believe the Chinese name for the giant panda translates into Big Bear Cat in English. Moderator, can you please confirm this for us?
Moderator’s note: It is true.
November 25th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Thank you, dear SDZ, for making this year more bearable….Thank you, momma Bai, little cloud, my Zhennie, dad Gao, and Missy Su.
Wishing you all a most beautiful Thanksgiving day, filled with lots of delicious boo.
November 26th, 2009 at 12:01 am
P Wong, thank you for my morning giggle. I could almost imagine Yunior doing the hokey cokey – I don’t think you call it that in the USA – put your left leg in, your left leg out, in out, in out and shake it all about etc.
November 26th, 2009 at 5:17 am
I have become a huge Panda cam watcher..love sending the postcards to the grandkids..I was wishing there sound so we could hear inside the den..do they make noises to each other..?? I love watchin Mom give a bath..holding him upside down..and when she lays on her back rolling him around like a beach ball..amazing..I even love watching them sleep together..so beautiful..I would love to hear some sound or just what kind of grunts or sounds they make to one another..have you noticed when he is nursing Mom flexes her right back paw as she sits there..?? she does it every time…love it…..
Moderator’s note: We do have some panda sounds on our Giant Panda fact sheet.
November 26th, 2009 at 6:39 am
I have been enjoying a great performance by our little Yun Zi this morning. He has lifted my spirits and made me smile. Saw him chewing on a large piece of bamboo that was across the floor. When he got tired of that he headed toward the open doorway … paused to play with the smaller pieces of bamboo … then thought he was going out the door but apparently he was reaching for an interesting piece because he pulled it back to himself and seemed to be holding it with both paws … again playing with it … then he rolled backward and I thought he was stuck … arms and legs waving in the air … but when he tired of that he just rolled over and sat right up … It is hard to believe this is a “wild” animal.
I hope all you panda fans are having a great Thanksgiving. My mom and my (adult) son and I have reservations on a photo caravan at the Wild Animal Park. However, I am waiting to hear from my son this morning. Last night he said he was sick … for two days … and he did not call … what are moms for anyway … sigh ….
Moderator’s note: What a wonderful way to spend Thanksgiving Day: on a Photo Caravan tour! I hope you’re able to go.
November 26th, 2009 at 7:08 am
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy …… I just saw the lil guy crawl out of the den !
….I have a ?, does baby eat anything or is he just on milk?…..Happy Thanksgiving everyone !!!
Moderator’s note: He is just on milk right now. He won’t start to mouth bamboo until 7 to 9 months of age.
November 26th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Junior is sunning himself (asleep it seems) at the door looking out of Bai’s bedroom. It’s a bit hard to see details, but it looks like Mom made him a little bamboo bed there so he’s not sleeping on the hard floor. Or maybe it was a keeper or the Thanksgiving Fairy.
November 26th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Happy Thanksgiving Day to all panda staff and fans! Thank you all for everything! May God bless you all!
Thanks the SDZ for the 13th exam video! In fact, I love all the exam videos (with sounds). It’s wonderful to see Baby Yun Zi walking on the table. So cute!
November 26th, 2009 at 7:57 am
DoxieMom — Thank you once again for capturing a milestone in Yun Zi’s development. He seemed to tackle that rather high step effortlessly. I remember Mei Sheng worked on conquering it for days although I do not remember his age at the time of conquest. It appears Bai’s play with Yun Zi is rather rough and tumble. Interesting in that her play with Mei Sheng was much more physical than with Hua Mei,Su Lin and Zhen. It will be fascinating to observe if Bai appears to rough it up more with her sons.
November 26th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Melissa #103 – another name for the giant panda is ‘cat bear’ – you aren’t alone in thinking along those lines.
Here’s wishing everyone a wonderful day, and giving thanks for SDZ and the pandas and cams and keepers and moderators….
November 26th, 2009 at 9:44 am
So, as I’m checking out little Yun Zi this morning, as he’s taking a nap just outside the den, looks like his little head is all dirty. It’s a nice shade of brown instead of white. Did mom take him for a romp in the dirt today ?
November 26th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
It’s so funny watching the little guy trying to get out of the den & mama dragging him back in time after time!
November 26th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
it looks like Momma was making Yunie walk earlier. She put him down in the sunroom and backed up and almost seemed like “come on Yun Zi” and he walked over to her, so cute.
Thanks you SDZ, the webcam makes my day. I can’t wait until the next video comes out. Can they be longer that 1 1/2 minutes, I’d love to see more of him.
November 26th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Thanks to whoever is working the Panda Cam on Thanksgiving! Keep up the great work!
November 26th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
I promised myself I would not watch the cam today. Hubby had to work alittle later everthing was cooking and we had temps. of 55 that is very unusual for my area. So I took my dog for along walk through the woods and when we got back I heard a little voice say ” go to the Pandas, go to the Pandas” I said what the heck, hubby wasn’t home yet. Oh, am I so happy I did. 11:00am. SDZ time Bai and Zi in the Sun room having a very special play date. I have noticed since our little guy is stronger, Bai’s playing is more vigorous which is so expected ofcourse. She has become a giant cub@18yrs. old. Or at least a teenager. I am watching them and it seems to me they are giving thanks for each other. Zi is climbing all over Bai and she is loving it and encouraging it. My goodness, this is the most I have seen. Hubby is home, we are hungry but there is too much going on. I cannot leave. !!:51am SDZ time Bai brought him to the class room area. What a picture of them together amongst the driftwood. So So beautiful. She dragged him back to the den followed by a housekeeping session. Many times he tried to walk out only for Bai to bring him back. A long play time. Bai left and Zi finally fell asleep at the doorway of the den. I couldn’t leave and have dinner before I told you all. Hopefully Doxiemom or someone got this on video because my explaination doesn’t do what I saw justice. Boy this was my lucky day. Now I will eat myself into oblivion and take a nap:) Best to all.
November 26th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
2 New Thanksgiving Day Videos posted!
The first, “Yun Zi: I Wanna Go With You” shows how Yun Zi wound up in the Bedroom taking his morning nap! The second “Yun Zi Tours the Exhibits with Bai” follows them from the bedroom, to the sunroom, the Garden Room, then the Classroom, and finally back to the den! The links are:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XORJsNhNz6k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx6AdU1EPaw
Hope everyone is having/or had a Happy Thanksgiving!!
November 26th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
What a busy day for Yunior on Thanksgiving,Mom Bai Yun rearranged the nest enough to give him the extra traction he needed to clear the obstacle of the den’s entrance…Watched Yunior explore the Dayroom and fell asleep there until Bai Yun brought Yunior out into the Sunroom for a nursing play session…..Just looking upon the Panda Prince and Mom is enough to bring relief to a year I almost wished didn’t happen due to Lynn’s Hospital stay since last December for her Degenerative Bone Joint Disease and I also lost my 87 year old Mother in August as she was murdered by my ex-father who abused her for 59 years……Yunior has kept my sanity in helping Lynn get well and the loss of my Mother as well…..Thanksgiving and the wonder of the SDZ and all the employees,moderators, and now my expanding Family of Worldwide Pandaholics have given me the support to continue on helping Lynn and the biggest help has been the Black & White Furry Pandas of Peace and the strength they also have given others get thru Diversity and Conflict in their Lives this past year as well…..Now if we can only convince others Worldwide to protect and preserve all Life we might not see all the conflict and might not even need the UN if only we could let the UN General Assembly view the Pandacam for a few days we might have Peace thru Pandas……
November 26th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I wish a Happy Thanksgiving Day for all of you pandas, staff and fans!
November 26th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Susan #128-We call it the Hokey Pokey.
Margaret #113–Bai and ZZ did play, but I think Yun Zi fights back more–I think it is different kind of play with male and female cubs. Having only see Bai with Miss ZZ, I’m looking forward to seeing her nursing bouts with Yun Zi.
Happy Thanksgiving, all!
November 26th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Good Morning everyone from ADELAIDE. It is now less than 23 hours until Wang Wang and Funi arrive from China, They will be driven from the airport to the Zoo in a huge convoy of vehicles and transported in a refrigerated van. Please check out the adelaidenow.com.au website and go to their Panda Page. It had lots of info about the pandas coming to Adelaide and also some of the pandas in China. Apparently Fulong was welcomed back with great ceremony and the 2 pandas coming to Adelaide are also being given a huge ceremonial send off – oh my gosh Do I sound excited? As maureen would say I am bouncing up and down.
It is now 18 days until i see them in person – meanwhile Bai Yun and Yunior are keeping me entertained.
Best wishes to you all
November 26th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
#128 Susan UK – We call it the Hokey Pokey here in the colonies! And turn yourself around!
November 26th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Happy Thanksgiving everyone…
Special thank yous for all the Panda Team on this special day!
And special prayers for all that are ill, on the road to recovery, and grieving. Our hearts and thoughts are with you…
November 26th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Happy Thanksgiving to the greatest panda mom Bai Yun and her sweetest baby Yun Zi, and to all the Vets and keepers! Thanks for all your great hard work on taking care the panda family at SDZ!!!
November 26th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Looks like the Den Phase may be coming to an end in the next week or so. For the last two days when I check in just after dark, the den is empty, meaning Yun Zi is somewhere outside the den. Earlier today he was asleep in the corner of the bedroom. It appears that Bai Yun is aware that the den is getting too small for both of them, and she is comfortable having him sleep elsewhere with her nearby. Since he has been to the Sun Room several times, it looks like she is slowly moving him farther and farther from the den in preparation for their move to the out of view back yard.
November 26th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Some of us are single, but I have cooked for myself. I am also a cat person, maybe we love the soft and cuddly. I wish all of the Panda team who had to work today and tomorrow, (animals have to eat also), and be cared for, so Happy Thanksgiving to all the Panda Team and all the Panda lovers.
November 26th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Looks like our little ball of fluff thinks mom is his own personal jungle gym. So cool to watch him and mom play this morning. My God, he is toooo cute..
November 26th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
At about 20:24 tonight, Bai Yun cleared some den floor bamboo with a sweep of her arm, then stood on her head there with her feet in the air, leaning against the wall of the den.
November 26th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
I can’t believe I came home from Thanksgiving dinner and found the moderators have been moderating between the turkey and the pies! You are almost as devoted to us as Bai to Zi. Thank you. I took a whole group of people away from the table between courses to introduce them to Bai Yun and Yun Zi. It was movie time in front of a big iMac screen. The den was empty. I also showed them some of the funniest videos from China. I think there are now a few more addicts here in Rockland County, NY. I should have warned them.
November 26th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Well I guess Bai Yun & Yunior are just about done with the Denning Phase as Yunior has spent most of the Thanksgiving day in Bai Yun’s bedroom or sunroom…..Bai Yun used the den a few times for privacy to eat in peace from wild child Yunior….I hope everyone involved at the SDZ had a great Thansgiving with their families and friends as well as all the Pandaholics in our ever expanding USA and now the World Family of things Black & White…. Lynn missed eating a turkey dinner in the Hospital as they’ve had her on IV due to some internal bleeding due to the blood thinners they’ve had her on due to some bloodclots in her leg from being bed ridden for the past 11 monthes….Again I want to thank everybody fior their kind words of encouragement as it has been helping raise her spirits as I describe Yuniors antics to her,as well as the now worldwide kind words…..She said Yunior reminds her of a combination of Mei Sheng , Sue Lin , and Zhen Zhen combined with his own style of ultimate cuteness….Tree Tops here comes Yunior!!!
November 26th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Hello.Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.I was just wondering about something.I was looking at the milestones for each panda cub and they are all pretty much in the same area as far as there development of growth is concerned.My question is going to sound stupid because I know you guys have taken the best of care for the panda cubs.Okay I noticed that of the other 4 cubs there first exams were 14 days,another one had 14 days and then a 15 day one and then a 20 day wait for the fourth one.The newest cub did not get his first exam until the 29th day and that is more then double for a few of the others.Was this due to Bai Yun not letting him go or was it recorded wrong for the milestone page?I know that sounds stupid to ask but I am just really curious. You and the crew are the best and I enjoy this site so much and Yun Zi is so healthy and handsome.If you could just let me know about the first exam date difference I would be greatful.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun has treated each cub differently. With Yun Zi, she did not let him out of her sight for quite a while. We had to wait until she was comfortable leaving him for the 5 to 10 minutes an exam would take.
November 26th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Yes, Yun Zi, you are REALLY this cute!!! You, little charmer and heartbreaker, you have been knowing it all along. But it looks that you like “fishing for compliments”! And this is more than justified. Since having fallen in love with pandas I came across lots of panda cubs via TV and SDZ marvellous blogs and web cam etc. but you are by far the cutest! Sorry, Fu Long!
Thank you, Yadira, for a wonderful blog and video. I just could not take my eyes of little (big) Yuni when he started to make his first steps. Wait until he can REALLY walk. I feel sorry for mommy Bai Yun and can visualize her already chasing after her energetic son. Sorry, guys, I have to go now will return later and comment on your always very much appreciated blogs.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:48 am
For the first time in what seems like forever I watched Bai playing with Yunior yesterday. She was sitting with him in the garden room (had it rained, there were drops of water on the cam?) and then took him back in the den. Then out again for a lovely play session; Bai rolling on her back and lifting Yunior high above her, twirling him round. Then she dragged him into an area with small tree branches and stumps (sunroom?) and put him down as if to say “Take a good look son, soon you will be climbing these”, and then she picked him up again and took him back home. He was so exhausted by his long trip out that he fell asleep across the door of the den. That made my day as usually Yun Zi is asleep whenever I watch.
November 27th, 2009 at 2:24 am
My mom and I made it to the photo caravan. It was super!!! Met a curious giraffe on the way through “Africa” to our area in “Asia” … fed a mama rhino, with her baby nearby … some fed the baby …. who knew a rhino could be “cute”? Then went to the huge feast … a banquet … and we were treated like VIP’s from beginning to end. Many thanks to the staff at the Wild Animal Park … and many thanks to our tour leader … Jeanne … a terrific leader.
Moderator’s note: I’ll pass along your compliments to Jeanne. Glad to hear you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Day at the Wild Animal Park!
November 27th, 2009 at 6:46 am
This is the first year I had to work the day after Thanksgiving so to pass the time I went to the wishlist and bought something for Yun Zi. He is going to be one happy baby with his renovated area.
Moderator’s note: Thank you for your generosity, barbara!
November 27th, 2009 at 7:40 am
It is quite a busy time for shipping and receiving at Bifengxia. Fu Long just arrived at the center after leaving his parents at the zoo in Vienna, and today they are shipping three-year-old female panda Fu Ni and four-year-old male Wang Wang to Australia where they will remain for 10 years. It will be interesting to see them side by side, on their separate pictures Fu Ni seems to be much smaller than Wang Wang. I hope he will be as much of a gentleman with his lady partner as Gao Gao has been with Bai Yun… Does anybody on this blog know if they have spent time together before being sent to Australia?
November 27th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Dear Brandy 21
Please don’t feel sad for me, my life has been full of struggles but with God’s help, I’ve survived every one. Please, just understand me and be the friend you offered to be. I’m afraid I allowed what the other blogger said to make me feel a bit afraid to be part of this wonderful panda-family because I might anger or hurt someone if I forget something. You have made it quite clear that YOU won’t get angry at me or hurt if I accidentally forget something. I guess that’s all I really needed to know; that I didn’t have to be perfect to be part of this wonderful group; and you have assured me of that. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. I pray God Blesses you for being the kind of person you are.
I also wish we could keep Gao Gao, Bai Yun, Yun Zi, and a future girlfriend for Yun, but I think the moderator was trying to tell us in a nice way that it wasn’t possible for us to try to express that here. And THANK YOU for speaking up about the “typos” etc. It was making me crazy. I wanted to remind people that the important thing was that we are sharing with each other; it doesn’t have to be grammatically correct. Hee Hee
Dear Maureen in Stanwood MI 43
Thank you for the good wishes for those of us who are struggling with life right now. My goodness, enjoy that miracle of a grandson you have!! Isn’t it amazing how blessed we feel when we watch God’s greatest gift–a child?? May God Bless you and all your loved ones with the best always.
Julie 31
I am SO sorry for your loss of your Mom. I know how badly it hurts but remember, she is with you always, you carry her in your heart. You may not see her, but I am sure you will feel her with you many times. I pray God strengthens you and gives you peace at this very difficult time.
Christine UK 38
I love him so much it hurts.
I think you are right about what this little guy has in store for us. He just gets a look in his beautiful eyes sometimes that sort of tells you he knows something you don’t, doesn’t he ??
Pam T 46
I am so sorry for all your losses this year. I pray God grants you strength and peace as you slowly heal.
liz Panda Stalker smith 47
I can tell, you see it in his eyes also. I really think he is going to prove himself to be very intelligent and I really mean it when I say I believe he is meant to do great things. Look at how many strangers around the world have already become friends just because of this little ball of black and white fluff. Someone said Yun Zi has started a “movement” and I think he has, and it is one of love. God Bless Him, the Gao-Yun family, and all our pandas; and lets pray that they can teach us foolish humans a thing or two. Have a beautiful panda-day
Carol 53
Isn’t the pure love we witness between them worth more than anything money could buy?
Frances in NYC 119
Frances, you took the words right out of my mouth.
November 27th, 2009 at 8:35 am
#31 Julie, sorry about your loss. I also had to go through this when I lost both my mum-in-law as well as my mum within two months. This was truly hard. But SDZ’s web cam, their lovely stories and comments as well as the bloggers’ comments did lighten up my otherwise very sad day. When looking at the pandas I felt so much better although I was not in the mood of contributing to the blogs. Sometimes I really had to laugh at the pandas’ antics. So the panda cam and the empathy of the moderators and lots of bloggers were a great healer for me!
#50 & 106 Dennis and Lynn, sorry to hear that Lynn’s discharge from hospital will be delayed. But I keep my fingers crossed that it will happen before Christmas. All the best for the two of you.
#102 Jan Cecchi/Adelaide, join the club! I am also a cat lover and apart from two live ones (1 Burmese and 1 gorgeous stray) I, too, have approx. 600 cat figurines, plush toys etc. etc. and approx. 50 panda figurines etc. (unfortunately not a LIVE one!). Thank goodness my husband is very understanding since he collects roosters, not LIVE ones, but also 1000 figurines etc. by now. The best finds happened on flea markets. So, we cannot be helped either!
#103 Melissa, yes, it seems that cat lovers are also panda lovers. I also love our two dogs, but cats with their independent personalities have always been my favourite animals, and then of course pandas.
#107 Doxie Mom, thank you for another lovely video of Bai and Yunior, too cute.
#108 P. Wong, I wondered what had happened to you and your talks, very fitting and sweet conversation.
#135 Suzanne, the panda used to be called in German “Katzenbaer” (cat bear) before the scientific name was changed into giant panda.
November 27th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! I saw Yun Zi in a corner just outside the den door yesterday. He was curled up for awhile, then sniffed the wall and floor and promptly returned to his nap. It is fun watching him make the break from the den! I also got to see Zhen Zhen enjoying her bamboo yesterday. She is such a pretty girl!
#123 Widget…That made me laugh!
I know someone who put the turkey in but forgot to turn the oven on! :-O
#126 pandafan-north and #135 Suzanne…I’d forgotten that the name translates to bear cat or cat bear! It seems like the person that came up with the name must have noticed some similarities between cats and pandas, too.
#129 Karen…There are two audio samples on the NZ website, too. If you go to the main panda cam page, there is a column of links on the left side. Click on “Meet the Pandas.” When you get to that page, in the left column it says “What do Mei and Tian sound like?” Mei’s sample reminds me of some of Yunior’s vocalizations. Tian’s sounds similar to the panda bleat on the giant page fact sheet page here.
Moderator, does anyone know which panda’s vocals were captured for the panda bleat? Just curious if it was Gao Gao or one of the girls.
It’s funny that all pandas bleat even though it’s a more masculine sound, and all of the pandas make the high-pitched vocalization, which sounds more feminine (at least to me). Both sounds are music to my ears. Maybe the pandas can release a CD with all of their vocalizations. (That must sound weird but I love hearing them vocalize!)
Yun Zi should have a fan club called “The Yunior League.”
Moderator’s note: I can’t remember which of our pandas made the bleat featured on our panda fact sheet page, as we put that page up a long time ago. It even could have been from Shi Shi!
November 27th, 2009 at 10:34 am
okay, another big day for little cloud….he’s walking all around the nursery, any chance of some close up shots? It would be so sweet to see his little face up close, just itching to walk out of the nursery, he is so dying to scoot on out there in to the BIG world of mama! Please, please? Some close ups of his very curious little face?
THANK YOU! Thank you!
Auntie Kat
November 27th, 2009 at 10:46 am
What is the significance of him shaking his head? I’ve seen Zhennie do this. Is he just excited or anxious to follow through with what he is trying to do? It’s like he’s saying to himself, after several tries “cmon, I know I can do this darn!” It is so cute when he doe this!
November 27th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Hey Melissa #163,Yunior League, that’s a great idea!!
November 27th, 2009 at 11:11 am
#144 Frances and #146 Lilarose, thanks for letting me know your name for the Hokey Cokey/Hokey Pokey. I love the way the same things around the world have different names! When I was in San Diego last year I needed some bandaid; over here we call them plasters so I asked for some plasters in the hotel shop. I then had to do a mini charade to explain what I wanted! We then had a long conversation about accents and the different meanings of things.
#154 Dennis & Lynn: Dennis, please will you give Lynn a big hug from me all the way from the UK. Get better soon Lynn. We are all thinking of you.
November 27th, 2009 at 11:14 am
LH#152: It seems that Mrs. Bai Yun did some housekeeping and then Yoga Class.
November 27th, 2009 at 11:29 am
My partner and I were at San Diego on July 30th to see the baby’s mother a week before delivery. It has been really exciting watch him develop particularly over the last few weeks. San Diego was a brilliant zoo and we have enjoyed two very special holidays in the US. Yun Zi is a special cub and I am sure will be a star attraction very soon. Is there any date as to when he will go ‘on show’ to the general public?
Moderator’s note: We don’t have a date yet, but rest assured we will let everyone know
November 27th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Thanks, DoxieMom #141–I missed some of the big excursion, though I was trying to sneak a peek on my iPhone from time to time yesterday. I wish that one camera on the sun room could be upgraded since so many precious moments happen there…
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and lots of leftovers!
November 27th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I just posted a 3rd Yun Zi Thanksgiving Day Video (follows the two videos linked in comment #141) Thank you Brandy #140 for the inspiration for this video!!
Following his Thanksgiving Day morning nap in the bedroom and his tour of all the exhibits with mom, finally “Yun Zi Wears Himself Out”. The link for this video is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dcEhv1ZjhY
I agree with Ken, #139 – a big thank you to whomever was working the PandaCam on Thanksgiving Day!
November 27th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Oh my goodness! I was just watching Yunior (aka Dr. Fluffernutter McAwesomesauce) sleeping, and he was tapping his foot just like mom!
It’s genetic!
November 27th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
#15 Dan
Bai sometimes goes into a bout of playful energy and can look aggressive but, in reality, is not. Rest assured she would never hurt her baby. Bears are very tough, and Yun Zi is getting old enough to be able to take some of these bouts. Wait until he is older: you will be amazed how rough mom and cub play can be!
Lately, Bai has been mischievous throwing bamboo around. In order to alleviate her pent-up energy, we do give her more room during the day with access to an exhibit in the back here, and that has helped. We are also offering enrichment items.
November 27th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
OMG – I am going to die! This close up of little Yunior (I love that name!) waking up and stretching and scratching and stretching again his adorable cuteness is just too much to bear (no pun intended)! I just want to reach through my computer screen and give him a good belly rub and kiss. Speaking of which, has anyone else ever petted and kissed their computer? Now it looks like he is sucking his thumb – wait, pandas don’t have thumbs… maybe he is sucking his sesamoid bone
Thanks for the info on Bai’s playful bouts, Kathy. We worried panda stalkers are happy to know that all is well in the panda den. I can imagine that Bai is feeling awfully restless. I also love how she taps her right hind paw while Yunior is nursing. So patient!
November 27th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Hi Ruth #162 – I am so pleased to know that I am not the only one afflicted with this collector’s condition. I had to have a display cabinet especially made for my cat collection – they are from all over the world, made of different materials and just beautiful. I can’t imagine the 1000 roosters though.
Would you believe WANG WANG ( TRANSLATION NET NET) AND FUNI (TRANSLATION LUCKY GIRL) arrive in less than an hour. and would you believe Adelaide has been in massive heat wave for the past 2 weeks and today it is pouring rain and only 14c (very cool) so they should be fine when they arrive. I just hope the weather isn’t too bad for the plane to land – not worth thinking about. Thanks again Doxiemum – you are a champion – just love your videos
November 27th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Thank you Doxie Mom for the videos again!
Someone asked if it had rained in San Diego lately….due to the water on the ground.
It hasn’t rained here in 162 days. So I would surmise someone with a hose got the sunroom camera spotted and its hard to view thru the spots…….it needs some wiping.
I am so anxious for the cub to really start moving around……he needs some more stimulation to keep him awake a bit more each day. At least he got to go out into the real world for a short time where there is grass, dirt and logs…
November 27th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
To DoxieMom #141 and 171: I absolutely Loved the Thanksgiving Day Trilogy!!!!
To All: Don’t miss DoxieMom’s Three Videos from Thanksgiving Day!!!!
Jan #175: I am so very excited for your upcoming visit with Wang Wang and Fu Ni!!! Gosh you will love every single second of your visit! Can’t wait to read what you will write
November 27th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Bravo DoxieMom for all 3 videos. Now you know why I couldn’t stop watching to go and have dinner. Their excursion and play went on for over an hour. In the room with all the driftwood, can the visitors see them? I will add your name for the next “Noble Peace Prize” for your Panda reporting contributions for the people around the world. When people can see the things they missed, they stay interested hoping to see more. And you always give us more. Many thanks again.
November 27th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Yunior has been trying to leave the den, but every time he gets near the opening, he is distracted by his own reflexion on the door (walls??). That’s cute. I suspect that if there was another panda in the next room, he’d be out like a flash. I wonder if he’d venture out if a keeper was out there to visit??
November 27th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Wang Wang and Funi have landed – yippeeeee
November 27th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Sigh…. he’s so cute! ( I really want to cuddle that little Yun Zi!) My nickname for him is Zipper. Yunior is a great nickname! Who came up with that?
Moderator’s note: My “deputy moderator” came up with the name on our way back from the naming ceremony!
November 27th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Its evening here and momma and cub are in the den……she refuses to let him go out and get away from her mothering! He just seems to want to sleep in peace and quiet. I am still amazed that such a animal can love and mother and cuddle so much yet once the kids are growned, they are such loners. Its like mom is getting all the love she can because she knows it won’t last too long. She doesn’t want him to grow up and leave her.
November 27th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
I will admit it, I’m a bit impatient! I’m looking forward to the end of the denning time (altho it means that evening/night glimpses of ‘our’ pandas will be greatly reduced). I went back and checked the blogs for Nov/Dec 2007 to see when the changes occured with ZZ (knowing that Bai has her own timeframe based on THIS cub). ZZ was in the classroom/denning time over a bit past mid December. Her official debut (in the classroom) was Dec 22.
I also peeked at Dec 2005 – the Dec 22 entry said that Su Lin and Bai Yun were transitioning from their back areas to the viewing area for short times each day (I believe that meant the front area, where ZZ is now residing).
It will be extremely interesting to see what sort of plans Bai has for this one, especially when comparing how long it took her to be comfortable enough for his first exam. Hmmm, more drama and build up to ‘the moment’!
November 27th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Thank you DoxieMom … for the wonderful videos … so much fun to watch … Bai actually took Yun Zi outside … wow!!!
November 27th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Watching him walk was amazing. He may be wobbly but he is moving very well considering all the weight and he is definitely showing more and more of his own personality.
Thanks Yadira for the info. Our little boy is growing up and isn’t it amazing that this last panda cub weighs more than any of the others. Bai certainly has great genes as does Gao Gao because their babies just get bigger and bigger. If this is Bai’s last cub then she is going out in style. Of course we’d love to see more babies but we’ll leave that up to Bai. She is an amazing mother.
I’m sure it has been discussed before but are the female pandas usually so much larger than the males? Gao Gao is such a beautiful male panda you just don’t pay any attention to him being smaller but I wondered if the females are larger due to having cubs to raise.
Moderator’s note: According to our Giant Panda fact sheet, male pandas are usually (think Gao Gao) about 10 percent larger than the females.
November 27th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
JAN -are your feet on the ground – your pandas must have arrived by now
November 27th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
I have a serious question: how in the heck did Yunior grow so fast???? It was just yesterday that he was unable to even scoot around. Now, he’s mobile. I don’t know where the days have gone. Stick of butter to 14 pounds? I have had so much fun watching him grow that the time has gone too fast.
DoxieMom, thank you for all the videos. I can always count on you to keep me up to date (visually).
And all the Meerkats, Moderator, and keepers, you are the best; you work hard, and it is appreciated by all.
November 27th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Sorry, me again…….I hope everyone has a minute to watch Lin Ping. She is a doll. She took the shoe off of one of her keepers tonight. And she loves to play with a towel when it’s thrown over her head. She is very silly.
And how excited most all of you be in Australia — hope the plane landed safely. Will there be a webcam for them?
November 27th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Bai was just doing some very energetic house cleaning with Yun Zi in the den. He got fed up and started to crawl out, but she grabbed him and pulled him back in. He wanted to make a run for it and I don’t blame him. She can really get rough with that bamboo cleaning and the den is starting to get a little tight for both of them!
November 27th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Bai has a rather large piece of bamboo in the den right now and is thrashing poor little YunZi around. I hope hes okay…..Still worry about the little man………………….. Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving…….
November 27th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I searched and found the Aussie Pandas arrival….;-)I hope they have a Pandacam as our Global Pandaholic Family is growing now 27 strong outside of China ….Pandas Wang Wang and Funi arrive in Adelaide….;-)There are videos of them before they left China as well as some great informational videos and videos of the arrival and of the enclosure….;-) :
November 27th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Just curious, when do you anticipate putting Gao Gao back in public? I, like many, bought Gao Gao a toy for the shower and I don’t recall ever seeing Gao Gao playing with any toys. As a matter of fact, it is rare for me to see the other bears playing with their toys on the panda cam. Is there a particular day and/or time that you place the toys in the display?
Another question, if you don’t mind. I see the NZ bears getting treats which look like popsicles on a daily basis. Why dont’ “our” bears get daily treats other than the biscuits when fed?
Moderator’s note: Your questions have been forwarded to the Panda Team.
November 28th, 2009 at 1:09 am
DoxieMom, thank you for the Thanksgiving videos. I was keeping my fingers crossed that you would put that long adventure up. Now I can watch it whenever I want. I love the bit at the end where Bai and Yunior fall asleep at the den entrance, mirroring each other.
I just have to join in the collection thing. When I was a teenager I started collecting small crystal animals – still do when I can find them. In the 1990’s I got hooked on Pocket Dragons, shame they are no more, I used to go to their events and have met the lovely couple (shame on me, forgot their names – ah remembered, Real and Muff) and chatted with them. I also collect Steiff and also Royal Doulton China animals. Since last year I have got some panda ornaments (from the SDZ) and a beautiful Royal Doulton panda. I have managed to clear a shelf for pandas somehow! I also have Me To You’s and keep being told to stop buying things. Oh, I have lots of cat ornaments too! Bear in mind (excuse the pun!) that I have been collecting for over 36 years now.
November 28th, 2009 at 7:26 am
I have a quick question, I just read somewhere that Hua Mei had a baby in july of this year, does anyone know if that is true?!
Moderator’s note: Yes, she gave birth to her 7th cub in July.
November 28th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Doxie mom thank you for those fabulous videos. This is my ignorance showing, but how do you make the videos? Do you use the video from the panda cam or do you work there? Anyway, I just love them because I missed all of that action. I watched the time lapsed photos, but this was so much better. I too talked about Bai Yun and Yunior obsessively to my friends, and introduced some of them to Panda Cam. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.
November 28th, 2009 at 7:51 am
I have a question.
When a trainer talks to Bai Yun does he/she use the whole name or just Bai? If the whole name has usually been used, wouldn’t that create some confusion when Yun Zi is called if he and Bai are together? I figure the sound of the name (even part of it) is obviously familiar to Bai Yun, so I thought she might think a voice direction was being given to her when in fact it was being directed to Yun Zi. I’ve wondered about this since I saw the choices for names. Could someone please let me know?
Thanks and as always I’m very appreciative of the information. Not to mention the joy of watching these bears.
November 28th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Hope everyone including our panda kids had a grate Fanksgibbing. I am so excited for the folks in Australia the clockdown clock is ticking away at 13 days and some hours. What joys await especially for those who have never seen a panda ‘in bear’ before, and keeping my fingers crossed you will be blessed with a little black and white angel cubbie some day.
November 28th, 2009 at 8:04 am
There is a great video on the Pandas Live On website showing Wang Wang and Funi’s journey to their new home.
November 28th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Bai Yun seems to be restless at night. She throws bamboo around and attends to her young one. She wants him close to her and pulls him back into the den if he moves towards the entrance. She fell asleep on top of him briefly last night.
November 28th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Super excited because today my 6-year old grandson, my daughter and I get to participate in the Roar ‘n’ Snore at the Wild animal Park here in San Diego. This is our second annual overnight, and of course, wouldn’t you know that we have rain forecast for the whole time! Still, I’ll wear my Panda t-Shirt, and warm socks and enjoy every minute of it. I’ll miss not being on the Panda cam but I’ll catch up when I get back tomorrow. Not expecting much sleep – those lions really do roar all night long! But there are lots of planned activities, and the best part is the going “behind the scenes” to the animals cages, and other areas. It’s really cool to be within inches of a majestic lion!
DoxieMom, thank you so much for all the videos you share with us! They are truly wonderful, and just make me smile as I watch our little dumpling grow and navigate more and more. He is getting quite good at trying to escape from Momma’s clutches, but she is still faster, and scoops him right up! Love their interaction!
Does anyone have a link to see Lin Ping?
November 28th, 2009 at 10:54 am
“My name is Cheryl and I’m a pandaholic”
I uttered to the fans of the zoo
All day and night I watch them frolic
I need your help. What can I do?
It started so innocently, as a widget on my desktop
Now a corner of my screen is for Panda Cam
It’s a problem, I’m telling you. I really can’t stop!
How do you resist? Yun Zi’s such a ham!
Last summer, I went weeks without taking a look
But since August I can’t go more than a day
A squealing stick of butter is all that it took
To melt my heart as Bai Yun led the way
Her care and tenderness are downright exceptional
I never imagined she could be so kind
But when she spins him above her — now that’s original!
And her cleaning routine — a bit frightening I find
There’s other activities to do all around
And I’ve never met those bloggers, so they can’t be ‘real’
It’s a black and white camera, there is no sound!
Why am I so hooked? What’s the big deal?
The big deal is Yun Zi, a beautiful miracle
Who taps his foot just like White Cloud
He’s “chubby”, “robust”, some might even say “spherical”
And now he’s walking to make us all proud
I’ve watched him bark at least 100 times
And I’ll admit I cried when I first read ‘Heartbreaker’
Those keepers sneakin’ a cuddle aren’t committing crimes
They’re doing a great job, just like our moderator
Above all, my favorites have turned out to be:
His on-camera squeaking, and of course his tail spot
I love this week’s picture — “I didn’t thaw the turkey!”
And no doubt the moments that Doxiemom has caught
I’m smitten, addicted, I’ve lost all control
I might need a step program, or maybe an intervention?
Can this be cured? Can I dig out of this hole?
Or should I go back to school and become a veterinarian?
Alas I’m afraid I don’t really want to stop
I think you bloggers are a whole lot of fun
If they keep the lens clean, I’ll continue to eavesdrop
And when he turns 2, maybe I’ll finally see the sun!
Thank you all for this unique style of entertainment. I thoroughly enjoy it!
November 28th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Still trying to figure out from the videos and pictures if Yunior has Bai Yun’s Perfect Panda “Minnie Mouse” ears or takes after Gao Gao ? ….Mom has had him all over the exhibit area and they are now back in the den for a nursing play time….Moderator,any chance that the pictures given out at the naming ceremony will be available either for sale or posted online as Lynn has asked me from her hospital bed if they are available from my description of it ?….I’m waiting for a telephone call that she might be transferred from Ithaca,NY, back to NYC or Hoboken,NJ which will make it easier for her as I will be able to visit her daily instead of just talking to her via telephone….I’ll keep all of you at the SDZ and our world wide family of Pandaholics advised as that will be one step closer to being released from the Hospital and able to hopefully see Yunior when he goes out on display…..
Moderator’s note: I have learned that the photo handed out to the naming ceremony attendees is included as part of a Yun Zi adoption package. Here’s more info…
November 28th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
# 194 Zach, Hua Mei gave birth to a female cub on July 7, 2009; her name is Hao Hao.
November 28th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I’ve just spent ages watching Yunior sleeping, then playing with Bai and having a quick feed. Then she went outside and he started playing at the edge of the den and fell over! He must have thought that was fun because he kept rolling around after that. Is it me or is he getting a lot more active lately. Hope everyone is having a good Thanksgiving weekend. Would you like some rain over there? I can send you plenty of it if you want.
November 28th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
we had rain this morning! First time in 164 days…..4th longest dry record in San Diego.
Only .01 inch with a touch of hail and a few inches of snow in our mountains. This reminds me of the weather we used to have around this time. Hope the animals are enjoying it and its getting the trees washed clean! Now they all might get a bit muddy.
November 28th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Thanks, Moderator, re: the panda bleat audio sample (#163). It’s nice to think of it as Shi Shi since we don’t know for sure.
I’m very happy that Wang Wang and Funi have arrived safely and are beginning their adjustment to a new life in Australia. They make a beautiful couple and I wish the zoo much success in their research and conservation efforts. Australians who don’t yet realize that they are panda fans will soon be enthralled by their new residents and Australians who are already devoted panda followers must be thrilled. Yay!
November 28th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Moderator, #202.
Thank you for letting us know about Yun Zi’s ceremony keepsake picture. I’ve been waiting for a response since I posted to the thread 10 days ago.
Unfortunately, I cannot afford to purchase an adoption package at this time, not even the $50 package. I was hopeful that we would be able to purchase the keepsake picture for a nominal fee and cover shipping costs, since they were given out for free at the ceremony.
Anyways, I understand the desire for SDZ to make money and congrats to all, if you are able to purchase a Yun Zi’s adoption package and obtain the keepsake photo.
November 28th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
cheryl from denver
what a great delivery of your feelings, which of course speak to all of us pandafinatics.
i know some of my friends/family think i am goofy over these magnificient bears, but what do they know?
love for these pandas all is more contagious than the swine flu!
thanks for the poem.
best,
joan
painted post, n.y.
November 28th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
To Cheryl from Denver #201: Your Poetic skill in which you described the ‘addiction’ is simply perfect! Falling in Love with the Panda Bears is a lifetime moment that will last forever
You know you are permanently ‘hooked’ when you can sit and watch a panda sleep and become excited when the panda moves a leg 
Some day you will visit the SDZ and see the pandas up close. If they are awake your heart and soul will dance with JOY! If they are sleeping, you will watch, photograph, film in the hope that they might turn their head your way 
You will slowly walk through the exhibit, exit, check to see how long the line is and consider joining the line again 
You will speak softly to the moderator on duty and ask how long they’ve been sleeping 
You will visit the other beautiful animals at the SDZ and make several stops back to visit The Stars 
You will do all those activities and KNOW that Pandas have brought you Love, Grace, and the caring for all Animals 
Count yourself Blessed 
Susan in UK #204: Yes, indeed, send some of your rain our way
All we have received in Southern California is sprinkles and gosh in some places a quick shower 
And Yes, I think YunZI is more active. I am thrilled when I watch him stretch, roll onto his side. 
I now figure that by next weekend, he will have discovered that the coast is clear out onto the patio area 
November 28th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
#200 Link to Lin Ping Cam
http://www.zoothailand.org/panda/livepanda.php
November 28th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Good morning everyone from Adelaide (9.10 am on Sunday)
Here is my first update on Wang wang and Funi – they arrived safely 21 hours ago on a cargo plane aptly named Mega Ark. There was much fanfare at Adelaide Airport including a lovely welcoming committee complete with all panda clothing hats, toysand signs from the local Chinese community.
The weather was perfect – cold wet and windy on their police escorted trip to the Zoo.
On arrival at the zoo they were put into their indivdual enclosures where Wang wang immediately marked his territory then ate an apple. Miss Funi checked out her new surroundings ate an apple then promptly had a nap.
They had been escorted bck from china on the cargo plane with 2 Chinese keepers and our vet and of course Simone their main Adelaide keeper and had munched on chinese bamboo most of the way.
I saw our CEO Dr Chris West on the morning show – they have apparently slept well all night and are now munching on Australian grown bamboo – and have settled in very, very well. Only 16 days until I see them in person – I am sure my heart will just burst when I see them for the first time – any hints apart from a box of tissues ( I know I will cry tears of joy)
Best wishes to you all
November 28th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Oh gosh excuse all my typos – it must be the excitement
Maureen #186 – only just
Susan UK #192 – join the crazy collectors club -welcome
Cheryl, Denver #201 – just love it I am up rapping and singing your little piece as we speak
Dennis and Lynn #202 fingers crossed – every time I come on line I always check for your updates
And to all the other pandaholics world wide – this is a great family to be a part of – cheers to you all
November 28th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Thanks, DoxieMom, as always for reposting those amazing moments from Thanksgiving. I love love love those shots on C11 of Bai and Yunior’s noses sticking out from the den.
November 28th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
CALL THE PANDA POLICE!! Yun Zi is escaping the den
!! LOL!!
November 28th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Having a bad day until I dragged myself up to my computer. Boy, momma Bai and little cloud can sure turn a world around with their antics. As he grows, the interaction is sooo sweet. For the last 1/2 hour, she has been laying with him in the nursery, he is just bound and determined to get out that door, she putting her big mama paw on him to pull him back inside, over and over. However, when he does get to the edge, he waits, he knows his boundaries. Such a smart little bear. I can’t help but laugh at him, even as I type, there he is at the very edge. I think he’s waiting for ma’s paw, but she’s starting to doze. So without her warning, he’s right there, soooo eager, oh!!! He fell out the door! “Now what?” he says….Ma still dozing…Well, there he is, outside, his little rump now out of sight! Hopefully, SOMEBODY is watching him…..now he’s back at the door. Ma woke up. He brought himself back inside…ma pulled him the rest of the way. Ma never knew the better, and he plays with her face and hugs again. Boy, makes me tired….oops, there he goes again….
p.s. Susan, UK….in L.A.-I’d love some rain…thank you!
November 28th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
What a little pistol…Momma Bai is exhausted…Yun Zi is full of vim and vigor.
He has gone to the edge and fell into a roll…came back in and mama pulled him to come sleep. Nope he’s determined to climb…will he win???
November 28th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
p.p.s. Cheryl from Denver-DITTO! DITTO! DITTO!!! You said everything there is to say!!!
Bravo to your poem and summation!!!
November 28th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Very cute – mama Bai was napping and Yunior was moving all about, rearing to play. He finally left the den while Bai was asleep. After a little bit she woke up and looked down to find that Yunior was gone! She sat up and pawed through the bamboo a little before going outside and pulling the Pudgy One back into the den, under her protective panda paw. So nice to see little Yun Zi getting more mobile and confident. I love when he gets distracted in the den door by his own reflection – maybe he thinks it is mama Bai, or just stopping to admire that handsome panda looking back at him! Yes, Little Cloud – you really ARE that cute
November 28th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Little Yunior (Great nickname, Deputy Moderator!) is the complete opposite of his mommy. When she’s active, he’s sleeping. When she’s sleeping, he’s active! I love going on Panda Cam at “Panda Bedtime,” because it’s so funny seeing Yun Zi crawl all over his mommy while his mommy tries to get him to go to sleep, and actually falls asleep herself. (Sometimes she even looks at the camera, like she’s saying, “What do I do with this feisty boy?”) Well, off to bed! (I’m sick with a fever and I have laryngitis. Add in a cough, as well.)
November 28th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
They are just now showing the pandas arriving in Australia on our local news tonite.
People are so excited about their arrival and are already discussing if they can have a baby.
The country would go wild!
Something stuck with me from the naming ceremony…..regarding how some folks think about our pandas. In the gift shop there was an employee that said she had no idea that there was a panda naming ceremony that day……she was totally out of the loop and she works there! Guess she doesn’t care much about what we all do!
November 28th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Its 5:33 pm in San Diego, on Saturday. Watched the mom take the cub out of the den and several minutes later she brought him back in. Perhaps it is too damp and cool for him outside.
Then she brought in a ton of bamboo and it looks like it is blocking the opening. She left and he is there alone and probably can’t figure out how to get out on his own….but then he is sleeping as usual and probably doesn’t want to go anywhere!
I wonder if that is her thinking….to block the opening so he can’t go out at nite.
November 28th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
# 200 Liana in San Diego, to watch Lin Ping, the easiest way is probably to go to “Pandas Live On” website and in the column on the right, you will find the connection “Watch Thailand’s 2009 cub”, when you click there it will connect you to the English translation of the Thailand zoo website through Google. I am not sure I agree with # 188 Linda A. / NorCal who said that “She is a doll”. She is a pawful to be sure for both her keepers and her mum. She often reminds me of Zhen Zhen. She is full of energy and unfortunately they don’t let her outside and I think she suffers of cabin fever… They keep having to come up with tricks to prevent her from getting out of her enclosure. I once saw her squeezing between the metallic bars… Yesterday they put strings around the bars to reduce the space between them and now she climbs on the bars since she has traction on the strings!! A very clever little panda.
November 28th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Oh JAN in Adelaide! I watched your pandas arrive on the Youtube video and shed a couple tears even though I’m oceans away! They are beautiful, beautiful bears and I’m thrilled to hear they are settling in and eating the Australian bamboo already. I saw Fu Ni go after those apples, lol–she looked like she survived the trip just fine
You’ll keep us updated, right? Do they have (or are they going to have) a panda cam?
November 28th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Danielle, #222, I too have witnessed Lin Ping “escaping.” Have you seen all the all the toys they put in the cage? Poor little girl seems overwhelmed at all the toys, and would rather follow the keepers around. I couldn’t figure out the strings on the bars at first; couldn’t figure out what they were doing. Now, I get it. Do you like her bed?
Yesterday morning, our little guy was on the morning news again! Seems Sacramento has fallen in love with pandas. The anchors kept talking about the poor baby getting his shot. They played it over and over commenting on the poor, sweet, cute, cuddly guy getting stuck .
And this morning, I saw the pandas arriving in Australia after a delay. I saw it a couple of times.
Truly seems pandas have captured the hearts of two different stations in Sacramento. I think it’s great.
November 28th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
To the panda lovers in Adelaide, Australia – congratulations on the safe arrival of Wang Wang and Funi!!What a great Christmas it will be for the zoo and all animal lovers. You are in for “the greatest show on earth.” Their two weeks in quarantine will just fly by and before you know it, “It’s Showtime!” I look forward to your blogs. I guess I will now have to add the Wang and Funi website to my favorites – my pleasure!
Ok, panda fans, for what it’s worth, there are exactly 26 shopping days until Christmas!! My collection of panda gifts is growing, and in less than a month, the lucky recipients will be enjoying them.
November 28th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I read in a Google alert that the male panda Wang Wang at Adelaide Zoo is a half brother to Tuan Tuan in Taiwan. Now we know Tuan Tuan’s mother is Hua Mei. However, I don’t believe Wang Wang was Hua Mei’s cub, so the connection must be through the sire. Moderator, can you help us with this information?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
November 28th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Doxiemom thanks for the video of our little cubbie’s adventure with mom. It was great seeing her take him all around. She is preparing him for his big debut. I wish I lived near there so I could see him when he comes out! Your videos are wonderful, it is nice to be filled in on what I miss. I love reading this blog, moderator you are wonderful answering all these questions, it is so informative. I have been fascinated with these bears since I was a child. To be able to see a cub born and raised is amazing. I cannot believe how loving the mother bear is with her cub. Some humans could really learn a thing or two from Bai, so patient and caring. I cannot wait to see how she is when he is really getting around and making her nuts! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and thanks again to all involved at SDZ in keeping us Pandafans so well informed. Cannot wait for next exam!
November 28th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Jan #211–take pictures of your visit and post them so we all can see them. They looked very calm after their journey, so I think so far, all is well–also good that they readily accepted the Australian bamboo.
Lin Ping is a little pistol, like her cousin Zhennie–I wish their Web site were accessible to Mac users.
Bai and Yunior snuggling–my soul is soothed.
November 28th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Moderators,
Do you often hear the bears’ vocalizations? For example, when Bai Yun and Yun Zi are wrestling? At other times?
I wonder when Yunior’s voice will change…
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to the Panda Team.
November 28th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Please! No “Yunior”! It is awful, in my personal point of view. Yun Zi is a great name.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:25 am
#201 Cheryl in Denver, love your poem!
#211 Jan in Adelaide, I’ve been having a look around your Zoo’s website. Very nice.
#209 Bobbie and #215 Kat, I’m blowing as hard as I can to send the rain your way. In Cumbria (the Lake District as it’s called) there have been terrible floods. All bridges have gone and not one home left untouched. One police officer was killed stopping people from driving over a bridge when the bridge was swept away from under him. I don’t live near Cumbria but the water table is very high and it is very very wet and soggy.
Moderator, thanks for making that correction to my post. You’re a Star!
I just adopted Yun Zi as a Christmas gift for me.
Moderator’s note: Thank you for your support, Susan!
November 29th, 2009 at 4:11 am
Jan #211 – So excited for you. Besides the tissues be prepared to stay all day and not want to leave them. Bring a thermos of coffee or hot cocoa and some granola bars so you don’t miss a minute. I’ve stood out in the pouring rain for 5 – 6 hours straight watching Tai even when half that time he is sleeping.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Good morning all. ” DoxieMom alert” 5:30am. SDZ time I tuned in to see another play session. But the way Bai had positioned herself under the CAM the only view was of her private parts. But you could tell at the other end there was alot of fun to be had. He was all over her. Then Bai left and came back with some Boo. Someone awhile back had asked if Bai eats this Boo. This is usually older dried Boo and this is what she shreds for clean bedding. A nursing session. Bai starts housecleanning Moving the Boo so she can clean underneath. She goes on to a bathing session and hes nipping her all over. He is having a ball. He tries to leave, Bai pulls him back. At 6:20 Bai leaves, yunior at the entrance. Bai comes back scoops him up for more playtime. Bai leaves again and he attempts to follow. Only she placed a piece of Boo there to curtail efforts. He worked very hard to get through that Boo but he was getting no where. But our smart baby figured out a way. He wiggled his way out by going out sideways having more body weight to push the Boo. Then he came back and played with his reflection for awhile. OOPS, he fell backwards and after many tries he just couldn’t seem to get back up on all fours. So on his back spread out he decided to play with the Boo. He was putting it in his mouth. You could see Bai’s shadow outside so you know she is checking him. Now hes up and all over the place, content with amusing himself. Needless to say he doesn’t know he is amusing us as well. 6:40am baby falls asleep. After watching him I need a nap. #201- Cheryl Denver- think of it as being addicted to fruits and veggies. Its good for you:)
November 29th, 2009 at 9:24 am
9.20am SDZ time: did anyone else see Yunior stretch up and reach for a small piece of bamboo that just happened to be hanging around in the den? I think he’s playing with it now. Little monkey!!
November 29th, 2009 at 9:30 am
To those who asked about the Thailand camera, that link only works in Internet Explorer. It does not work in Firefox. Don’t know about Macs.
Congratulations to the folks in Adelaide. You are in for 10 years of absolute joy, especially if Funi is able to bear cubs.
OUR little boy is growing daily in size and cuteness. Oh, what I would give to be his keeper for a week. Does SDZ take bribes!! LOL.
)
November 29th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I think there were so many things on my “To Do” list the other day that I had to sketch a little title graphic for The BaiYunZi Show with Gao Gao as host. Now, why are there still all those other items on my list? Oh, well, some days you just have to be a bit silly.
http://pagesimon.com/BaiYunZi.html
November 29th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Carolyn #210 Thanks for the link to Lin Ping. When I opened it at noon, central time, she was all over her mom….literally. Mom was eating something from a keeper; Lin Ping was all the way up on Mom’s shoulders, then slid unceremoniously to the floor, then took the climb again from the rear. Mom and cub then had a very cute little wrestling bout. Lin Ping was very energetic, and Mom was ever so gentle. Lin Ping wanted to play more, but I think Mom was sleepy. I wonder if they are giving the mom something to dry her milk, to force a weining. Lin Ping tried to nurse, and after about a minute, she was going to all four teets, apparently not getting enough milk. Perhaps she had nursed recently and milk was in short supply, but it was kind of unsettling, because she seemed to be hungry. She finally settled down between mom and the wall and went to sleep.
Everytime I peep at Yuni today, he’s sleeping soundly.
I hope everyone had a very nice Thanksgiving holiday, with family and friends.
To the keepers and staff and SDZ, you have all our eternal gratitude and envy.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:09 am
OMG, watching His Royal Cuteness Yun Zi (Yunior) Play with mom yesterday was better then watching any movie on TV. He seems to think mom is his own jungle gym. Are there any programs for my pandaholism? Hopefully the polar bear will have a cub so I don’t have to go through withdrawel.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:41 am
I think Bai Yun is teaching little yunior to sit up this afternoon. She dragged him out to the yard and they sat together for a moment, little cups within cups. It was adorable. Now she’s wrestling with him, and he seems to be sitting up very well. Just like mom. And she looks like she approves!
November 29th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Another big step for Yunior!! He took himself outside (actually rolled out the door) then went back in and started mouthing boo. He was pulling on it with his little paws, too.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Hi #234: Yes did see that. Its about 12 noon here in Calif now and am watching him do battle with the bamboo, our might warrior. It is SO cute and endearing. He’s just growing so fast.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Holy terror alert! Yun Zi is on the move… in and out of the den (all by himself)! Now he’s back in the den, and it looks like he’s attacking a small bamboo shoot! Sometimes he seems to be in control, but sometimes the bamboo throws him for a loop (literally). Beyond cute! And, truly a sign of things to come (both in pesky panda baby play and eating boo in the future). AWWWW!!!
Plus, I’m sure it feels good to have something for all those emerging teeth to work on! Anyone want to place bets on how many MORE teeth he’ll have at his next exam? I’m betting lots, but not quite the pound + weight gain we’ve been seeing (due to much increased activity).
Also, it’s about noon on Sunday, and it looks like the door from the bedroom to the outside has been closed, with Bai and the cub inside?! Hmmm, what’s going on, inquiring panda fans want to know.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Page #236: Adorable!!!! Clever!!!
November 29th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving. Here is a story about Yun Zi and Bai Yun.
Bai Yun
Yun Zi
B: ahh i gained weight! I got to go to the gym!
this is way better than the gym or cleaning Babybottoms.
Y: yea i don’t have to be watched and cleaned and i can go play and walk around!!
B: ahh i am soooo tired i got to get off the bamboo treadmill! (munch munch)
Y: Ahh some peace and quiet , and no cleaning!
B: ahh i might go to a spa instead.
Y: zzzzzz walk walk walk (step wiggle turn and step)
B: hi i whould like to pay with Gaos credit card if i may please.
Cashier: Yeah sure. No problem.
B: ahh a nice relaxing bubble bath and manicure and pedicure,
Bai Yun (over the phone)
Gao Gao
G:I am going to buy some football game tickets on my credit card, AHH WHAT IS THIS!!! I did not buy a spa treatment!! Who whould do such a thing.
B: hi honey, how’s your day?
G: Honey have you been having spa treatments?
B: yes while you are busy working on your physique day and night i am taking care of babybottoms and so i needed a spa day and next week is jewelry!
November 29th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I just saw Yunior asleep…. standing up! (Or crouching, or whatever it is that pandas do) I think he can sleep in any position! (Loved the videos of the exams where he fell asleep!) He’s grown too much! I miss the little bunny sized panda that he was. Anyways, I am back to bed! (A 99.7 temp. Coughing hard. Can barely eat anything, I am so not hungry! When will this end?) Moderator: Did you have a Happy Thanksgiving? Did you get pumpkin pie? Did the pandas get an extra feast? ( I hope!)
Moderator’s note: Yes, thank you. Hope you’re on the road to wellness, Pandafan #2.
November 29th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Sue, Massachusetts #195, I am a pandaholic like everyone else that comments here on the San Diego Zoo blogs! It would be a dream come true to work along side Keeper Kathy, Moderator Debbie, Dr. Meg and all the other great people that work to keep ‘our’ pandas happy and healthy!!
I have software on my PC that records the SDZ PandaCam and another to produce the videos. I upload them to YouTube to share with those that can’t be parked in front of their computers 24/7!!!
Yun Zi has been working very hard this weekend on mastering the den step – up and down, not always with complete success! It’s been precious to watch, so I’ve put together a montage of these moments in a YouTube video. The link for “Yun Zi and the Den Step” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTxrYV6yJ80
Moderator #202, thank you so much for the wonderful news that the naming ceremony photo is part of the Adoption Package!! I’m looking forward to receiving mine soon!!! Thank you!
November 29th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Hi Everyone – housework is done now it’s panda time (actually panda time is any time)
Mary #235 – thank you for the best wishes
Carolyn #232 – We actually have to book sessions to see the pandas of 1 hour at a time. Early Am is for members only before the zoo opens – so I will be there at 8.15 am on the 15th.
Susan UK #231 – yes our website is great but also check out “adelaide now” – it is our website for our daily local newspaper and it has it’s own panda page
Frances NYC #228 – I will take loads of pictires – am a little technically challenged but will do my best – perhaps post on my facebook page
Barbara #227 – here is the family history – Wang Wang born 31/8/05 at Wolong. Dad is Lin lin and Mum was Mao Mao ( sadly she died in the earthquake). Funi was born on 23/8/06. her father is Lulu and mother Long Xin and she has a twin brother called Fuwa
Enough writing – back to Yunior and his wonderful mummy Bai Yun
Best wishes to fellow pandaholics all over the world
November 29th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
PS Funi was also born at Wolong
November 29th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Ohhhhhh, how cute. He’s chewing on bamboo. First time I’ve seen that!!
And, I think “Yunior” is a great nickname.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Thank You camera operator as it was great today seeing Gao Gao and the girls Lin Lin & ZZ Top today…..I also love watching Yunior help his teething by chewing on small pieces of Bamboo while Mom Bai Yun spent some quiet time away from Yunior……He is really turning into a real Panda now that he has become more and more mobile and active with each passing hour of each day……It also is nice to go to the Austrailian Zoo site and see the updates on their new fun couple…..Being a Pandaholic is an addiction that has helped a lot of us get thru some hard times and diversity just by watching the little bundle of joy grow in front of us….Lynn enjoys my daily updates on Yunior as we wait to see if she will finally be released from the Medical Site in Ithaca ,NY to closer to home or we hope home after ger 11 month ordeal….SDZ and our growing Worldwide Family of Pandaholics have helped her make signicant progress in her improving Medical Condition and keeping her spirits up with the hope of seeing Yunior and the Dao Gao,Bai Yun and Girls and all of the wonderfull staff and now friends at the SDZ…Maybe a little Panda Love is all the World really needs!!;-)Again Thank-You one and all…..;-)
November 29th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
3pm San Diego time: Yun Zi is working on being adorable by chewing on his hind toes and some on a tiny twig. Teething? His mouth is open, but I can’t tell if it’s to say something or just to get more items into it!
November 29th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I hope he doesn’t get that limb of bamboo stuck in his throat right now….I love the closeups camera person!
November 29th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Sooo cute. watching Yun Zi play with the bamboo. Looks like he’s nawing on it some??
November 29th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
OMG – Yun Zi is totally spazzing out in the bamboo after discovering he has a mouth and teething on some. He looks like is is just SO happy to be a alive and to be a panda!! Long live pandas!! Hurrah!!!
November 29th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Oh my goodness, I have never seen our cubbie so cute!! He is trying to munch on a twig of bamboo. Either he’s teething or enjoying the taste of the leaves! I wish I had a video of this!!
November 29th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Good Sunday to everyone, baby Yunior walked out of the den, and back into the den all by himself…got watch more.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I just want to say a big thank you to the camera people for catching “Yunior” play and mouth the bamboo and getting the great shots of him going in and out of the den. Amazing job you guys!!! So great to see him doing so much, and he wears me out with all his wiggling. I hope all you panda fans saw him chewing on his back paw today, sooooo cute! Thanks again EVERYONE THERE AT SDZ.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Wow!!!Just watched “Yunior” sit up and remain like Budha Panda for ovrer 5 minutes now….He rolled over and got right back up again without leaning against the Den wall…..My he is growing up so quick in front of the Pandaholics and other adoring Worldwide Fans…..We hope to visit you soon out little Panda Prince that puts the word CUTE into Cuteness!!!!
November 29th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Thank you moderator for the post about the picture being a part of the adoption package. No more doubts as to what I’m getting for Christmas!! Thank you to all you bloggers out there! I so enjoy reading all of the posts. And thank you keepers for the behind the scenes updates and posts about our beloved bears. Just a question—how on earth is Yunior growing so fast ?!? I just can’t believe how quickly the time has gone by since his birth.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
#226 Barbara in Midwest
According to the information from media, Wang Wang at Adelaide zoo and Tuan Tuan in Taiwan share the same father, Wang Wang’s mother is another female panda not Hua Mei, so they are half brothers.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Yikes! I needed my panda fix tonight because I’ve been gone all day. No SDZ or Thailand pandas. What am I to do?
November 29th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
#211 – Jan Cecchi – Congratulations to Adelaide citizens your newest additions to the zoo. Thanks for sharing the great news that Wang Wang and Funi arrived safely from China. We look forward to hearing frequent updates on how they are adapting, especially to your warm climate. I remember reading that they made special preparations for them to protect them from the hot Australian summer.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Barbara in Midwest – #226 – Wang Wang is the half brother of Yuan Yuan.
Wang Wang’s mother was Mao Mao, the panda who was killed in the earthquake. His father is Lin Lin. Tuan Tuan’s father is Ling Ling. Yuan Yuan’s mother is Lei Lei and her father is Lin Lin.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
#247 Jan and #260, Liupan — Thank you to you both for the clarification on the bloodlines of Wang Wang and Tuan Tuan. I thought the relationship must be through the father — and I now remember that Lin Lin was the father of one set of Hua Mei’s twins. I didn’t know Mao Mao was the mother of Wang Wang. She was such a beauty. Thanks for the information.
Jan, I hope it’s a beautiful day when you go to see “your” pandas — and that you have an “up close & personal” vantage point.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
#246 DoxieMom –Adorable!
November 29th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
I loved watching Yun Zi wrestling with the boo today–I predict he will be a prodigious eater and connoisseur of bamboo just like Gao Gao.
So good seeing the girls today, and I love watching Bai as she seems to be doing a major den freshening tonight.
Our little supercub has quickly caught up with and surpassed Mei Sheng’s chest measurement–definitely on his way to becoming a manly man!
November 29th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Just looking over all the screen shots I took today of little cloud munching on a little shoot of boo. Wish I could share them. Soooo proud, just like an auntie… Must be over 75 shots.
So darling, that little bug.
November 30th, 2009 at 12:21 am
#247 Jan, how lovely that one of Mao Mao’s offspring has come to you. I must admit to having a bit of a ‘thing’ for Mao Mao and still get very sad when I think what happened to her. I wear her T-Shirt with pride. I shall look forward to hearing more about your pandas. We were supposed to get a pair of pandas in the UK, but everything has gone very quiet on that front.
Now that Yunior has found a new plaything (bamboo), there’s no stopping him! I was watching him again Sunday midday onwards and he was having great fun. At least Bai had some peace! Yes, I also saw him biting his toes, I was taking lots of photos.
November 30th, 2009 at 4:05 am
Bai and Yun are up extra early this morning. Must have a big day planned!
November 30th, 2009 at 4:19 am
Moderator: I know the den camera has a night scope for us humans.
Can pandas see in the dark…like cats?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Thanks for the updates on Yun Zi. He is a super little guy and I hope to get to see him one day. Also looking forward to another visit to Adelaide to see Wang Wang and Funi.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:54 am
The camera is showing Bai in the classroom exhibit??? She looks like she is outside. Is this something you have created to look like the she is outside but she is really inside??? At any rate, she sure seems to be happy with all of that great stuff to eat. Thank you for taking such good care of all the beautiful pandas. And thank you for letting us watch. Yun Zi sure was active yesterday. Every time I checked in, he seemed to be …. busy!
Moderator’s note: If you were watching camera 27, 28, or 29, that was the classroom exhibit.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:52 am
#226 Barbara and #260 Liupan…Ling Ling is Tuan Tuan and Wang Wang’s dad.
November 30th, 2009 at 9:49 am
From about 3-3:30pm Sunday the blog comments were primarily about the adorable closeup scene of Yun Zi discovering and mouthing bamboo! For those that missed this event or just want to relive it, I’ve created a YouTube video which includes screen images and video footage called “Yun Zi Plays with Boo”. The link is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MID_0CAc4m8
Enjoy!!
November 30th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Dumb question: why do some sources refer to the father of Tuan Tuan and Wang Wang as Ling Ling and some refer to him as Lin Lin? Older references seem to point to Ling Ling while newer ones tend to go with Lin Lin.
November 30th, 2009 at 10:18 am
DoxieMom #274: The Bamboo/Yun Zi video is so cute! Gosh he is one cute, funny little bear! Thank you so much for the time you spend putting the videos together!!! Also loved the stepping in and out of the den
November 30th, 2009 at 10:37 am
DoxieMom #274, that video is wonderful. Our little boy is growing up! He is not only mouthing the book but really having fun playing with it and seems very excited. Look at his back feet going! It is so endearing to watch him discover something and how enchanted he becomes with it! I thought I noticed him mouthing bamboo this morning, so this makes me certain of it! It must feel good when breaking in those teeth!
November 30th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Thanks, DoxieMom #274–I could watch the adventure of Yun Zi and the boo over and over!
November 30th, 2009 at 10:59 am
DoxieMom 274 – Yun Zi playing with the bamboo is great. So funny, yet so cute! What was just as funny was the hind-leg action…not in coordination with the front paws, but totally on their own. Sometimes it looked like he was patty-caking his back paws. He looks like a human baby playing in his crib!
Visiting your site is a blast. You can catch up on the day’s activities, or, if you missed a day on the cam, you can watch the best parts on DoxieMom’s site. So Cool.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Magic, DoxieMom, just magic.
November 30th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
DoxieMom #274 – You are spoiling us. Keep up the good work. Some of us are at work and don’t have the time to scan through youtube for your entries so we really appreciate you posting them here.
Also, thank you Moderator for allowing the links. Now many more people can view what we missed when having to work.
November 30th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I’ve been checking in this afternoon. It looks like Yunior is all tuckered out from a very active few days. Perhaps this is a “growth spurt.”
November 30th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
DoxieMom. Is he not a happy baby!
November 30th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I must add my thank yous to DoxieMom. Your videos are the best!
Moderator, do you know if there is a deadline for adopting Yun Zi? I do not want to miss it if there is.
Yun Zi’s picture on this post is soooo cute. His legs are going everywhichway! He’s getting to be quite the handful. Can’t wait for the next exam and hopefully video of him trying to walk.
Moderator’s note: The deadline for the special Yun Zi adoption package is December 31.
November 30th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
DoxieMom, you were my lunchtime entertainment! Thank you.
November 30th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Just watched Yunior the little bamboozler copy Mom by cleaning out the den by throwing out bamboo…..I was amazed aas the bamboo flew and ala Bai Yun , Yunior endend up standing on his head as the lack of bamboo on the floor caused him to lose traction…Unfazed Yunior then sat up Budha Panda style and surveyed his domain…….Thank You DoxieMom for your feeds as I had Lynn laughing from her Hospital bed as I described Yunior’s antics and told her of your video links that she can watch once she gets released…Many Thanks to all of you at the SDZ including the Moderators as well as worldwide Pandaholic Family for your kind words and well wishes as hopefully Lynn’s 11+ month medical ordeal will finally be over soon as I get our apartment ready in anticipation of her getting released…..Congradulations to our Pandaholic friends down under as you prepare to be awestruck by your Black & White Furry Ambassadors when you finally get to see them in person…..It’s amazing how something born the size of a stick of butter can grow in front of all his fans now on a Global basis as the wonder of the Worldwide Net shrinks the World instantly….
November 30th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
That is one giant armful of absolute cuddly, squeezable, kissable cuteness!! Oh for the chance for a quick cuddle and kiss…
November 30th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Thank you Moderator!!! Good to know there’s still time. I was afraid it would end today.
So happy to hear Dennis & Lynn Carney (NJ) that Lynn is about to be released from the hospital. What great news! And just in time for the holidays. Yunior is a wonderful healing tool, isn’t he?! He can make us all laugh in the the midst of any ordeal. And to just be able to see Bai, Gao, Su Lin, and Zhennie makes our days better too. Godspeed Lynn.
November 30th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Moderator, can you ask the Panda Team to write a blog about how pandas learn to eat bamboo? This is my first panda that I have watched (stalked!) from birth and I was very moved to watch him discovering this substance that will be his main form of sustenance for the rest of his life. Little Yun Zi seemed to take to it instantly, and in fact appeared to be in total ecstacy! Are there chemicals in the bamboo that pandas are adapted to like, like some sort of opioid
? Is Yunior pre-conditioned to like it from the flavor or chemicals in mom’s milk? Will mama Bai teach him to actually eat it, or will it come naturally when Little Cloud is ready? Will she have to pre-chew it for his young digestive system? I did a quick google search and found an article about a study on bamboo preferences on the SNZ website, but they didn’t have any firm conclusions about why pandas prefer the species of bamboo that they like – if it has something to do with the taste or with the digestibility. Anyway – sorry so many questions! Thanks for all the hard work you do to keep us pandaholics in good supply! 
Moderator’s note: Your questions have been forwarded. In the meantime, there’s a post called
Food for Thought to get you started.
November 30th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Hi, everybody!! Hope all of you had a very nice, fun Thanksgiving weekend with your family and friends around the country and the world! We did here at our house in Florida, and it was pretty cool for once down here on Turkey Day! Last year, it was a little too warm!
Been checking in on SDZ pandacam and the NZ pandacam during the weekend. Watching Yuni with his mom was fun to see on the cam. He’s getting pretty good on his walking, too. All of the pandas at DC have been either indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather.
Doxiemom, I agree with a whole bunch of other pandafans—YOU ARE SPOILING US with those cute vids that you have put together! Thanks for letting us catch up on what we have missed on the pandacam! YOU’RE AWESOME!! BTW, keep them coming, ok? We will all appreciate it alot!
Congrats to all of the Aussies for getting Wang Wang and Funi to Australia a few days ago! Watched the vids on the Adelaide news website that Jan Cecchi gave us, and it was a neat thing to see these pandas come to Australia and get settled in at Adelaide Zoo. From what I understand, Adelaide Zoo will be letting the people see the pandas when they will be available for everyone to see at around December 17, 2009 (Correct me if I got the date wrong, Aussie Jan!). Enjoy the pandas and have fun, you all! Hoping that Adelaide Zoo will be seeing a baby panda cub sometime in the next 2-3 years.
Well, gonna go and get back to pandacam. Gotta see what Yuni is up to!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
November 30th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
I agree with all of the pandaholics: that video of Yunior playing with the boo is so darling. Thank you Doxie Mom for another wonderful posting. I also think that little Yun Zi is developing mentally, too. Covering his eyes with his paws is “peekaboo” which helps babies learn about the permanence of objects. Did you also see him touching his reflection on the wall? I saw him try to look behind the wall the other day, like he thought that another bear was hiding. It’s really quite amazing that he does so many things at such a young age, or perhaps the pandaholics are so enraptured that we’ve anthropomorphized little Yunior.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Barbara 230- i agree with you I just hate the nickname ‘yunior’.. Yunnie , yunyun or zi zi would be cuter. Doxiemom-246- the video was just awesome. I’m not very tech savvy so i would have no idea how to do that. I was busy with family all last week, so am amazed at the number of blogs. cant believe how fast Yun Zi is growing.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
I agree that Yun Zi is Yun Zi, not Yunior!
November 30th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Yun Zi looks like he’s sleeping with boo in between his paws. Too cute.
Question….what areas does Mom and Baby have access to at night?
On the Lin Ping front, she climbed to the top of her enclosure – up the bars. There was a keeper right there, making sure she didn’t fall. Later, she was on a rocking horse of some type, sitting like a toddler. I have watched her several times now, trying to escape; she lays on her bed with her bottom towards the first set of bars. She just SLOWLY starts backing out, one leg at a time. Like no one will notice I’m LEAVING…. Danielle, #222, I think your right; she’s going stir crazy. I wish she had SDZ wonderful enclosures.
November 30th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Hi Chari #290 and to the rest of the GPF ( Global Pandaholic family) – a big hello from down under in Adelaide
Wang Wang and Funi are in quarantine for one month, their enclosure will be officailly opened by our Governor General on December 13 and then the Pandas will be on public display from 14/12. Initially only behind glass while they are still in quarantine then in their separate enclosures. OMG can’t wait – I see them 2 weeks today – be prepared for a huge blog that day
Dennis and Lynn – my fingers and toes are crossed in anticipation that you will be home for Christmas
Doxiemom – you are my hero – I just adore your videos.
Can that little guy get any cuter – he is just adorable
December 1st, 2009 at 5:46 am
I love the smile Yun Zi appears to have. This morning at 5:45 Am he is having his “bath” and even though Bai Yun is turning him around, he seems to be happy to have his mom’s attention.
December 1st, 2009 at 7:25 am
Melissa – #275 – Ling Ling and Lin Lin are two different pandas. I found three pandas – two male, one female named Ling Ling. Wang Wang’s father is Lin Lin, with studbook number 455. Tuan Tuan’s father is Ling Ling, studbook number 424. Yuan Yuan’s father is Lin Lin. An interesting thing that I found is that all of the pandas in Adelaide and Taipei are related via the famous Pan Pan. Pan Pan is the grandfather of Wang Wang and Yuan Yan through their father. Funi’s maternal grandfather is Pan Pan. And Tuan Tuan’s maternal great-grandfather is Pan Pan, who is Bai Yun’s father.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:11 am
Hello from Columbus, Ohio. I was wondering who am I seeing in the Classroom Exhibit?
I enjoy reading everyone’s blogs and the videos… and Yun Zi is my first baby to watch.. now I wish I had known about the panda cams to watch Zhen Zhen and Su Lin.
I heard this morning on the news channel that the Columbus Zoo is voted best zoo to visit. I told myself that can’t be true… we don’t have pandas… I think I’ll need to write Jack Hanna a note and find out why!!
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun and Yun Zi have access to the classroom exhibit.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:37 am
And there’s the beautiful Bai Yun resting atop her climbing structure in the classroom–thinking ahead to the coming days of another cub learning to walk and to climb? Or just resting–who knows?
I bet Yun Zi had an exam this morning?
Moderator’s note: His exam will be later this week.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:49 am
Many thanks for the shot of Bai Yun in the climbing structure in the classroom area. She looks so happy and peaceful up there. It almost looked like she was refreshing herself and thinking about how her little man, Yun Zi, will soon be up there sleeping next to her on the platform beside her. I am happy that more platforms were installed when Zhen Zhen was little, and now her brother can use them too. Bai Yun needs to get as much rest as possible because it will only be a few more weeks before she is having to teach Yun Zi about life outside the den, including how to climb trees to safely sleep while mom is away eating.
Jeri, #297, Pan Pan is also Tian Tian’s father, which is why NZP and SDZ pandas could not be paired together. It is interesting that Pan Pan’s grandpandas same generation as US panda cubs were paired togehter for Adelaide. Must be the introduction of the other set of parental genes offset the common ones. Otherwise maybe WAY down the road there is a REMOTE possibility that the US born panda cubs could someday be paired together.
With all of Yun Zi’s new teeth, no wonder he is mouthing bamboo. It must act as a cub pacifier.
December 1st, 2009 at 11:36 am
Carolyn 210 or
Danielle NY 222
I cannot connect and get any videos of Lin Ping. Is the person who said you need Internet Explorer correct?
Cheryl from Denver 201
Absolutely beautiful, you captured all of our feelings and put it down in beautiful words. God Bless You and your talent.
Hi Moderator,
Just an old question being repeated. What ever happened to the shower gifts for the other pandas, like the toy I bought for Daddy Gao??? You were going to try to get some pictures of when they gave the animals their toys. Was that unsuccessful? If it was, thanks for trying anyway. I just hope our wonderful Gao Gao enjoyed his “weeble” and knows we love and respect him immensely. I hope you had a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving. You certainly deserved it, as did everyone else working at the zoo. Thanks for always going out of your way for us. We love you for it.
Dear Pandaholic Family,
Guess what?? I adopted Yun Zi . Although I can’t take him home with me to hold and cuddle and love, at least I can feel like he is part mine. I really hope and pray that I will get the opportunity one day just to look into his eyes. I KNOW he will hear what my heart tells him. That would be an absolutely awesome gift for me and maybe for him too. I believe animals understand much more than most humans do even without the use of language. Thanks for letting me share my good news with you.
For everyone whose heart is heavy at this time, please know that you are not alone. We all seem to have difficulties of one sort or another right now. Just remember, we’ve become a pretty large, caring family . Don’t be afraid to speak up if you need a friend.
I wish you all peace and love at this holiday season.
Moderator’s note: The Wish List coordinator says the items are being ordered soon and should arrive by the first of the year. And thank you for adopting Yun Zi! I hope you are indeed able to see him in person one day.
December 1st, 2009 at 11:47 am
I just wanna kiss those cute little toes!!!! What a yummy little baby…he’d look so cute cuddling with a baby blanket, may we send baby blankets???
December 1st, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I just watched Yun Zi explores the exhibits….do you guys realize how lucky we are to have these wonderful people taking these incrediable pictures….we could never see this other wise…thank you, thank you.
Do you suppose mom does this to help with any trauma if Yun Zi were to wander…he knows where the doors lead???? Hello world (says Yun Zi)……
December 1st, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Aww……… Yun Zi is so cute!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I was a panda keeper… Oh well. Moderator: Does the zoo get decorated for Christmas, like Disneyland?
Moderator’s note: Yes! This year, for the first time, the Zoo is hosting an event called Jungle Bells. And the Wild Animal Park is celebrating with an event called Wild Holidays.
December 1st, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Yun Zi was up early this morning and out the den he went, but not until he mouthed some boo and played in the doorway. Bai came into the den 3 times without him! Finally, he stepped up into the den and walked effortlessly to the back! Warning: due to the lack of natural lighting, the footage is pretty pixilated, but I think it’s worth watching! The link for “Yun Zi: Early Riser” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbxj2AJ5Ipo
Thank you all for your kind comments!
December 1st, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Yun Zi has just awakened and has discovered his darling little toes! Soooo adorable.
December 1st, 2009 at 1:37 pm
It’s 1:30 pm on Tuesday and I have spent the last half hour or more glued to my computer. That little man has been in every position, chewed everything he could reach (on him and otherwise) and thoroughly entertained me. I was almost expecting him to start sucking his ‘pseudothumb’!!! What a delicious little creature he is!
Moderator, I had asked about having 1/2 of Bai Yun’s name be 1/2 of Yunior’s name and whether the keepers thought there might be any confusion on the part of the bears when the Yun part of the name was called to either mom or baby. Would you please ask the keepers? I guess it would only be a problem if they use Bai’s full name to give her voice direction. Would love to know.
Thanks!
Moderator’s note: I don’t think there would be a problem, but I’ll forward your question to the Panda Team.
December 1st, 2009 at 2:05 pm
He is amazing rolling around on his back playing with his feet…chewing on them…and catching his reflection in the den….then …down he goes into nap mode…just love the Panda Cam..could we get color and sound…??I know I know…but would that be great or what???
December 1st, 2009 at 2:28 pm
DoxieMom~That video is excellent! He is really growing up so fast. I can’t believe what has happened in the past week. He has discovered his feet and playing on his own, happily I might add; mouthing and playing with bamboo; and now walking with a lot of steady confidence! Oh, he is going to be a busy little Zi Zi! I love him so much! I appreciate your videos of these precious moments as I was on the run doing errands most of the day and missed the excitement!!
December 1st, 2009 at 2:36 pm
#307 Laurie G. – I’m not a panda keeper, but I am a psychologist who works with language, and my guess is that the pandas would not separate the individual parts of the name, but respond to the pattern of sound in the name as a whole. The pronunciation and stress on “yun” is also going to be different depending on whether it is first or last and what sounds are around it – so I would not guess that this is a problem. It’s like if when you listen to a language you don’t know – it is very difficult to identify where one word ends and another begins and it kind of sounds like one continuous stream of sound. Also, if you listen to recordings where you just hear a single word and the rest of the sentence where it was spoken has been blocked out – it can sound like a totally different word depending on what word came before and after it.
It would be interesting to know, though, what the pandas are trained to respond to. I think in one of the posts, it said that they can identify the voice of different keepers and respond to the vocal patterns of individuals. Are they also trained to respond to certain verbal commands?
Thanks as always to the wonderful Moderators for “bearing” all of our questions!
Moderator’s note: Many of the animals in our care are capable of responding to verbal cues, even our crocodilians!
December 1st, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Hi Everyone
Jeri #297 Thanks for the lineage update. So now I know the family history -when I refer to Yun Zi as our Chubby Cubbie I am correct – i always felt a bit of an interloper claiming your pandas as our pandas
it truly is a global panda family
Blessings to you all from Adelaide. 13 days countdown until i see Wang Wang and Funi
December 1st, 2009 at 2:49 pm
p.s. – That’s just my educated guess (gotta hope this Ph.D. I’m getting is worth something
). I’ll leave it to the panda experts for the real answer!
December 1st, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Hi Phyliss 301 Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Congrats on your adoption. You’ll be a great mom with all that virtual love and caring. What more could a baby panda want. I am sending you a virtual antique mirror so yunior can watch his reflection. Laurie #307 I was watching at the same time. He was having a grand time with himself. Did you notice accross the den opening on the wall there seems to be a metal grate I believe. He was standing up playing with his reflection for awhile. It is the first time I saw him stand on his head. He seems to enjoy it. I wonder if he is too young to have a toy to play with. Something he can bite on. Moderator do Pandas see colors?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:41 pm
hi folks, I am a bit concerned about Bai Yun and Yun Li. There seems to be a great deal of time when Mom is away from little man. Is she alright? Is she leaving Yun Li alone in order for him to investigate his world without her? Sorry for being such a”worry wart”. Just can’t help myself, where those two are concerned.
Moderator’s note: This is as it should be. Please don’t worry!
December 1st, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I’d love to see him go to town on one of those rawhide bones my dogs love!
December 1st, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Yun seems more hesitant to leave the den these last few days. He makes it to the door where he often gets distracted by his reflection (so cute!). But then he spends about 10 or 15 minutes just hanging out in the doorway until he crumples down for another nap.
He’s doing it now at 4pm. I know he’s got to be hungry.
Does he call out to his mom when he’s looking out the door like that?
December 1st, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Don’t worry Catherine V. Mom is with Yun Zi all night long. I have seen them on the pandacam at different hours through the nights. At night, Bai Yun and baby sleep side by side. In the day, Bai Yun goes and eats. Mom is taking care of baby all night long, then she takes care of herself during the day. I think that is what she would do in nature, be in the den with baby at night and forage during the day.
Yun Zi looked so cute sitting up the other day. He is such an adorable guy.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Is the Panda cub trapped in the den? … watching him at 011607 he looks as if he is trying to make his way out of the den but cannot.
December 1st, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Thanks for “Yun Zi, Early Riser” Doxie Mom. The little guy’s locomotion has improved so much in the last week. He’s really walking well now, but he minds his mama when she wants him in the den, which is very cute. I wonder how much longer that will last? I suspect that soon he will be playing “can’t catch me” with her.
December 1st, 2009 at 5:26 pm
If it weren’t for DoxieMom, i wouldn’t see his antics! He is an early riser and I am asleep when he is active….then when I watch, he is sleeping the rest of the day!
Read an article in our local SD paper about the pandas and the welcoming ceremony down under……I don’t remember our city pulling out the red carpet when our first panda arrived.
So glad to see the entire city is behind them down there.
Also it said they would be shown to the public in 30 days….so that will be a great holiday gift to the city!
Pandafan#2…..I feel for your being sick……me too…coughing like crazy for a week.
Hope you get better faster……
December 1st, 2009 at 6:49 pm
#289 – Linda – pandas & bamboo
– check out the Mon (11/30) blog from ZA about the fickleness (is that a word) of their pandas & what type of bamboo & when they want to eat it on a given day – too funny 
Being a panda keeper is a challenge 
Thanks for the panda family tree – wonder if China may have made a mistake in having their famous “Pan Pan” mate so often. It seems Pan Pan is related somehow to every panda in all US zoos which means mating has become limited.
December 1st, 2009 at 6:50 pm
DoxieMom – Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the wonderful videos for those of us who can not stay tuned in as much. They are just incredible. What happened to our little baby? He has changed SO much in the last week it’s just amazing!
I had a friend who visited SDZ last Fri. and will be downloading pictures of the sisters for me to print off for my own. I can not wait!
December 1st, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Yunior is really getting around fast these days! We are all in for some great observing of this little guy as he motivates even faster and gets into all sorts of situations we wonder if he can ever get out of! Coming up will be the times I love the most with the little pandas and their high jinks!
I was looking back at some of the winter videos on YouTube of the giant pandas playing in the snow. Also, does anyone remember when (was it Tai Shan?) was heading around a corner in the den and ran smack into his mom coming the other way? She very determinedly proceeded to “guide” him back where he belonged. I have tried to find this video but can’t seem to locate it. It might not be available now.
December 1st, 2009 at 7:37 pm
There seems to be a great difference in weaning practices between zoos. Why are some cubs taken away from their mothers so much earlier than at the SDZ. And, in the videos of the bottle-fed babies and large groups of babies together in China, have these cubs been separated from their mothers while they still need to nurse or is that situation the result of the earthquake?
Thanks.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:00 pm
The reason that Yunior can “take” the shots is because Bai picks him up with her teeth, right? Of course doesn’t bite him, but maybe now he knows to “relax” a little when a pin stick or sharp thing is felt, you think? Also this is my first Panda watch, and I will continue to read and research but can anyone tell me “ball park figure” when will Yunior be coming out? I want to take a vacation day around that time, and you know like Baby Frank the Gorilla is out every other day, will this be alternate days?, and then take turns in the front yard with the girls, because only two bears are out at a time, right?
Moderator’s note: When it is time for Yun Zi’s debut, Zoo guests can see him in the usually closed classroom exhibit. His previous siblings made their debuts in December, and it could be that Yun Zi will as well, but we can’t provide an exact date at this time.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:39 pm
OH the cutest thing, about 8:30, Yunior is licking his paw, (sucking his thumb), or something. Maybe workin on his teeth….
December 1st, 2009 at 8:47 pm
There is a story about Babybottoms, and his family.
Bai Yun
Zhen Zhen
Sui Lin
Yun Zi (‘yunior’ babybottoms)
Mei Sheng (calling over the phone)
Bai Yun: Hi! I have not seen you in a while, i have been so busy parenting, that i did not have time to hang out and just relax.
Zhen Zhen: oh well now that we are here we can hangout. P.S Lets start a girls ONLY club!!
Yun Zi: what HELLO i am a guy i want to be able to hangout and talk with you girls too. and what about Mei Sheng he’s a boy and you said that no boys are allowed!
Bai Yun: Opps my phone is ringing got to answer it. Hello whos there?
Mei Sheng: Hi i just heard you are having a girls only club is that right?
Bai Yun: YES! We girls are having a girls only club, are you ok with that?
Mei Sheng: NO WAY!! fine i am starting a boys ONLY club. And Yun Zi is in it!!!!
Bai Yun: bye!
Zhen Zhen: what did he say huh?
Su Lin: yeah i want to know what he said too!! TELL ME!! TELL ME!!
Yun Zi: I just talked to Mei Sheng and he said he is NOT coming down from his tree!! (except to eat)
December 1st, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Linda #310 and #312 – Thanks for your input. I suspect your ‘little degree’ might be worth a lot!! It just made me curious thinking someone would call Yun Zi or Bai Yun and get a response from the other. It makes sense, though, that the intonation would be different, etc.
Keep up the good work. My ‘kid’ just got his MBA. You can never have too much education!!
December 1st, 2009 at 9:59 pm
I had my PandaCam open all day today and every time I checked, Yun Zi was on his back, ‘dancing’ with all four legs in the air. He would stretttttcccchhhh out all his legs and then move them all in uncoordinated ways, wiggling his butt on the ground at the same time. Then he’d pull his legs in towards his body, grab his feet and roll around as a ball. I swore I saw him laughing in the middle of it all, and that would just make me laugh. My co-workers must think I’m nuts! He’s gotten so active these last few days, and I’m loving it!
Anyway, glad you all liked the poem — thanks for the comments. It was fun to write and I’m glad to know I’m not the only desperate pandaholic out there!
Also #236 Page — I love it! I’m sure that was much more fun than anything else on your ‘ToDo’ list!
December 1st, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Just clicked onto Pandacam and wow has Yun Zi “Yunior” grown as Bai Yun looks like she has her Paws full just trying to hold him…From the den camera angle his head is not that much smaller than moms now…. LOL….Jan Cecchi from Adelaide, Australia…Keep us advised if you get a Pandacam in Adelaide Zoo and let us know how much you enjoy your Holiday visit when the display opens….Doxie Mom ,Lynn will have a lot of catching up to do thanks to your videos…..What software do you use to capture the days video feeds?To my extended family at the SDZ and Pandaholics Worldwide,Lynn had a minor relapse today as part of her Bloodclot broke free and they had to put in more stent filters..Still crossing my fingers and toes that I get the only X-mas Present I really want ,Lynn to get well enough to finally come home to me,as well as hopefully my mirror twin daughters to get time off from their jobs in Europe also,to spend some time as a family…..Yunior has been the focal point of Lynn’s day as I tell her about his exploits and the worldwide wishes and blessings coming in…We are one big Family now worldwide with one thing in common our Love of Pandas and all wildlife….
Moderator’s note: Hang in there, Lynn!
December 1st, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Doxie Mom #305:
In your video it looks like Bai Yun is giving Yunior several “demo” walks into the the den to show him how, and he seems to have that down now. But have you ever seen so many ways for a cub to NOT go out a door way?
He sort of goes out but stops.
Then he goes half way out.
Then he steps back and pauses to regroup.
Then he tries to go further out but sees his reflection and hesitates.
Then he walks a step further but doesn’t really go out.
Then he goes half-way out and rocks around getting his feet aligned.
Then he hesitates and goes almost out.
Then he backs up and takes a breather.
Then he steps slo-o-o-o-wly forward and he’s almost out —-
Then he plops back down inside and goes to sleep!
Yun Zi has “latered” his viewers once again.
The suspense is un-bear-able for this human.
not go out a doorway? He just does not have the exit sequence down quite yet. Soon, though.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:22 am
There is a gentle wrestling match going on between Bai Yun and Yun Zi! Yun Zi is chewing on Bai’s back feet, obviously teething. Bai is getting him back by cleaning his bum. Zi is getting her back by kicking her in the face and stomach. I wonder who will win?
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:06 am
Oh, they are too cute this morning! 6AM-Yun Zi trying mightily to get out the den door…Bai Yun pulling him back…over & over & over…I love when this fun time starts!
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:12 am
Will Bai Yun ever have to go back to China or can she stay at the Zoo
Moderator’s note: According to our agreement with China, Bai Yun and Gao Gao will remain in San Diego for at least four more years.
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:17 am
Oops, what did Yun Zi do? Bai Yun just hauled him from the bedroom back into the den.
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:30 am
Thanks, Moderator, for responding to my question!!
Do you know whether pandas can learn actual words and what size vocabulary they have? I’m also curious to know the Panda Team’s response to #307 Laurie G.’s original question – whether the pandas would be able to parse out the individual parts of their names or just respond to the sound pattern as a whole.
Of course, I would just call him “your royal cuteness”, “sweetness”, and “most adorable pudgy one”, and that would solve the problem
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:52 am
Hi Brenda,
I don’t know if you will remember me, but back around Nov 21st, you posted questioning when Yun Zi would sit up by himself. I told you then that I had been lucky enough to get a picture showing what I think was the first time he sat up by himself. I told you if you were patient with me, I would try to find the picture for you. Well, I found it, I took the picture on 10-17-09 and although I can’t be positive it was the first time he sat up by himself, I’m pretty sure it was since no one ever commented about seeing him sit up before then. Hope you enjoy it.
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/8567/yunzisitsup101709.jpg
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:10 am
Brandy #313, I captured Yun Zi playing with that metal grate/plate/door(?) in the back of the den!! I’ve seen him play back there before, but never for this long, nor standing up on his back legs (or that’s what it looked like) as he finally got a paw hold on the wall!! This came after he ‘reflected’ a bit on his image in the doorway!! He is so amusing sometimes, and he amuses himself, too! The link for the YouTube video for ‘Yun Zi “Reflects”‘ is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dXY27umbJ4
He’s getting more active, and more curious as the days go by!! Delightful, and fun to share with this group of devoted pandaholics! Thank you so much San Diego Zoo!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:21 am
#201 Cheryl from Denver, your poem is truly heart”melting”. Sorry, I described Yun Zi as heartbreaker, in fact a meant heartmelter. I know very well that both the keepers and the moderators and everyone else concerned have been doing a marvellous job. Without them and of course the pandas my world would be poorer. No hard feelings please since English is not my first home language but owing to my 16 years’-stay in South Africa only my second one. And if I have made any typos so far (and I am sure that I did), please forgive me, my fellow-bloggers. I shall endeavour not to do so!
# 247 Jan Cecchi, congratulations on the arrival of “your” pandas Fu Ni and Wang Wang. You must be very excited and I am sure that you have been counting the days when you are going to meet them face to face. I remember my first encounter with Yang Yang and Long Hui, the panda couple of Schoenbrunn. It was too beautiful. I was standing behind the glass window when they walked past me and I was surprised that they were not as long as I had imagined them to be. I had already fallen in love with the SDZ-pandas on web cam but seeing live pandas is totally different. So, be patient, it won’t take long any more……
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:47 am
Is Bai Yun outside in the yard this morning? If so, that may be why she put Yun Zi back inside the den just inside the doorway for his nap. She may be more comfortable with him safely inside the den instead of the bedroom?
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:56 am
Bai and Yun Zi are pretty active around 6:00 EST. This morning they were playing the “try to catch my paws in your mouth” game. Bai was doing the catching as Yun Zi smacks her in the nose. Then Yun Zi tries to chew on his own back paws. They’re pretty cute when they play together.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:33 am
2 more videos posted!
Early Wednesday morning, Yun Zi again followed Bai into the bedroom, and the camera followed!! (Thank you camera person!) In Part I you see Yun Zi following Bai around and making it to the sunroom/bedroom step! In Part II Yun Zi makes it over the step into the sunroom. I think watching Bai’s reaction is priceless, as well as Yun Zi’s attempts to keep up with mommie!! The links for “Yun Zi Steps Up and Out! Part I and Part II are:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaOFuoWzqBM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3lTem3sg9M
Yun Zi is definitely at a fun age to watch!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:46 am
Just have a question for the Panda Staff…Do Pandas have the Olfactory Sensors in the roof of their mouth like other bears ? I know with Black Bears and Grizzlies that they actually teach their young what is safe to eat by having the cubs smell and taste what mom has recently eaten….Perhaps this why Bai Yun and Yun Zi keep going nose to nose and mouth to mouth during their play sessions and why Yunior decided to begin mouthing bamboo ?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:52 am
There was so much excitement in San Diego when Bai Yun and Shi Shi arrived. The new Panda exhibit had just been built and us Pandafans stood in line for over an hour just to get a glimpse from far away. No pandacam. no videos. It was the same when Gao Gao came. San Diego Zoo does everything with the utmost excellence, especially everything Panda. How lucky we are.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:33 am
DoxieMom #342~I was watching those live, this morning! I am amazed at how well he is walking across the room now, even if he does fall on his face every now and again, poor baby! The second time he was leaving the den he had quite a roll and tumble, but he got right up and just went on his way! When he could not quite get back into Bai’s bedroom, from the Garden Room, I loved the way she just used his nose and nudged him up! I was wondering if she was pacing like that because the keepers might have just arrived for the day and she wanted food or something? She certainly seemed to be waiting for something. Yun Zi is just adorable and had a busy morning. No wonder he is sleeping it off!
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:51 am
DoxieMom, thank you so much for the videos from this morning. What time do you take those? Yun Zi must be up very early!! I loved the flip out the door, and Mom putting his back in the den with a butt pull!! So cute!
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:15 am
May we get close ups please? Baby is playing…..so cute….please……?
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
Thanks again, DoxieMom #342–no wonder he sleeps all day after such an early morning workout! I always seem to catch the 11:30 pm PT wrestling/feeding session, just when I’m trying to get to bed, so without you I’d never see the morning’s activities. I loved the time Bai picked him up by his fluffy butt and just swooped him into the den in one swift motion.
Page #324–thanks for the cute graphic in your earlier post. The cubs in China are taken away from their mothers at around 6 mos. so their mothers can breed every year. This is done to enlarge the panda population. The zoo pandas are mostly allowed to stay with their moms for the 1 1/2-2 years (in Fu Long’s case) that they would stay in the wild.
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:45 am
I think this panda cub seems to sleep too much. Much more than the other cubs. Maybe that’s why he is so chubby. Is he too young for a little exercise program? I think you guys need to get him moving around a lttle more.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Man, Yun Zi can WALK!!! Thank you, DoxieMom.
I just received by newsletter from Panda International — it seems there is channel in Thailand dedicated to Lin Pin. There is a half an hour recap too everday. Panda TV is a hit in Thailand!
Love, love, love the way the world is being turned on to pandas. Anyway the general public can be educated, the better.
Dennis and Lynn, so sorry about Lynn’s set back. Both of you — hand in there; there are lot of us out here that wait to hear how Lynn is doing daily; many prayers and good thoughts are being sent your way.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
DoxieMom #342 – I knew you’d come through with these videos!! They are GREAT……..I was watching this play out LIVE and was so amazed by all the activity! Yun Zi still walks like a “drunken sailor”, but he’s getting better and better – this was the most walking I’ve seen from him all at once. Loved getting to see the tumble out of the den again and being hauled back into the den by Mom bottom first! I’ve never seen that before! He seems to love playing on the step-up between the bedroom and sunroom. I can’t wait until he gets that bounce to his steps the cubs get when they master walking…….the panda prance! Thanks so much!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Jeri, thanks for clearing up re: Wang Wang, Tuan Tuan, Yuan Yuan, Ling Ling and Lin Lin. (That’s a mouthful!) I was so confused! I was trying to figure out how Wang Wang was related to Tuan Tuan so thanks for letting us know that Wang Wang is instead related to Yuan Yuan. Many thanks!
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Love the videos Doxiemom thank you for sharing these. Yun Zi is quite the character and so adorable.
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Thanks Moderators and Doxie Mom!
I thought Bai Yun was pacing back and forth to show Yunior how it’s done.
And then she showed us how she could make Yunior fly by the seat of his pants!
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
DoxiMom # 334: Yun Zi reflects may just be the best ever!!! I too think YunZi was standing! I also9 giggled because I thought his back legs looked like he was on wheels
Now I have to watch the two new ones from today 
Bless You!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
DoxieMom # 342: I did get to see the part one action ‘live’ this AM but like an idiot, I stopped watching before the part two portion! I’m going to have to stop looking at the news and weather online! Bai sure looked like a bamboo breakfast was on order and late
Mr. YunZi AKA up-and-over was priceless! Thank You!
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Janan #346, I’m in Oklahoma, 2 hours ahead of the SDZ, so I was recording this morning around 5AM PT. I enjoy watching them wake up and engage in their morning routine! But from others, I’ve learned that they have play sessions throughout the night! Frances #348 says they typically have one around 11:30PM PT, and Dianna #341 said they were active at 3AM PT this morning!
According to a 2007 post from Zoo Atlanta’s Giant Panda Curator Rebecca Snyder, pandas are neither diurnal nor nocturnal!! Oh the things we learn ~ these delightful creatures are both educational and entertaining!! (Moderator, I searched the SDZ Blogs but couldn’t find anything on Panda sleep habits! Did I miss something?) Little Yun Zi has basically slept the day away, except for that brief play session around 11AM PT this morning! What a life!!
Moderator’s note: Sounds like a good topic for a future post…
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:39 pm
The BBC posted an interesting story about how female pandas “chirp” to let the guys know they’re fertile.
Search “Pandas ‘chirp’ to get pregnant”
From that page you can link to a story on panda sex-lives. Don’t worry: it’s the BBC!
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Jan Cecchi-You must be getting soo excited. I was curious since your climate is so hot, does Australia use alot of solor power? A while back another blogger mentioned the heat factor for the Pandas. Has any news been reported if their exhibit would be solor powered to keep it cooler? #331 LH, too funny. DoxieMom. yup thats the one. Seeing it the second time he is standing. I think where that grate is they should put a screen and show baby panda videos for him to watch. Then we can watch him watching them. I know thats not what wild pandas do. Your last video I missed that action so thanks. I really LOL!
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Isn’t supposed to be good luck to rub the belly of a Budha Statue? Just wish I could reach thru the screen and rub our little Budha Panda when he is sitting upright….I wonder how many people rub his belly on their Computer Screens? LOL……To the GPF (Global Pandaholic Family) Lynn is feeling a little better today and your best wishes and prayers along with my descriptions of the latest Yunior exploits are keeping her spirits up under her current medical ordeal…We hope she is able to be home for the Holidays along with the Twins Kendall & Tiffany as I miss my 3 girls……At least I have my GPF and Yunior ……Thank-You All : Dennis
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I love watching the Panda Cam!!! I’m just wondering if the baby is ever going to get his rear end off
the ground and walk a little?? It’s really fun to watch the baby!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for showing all the pictures of the Mom & baby!!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Thanks Doxie Mom. Great proof of why our little guy is sleeping so much during the day! Moderator, I was just wondering why Bai seemed to be be pacing so much so early this morning. Is it in anticipation of her keepers coming soon?
Moderator’s note: Most likely in anticipation of fresh boo coming
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
No new post yet?
Moderator’s note: We hope to have a new one Thursday after Yunior’s exam.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
#349…He works off alot of energy…he is very intent in all that he does..and he has a pretty rounded tush that seems to lag behind…mama sleeps alot, too. I think he’s the more active than the others at this stage…I could be wrong.
It won’t be long and you’ll be saying “does he ever sleep”!!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Has our baby boy been sleeping since 8am?!
I watched his big adventure this morning, but didn’t see him stir again after that. Loved getting to see Bai stand by and watch her little one stumble around like a Saturday night drunk! Sometimes she seems as surprised as we are at some of his antics.
Thank you SDZ for this wonderful window into a world I never imagined existed!
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
It’s been a long time since his exam. I’m having withdrawals. I love to hear his cute squeaking sounds when he’s examined. His sweet eyes make him look like a little cartoon character. Thanks for the vidoes after his exams. Can we get a close up view of his webbed feet this time? I’d love to see that.
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
I’m in with the group that has been seeing a lot of sleeping panda lately. Oh well, he’s resting up for his next video performance?
Moderator, my latent editing is coming out… I was browsing through the “Meet the Pandas” section. I noticed the ‘intro’ for Shi Shi says that he RETURNED to China in 1996, but in the body of his tale, it says he CAME to San Diego in 1996 and RETURNED to China in 2003. I do believe the details in the body are correct and that the heading might need just a tiny ‘tweak’.
Thanks for all you do, in so many ways! (addressed to moderator(s) AND SDZ Panda staff!
Moderator’s note: Shi Shi’s bio has been corrected. Thanks for letting me know!
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
He is a sleepy boy, which makes me guess Bai and Yun Zi have some plans for the night for adventures. I am not surprised since she kept bringing him for outings to view the moon and such even when he was so tiny! He is just following her lead. Hopefully someone will catch the early morning action, including me!
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:19 pm
I sure enjoy watching Bai pace back and forth outside the den to get our little man to get off his tushy and get some exercise and move around some…………….LOL……….He’s such a chubbo, I saw him literally roll out of the den and I laughed so hard, I couldn’t see my comp screen. LOL. I still enjoy watching Bai nurse him and cuddle with him the most…………he’s a lucky little man to have such a loving mama bear. Looking forward to the next exam and see what new surprises await us all……
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:35 pm
I spend a lot of time with the SDZ cam during the day; but if wasn’t for DoxieMom, I’d never see Yun Zi actually awake! He’s always sleeping. I want to tickle him to wake him up.
My sister had to call everyone after her birthday, and tell them she is the proud adopted mommy of a panda. Then she was showing off the adoption certificate. She is thrilled. Thank you SDZ for making my sister’s birthday.
Moderator’s note: What a wonderful birthday gift for your sister!
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:38 pm
thank goondess for DoxieMom or I would miss all the fun he is having…..and I loved the butt carry back into the den. Made me laugh.
I do take my cursor and sometimes rub it over him like I am petting him…wondered how many other folks do that!! I also wish it would wake him up since I usually view him around 5 pm …….nap time.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
whada cutie kid. He has sure gotten me through today, rolling around on his back grabbing his little feet and paws. I just wish it was up closer. Like everyone else, I could just sit and watch this little guy for hours…WHAT is it LIKE to be so adorable?! He looks so big at exams, but a little munchkin from up above. A baby rattle in his little paw would look so cute! He’s such a content little boy.
Nite momma and baby boy. xox Thanks for helping me get through this day.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:58 pm
I checked the MileStone Page today & was not surprised too see that in spite of many comments about Yun Zi “slow development” he is right on target (except for his teeth – Su Lin had teeth at 50 days – Yun Zi at 99 – but did he make up for it in a week or so)
Seems like Bai is up & about early -waiting for the keepers & her breakfast??? Yun Zi seems fascinated by maybe seeing his image & also something shiny in the den 
T
Doxie Mom – thanks again for capturing all these wonderful moments most of us miss
Tai also was fascinated by something at the exit to the den – he would start out & something on the floor near the gate would stop him – he would spend what seemed like hours playing with was probably metal plate & a screw
#323 – Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon – I think the video of Tai you are looking for may be the one on the NZ website – scroll down past the panda cam to “Giant Panda Videos” -there are 5-6 videos of Tai’s first year – the one dated Nov. 10th is where Tai (leavng the den) runs smack into Mamma Mei who was not happy to see him
#331 – LH – too funny – _
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Doxiemom, thanks again for the great video capturing of our little boy’s strolling around trying to catch up with mom’s pacing. Boy, she must have been hungry. What time does she normally get her fresh boo? She seemed to be fixated on that and not her baby! He is so darling, watching him begin to explore his surroundings.
I cannot thank SDZ enough for the pleasure it gives me to watch these bears and especially this baby growing up. It is happening so fast. I am looking forward to tomorrows exam. Does Bai know when the keepers take the baby? She seems so comfortable leaving him alone now for long periods of time. I see he is starting to try and munch on the bamboo, does he swallow any at this age?
Moderator’s note: At this point, bamboo is just something to investigate.
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Has Mama Bai come in to feed our little guy? According to the timelapse, she hasn’t. He must be hungry…
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Please, is there something wrong with Bai??? She came in at 8:30 SD time and is just laying in the entrance and Yun Zi is all over her with excitement. Bai is not moving. I am going to worry so much until I hear she is fine. Our little guy is sure happy to see her. Oh sweet dear Bai, please be fine.
Moderator’s note: Bai Yun is great!
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Yes I vote for close-ups also, since the exams are short.
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Thanks DoxieMom for those great videos. I watch those two at odd hours because of the shift I work. Your videos are priceless. I never get to see the ones that time of day. I was truly exhausted watching Bai Yun walking all around and Yun Zi trying so hard to keep up. She is an awesome Mom. It’s amazing how she is teaching him how to walk. I love when he does his “exercises” and he looks likes he is laughing & having a good time for himself.
Like #365 said Thank you SDZ for this place I never imagine existed.
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:50 am
Yun Zi and his reflection are priceless. I wonder if it is just that it’s a moving image or shadow. How much detail would he see? Does he get that he controls its movements? Or, I wonder, does he see that it’s panda-looking and feel some wordless hope that it’s a playmate? I love watching the cubs in China playing, though I wish for each mom and cub, they had more time together. Someone mentioned that perhaps Yun Zi would like some tv. Of course, they don’t watch in the wild, but neither did we. Species adapt. Say, to Teletubbies? I think he would like that.
Thanks, Doxiemom. Thanks, Pandacamerapersons. Thanks, moderators. Thanks SDZ. Thanks, Bai Yun.
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:54 am
#358 Page, I, too, learned via Google that female pandas change the tone of their voice, i.e. they start chirping. I would love to hear that sound. Did you hear it by any chance on BBC? And I wonder if and how the male responds to her chirping.
DoxieMom, you are wonderful, thank you so much for letting us bloggers benefit from your “early rising”. The videos of our little (is that really true?) prince are out of this world. Please keep up the good work, it is very much appreciated.
#360 Dennis and Lynn, you are so right. Yunior looks quite a bit like a buddha which is a compliment since buddha said that the wisdom is in the man’s, mind you panda’s belly. When looking at him on the screen I also feel like rubbing his tummy. All the best for Lynn, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a Xmas re-union at home.
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:51 am
WOW, what a treat this morning!! Bai Yun and Yun Li played for about 45 minutes. Their interaction was fantastic and worth getting up early. Thank you San Diego Zoo
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:38 am
I was thinking for the people that are concerned that Bai Yun leaves Yun Zi alone for large parts of the day, that he still has her scent on the bamboo he is laying on. She has been sitting and laying on that bamboo, so when he lays on it he smells his Mom. Also, if new to Panda obsession, I have been going back to the old blogs and reading them. There is some really great info in them. Go all the way back to July of 2005 and then come forward. Great posts from when Su Lin was born.
Moderator’s note: That’s a lot of reading, but great advice
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:01 am
I always wonder what a Panda Kindergarten session is like and imagine one is going on as Yun Zi is sitting at the doorway of the den…
Keeper~Hi!
Yun Zi~Hi!
Keeper~What a big boy you are!
Yun Zi~Yep! (proud smile, waves paw)
Keeper~Do you want to come out and take a walk?
Yun Zi~Nope. Mommy said stay inside. I walked yesterday, though. Did you see me? I fell boom.
Keeper~Yes, we have you on video. The whole world can see you walk!
Yun Zi~Oh dear. The whole world saw me fall boom and roll? What is “whole world”?
Keeper~Many, many people glued to computers.
Yun Zi~Sigh. Want some boo?
Keeper~I don’t eat boo, but thank you.
Yun Zi~Boo is good. Eat this. This is fresh. Mommy brought it in. Makes your teeth grow.
Keeper~Thank you. I have all my teeth.
Yun Zi~I made more teeth yesterday and the day before. Wanna see them?
Keeper~Yes, please!
Yun Zi~If you eat this boo I will show you my teeth.
Keeper~Umm…
Yun Zi~Your teeth are not sharp enough. Eat this boo.
Keeper~Umm…
Yun Zi~Do I have to have shots again today?
Keeper~No, no more shots for now.
Yun Zi~Good. I don’t really like them.
Keeper~If I nibble on this boo, will you show me your teeth and walk for me?
Yun Zi~Snore…….snore……snore……
Keeper~Have a good nap, Yun Zi! (walks away)
Yun Zi~I knew she wouldn’t eat the boo…hehehehehehe….snore….snore….snore….
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:09 am
Cute shot of “Daughter of Cloud”’s cloud end hanging over a branch above the cave at 8 AM. She has sure grown since February when she became an independent big girl.
Interesting comments from ZA about the switch in Mei Lan’s bamboo preference from night to morning. I have read from all the zoos how the pandas bamboo preferences change with the seasons, but had not noticed anything about their change in preference at different times of the day from one species to another, or from one part of the plant to another.
Moderator, when the keepers get some time can you ask them to elaborate on the SDZ pandas changes in bamboo preferences over time, please?
Moderator’s note: Will do.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:12 am
#349, Sharon, if you think he is sleeping a lot now, wait until he starts climbing and is up in the trees ALL DAY fast asleep. All cubs sleep a lot because they are growing and developing so fast. He seems to us to be sleeping more because he has limited mobility. As the mobility increases, his activity bursts increase, but it also will wear him out so he will sleep a lot then too.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:00 am
What a beautiful girl ZZ has become as she has grown. She looks so much like her parents propped up against the tree eating her Brunch on top of the cave. The large leaf blowing in front of her is a nice frame for the shot of her. It shows perspective. She is thriving on her own thanks to the devoted care she gets from her keepers and staff.
Kudos to all. Bai Yun obviously does a great job of raising her cubs to be very healthy and happy independent bears. For those who think she spends too much time away from her cubs, or that the cub is sleeping too much, just look at Zhen Zhen and Su Lin and how healthy, happy, and well adjusted they are and you will see that Bai Yun knows what she is doing. Each cub is an individual and needs specialized care. She adjusts for each of their personalities and physical traits.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:11 am
Very funny, Debi #383!
Speaking of growing, Miss ZZ looked really big lying in her tree this morning. And doesn’t Su Lin look gorgeous?
Can’t wait for the new exam info!
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Waiting for the next exam posting/video is so nerve-racking!!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:36 am
Exam is over and tired little cub is back in his beloved bamboo bed in the den. He is wiggly so he must have just been returned from Panda Kindergarten with the keepers.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 am
And doesn’t Bai look gorgeous lying on her garden room platform?
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
Debi #383: Great conversation between YunZi and keeper
I cannot wait for the video of the most recent exam….today??? 
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:36 am
i’m waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiting!! exam #14 video would complete me. ( ;
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
Brandy 313
Thank you SOOO much for the virtual antique mirror. I am sure Yun Zi will love it as much as I do. I’m going to ask if I can send him a blanket. I have the perfect one, it is blue and white squares with opposite colored ducks in each square. I hope they say yes because I think he will like the feel of it and he is such an inquisitive little doll. Question–are you the same Brandy I sent the picture to earlier today of the first time Yun Zi sat up by himself? Thanks again for your generous gift!
Page 236
Very creative sign. When will the show start airing?
Jan Cecchi from Adelaide, South Australia 311
Isn’t it exciting to find out that we truly ARE such a global panda family? Congratulations and God Bless your new pandas and all the pandafans over there. I think pandas really are one of God’s most loving and impressive creations.
Cheryl from Denver 329
I watched our little darling’s “wiggle dance” too. Wasn’t it one of the cutest things you ever saw?? I would REALLY like to see one of the people who keep complaining about Yun Zi’s sleeping, attempt to duplicate his “performance” and then see if they would want a nap??? What do you think? Hmmmm? Might make them realize how much energy the little guy is really expending in learning to do all the things we take for granted. Very glad you got to enjoy watching the “show” with me!
Dennis & Lynn Carney NJ 330
Lynn, so sorry about your bloodclot. Try to not let it get you down, there are many people in our Panda Family sending you prayers and good thoughts. Just think of spending the holidays with Kendall, Tiffany, and Dennis. Holding on to that thought will make you strong. Love and prayer are very powerful medicine.
Doxie Mom 338
God Bless You once again for getting such beautiful footage of our very determined little man. The determination he shows now is an early sign of the character and fortitude he will have as a panda “man”.
Ruth from Austria 339
From one panda family member to another, please don’t worry about having perfect grammar and typos. We all can make a mistake and we are about sharing a beautiful experience together, not perfection. Someone was nice enough to put my mind at ease, so I hope I have done the same for you.
Dear Tami Michaud 364
Thank you SOOOO much for speaking up on behalf of our baby Yun Zi. If you read what I wrote to Cheryl, which was NOT directed at her in any way; I also mentioned how our baby is VERY intent on what he does and that takes a great deal of energy. The fact that he is a little more robust that his earlier siblings may also require more energy on his part to accomplish the moves he is trying so hard to learn. Cheryl and I both caught a “wiggle dance” a couple of days ago that would have left an athlete exhausted if they tried to duplicate it. I was not there for the other cubs, I only joined pandacam after the birth of Yun Zi. I have been getting very annoyed at times when people seem to forget that he is a baby, and babies need a great deal of sleep to grow physically AND mentally. I myself think our little boy is already showing his intelligence when he continues to try to find the “other cubbie” he sees in the doorway. He even knows enough to look behind the door. I think that’s pretty good for such an inexperienced little one, don’t you?
Thank you again Tami for being willing to stand up for and state just how energetic and accomplished our little boy is. I agree with you with all my heart. Hugs to you from me and more importantly from Yun Zi.
Dear Moderator,
May I send Yun Zi a new blue and white baby blanket?
Moderator’s note: Yun Zi probably doesn’t need a baby blanket, as he has him warm, cozy Mom. However, our animal nurseries at both the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park always accept donations of baby blankets.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Yun Zi is not back yet??? Do you suppose they all got together and pamdanapped him???
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
We need an update please..on our baby. It has been days. You have us spoiled. Thanks I check every day.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:23 pm
The previous comment is correct. Babies do sleep a lot as they are growing. They are so cute when they are sleeping. I think about moms too. The best parenting advice I have gotten was the air mask example. Saying that if air masks drop while in an airplane, parents are told to take the first breath, so they won’t pass out, then they can give their children air. That always reminds me to be sure and take care of myself too, so I can take good care of my child. That is what Bai Yun does during the days. She takes care of her needs, so she can go back and have nutritious milk for baby Yun Zi. He is such a fat boy. I like it. The other day I saw Bai Yun laying on her back in her room. I noticed her breasts were red from breast feeding. I feel compassion for her, she does such a good job with Yun Zi and all her babies. It is hard work being a mom. I admire Bai Yun. I really do. Bai Yun has a special place in my heart.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Hi Phylis #393. So glad to know you enjoyed the antique mirror. Yunior knows about the blanket and feels your warm love. The picture you sent was to Brenda but I enjoyed it too. Thank you. Debi #383 very sweet.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Debi #383 – you are too funny!
Dennis & Lynn Carney NJ # 330 – Hope your x’mas wishes all come true. Lynn, you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayer…
Yun ZI, my baby, you are too adorable for words. Can’t wait for you to zip…zip…zip… like Lin Ping.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Jeslyn #371–I absolutely rub his little tummy and his little head and ZZ’s fluffy butt and any other panda part that needs a rub or a scratch or a pat–all with my mouse, alas. But I’m sure they feel it somehow!
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
DoxieMom…………hope you’re getting 2:45 Pacific time; His Royal Cuteness looks like he’s knocking on the door to get out! He is so funny.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
yun zi: there’s a buddie in here i just cant get him…wanna play with me?
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
GREAT SHOTS, MEERKATS!!!! That little cutie kid! May I have him for Christmas, please? ha!
Cute little toes, little nose, little spot on his tail!!! Little munchkin napping now…dreaming of mummy.
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I figured out why the delay in the blog today – you wanted to hit the magic number of 400 replies to this one. Right? Well we made it.
Moderator’s note: Wow, I think that’s a record for comments on one post! We have someone feverishly writing a post about today’s exam and it will be posted upon receipt. Our videographer has had some equipment challenges today and the video may not be ready until Friday morning.
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
What, only one photo of Exam # 14? Hello, more please…
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Not able to watch all day. Why is the door to the den closed? If anybody can answer would really appreciate it. Thanks.
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Equipment challenges…..ohhnoooo!!! Will there be a ‘hint’ ? Such as: Did Yun Zi get to wiggle and walk on the floor??? Can’t wait for the results
December 4th, 2009 at 8:33 am
#307 Laurie G
I don’t think there would be any confusion in name calling. Yun Zi is still learning his name. When teaching the cubs their name, I use the same voice sound with them. When I call to them it sounds close to a panda cub sound; it has been successful for all the cubs here. We fondly call Bai Yun “B” or Miss B. I am calling Yun Zi “Yun Yun” at this point.
#310 Linda
The pandas do respond to several voice commands, but when we ask for a trained behavior, we use the word in the same tone of voice. With several keepers working here, it is very important that the training sessions be consistent in delivery so as not to confuse or frustrate the panda.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Brandy – #21. I don’t know if I wll have internet access. when I am volunteering in Bifgengxia. If I do I will try to send notes on my experience working with the Pandas.