14th Exam: Panda Star
Posted at 4:36 pm December 3, 2009 by Jenny Mehlow
Keeper Kathy Hawk had her hands full this morning: during Yun Zi’s weekly exam, it was all she could do to keep a good grip on him! The panda keepers knew that the cub was getting too mobile to examine him on the table any more, so they rolled out the carpet this week to give Yun Zi more space to move around. Then, when Kathy set him down, all he wanted to do was move! Video now posted!
That 5 x 7 carpet just couldn’t contain him. He headed to the edge and walked toward the video camera. When Kathy picked him up to redirect him to the center of the carpet, he just turned right back around and headed to the light on the top of the camera. We know that he’s a star, but it looks like he’s a natural in front of the camera, too!
After keepers and vets let him crawl around a bit, they attempted an exam. But Yun Zi just wasn’t that into it. With the exam taking place on the floor, and Yun Zi being such a wiggle worm, I didn’t really get to see all of his great expressions. I just saw his raw determination to do what he wanted to do the way he wanted to do it. He was squeaking as Kathy held him while veterinarian Tracy Clippinger listened to his heart and lungs. And the squeaking continued when they held him to get a look at his ears and eyes. He has a few more teeth, and when Tracy was feeling around his mouth she assured us that he had a pretty good bite now.
In past exams, if Bai Yun hears her cub squeaking or give a bark during the cub exams, keepers can see her react on the panda monitors. With the cub so vocal today, keepers who were not participating in the exam kept a close eye on the monitors to see how Bai was doing. And how did she react? Well, let’s just say that she didn’t let baby’s squeals get between her and her bamboo. She kept sitting in her exhibit, leaning against a rock, chomping away. She didn’t seem fazed by any of Yun Zi’s squeals.
I didn’t take my own notes on his weight, lengths or girth (I’ll let the moderator add that at the end of this blog); I was just enjoying listening to his squeals and watching Kathy and Tracy try to wrangle a 17-week old panda. It was a lot like me trying to hold my cat, Austin, when he knows that I’m picking him up to carry him inside the house. He tries to find any way to go back to what he was doing – over my shoulder, under my arm, or just trying to take a flying forward leap. But despite Yun Zi’s best efforts and vocal protests, Kathy and Tracy held onto him and made it through the exam, even if they did have to cut it a bit short due to excessive wiggling.
Everything else in his development is looking good. Oh, I did note one measurement: for all those still enthralled with his tail, it still measures 7 centimeters (2.7 inches) and the black spot is still there. His leg muscles are coming along, and you’ll see in the video (that should be up on Friday) that he’s a panda on the move who wants to be heard!
After the quick exam, Kathy and Tracy let him crawl around on the carpet for a few more minutes. He kept heading toward the edge of the carpet and the lights on the camera – like a moth to a flame. He squealed some more as Kathy carried him back to his den. But when I checked Panda Cam on my way out of the Giant Panda Research Station 15 minutes later, he was already asleep and, I like to imagine, dreaming little panda dreams.
Jenny Mehlow is a public relations representative for the San Diego Zoo.
Note: Yun Zi weighed 15.9 pounds (7.2 kilograms).
Here’s a measurement comparison of our five panda cubs:
Hua Mei, age 124 days:
15.2 lbs (6.9 kg); 27.4 in (69.6 cm) long
Mei Sheng, age 121 days:
14.3 lbs (6.5 kg); 26.2 (66.5 cm) long
Su Lin, age 119 days:
11.9 lbs (5.4 kg); 27.1 in (69 cm) long
Zhen Zhen, age 124 days:
15.4 lbs (7.0 kg); 29.9 in (76 cm) long
Yun Zi, age 120 days:
15.9 lbs (7.2 kg); 27.5 in (70 cm) long
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December 3rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
finally! the anticipation has been building all day and i know everyone has been going absolutely crazy waitin for the updates on tiny most loved super amazing pandababy. oh pandababy, you are a rock star. can’t wait until you start reading/writing…
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
He is the cuteness!
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Is it just me or does Yun Zi sleep a lot? It seems that the female babies moved around a lot more by now…do boys just sleep more??
Anyway, “our” boy is ADORABLE!! I can not WAIT to see the video tomorrow. Thank you again for all that you do for the pandas!! You all just ROCK their worlds!!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:03 pm
i found Yun Zi is much good at crawl, i view the panda cam of Tailand zoo, the cub Lin Bing was hard to crawl when she was about 5 month, her back leg can not suport her body well, only recently Lin Bing managed crawling . so i think Yun Zi is more active and stronger, or perhaps has a higher EQ.
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Oh, what a cutie pie! Can’t wait to see the video and pictures of this exam.
Last night on San Diego KPBS one of the offers (if you become a member) was for the video “Panda Tales.” It’s a video collection of Zhen Zhen’s first year, up to her birthday party. They showed most of it, and it was a hoot. She is so curious, just as I suspect young Master Yun Zi will be.
Later on last night, I caught Yun Zi in the den with mom. She was desperately trying to get him to lie down, cuddle and be still, and he was having absolutely none of it. He’d climb over her, mom’s paw would gently slide him down. He’d burrow and try to get around her, mom’s paw would gently redirect. Finally she just literally picked him up and then with both paws put him down firmly. He stayed put. Mom finally won!!!
Oh what a pistol he’s going to be! Trouble – right here in San Diego City!!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Talk about a mind of his own, just like a 1 year old who learned how to crawl.
Why does Bai Yun bring all the limbs and stuff in the den, there is hardly enough
room for her and the boy?
He is sure growning fast, still a sweety
lu
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:13 pm
I’m anxiously awaiting the video! Is it up on the site yet?
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Oh my gosh! I have waited SO long for this update! Our little fella is growing so fast! I saw him when he was born on the panda cam, and can not believe he is this big already! I just adore animals, but Yun Zi is my favorite! Some day, maybe I will work here and be a vet for his grandchildren.
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Thank-You for all the info on the little fellow. But he sure isn’t so little anymore looking at the picture posted with this article! But he still is a cutie. Can’t wait to hear his little sounds that he makes, when I watch the video. Love him and love to mama bear also. XXOO
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Yayyyy! I got to see the new exam on our local news……I don’t have to wait until Friday to see the video….but of course I will watch that one several times…….
He sure makes a lot of noise…..what a wiggle worm…..
Its like he finally woke up to the world around him…..
I don’t think most animals take this long to really be aware of the world. I am amazed that he has taken 14 weeks to become this animated.
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:28 pm
LLooolll!!! What a funny update . Our little monster seems so lively and already independant!!! I can’t wait to see the new video of the 14th exam!!!
You rock Yun Zi!!!
Big hug to you Yun Zi
Sophie
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Oh, what a handful he has become! He looks so huge in your arms! I can’t wait to see the video. I can’t believe how much he has grown up in the past week. He has really caught the curiosity bug and it has been so awesome to watch the cams as he learns to walk and go up and down doorways. I try to imagine him once he has mastered it all, zooming around, but right now I feel like a mother, proud as a peacock, watching her child take his first steps and that seems to be exactly what Bai’s eyes and posture says. I love it!
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Oh precious little panda baby boy you are so loved by so many.I wait with great anticipation for your exams and videos every week. I am so happy you are doing so well. You bring such joy to me every day when I get home from work to see you on panda cam. You are AMAZING! Now, where is the video to go with todays exam. I need to see your hijinx with the doctors.
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Oh … thank you …thank you for the report. I did not want to “nag” but I just kept checking and checking for this last exam. I will be out of town for a couple of days … Sat and Sun … and was afraid I would have to wait until Monday …
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Mercy, what an armful he’s become! I cannot imagine anything cuter than this sweet boy.
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Once again looking forward to the tape on Friday to see our Sonny crawling around on the carpet/ He is getting so big so fast. But has not lost the crisma that calls out to you to reach out and touch him. To cuddle him a trait that will be with him forever I do believe.
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:57 pm
I love to watch the panda cam. I watch it constantly, all day long! It is my favorite thing to do. I like to say that I am Yun Zi’s number one fan! He is so adorable and I’m so happy that he is healthy! I cant wait to see the video tomorrow. I hope one day I’ll be able to see Yun Zi in person!!!!!!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Thank you for the update! It’s good to know that Yun Zi is doing well and growing more interested in exploring his surroundings. He’s such a cute fella! I wonder if he thinks the camera lens is a giant eye? He really does have a way of looking right into the camera as if to melt as many hearts as he can. Reminds me of Puss in Boots’ special look in ‘Shrek.’
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:10 pm
New attraction at the zoo…Comedy Club at Panda Research Station
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I can hardly wait for the video!
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Thanks so much for your much appreciated blog posts!
How many teeth will little Yun Zi have when he’s grown ?– and if he loses any will they grow back ? Also, if the cub is weaned at around 18 months… do you ever see evidence of baby’s teeth hurting mama?
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:12 pm
What’s the timeline when Yun Zi should be walking well enough to leave the den and go out on exhibit with Bai based on her other cub’s milestones?
Moderator’s note: Here’s the milestones page…
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Sounds like he will be a little hand full in future with his exams. He is growing so fast now he is a pure delight!
Looking forward to the video being available to watch, i just love watching him and hearing the sounds he makes.
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Truly living up to his earlier appellation of “Bruiser”–LOL. Can’t wait to see the video of our little superstar.
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Where is every one? I thought folks would be checking for the new blog and video!
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Ahhh, he’s adorable! Mom and I have been waiting all week for an update and we can’t wait to see the video tomorrow! What a delight he is!
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:43 pm
He is becoming a very active little boy I think there be no stopping him now. Can’t wait for the video Friday.
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:52 pm
How funny that the blog writer called Yunie a wiggleworm! We call him a silly little wigglebear all the time, especially when he rolls around on his back and taps his feet like he’s dancing. Baby P has good rhythm, that’s for sure.
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:56 pm
great exam YUN ZI. i’m glad to read that you are bigger and better than ever!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Remember when he was born and squealed and appeared ready to rumble? Seems he’s got a mind of his own. He’s such a pleasure to watch grow. Can’t wait to see the video.
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Maybe its just me, but it almost looks as though Yun Zi has been scooting all of the bamboo from the den up to the ledge so that he can step out easier. Is this correct? If so, he’s quite a smart little guy! I think almost every time I’ve looked in on him he’s been trying really hard to get out of the den. Pretty funny to watch Bai Yun wrangle him back inside! It has been so amazing watching him grow up!
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:59 pm
He is such a powderpuff boy! What a fat babybottoms! Can’t wait for the video. Here is a story about Yun Zi.
Vet
Vet #2
Babybottoms (Yun Zi)
Babybottoms: (squeak squeak) Hey camera! How are you doing do you speak panda?
oh arn’t you the cutest thing ever!
Vet: come on i got to weigh you stop wiggling!
Babybottoms: yeah i am a handsome fellow, aren’t i? Oh i forgot to put on my suit and tie on! Oh hey camera! And hello world! Here i come,(walk walk) i can do it (walk walk walk) ahh why are you turning me a round you arn’t mom but thats what mom does but she really blocks the den door! (squeak squeak , squeak squeak)
Vet 2: ahh i got to hear your heart and lungs stop wiggling! Ahh there you go, now to find out your weight, wow a whooping 15.9 Pounds!
Babybottoms: yeah oh we are going to the den again? (squeak squeak squeak)
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Bai Yun’s wish list:
diapers (still waiting on those diapers)
baby sitter
baby gate
lock (made of bamboo)
Yun Zi’s wish list
mom alert alarm
teething toys
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Well written, Jenny. Great post — I have the video already in my head. Can’t wait to see it.
And aren’t we all truly pandaholics………all of us just WAITING AND WAITING for this update. All with great anticipation.
Thank you!
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
oh man it seems like eternity waiting for the next exam lol…I love his lil black tail…I think that is the only time I can tell between a pandas with a lil marking…hah…now to check out his video..and thank you SDZ ..I love Gao Junior.
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Thanks Jenny – fabulous update – I can’t wait to see the video
My own panda countdown – only 10 more days until i see Wang Wang and Funi. Getting a little excited!
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:34 pm
As with thousands of other Yun Zi fans I too wait for the video…thank you for the description to give us an idea of what to expect…we are so spoiled in our “panda fervor”…I watch all the cubs in the U.S. zoos and think how lucky they are compared to that cub in the Thailand Zoo…I am actually surprised at its living quarters – I still watch the Thai cub and its mother but I can’t help but compare.
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Yeaaaaay! Our handsome little fella knows he’s a star!
I didn’t get to watch much today. From the supersonic playback it looked like he took shorter naps and had more active periods today.
I did catch him playing with his reflection in the back door again. On the other hand, I think that’s also the door the keeper takes him through for his exam. Maybe he was trying to figure out how to get through there and back to the spotlight!
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:59 pm
How soon will we know when his debut on exhibit will be? I’m starting to make my post-Christmas So-Cal plans, and we’d love to come visit, but we’ll probably save our zoo dollars for summer if he’s not out yet on 12/29-30!
Moderator’s note: We don’t have a date yet.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I have been keeping a pandacam “postcard” diary on my facebook and all my friends love to see my updates. One of the most recents was Mom carrying Yun Zi by the butt back into the den. During the day at work I’ll squeal and people will know it’s because Pandy and Mom are out. There was some great close-ups today. You should publish a photo book!! I’d buy it!
Can’t wait to see the exam! I bet wearing those gloves is hard when all you want to do is squeeze and cuddle!
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Another fun update – our Yun Zi gets cuter every day – what pawful for Kathy – she’s going to need a wheelbarrow next week.
To all those that complain about Yun Zi sleeping – read panda 101
1. A panda cub’s first job is to survive – they weigh 3-4 oz at birth & need momma panda 24/7 for the first couple of days.
2. Now we come to the fun stage – yep, a panda cub is growing up & tries to walk,
gets pooped out & takes a LONG nap
3. Yun Zi – now has a name – is walking in & out of the den -momma drags him back into den – is pooped out & needs another nap
A cub learns how to walk & fight with Mom as she drags her cub all over.
All of this is exhausting for a cub so they do spend a lot of time sleeping.
Mamma Bai takes any time she has alone before Yun Zi really becomes a “Royal Panda Pain”
And then we have pappa Gao spends his life as a panda – eating bamboo & sleeping
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:39 pm
I caught the little guy doing a SOMERSAULT- all by himself – the other day on the panda cam!! I don’t know if anyone else saw it (it was very late at night, maybe on Monday?). He stumbled into the den, put his head down, and rolled forward, then kept dancing around, playing by himself. I think he was asleep about 5 minutes later. SO CUTE!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Oh, he looks sooooooooo adorable in this photo – I can’t wait to see the video!!!!
I think sometimes we forget that pandas are born altricial, so what seems like “slow” development is just because we get to see a lot of the development that takes place inside the womb in other comparable mammals. Besides, animals that develop more outside the womb tend to be more cognitively flexible and intelligent – rather than have all of their skills inflexibly “pre-programed”, they do a lot of learning through interactions with others and their environment. Little Yunior is doing a lot of learning and growing as he plays with mom and the keepers, explores his environment, and sleeps! It’s a lot of hard work (and hard play (and hard napping!)) being a baby panda
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I can’t wait to see the video. He is such a joy to watch and usually makes a person laugh. I just wonder why he doesn’t leave the den more often. Today it looked like he heard something outside the door you get him out from the den and he was almost climbing up the wall and then just fell over – so cute! You guys must love your job.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Jenny what a sweet update. lol Tell me, is this the same little ole sleepy cubbie we thought would never be frisky? lol I think he is going to be a handful! Isn’t it beautiful to watch the nature of pandas? Thank you.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Wow…Kathy & Jennie almost 16 Pounds sounds and looks like a bowling ball with legs and now teeth,that wants to roll where he wants….LOL…;-) Almost like he knows Mom Bai Yun will have her paws full as she does her best Bulldozer routine to try and put Yunior where she wants him…;-) Lynn just got her nightly uplifting laugh session as I described to her Yuniors new antics as well as reading her everybodys wishes on getting well….To our SDZ(San Diego Zoo) & GPF(Global Panda Family) friends Lynn is hanging in there in a lot of pain today due to the bloodclot Stent Filters they put in yesterday and if it gets too bad they might put her into a Twilight Sleep tp prevent her from moving around with the risk of the Bloodclot moving …..If this happens I will let everybody know as I might go up to visit her this weekend if she is up and will need my Doxie Mom and other friends blogs to fill me in when I return…Thank-You : Dennis
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:48 pm
You all are so good with these blogs and it is nice to be kept so well informed.I look forward to the times I get on the panda cam to watch these beautiful animals.Bai Yi is so handsome and has grown so much and I think he always has been aware of the world around him but without being able to walk,he could only look.Now the little chunk of heaven is starting to find out how his legs work and that he can get into what ever he “hopefully”can get into or out of.I am looking forward to his public debut and how cute it is when they start exploring the outside.Keep up the good work because you have all done a wonderful job and these pandas are very fortunate to be able to have a good home,loving caretakers and many,many loving fans.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Yun Fi doesn’t seem interested in holding still for anyone today. There is a tussle going on right now between him and Bai Yun. He has all four feet going and his plump little body is wiggling about. Bai is flat on her back and keeps wrapping him up in her arms and he keeps wiggling away. Too cute.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Oh I can’t wait…love to have it on an just watch doing other things an look down an one click your there. So cute
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I told all you pandaholics before, he’s a ham for the cam!
Two or three exams ago, he kept eyeing the camera, as if he knew exactly what it was for, and gave his best, “Aren’t I the cutest little cub you ever saw?” look. Thank you, Jenny, for this update. I couldn’t help but laugh at the apparent frustration of everyone trying to control him. You need to make some big Bai Yun-size paws to pick him up and set him down, firmly, like mom. 
Looking forward to the video.
I’m hoping I’ll be able to see the video tomorrow before I leave for the weekend. My daughter and I are going to Atlanta for a possibly last opportunity to see Mei Lan, before she has to leave us. It will be fun to see Xi Lan too. No doubt, we will be teary. Lani is my daughter’s first panda-love. I’m so glad I was able to see my first love, Tai Shan, before he has to leave. (And I certainly did bawl when I had to leave.) Btw, I still haven’t got a response from NZ for a guesstimate time for his departure.
Hope you all have a great weekend. Weather forecast for Atlanta is SNOW, so wish us luck traveling.
Moderator’s note: Safe travels, Dianne!
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:05 pm
According to the Milestones chart, Butter should be having his public debut within the next 2-3 weeks. Can you tell us if there will be any advance notice when it will be? An annual pass to the zoo will probably be one of our Christmas gifts this year.
Can’t wait to see the video. He’s soooo super huge. Still want to have him for my own.
Moderator’s note: We will indeed let everyone know when we believe Yun Zi is ready to greet his adoring public. But it may still be a few weeks away. Each cub is different.
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Hello all my friends in Panda Land…I have a very hard time sleeping at night. So, when most of the East Coast is in bed, I am watching Panda Cam. So, I see Bai Yun and Yun Zi (who I call yz-man, as in “wise man) playing at 2-3 and 4o’clock in the morning. They are very, very active at that time. Mom is usually laying on her back, with her one paw over her eyes and yz-man is trying to bite her nose, her feet, sit on her head, and is just being a general nuisance. I have pictures of a lot of their play dates in the middle of the night. Then yz-man makes a run for the den opening and the arm that was over Bai’s eyes, quickly pulls him right back in. I really do not remember seeing the same play with Bai and Zhen Zhen when they were in the denning phase. Bai Yun even seems to hold him differenly. In the one video Doxiemom put out, I saw Bai walking with YunZi following her. She actually turned around, and was walking backward and watching to see how well YunZi was doing and if he was walking well enough to follow where she was going. Just an amazing momma bear taking stock of her son’s progress. For those people that think yz-man sleeps too much, he is wide awake and playing for a long time in the middle of the night. If anyone would like to see some pictures, just let me know and I can post some on flickr. I even have some of yz-man chomping on bamboo while mom is trying to hold him and get him settled. He deserves his sleep during the day because he is really a holy terror in the wee hours of the morning. I love watching both of them interact and play, love and eat together in what they think is their own little panda world. If only they knew how many people actually watch them day in and day out.
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:55 pm
That young man has definately got a mind of his own. Bai really is going to have trouble/fun getting him to toe the line. When I looked at the picture I couldn’t believe, like others, how big he is now. It sounds like you all had a great time at the exam! I shall look forward to the video later, after I’ve finished putting my Christmas decorations up.
December 4th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Cannot wait to see the next exam after reading your blog. So much enjoy the panda cam, and thanks for all the information.
December 4th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Yikes… I don’t remember Su Lin being this active at this age. I look forward to the video today.
December 4th, 2009 at 1:52 am
it is 1:45 am and there is a play session going on…I love it…
December 4th, 2009 at 3:01 am
Baby Yun is adorable and it has been my pleasure reading post about his weekly examination.
I read that Tai Shan is going to China soon and I suppose that Su Lin, as well.
I remember how sad moments we shared, when Mei Sheng went to.
December 4th, 2009 at 3:45 am
At least the cam shots that I have caught indicate that “Yunior” is very brave and a big traveler/explorer when he can see his mother and/or keepers but glad to stay at home (his den) when he can not see them. So adorable.
December 4th, 2009 at 3:57 am
Can hardy wait to see the video of exam. I have learned so much about Panda’s and that means all my friends have too as I give them the latest updte when ever we get toether. I can’t compliment you all enough on the way you have educated so many people about Panda’s and brought to our attention the habits of these wonderful bears. I had no idea the cubs were so tiny when they were born. To see big Bai Yun care for her little cub has been an amazing and inspiring experience for me and I thank you.
Nita from Butler, Missouri
December 4th, 2009 at 4:17 am
Oh my….he gets cutier every day! I just love those early morning cams when they are both snoozing. They look like 2 peas in a pod! Thank youeveryone for all your consistent loving work! Sincerely Joellen Megan
December 4th, 2009 at 4:36 am
I watch this little man every day and just laugh. As he has learned to walk it’s like watching a little train going up a big hill. Sometimes I just want to reach through the computer and give him a little push! Of course that will all be just a memory as our baby grows. In the early morning when mom is ready to feed him it is so adorable how she just grabs him and puts him where he needs to be. A few times it has almost looked like a little “spank” on the rear! Something tells me this little guy is going to need a few more pats on the black-spotted tail! I was in San Diego after he was born and visited his sisters who we must remember were under our watchful eyes for months just as brother is now
I love these updates and can’t wait until later for the video. Thanks for all your hard work.
December 4th, 2009 at 4:56 am
Yeah…I’m looking forward to the video. What spunk he appears to have. I would imagine he needs the sleep to help in his growth?
December 4th, 2009 at 5:00 am
Yun Zi is quite the handful. He has a mind of his own. Typical youngster who wants to do what he wants to do and when he wants to do it. He is growing by leaps and bounds. He is so cute.
December 4th, 2009 at 5:01 am
I love watching the Panda Cam. At times he’s so active trying to crawl away and other times it looks like he’s sleeping and his little legs are going a mile a minute. Some times late in the evenings when Bai Yun is with him he’s trying his best to crawl away and she’ll pull him back. I just love seeing that. He sure has grown. I can hardly wait for the video to see and hear him. Loved this read too. Thanks SDZ for the videos and the great updates.
December 4th, 2009 at 5:04 am
Right now he’s sleeping like my cats. He’s got his paws covering his eyes. Just to cute. I do envy his handlers and the vets getting to hold and cuddle him.
December 4th, 2009 at 5:38 am
I’m from the Uk and watch the panda from 7am UK time until late at night.He seems to be awake all night which is UK morning.The time here is 1.30pm and your clock shows 05.36am and mummy and baby are awake playing.
December 4th, 2009 at 5:41 am
Very sad news–the NZ will be holding a press conference today to announce the departure date for Tai Shan to go to China. We knew it was coming but it is still sad!
December 4th, 2009 at 5:44 am
Bai Yun…we’ve got a problem!! Your boy is on the move. And he won’t stop for anything.
December 4th, 2009 at 5:55 am
It’s a sad day in the panda world. Tai Shan is going back to China as will be announced this morning and looks like Mei and Tian are set to leave as well – the Washington Post is reporting details of their departure will be discussed in the Spring of next year
.
December 4th, 2009 at 6:08 am
I watch this little guy every Am and he starts my day with a smile. Watching him crawl out of the den and mom putting him back and him crawling right out again makes you forget that you are watching a Panda and not a typical baby who has learned to walk. Love it!!!
December 4th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Dear Brandy NY
So sorry about mistaking the names and asking if I sent you the picture I sent Brenda. I know you forgive me since we’ve already talked and I know you are really my friend and understand. I HONESTLY appreciate that more than you know but I do apologize anyway. Yun Zi loves the mirror Aunt Brandy sent him. He talks to and touches paws with the “other” panda cubbie all the time. I know they are sharing secrets as all little cubbies are supposed to so thanks for the beautiful and perfect virtual present .
pandanuts 4
Thank you for the kind words about our little Yun Zi. I guess at 15.9 lbs, I should probably stop calling him little, but he is still our baby. I’ve always believed that babies all grow on their own timetables, but I agree with you that our little guy is active , strong and very bright, Thank God. I believe he is going to do great things as he grows into a panda “man”. I’m glad we are all getting to enjoy this experience together.
December 4th, 2009 at 6:30 am
We visited the San Diego Zoo two years ago on vacation. We just loved your zoo!!!
It is so incredible to be able to watch this little guy grow . Your zoo does a great job with all the blogs and photos. We enjoy this website so much. I check it everyday and the panda cam too !!!
It brings me joy everyday to be able to catch a glimpse of the wonderful work that the San Diego Zoo does !!!!
Thanks
Michelle
Manchester, New Hampshire
December 4th, 2009 at 6:32 am
What a hoot! 6:25 a.m. on pandacam………Mom has brought into the den some boo and Yunior is having a blast playing with it……he’s tumbling all over the place and seems to be having the time of his life. He’ll straddle a stalk of boo, and then fall off his “horsey” and do it again. Then he went to check his little panda friend in the back door. Oh, is his personality coming out now! How can anyone NOT love this little guy with all of your heart?!
December 4th, 2009 at 6:33 am
You know we Panda fans love us a panda baby… However, Tracy… just a note… THEY HAVE TEETH… if you stick your finger in there… you may not always get it back… and considering our sweet little innocent baby.. (oh this is gonna be fun in a few weeks) had 12 teeth last week.. Being the shy sweet person that I am… and having the knowledge that things with teeth bite… NOT GONNA CHECK TO HARD FOR TEETH!!! I like my fingers where they are now… Now onto our little bundle of energy… We the panda nuts… have known the napping was leading up to something.. he was just so calm… quiet… and good… Just like our children… it’s the CALM BEFORE THE HUGE STORM!!! Poor Momma!!! Good luck keeping up with this one!!! He is rested now… she has had it!!! Keepers… I do hope he calms down for you all … but… enjoy watching him bounce off the walls for the next year or so… Thank you for the wonderful update! I look foward to his loudness to be on my screen all afternoon!!!
December 4th, 2009 at 6:44 am
It’s official. Tai Shan will soon be moving from the National Zoo to China.
December 4th, 2009 at 6:52 am
I have watched four of the five cubs grow up, starting with Mei Sheng, and I have thought all along that this was the wiggliest one I’ve seen. I think he will be very strong and (harder to handle) when he is grown up.
December 4th, 2009 at 7:26 am
woah hes soo big and growing so fast
December 4th, 2009 at 7:27 am
“Video, Video, Video!!”
December 4th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Just read a news blurb that Tai Shan is going back to China. No details were given and no news yet on their website. Tai remains my favorite panda – the first one I watched extensively online. Oh how I hope Tian Tian & Mei Xiang produce another cub this spring. It must be really hard on the NZ panda team to be losing Tai with all Mei’s recent pseudopregnancies, while SDZ just keeps churning them out every 2 years.
Now to cheer myself up I will watch the latest exam video of Yun Zi.
December 4th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Yunior does look huge in the keeper’s arms, but he only (ONLY!) weighs 15.9 pounds–must be all fur/hair!
Love it when Bai Yun has to get him to calm down!! Pulling him back, pulling him back, over and over. I laughed reading about how Bai Yun was oblivious to Yun Zi’s squeals while being examined. Maybe her bamboo crunching muffled the squeals and she pretended she didn’t hear them.
December 4th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Tai Shan’s departure from the NZ for China is expected to be in January. As soon as permits are finalized and Tai’s “crate” training is anticipated to be complete, a final date will be set.
December 4th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Oh, unfair!!!! The local TV station showed the video of the exam, according to #10, and the thousands of pandaholics have to wait???? What’s that about? Just kidding. We’re all so happy to have the opportunity to see these precious moments at all. How can a little panda capture so many hearts?
December 4th, 2009 at 8:08 am
OH NO! National Zoo has annouced that Tai Shan will be sent to China in early 2010. Hate to see him go as he is the first baby at NZ. I am sure that he will do well, though.
December 4th, 2009 at 8:12 am
Me again!
Interesting info posted by the NZ on preparations for Tai’s departure. The SDZ is also mentioned.
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/FrequentlyAskedQuestions/TaiShanChina.cfm
December 4th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Oh how cute – more and more each passing day! I love to watch him “entertain” himself when he’s alone in the den. That little black dot on his tail – he’s just precious! And after reading your blog – he’s got a mind of his own! Thanks again for the update and letting us live through your experiences with “Yunior”.
December 4th, 2009 at 8:36 am
He’s just adorable….first Mei Lan, now my baby boy Tai Shan leaves for China next month or Feb….I’m so sad….I Love that baby boy so much since I saw him squeeze through the window to escape….Nat’l Zoo asked if they would let him stay until Tian and Mei Xiang loan expired end of 2010, but, they said no- need him there…:-(
December 4th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Monday, Dec. 4….It’s official. The National Zoo announced this morning that Tai Shan will be leaving Washington, for his Motherland, in “early 2010″. I suspect January or February. I am officially in mourning. It is tearing my heart out! I’m just grateful to have seen him the one time.
December 4th, 2009 at 8:49 am
What a cutie! I have been on pins and needles all week waiting for the exam. I really enjoyed watching him and mom roaming around the other day. And this morning it looked like he was trying to munch on bamboo in the den. I am excited to see the video of him using his independence. Once again great work.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Thank you, Jenny, for a very enlightening post. All the way to the end, I was smiling and giggling while reading your post. I am imagining all of you whose involve in Yun Zi’s exam, trying to be professionals when all you want is to squeeze and hugged him. he is beyond adorable, isn’t he? A week ago, I was watching Mom and Yun Zi and Bai was trying to clean him up but he wriggled so much, Bai had a hard time holding them up.
Thanks for a good read, Jenny. Yun Zi, you are indeed a STAR….Hello to Su Lin and Zhen-Zhen and Daddy Gao. I miss you all. I’ll see you soon…I promise.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Camerapeople,
Should we all leave you alone so you can get the video up faster??? Thanks for working so hard. We love you for everything you do
Debi 12
If we all feel like peacocks, can you imagine how incredibly proud Bai Yun must be feeling. I love her as much as I love Yun Zi. And let’s not forget the wonderful gene contribution from daddy Gao Gao.
Moderator,
Thanks for letting me know that the animal nurseries at the zoo and Wild Animal Park need baby blankets. I wanted to send one to Yun Zi but I guess you’re right, NOTHING could possibly beat mommy, especially the Queen of all Mommies “Bai Yun”. I adore her. But I will be sending some blankies to the nurseries. Thanks.
Also, any idea when the video of exam #14 will be ready for viewing? I’m trying but I’m just so impatient today-sorry. Thanks for everything you do moderator, we love you for it.
Love and Happy Panda-Day to everyone in our growing panda family!!!
Moderator’s note: As of 9:30 a.m. our diligent videographer was putting the finishing touches on the video. It should post within the hour.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Tai Shan will be leaving for China early 2010 per an email rec’d today from NZ. No specific date listed but they are starting to prepare him for the trip. I’m so sad…..his birth introduced me to pandacam and got me hooked on the pandas.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Do you think we will ever have microphones placed in the den and exhibit areas like the NZ has so we can listen to the Panda’s interactions and hear moderator and visitors comments? I guess all of the GPF can hope for a nice Corporate Sponser to come along like Fuji Film did at the NZ to help pay for future upgrades as viewing has gotten better with each cub born at the SDZ….Any idea if the video mechanical issues have been worked out from exam 14 yet and when it will be posted? Any possibility of getting a live feed with the next exam ? Thank-You all at SDZ for caring for these wonderful creatures and giving us Global Pandaholics an oportunity to participate in this forum as the more people we can educate on Pandas and all other wildlife that are Endangered or Extinct in the wild a chance to live free…. All you have to do is watch Jeff Corwin’s Documentary “100 Heartbeats” to see how fragile the planets eco-system has become as it has now come out in print as well and would make a great gift for the Holidays as it is a shame that many creatures are now within a heartbeat of facing total extinction unless we all can get together Globally and tell our Politicians that we will not tolerate their indifference to nature any longer….
December 4th, 2009 at 9:29 am
I have a few questions about the exams.
1. Fess up. Do any of you ever kiss him?
2. What happens when he is too big to carry?
3. Now that he has teeth, what precautions do you take to be sure you don’t get bitten?
4. When do the more personal exams stop and the training and examing through cages start?
Thank you! I can’t wait for the video!!
December 4th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Jenny, thank you for a wonderful up-date on our little (huge from that angle) prince. Mentioning the carpet which had been rolled out for him I hope that it was “the” red one in order to honour the cutest panda baby! I cannot wait, like everybody else, to watch the video. Gosh, he certainly loves the camera and all the attention he has been getting so far. Mommy Bai is going to have exciting times on her paws. It was interesting to read that she did not really bother about Yun Zi squealing a bit. I guess she knows exactly what kind of squealing it is by the tone of his voice, fear or sort of anger. Am I right in assuming this?
Moderator’s note: Yun Zi would give a very different cry if he was scared.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:34 am
I understand that Yun Zi’s exam yesterday will be featured on “Inside Edition” at 7:30-8 PM tonight.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:35 am
#33 Britney — Very cute.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Widget #52–post those pictures!!!
December 4th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Regarding Jeff Corwin’s 100 Heartbeats…
All of the GPF have been helping thru turning more and more people into Pandaholics with the Yunior blogs and webcams…We can make a difference if we all get together Globally and tell our Leaders that our own survival as a species will become endangered as well unless immediate action is taken to turn around the current plight of all species in the wild…..
December 4th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Pleeeeease post the video!!
December 4th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Is there any chance of a video of what Liana #5 saw? I would love to see Bai settle Yun Zi down… Sometimes you can almost imagene her patiently sighing as he challenges her…
December 4th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Boy, is he getting BIG, and moving around like crazy. Bai is really going to have a time with this one. Thanks everyone for the updates. And like everyone else, can’t wait for the Video.
December 4th, 2009 at 10:01 am
My heart is breaking with the news of Tai Shan’s imminent departure. Tai Shan was my first panda baby and has always had such a special place in my heart. I knew this time would come, but a little part of me always held out hope that maybe China would let him stay even longer. I am really hoping that I can get to the NZ to see him before he goes. It’s a good 5 hour trip, but it would be worth it.
How do the keepers do it? How do they say goodbye to these sweet bears? I am sitting here crying, and I only know Tai through Panda Cam. I cannot imagine how emotional the keepers get.
#84 Laurie – thanks for the link. It was full of great – and sad – info.
P.S. Little Yunnie, I haven’t forgotten about you. Your latest antics make me smile.
December 4th, 2009 at 10:01 am
No video yet??????????????????????? OMG, need my chubby little man YunZi fix today………………………LOL…………….
Will check back later…………..
December 4th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Interesting article link from Laurie #84.
Question for the keepers: Do you use clicker training on your Pandas as well?
December 4th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Hello sweet Yun Zi! Our morning starts with watching you and your mummy. We love watching you sleep, we love watching you play – you are the most incredible sweet little boy ever!
With big love from Moscow (Russia)
Мы любим тебя, ты лучший!
December 4th, 2009 at 10:42 am
#69 Kathy
The NZ will be renegotiating the lease on Mei and Tian starting sometime next Spring (per the NZ website–see paragraph 4 after clicking on the link below). It sounds like they will be trying to keep them instead of sending them back to China. The lease on the two of them ends at the end of 2010. They are also planning to breed Mei and Tian again–hopefully, we will have a baby to ease the pain of losing Tai to China!
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/
December 4th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Whenever I have a bad day, I just look at the panda cam and feel so much better. Little Yun Zi is getting to be quite a handful but is still so precious. Can’t wait to see the video. At times, it almost looks like he is trying to eat the leaves of the bamboo stick that mom brings in–at least that’s what it looks like. Could this be possible? Thank you again for all your information and give baby and mama a hug and kiss.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:02 am
#98..Dennis & Lynn: Truer words were never spoken. So many leaders are in denial, and unless we can turn this thing around….we are all doomed. But the wildlife will go first. Yes, it’s sad, but true.
#91….Dee: I know exactly what you are saying. My heart is breaking.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:04 am
So, there is a report just posted on the internet that 4 yr old Tai Shan is heading to China in January, or February of 2010. Requests were made by the National Zoo to keep Tai Shan a bit longer but China declined the request. Does this mean that since per China’s agreement with the US., that offspring are to go back to China at 2 yrs of age as the article states, and Su Lin is 4, that she will be leaving us in January or February of 2010 as well, or does The San Diego Zoo have a different agreement with China then the National Zoo ? I know Su is to leave soon regardless, but I was hoping to come see her in the next few months. Can the SDZ clarify this ? Thanx !
Moderator’s note: Su Lin will be going to China, but no date has been established.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Just watched Bai Yun come into the den and drag Yun Zi outside by the scruff of his neck and front leg…..Almost like a mother telling Yunior it’s a nice day outside go out and play!!!!LOL…..I guess she must want to clean out the den again….Are there any maps of diagrams available of the sunroom and classroom area in relation to the different cameras so we can get a perspective on where Bai Yun and Yunior are? Lynn was a little sad about Tai Shan’s NZ departure as he and Lin Lin were our first Pandas from butterstick to mature Pandas…….Any word on Lin Lin’s (Sue Lin’s) departure yet? Video of exam 14? Or anymore photos available? Thank-You
Moderator’s note: Gee, Dennis, I hate to say “no,” but…no, we don’t provide diagrams of our animal holding areas; no word on Su Lin’s departure date. Video should be up soon, though!
December 4th, 2009 at 11:20 am
#95 Carole – thanks for the heads up about the TV show.
I find it’s hard to read about any of the pandas going back without tears. Mei Lan is my first baby and I get a big lump in my throat just thinking about it now. What will I be like when she actually leaves?
My one big goal is to get over to China to see her again. It’s a dream I very much hope to make a reality! It gives me hope when I read about other bloggers going!!
December 4th, 2009 at 11:32 am
it’s 11:30….any idea when the video will be released? hmmmmm
December 4th, 2009 at 11:33 am
# 108 Dianne in Texas…….I just went to MSNBC’s site and Jeff Corwin’s comments on the live video preview are harsh but true “A species of plant or animal becomes extinct due to man every 20 minutes.” He gives as examples how in Sumatra they are down to less than 200 Tigers and Elephants in the wild,as well as predictions for the demise of the Orangutans in the wild are also becoming a reality …..This is a Reality Bite that must be taken and hopefully we all can turn things around before we cause our own demise as well…
December 4th, 2009 at 11:49 am
I’m with Dee in Mi., Tai Shans birth got me started on my way to pandaholism and feel sad they will be sending him to China. Are they ready for him after the devastating earthquake a while back? Can’t wait for the latest video.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:50 am
my heart is breaking at the news of tai my first born child going home. we will be sending so many babies back in a short time, susie q, lani and now tai. hope the video is up soon, i need something to stop the tears.
December 4th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Only one word can describe that new video PRICELESS
December 4th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
#106 Laurie – Oh, thank you for giving me some hope that Mei & Tian might be able to stay here. I didn’t realize their lease was coming up in a year. I fell so in love with Mei watching her go through her last pseudo pregnancy……it broke my heart watching her cradle her Kong, ball, & drain grate. Losing her, Tian, and Tai & Mei Lan & Su Lin all in one year is awful. And then what if ZA can’t get enough money to keep their panda family?! Quick – someone write to Oprah to pitch in some money to ZA! Oh, what would we do without the power of a baby panda to cheer us up?! Thank you SDZ for all the pandacams, infomation, blogs, etc.
December 4th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Ok the DT’s have started… when can we expect the exam video??? Panda nuts need their fix… We are all sitting here in the office… having to work because we can’t sit and watch the video over and over… this working thing… YUCK!!! We need our video fix… I have watched all the others 4 times today already…. my coworks are going to form a revolt and block me soon… HELP!!!
Moderator’s note: It’s up!!!!
December 4th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
My sweet Zhennie needs a bigger tree!
And Auntie Frances needs the 14th exam video!
December 4th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Loved seeing the video from down at his level. What a handful now. And he is, as always, sooooo adoraaaaable!
December 4th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Just saw the 14th Video. Yun Zi sure is a handful. Bai Yun was thinking that she is just going to relax and eat her bamboo and let the doctors handle her baby for a while. Bai Yun was thinking that she needed a break.
December 4th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Just viewed the l4th Panda Cub exam and it was certainly lively with the little pumpkin head moving
so quickly. He is just adorable and it is a joy to watch him grow. Love the blogs.
December 4th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Pandas are not an evolutionary dead-end. If the species goes extinct it will be another human-caused extinction. Watching Bai and her babies gives us a powerful understanding of just what it takes to make a baby panda. Bai eats constantly because she is making rich milk out of bamboo. Fortunately, her keepers supplement her nutrition. In her native country, wild mother pandas must forage over a wider and wider territory to feed their infants. Habitat loss means weak mothers and cubs. Weak cubs don’t reproduce successfully. We’ve seen this in many other species. Many of us “get it.” Many, many others do not.
December 4th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I’ve been watching Yun Zi since he was the size of a stick of butter.
I’ve been waiting anxiously, just as all of us pandaholics have, for him to start crawling. Thanks so much for capturing a GREAT video. I love how you all end the videos with him “waving” at us! 
He’s too cute. I can’t wait until I can get out to San Diego to see him in person (hopefully next year).
December 4th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
that little guy is just the cutest thing on the face of this earth! I could just squeeze him! Made my day watching the video!!
December 4th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Wonderful video!!! I’ve got tears in my eyes watching that little guy take off!
December 4th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
The wait is over
Video of exam 14 is Priceless!!! Although….If I were editing….I definitely would have had 90% of the ‘walk-about’ and 10% of the exam. Or, I would have made a really long video of every single second 
Great Job Staff 
Thanks so much for providing. 
December 4th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
The video was worth the wait. What a darling! Thanks panda staff and moderator for all you do.
December 4th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
He will be doing the baby panda “trot” soon! Thank you for the videos, I am enjoying the weekly progress reports.
December 4th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I agree with Bobbie #127. We need longer videos! LOL! But I do appreciate any video of baby Yun Zi. He’s so precious… and such a male. LOL
December 4th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
OMG, I just saw the latest video…HE IS SOOOO CUTE, I could just eat him up!! I love the little squeeks he makes and watching him walk on the floor…he is just to cute! Enjoy the information you give us all the time and especially enjoy the videos. This was the best by far as far as I’m concerned. Thank-you again SDZ and staff. Wish I could be one of you!!
December 4th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Love the video! Love Kathy’s narration! Yep, Bai Yun is going to be a mom on the go from here on out. Of course it was hard to wait for this video, but it was well worth it. Thanks!
December 4th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Just saw the video and all I have to say is “MORE, MORE, WE WANT MORE!!!” What an armful he is. Just loved watching him try to get free. His walking is definitely coming along well, too. Just delicious!
Thanks for the great post and video. Can’t seem to get enough of this little guy, although I also am saddened that Tai will be leaving NZ. He was my first cubbie too, and by watching him with Mei I learned so much that I had never even contemplated. I’ll miss him!
December 4th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
#106 Laurie: Thank you the link Laurie, I was worried when I read the first report this morning and now I am relieved. It would have been devestating to have them all go.
Just watched the latest video of our little Yun Zi…precious!
December 4th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
How sweet that when allowed to walk about, Baby headed straight for Kathy. That’s a tribute to the way the keepers make the little guy feel that people are ok.
December 4th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
That video is priceless, as is Yun Zi.
Having “survived” Hua Mei and Mei Sheng leaving SDZ, I empathize with all of you who will be watching Tai Shan and Mei Lan (as your first babies) leave. It’s tough, I can tell you. But also having seen both Hua Mei and Mei Sheng in China, I know they are happy and doing very well. The quarters are spacious and filled with trees and the keepers are marvelous. These bears will be well taken care of in their new home.
And we will still have Zhen Zhen, Xi Lan and Yun Zi to watch grow up.
December 4th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
#97 Frances…ask and you shall receive! I have a lot more to go thru, but here are the first 10 or so….and if there should be a picture of my great-grandson mixed in there somewhere….oops! How did THAT happen?
link..http://www.flickr.com/photos/90269102@N00/
December 4th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
He is wonderful. The fun days are really beginning…will be great to watch the interaction between Bai Yun and Yun Zi as he gets more mobile. I look forward to many happy hours of watching them.
December 4th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Oh my goodness! I just saw the video. He is soooo adorable. Chatty little guy and boy did he want to get moving and have his own way. Bai definitely has her paws full, but he is really getting down the walking and I bet by the next exam his back legs will be much stronger. He made a lot of improvement in the past week in mobilization. I love him! I loved the way you put him on the carpet to just wander about. I think he was heading back to the den! lol I so want to play with him. Did he offer you boo?
December 4th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Yun Zi is such beautifully developed little Panda!
Mama’s bamboo milk must be very nutritious, he has grown so strong.
It was a joy to watch him today with gentle, caring Kathy.
Thank you for sharing his exam with his doting public!
You all made my day!……and I imagine all the Panda lovers are ecstatic with “Our Baby”!
‘Til next week!
December 4th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
You say the spot on his tail is still there…oh no! Is it going to disappear someday??? I LOVE that spot….. = – (
Moderator’s note: It seems the spot is here to stay.
December 4th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
The latest video is fantastic… baby Yun become a feisty boy! I love baby boys ( Mei Sheng, Tai Shan, Xi Lan and Baby Yun)! They love fighting with their moms and it’s funny to watch them.
Mei Lan and Tai Shan is going to China next year… it is sad to noticed that the little ones grew up enough to live by themselves. I’m afraid that Su Lin is also scheduled to departure.
December 4th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
look out world, here comes yuni!
he looks very determined on his motoring.
kathy h. you won’t be able to heft this guy much longer.
now, the fun of watching our sonny is just beginning.
hugs, son.
joan
painted post, n.y.
December 4th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
DoxieMom, where art thou??? This video is just enough to tease! I need some video where our baby is actually MOVING! I read of how active he is, but, alas, he just snoozes the day away…
December 4th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I am just heartsick that our beloved Tai Shan will be returning to China soon
Knew the day was coming but just hoping 
He was the first panda I watched from birth & his antics still make me laugh.
So watching the video of Yun Zi made me laugh “) Thanks
December 4th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
#136 Mary from Brooklyn
Thank you for your words of comfort. It is very difficult to see my first baby, Tai Shan, leave and Mei Lan was my second baby. I just got hooked on SDZ when Yun Zi was born, so I was not around for Hua Mei and Mei Sheng. Now we have Su Lin who will be leaving soon as well. It is heartbreaking.
December 4th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Thank you, Widget #137 for posting the pix. That and the new video have made me a happy person this Friday afternoon!
December 4th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Isn’t he the most adorable, awesome, cutest, handsomest, marvelous, prodigious, stupendous, etc., etc., etc. thing you have ever seen?
December 4th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Bai Yun…..Where are you ? 6:52 pm EST and Chubbie Cubby just woke up from a long afternoon nap. He looks like he is hungry and pitching a fit ! Perhaps Mommy’s hearing needs to be checked.
December 4th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I am watching Yun Zi lying flat on his back inside the den. It almost appears that he is trying VERY hard to get himself back on his feet. With 4 chubby legs moving in the air, it almost looks like a turtle on its back, unable to turn itself over! Kind of fun to watch for me right now!
Perhaps he will soon wear himself out and fall asleep. Maybe Mama Bai Yun will come to the rescue soon. =)
December 4th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
All right… I just saw the video, and it is by far, the most adorable one for me. Yun Zi was just being one determined boy, trying to flex his muscles and exercise his will with the staff! Can’t wait to see him walking around in the exhibit area! =)
December 4th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Thank you so much for the adorable video of Yunior being uncooperative during his exam. It lightened my heart on such a sad day. I am absolutely inconsolable about Tai Shan even though I knew he would eventually have to leave for China. At least he’ll have his cousin Susie with him along with Lani from ZA. Why oh why do so many of the cubbies have to go to China at once?
December 4th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Thanks for nice video of 14th exam.
Conversation with Bai Yun #24
Yun Zi: Mama.
Bai Yun: Yes, dear.
Y: Where were you a few minutes ago?
B: Oh, the sun room, dear. So how was your fourteenth exam?
Y: Oh, I was told I was fast and quick on my feet.
B: Ah, your first time down on the carpet?
Y: And there were interesting smells.
B: Lots of shoes and feet, huh?
Y: Yes, and then there was Mr. Ken the photographer.
B: He had nice cologne?
Y: Yup, and he let me get close to his camera.
B: Oh, fascinating.
Y: But the ladies kept turning me back.
(In Gao Gao’s yard)
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: So here you are with your catalog again.
G: Yup. Yun Zi wants to order a camera.
T: A camera?
G: He says Mr. Ken offered him photography lessons.
T: Oh, for his kungfu movie productions.
G: And for taking photos of the people and procedures at his physical exams.
December 4th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
LOL…….Wow, YunZi sure wants to motor around on the blanket and play with all of you during his exam, but it seems all he wants to do when hes in the den is sleep! Get up little man, build those muscles up and get scottin’. LOL. He’s so adoreable. ZZ is my special girl and she has a very special baby brother. Just can’t get enough of him, even though it seems all he does is sleep. I know, I know, before long he will be trucking all over the place and then make his debut……ooohhhhh, but to keep him a baby just a wee bit longer……..LOL…… Thank you for the video….. update…………
December 4th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
After hearing on our news that our San Diego zoo used to pay China a million dollars a year to lease a panda (China did lower it to $500,000 recently) and we never made up the money in sales of merchandise and tickets, perhaps the Washington zoo is ready to send back the panda rather than China wanting it back at this time.
Wouldn’t China want to make money off of him and not have to feed him as he ages?
I don’t understand the lease terms at all. Perhaps the panda team would enlighten us as to why China requests the pandas back at different times. Don’t they have enough for breeding over there? We seem to do a good job at continuing the breed here.
I could see us trading pandas thru out our own zoos just for genetic purposes rather than send them back to China.
December 4th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Wow, this exam video is great! Yun Zi was like a panda of perpetual motion! I love his sweet panda wobble. He is absolutely adorable. I’m always amazed by how big he looks in comparison to people vs. how small he still looks (to me) in the den and next to Bai Yun. Thanks for a much-needed smile.
I also love the picture of Yun Zi on the adopt-a-panda link next to the panda cam window. He looks like he’s got a big smile on his face. He is so charming!
Kathy Hawk, I love how much you and your fellow keepers love the pandas! It makes me happy to see the looks on the faces of the keepers and vets when they’re around Yun Zi. I know that the pandas are much loved!
I’ve been missing the handsome and winsome Gao Gao…Hope he is doing well and knows that all of his admirers think of him often and with much affection.
December 4th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
#14th check up
Baby bottoms
Babybottoms: I don’t like this at all, bye let me go!!!!!
(squeak squeak, squeak squeak) What is going on here? I like the attention.
I got to talk to my agent, about this! But first before you go, get a picture of my walking! This is my best angle.
Hey,I did not know I was going to be on camera today, what is this TMZ? Hey back off!!!!
December 4th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
#153 P. Wong love Bai and Yunior conversation also Daddy Gao Gao. I know it was coming but I hate to finally hear it our precious Tai Shan is leaving us for China there will be tears on my part. I hope he fines a beautiful panda over there and have many little baby fur black and white balls.
Nexts comes Su Lin and Mei Lan this is coming to be a heart breaking spring.
December 4th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Here is a conversation, between Yun Zi and Momma Bai.
Bai Yun
Yun Zi (babybottoms)
Y: Hey momma, where were you?
B: munching on boo, how was your exam?
Y: Fine but i wish they would have let me run and walk away! They kept pulling me back.
B: Oh well now it is bedtime, time to zzzzz away and dream of me cleaning you all up!!
Y: AHH momma why would i want to dream about that, i have to defend and practice my punch mom’s nose panda moves on you enough as it is. zzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZ
B: ahhhh he is asleep and now i can go to sleep.
Y: (punch punch) good she is alseep now i can hide in the garden room and sun room, and who knows maybe the classroom too. B)
December 4th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I have always loved boys of any species. And this one is special — like his big brother, Mei Sheng. Like most panda aficionados, the first panda cub we observe ( Mei Sheng in my case) always has a special place in our hearts — but this baby is sure to be a close second.
December 4th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Hi, you all! Well, I got this news from 3 sources–my MSN home page, MSNBC website video page, and the NZ website panda page! Just went thru all of that tonite! Tai Shan is headed to China in 2010!! :’( I had this strong feeling in my brain over the last day or so about Tai going to China sometime in 2010 on or before his 5th birthday on July 9, 2010. It looks like my brain’s message was confirmed today with this news! It’s been a couple of years since we all said goodbye to Mei Sheng when he went to China, and now we will all have to say goodbye to Tai Shan when he leaves NZ. They don’t have a definite date of when he’ll be leaving because they have to get paperwork and permits done, and the keepers will need to start training Tai to get into a travel crate and feel comfortable in it. I’m guessing that when all of that is done, Tai will leave the US by May, 2010, if not sooner. He will be headed to Wolong/Bifengxia Panda Center. We already had to say byebye to Fu Long when he left Austria for China last week (I think he went to either Bifengxia or Chengdu). Next, we will be getting ready to say byebye to Mei Lan in Atlanta as she is due to leave sometime in 2010 for Chengdu, China. Before long, it will be Su Lin’s turn to leave SDZ for China. She will turning 5 years old in August, 2010; Su and Tai are one month apart in their birthdays. As we all know by now, we get into an uproar when one of these precious pandas that were born right here in the USA have to go to Chinaand we want to keep them here, but there are agreements with all 4 zoos that house the pandas that the zoos must go by when it’s time to send pandas to China. Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are also due to go back to China a year from now, December, 2010. Everybody is hoping that Mei will have a good estrus season, have a good AI procedure, and have her second cub next year. That will ensure her staying for another couple of years at NZ if and when that does happen. So—-keep your fingers crossed for next spring!
Read the stats of Yuni’s 14th exam tonite! Are you kidding me??? 16 pounds!?! WOW!!! This cub did do some more growing in the last week! You can’t tell that he’s grown from watching him on the pandacam. That’s almost a 2 pound weight gain for this little fluff muffin! Gonna watch that video of him moving around, because based on the update, this boy has been motoring! No wonder he’s so wiggly!! Just caught him on the cam, and he was walking out of cam view! Good boy, Yuni!
Doxiemom, been watching the vids you’ve been sending our way! They are good, cute, adorable, and fun to watch! Keep them coming, ok? I also saw a couple of conversations, but haven’t read them yet. Will be doing that, too!
Well, I’m going to be getting on the Tai Shan pandacam a little bit more until he leaves the US! He will be a huge benefit for Wolong because his genes are so special.
Gonna go for now. Will be back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: We still have 2 other cubs that we can still watch on pandacams for 2-3 more years—Xi Lan in Atlanta, Yun Zi in San Diego! They won’t be leaving for quite sometime!
December 4th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Have to agree with Widget, #52. Little Yun Zi is a night owl. I’m also on the East Coast and can only watch the panda cam at night. I usually plug in about 7:30 p.m. EST and watch until at least midnight during the week and longer on weekends. He is always very quiet and sleeping at the beginning of the night and seems to come alive about 11:30 p.m. EST. I love watching him play and scoot around the den. The other night, Bai was lying in the doorway and Yun Zi was trying to get out the door. Bai just kept pushing him back in with her nose and at one point her paw was across his path – foiled again! He always brings a smile to my face, no matter what kind of day I’ve had. Can’t wait until he starts to explore his area outside the den.
I and my son, who was about 8 at the time, got to see Hua Mei just before her first birthday when we took a trip to San Diego and visited the Zoo and the Wild Animal park. What an experience. I’ll never forget it. It was my first panda experience and I’ve been in love ever since. Love the cam and the posts. Thanks for sharing your experiences and all the wonder information about pandas. I’ve learned so much since Hua Mei. Thank you for doing a wonderful job.
December 4th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
i had been busy all day ,when i got a call from my daughter, saying that nbc national news mentioned that tai shen will be leaving us soon. i am really heartbroken,but knew it was coming. i was so excited when we all moved to richmond and could visit the n,z.. we went there last month, but i dont know if we will get there before tai leaves. i said my goodbyes then . lets hope mei and tian get to stay longer and have a baby this year. i felt so bad this year when she had a pseudopregnancy. i used to watch her all night.it will be heartbreaking to see all three of our pandas leave. hopefully we could see three cubs born this year- mei, lun lun, and yaa yaa. that would be awesome!!!! I love watching the s.d. panda family. would love to visit, but we are on the other coast . thanks to all the staff for keeping us informed with the blogs and cams
December 4th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Oh yeah, I forgot about ZZ! We’ll be able to watch her on pandacam for a couple of more years as well! Tai shan was my first baby panda cub to watch on the NZ pandacam on my computer! That was after I heard on the news about his birth on TV! Got on the NZ website’s panda page, and darn it, I got hooked just watching this tiny cub start to grow, develop, and reach all of those many milestones in his 4 years of life! Now, Tai will be reaching a brand new milestone in his life—reaching adulthood and heading to China for a new life and hopefully being a daddy soon!
BTW, speaking of panda daddys, has anyone ever found out whether Mei Sheng was the father of the cub that was born this summer (sorry, forgot the mother panda’s name that he mated with!)? Been trying to find that out lately, but haven’t gotten any news on that yet. Let me know, ok?
Now, I’m really gonna go for now! Back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
December 4th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Tai was my first baby too. It is because of him that I became a pandaholic. A couple of years ago, it seemed like he was going to his eventual home in China. So we’ve been blessed to have him this long. While my heart is truly breaking for my first baby, I know he has special work to do for the panda world.
Too, too cute video. What a boy. How happy he makes me.
Time is prohibiting me from reading all the posts. Hope all is well with everyone. Especially all those who are have “bumps” in their roads.
P. S. I’m hoping for a Christmas gift — a trip to SDZ after the first of year. Keep your fingers crossed for me! If not, I’m getting it for myself. Can I come to beautiful San Diego and just keep coming to the panda canyon!?
Moderator’s note: You bet, Linda A.!
December 4th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Thanks for the video. Yun Zi is very cute.
December 4th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
I WATCHED THE NEWS ABOUT TAI…THEY MADE IT SOUND LIKE CHINA WAS THE BAD GUY…I KNOW HOW SPECIAL HE IS AS HE WAS THE FIRST CUB TO SURVIVE AT THEIR ZOO.
I WENT FROM CALIFORNIA TO WASHINGTON D.C. AND WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO SEE HIM 5 TIMES IN 4 DAYS
WHEN HE FIRST WAS ALLOWED TO BE VIEWED WHEN HE WAS VERY TINY.
EVERYONE IS SAD TO SEE HIM GO.SAN DIEGO HAS HAD TO LETGO OF 2 OF OUR BABIES…WE MADE AGREEMENTS WITH CHINA AND THAT IS THE WAY IT GOES. THERE WILL BE A TIME THAT LITTLENYUN ZI WILL BE GOING HOME. WE JUST NEED TO STAY IN THE NOW AND CHERISH EVERY MOMENT WE HAVE WITH OUR PANDAS…….
December 4th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
It was great to come home from a long hard work day and watch master yun zi’s latest exam.. Wow is he growing. I also enjoy reading the blog and links that you all suggest. It was funny to hear the growing chorus of pandaholics needing their panda-fix. Thank you Mr. Videographer. Didn’t know you had to work under so much pressure. But thanks. I loved all yun zi’s little squeaks of indignation. He looks so much bigger in the exam than he seems on the panda cam.
December 4th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
No baby at SDZ right now. But Lin Ping is going CRAZY with a little blue towel. She is a hyper, silly little girl. And adorable.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
That Tai will be returned to China, it’s very very sad and bad. why should he be back? China already has many pandas, Tai can stay USA and start family here, just rent a girl panda from China for Tai. Tai does not like apple with rotten core!! And that Sulin!
oh ,one sad spring of 2010,
December 4th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Widget (#52) Thanks! FYI–we’ll always want to see photos & videos of Yun Xi, so please keep posting!
Thanks!
December 4th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
would anyone at the SDZ know if the area’s damaged by the earthquake in China a few years ago are ready for another panda from the U.S.A.? I would hate to see Tai Shan leave. What a handsome boy he is.
December 5th, 2009 at 12:17 am
How funny and vocal he is. He reminds me of my son when he was small. They can’t sit still. What a cutie. I knew that would not change. I am glad to know he still has that spot on his tail. I can tell that the exams are more harder now. Maybe they would be easier after he nurses a bit. Then his tummy would be full and he would be more mello. Good luck to all of you and great job you are doing. Always look forward to the updates. I got to see Hua Mei at the zoo when she was little, and I have enjoyed the web cam since Su Lin and her sister Zhen Zhen was born. As long as it is available and more babies are born, I will continue this enjoyment. Thank you so much.
December 5th, 2009 at 12:18 am
He remains the cutest little thing in the world. SDZoo folks, you have the greatest jobs and I remain profoundly jealous!
December 5th, 2009 at 12:18 am
Thank you #171 dd..Now that I have posting photos figured out, I will post whatever looks good to me. I appreciate your encouragement. I have thousands, going all the way back to before ZZ was born. Thru every saga of MeiSheng’s and SuLin’s Howdy Gate tea parties, and Mamma Bai with Zhen and YZ-Man… I just have to pick out the best of the best…..I would like to comment on everyone’s eager questions about YunZi’s debut to the public. I have a feeling, that Bai Yun is going to keep him to herself longer than any of the other cubs. She seems to be in no rush to have him outside, and prefers to have him safe in the den. Our Moderator and Keepers are going by what Bai Yun is telling them. The problem is…Bai Yun isn’t talking! So, they have no idea what the time line is going to be…I would also like to send best wishes to Dennis and Lynn. I hope you and your daughters will all be together for the Holidays. I myself have to be operated on the 18th of December…but there is a silver lining. I am going to stay with my daughter, and my granddaughter and her husband afterwards. Who just happens to be the parents of Max, my great-grandson. That’s what I call looking on the bright side! Have a good weekend all of my dear Panda friends!
December 5th, 2009 at 1:14 am
# 155 Jeslyn in San Diego,I agree with you as I had mentioned in earlier blogs that I was sort of hoping that Lin Lin (Su Lin) and Tai Shan could perhaps remain in the USA as a viable mating couple,as I was hoping that the Omaha Zoo was going thru with their plans to put Pandas on display but I guess that the economy stopped their plans….We started our Pandaholic Addiction with Mei Sheng and remember those early Pandacam days,and were glad to visit him before he had to leave……We still remember him climbing one of his trees and looking down on Mom Bai Yun and his lil sis Lin Lin ,as he surely was a mommas boy up to the end LOL….
Our next addictions were Tai and Lin Lin and we watched them both grow into wonderful Pandas….Now to lose 3 USA Pandas so close together we will miss them all but are happy that we still have youngsters Xi Lan @ AZ,and ZZ Top & Yunior @ SDZ to give us our daily fix of Pandas for a few more years…. We also can hope that NZ and Memphis will have better luck next mating season as well… 
Again I want to mention to go to MSNBC and look up Jeff Corwin’s “100 Heartbeats” as it also mentions how the natural habitat in China is disappearing at an alarming rate as Panda’s have to retreat higher up into the mountains to survive on the poorer quality of Bamboo…We must take a stand to be heard and make the leaders of all our GPF bloggers Countries realize that we too will become an endangered species along with the 1 species of plant or animal that goes extinct every 20 minutes now,that’s 72 species a day no longer to be seen….
Who knows what cures for Diseases we might have lost already thru the plants that are now extinct !…Not to mention that Zoos or Museum Taxidermy Displays might be the only place future generations will have to see any of the wonderful wildlife that due to man’s encroachment on their natural habitats are soon to disappear entirely from the world FOREVER!!… 
To my “SDZ” and “GPF” friends Lynn is resting tonight and being kept isolated as they don’t want her moving around as the bloodclot in her left leg dissolves and breaks up….I want to thank you all for your get well wishes and prayers as she is amazed and uplifted when I tell her about our Global Pandaholic Family having blogged their wishes along with my daily “Yunior” updates when I talk to her several times a day in her out of state Hospital bed as we hope this latest 11 month episode ends soon……I have problems sleeping so I too know that “Yunior” is a night owl at heart…..
All I want for Christmas is to hopefully have my family together,and to help all wildlife both plant and animal survive from extinction,as we can bring them back from the brink if we all try together,as there is strength and power in numbers and the voices of many,and the more Pandaholics we create it might just be easier to be heard…. 
December 5th, 2009 at 2:29 am
Hey, anyone care to opine on how Mei Sheng as a baby is differing from Yun Zi? I recall an earlier Yun Zi video where the vet mentioned YZ was not too curious. Now the kid seems on the verge of turning into a little terror. (Good luck with that Bai Yun…haha). Just wondering how Bai’s two boys’ personalities compare from anyone who watched Mei Sheng grow up.
On another note, with SDZ, NZ and ZA pandas returning to China, I like to think that while its hard on us pandaholics, this is their reason for living, to live, to mate and to bring other pandas into the world. Yes, we’d love to have them forever, but think of it….we will because of the love and great care our world class zoos have had in their lives.
I only wish we could get more frequent news on our beloved pandas who’ve returned. But, honestly, there is nothing that beats the thrill of watching these little guys grow up. What characters! I swear Yun Zi is gonna be one big little cranky bruiser. Love him and all his baby rambunctiousness.
December 5th, 2009 at 5:50 am
HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS ABOUT YUN Z AND PANDAS IN GENERAL. HOW LONG WILL THE WEEKLY EXAMS CONTINUE? I NOTICED WHEN HE SLEEPS-HE IS SO RESTLESS-HE MOVES ALL OVER THE PLACE. WHY IS HE LIKE THAT? I HAVE SEEN VIDEO OF THAT EARTHQUAKE IN CHINA AND SAW HOW THE PANDAS WERE CLINGING TO THEIR TRAINERS BECAUSE THEY WERE SO FRIGHTENED. WHEN THE PANDAS ARE FULLY GROWN-CAN YOUR TRAINERS WALK RIGHT INTO THEIR CAGES AND NOT BE HARMED? THESE ANIMALS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL. IT WAS SO SAD TO WATCH HOW SCARED THEY WERE WHEN THE EARTHQUAKE HAPPENED.
Moderator’s note: The weekly exams will continue as long as Yun Zi cooperates. Once he does what all cubs do and stays in the trees all day, we might not be able to get him to come down for a checkup! He moves a lot because he’s a growing boy with growing muscles. Our keepers do not go in with any panda over one year old; there is always a protective barrier between keeper and panda.
December 5th, 2009 at 7:13 am
On Friday 12/4..in the afternoon..Yun Zi was very perky..going in and out the door to his nest. So cute!
Later when he awoke from his nap..”crying” and probably hungry..he didn’t seem able to get up and go
to the door to call for Bai Yun.
Is this because he is weak from hunger or just a natural phenomenon occuring in baby Pandas?
As a mother of six children, and behaving very human….I guess I tend to worry about little Yun Zi.
Bai Yun does spend most of the night in the nest sleeping near him.
He certainly was very active and seemed extremely healthy during his exam.
I guess he is being well nourished by Mommy, so I’ll try and shed my fears.
All’s well in Panda Canyon at SDZ!
Moderator’s note: I don’t think Yun Zi is weak with hunger, as he packs on the pounds from week to week
December 5th, 2009 at 7:42 am
When the Dr said Yun Zi was a “6 out of a 9,” what did that mean? Was that in reference to the leg muscle development that Kathy was talking about?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to Jenny.
December 5th, 2009 at 8:23 am
It *is* sad that the time has come for Tai to move on. That said, I think it makes it easier if we remember the higher purpose for breeding in captivity, here and elsewhere. If China does not have a large enough captive breeding population, then the species will probably not survive. That imperative far outweighs our emotional attachment to these wonderful bears.
So even though I will probably shed a tear or two when Tai (or Mei Lan or Su Lin) boards a plane, there is also a certain joy that another healthy young panda is off to fulfill his or her destiny. Just think for a moment of Hua Mei: Because Bai Yun and the San Diego Zoo staff raised her so well, she is already the mother of seven little ones!
December 5th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Just looking at the panda cam (8:30 am SD time) and you can’t even see the floor for all the bamboo that Bai Yun has brought in! It sort of seems that Mr. Rambunctious is under all that bamboo, what with a few dark spots showing here and there, but who knows for sure? I’m hoping she will come in and rip the boo apart, shred it up a bit, and mat it down for his Royal Highness.
LOVED, absolutely loved, the latest exam video! What a character this little boy! And so alert. No wonder we are all gaga over him… couldn’t help but notice that Kathy the keeper was getting in some extra cuddles whenever possible. Ah, such envy of her position! Would give anything to have to “manage” that little boy!
I imagine everyone during the exam was smiling watching him explore and reconnoiter the area. How could you not smile at his inquisitiveness? What a cutie! So glad I adopted him for myself and also for my grandsons!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 8:54 am
For those interested in baby bear noises, the Zoo Borns web site has some adorably loud vidoes of new born squealing polar cubs, one showing one actually being born. SDZ this is what in store for mommy Chinnok. Just born at Zoo Savuage in Quebed.
December 5th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Love the graph. It shows what I’ve been saying all along, Princess Su Lin is downright dainty, for a panda.
December 5th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Hi Linda #169…is Lin Ping the cub in the Thailand Zoo…thanks, Bernice.
December 5th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Thank you for the wonderful video of Yunior’s 14th exam. He has become a feisty boy, but utterly cute! I agree with you, Kathy, that he has got a mind of his own. He just wanted to start walking no matter how strongly both the vet and the keeper tried to hold him back. I love his little squeals which indicate that he is quite annoyed. I am glad to know that his cute little back spot on his tail is gonna stay. This is quite a special mark like Fu Long’s white foot.
Thank you, moderator, for answering my question regarding the tone of Yun Zi’s voice when being angry.
I am sorry to hear that Tai Shan and Su Lin will have to leave for China soon. Despite the fact that we pandaholics are all aware of the fact that this is the agreement with China it is still sad to see them going.
Su Lin was my first panda that got me hooked on the web cam and all the marvellous blogs.
#393 Phyllis, previous blog, thanks for putting my mind at ease regarding typos. Let’s just say: “Nobody is perfect except for the pandas!”
December 5th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Wow! ZZ is having a great time bouncing up and down on the tree branches, and they don’t really look that sturdy… What does she weigh now?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
December 5th, 2009 at 10:59 am
How does one become a “GPF”?
I just received a Panda Thank You card from the SDZ staff thanking me for the donation of the Panda meals. I put it on the refrigerator.
FOX news website had a clip abut Tai Shan leaving for China. One of the commentators asked the other that he heard that “Pandas stink really bad”…. I thought they would smell like bamboo. Could someone comment on that?
Su Lin has been very active today…
December 5th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Little man is sacked out in the bamboo bower that Bai Yun has prepared for him!
Meanwhile, the girls are all over the place. Zhennie was testing out the farthest branches of her tree and Su Lin looks like she’s about to climb over the wall next to her mister. Can she get over that wall?
Good to see the lovely sisters–ooh, nice close up of Miss ZZ.
Thanks, camera people–what are Bai Yun and Gao Gao up to today?
December 5th, 2009 at 11:12 am
He is certainly going to be a gorgeous hunk like his handsome daddy…but bigger!! I wish he would quit growing up so fast.
December 5th, 2009 at 11:25 am
ZZ was just giving the camera crew “the run around”…give the camera crew their due for trying to keep up to pandas young and not young alike…their is wet snow falling in Wash. DC and those pandas are really enjoying it…kudos to the camera crew trying to keep up!
December 5th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Here is another funny story. What if the pandas decided to be carnivorous again. I can picture Momma Bai Yun, with her car filled with Yun Zi in his baby seat, Sui Lin and Zhen Zhen driving up to KFC drive through.
Bai Yun
Yun Zi
Zhen Zhen
Sui Lin
Yun Zi: Hey mom i might like to be a carnivore, lets go get some fried chicken.
Bai Yun: Yeah let me call up the others, and then we will go.
Zhen Zhen: Hi, yes i would like to try some fried chicken, i will be there. Hey mom why isn’t Dad coming?
Bai Yun: oh he is getting geared up for the Texas game tonight. But we are geting him a order, of spicy chicken wings! I am going to just have a boo salad.
Sui Lin: ok lets go!!
Yun Zi: Hook Em Horns!!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 11:29 am
The NZ Pandas are having a for real SNOW DAY!!!!As there are a few more hours of day light left I hope all Pandaholics can see the fun they have …..Yunior , I can’t wait to hopefully see in person how you react to your first snow as we were fortunate enough to be in SoCal and at the SDZ on Mother’s Day when Lin Lin had her first Snow Day and watched her ,Bai Yun , and Mei Sheng frolic in the snow which was a great enrichment that day as well as fun to watch the belly slides across the enclosures….”Yunior ” Fans don’t fret if you can find Daniel’s Multi Cam web Page Try googling Panda Cams USA you can also see AZ,Memphis,NZ.& SDZ at the same time !!!!
Talk about Panda Overload but we Pandaholics can take it…. 
We’re also having a for real snow day in NJ now,which brought back the pleasant memories of SDZ Snow Day Enrichment…. 
December 5th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Dear moderator, I hope this is okay to ask here. I have a question for any of you who are Macintosh computer users. I can, of course, see everything at SDZ (and have a very hard time pulling myself away!). I have tried to see some of the other sites that get mentioned and have had poor luck with Safari or Firefox. Which sites should I be able to see? Sometimes I get a still image and the National Zoo but never a moving one. I haven’t been able to see anything from China except the videos on YouTube. I would love to watch some of the other babies, too, when Yun Zi is out or napping. Thanks.
I, too, would like to know what was meant by 6 out of 9. Indeed! It must be something physically measurable because we all know that out of 10, he is an 11!
December 5th, 2009 at 11:37 am
I loved seeing the video today. He is the heaviest of the pandas at this age and he may well be a ’super’ panda! I, too, have seen Mama wrestling with him in the early evening. He is one determined dude! She keeps dragging food into the den; today he is practically covered with it!
I also saw him wobble to the entrance of the den and just weave back and forth looking out into the ‘greater world’. Soon, I am sure…..
December 5th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Hey, you all! It’s snowing in DC right now! Just checked some of their outdoor animal cams, and there is about an inch of the white stuff on the ground now, and it’s still snowing pretty heavy there. This should go all day, and the pandas at NZ will just love the white stuff! Didn’t see any of the pandas on the pandacams today, but will check on the cams later on to see if they are outside playing in their first snow of the season! Hope DC gets more snow days this year–BIG ONES!! Tai Shan just loves to play, run, jump, and slide in snow!! He’ll be a natural at that when he gets to China!
Just watched the exam vid of Yuni at the vet’s office. You were right!! He was very wiggly, noisy, and motoring! That’s the most noise he’s made in the last 2 weeks combined! And, at 16 pounds, he’s getting to be alot to handle these days for the keepers and vets.
I think that some of you are right about Yuni being a night owl! A lot of times when I get on the pandacam late at nite EST, he’s walking around, playing with mom, playing with boo stalks, or doing something to keep himself awake! Bai is also going to have alot to handle with this busy little boy!
Well, gonna go to run errands, then come back and check the NZ animal cams to see how much snow has accumulated there, then check on Yuni on the SDZ cam! And, watch college football!! Also, getting Christmas decorations up at my house. Alot going on for one day!
BYE!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
December 5th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Loved the link on Cheetahs above as we loved Taraji at the SDZ the last time we visited SDZ with the canine companion….It’s a shame that they will probably never be seen in the wild again as I agree us BearCat (Pandaholics) all seem to love cats as well… It’s not too late to raise our voices in a GPF way to let all the Leaders know that all life is precious and we can’t let Corporate Greed help 72 various species of plants and wildlife become extinct everyday …. ;-( Think about how long it took to read all the blogs and realize that every 20 minutes something living on our planet will never be seen again… ;-( Will we wake up before our 20 minutes arrives , our are we doomed to extinction as well ?
I still remember waking up one morning to the screech of a Bald Eagle sitting in a tree in our back yard eating a fish it had just caught….. 
Nature can and must become a priority for all World Leaders as saving wildlife will save us all from extinction as well…. The clock is ticking down and the ball is in our court to score or lose,it’s in our hands….
Many thanks to the SDZ and all other facilities Worldwide that are trying to slow the extinction , but I wonder how future generations will feel only seeing photos or videos of wildlife instead of being able to see animals and plants in their Natural Habitat as I remember my twin daughter first encounters with chipmonks,raccoons,white tail deer and even Black Bears in our Northern NJ location….
December 5th, 2009 at 11:55 am
I was just reading an old blog (dated Aug. 8, 2009), and the writer said, “Sorry that #2 didn’t make it into the world, but Bai Yun probably needed the extra nutrition in her final days of pregnancy…” Was little Yun Zi a twin in gestation????
Moderator’s note: Yes. Read the post Pandas: Are Two better than One?
December 5th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I just tuned into the Panda Cam, and again, I see a large stick of bamboo inside the den, plus a few leafy ones.
Just out of curiosity: I have never seen Bai Yun “decorate” the inside of her den like this before with other cubs. (Perhaps I just didn’t watch Panda Cam frequently enough in the past?) What prompted this change in her behavior with the latest cub? Have the research staff members noticed this also? I hope this is not aberrant in rearing panda cub in the wild.
December 5th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
He is so beautiful and precious – I cried when I saw this video – little Yun Zi is perfect in every way – 10 out of 9 I would say
December 5th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Yun Zi seemed to like Mr. Ken’s camera! (Add that to the Christmas list! Poor Mommy Bai, she’s got a lot of Holiday Shopping on her paws. Kung Fu Stuff, Comic books, Panda aerobics, and a camera? The list keeps growing!) I can’t wait until Christmas!!!!!!! Already got the chain up. (21? more days!)
December 5th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I was watching the t-v and one of the rock stars….Sting or someone….has developed a bright yellow soccer ball for kids in Africa. He said it is totally non-destructible.
It can be cut into, run over and anything else possible done to it and it doesn’t fall apart.
I would think getting some of those for the panda cub and other animals at the zoo would be great! Can’t the zoo look into getting some for the animals?
I think its solid or of some product that teeth can’t destroy plus its large enough not to swallow.
December 5th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Page #194–you should be able to get all of the American Zoos, but both the Thai Zoo and the Chinese sites require Internet Explorer. Do you get a still image if you go through Daniel’s multi camera site? Some sites require you to start the image (look for a forward arrow, like on a tape deck), but I don’t think Washington is one of them. You might need Windows Media Player, which is Mac-compatible–or I use Quick Time, which opens each site in its own little window so I can stash them around.
Wet snow and chilly here today too. I’m sure the pandas would love it much more than I do!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Hi everybody. Well after a few days of 50 – 60 degree weather upper n.y. state today has snow. The changes in temps. are just unbelievable. Goes to show, all of us the climate is forever changing. From 60 degrees to 25 in 3 days. So we decided to put up our christmas tree. As always it is a big production. All our cats want to participate in the worse ways possible. So my husband had an idea that was great. We have this artificial aquarium with Jellyfish floating around. So he put this in another room to occupy their inquiring minds while we put up the tree. It worked. We actually got the tree up and decorated. Pwong, I love and look forward to your narrations. I think you and Doxiemom should get together. You narrate her captions(Videos) That would really be the best of the best. For you new comers, Doxiemom is kind enough to take her time to record and post great moments most of us miss durring the day. Pwong writes these wonderful conversations between Bai and Zi Man. Check prior posts. Well at 1:00pm SDZ time I tuned in for a visit. Well all I saw was this big tree. The cam said the den and I was sure it was a mistake. After watching awhile I saw our little Yun Zi under that tree. I never saw Bai bring in a piece of Boo that big before. She must have major redecorating in mind. #179- Georgie, how could you come to the conclusion that Yun Zi is weak from hunger. Have you followed his growth and have you been watching this cam to see how wonderful of a mother Bai is? It doesn’t seem so. This cub is not hungry nor neglected by his mom or the keepers. Hi Momma Phylis. Is our big boy behaving himself? Since the adoption is he a handful or has the antique mirror preoccupied him? Aunt Brandy sends her love.
December 5th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Its 3 pm in San Diego and they are outside in the sun room…..the cub is trying to climb up on mom’s back….while she munches on treats that the keeper just tossed in thru the fence……I have never seen this much activity live! Its afternoon and not the middle of the nite!
December 5th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Just got my adoption papers and a very soft stuffed Yun Zi.
I see is is getting out of the den more frequently. Quite the wanderer. It seems mama is bringing in bamboo for Yun Zi to snack on?
December 5th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Yun Zi has been using his mom as climbing practice and it’s pretty funny. His stubby back legs can hold him upright for only so long until he tumbles down on his side.
And now Mom has headed outside, leaving him in the square outdoor enclosure. He’s practicing that walking and..oh look, he’s made it up into the bedroom, and is now trying for the den (which, by the way, Mom has stuffed with bamboo so that some of it is high up, blocking the camera) and…well, it looks like he didn’t quite make it. The camera shows an empty den and I’m predicting we’ll see a vewy seepy panda in a few minutes.
December 5th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Little Mr. Big Man just goes where ever he wants. Den – Bedroom – Sun Room – Bedroom – Den and back again, feeling like a big shot.
December 5th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
i hope i’m not complaing too much, but since yun zi is walking more now i wish the camera would keep up so we can watch is adventures, am i the only one that thinks this?
December 5th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
#188 – Dianna – you are a GPF (global panda fan)
Bai’s semi-peaceful days are over haha 
Poor Bai -Yun Zi thought she was his personal jungle gym this evening about 6:00 pm (EST) – he was climbing all over her & it looked as if he was using his teeth to give her a few good nips
December 5th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I’ve noticed Yun Zi is really playing with Mama these days, mostly by biting her! And yes, it does mostly happen at night, usually 11–12. And I have to laugh when I see him step by cautious step making his way to the den door as if he’s going to explore–and then he decides to wait for Mama’s permission & falls asleep!
For those of you who are Lin Ping fans, I have a short video on Flickr–just search for Lin Ping, airborn! That girl cracks me up.
December 5th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
I’m sure by now you’ve all seen the news that Tai Shan is going to China. Now he is quite a good sized bear but I guess I’m biased because I think our Su Lin looks better than Tai. He is a panda of course and so he is greatly loved but I think we can see the differences in how the cubs grow but then perhaps it is just that he is a bit more heavy and gangly because he is a bit older than Su Lin. He will be missed of course. No matter where our baby American pandas are we hate to see them leave. I’m sure he’ll be doing his thing fairly soon in China and there will be little ones of his own.
This though is another sign that it is almost time for Su Lin to go too We’re going to miss her antics and all. In the meantime there will be ZZ still growing and of course our little boy, who is not so little anymore. Isn’t he just a kick? Watching him so determined to get down and walk you can see that he is wide awake now and ready to go. Bai knows she did a fantastic job with him and his squeals obviously weren’t the sort that she felt she needed to be concerned about. After all she has to eat her bamboo doesn’t she?
We say it over and over but it is never enough. SDZ staff are simply the best. The pandas know it and so do we. You keep us all up to date on our pandas and are always giving the best to them for their care and welfare. Thank you so much.
December 5th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Saturday around 1:15PM Eastern time I checked the NZ pandacam to see if the pandas might have received snow. Indeed! Snow had fallen and one guess who was outside having a ball!!! Tai Shan was racing up his hills and summersaulting down! He was zooming up his trees and sniffing the air and tasting the snow! What a period of complete joy filled nuttiness
Tai absolutely LOVES snow! The viewing, bittersweet, really seemed to me to be a ‘reminder’ that Tai Shan will be happy in his new home even though we will miss him so much. I hope many of you were able to watch his Snow Show 
December 5th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I sure hope Chinook is pregnant because we need some cub news, in addition to our precious Yun Zi of course, to offset the coming sadness with the move to China of Tai Shan, Mei Lan, and Su Lin, in early 2010. We have known for months that this was coming, but now that NZP has officially announced that Tai Shan is going in early 2010, we await the news from ZA about Mei Lan’s anticipated departure which was announced earlier this year to be late 2009 or early 2010, and SDZ has already said that Su Lin is leaving in 2010, but they have not announced when yet. For those new to this process, it takes weeks to months to get all the proper clearances and paperwork, then schedule special flights for the animals, etc. I imagine that Mei Lan may have big fanfare because she will be the first US born panda to go to Chengdu. Su Lin might have some big ceremony, but maybe not as big as Hua Mei and Mei Sheng. They have paved the way as the first cubs from Bai Yun to go to China.
On a happier note, it looks like Bai Yun might be giving Yun Zi some visual clues that it is getting time to move out where there are bigggg trees and biggg bamboo to investigate. I laughed when I checked in this morning and their appeared to be a veritable bamboo forest in the den. And at 4:30 their is a very tall piece strategically placed upright leading to the camera. Very artistic and clever den designer at work.
December 5th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I finally got to see the Two Toed Sloth at NZP moving with lights on so I could see where they were going. Normally the lights are off when this nocturnal animal makes its weekly decent to the ground to relieve itself. Because Zoo Lights is on in December, and they open the Small Animal House during the event, they have low lights on in the Golden Lion Tamarin exhibit which is co-inhabited by the Two Toed Sloths. If you get a chance to check on on Thurs, Fri, or Sat evenings, you might be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse too. I have been fascinated ever since I read the article by the SDZ Animal Ambassador who works with the SDZ Two Toes Sloth.
December 5th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
To All: Doximom has two new videos of Yun Zi put onto You Tube on 12/5/2009. Titled: Yun Zi finds his way Home part one and same title part two
They are fantastic! Wait until you all get to see what Yun Zi can do now!!!
Moderator: How does one apply for the position of ‘Tosser of Treats’ at the panda exhibit?
Moderator’s note: One has to have experience as a scooper of poop!
December 5th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Seeing that big branch of bamboo in the den, is BaiYun perhaps encouraging our little man, YunZi, to crawl around on it for his furture climbs???? Just a thought………………..what is the reasoning for that moderator?
Moderator’s note: Perhaps someone on our Panda Team can give us some insight.
December 5th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
3 New Videos posted on Saturday!!!
For those that missed all the activity from about 1pm to 3:30pm Saturday, here is your chance to see Yun Zi in action, being adorable and achieving new milestones!!
In the first video “Yun Zi LOVES His Doorway!!”, Yun Zi plays at the entrance to the den and hugs the walls! Bai had left him in this bamboo fortress and he made the most of it! The link is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np1DbFimJ7s
After about an hour nap, Yun Zi finally is given incentive to leave the den when Bai Yun walks by!! Then we see them playing in the sunroom, until Bai leaves him alone! But for the first time, we see him find his way back to the den all by himself! There was so much footage, I had to break it into 2 parts: “Yun Zi Finds His Way Home!!” Part 1 and 2, the links are:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rik0OH9w5iA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juZAvlSv0f0
For those wondering, if I am awake, I am watching and/or recording the PandaCam! I cannot tear myself away from Yun Zi, my ‘adopted’ panda cub!
December 5th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Me again! I just posted a 4th Saturday Video that I think you’ll find hilarious!
This one is for those that missed Zhen Zhen living up to her nickname, Zoom-Zoom!! She was running all over her enclosure Saturday morning (kudos to the camera people who kept up with her)!! But what really made me laugh was seeing her, not once, but twice climb a tree, go out as far as she could on a branch and purposefully start bouncing on it!!!! You can easily see where and why the San Diego Zoo had to trim those branches back!!! The link for “Zhen Zhen: Tree Dancer!!!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DYN6zfimPA
December 5th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Christmas tree in the den (7:20 pm). His Royal Cuteness is asleep under the Christmas tree dreaming of bamboo candy canes, no doubt.
December 5th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I think Bai is getting ready for the holiday season that’s just not a big piece of Boo she brought in but the Christmas Bamboo to decorate for Yun Zi presents this year. She know it that time of year and the kids will all be getting excited for the up coming events and looking for Santa Panda to show up.
December 5th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Bernice #185, yes, Ms. Lin Ping is in Thailand; and boy, is she a doll. If you can watch her, she will crack you — she is really active.
December 5th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
It’s so heartwarming to see how active and alert Yun Zi is. He was so helpless at birth and now has grown into such a robust, super-active, curious, and adorable cub. Thank goodness for all the wonderful care from the SDZ staff that has allowed him to reach this stage–and of course kudos to Bai Yun, the panda mom par excellence.
As much as I love seeing him so active and exploring, I kind of mourn the end of the den phase. There’s something warm and comforting about watching Bai and her babies protected and cuddling in the den every day and every night, with the outer world so far away. But everything changes, and a bright, exciting future awaits our little boy, which I am very grateful to be able to observe.
December 5th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
if YUN ZI keeps walking and eventually makes it out of his enclosure due to a napping zookeeper i shall put down a bread crumb trail directly to my house. or should i make that bamboo crumbs? hmmm.
Moderator’s note: Or maybe some shiny pennies?
December 5th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
As time runs out for Tai’s stay at the NZ I’ve been watching some his antics on youtube. I wonder if Brian is still one of his keepers – for pure love – check out “Tai Shan and Brian on July 2, 2006.”
December 5th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
It looks like Bai Yun has brought in a little “Charlie Brown” christmas tree to decorate for the holidays!
December 5th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Ha! I know the feeling of being watched by my neighbors (I live in an RV park and we are tightly crammed in here, although I appreciate the security living here). So our mom Bai has decided to give her family some privacy from the rest of us, who turn on computers, click on certain websites, and stare all day and night at this poor mother while she tends to everyday life caring for her baby.
Wait till she covers the camera with a blanket or something she naps from the keepers behind their backs.
December 5th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I think Bai Yun is on to the camera and wants some privacy with her little cubby. She has planted that tree right in front of the camera.
December 5th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Margot #223–though we’ll miss Bai and Yun Zi cuddling in the den, hopefully we’ll see them cuddling in the bedroom, in the sun room–all over the other spaces they will go on to inhabit. If Yun Zi is anything like Miss ZZ in this regard, we’ll see him spending at least a few non-tree hours curled up with Mom.
Thanks, as always, DoxieMom, for capturing Zhen Zhen’s tree dancing. I wonder if shaking the tree like that is to draw attention or to frighten or just to play and scare the keepers. Panda team?
December 5th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Moderator…you just have a way with words….you make me laugh when I least expect it. Thanks for that…
December 5th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Will the San Diego Zoo be sponsoring a trip to see the Pandas in China this Spring? I would like information on those tours. How can I get that? Thanks and love seeing him grow…but, really want to touch one and hold one!
Moderator’s note: Indeed we are: May 10, 2010! Here’s more info on our Worldwild Tour program to China.
December 5th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
#153
That was very funny and cute.
December 5th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Wow….Our GPF Family seems to be growing daily as we are over 226 blog postings on Exam # 14…..I guess we might break 750 postings before next exam as we become the Yunior army…. LOL
I loved DoxieMom’s postings today of ZZ Top being a bouncing tree topper as well as Yuniors walk about and poor Bai Yun will start losing fur as he rips her apart in his play bouts…. 
I hope the snow doesn’t melt tonight so others can see the pure joy of Tai Shan playing again, as he will be missed when he leaves us at NZ for China ….. ;-(
To my SDZ Staff and friends as well as GPF Family & Friends , Lynn rested most of the day and had a minor procedure to check on the status of her bloodclots….We Thank-You all for helping raise her spirits as 11 months in a Hospital Bed have taken their toll, and she relies on telephone updates on Yunior as well as me reading your comments and well wishes as they do help….. She got a chuckle about Tai’s snow exploits today and still remembers being at SDZ for the Mother’s Day Snow Enrichment several years ago ….
Panda Love and Peace to all…. 
December 6th, 2009 at 12:21 am
cute, cute cute – what can I say? I love that there so many of us pandaholics out there… DoxieMom – thanks for the cute videos!!!
December 6th, 2009 at 1:20 am
DoxieMom, I’ve just had a lovely time watching all four of your latest videos. Wonderful! ZZ still knows how to bounce. She’s a very beautiful young lady. I’m sure I saw her give a quick grin when she was on the end of her branch. Can we expect some shiny baubles and maybe a string of lights in Bai’s den today?
December 6th, 2009 at 4:46 am
Good morning. I learn something new everyday. Never knew Bai was a twin or Yunior. Thanks for posting that info. DoxieMom hi there and thanks again. Part one I was watching but I thought he fell asleep and I went back to decorating the tree. I missed what took place in your 2nd. video. I like the idea that, that big boo tree is Bai’s Christmas Tree:) Video of ZhenZhen truly LOL material. Those tourists surely got a show. What a boost of energy. Because of you we too got a show.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:27 am
At 5 am, December 6, Bai is feeding yunior, and then bathing him. What a big boy, i must be harder for Bai to hold him now. It’s sad that Tai, Lani and Sulin will eave his parents, keepers and fans soon. I hope they can get the chance to meet huamei, meisheng and fulong who are in china right now, and be best friends. What a dream.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:30 am
Hi, Brandy # 204….
Sorry to have mislead you about my fears that Yun Zi was weak from hunger. (poor choice of words)
This 4 Month old Baby Panda is incredibly strong and growing so fast!
In the Pix of his last exam His strength and maturity were certainly proven.
I just hate to see a baby cry…but since we don’t have Audio maybe he was just chirping?
His Keepers and SDZ staff have shown me and the World, that they are very caring of all the Pandas.
They are so thoughtful of all we Panda admirers to let us view the day by day happenings in Pandaland.
Brandy, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, and a Happy Healthy New Year.
Good thinking when you used the “cat distraction” while setting up the tree. Brilliant!!
December 6th, 2009 at 9:01 am
morning little fuzz ball. Thank you for the smile today.
your loving, devoted auntie,
kat
December 6th, 2009 at 9:03 am
p.s. little fuzz ball looks like he’s sucking his little thumb, while he’s slumbering….soooooooooooo precious!
December 6th, 2009 at 9:05 am
The video was so awesome. Yun Zi is so inquisitive and I love that. Thank you to everyone who makes it possible to watch Yun Zi’s antics and to the staff who take care of all of the pandas and keep them healthy and safe. You can tell that the family is very content with their surroundings and happy-go-lucky, It is great to be able to watch Yun Zi grow up from being a tiny stick of butter. Now just look at him. He seems so strong. Just love all of his crawling and trying to get into things. The play sessions with mommy are fun to watch and I sit back and just laugh. But I agree with others, momma has her hands full right now. Can you imagine what the future holds for her in keeping up with Yun Zi? I send virtual hugs and kisses to Bai & Yun every day just to let them know that I love them and think they are awesome. And then after I watch the panda cam for awhile, I daydream that I can just kiss his cute little nose. I wouldn’t care if it was wet or not. When I feel sad, which has been alot recently, I watch Bai & Yun Zi and it makes me feel better and I am so thankful for that. Sending hugs & kisses to Bai & yun Zi.
December 6th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Liz #224 — apples.
December 6th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Just watched the video of Zhennie bouncing on her tree branch, she was having alot of fun. I had to sit back and laugh through the whole video. She is a character too. I haven’t gotten the priviledge to watch Su Lin as much on the panda cam, I must be just missing her.
Moderator I have a quick question…Is there ever a time that the panda cam focuses on Gao Gao? Or maybe a video can be made of him so we can see him? Unfortunately I have never been able to see Gao Gao and I have read so much about him and I would love to be able to see him. Afterall, he is a “star” too.
Thank you.
Moderator’s note: The Cam operators usually like to show the pandas that are out on exhibit (when they are not focusing on the cub, of course). When the pandas rotate and Gao is out on exhibit, you’ll be able to see him. But until then, I hope you’ll enjoy the views of the others.
December 6th, 2009 at 9:31 am
“He’s gonna be taking off like a Bandit!” Yes I think so, my cat’s name is Bandit, and he stole my heart, so did this First Baby Panda I got to watch. LOVE it, and I will be there soon on a day off to see him start to climb ! Love the way Bai put him down, and she backs up, and he follows !
December 6th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Linda in Nor/Cal…thanks for letting me know…she is so cute and she has a black-tipped tale (wonder if GG or some part of him has been to Thailand)…wish we could watch her and mom outside of the cell though…watched her try and climb the bars and I nearly cried…keeper styles are so different too…anyway, they are all a joy to watch.
DoxieMom…you are awesome…thankyou for the YouTube postings.
December 6th, 2009 at 10:11 am
It’s suppose to snow in Sacramento tomorrow morning. BRING THE PANDAS UP FOR A SNOW DAY!!!! We don’t get snow in Sacramento, and we don’t have any pandas. It would be a magical day! I’ll hold His Royal Cuteness under my coat to keep him warm, while all the others have fun.
December 6th, 2009 at 10:20 am
The spelling of “tale” was deliberate!
Dear Moderator…perhaps the keepers could talk a bit about the difference in keeper styles/panda management we see here and in Thailand…much appreciated.
December 6th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Dear Moderator (Ref.#179),
Forgive my poor choice of words when describing chubby baby, Yun Zi !
(It was early morning/before my coffee.)
It is very apparent that all of the Keepers and Staff for the Pandas, are most caring of these beautiful animals.
By having the Panda Cam on 24/7 you are always aware of Bai Yun and Yun Zi.
The SDZ personnel have been very kind to we PandaFans by keeping us aware of the day to day experiences of the Panda Community. For this I am most grateful!
Thank you for these “chat sessions” ….they are enjoyable & enlightening…
Moderator’s note: No offense taken, Georgie. Enjoy the panda family!
December 6th, 2009 at 11:01 am
view of baby couldn’t be cuter!! Thanks meerkats!!!!!! Lookit those little paws, oooooooooh and there’s spot on his tail…. you can tell he’s dreaming…about eating or….fighting the wild beasts in the jungle….PRECIOUS child.
December 6th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Can’t believe it is three weeks already since I visited SD Zoo and saw Su Lin and Zhen Zhen and met Anastasia. Yun Xi was one day away from getting his name and I saw him on the tv monitor provided. I was pleased to spot the green orb like web cams which provide me with daily dose of pandas so far away. I bought a cuddly baby ZZ, a panda mouse mat for work and a panda lanyard to put my work name badge on. It reminds me every day at work that I am working for the next USA trip. I didn’t have time in DC to visit the zoo there.
Moderator’s note: I hope you had a wonderful visit!
December 6th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
#219 Thanks Doxiemom for the video of our wild and crazy ZZ she is always on the go and so brave.
Has anyone seen the video on youtube of little Lin Ping trying to get through the bars of her cage it was posted yesterday. It looks scary like she is stuff in them I hope her keepers got her out without any problems. It doesn’t show her getting out of them.
December 6th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Are his paws substantially bigger than other panda cubs?
December 6th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
just popped in- all I see is maybe a gate or wall with vines and such all around… howdy gate maybe?
December 6th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Bai where are you honey?? Your son has been awake from his nap for awhile and he seems restless. Are you enjoying your quiet time and relaxing? After all Sunday is a great day for relaxing.
December 6th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Ohhh, so excited! Just got my adoption papers for Mr. Chubbs, and the stuffed toy panda. Had thought it was larger, but now it just gives me incentive to visit again and buy a larger one! Maybe, with great luck, my visit might coincide with Yun Zi actually being out and about… doubtful, though since I go at least twice a month, and he doesn’t seem quite ready. I should say, Bai Yun doesn’t seem quite ready for him to be out on exhibit.
When I first added a comment here, I don’t remember seeing the chart. It is so helpful to be able to tell visually with a chart just how the 5 cubs have been similar – and different – in their growth patterns. Great stuff! Thanks moderators, for putting that up.
Marion #250, you sound like a true panda fan, what with all the panda shopping you did! Good for you! Hope your visit was fun.
Doxie Mom #218 & 219, thanks again for all the wonderful videos you share with us!
And moderators, thanks for all the info you keep providing on these wonderful creatures. As true pandaholics that we are, we just don’t seem to tire of every single morsel you throw our way! Thank you!!!!
December 6th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Den is back– “yunior” is fast asleep– as usual
December 6th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
#242 mary from brooklyn. great idea!! moderator. shiny pennies! another capital idea! apple. penny. apple. penny. apple. penny. o.k. only 119.9 miles to go from my house. great ideas! thanks! ( :
December 6th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Kathy and Jenny will have enjoyed their time with boisterous Yun Zi when he had his last exam, he is developing into a ‘panda on a mission’ – number one priority is to coordinate his back legs, then like his siblings he will be up and away heading for dizzy heights in the trees!
I recall Mei Sheng also took awhile to coordinate his back legs, I am sure Kathy will remember him being slightly ‘bottom heavy’ – from the records he appeared to achieve it a few days earlier than Yun Zi.
They all get there eventually although it appears ‘the girls’ were more adventurous at this stage – both Mei Sheng and Yun Zi are definitely moms boys – I often see Bai giving her large son a special cuddle.
When Yun Zi learns that his feet were made for walking it is possible his weight gain will level out, somewhat like us commencing Fitness classes!
Today I decided to treat myself (and my Siamese cats) to an early Christmas present by Adopting Yun Zi – what better gift could we all have – the pandas all love special treats, so this is my Christmas gift for them.
#233 Dennis and Lynn
Hope things are improving for Lynn, I can imagine it has been a long haul, keeping my fingers crossed Lynn will be able to enjoy Christmas without discomfort, I wish her a speedy recovery.
I am ‘inconvenienced’ by my own health condition so I am aware how unpleasant things can be.
Must get back to the cam – last time I checked Yun Zi was doing his aerobic class – practising leg extensions ~
December 6th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Its Sunday and while the cub is sleeping……I went to the other cams at the zoo.
I am impressed that on Sundays all the cameras are moving and following the animals.
Even close ups on the apes….love the one who drags the burlap bags around with its foot.
I dont’ understand why the cameras aren’t doing this great a job during the week days?
Most of the time they are stuck on one spot….usually with no animal in it.
Try checking out the other cams while Yun Zi is napping! You might luck out on some fun times…..
Thank you DoxieMom for your great work again…….
December 6th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
It’s amazing watching the apes use tool (sticks) to poke in rock holes looking for ants and things to eat……so nice to see them close up.
Just something to view while cub is napping……
December 6th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I’ve been lurking!!!
FINALLY got to see “Yunior” walking a bit, and mouthing a snippet of bamboo! What a wonderful cub (as they all are).
On another note, saw a GREAT program on Animal Planet today regarding the Red Pandas in India, and the attempts to save them.
If anyone has the chance to catch the show about the “Red Cats,” it’ll be worth your while!
Does anyone have news (besides ZA’s updates) as to whether they’ve raised enough to keep their pandas? Curious, and hoipeful!
–KK–
December 6th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
little cloud has been such a good boy today, all morning and into afternoon, sleeping, all by himself…lately attemping to nosh on boo. now sitting at the nursery door, waiting for ma. Is he hungery? She doesn’t seem to feed him very often anymore, he’s not supposed be fending for himself yet, is he? I read earlier blog that momma did drop in for breakfast and wash up. Look who just showed up! Ma! Stuck her head in, said “C’mon, honey, follow mama, you can do it!” he’s is mustering up the courage now…..”Ma, wait for meeeee! Maaaaaaaa?” stomping that little left foot…..
December 6th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I posted a 5th video from yesterday’s action. This one features sweet Su Lin who had her share of camera time yesterday morning as she was playing with a burlap sack that had bamboo in it! Then you see her go looking for hidden treats and climb a tree. Hope you enjoy seeing our beautiful, beloved Su Lin, and for many of us, our first panda love. The link for “Su Lin: A Whole Lot of Something Cute!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyPktcRWYAA
December 6th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
PandaGarten Session #2
Keeper~Hi! I saw you were awake and thought I would visit!
Yun Zi~Hi! Me up!
Keeper~What a big boy you are!
Yun Zi~What a big person you are!
Keeper~Do you want to come out and play in the bedroom?
Yun Zi~No, you come into my den.
Keeper~Umm…I really would love to see you come out and walk!
Yun Zi~No, I’m busy in my den. Come in. Have some boo.
Keeper~Oh dear.
Yun Zi~Eat this piece. I made teeth marks on it. I have more teeth!
Keeper~How lovely! Yes, I see your teeth marks.
Yun Zi~Don’t eat that piece. Mommy sat on it.
Keeper~Thank you for the warning…
Yun Zi~See my reflection on the wall? I am very cute.
Keeper~Yes, you are adorable! Everyone thinks you are!
Yun Zi~The whole world on the camera?
Keeper~Um, yes. How did you learn about the camera?
Yun Zi~Mommy knows all about them. People bring cameras, take pictures, take videos. There is one up there on the ceiling.
Keeper~Ah, yes! They want to watch how cute you are and learn all about you.
Yun Zi~Eat this piece of boo. It shreds easy and is sweet. I’m learning how to shred.
Keeper~Ummm, thank you!
Yun Zi~If you come in the den the whole world will see you, too! Come in. Eat boo.
Keeper~What do I need to do to make you come out here for me??
Yun Zi~Eat boo.
Keeper~I’ll see what I can do about it.
Yun Zi~I also want a computer with video access so I can watch the whole world watching me.
Keeper~Oh my. You are growing up fast!
Yun Zi~Snore…snore…..snore…. (she is still afraid to eat boo….)….snore…snore…..
December 6th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
GREAT NEWS FROM ATLANTA – THE PANDAS ARE STAYING!!!!!!!!! Go to Pandas Live On for more information! Congratulations to us, panda lovers!! I’m sure many, if not all, of us made a contribution to the Give So They Stay campaign – now we get the reward – more panda watching from Atlanta. Congratulations to Zoo Atlanta and all who worked so hard to keep the pandas. A million thanks from the GPF’s (Global Panda Fans)!
December 6th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I want to thank the pandacam operators for getting us good views of Yun Zi and the girls. I appreciate them for keeping up with Yun Zi as he travels around his home. It is an adventure. I stopped watching tv in July except for football and Dancing with the Stars. Instead, I watch the pandacam when I want to relax. It is a very positive experience. It is a great joy to see Yun Zi grow up. He is adorable. Yun Zi is so healthy and growing up strong. I know he will be a big man like his dad. I enjoy seeing Gao Gao sitting in his area eating when we get a chance. I also appreciate Doxiemom for the videos. I think Zhen Zhen shows off for the visitors. Zhen Zhen is beautiful up there playing in her tree. I am very grateful for the Pandas.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
#217: Pat says: December 5th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Seeing that big branch of bamboo in the den, is BaiYun perhaps encouraging our little man, YunZi, to crawl around on it for his furture climbs???? Just a thought………………..what is the reasoning for that moderator?
Moderator’s note: Perhaps someone on our Panda Team can give us some insight.
_________________________________________________________
Thank you moderator for checking with the Panda Team on this. I really am curious if Bai is doing it for that reason, or maybe so he can gum it (LOL). Did she do it with her other baby bears? I don’t remember her bringing it into the den when he was a newborn and still unable to get around…………..sorry, just curious.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Loved the video! Here in Va we are sad about loosing Tai. We can’t have any babies it seems like and they are taking the only one we could have. I won’t be donating anymore for Woolong, for sure!
December 6th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Also, I am grateful to China for letting zoos in the states borrow pandas. I read here in the recent comments that the Panda Research Facility was affected by the earthquakes last year. I had no idea. I wish the Panda Research Facility success in rebuilding. I expect pandas to be plentiful in the future.
December 6th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Bernice, #245, you are welcome! She’s a delight. While training styles may be different, it’s evident that her keepers all adore her. And Lin Hui, her momma. Lin Ping has more enrichment toys than any other panda in the world. One thing I don’t get about Thailand. I thought the Snow Dome was for the pandas; so far I’ve only heard of visitors enjoying it. I confused about it. Any help out there?
I do have a question about SDZ. Is the den warmer for Yun Zi because it’s enclosed and has a stray floor? Seems like it would be. Not that he would need the additional warmth — not like SD is cold and he isn’t without a very stylish fur coat. Just wondering.
Yun Zi came into the den a little while ago — he looked like a drunken sailor. Probably in big part to the cam. But it was darling.
December 6th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
#246: Hi Linda. Since I’m in Sacramento also can we share the hugging time? Oh wouldnt that be so much fun!!
December 6th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I have been watching mommy and baby play time for about 35 minutes. It is 10:45 EST, they seem to do this nightly. Mom finally just whisked him out of the den after he tried to get away from her! It is just too cute! I am glad to be able to watch this after a rough week at least this makes me smile. I would love to volunteer to man the cameras at night so we can see what they do outside the den at night! He is getting so big, the exam videos are unbelievable, they really show his size. He still looks so little in the den sleeping but then you see him with the exam team and wow is he big. I loved the video of Zhennie playing on the trees, what a show she puts on for the visitors at the zoo. Soon theat will be out little Yun Zi. I hope Bai and Yun Zi are here for years to come, I love this site. Thanks SDZ for making me smile and keeping us so informed on these beautiful animals!
December 6th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
I think Bai is on a “bamboo high”
She has been twirling, mauling, tossing Yun Zi around for over 30 minutes now – but looks like Yun Zi is holding his own – now that he teeth he can grab a good mouthful of fur & give a good yank – it’s probably feels like a pesky mosquito but am sure she feels something – this is when the fun starts 
I do think male cubs are raised differently than females – I don’t recall the twirling, tossing up in the air etc. with Sun Lin or Zhen Zhen 
December 6th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Moderator: Why does Yunior have the blue blanket at every exam? Does it feel soft to his touch? (Do pandas even feel softness? Or wetness?)
Yun Zi seems to be ready for Christmas, he is sleeping even more for Panda Claws. (Yay! Will there be a poem this year?)
Moderator’s note: A previous post, 4th Exam: So Cool!, mentions the role of the blanket.
December 6th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Here we are at midnight EST & Bai & Yun Zi are going at it again (after an excursion out of the den they are back) fighting, playing, twirling – so if our poor Yun Zi spends all day tomorrow sleeping he needs it after his play sessions with mom today
I’m sure Doxiemom got some great video as I watched then play fight for over an hour 
December 6th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
I love to watch Bai roll Yun Zi around like a sack of potatos he does’t seem to mind. :0)
December 6th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Paging DoxieMom! Did you catch playtime that Maureen #273 mentioned? See what happens when I have to leave the computer!
Very funny, Debi #264!
Sweet sleepytime scene in the den now…
December 6th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
It’s fun to watch Bai Yun and Yun Zi on the cam these days. I guess with the cooler weather they are spending more time in the den.
December 6th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Wow…Thank-You DoxieMom from all us devoted GPF’s …..Being a night owl has its advantages as Yunior also seems to be one as well, and seems to wake up when its dark out….I love how he reflects on his own reflection in the Stainless Steel or Polished Aluminium in the den and I guess he’s curious to who the other Good looking Panda is ? I’m trying to remember if Bai Yun was as active with Mei Sheng in the den ,but then again the camera in the den was not the same quality as that of the present setup…Yunior and Bai Yun’s activities remind me of his cousin Tai Shan’s activities at the NZ at a similar age….Tai sure won a lot of hearts and it was great to see him enjoy the snow day and I for one will miss his Panda Stand Up Pace Dance every morning when the keepers come in and always seem to give him a paperbag of goodies while they set up his bamboo in the yard…Being the character he has become he always interacts with the keepers hoping to get more treats…Watching him and mom get enrichment scents or honey on a plastic milk case today was priceless….Thank Goodness for Daniel’s Multi Panda Cam (dreidel/pandacams) as I was still able to watch the sleeping Prince Yun Zi at the same time…
To all at The SDZ and my growing GPF Family , Lynn had a very bad day today and wasn’t even up to me giving her best wishes from all of you,or her daily medicine of the exploits of Yunior on the telephone…..I’m still praying for a X-mas miracle as I desperately miss my better half’s companionship and I hope to be able to visit her later in the week due to my next comments below…..
Tom’w., December 8th. is a very hard day for me to get thru as First the Tragic death of John Lennon and then one of my childhood friend’s Victor was so distraught over the Murder that he committed suicide 15 minutes later….Then on December 8th. 2004 another close friend Gregory that felt responsible for Vic’s Death , also committed suicide distraught over John Lennon and our Friend Vic’s Death’s and his own Daughter’s Tragic Death in an Auto. accident….I’ll always miss the 3 of them John Lennon,Vic,& Greg,and I will miss Lynn’s help in getting me thru this tough day ,as we were called the 3 Amigos growing up,and more like Brothers than Friends…..
Moderator’s note: Dennis, what an awful day for you. Hang in there!
December 7th, 2009 at 12:00 am
12am SDZ time and looks like Bai and Yun Zi have gone on an excursion again. More like he followed her out and said “Please let me come wiv you, pwetty please”!
December 7th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Just catching up on all the posts: #264 Debi, love it. #265 pandafan-north, hooray for the Atlanta Pandas. I’m so pleased they’re staying.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Good morning. #238 Georgie So glad to know thats not how you felt. I suppose I have read some past blogs and Bai and Keepers were critisized, implying Yuior was not being properly taken care of. I got alittle defensive and I appologize. Merry Christmas to you as well. I am sure with 6 kids it is a delightful time. Have a nice day.
December 7th, 2009 at 3:52 am
Thanks for the much anticipated update. We were “starving” for more news on Yun Zi.
It’s so fun to watch Baby Yun outside of the den. When Bai is showing him the ropes of the tunnels, he looks so tiny, compared to her. Bai moves so quickly through the tunnels, I am glad to know that the keepers are teaching him where to go. He can’t keep up with Bai just yet. I think the darkness of the tunnels scares him.
I hope we get to see more of baby Yun outside of the den, following Momma. I know it won’t be long before he is running all over the place, giving Momma ‘what for.’ As others have said, this is one cub that it going to be quite a handful for Bai Yun. He is a stubborn little boy and I have seen Bai resort to being strict with him.
I must say that i cringe, when Yun Zi gets pulled by the “skin of his pants,” by momma, when he wants out of the den and she does not want him to go anywhere. She grabs the skin of his bottom and pulls him around like a rag doll. Poor Bai Yun. (and “Yunior.”) Many more months to go, to keep “Yunior” in line. Look out SDZ, here he comes….
Already anticipating the new exam and more video’s. We all can’t get enough. No doubt that baby Yun Zi loves Kathy. He goes right to her, when she talks to him. I know he loves the sound of her voice and knows how gentle she is with him. He has an early crush…. Right, Kathy?
December 7th, 2009 at 6:22 am
now it’s been announced that a new agreement is being signed with Zoo Atlanta and China to keep the Pandas another 5 years but sadly like Tai Shan, Mei lan will be leaving us in late Febuary.and I fear that our beloved Su Lin will be next. On a happier note this morning our local channel 7 news had a piece about a baby panda that was found in the wild by officials who have been checking on the wild population.This is great news knowing that the wild population is breeding since the earthquake and that the babies are surviving. This little one looked a little smaller than Yun Zi and the 2 photos are adorable
December 7th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Looks like Su Lin is having a great time in the rain. No wonder Bai Yun was inside the den this morning. She was getting out of the rain.
December 7th, 2009 at 7:36 am
I went back and watched the exam video 3-4 more times last night (I didn’t get to watch it with sound the first time) and the sight of the tape measure around Yun Zi’s middle is one that I treasure. I don’t know why I enjoy that image so much but it was adorable. He is “all paws” right now.
There was a clip on the “Today Show” this morning about a baby panda that was found in a cave at one of the preserves. The cub was gorgeous and had a dark coloration on the bridge of its snout. Apparently it was quite an exciting and hopeful find for the researchers. (I didn’t get the impression that the cub was abandoned but that Mom was instead away at the time. Maybe someone else has heard more about this?)
Glad to hear from the moderator notes that Gao Gao is doing well. It will be exciting to see him munching away on a big pile of bamboo someday soon!
December 7th, 2009 at 8:01 am
A great view of Tai on one camera and a Red Panda on another at the NZ….Looks like Yunior wore himself out play fighting with Bai Yun on another…..AZ no Panda in sight and Memphis Blue screen…..Since Pandas are also known as Bearcats we can use the old Lovin’Spoonful song to describe them “Memphis Cats”…I wonder if NJ Boy John Sebastion could modify his words a little as it fits…LOL…..Thank-You Daniel’s Multi Site Panda Cam Viewer (dreidel/pandacams)for letting us see all the USA Pandas at the same time on one page!!!Now if we could only find another page with Multi Panda Cams from the other World Sites we would really be in Pandaholics Heaven……
December 7th, 2009 at 8:28 am
#268 marysue I hate to hear that you won’t be helping wolong anymore. Just remember those beautiful pandas home land is China. We are just their carekeepers for a while to help people understand everywhere how important it is to the world to keep them alive. They are like our children we have them in our home for so long and then they go out on their and make a new life. It’s hard to let them go but we know the time will come and all we can do is to wish them well and hope we done a good job. We know there will always be tears and a broken heart. I love Tai also and have shed many tears thinking about going back to China but I know this is best for him. And he will be well taken care of and someday have a family of his own and maybe one of his offspring may come back here. So pease remember when you take away from panda reserve in China you are also taking away help for the wonderful pandas we have help and sent back to expand their breed.
So I just want you to know you are not the only one who’s hearts are break by this but please stay strong. I know many tears will be shed in the coming months with Atlanta Zoo, San Diego Zoo and National Zoo all losing one of their pandas but we must look at the long term picture. Lets all pray there will be more cubs born this coming year. And this year will be Tian Tain and Mei Xiang also Le Le and Ya Ya year.
Please take care and stay strong
December 7th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Just sitting here enjoying our first “real” snow and watching our little “bug-a-boo” climbing all over his mama while she tries to nap. Might as well give it up mom. Lots of time to sleep – we need to PLAY!!!
December 7th, 2009 at 9:05 am
#268: I’m sorry to hear you won’t be donating to Wolong. While it is sad that Tai Shan is leaving us, it was known from the beginning and his genes are very important to the future of panda conservation. I also love Mei Xiang and Tian Tian – cubs or not, they are two wonderful pandas that have provided me with endless hours of delight and it saddens me to think that their only worth to some people may be whether or not they produce cubs. I only hope the National Zoo doesn’t think the same way and try to replace them with another pair as many of us have come to love them. Imagine if women were thought of that way, only good for reproducing and thrown to the side when they couldn’t? Oh wait…they were in the past weren’t they? I hope you reconsider your support as the money doesn’t only go to reproduction and babies. It also helps with medical studies on how to care for ailing pandas especially the elderly pandas. Every animal species, including us – deserves respect and care.
December 7th, 2009 at 9:49 am
#268 – I too am sorry to hear that you don’t want to donate to Wolong. From what I have read and heard from the NZP site, nothing has been decided about Mei and Tian. Once Tai has returned to China, NZP and China will begin negotiations about them. If you are still too upset, ZA could certainly use your help as could Memphis and San Diego. There are plenty of ways to support pandas that will do much good. Hope some of the shock of the announcement has worn off. There has certainly been tons of misinformation floating around the last few days in the media.
December 7th, 2009 at 10:08 am
#288 Pamt T & #290 Kathy
Well said–sending the cubs back is known from the time the intital agreement is signed. They must go to China in order to breed and help efforts to keep pandas from becoming extinct. We have done our part by producing healthy cubs to send to China. Although it is heartbreaking, there is a much higher purpose than keeping us from shedding some tears!
Now little Yun Zi is further advancing that purpose and, hopefully, many more cubs to come, from all of our “borrowed” pandas in the US.
Yun Zi is just a delight and we can enjoy him while he is here with us!! Such a cutie!! (Poor Bai Yun–she is in for it!)
December 7th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Hi All!! Just checking in. Wish I had more time to chat and catch up. Please all remember that the pandas are on loan to us. Without these loan agreements with China, we’d have no pandas at all. Our babies only leave the US to go back to their homeland. This is their destiny. They go on to be well cared for and loved by their keepers in China. We get to share a part of their lives. And what a wonderful part of their lives – we get to see the new cubbies and watch them grow on panda cams. Yes, it is sad to see your children leave, but there should also be a great deal of pride in that our babies have grown into adults that can play their role in keeping the pandas off the extinct list. I will shed tears with the rest of you when they go, but I will also be happy that they are going off to live their lives. They will have cubbies of their own. When Su Lin leaves, she will be joining her sister Hua Mei and her brother Mei Sheng. So try to concentrate on the positives. And enjoy Yun Zi!!!
December 7th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Additionally, I want to thank SDZ for providing the pandacam. It is a delight to watch Bai Yun and Yun Zi play, so entertaining and so distracting. Thank you for sharing the pandas with us. I hope to come visit Yun Zi when he is older.
December 7th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Maureen #274 and Frances #277, unfortunately I am diurnal, which mean both my computer and I were asleep at that hour of the night here in the CST zone! I’m so sorry!!
Linda #270, that was the first time that I have seen Yun Zi come back to the den on his own after Bai Yun had taken him for his evening outing!! Your description was right on, a ‘drunken sailor’! LOL! Adorable!
December 7th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Good morning my panda lovers family. It’s a great day…southern California has rain!!! Not so good for the fire victims….I guess the pandas will be in their glory…
Well back to my many, many, many boxes waiting for the shredding truck…
Our little boo chewer might just sleep the day away….lets see what he does.
Just a note to all of you that are upset at Tais’ departure… we have so much potential to enjoy the pandas…I would hate if all of this neggativity creates friction with China. We are doing a wonderful job in helping create pandas and being able to help raise these pandas. Also the zoos aren’t built to house a lot of pandas and the panda kids go home when it is time for them to mate.and so the circle goes on. Please lets not break the circle….
December 7th, 2009 at 10:37 am
#279 Dennis, I’m so sorry that 8 December is going to be a bad day for you. Like the Moderator said, you’ve got to hang in there. I’m also very sad that Lynn has had a very bad day. Remember, everyone on this forum is with you and you and Lynn are in our thoughts. I hope that Lynn has a better day today. All the best to you both.
December 7th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Tami is right in what she said. It is a priviledge to be able to have pandas here in the U.S. and enjoy them close to home. It is nice when zoos here get to keep them longer for us to enjoy, but it is good for them to be able to procreate. I hope that Su Lin and Zhen Zhen will get a boyfriend in so they can stay, and Yun Zi gets a girlfriend in so he stay. And yes, let’s be respectful of China as the owners of the pandas. We are privilidged to be able to enjoy the pandas. I hope we are able to help China in their effort to take care of the panda population.
December 7th, 2009 at 11:26 am
No worries, DoxieMom #295–you have caught so many other amazing moments–guess you have to sleep sometime! Perhaps someone else was able to take postcards? Or I’m sure there will be other amazing play sessions that we’ll get to see while Yun Zi is growing up.
If anyone finds a link to the Today show story about the wild panda cub that Melissa #286 mentioned–please pass it on. I tried to find it and couldn’t.
Have a wonderful panda day, everyone!
December 7th, 2009 at 11:41 am
#290 kathy…I feel the same way about Mei and Tian!
Sometimes more is learned when the desired outcome (in this case, a cub) is not achieved than from a successful outcome. Beautiful Ya Ya’s presence in Memphis is contributing to the development of knowledge about predicting pregnancy in stages earlier than can be detected with an ultrasound. She’s contributing a lot to giant panda research as she awaits motherhood. And I always remember that Bai Yun didn’t have her second cub until the summer in which she turned 12. Mei will be 12 next summer, so we can’t give up hope on our bears, and as kathy said, they are worth far more than their cub “output,” both as research subjects and as ambassadors for their species and for all endangered animals. And of course we love them all dearly and want what is best for them and for giant panda conservation and research.
You never know, the NZ may be trying to develop different protocols that we have no knowledge of and if that is the case, there will be failures on the road to more successes.
Tai Shan will have many opportunities in Wolong to be paired with a compatible mate, increasing the likelihood that he will breed naturally. If his first pairing doesn’t quite work out, they can introduce him to “someone” else. Like Mei Sheng, he might be taught by a more mature female. I am sad that I won’t get to see him daily but I’m excited that he may be a father in the not-so-distant future, making Mei Xiang a beautiful grandma panda!
December 7th, 2009 at 11:58 am
#299 Frances…I just looked on the Today Show site and didn’t find it. They reported on it during one of the half-hour news updates. It was very brief. I’m doing searches now to try to find any other references to it.
December 7th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Here it is: search “Rare newborn panda cub found in Chinese cave” Too precious to miss!
December 7th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
New Yun Zi video just posted from this morning’s play session!
Yun Zi did not sleep the morning away as Bai had other plans for him! Once she woke him up, the digging, playing, and climbing began! The ending is precious, and shows just how clever our little Yun Zi is!!! (Even after she left, he still engaged in solitary play for another 40 minutes!) If you missed this, the link for “Yun Zi: Tough and Feisty!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KykAOtaRmTk
December 7th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
#299 Frances in NYC – try the Pandas International website and the Pandas Live On website – I think that’s where I saw the item on the recently discovered wild panda cub.
I’m with all of you who feel we cannot let up on our support of panda research and conservation, wherever it is conducted. We are so priviliged in our time to live in a world that, thanks to technology, has “shrunk” to the point that we can see and read about giant pandas who are halfway across the globe and 16 time zones away. And isn’t it great to see that the bears are all equally playful, cute, sweet, and lovely regardless of their location, whether they are asleep or climbing trees, nursing or playing – with tires, water, balls, sacks, tubes, ‘boo, rocking horses, each other, or their mothers. There is still much to learn and these bears are still extremely vulnerable. They need our help regardless of where they are.
#279 – Dennis and Lynne – you’ve both had a ‘rough ride’ that’s for sure. Your GPF family will continue to hold you up in prayer and send positive, pleasant thoughts your way. I surely hope that you two will be able to spend Christmas together. Stay strong for each other.
December 7th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
I was just now watching little roly-poly Yun Zi lying on his back entertaining himself for the longest time by playing with one of his hind paws, grabbing it with his “hands” and putting it in his mouth. I swear, it was one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen (except for my own son as a baby, of course, and he even gives him a run for his money!)
December 7th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
# 299 Frances in NYC and # 286 and 302 Melissa
You can find information and a picture of the black and white cub on the “Pandas Live On” website, 3rd entry on 5 December 2009. Apparently the panda cub found is living in a cave only 400 meters from where the brown and white cub was just discovered.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I noticed the conversation about the newborn panda “found”. I wish people would not do that. I hear about pandas “found abandoned”. If people think about it, the baby panda is NOT abandoned as some people say. The mom panda is out foraging (like Bai Yun does) and then mom panda returns home (like Bai Yun does). It makes me sad to think of people taking the baby pandas away from their moms, thinking that the baby pandas are “abandoned”. No, mom panda is out foraging, and will return to her baby panda if baby panda is left in peace. I hope those people left that baby panda in peace, so that baby panda can be with its mom. We can see from watchig Bai Yun, with her babies, how well cared for baby pandas are by their moms. We can see what their natural behavior is. Mom pandas have to go out and get food they do not have pizza delivery like we do. Then the mother pandas return home. If a panda is in a cave or den like that, then the mom panda is taking care of baby panda.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
DoxieMom #303~Wonderful capture! Bai sure is rough when she digs, but Yun Zi seems to be used to being tossed around by her housecleaning efforts. Then she wanted to rest and he was all about attacking and biting her! They play rough, even with him this small. True to the nature of a bear! I loved watching him trying to climb up on her back. That will definitely strengthen his back legs. What a pity she got bored and left to nap elsewhere. He looked so sad that he was losing his playmate!
December 7th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Dear Moderator – hope you can reprint of Pamela G’s “Panda Claws” poems – she wrote a brief blog some time ago that she was not well – her poems are priceless
Moderator’s note: With great pleasure! I truly miss Pamela G’s panda poems and lullabies.
I had the idea that all of the American Pandas should get together for a Christmas party. This is the result:
A Christmas Visit from Panda Claws
“Twas the night before Christmas; in four US zoos
Pandas napped, or they played, or they munched their bamboos.
Black Panda stockings were seen everywhere,
but these were alive and were covered with hair.
Tai, Su, and Mei Lan napped by their mummies
While visions of fruitsicles tickled their tummies.
In Washington Zoo the Pandas were alone.
It was dark, cold, and snowing, the keepers gone home.
A soft, quiet bleat came from out of the dark..
Tian Tian sprang up and then stopped in mid-bark.
A figure appeared through the wall by his bed;
A fat, laughing Panda, but dressed all in red!
“Peace, my big friend,” he said, waving his paws.
“I come bearing gifts, for I am Panda Claws!”
“Now, let’s gather your mate and your handsome son, Tai,
And all of you put your paws over your eyes,
For we’re traveling to Memphis to pick up two more,
Where Le Le and Ya Ya await by their door.”
He gave four quick barks, touched his paw to his nose,
The world whirled around, and a cold wind arose!
Four Pandas spun high, then flew through moonlight
Over snow-covered country, a beautiful sight!
They touched down in Memphis just outside the zoo
And Panda Claws gathered the Tennessee two.
Six barks, a nose touch, and all paws left the ground,
Panda Claws cried “Hang on! We are Atlanta bound!”
The air was much warmer when they reached AZ
And the group was then joined by the Atlanta three.
“Now hang on!” Mr. Claws cried, “‘Cause I have to warn ya,
“The next trip’s a long one. On to California!”
He gave nine loud barks and again touched his nose
And more swiftly than eagles nine Pandas arose
And flew through the air like fat arrows, straight West,
While Lun Lun clutched little Mei Lan to her breast.
“Wheeee!” cried Tai Shan, “Mommie, dis is so FUN!
“But how can we fwy?” “Panda magic, my son.”
They landed at SDZ, silent as ghosts,
And with Bai Yun as hostess and Gao Gao as host
Had a huge Panda party, and there was no lack,
For jolly old Panda Claws opened his sack!
There were apples, and pears, fruitsicles galore!
Honey, carrots, sweet potatoes and more.
There were tender bamboo shoots, just out of the ground,
And wonderful scent blocks were all passed around.
Puzzles and boxes were filled with more treats
Until every Panda was stuffed full of sweets.
Then the adults sat down for a gossip and scratch
And Mei Sheng and Tai had a wrestling match.
Mei Xiang told a tale of a dastardly bee,
While Su Lin taught Mei Lan to climb a small tree.
Gao Gao showed Yang Yang his bamboo technique,
While Le Le licked honey from sweet Ya Ya’s cheek..
Bai Yun and Lun Lun and Mei Xiang compared
Cub-birthing stories, and den tales were shared.
Then Panda Claws rose, gave each bear’s nose a tap
And they all snuggled down for a Christmas Eve nap.
Then Panda Claws whispered in sweet Ya Ya’s ear,
“You’re going to be raising a new cub next year!”
He whispered the same words to Mei Xiang and Bai
Then went to Mei Sheng and whispered with a sigh,
“You will go Home soon, traveling far through the air.
A beautiful Panda girl awaits you there.”
Panda Claws said no more, but barked twelve times and then
Sent each sleeping Panda back to its own den!
And on Christmas Day when the Pandas were fed
In each den the keepers found cloth scraps, bright red.
And Tai Shan was singing amidst his bamboo,
“Panda Bwessings to all! Mewwy Cwisp Moss to you!”
December 7th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Pamela G’s other panda claws poem
I just had to write another Panda Claws story for Christmas……this one is very long. My apologies for taking up so much space. And the best, happiest, and most peaceful of Holidays to you all!!
THE PANDAS’ BIG CHRISTMAS SURPRISE
“Twas the first of December at the Atlanta Zoo
And Lun Lun was pacing, not eating her ‘boo!
“What’s wrong there, my sweetheart?” Called Yang from next door,
“Did Mei Lan chew your ears again, dear? Are they sore?”
“Yang Yang, it’s awful!” She called in reply,
“But we can’t talk now: It will make Lani cry.”
So later that day while Mei Lan was asleep,
Lun Lun talked to Yang as she fought not to weep,
“I just got a message, and oh Yang! I fear
That we can’t celebrate Panda Christmas this year!”
” What! Why?!” Yang Yang barked. “This is worse than I feared!”
“It’s worse than that, Yang: Panda Claws disappeared!”
They sat close together as she told him how
She had gotten a message from Bai and Gao Gao.
A bird had been sent from far off Panda Home
To find Panda Claws or to see where he’d gone.
The world had been searched: Panda Claws was not there.
It was like he had disappeared into thin air!
“We must notify Le Le, Ya, Tian, Mei and Tai,
We can’t have the party if the bears can not fly.”
“Leave it to me,” Yang Yang said as he left.
“I’ll send birds out now. And don’t look so bereft.”
But Yang was sad too: Panda Magic is rare,
And old Panda Claws was the one Panda bear
With enough Panda Magic to fly over Earth
And take other bears with him, a gift of great worth.
The word spread to Memphis. The news was so bad
That Le Le and Ya Ya grew quiet and sad.
But at National Zoo was where it hurt the most
For the Tians had prepared to be hostess and host.
They had gathered the best, most delicious bamboo
And were ready to show their new home at the zoo:
The new trees, the waterfall, spacious outdoors,
And Tai Shan had practiced conducting the tours.
He’d been saving his appowz so that he could share
With Su Lin and Lani. That’s hard for a bear!
Now the party was ruined. Mei Xiang sat and cried.
And Tian paced and worried. Had Panda Claws..died?
**********************************************
Then, just before Christmas, a small bird came down
And landed where Mei Xiang sat slumped on the ground.
“There’s news from your Homeland,” The tiny bird cheeped,
“I’m to tell you that on Christmas Eve you may sleep,
“But just until midnight. Then you’ll hear a bleat.
“And you must go out to get your Christmas treat.”
“Then you found Panda Claws?” Mei Xiang rose with a cry.
“I can tell you no more,” said the bird. “I must fly.”
*********************************************
Well! I guess that I really don’t have to tell you
On Christmas Eve, no Pandas slept at THAT zoo!
Tian, Mei, and Tai lay alone in their beds
With Hope in their hearts but with doubt in their heads.
Then, just after midnight, they heard a soft bleat.
Doors magically opened. They rose to their feet.
Outside, it was snowing. The moon shining down
Gave a lovely blue glow to the snow on the ground.
By the light of the moon the three Pandas could see
A very large box standing near a big tree.
It had a big tag, which Tian took in his paws
And read, “Merry Christmas! From the NEW Panda Claws!”
The box disappeared, and standing right there
Were all the American zoos’ Panda bears!
There were Lun Lun and Yang Yang and Little Mei Lan
Who pranced over to kiss an embarassed Tai Shan!
Le Le and Ya Ya came forth side by side.
They saw the deep snow, and their eyes grew quite wide!
“Oh my! What’s this white stuff?” Su Lin ran ahead
And batted at snowflakes that fell on her head.
Then Bai Yun approached with a queen’s stately grace.
Beside her was Gao Gao, a smile on his face.
Behind them a figure in bright red appeared
With Zhen Zhen all tangled in his long, fake beard.
“Hold still, little sister!” He laughed merrily
And tugged off the beard. “Merry Christmas! It’s me!”
“MEI SHENG!!” cried Tai Shan, “Are you Panda Claws now?”
“I am for a day.” Mei Sheng said with a bow.
“See, with so many Pandas in so many lands,
“There’s just too much work for old Panda Claw’s hands.
“So he came in secret to me in Wolong
“And gave me some magic from his Christmas Song.
“Now he travels the East while I cover the West.
“Since my family is here, we both thought that was best.”
Then Panda Claws Sheng smiled and opened his bag.
“Let’s open some presents!” He read the first tag.
He handed out scent blocks and toys, treats and fruits,
Panda bread, crackers, and young bamboo shoots.
The bears ate and played, but the biggest treat, though,
(At least for the bears from warm states) was the snow!
Yang, Tian, and Le made a big Panda slide.
Then flopped on their bellies, and downhill they’d glide!
Bai Yun and Ya Ya rolled around in deep snow
And admired how the moon on their fur made them glow.
Tai Shan took the young ones and showed them around,
Then they played hide and seek with the snow falling down.
Mei Lan climbed way up to the top of a tree.
Zhen Zhen fell in a snowdrift where no one could see.
Su Lin, who was ” It,” dug her out of the snow,
Then tagged Tai on his grate, where she knew he would go.
Gao Gao made a snowball and swatted it high
And hit Mei Xiang, who laughed and threw one at Tai!
So, bleats and chirps rang through the bright, moonlit night,
As the Pandas chose sides for a huge snowball fight!
Then, laughing and panting, they sat down to talk.
Mei Xiang and Tian Tian served their best bamboo stalks.
As the bears munched and gossiped, Mei Sheng sniffed the wind,
“It is late,” he announced. “We must fly soon, my friends.”
“Our son has grown up.” Bai Yun whispered to Gao.
“Yes,” Gao Gao was proud. “He’s the world’s Panda now.”
December 7th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Just put my SDZ Panda ornament on the tree. So I had to see what was going on over here.
Doxiemom, thanks for all the videos!
December 7th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Hi to our womderful GPF and special warm wishes and thought to Dennis and Lynn. I know how awful some days can be – 2 of my friends husbands died on my birthday years apart – every year my birthday is sad not happy. Dennis please be assured that there are lots of Aussie thoughts, prayers and love coming from Adelaide.
On a happier note – I see Wang Wang and Funi in 7 days – it has all gone quiet here at the moment – no cams for the public and nothing new on their blogs for a week – they will need to make great improvement in communicating with the GPF won’t they!!
Best wishes to you all
December 7th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
11:45 am Monday – Instead of a security blanket I think little Yun Zi has a security ‘tush’!! His front end did some exploring just outside of the den, while his ’security tush’ end stayed put. Finally he decided he wanted to be totally secure and slipped back into the den. This little guy is just so adorable. What a pleasure to watch!
Thanks, Cam operators, for following footsteps, falling out of the den, and all that goes on in between!
December 7th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Thanks, everyone for helping me locate the information about the cub.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Anyone else noticing how inquisitive Yun Zi suddenly has become? Not only is he fascinated with his feet, rolling around, the boo, his den, his mother….but also now mimicking her actions of scraping the boo with his right front paw and then lying down in the “hole” he has created. “Cuz, this is how Mommy does it!”
December 7th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
DoxieMom #303 – Perfect. What I am trying to figure out is was Bai Yun doing this to get Yunior to react or was Yunior having a temper tantrum. I’m sure it is all in the manual of How To Raise A Baby Panda. I’m also sure Bai has memorized it by now.
Moderator’s note: Are you sure she didn’t write it?
December 7th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Biggest storm with winds and rains, that we have had in years…….
check out the elephant cam to see the mud and the wild deers that have the place to themselves.
No wonder everyone is inside today at the zoo.
Thanks DoxieMom again for the play time.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Ship me Yun Zi quick. We have snow!!! For that matter send all the pandas along. What a fun day we’d have playing in the snow. Hey all of you come on up and we’ll have a splendid panda play day with all the pandas and the pandaholics!!
December 7th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
#303, I love the video, can’t believe I missed this. Just a little while ago, Yunior got behind Bai and grabbed her back leg and then stood up. Do you think that maybe he is trying to hold her back from leaving, the same way that she grabs his butt to stop him from leaving? What a fast learner.
If Bai Yun is now going into the classroom exhibits, can we presume that the staff is trying to gauge her reactions to going back on exhibit?
December 7th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Though I didn’t read the total and complete report yet, #307 Charisse D I couldn’t agree more. I live in the mountains and have had many encounters with what I believed was an abandoned baby. Deer, Racoon, Foxes, 1 baby black bear and plenty of Bunnies. When we see this the first thing we do is check the baby for stress and if it is too thin. We place string over the babies and leave and check them 24hrs. later. If the string has not moved we know something happened to the mother and we take them home. Some we have nursed and some we brought to a local wildlife rehabilitator. Especially the baby deer. We learned this the hard way when we took babies and the mother was still around. We would go and look for the mother incase she was hurt, only to find she was at the nest site. Luckily we had success bringing the babies back and all was well. People must learn out in the wild mothers leave their young for long periods of time. So to see them unattended is not unusual. Its more likely. To all good intentioned people. Make sure you have an abandoment before ever removing a baby from its nest. It is an old wives tale that the human sent will drive the mother away or she will kill them. NOT TRUE! Watched our little guy 1:30 SDX time. He was having so much fun with himself while his mom watches just outside the doorway. I believe Bai has been bringing in that thicker Boo for him to teeth on, and he did just that sitting in his pandaish style. Not like a baby but like a little Panda. Oh, my I actually am admitting our baby is,well not such a little baby any more. I haven’t allowed it to sink in. Peacefull Panda dreams to all.
December 7th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I cry with joy, sadness, and awe whenever I read Pamela G’s poems. That is amazing talent for sure. I hope she is well, wherever she is. I really miss her blogs and poems. On an other note…I had to laugh at YZ-Man this morning. Mommy was sleeping, and he very quietly (he thought) got up, and walked around her front, past her face, down her back, and was trying very hard to bite her on her bumpster. It was so intentional on his part. I guess he isn’t so wise yet afterall, because all us grown ups know that Mommies have eyes in the back of their heads.
December 7th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
My goodness — what a charming and adorable little panda Yun Zi is!!! He is just precious, and so inquisitive, and quite the little scooter! How lucky for him that he is tucked into his nice warm den — especially on a very wet and blustery day here in SD. I just want to curl up next to him and take a little siesta too! Think he would mind sharing his digs — just for a little bit?
December 7th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Maureen #310, thank you so much for finding that Christmas poem from Pamela G. It was absolutely wonderful, especially the very last line!
December 7th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
A 2nd Yun Zi video just posted! Thanks Jeslyn #317 for the weather report! That could explain Bai’s shaking and her 3 appearances in the den today!
The 2nd video, IMHO better than the 1st, once again shows Bai digging at boo and Yun Zi playing and climbing on Bai!! He’s really working on those back leg muscles climbing on his mommie! At the end you see him 1/2 way out of the den ~ maybe he doesn’t like the wet floor? Do you think Bai has a case of ‘cabin fever’ from the rain?
The link for “Yun Zi and Bai on a Rainy Day” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UboiWEyu9JQ
December 7th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Char #271 and I waited all morning for the pandas to arrive here in Sacramento. We were going to share Yun Zi. Guess we didn’t have enough snow, eh? But it’s going to be really cold the next couple of mornings, and I need something to snuggle with! Here Yun Zi, here Yun Zi. (And he does walk like a drunken sailor or me wearing high heels on board a ship in rough waters!)
I was in a true “funk” when Tai was approaching his second birthday because originally, he was going back then. We’ve been blessed to have him this long. I, for one, while REALLY, REALLY attached to each of our pandas, know there is a greater good than our love and admiration. — All of “our” pandas are needed to order for the panda species to survive. I got to the point when it was time for Mei Sheng go back to China that I could read the updates. It broke my heart. However, I felt better when I found the Chengdu cams – highlighting all the new toddlers. It is obvious their keepers adore them. It’s a pity those cams have been down now for a couple of months. I am sorry for all of us who are hurting over the departures of three of our “kids.” I’ll look forward to the girls becoming mothers and Tai becoming a daddy.
December 7th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I love the growth chart! Thank you for posting it. So very interesting to see how all the bears compare in terms of growth. Looks like Yun Zi is going to give Hua Mei a run for her money!
I also love the Pamela G Panda Claws poems. They just make Christmas. I particularly remember the second one when she originally posted it. It was such a delightful surprise for Mei Sheng to be the new Panda Claws! It brought tears to my eyes because we had so recently gone through his return to China. I so wish she could write about the latest panda adventures. I am sure it would be quite a story this year.
Looking forward to updates about how our girls, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, enjoyed the rain today!
December 7th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Thanks Moderator! I like the idea of putting the scent of the bamboo on the blanket. Is it raining in San Diego? It’s raining here.
Bai Yun probably wrote a series on How to Care for Your Panda Cub. She knows every trick in the book! (Of course.)
Moderator’s note: It has been raining steadily all day. This is when I’m glad I work in a warm, dry office!
December 7th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
DoxieMom, Bai looks like she is “panda wrangling.” What a hoot! Thank you for yet another great video.
December 7th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
#307 – Charisse D. – China has wised up about cubs being “found” – they are no longer considered abandoned by their mothers but are watched to make sure mom does return
I think what was encouraging about this news is that there are cubs being born in the wild after the devastation of the earthquake 
December 7th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Thank you, #306 Danielle!
December 7th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Thank you Maureen, that is good to hear. So they left those pandas in their homes?
December 7th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I finally watched the video of the 14th exam. What a treat! This little “bruiser” is such a character. Kathy must have been exausted after that tussle.
Can’t wait for him to get more mobile, go outside, and give Bai a run for her money!
But it is wonderful news that Atlanta is near their goal to be able to keep Lun and Yang for 5 more years. (I think the balance must be there via a promise or grant?) The answers to some questions presented to NZ indicated they will negotiate with China in 2010, regarding extension of the contract for Mei Xian and Tian Tian. Hopefully Mei can present us with a cub in the spring. That will make watching the cams more bearable (with Tai gone). Btw, the Prince of Atlanta is cuter than I would have thought. And we experienced seeing “Monster-mommy”. Xi wanted to play. She didn’t. He got the message. But we also got to see Xi and Lun in a bout of nursing. Very sweet!
#212 Peggy. Tai Shan looks lanky right now because he lost some weight over the summer (normal), and he has had some digestive problems. He’s never been this lightweight before. But they are working on getting some more weight on him.
#279. Dennis. I’m so sorry Lynn is having such a tough time. We are ALL praying for both of you. I pray you will both be granted the strength and faith to see it through.
#102. Marcia & 111 Joan. My daughter and I both are grieving the loss to China of Mei Lan and Tai Shan. We, too, knew it was coming, but it doesn’t soften the heartache. Yes, they are leaving to spread the benefit of their genes in the panda-gene-pool. (And what excellent genes!) This is exactly the reason I made a point of having the money to travel to both zoos to see our “babies” before they must leave. We saw Tai in May, and we saw Mei Lan just this last weekend. They were both so beautiful, and posed perfectly for our cameras.
To All GPF: Even though it is sad and seems cruel to separate our panda families. All of these beautiful, intelligent, lovable creatures are but a loan to the U. S. and her citizens, in a contract that mutually benefitted both countries. We must never lose sight of the fact that we must be good stewards for all endangered wildlife; whether it be Giant Pandas, Polar Bears, Gray Wolves, Whales, Big Cats, Koalas, and on and on. So many are endangered. Never stop helping them, monitarily, or with manpower, or however you can. They are too precious to give up your support, no matter how our hearts ache at their loss.
OK! I’ll get off my soapbox now! Have a great week, and, as always, thanks to all keepers of the animals, wherever you are, for your dedication in what you do. May we all be good keepers.
December 7th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Thanks Doxiemom for more videos of a panda cub’s life
We all knew that Bai would be a wonderful caring mom for her newborn but I amazed at her patience & her playfulness with Yun Zi 
December 7th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Thanks for the video, DoxieMom–I loved seeing Yun Zi trying to climb Mt. Mommy! And I guess he just isn’t ready to get those hind paws wet–they might melt, after all.
I think Bai and Gao each have written the definitive texts and developed extensive lecture series on breeding and raising cubs and Gao Gao surely has a thriving Internet business selling them.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:48 am
It must have quit raining since Bai & Yun Zi haven’t been in the den since last evening. It is now 3:00 a.m. and still no sign of them anywhere. Bai must be making up for lost time enjoying the outdoors with her baby. I miss seeing them wish they would come back to the den even if it’s just for a brief appearance. Guess I’ll just have to wait until morning to see them.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:51 am
ALRIGHT YUN ZI IS IN THE DEN NOW PLAYING WITH THE BOO!!!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Has anyone at any given time, wished that they were Yun Zi? And to be able to recieve so much love and affection? I have to admit that I have, that may sound silly but the love that Bai showers her cub with is just totally awesome and I know that there are some humans who could learn a few things from her. Bai is a GREAT mom.
December 8th, 2009 at 4:18 am
#309=Maureen. What a wonderful Christmas gift you have given all of us. Thank you for taking your time to share these poems with us. Absolutely priceless. What a talent. How long ago did she post them? I hope she is still reading these blogs so to hear all our praises of her beautiful words. Pamela P. let us hear from you again. Between what I view and DoxieMom’s videos of what I have missed, I am certain I have never seen such mothering and interactions as I see with Bai and Yunior with any other animal. Their relationship cannot be compared except for other Pandas. I see such human likeness. You can just read what Bai is thinking. So on cue with every new stage of her little one’s life. I do think he is starting to mimic Bai. In DoxieMom’s video Bai is pushing Boo around and you can see ZiMan with his little paw do the same thing. I do believe she has reached the start of his teachings. He watches her very closely. When she is pushing him around we see it as play but I think shes teaching him to push back.
Moderator’s note: Pamela G’s latest Christmas poem was posted in 2007. We have not heard from her since December 2008, and I, for one, miss her thoughtful comments and wonderful poems and lullabies. I hope she is doing well.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Poor Bai, Yunior is munching on her again… She is on her back and he is using her forearm to stand up meanwhile chewing the whole time on it…. She’s such a good Mom…
December 8th, 2009 at 6:44 am
I love Yun Zi. He is so cute. I was watching the panda cam & I saw him leave the den. I squel with excitement at how big he has gotten.
. I love watching him grow. I can’t wait to see him get bigger. He is just to adorable. 
.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:55 am
As I recall Pamela G was having health issues and was no longer able to write her poems. I pray she is OK and that is not why we have not heard from her in a while.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Thank you Maureen and Moderator for bringing us Pamela G’s Christmas Poems. I also miss her poems and lullabyes. Pamela, Know that your panda family misses you and hopes you are well. I find these poems uplifting at this time of the year and they never get old no matter what.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Brandy, #338, I, too, see a human likeness. Yun Zi even looks like a baby when he’s waking up. There we go again — attaching human emotions to our pandas!
It’s interesting that Lin Ping seemingly has been trained to sleep on her “blanket.” She was just being “wrangled” by mom, twisted away, and went directly to her blanket and went to sleep.
December 8th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Well I haven’t been able to see as much of Yun Zi as I have flown to California for a conference last Sunday. I have come down to my 86 year old mother’s computer lab in her Assisted Living to check in. Thank you Doxie Mom for those great videos. I only was able to read to about 200 before I had to stop to get something done and spend time with my mom. I brought her down to watch the exam video and am doing my best to turn the entire facility onto pandacam. (spread the word) I won’t have time to get down to San Diego from L.A. but it is nice to be closer (and to miss a bit of really bad weather at home). Mary of SF #181 I agree that we have to keep the larger purpose in mind, for the survival of the species. But Yun Zi is only my first panda, and I do feel attached to him. In some of those pictures, Doxie Mom, he looks a bit like a raccoon….anyway, he is adorable and loves his reflection. Bai Yun is a treasure too, specially after I read the moderator’s blog about twins. It’s a privelege to watch them. Thank you for making this available–sdz, staff, videographers all. So I am off to spend time with my mom, who is fragile but so endearing and loved. She is my Bai Yun.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:23 am
i so enjoy all the comments about pandas at the same time i find it upsetting that personal stories are included in the panda blogs i wish some other site was available for these types of stories everyone here probably has a story but we dont burden others and i wish the panda blogs would be limited to pandas
December 8th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Yun Zi certainly seems to know he should be climbing (I believe the SD Panda folks have told us that young pandas in the wild climb trees to stay safe). It’s interesting to see that genetic switch flip on. Now all he has to do is figure out that the good climbing is outside!
December 8th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Deana #337–I know I certainly have.
Little YZ-Man is definitely developing his own methods for spreading the boo around in the den and has a Yun Zi-sized stalk of boo to play with. Get those back legs going, little one–you have a whole yard to rearrange outside!
December 8th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Wow…those poems from Pamela G are very heart felt. Was anyone able to e-mail her to see if family would answer??? Where ever she is… thank you Pamela G for your contribution to our hearts….
Moderator: would we be able to print these up…perhaps for a small donation.
If I can help let me know….I am very good at confidentiality…it goes along with my profession.
Moderator’s note: Pamela G has always been very gracious in sharing her poems.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Did that big boy just go lookin’ for his mom?
December 8th, 2009 at 11:42 am
DOXIE MOM ROCKS!! What ever would we do without you. Thanks a million times over!!
December 8th, 2009 at 11:44 am
I just watched Bai Yun come and get Yun Zi out of the den. Seconds later he was trying to get back in; she came and took him away again. That makes me think he’s not confident enough yet for a public debut?
December 8th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Thank you so much for letting us read Pamela G’s poems again. I know the first one but hadn’t read the Mei Sheng one. So lovely, now I feel all Christmassy (and a little bit gooey-eyed).
I hope that Pamela G is OK.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
OK, this is ridiculous. Is there a support group for people who talk to the computer screen and pet Yun Zi’s head with the mouse cursor? I think I need to get out more.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I agree with all the comments about Bai Yun that represents all wild life babies found in the wild….They are not abandoned unless mom doesn’t return within 24 hours,Due to the encroachment of man they have to travel further from the nest just to find enough bamboo to sustain them and their cub…..I liked the suggestion of watching the baby but don’t stay too long or interfere or mom might not come back while you are there…..Before Lynn got sick and we had to sell our house to pay her medical bills I had a personal relationship with multiple generations of white tail deer….As we had no cats or dogs they used our yard to bed down and in a few cases give birth….I was fortunate enough to actually have the does walk up to me and every spring introduce their fawns to me,this happened by surprise one time when I was doing some yard work and felt what I thought was my neighbors dog nuzzling my leg,turns out mom brought her twins to meet me and as all I ever did was speak in a calm voice to them every spring I was blessed with the does bringing me their fawns to watch and meet….Because of the relationship I had it seemed like I always had does and fawns including a young buck that was one of the fawns actually wait for me to scratch behind his ears in the morning or walk down the driveway with me when I would bring the garbage cans out,or back to the house….
Don’t pick up the babies unless injured or disturb the relationship between mother and babies and you too might have a good relationship with wildlife….Watch them,enjoy them , but don’t place human virtues on them as they are wild and deserve to be so….I have always had a good relationship with animals and have had several people comment on how they were surprised when their pet which didn’t like strangers walk up to me….For some strange reason I have wild animals respond in kind and I cherish every encounter…..At Hollywild Wildlife Park in SC, I had the same thing happen with a lion cub and bengal tiger cub and cherish the pictures taken with Daktari (Lion) and Liberty (Tiger) sitting on my lap with my wife and one of the twins Tiffany as her sister Kendall was in Europe with her job…Years later I actually was fortunate enough to have Daktari the male lion recognize me and walk up to the fence of his enclosure when he heard my voice much to the surprise of the keeper until I showed the picture of him as a cub….All life is precious and if you are kind and caring and sincere you too might be fortunate enough to have a relationship with a wild or domestic animal,as animals are more intuitive than most people and can sense if you are sincere or nervous or mean and will react accordingly…..Just don’t barge in and try and make something happen and you might just be surprised by an interaction with nature….
To all my friends at the SDZ and my GPF Family I thank you for your comments and concerns and well wishes as today is a difficult day for me as mentioned in a previous blog due to the death of John Lennon and the suicides of my childhood friends Vic and Greg on the same date,years apart……I was finally able to have a 45 minute telephone conversation with Lynn from her Hospital Bed today and she is feeling better as she had an electrolyte imbalance caused by all the IV’s she had received due to treatment for the blod clot which has caused some internal bleeding which they are hoping to have under full control in the next couple of days and we hope for a Christmas together….Lynn thanks you all for your kind words and prayers and I was finally able to catch her up on Yunior antics and Tai with his snow day fun…..
Panda Peace and Love to All!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I just posted a video from a play session early this morning around 5:40am. I believe this is the one Dianna, #339 was talking about. Bai had her paws full of a wiggling, squirming Yun Zi! She wanted to bathe him, but he had other ideas! He wanted to play, swat, bite or kick any part of mommie that was available!! What makes this play session unique is that most of it happened while Bai was laying on her back with Yun Zi on her belly!!
The link for “Yun Zi: Belly Dancer!?!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv0PlJ56p8g
December 8th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
I was thankful for a warm,dry house yesterday! Rain! Okay, how many of you woke up to find ICE in your yards? On your cars? (I don’t drive, but there was ice on the family van! My dad even made an iceball!) Was there ice in the panda exhibits? Yun Zi naps a lot. He seems boring when that happens, but when his mom is home, then the fun begins! It is awesome watching him play with her, and try to avoid getting clean! I really hop Pamela G. is fine, because I miss Panda Claws. Moderator: Is there a heater in your office? If so, I bet you are thankful for that today! It’s colder than the water in the polar bear exhibit!
P.S. Besides the car, we had ice on the slide (of the swingset), the birdbath, and the locks on my bunny’s cages froze! All the water droplets from the rain froze into ice!
December 8th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I’m watching Su Lin right now sitting up/back and eating her boo. I sometimes wonder if she or the others are ever lonely??? Does it ever seem so??? Thank you for caming her. I miss seeing her, ZZ, and GaoGao.
Moderator’s note: Please remember that pandas are generally solitary creatures, and being alone is a normal thing for them.
December 8th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Mommy! I bite you, I kick you, I smack you, I eat you, I punch you, I chew on you, I hug you, I kiss you, I love you, I eat you up, gobble, gobble, gobble….!!!
Whomever does the exam this week; Good Luck!!
December 8th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I blink………….and he’s GONE! He has grown way too fast.
I just received a Christmas gift from a client. It’s a rather large stuffed panda. Absolutely adorable; absolutely thoughtful on my client’s part. Go figure — she just SOMEHOW knew I loved pandas.
While I know my heart-felt dream of seeing a panda in the wild will probably not happen (at least for a very long time), I’ve made the “executive” decision to SEE A WILD PANDA, YUN ZI. I’m still hoping for a Christmas present of a trip, I’ve been checking out the packages through the Zoo. Nice packages. Can’t wait!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Thank you so much, DoxieMom #355–what an awesome session. And thanks, cam operators, for catching Yun Zi’s brief, but oh-so-adorable forays out of the den this afternoon. Back in the den, storing up energy and strength for the next one…
December 8th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
How very nice that someone found my Panda Claws poems and resurrected them! I had such fun with them!
To my great surprise, I am still functioning, though at a greatly reduced efficiency. It seems the malignancies
removed from my brain also removed my ability to create poetry. My facility with words has been severely compromised. But the damage could have been much worse. I have been lucky so far, and my fight continues.
So I thank all of the wonderful Panda lovers out there, the zoos, and the great Panda Teams who care for the bears that have helped me want to stay alive.
And….If you would like, I would be happy to add some of my old poems to the Panda blogs from time to time.
Merry Christmas and Love to all. Pam
Moderator’s note: Welcome back, Pamela G!! It’s so good to know you are still with us!
December 8th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Thank you DoxieMom for the latest video of Yunior….I have been watching him in and out of the den the last 45 minutes first sitting like the Buddha Prince before walking into Bai Yun’s bedroom then a funny spisode of trying to get out into the sunroom when his royal chubbiness got stranded on the ledge going outside as his belly managed to get all four feet off the ground as he teetered back and forth until he was able to sit on the ledge….LOL…..
Panda Peace to all!!! 
Then back to the den to play peekaboo paddy cakes Panda brfore mom walked by and he decided to go out again….Woe is me.he finally tired himself out after falling off of the den’s ledge and retreated to the den to take a nap, For 30 seconds then back to play again…. No matter how bad a day is going for me all I have to do is watch the Pandacam and get an instant rush of Panda Gratification that can brighten any day….
Next telephone call with Lynn will have more of the ongoing antics of the Panda Prince Yun Zi,and his performances for his GPF Family of adoring fans!
December 8th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Looks like Yun Zi is playing with and mouthing bamboo. He walked out of the den a few times and went to the doorway to the outside where he could see his mom eating. He didn’t cross that threshold, but it won’t be long.
December 8th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Maybe Bai Yun is making a maze or some type of playground in the den for Yun Zi to keep him occupied until he is ready to go outdoors? Seems like she is putting big pieces of bamboo in the den for him as much or more than for herself. Instinctively she must have a reason for doing so. What part of Dec did the other cubs leave the den for good? I remember Bai and Zhen moving outdoors to the “shelter” of the wooden “cave” in the classroom area.
December 8th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Debi #358, EXACTLY. I can just hear him saying all those things to Mommy. Thanks for making me laugh out loud.
December 8th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Doximom # 355: This video is simply the VERY BEST EVER!!! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again THANK YOU for every single minute you spend creating these visual memories!!!! I am simply awestruck each time I watch your work!
To All: If you’ve never created a movie, you need to know that there is TIME involved in the effort! We all are indebted to Doxiemom!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I, too, miss Pamela G and her wonderful poetry about our beloved pandas. Remembering her poem about a mother panda saying good-bye to her soon-to-be-weaned cub makes me tear up instantly. I hope all is well with her but I do remember her writing that she was going to be away for some time.
Wanted to add my thanks to DoxieMom for all the fabulous videos she provides. They really give me a chance to see Bai and Yun Zi in action, when I might not otherwise. Thanks for your hard work and patience.
December 8th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Thanks for the graph – our Yun Zi seems to leading the panda pack in weight gain
#345 – Carol – I agree with you
December 8th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
2nd Yun Zi video posted on Tuesday!
If you missed seeing Yun Zi leave the den this afternoon and his play session with Bai Yun in the bedroom, here it is! He just couldn’t quite get over the step between the bedroom and sunroom, but he tried, twice!!
The link for “Yun Zi: On the Move!!” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8dUBiv5k8c
December 8th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Hi everybody. #345-Carol, where do I begin? You only have to read what you choose.
December 8th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Yun Zi:Mommie when can I go out and see the humans?
Bai:You need to practice some more…need to get all your muscles strong.
Yun Zi:But you tell me to stay in the den???
Bai:Yes Mommie is still teaching you and watching so you don’t get hurt.
Yun Zi:I got out and then you left and I found my way to the den. I are bigger now.
Bai:We will go outside and you can feel the rain…
Yun Zi:When Mommie?
Bai:Soon…it’s stopped raining..I thought I was going to see snow it’s been so cold.in a few days.
Yun Zi:Yea…brrrr. Mommie can you bring me some paper so I can write Santa Paws?? Oh Mommie thank you for all the boo…I play in it like a jungle gym…
Bai: Of course my little prince..
Yun Zi:Can you reach my buddie on the other side of the mirror? We want to play?
Bai:Silly that’s you reflection.
Yun Zi:Flection?
Bai:That’s you in the mirror…let me see if I can get Bambi, Thumper and Flowers’ mommie to let them come play.
Yun Zi:Oh ta!!! Read me a story I sleepy z z z z !
December 8th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Sorry I didn’t read Pamela G’s post before I wrote mine. Welcome back, Pamela G.! We’ve missed you but are glad to know you are doing all right. Reading your wonderful poems always brings me joy–and maybe a tear or two. Best wishes!
December 8th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Just wanted to add my 2 cents about this blog being about Pandas……right on! Gloom and doom I get plenty of in the “real world.” This is my beautiful escape, tyvm.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Pamela G #361: Welcome back!!!! Gosh we all are thrilled to ’see’ you!!!! You have given all a Christmas present by writing!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Yay! Pamela G. is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the Panda Claws poems, and I love how they include every panda at every zoo. The last one I read was the one in 2007, and I loved it! (Of course, I had to look back. I only recently started commenting!) Yun Zi is now sleeping under…. a Christmas tree?! Looks like Bai Yun has finally decided to decorate. Good Luck! Yunior will probably destroy it in the blink of an eye. (Boys will be boys) Welcome to winter…… 13 days before winter!
December 8th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Pamela B. #361, SO, SO glad to hear from you. So sorry for your trials. (My sister in law has two brain tumors currently, so I understand a LITTLE.) I would love it if you broke some of the old poems (at your convenience). They are precious and timeless.
And my apologies to any of you whom I’m offending; I personally think of us as a Big Panda Family.
Panda Team: any chance there will be a PBS/SDZ “Panda Tales” with Yun Zi being the star? Of course with the Ultimate Mommy, Bai. I’ve watched it over and over; everything about it is wonderful, including the music.
December 8th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
#361 Pamela G – I am SO very happy to see you post again! Just knowing you are still in our big ‘Panda loving’ family is a wonderful Christmas gift! Yes, please do repost some of your incredibly wonderful poems – I will love reading them again, and we have many new members who have not had the honor!
Welcome back!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
That concrete room must be really cold today….its in the low 50’s which is not normal for us. More rain due Thursday thru the weekend so we’ll see what they do about it.
When does he nurse anymore? It seems he just like to teeth on his mom’s paws.
I bet with teeth he must be hurting her when he does nurse!
I switched over to the apes today when the panda cam was down. One ape had itself inside a burlap bag in the corner….guess what ever it takes to stay warm today!
He or she, would peak out at times…..great camera work! Plus the polar bears were good……its fun to switch back and forth amongst all the cams…..when baby is sleeping.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Pamela G..361…as if there was any other Pamela G! You just gave me the best Christmas present and Birthday present and…etc. I am thrilled to see your name in the comment section again. I am so sorry you have had an illness that has kept you away from us but so glad you are able to come back, and post a comment when you can. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and better 2010, and I am just thrilled to hear from you again….I, for one, would like to enter your name in our virtual Panda Hall of Fame, for all the wonder poems, lullabyes, and tributes you have written about all of our panda’s, in all the zoos. You are now and always will be the “best” at expressing love for our panda’s. Please stay well, and you really made my year. Thank you, for all you have done and for being you, Pamela G.!!
December 8th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Some one told me to check in on the new video on the elephant site……they did dental work on the rescue elephant, Jewel. Very interesting.
Our zoo does such great things to keep the animals happy and healthy. Now lets hope she can gain weight.
Moderator’s note: Be sure to read An Elephant Goes to the Dentist…
December 8th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Welcome back, Pamela G.#361–and by all means, post more of your poems! I hope the pandas will continue to help you heal.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Pamela G: Seeing your post is worth at least 100 poems! I am glad you are dealing so well with the challenges your illness brings. I hope watching “Yunior” gives you great joy
and I hope you have a happy holiday! Thanks for your the wonderful poems you’ve shared.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
On Inside Edition they are going to show the cub tonite…..
I was wondering if Yun Zi makes the noises he made when keepers held him….when momma holds him.
Can the keepers hear him when she is pushing him around like in the video! He looks like he is making noise.
Moderator’s note: The keepers can usually hear what’s going on in the den.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
DoxieMom thank you for the two very cute videos today.
So glad to hear from Pamela G and to know she is at least still able to read some of our blogs and maybe sometimes join also. Pam your poem that is posted on pandasliveon about Mei Xiang saying a goodbye to Tai Shan as he goes out on his own as a cub, has more meaning now than ever. Bless you.
#371 TAMI love your little chat between Bai and Yunior.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
#361 – Pamela G – WELCOME BACK – hearing from you today was a wonderful gift
So glad to hear you are doing so well. 
We have missed you 
Please, please re post some of your poems – with our Tai getting ready to return to his homeland we all need to read your poem as Mei Xiang lets her first cub go. From what I’ve read you also wrote about all our other pandas – please re post what you can – really glad to have you back 
Merry Christmas
December 8th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
While doing some research online today I discovered that Disney Companu had shot and introduced a new movie this year in Mainland China with Panda Cubs from the Wolong Panda Reserve before the Earthquake…..It was only shown in limited shows in the USA,while it was released in China and Asia….The English title is ” TRAIL OF THE PANDA.” From some of the Chinese sites I searched today it shows a lot of the Habitat as well the true Stars of the movie the 6 Cubs that played Pang Pang……
December 8th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Hi Panda fans…according to the growth chart, Hua Mei was almost 6 months old when she made her first appearence in the outside exhibit. It doesn’t say the exact date, but it has 6 months for her age or how long she was in the den until her first appearence or on exhibit with Bai. She was born on August 21, so she was much older than the cubs that came after her. If I remember correctly, Zhen Zhen’s first time out in the exhibit was very close to Christmas time. I truly think Yun Zi is going to be in the den longer than all 4 of his siblings. He seems very reluctant to leave the den, and play in the bedroom, let alone go outside into the garden room by himself. Bai Yun doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to get him out of the den either. The only thing that might hurry her up is the size of the den itself. Pretty soon she won’t be able to entertain herself (or us!) by doing somersaults for lack of room to move around. But with so many of our very loved Panda’s leaving for China next year, I treasure the denning phase and hope it lasts as long as possible. There is plenty of time for climbing trees and being invisible to an adoring public, so I hope he stays a baby, who is clearly visible for as long as he can.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
THANKS for the updates on our favorite bears! I really love the graph comparing cub development. It’s fascinating to see the comparisons.
I have a request. Sorry if it’s been mentioned already…Can you please post little Yun Zi’s picture on the panda home page? He’s the only bear in the family not listed. THANKS!
December 8th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
re 386 – Dennis & Lynn Carney: Thanks for your post. I was in China when they released the movie. I tried to go see it but when I tried to get directions to a theatre my request got lost in translation. I’m hoping the movie will be on DVD really soon. There were write-ups and review in the China Daily at the time. What’s really interesting is that Mao Mao played Pang Pang’s mother. Mao Mao is the panda that died in the earthquake. I want to buy the DVD so if ANYONE has any info on where to buy it please let me know. Thank you so much fellow panda fans!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Pamela G..welcome back! My eyes were filled w/ tears from reading Panda Claws . Your poems are so touching and we are very blessed to have them here. Thank you for sharing as these wonderful words will stay in the hearts of all panda lovers for many years to come.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Pamela G – how lovely to hear from you. I only discovered this wonderful place in October 2007 (oh, has it really been 2 years already, feels like 2 minutes!) and found everyone talking about your poems. Well done for fighting your way through a very tough time. I, along with everyone else, would LOVE to read some of your other poems. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:22 am
As we come into winter and the Holiday season we can all reflect on the trials and tribulations from the previous year….Many of the Pandaholics & GPF Families myself included have had significant losses to loved ones or loved ones with serious illnesses,or have been ill ourselves…May we all have a Happy Holiday Season and a Very Happy New Year…And let’s not forget our troops and their families seperated by their coureageous service to us all….It’s amazing how a little Panda Prince ,Yun Zi has brought so many people from all over the world together to become one big global family,together in a common cause to save all life on the planet….Yunior has become the shining light that has brought many of us out of a bad day with a chuckle and has turned many frowns into smiles,and made us all
appreciate life…..
We should modify the old saying “Peace on Earth,Goodwill to men ” To : “Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to all Life on Earth” as it’s not to late to save our mother earth and ourselves along with it ,all we have to do is get our Leaders to watch Panda Cam for a few hours and we won’t even need the United Nations any longer as our GPF Pandaholic Family promotes the fact that all life Plant or Animal is sacred and we will no longer tolerate a species becomung extinct every 20 minutes never to be seen again….We have watched our planet shrink via the internet as The Pandaholic Army grows in numbers everyday…….
“Panda Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All Life on Earth” A saying we all can live by and with!
December 9th, 2009 at 4:29 am
re: Trail of the Panda. Disney’s previous Chinese-language film was released here on DVD eventually, with English dubbing, so maybe we will get to see it. I read the shooting was interrupted by the earthquake, and the cameramen had to abandon their equipment to hike out. It took 3 days.
Meanwhile, we have the live BaiYunZi show, funny dialogs, and now lovely poems. How lucky we are.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:54 am
More on Trail of the Panda
I found a website for the film, but it is all in Chinese. There is, however, a 1 minute, 46-second trailer that should have you pretty much in tears in a few seconds! Baby panda in danger; wolves, panda poachers; young boy saving panda; many hardships to do so; adorable boy-panda scenes. You can see the trailer on YouTube. I couldn’t find any mention anywhere about a theatrical or DVD release. Now, if I can find a hankie, I’ll watch the trailer again!
December 9th, 2009 at 4:57 am
I found an interesting article about the Oakland Zoo’s efforts to obtain a pair of giant pandas. Their custom-built panda quarters are now completely finished and negotiations with China are continuing (as of October of this year). I thought this effort was all but dead in the water but apparently zoo officials are still hopeful. After many years of fundraising, planning, building and negotiating, I hope the zoo is successful, at last!
The panda facility there is currently being “sublet” by a group of baboons. It looks like a very nice facility with a big, sloping yard.
If anyone has ever been curious about the permits required to bring giant pandas to the U.S. and to return them to China, the guidelines are on the EPA’s website. I put “panda” in the searchbox and there was one result. It is a lengthy document but really interesting!
December 9th, 2009 at 5:20 am
Hello Pamela G. So very good to hear you’re up and about. My prayers are with you but so happy you’ll be OK. When i need to see your poems, I just go to Flickr to read the lullibies you wrote. I thank you for sharing your gift. Be well,
Terry
December 9th, 2009 at 5:47 am
I had seen the trailer for Trail of the Panda and was hoping it would be available in the US. If you want to see a very funny video of some baby pandas with one opening the door and taking off, which is what Yunior will do one day, go to you tube and type in panda bear escape. Hi to Pam G and welcome back
December 9th, 2009 at 6:11 am
#361 – Pamela G – I am thrilled to hear that you are still with us. Sorry to hear that the surgery affected your poetic genius and writing, but so happy to hear that it helped your life. May GOD continue to watch over you, care for you, and heal you. We continue to enjoy your poems every year. Thanks to the archives, the Moderator has access to republish your 2007 versions. My fantasy wish is that they were somehow true and that all of the USA pandas, past and present, could have a reunion party on Christmas Eve. Panda Claws would be busy indeed.
December 9th, 2009 at 6:54 am
I had to go to the dentist today for a routine cleaning, and amidst all the uncomfortable scraping and prodding, I pictured little Yun Zi in his last exam and instantly felt all happy and calm. Thank you Yun Zi – your amazing cuteness and precious pandaness somehow makes everything in life just a little bit more “bear”-able!
December 9th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Pamela G #361, Welcome back! So glad you checked in and let us know you’re still watching the pandas! Very good therapy for the mind and body, I think. Please post some of your poetry, as I’m only familar with your Christmas poems and Mei Xiang’s lullaby, all such treasures.
Bobbie Wood: #366 Thank you for understanding the process
, a true labor of love. To all others who have commented and enjoyed the videos, thank you so much.
Jeslyn #378, I usually see a lengthy nursing session in the early morning when they awaken around 5:30am. The past 2 mornings the sessions have lasted about 14 minutes long.
Widget #387, I too am enjoying the denning phase, and in no hurry to see it end!
December 9th, 2009 at 7:41 am
fuzzy wuzzy wuz a bear
fuzzy wuzzy didn’t care
that becuz of him i stare
at his fuzzy wuzzy
black & white hair…………..fur.
and now i’m late
behind i am
cuz i’ve been watching
the panda cam.
the end. grrrrrrrr.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:43 am
#361 Pamela G.
Seeing your name again has brought great joy to this holiday season. I have printed out all of your poems over the years and I have read them frequently….always shedding tears in the process….they are all so very beautiful and meaningful to all of us panda lovers. Each and every one of us is praying for you in the New Year. Thank you again for giving us so much.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Pamela G, Merry Christmas to you and your family. You have just made my Christmas all the more special. My love goes out to you and your family. Widget #379 has said what I am thinking already. Every Christmas I re-read your poems and have a good laugh and cry.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:59 am
I have noticed that several radio and TV speakers have pronounced Yun Zi’s name in different ways. Yesterday, someone on TV called him Yunzar and another called him Yunzeh. Another called him Yun Zeye. I have been calling him Yun Zee. Would you most kindly let me know what is the correct pronounciation of our adorable baby panda’s name?
Moderator’s note: You can hear the pronunciation on the naming ceremony video. However, everyone has their own way of saying his name, and that’s fine with us!
December 9th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Pamela G, welcome back. we are all glad to hear from you, what a wongerful holiday surprise. It wouldn’t be Christmas with out panda claws and any of your other poems and stories. Please continue to mend and I hope that your panda family brings you some comfort on your road to recovery. We are all pulling for you.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Hello there! I know you have posted this information before, but I can’t find it. Can you tell me when Yun Zi will be allowed to go out in the open where visitors can see him? Thank you.
Moderator’s note: We don’t have a date yet.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Pamela G…..you’re here….how exciting…..who knows those poems still may come forward again….what y0u have given us is more than enough…
God bless you…….
On the elephant note…that surgery was amazing….you are such a compassionate zoo. You’re love and carring touched me.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:49 am
YIPEE!!!! Pamela G…you are back!!! We’ll take it in whatever capacity we can have. We’ve missed you and certainly hope for your continued recovery. I have one of your poems superimposed over a pix of Bai Yun and on the wall in my panda room. I read your two “Panda Claws” stories to my grandchilden, all year, not just Christmas and they love them.
Keep enjoying the panda cams. They’ve helped me get thru a lot!
December 9th, 2009 at 11:25 am
hi pam g.
so very glad you are back with the world-wide panda family.
may the new year bring you great health, and poetic gift.
we all missed you.
happy holidays to all, and may Santa Paws bring our beautiful bears good health, bountiful boo and fun times for 2010.
joan
December 9th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Having so much fun listening to music and watching Yun Zi do his calisthenics. There should be another exam soon, and I can hardly wait for the video. What a wonderful little guy he is.
December 9th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Yun Zi is having the time of his life in his den, all by himself. He reminds me of a baby who has just discovered the toys in their crib. He is rolling around on his back and side, chewing his feet, walking around, chewing on boo and scraping at it, looking at the walls and his reflection….I think I heard him giggle….
December 9th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Yun Zi was out of the den for a while following mom around but he wouldn’t follow her out into the sunshine. Bai and Yun are both wonderful as usual!! He’s starting to move around pretty fast now. Question: Is his eyes sensitive to the sun after being in the den for so long?
December 9th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
What is on the other side of back door in the den? I ask because Yunior has become very interested in that door. Can he hear sounds coming from wherever it leads?
Also noticed the last few days that Bai Yun is waiting for you to feed her at the door in her bedroom.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I just had the pleasure of watching BaiYun sitting up at a window in her bedroom, and the little man was by the water bowl doing the same thing to the wall…………….LOL………….needless to say, it was adoreable to watch, but I have a question. Was BaiYun looking for her keeper, possibly to get a snack/treat?, and was YunZi perhaps following suit?
Also, to watch YunZi literally roll out of the den, is just precious. He looks like a rolly polly bug doing so….LOL.
It seems Bai is attempting to get him to walk more, hopefully to get him stronger and out more……I’m not the expert, you all are, so any responses/comments you have on this behavior would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so very much…..
December 9th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I think our little guy is doing great…his mommie probably has told him to stay in the den…after all she is gathering as much alone time as she can and he can still get hurt…I imagine the bed room floor is cold and we are having very cold weather…he has the boo to keep him warm and is more sheltered.
If you noticed the door way from the den to the bedroom is not too high and he climbed up….the entryway to the sun room and or garden
he has to stepdown and it looked higher…he did try twice..and there is a heavy load behind him to get over and down. He’ll reach down eventially to feel how far he has to go. I thought it was so adorable he kinda got up to look for something to hang on to to step down. He’s precious and very smart. Mommie knows just what to do…she let him try on his own. Practice, practice, practice…
December 9th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Pat #414, I was watching the same thing… Didn’t it look like he was “in the corner?”… ha ha too cute… First time in a long time that I logged on and he was actually awake…
I was hoping he would be out on display this weekend, I have a friend going down to the SDZ and I bought her a camera chip to take pictures for me.. But, I know she will get some gorgeous shots of Zhen Zhen and Su Lin….
Have a great day everyone, hope its nice and sunny and bright where ever you are
December 9th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Re:Trail of the Panda,This should also be dedicated to Mao Mao killed in the earthquake , but not forgotten….
“Panda Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All Life on Earth”
December 9th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Just posted a Yun Zi video of activity that occurred around noon that Cheryl #412 and Pat #414 were commenting about!
Yun Zi turned 18 weeks old today, but he doesn’t seem in any hurry to end his denning phase! But when Bai walks by the den entrance, he goes into the bedroom. When we next see them together, he’s playing around the ‘drinker’, and Bai appears to be begging for treats at the keeper window?? Then Yun Zi literally gets under Bai as she is standing up on her hind legs!
The link for “Yun Zi: A Cautious Cub” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_0w_Z9ovGQ
December 9th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
#380 – Jeslyn in San Diego – thanks for info about the dental work on Jewel – fascinating video
Send the pandas to Michigan for “FUN IN THE SNOW”
December 9th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Moderator and all panda staff! I had a really good idea last night! What if the Panda Postcards changed (temporarily) into Christmas Cards? The panda postcard would be front and center, with the message underneath. At the top will be the sender info. What do you think? I missed seeing Yunior and Bai go out of the den last night. I was really hoping to see them, so I’ll watch again tonight. When will Yunior’s next exam be? I hope that it is next week, because by next week, we might break the comment record! (Maybe we already have!)
Moderator’s note: That is a good idea, but our Web Team is working on other projects right now. We do have a regular postcard feature with a variety of animals to choose from that includes some holiday options, although one of them is of a baby Su Lin!
December 9th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I was watching, too, when Yun was “in the corner”! It was so cute the way they were both standing
with exactly the same posture. He looked like a little miniature of her. I clicked on and, as soon as I saw them, I called the whole office over to see them! Then Yun did us one better by crawling between Mama’s legs. We were all chuckling.
Now I see Doxie’s put it up for me to enjoy again. Doxie…you’re a gem!
December 9th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
DoxieMom.. I don’t know how you do what you do, but I’m glad you do it!! I just got caught up on the latest videos. Rainy day, Fiesty Yunior and Cautious Cub… Loved the parts when Yunior walks between Bai’s legs, climbs up her back and watching him try to coordinate his front and back end as he negotiates that step down from the den to the bedroom… Poor Bai… she’s such a good mom.. here is #5 using her as a climbing wall….
Yunior is my first cub and he hooked me. Enjoy reading all blogs and the Panda Claws poems are so sweet.
December 9th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
DoxieMom, you are killing me!!!! I love the new video. You are my entertainment while I eat lunch. Thank you.
December 9th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I know I’m not going to ask this in a manner that’s not going to make me sound like a doorknob, but after watching the lastest DoxieMom’s video, how much of YunZi’s behavior is from mimicking his momma and how much of it is instinctive? And oh, man, he could not be any cuter!!!
December 9th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I was watching YunZi at work today (don’t tell anybody!), and I saw him finally launch himself out of the den and into the bedroom…..then I was called away from my desk and couldn’t see the rest of it! Doxiemom, you’re the best! It was truly a joy to see what followed…..thank you soooo much for working your magic yet again!
December 9th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Doxiemom and #416 Darlene………………..so glad you both caught that, it was so adoreable. I figured she was begging for treats, she deserves them too!!! As for YunZi, he did seem to be imitating her, even though he was begging to a wall, LOL.
OMG, DoxieMom, I thought she was going to sit on YunZi too!!! I was telling my computer screen, NO Bai, stop!, don’t sit on him, OMG, get out little man……………LOL….. Okay, so I like so many many others I’m sure think they can hear me………LOL.
Thank you for your videos DoxieMom when I don’t have a chance to observe like today! I love to see what those two are up to………………………..Adoreable, just adoreable……
December 9th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
#361 – Pamela G: I have read all of your poems and cried through every one of them, they are so heartfelt, touching and so very insightful. In my opinion your efficiency is not reduced at all, you have given us a gift that will last forever, you are obviously a beautiful person and it shows in your writing. I hope that life gives you back everything that you have given us with your poetry, you certainly deserve it. Thank you very much and all the best to you in this Holiday Season.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
doxiemom, you rock!! Great videos.
December 9th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I can’t believe he doesn’t nurse for very long. I would think he needs the nourishment to grow into a huge boy!
Is the den heated? If I were him, I wouldn’t want to leave the den in this colder than usual weather we have. Even my dog is shaking a bit!
Moderator’s note: The den is not heated, but is nice and cozy when Mom and cub are inside.
December 9th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
It is so cute how Yunnie plays in the doorway to his den. He must feel secure there and then works up courage to go exploring and looking for mommy. He does seem to be imitating her these days. I also noticed he is at times fascinated with the door at the back of the den. Is this where they take him for the exams? Perhaps he is looking for his vet and keeper friends! Cannot wait for the next exam, hopefully tomorrow! Thanks Doxiemom for the videos, as usual they are great to catch up for us poor saps who have to work all day. I would rather watch the cub!
December 9th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
“Oooooo…..I have feeties! Wow, I can scratch my legs with them. Oh, look — I can touch them with my hands. I HAVE HANDS! I can play peek a boo with myself. They taste good, too. I can use my hands to feel these two furry things on my head. I don’t know what they are but sounds are weird when I cover them. Hey, I can hold a piece of boo. Ooooo…..I have feeties!”
December 9th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Dear DoxieMom, thanks again. Right at the start of “A Cautious Cub,” it looks like Yun Zi gives a little kiss to his “pal” in the mirror. “Bye, I’m off on a big adventure, keep the boo safe.”
As to pandas celebrating Christmas: I myself am a nut for all things Christmas. The music, the smell of pine, tree decorations, cookies. I’m also rather fond of being invited to the feast holidays of my friends’ other religions (I skip their fasts). I imagine the pandas are a bit like me (don’t we all think that?): they like a good party if it involves extra treats. I tend to think of them as Chinese Buddhists: vegetarian, basically peaceful and respectful, happy to sit under a tree all day and meditate (probably on bamboo), a bit monkish in their solitary lives. The SDZ pandas having been reincarnated in your care as a reward/consequence for having previously lived very virtuous lives. Hold on: of course, I know they don’t have a religion. On the other hand, if I die and find I’m going to heaven, I hope there are pandas there (with cubs we can all hug)!
December 9th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Moderator, Doxie shared a video that shows Bai Yun waiting over at a door. Do her feeders give her treats through there? In one panda cam it showed treats being thrown into the sunroom, so I’m not sure what that door could be. And why do you suppose Mr Chubbs zipped over to her the first time, bu then he didn’t follow her outdoors? He seemed almost reticent to go outside with mommy… weird, no?
He is getting so big and so adventurous. Every day is a new experience for him and he just seems to want to take it all in! Is it possible to fall more and more in love with this little boy? Silly me!
Moderator’s note: I’ll have to find out about that door. I do know the pandas can see the keepers on the other side of it.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Dear Friends,
I have seen the movie ‘The Trail of the Panda’ in my country. It ran for a month in one cinema. The DVD is available on ebay, albeit in Chinese with English subtitles. It is about a poor village boy whose uncle is engaged by reseachers to hunt down Giant Pandas. A cub is deliberately separated from his mother so as to capture him. The boy tries to rescue the panda cub…..The boy grows up and becomes one of the heads of the Woolong Wildlife Research Centre…This is based on a true story. The Chinese name for the movie is ‘xiong mao hui jia lu’ which literally means ‘Bear Cat return home road’ or ‘The Road Home for the Panda’. If you type Trail of the Panda dvd, you will get some info on it.
They had to use 6 panda cubs in the making of the movie as they grew too fast and were hard to film. The movie was dedicated to a Panda Mum who died in the earthquake.
Hope this helps the Giant Pandaholic Family. Merry Christmas.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Just located the trailer for “Trail of the Panda Trailer Disney” on You Tube Narrated in English so maybe there is hope Disney will release it here…All I’ve been able to find are the Asian Versions in Singapore on line and I’m seeing how much to ship to USA if possible….
December 9th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Just read on Perfect Pandas that Disney is planning on releasing the Movie “Trail of the Panda” in the USA for Chinese New Years in 2010…..Keep our GPF Pandaholic fingers,toes,and paws crossed that they do finally release it for us all….
“Panda Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All Life on Earth”
December 9th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I was looking for Pamela G. lullabies and came across a video based on the Lun Lun’s Lullabye http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1108847224702359529#
It might help you remember why the pandas have to go back to China to fulfill their dream…
The original Lun Lun’s Lullabye is on http://www.flickr.com/photos/32448872@N00/507261604/in/set-72157603999808739/
December 9th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Re: Doxie Moms “cautious cub…..Could there be a cuter little bottom anywhere? Watching him wiggle at the doorway of the den, working up courage to join Mom was so precious. I will really miss these special times, wathcing Baby Yun Zi in his cozy little den in all his sweet innocense. This being my first panda baby, I hope I get the experience of watching Bai so lovingly care for just one more. She is absolutely an amazing Mother!
December 9th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Jeslyn #429–pandas have all that fur, so I don’t think they think of cold in the same way that we do. The den obviously counts for security for Yun Zi though. I think I remember Fu Long taking a really long time to come out of the den too–maybe it’s a boy thing? They don’t want to come out until they can really MOVE. I’m just guessing.
Can’t wait for the new exam stats and video–which I think will be tomorrow?
So sweet tonight–I just want to rearrange the bamboo around him and tuck him in.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
BTW Dennis #435–be sure if you order a tape or disc from overseas that it is compatible with your player–most aren’t.
December 9th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
I managed to locate a copy on e-bay in Singapore but the seller said it is in Mandarin with no English Subtitles “Trail of the Panda”. They are trying to locate me one with English Subtitles and I will let everyone know if they do…. For under $10.00 it still might be worth it just for the views….
“Panda Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All Life on Earth”
December 10th, 2009 at 3:14 am
It’s 6:13 a.m. here in Ohio… Bai and YZ are not in the den… sleeping outside somewhere?
December 10th, 2009 at 4:07 am
#361 Pamela G. Welcome back to the Global Panda Family, as Dennis and Lynn call us. It is so good to have you back, what a great Christmas present for all of us. However, I am sorry to hear about your illness but relieved that you are feeling better. All the best and a fast recovery, take care! Yes, I would love to read your poems so it is a good idea to post them now and then. The panda cam is a good healer when you are feeling down, I have experienced it several times.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:34 am
The den is empty at 4:30 AM on Thursday, and there are not big bamboo “trees” inside. Does this mean that Bai and Yun have started moving out?
December 10th, 2009 at 6:02 am
I was just rereading Pamela G’s “Panda Claws” poems and I would like to suggest to the Zoo that they purchase the copyright from Pamela G and have an illustrated book made of the poems to sell. These poems are so good and I think the book would sell really well.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:26 am
I watch in the morning, so have had several opportunities to observe “sunrise” come through the den door.
But over time I’ve realized that light comes on too suddenly to be sunrise. Yet it happens at about the same time as sunrise every morning.
Is there a timed light in the bedroom outside the den door? Is it timed to come on at sunrise?
Moderator’s note: The keepers’ kitchen is just on the other side of the den. I’ll bet you’re seeing the result of the keeper turning on the light at the start of the day.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:34 am
Mao Mao was the panda that died in the earthquake. PI had a tee a while back you could buy honoring her. As much as I love seeing Yunior start to explore his big wide world I am just enjoying seeing him sleep safe and warm in the den. They grow so fast, I want him to stay a baby for as long as possible.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Lucilla,
Thank you for your suggestion. I watched the cute video on You Tube.
Marry Christmas!
December 10th, 2009 at 8:18 am
I am sorry if this has been asked, I have been so busy lately and have not had time to keep up with all of the messages.
Has Sun Lin begun her crate training in preparation for her trip to China?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:26 am
I finally got around to compare the weight chart of the SDZ panda cubs with the records I kept for Mei Lan and Xi Lan. At 200 days, Xi Lan was weighing 12.2 kg, which lies between Hua Mei and Zhen Zhen. No records for Mei Lan at that age, but her weight were very similar to that of Xi Lan around that period. I find it quite surprising that Xi Lan who had such a difficult start in live had already recover so well by 200 days and even overtaken all of Gao Gao’s cub by that time. I always assumed that Gao Gao was small because of his hard live as a cub, but the keepers who assumed that his size was probably determined by his genes were probably right.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:34 am
DoxieMom #418, great video!! When I was watching the little boy, it did look like mama was trying to get him to follow her outside into the sunshine. Glad you got that on video!! Such a cute little guy. I guess he just didn’t want to get to far away from the den. Does he go out into the sunshine by himself or does mom have to drag him? Seemed like she tried a couple time to get him to follow her out there…
December 10th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Dear Moderator: Will there be an exam today?
Moderator’s note: Yes.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Wow!! GREAT closeups on Yunior chewing on ‘boo… (11:44 EST)
December 10th, 2009 at 8:45 am
#361 Pamela G – Welcome back!! I was so happy to see your post!!! I actually gasped when I saw who it was from. So glad to know that you are doing okay.
Isn’t is great how attached you feel to fellow panda lovers?!?! In all probability, we will never meet (at least most of us), but we still feel connected. How cool is that. What a wonderful power these A-M-A-Z-I-N-G animals have.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:01 am
How ADORABLE!!!! Little Yun Zi was playing with the “other panda” reflected in the door, patting it with his paws and even going out of the den to see if he could find it out there. He came back in and spent a long time teething on boo, and then he spent a long time playing with his little feet- putting them in his mouth, and his front paws. He even tried to feel his ears. After all that exploring, there was only one thin left to do-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Camera people, you rock! The camera closeups of all that play were fantastic. We are so fortunate to be able to witness this adorable animal in such darling moments.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:06 am
It is 10 AM here in Phoenix and Yun Zi is asleep right now and he is so cute that you just want to give him a hug and a kiss while he is asleep. So, please on his next check up, could you give him a kiss and a hug if they let you do that. Thanks.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Oh my goodness. There is presently an adorable closeup of Yun Zi sleeping on his side, paws moving in his sleep as he dreams of climbing Mt. Bai and I just want to kiss him and hug him and play with him and nap with him and….how can you all stand it???
December 10th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Meerkats, you DO rock! I agree with Shirley.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Question- I see Yun Zi moving his mouth in his sleep. Does he”talk” in his sleep?
Moderator’s note: Your question has been forwarded to our Panda Team.
December 10th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Will Yunior be having another exam check today? If he is, I wish everyone involved good luck holding on to him!
December 10th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Watching Yunior this morning wnd realized like a puppy he is going to grow into his big bear feet….LOL
# 440 Frances ,NYC ….Thank-You,I’m fortunate that I can reset regions on my older Zenith DVD/VHS Recorder/Player,so an Asian DVD can be played…..I’m just waiting to see if they can get me an English New Zealand Dubbed Disk,or at least with English Sub-Titles….I’ll let everybody know how I make out as the movie is still playing in New Zealand and Disney showed an English Version of the “Film Trail of the Panda” at a few special events in SoCal I guess testing the waters on if they’ll release it around Chinese New Year’s 2010 in the USA….If you search YouTube for “Trail of the Panda Trailer Disney” you will see the English Dubbed version of the Movie Trailer…..
“Panda Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All Life on Earth”
December 10th, 2009 at 10:16 am
danielle #437 just watched the video of lul lun;s lullaby that is so sweet. also shari #444 its an awesome idea to get a book of pams poems. i know i would buy one. her poems move me to tears . Pam ,you are a genius so glad to see you are feeling better and joining the panda family again. it really broke my heart when i found mei Xangs lullaby on pandasliveon a while back I’m fairly new to watching the panda cams,as i was too busy working, but am now retired and a widow. so have lots of time on my hands for the pandas.
December 10th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Pamela G – I join all the others in welcoming you back!!! Those of us who have been following these blogs since the beginning have so enjoyed your beautiful poems, lullabies and comments over the years. Your absence was deeply felt. As others have said, just posting your comment this week was a gift to us all. We wish you all the best as you continue your fight. Merry Christmas.
December 10th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Oh dear I have now taken my productive day and turned it to an emotional mess. I just clicked on to Lun Lun’s Lullabye with the music.
The tears were flowing and my mind was wandering….
I can’t tell you how powerful the words are and the music with it…I would love that in a DVD picture book and any thing else like it….
On top of this I was feeling so sad for Yun Zi…he ignored the other door way and looked like he was sad that he couldn’t do it…I just want him to know…little one so smart so cute..this too you will conquer…!!!
December 10th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Dennis, thank you for the youtube info on the trailer. Looks great. But I’ll probably cry.
December 10th, 2009 at 10:49 am
#445 Shari – I love your idea! That would be a great fund raising project! Maybe the “decision makers” at the zoo will consider it. (Moderator, what happens to these suggestions? Do they get passed on?)
#460 Deb – I remember one of the blogs, when ZZ was a cub, saying that these exams will not be as frequent and will take on a different format once the cub gets too rambunctious (isn’t that a great word for Yunior?). I have a feeling that day will soon be upon us.
Well, back to the cam – maybe “the kid” is having lunch.
Moderator’s note: Yes indeed, suggestions are passed on to the appropriate departments.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Moderators,
After today’s exam, do you expect the frequency of exams and your terrific information on them to be less than weekly, or will we viewers have the continued luxury of videos and exam reports every week?
Thanks!
Moderator’s note: Soon enough he’ll be on exhibit up in a tree and not interested in the least that it’s exam time. But until then, we plan to continue the weekly checkups.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:43 am
danielle #437 – that is a real tear jerker
I’d read the lullaby but to see the video was so much more moving 
December 10th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Napping and Tapping, otherwise known as Boy are Bai Yun’s genetics good!
Just watching Yun Zi in the den napping on his side. As he naps, he’s tapping (or wiggling) his back foot… just like Mom, and big sisters!
December 10th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
ZZ is getting so big!!!! Wonderful to see her on the cam. Perhaps it is exam time??????????
The video with the lullaby is priceless. I forgot how moving it truly is. Perhaps someday I WILL see a panda in the wild; or at least, smell their bamboo.
December 10th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Just posted a YouTube video slideshow of the images I captured during the awesome closeups this morning that Dianna #453 and Shirley #455 were referring to!!!
As we all wait for the SDZ Exam Video, hopefully you’ll enjoy these closeup images of Yun Zi mouthing bamboo and playing with and chewing on his paws!
The link for “Yun Zi: Bamboo and Paws” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LeiWEt5V6I
Moderator’s note: These are great! I’m adding it to the 15th exam post!
December 10th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
You can now view 2 photos from exam no. 15.
No question about it, Yun Zi is such a handsome big baby!
December 10th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
This big boy’s gonna outgrow that den any day now!
He sure likes it though. Is it cold there?
Moderator’s note: It’s 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) right now.
December 10th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I love the closeups… seeing his eyes and all his canines are in… Yun Zi.. vampire panda!!
December 10th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
DoxieMom, YOU rock! You can tell by YuZi’s eyes, he’s definitely smiling. LOL
December 10th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Hi Pamela G. Good to hear from you and that you are feeling better.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
361…Pamela G: Oh, what a surprise! I got a lump in my throat when I saw your post. I have so enjoyed your works over the past couple of years that I’ve been visiting this site. Your panda poems are so beautifully touching, and we can believe that you love these wondrous beings as much as we. I am so sorry of your very tough troubles with your health. Thank you for letting us know you still visit the blogs. Not knowing your faith, I’ll just wish you the very best Holiday Season. And keep the faith!
(Sorry I’m a little late in going back over the later parts of the blog.)
December 12th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Dear Moderator,
What is clicker training? Is Mei Sheng the Daddy of the new cub or is the other male who mated with the same female the daddy? Let’s just pray it is healthy although it would be very cool if it is MeiSheng’s.
Tami Michaud 167
Although I agree it is very good advice to try to stay in the present so we won’t miss our babies when they go back to China; I fear that may be easier said than done. I’m a newbie, with Yun Zi being the first cub I’ve watched since birth. I really love him, I’ve even adopted him, and although I know it is a long time away from now, I’m sure I will be bawling my eyes out when he has to leave the USA. I don’t know how I can prevent it from hurting once I love the little boy myself for so long? Oh well. I’ll let go when I have to even though I will be very sad when the time comes. I hope to enjoy every minute I can while he is here.
Dear Widget 175
God Bless and watch over you on the 18th. I hope your operation is an easy one and successful. My thoughts and prayers witll be with you.
Ruth from Austria 186
Glad I helped ease your mind friend! 
“Perfect Pandas” works for me!!
Brandy NY 204
Our little Yun Zi is still enjoying the mirror and is still very curious about the other little cubbie he sees. He sends fuzzy hugs and kisses to Aunt Brandy.
Telly 26 #206 and Liana in San Diego #255,
Don’t they make you feel really special???
Congratulations on your adoptions, I finally received mine!!
Debi 315
Isn’t he precious the way he mimics Mommy? I just want to hug him even more when I watch him do that.
Lee in Vancouver 316
I’m afraid I agree with the moderator. I think Bai wrote the manual about “How to Raise a Baby Panda”
Pamela G 361
Welcome back. You are very talented and I just joined this group with the birth of Yun Zi. I would love to read anything you would like to post, new or old. Thanks for sharing with us.
Rita 363
Isn’t he adorable when he is mouthing boo “like a big boy”??
Moderator’s note: For clicker training info, read Su Lin’s Training Begins. As for Mei Sheng, I have not heard either way.