17th Exam: Wiggle Worm
Posted at 1:30 pm December 22, 2009 by Dani Dodge Medlin
Yun Zi was curled up like a puppy on the weight scale before being brought into the room for today’s exam. He was so cute there, sleepy and all curled up in a ball. His weight, 18.3 pounds (8.3 kilograms), showed he’s still growing at a steady pace.
Then, within moments, he just became a ball of wiggling fun. So much wiggle, in fact, there was no chance to measure his length today. (His cute little tail, though, was 3.9 inches or 10 centimeters.) And when a keeper did manage to hold him still for a moment’s measurement, he would squeak in protest. This little ball of black-and-white fur just wanted to play!
The keepers had left out a big blue ball, a small solid plastic ball, a plastic bucket, and slices of apple for Yun Zi to explore. And that’s what this little boy was determined to do. He knocked over the plastic bucket. He sniffed and rolled the apple on the ground. He sat up with his body draped over the hard plastic ball and then fell over backward, still holding on! When one of the keepers scratched his back, Yun Zi rolled over on his back, his mouth open, as if in laughter.
“He’s obviously teething,” said PK Robbins, one of the San Diego Zoo’s associate veterinarians. “He was also very exploratory. It was really good.” She said between his curious meanderings today, and the exploring he did in the private yard outside his den yesterday (often called the classroom exhibit), he’s making quantum leaps in exploring his environment.
Dani Dodge is a public relations representative for the San Diego Zoo.
Please note: No video will be available from today’s exam. Instead, we have video from Yun Zi’s outdoor explorations on December 21—enjoy!
Additional video of Yun Zi’s first four months…
Update: Yun Zi has made the list of Eight great ‘buzzworthy’ San Diegans in 2009. If you’d like to see him selected as #1, there’s a place to vote at the end of the list!
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December 22nd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you for that awesome video!! Made my entire day – Santa can’t even top that! Even though I saw it on the cam yesterday, seeing it close up is something else entirely. How wonderful to see the panda cub trot again
And watching Bai Yun enjoying her little boy is just priceless, you must all be so proud! She’s a first class panda mom and I hope this puts to rest any talk of our boy being behind – he’s just a p.m. bear that’s all and I can relate, I’m not a morning person myself!
I just want take this opportunity to wish the staff at SDZ a very Merry Xmas and Happy New Year and to all the panda fans as well! Thank you for everything you do for us pandaholics!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Oh shucks no video of today’s exam? Darn it. Anyway he was very entertaining yesterday playing outdoors. Thank you for the wonderful updates on this growing cub!!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
No video of the exam????? That’s cruel and unusual punishment for Pandaholics!!!! Well, I guess we’ll have to wait until the next one (sigh). We just can’t get enough of this Little Man!!!! I think the SDZ should declare a “Pandaholic’s Day”. That’s where we ALL line up (probably for miles and miles…) and send the little cutie pie down the line so we can ALL hug and smooch on him for a bit… Thanks for the update, Dani!!!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Thanks for the great video! He is just so adorable. Fascinating to watch him grow. He already climbs better than I do. LOL
To those who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas! Happy New Year, everyone!
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Thank you so much for the beautiful, long, and close-up video of Bai Yun and Yun Zi playing outdoors. The little guy is a riot, and so active. I liked when the leaves stuck to his face–a cub fashion statement, no doubt. And seeing Bai Yun tenderly play with him reminds me of all the other cubs that she has nurtured in the same way. What a wonderful Mom and Yun Zi’s vitality is proof of her care. Everyone at SDZ must be so happy to see him thriving.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I saw Yun Zi following mom around on Sunday. Once he got this walking thing down, there is no stopping him.
Thanks and Happy Holidays to all of the staff at SDZ, and especially to those lucky ones that get to hold him. Your postings are appreciated.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
From the description of the 17th exam, I’d love to see video of it – it must have been so much fun. However, the video of yesterday in the classroom with mother and son was absolutely precious. It is clear that there is a lot of love between mother and baby – which doesn’t surprise me. Bai has been an exemplary mother with each of her cubs and they will carry on her genes and both the genes of Shi Shi and Gao Gao in a manner befitting great pandas.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Thanks for the video. Yun Zi is adorable!
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Merry Christmas to you all!! You have given us a great gift in all the animals we get to live with through you all!!! Thank you all!!! Our baby is so big!!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
This video is so cute I just love dirty little cubbies, dirty means having lots of fun.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I watched and blogged Yuniors antics yesterday while they were happening including the wonderful “Hang in There” tree Limb episode as shown on the video.. And much to no surprise I thought he would be a handful for the keepers and vet.staff as he is adjusting to more daylight an less nocturnal activities….LOL….
I notice that he is ahead of the scale now surpasing ZZ Top in figuring out the platform in the outside classroom area….LOL…..He has come a long way from the pink stick of butter at birth and is a wonderful addiction to watch as we are seeing that Pandaholicism crosses all boundaries and nationalities and he his the perfect Panda Prince of Peace for this Holiday Season and The Global Pandaholics Fans ,Family and Friends is growing as fast as he is….I predict a Happy New Year with Yunior going on display in 2009 to all his admiring fans and I can visualize him doing his stroll for the Pandarazzi the first day he is on public display…..LOL….
I will have a lot of catching up with Lynn when she is brought out of the Medically Induced Coma sleep due to the blood clots as I have printed out all the Get Well Wishes and Prayers from all of my GPF and SDZ Staff from all the blogs…..As I mentioned in my last blog I await the Doctor’s call hoping for a Happy New Years Eve as I now know she won’t be home for Christmas…..Again I want to Thank-You all as a group as Lynn will have a lot of reading and videos of Yunior to catch up on as well as the Hasbro Furreal Friend Panda I bought her for companionship for her nest Hospitalization due to her Degenerative Bone Joint Disease….I also wish everybody in our growing circle of Pandaholic Family and Friends a Happy Holiday Season no matter what your belief,and a Happy New Year as well,as I can’t wait for this Year to end ,and don’t know how I would have gotten thru the tough times if not for Yun Zi and all of you……
“Panda Peace on Earth,and Goodwill to all Living Things….”
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Thanks for the update! The pic of Bai and Mr. Wiggles is adorable. He looks like he’s laughing and it looks like Bai is tickling him. The video is gorgeous! Made me cry though (happy tears). Yun Zi was quite charming with flecks of dirt on his cute face as he explored the yard and put a leaf on his head! He just looks so…happy! The squeezability quotient is off the charts!
I agree with Lisa #4…He climbs better than I do, too!
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
That picture is sooo cute, is that bai yun and yun zi??? Oh my, Yun Zi is soo big and healthy i want to just hug him! Thats great he is exploring… did he squek a lot? Will the zoo have any sort of christmas party??
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:34 pm
And so at last little Yun Zi can get that cute bum up and rolling! As we’ve learned so much about Pandas and their behavior I couldn’t help but think about the advances in our clarity of viewing, from the pandacam to the videos, since Hua Mei was just a wee one exploring her den and the bedroom.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Seeing YunZi in action more than made up for the lack of exam footage. I’ve SOOOO been looking forward to seeing him do “the panda trot” and I really got my wish today! Loved seeing him play with Bai Yun, too.
Joyous holiday wishes to my fellow pandaholics, as well as SDZ staff, handlers, and moderators, too!
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
WHAT A PRECIOUS BUNDLE OF LOVE THAT LITTLE GUY IS….VERY UNIQUE…I WAS JUST THINKING THIS MORNING HOW MELLOW HE IS AND THAT WAS VERIFIED IN TODAYS LAST VIDEO……SO HE’S ON HIS OWN SCHEDULE… HE MAY SHOW UP LATE MORNINGS AND HANG AROUND UNTILL 2PM… THIS GIVES BAI ALONE TIME IN THE AM UNTIL SHE IS READY TO FACE THE WORLD.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Just posted 2 more Tuesday YouTube videos, for a total of 3
In case you missed the first one posted on the previous blog, the link for “Yun Zi: After the Exam?” is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r_wSNcY0bg
The next 2 are from the play session this morning from around 11:30 to noon in the Classroom! The camera volunteers did a fantastic job of getting some great closeups! The links for “Yun Zi and Bai: Tuesday’s Play” Part 1 and Part 2 are
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_XeP3TsH7g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg1Emf6nu3M
Thank you so much for the video from the play session yesterday! It was wonderful to see up close what we were seeing from a distance on the PandaCam! It was absolutely precious!! Happy Holidays to the Panda Team members, volunteers, our lovely Moderator, and to all those that follow these precious pandas!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
though its not the video of the exam yet…..the outdoor video is great….love the color and clarity of it. Thanks for putting it up!
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
By the way, why NOT a video of the exam? That sounded like the best one yet to capture on video. Are you only allowed one video a week?
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
What a delightful video! It’s lovely to see Yun Zi exploring – what fun a baby panda can have with leaves!!The footage of Bai and the little one playing was so so endearing. Happy Christmas to everyone at the San Diego Zoo.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Why is Yun Zi so red? At least on my computer the little ball of fur is red instead of white.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
What a fabulous video. Well for all that were worried about YunZi’s coming out I think it is beginning. Just watching for the first time today saw them in the sun room. It looks like Bai started a new den out there with all that BOO all over the floor. See what a smart mom. She does in deed know what she is doing.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
He is so adorable!!! I loved seeing him interact with his mama….great job on the video! Thank you for sharing with us!
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Wonderful Video and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone at SDZ!
When he does go on exhibit, will it be for limited hours daily…and will you publish that?
Give him a hug…..
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
It looks like Mama needs brake lights on her butt. It was adorable when he ran into her. Yun Zi must be taking his walking lessons from the Rockettes. Did you see the high stepping little man?
I have to admit I was upset at first about no video of the exam, but the tears in my eyes are telling me you made up for it.
To those who are celebrating holidays this time of year, May they be the best ever.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:20 pm
That video is PRICELESS! He is the most adorable little guy. After watching every US cub grow up how can they keep getting more and more fascinating? Bai is just as playful now as she was with Hua Mei. She is an incredible Mom!
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
GREAT VIDEO, THANK YOU. HOPE EVERYONE THERE HAS A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON
THANK YOU AGAIN
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Thanks so much for the terrific description of Yun Zi’s latest exam and the priceless video of his antics out of the den. What a treat to watch Bai play with him – she’s so gentle and sweet with him. How do you ever get any work done with all the pandas providing so much comical diversion? Wishing you all a happy holiday season and many thanks for all you do for the pandas and the pandaholics. You’ve definitely been good this year!
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
So glad to see Mr. Wiggles really running and romping outside. And I can totally relate with kathy #1 and Yun Zi in that not being a morning person (or panda) thing.
I know I repeat myself when I say that seeing Bai Yun outside playing with a cub fills my heart with joy, but it does! And seeing them closeup in the video is such a treat.
Continuing from the last blog, I hope the Zoo finds a way to do a panda snow day this year–and I certainly would be more than happy to ship some of the East Coast snow westward!
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:38 pm
YUN ZI running. that was so you know what funny!!!! i love how he picks his paws up really high when there is really nothing to step over!! hahahahahaha. i really needed to laugh. thank YUN ZI. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL SDZ families. whether 4 legged or 2! can’t wait to visit in 2010!
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
awww… he is just adorable! I hope, some day, that we get to see his babies grow up, just like him. I want to visit the zoo before he gets old… I can’t wait to see him! he has gotten so big so fast!
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
As much as I would have loved to have seen a video of the exam…………….I thoroughly enjoyed this video of the two of them playing ever so preciously. It is so cute to watch him mimick his mama and to see Bai Yun doing such a wonderful job with him. When he is ready for his big debut, he is going to be soooo ready……………Good job mama!!!TYSVM for sharing these precious moments with us all………………..
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Oh Yun Zi was so cute climbing on that branch. He got all dirty, and his mom was way cleaner than him!
It was funny when he put that leaf on himself. When he was getting on the log he had a little leaf on him. Just the cutest thing! Merry Christmas! 
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Wow what a video of Yun Zi’s day yesterday! He is truly precious. Thank you all so much for sharing. Bai is such a great mom and the little fluff ball is making such great strides! It’s a joy to watch.
Would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Joyous and Prosperous New Year! Keep those videos coming!
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Thank you for the beautiful video of Beautiful Yun Zi and his Beautiful Mom. What a loving time they have, Bai Yun teaching Yun Zi. Yun Zi is so adorable, he is a darling! Yun Zi and Bai Yun are both gorgeous bears. I would like a picture of Yun Zi with his leaf. I am so impressed with Yun Zi he is so beautiful. I think my fluffy cat feels the need to compete with Yun Zi. She started standing in front of the computer screen the past week or so. I can’t resist adoring Yun Zi.
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Absolutely enchanting play session on video. What a wonderful, playful mother Bai Yun is. And Yun Zi’s bouncey little walk is so adorable.
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I forgot. Merry Christmas SDZ Panda Team and Panda Fans. Merry Christmas Yun Zi, Bai Yun, Zhen Zhen, Su Lin, Mei Sheng, Heu Mei and offspring and Mr. Gao Gao. Hugs and kisses for Yun Zi and his family. Thank you for your blessing Phyllis. May you have a blessed Christmas and New Year as well. Thank you P. Wong for more silly stories, I always enjoy your stories. Thank you Doxiemom for getting us videos, I so enjoy the videos. Merry Christmas all, have a safe, merry and peaceful Christmas.
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:48 pm
That video is the best one yet! Thank you!! I’ve been huddled in my bed all day, not feeling well, so I have missed out on all the fun. Look at him zooming after Bai! He really runs now! I love the way he just plays and climbs, rolls when he falls, rolls when he plays! He is like a big ball of furry fun! He is adorable with all the leaves and dirt on him, and the precious captures of Bai and Yun-Yun are fabulous. He really is acting like a bear now, smacking with his paws, play bites, mouthing, and such love in both of their eyes during this unique time! I feel blessed to have seen this. Thank you for sharing with those of us who may never even make it to SDZ. And a very Merry Christmas to everyone both there and on the boards, as well!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Hi everyone… The video of mom and baby is so adorable. I would like to say, if all mothers would take the time to nurture their babies and children the way Bai Yun does, we wouldn’t have all the problems in the world that we have. She truly is a wonderful mother. I would also like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Thanks for all the wonderful information, and the opportunity to watch all the wonderful animals at the zoo.
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
CUTEST – VIDEO – EVER!! Oh my gosh — that video is the best — and when Yun Zi is standing on Bai Yun’s stomach playing with her — so, so sweet. She is such a good mom — and he is just adorable. Thank you for the update and video — what a great Christmas present!
Happy Holidays everyone!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 5:28 pm
He seems like such a baby in the nursery, rolling around, playing with the boo, then when he is outside, he is a big boy…a little explorer, a hunter of boo and trunk and plants. Watching him outside, he looks like he’s been doing this a long time, but it’s only been days. I hope he doesn’t leave the nursery just yet, I still love watching the interaction between momma and baby in close quarters….like roomies now! Almost not enough space for the 2 of them to be comfortable. Little cloud and mamma, both so human like in their ways…except we don’t eat so much boo.
He feels so safe with momma near, he just grabbed her nose, she nipped his paw, he wants to play, she wants to nap. Now he’s climbing up her face, yup, that’s love, I tell ya.
December 22nd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Thanks for the cute video you can tell he is ready to go and meet the big world now. Right now Bai and Yunior are in the den having some mother and son time.
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I can sure relate to being a p.m. person/ and or panda. Years of working forced me into being an a.m. person, but being retired has brought out my p.m. tendencies once again. So hang in there Yun Zi, we love you no matter when you get up.
To #11, Dennis Carney, I send prayers and positive thoughts your way for the recovery of Lynn. I am sure stories of Yun Zi will bring much cheer.
Merry Christmas to all at SDZ and a very Happy New Year.
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:04 pm
OMG – he is sooooooo precious – this is the BEST video ever!!! Thank you so much SDZ for sharing these wonderful moments with us. I just can’t believe that he keeps getting cuter and cuter. Mom and little Cloud are so much in love, it is inspiring and wonderful to see.
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Thanks for the update. He is obviously “coming alive,” and getting into exploring mode. More fun on the horizon. His holiday gift to his mother and his fans is to spend more time outside the den and exploring his new world. Hopefully we will get to see more of this activity in the next few weeks before he starts climbing and disappears into the treetops for the next year.
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Sooooo much fun !! Just adorable watching him climb all over mom & exploring the classroom !
Great video !!
Question for the Mods. Could we (I) please get a correct pronunciation of how to say his name. It seems in the video Anastasia was pronouncing it “Yoon Zuh”. I played it twice to make sure I heard what was being said. I thought it was pronounced as it is spelled. Yun Zi. (Yun Zee) Please clarify this please, I want to make sure I have it correct. Unless Anastasia was calling little man something else in the video, and I misunderstood. Thank You !
Moderator’s note: It is hard to exactly pronounce the name as Chinese speakers do. Yoon Zuh is probably the closest we native English speakers can get, but Yoon Zee is fine, too. We don’t mind how you pronounce it and neither does he.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
The video is priceless. Bai is the best mom. I especially love the part that your royal chubbiness placed a leave on the forehead to look cuter. Okay I surrendered; this baby is cute beyond my tolerable level.
#11 Dennis, I just want to let you know that you and Lynn are always on my mind. I hope she can be home for the New Year. May your wish of family reunion can come true.
Merry Christmas and happy New Year everyone!
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Penny #21–I think the red (or pink) color you see on Yun Zi is the result of Bai’s bathing him. She eats biscuits and carrots and yams and things that sometimes contain beet juice or have an inherent coloring and the color gets transferred to him when she licks him.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:30 pm
This is so priceless! I can watch it over and over again. I would love to see the exam video, I bet he was squirming everywhere. I also loved the way he picks up his paws so high when he gets moving, it is so funny. Bai is a wonderful mom, I love to watch the interaction between them.
To all of you bloggers and SDZ staff, have a wonderful holiday! This gift you give to us is great. Moderator, thank you so much also for your time and devotion to this blog, have a happy holiday and a wonderful new year!
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
It’s not easy being that cute…..of course he has to wiggle.
Maybe we could have “Yun Zi TV” like they have “Lin Ping TV” in Thailand. How cool would that be? We’d never miss a thing. Of course DoxieMom would have to be the director/producer!
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Thank you for the update of Yun Zi. I enjoy watching Yun Zi playing now. He is getting so big and he is very curious now getting into everything. Bai Yun is such a good mom.
Happy Holidays to all.
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Christmas and Santa have come early this year. What a wonderful video of mother and son. He’s really growing so fast and now moving all over. Mama is handling him so well. Love this duo. This is the best! Thank you SDZ staff for all your updating to keep us informed and happy with news about the adorable Yun Zi, and his sweet mother.
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:12 pm
First the picture of Bai & Yun is PRICELESS –
loved Bai putting her paw on Yun’s head as she was eating – I could hear her saying ‘ DON’T BOTHER ME WHILE I’M EATING” – each scene became better than the last. Think these prove what most us of knew all along – there is nothing SLOW about our Yun – he just was in a different time zone & once he got got his days & nights figured out a little better he’s playing where the cams can see him. He sure doesn’t seem afraid of falling off that tree limb & I loved it when he figured he could make better progress by going up backwards 
#17 Doxiemom – you have done it again –
We are heading off Wed. am to spend Christmas with our 18 month old grandson – my daughter-in-law is now used to me comparing him to a panda cub
Thanks SDZ for letting us into the world of the Giant Pandas & when we have time the polar bears, etc.)
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I love this video. It is so cute to watch him outside the den. He has been my favorite panda to watch, even though I love them all because each of their personalities are unique. My sons like it when Yun Zi gives his mommy a hard time. Hahaha. Keep up the amazing work !
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:38 pm
I received my Zoonooz today … with the picture of Yun Zi on the cover. Is it my imagination or is Yun Zi’s right eye larger and rounder than his left eye? I noticed this before but just thought it must be the angle of the camera or something else.
Thank you Doxiemom for more videos and thank you sdz for your video and another nice report on our handsome little guy. I plan to be at the zoo on Christmas Day … to see any panda that happens to be outside. They are all so beautiful to watch.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I am speechless. How can an animal be sooooo cute? I am totally in love with him.
Best wishes to you all, happy holidays!
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Thank you so much for the precious video of Yun Zi and his gorgeous Mommy Bai Yun. It made my year! Bai is such an attentive and loving mother. Yun Zi is a very lucky little boy to have such an experienced mom who obviously loves him very much!
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 pm
This is why Yun Zi sleeps late, he is always out with his mom in the middle of the night. Yun Zi is a party animal! Also, Merry Christmas to the Camera Operator and Moderator. I thought the Camera Operator and Moderator were considered the Panda Team, but then I remembered the Moderator saying “I will refer the question to the Panda Team”. Anyway, Merry Christmas to all the Panda People. Thanks for all your hard work taking care of the Panda Fans.
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Thank you for a terrific video. It’s so nice to see them “for real” instead of on the webcam. Such a different perspective. Made my night. What a wonderful X-mas present for me. Yun Zi definitely is a night bear. Keeps Bai Yun up at night and early morning hours. Then sleeps all day…lol. He seems like a laid back cub.
Was wondering if Gao Gao was around would he know that Yun Zi was his cub?
Thanks again. I have to go watch the video again before going to bed.
Happy Holidays!
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:49 pm
He can run now! I know it will only be days before we get a chance to see him ! I get to pick out my “State induced furlough days”, but I don’t know which “pattern” he will be shown, like Frank the gorilla they say every other day, but when its time, how will Chubbie Cubbie Yunior be allowed to be out??????????? For now I will just take a Friday or Monday off, but I want to make sure I see Yunior while he is as small as possible…..LOVE THAT PLAY VIDEO !
Moderator’s note: We don’t know yet what his viewing schedule will be.
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Conversation with Gao Gao #69
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: Hey, I see you’re involved in a photo finishing project.
G: Yep, it’s a holiday greeting card to Global Panda Fandom and SDZ friends.
T: Hmmm. There’s Madame Bai with luscious green bamboo fairy wand.
G: Hua Mei with her plum pudding presents.
T: Mei Sheng with honey snow cones.
G: Boy, I’m getting hungry.
T: Su Lin with… tree structure fragments?
G: Oh, work in progress…
T: Huh?
G: She’s into her decorating mood.
T: Hmmm. Reminds me of… uh…
G: How about Santa’s sleigh?
T: Oh, yeah…
G: Then there’s Zhennie with her reindeer antlers.
T: And Yun Zi…
G: Doesn’t he look good with antlers, too?
T: And crumpled raincoat?
G: And magnifying glass.
T: But what’s that in front of his other eye?
G: Oh, a ping pong ball with bull’s eye marking.
T: Huh? What’s that all about?
G: It’s suppose to represent Colombo’s glass eye.
T: You don’t suppose you’d digitally eliminate that?
G: Should I replace it with a monocle?
T: Yeah, that might be better.
G: So I should introduce him to Lord Peter Wimsey novels?
T: Yeah, good idea.
G: OK. We’ll make note of that.
T: So when will you insert your photo?
G: Oh, I’ve got one here.
T: Hey, you mean you’ll be this year’s Panda Claws?
G: Not quite. Still waiting for the polls to close.
T: Oh, I hope you win.
G: I hope so, too.
Gao Gao,
Bai Yun,
Hua Mei,
Mei Sheng,
Su Lin,
Zhen Zhen,
Yun Zi,
Mr. Tourist,
P Wong: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:52 pm
What heartwarming and touching moments you captured outside in the off exhibit classroom. Yun is adorable all dirty and playful. The falls are too cute not to make ones hearts melt. His motor skills are really improving as he does the “cub trot”! Bravo SDZ to such adoring moments as Bai on her back with Yun on her tummy playing!! Whoever shot this footage – take a bow! The tender moments as these that you share with us make everything around us stop. The pure beauty of a panda mother and her cub can make you forget about the woes of the world, even if it is just for a few mere moments!
We all need some panda mother/cub escape time to escape our own issues! Can’t wait to see him outside more and more! SDZ thank you for the incredible pride you take in your pandas. No words can describe seeing the smile upon a Giant Panda Keeper’s face when talking about their Pandas!
Thank for all of the wonderful updates! You little boy wonder is a must see in March or April! Wouldn’t miss it for the world! Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Big hugs to you and your exceptional pandas. Gao is my favorite……so give him a few extra scratches!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:12 pm
What a smart little bear and one that takes after my own heart – forget the early mornings!! Thanks to the SDZ vets, staff, and all those that we dont ever get to see or know about. You ALL do such a terrific job. To all of you on staff, all my fellow bloggers on here and most especially to momma and baby bear – MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Lets bundle up all this joy and send it out to the rest of the world. Its sure to solve all the problems!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:45 pm
We just back from the zoo today! Zhen zhen and Su lin looks much smaller than those panda I saw in China. Could that be due to Gao Gao’s smaller size?
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:52 pm
I absolutely LOVE the photo of Bai Yun “juggling” Yun Zi! She is the only panda mom I’ve seen use her back paws on a regular basis to hold, move, or play with her cubby. And the look on Yun Zi’s face!!! I can just imagine him giggling himself into hiccups!
Happy Holidays to all, & an extra helping of good will & cheer for zoo staff–you guys are great!
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:18 am
What more perfect example of peace on earth could we find? I have so enjoyed the bears and reading the blogs. Praying for our sickest members and sending well wishes is the true meaning of the season. Thank you SDZ for doing this for us.
We have all learned some much no matter if this is your first bear, like me, or a much more seasoned PF. It has been a blast, and I am grateful to each of you.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. Dennis you are especially with my prayers. My mom died 10/18. She was 85 and at peace. She was ready to go to heaven. I am so happy for. Leaving me to have to deal with my 88 year old father, well, that is a handful.
At least during the rough times I can stare at my picture of Yun Zi and feel like everything is going to b ok.
I hope everbody has a safe holiday and can think, just for a second what the real meaning of Christmas is all about.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:15 am
The additional video of Yunior showing him from birth with his first Primal Screams is priceless and more than makes up for no exam video as it did show a few precious seconds of that exam….Any chance that this will be expanded on on the future like the other babies hopefully with an hour on PBS or the Animal Planet?…..It doesn’t always load when the Link is clicked on so for those of the GPF that want to go to it direct : http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoonooz/video_channel.html
Ah being an Insomniac has its advsntages as Yunior now appears to rest more each night which means the Camera Volunteers will be busy during daylight hours keeping up with his explorations and mischief…LOL… Please show us a few moments of Gao Gao when showing the girls ,as we all miss his merry ways and seeing him will remind us of what Yunior will be in a few short years……..
“Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things…..”
December 23rd, 2009 at 2:15 am
Loved the video! He sleeps late because he stays up late. He wonders out in the middle of the night to play and he plays hard too. Wears himself out. Loved seeing him try to climb. I’m glad he’s not fragile!! Yun and mama play so cute together. Bai looks like she’s having the time of her life playing with her little boy.
Question: Will Yun Zi be her last baby? Is she too old to have another?
Moderator’s note: We don’t know.
December 23rd, 2009 at 2:18 am
I came to the zoo on the 19th so I couldn’t see the little guy but I was amazed with the other Pandas I saw. I love the clip of him being outside , so adorable. I just call him poly as in roly poly. I came from Canada to see the Pandas and I will be back.
December 23rd, 2009 at 2:42 am
May the Christmas angels bless your home this holiday season. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
from Poland to everyone !
Wesołych Świąt i Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!
Aleksandra
PS. Thank you ( SDZ staff) for promptly information about GPs and for your great and unsparingly work with animals!
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:26 am
I think the footage of Yun Zi outside was much more fun than the exam videos, though I do like those, too. We should feel so special that we get to see him outside when the general public didn’t at the zoo didn’t!! lol Everyone says it so well, so wonderful and enchanting to watch him explore the outside world, play with a leaf, and his mom play so gently with him! He can’t realize how cute and funny he is when he leaves the leaf on his little face. Thanks so much SDZ for sharing His Royal Cuteness with us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Dennis and Lynn: so sorry that you’re going through such trying time. I am glad that you have the pandas and friends to help brighten your days.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:07 am
Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year to all. Special wishes and prayers going out to Dennis and Lynn. Yunior’s debut will be coming very soon, but I’m not sure how you are supposed to contain your excitement when you first catch a glimpse of him. I will never forget my first time with Tai, I was jumping up and down, yelling ‘I see him, I see Him’ over and over, clapping. And I didn’t budge for hours from my spot. There is nothing like starting a New Year watching the antics of a baby panda at play.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:24 am
WOOOOOOO-HOOOOOO! Christmas came early in the form of the January 2010 ‘ZOONOOZ’! More video of His Royal Chubbiness, & best of all, 3 (count ‘em, THREE!) Yun Zi wallpapers! OMG, you can clearly see every little hair on his robust little body! Forget sugarplums, I’ll have visions of Yun Zi dancing in my head!
THANK YOU SDZ!
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:36 am
Yun Zi says, mom, could you please put me down, i found somebody is watching, they are laughting at me, for being a mom’s boy.
Merry Christmas and best wishes to all SDZ staff and all pandas.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:37 am
and merry christmas to all other animals.
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:09 am
To All: Merry Christmas! Hope your Holiday will be filled with Family and Good Friends and moments to watch the Pandas!
Doximom: The videos are faulous! Thanks to you we receive a gift every day!
To SDZ Staff: Thank you all for the visual experience and the written words! Another gift to all pandafans!
To PWong: I love your conversations!
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:18 am
Yeah…10:13AM NZ Time the Snow Games have begun with rolls,slides and summersaults!!!!! Can’t wait to see what Yunior is up to today as he must of heard the comments about being a PM bear,and decided to meet the sunrise!!…LOL…..
“Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things….:
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:18 am
Oh THANK YOU for the video summation of Yunior’s first 4 months!!! Such a JOY and Kathy did a wonderful job!! She is so very lucky to be so closely involved with this baby!! The video of Yunior out in the classroom was wonderful too!! Os so WONDERFUL Christmas Presents to us pandaholics!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad, HAPPY HOLIDAYS to ALL the SDZ staff and in particular the Panda keepers. Thank you for keeping us “tuned in” to your wonderful world of all the special charges at the San Diego Zoo. You are all very special people and take such care of your special “charges”. Keep up the good work and enjoy your time with your “regular” families!!! : )
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:33 am
Thanks for a great year . Happy pandas an a happy pandafan in germany.
For the pandas, the keepers and here families:
Merry Christmas and a happy and successful year 2010 !!!
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:44 am
This video is priceless! Mom and son are so beautiful together. Our baby is so fun! Thank you for all the updates and videos. They make me smile and laugh. My preschool class loves to watch also.
Merry Christmas.
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:23 am
Thank you so much for the video, it made my day. Yun Zi is coming on in leaps and bounds.
I’d like to wish all the staff, keepers, moderator and all their families a very Merry Christmas. And of course, Merry Christmas to the Pandas, Polar Bears and all the other wonderful animals. Thank you to the Membership staff who sent a lovely, totally unexpected Christmas card. I wish I could be there for Christmas Day, I know where I’d be!
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:40 am
There is nothing quite so funny and sweet as the baby-panda-trot, unless maybe it’s a baby-panda-with-leaves-stuck-on-his-face.
Happy Holidays to all my fellow GPFs!
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:42 am
From Ohio… Happy and Safe Holidays to all Pandaholics. I have enjoyed everyone’s comments and all the video’s provided by DoxieMom and the staff at SDZ. Thank you for the Pandas…
Dennis: I hope that 2010 will be Lynn’s year for good health. With all the positive energy being sent her way, hopefully you two will spend a wonderful New Years with each other.
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:45 am
The cute factor just keeps going up. If everyone in the world could behave like Pandas, what a wonderful world it would be.
To all of us, Panda fans, SDZ staff, people the world over, Peace On Earth, Goodwill To Man. Merry Christmas in every language and to everone.
To SDZ Staff: What will you bestow on the Pandas for their Christmas presents? Oops, guess you can’t tell us yet, word might get back to the kids!!
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:48 am
How cute – Yun Zi is sleeping outside of the den with Momma. Has he done this before?
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:49 am
Wow!! That’s an amazing video! I shared it with all my animal-loving friends. YunYun has really blossomed. He’s moving with more confidence and looks ready to tackle anything. It’s great to see how strong his front legs are getting. He will soon be able to lift himself enough so his hind legs can grab the branch. Then, he’ll really be on his way. Right now, he’s still trying to bring that proverbial “heavy bottom end” in line. And the “leaf embelishment” — too, too cute! What a great moment – like he’s saying, “I think this leaf would look good right here!” Soon he’ll be helping Gao Gao with his projects and Su Lin with her redecorating (P. Wong, take note). It’s wonderful to see him playing with not a care in the world. And, of course, with a mommy like Bai, he will learn more and more. We, panda lovers have an exciting year ahead!!
I want to wish all GPF’s and the SDZ staff, keepers, and our long-suffering Moderator a wonderful Christmas and a great holiday season! Your work enables us to learn more about the creatures that inhabit the earth along with us “hoomans.”
To those who are enduring trials and loss, my prayer for you is that the love and comfort of our Creator be real for you at this time.
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:55 am
As much as I love Baby Yun Zi, I love Bai Yun also. She is such a good mother. The way she plays with him and looks out for him, it is really heart warming. Much love to Baby and Mom and Merry Christmas to all panda fans and to all of you at the zoo. You made the last few months so enjoyable and should be proud of all the great work you do.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:23 am
The new video compilation is priceless. Our little boy has really grown since he came into the world.
To all the pandas and other zoo denizens, to the staff and volunteers who brighten our days and share so much information with us and to all the members of the GPF, best wishes for a very happy holiday season and a wonderful 2010. Thanks to you all for your wonderful contributions.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
Happy Holidays, love, hugs, and kisses to all my wonderful pandas across the world. And, the same to all of you who love them as much as I do.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:39 am
That has got to be one of the cutest videos ever! I especially like the very wide-eyed look on Yun Zi’s face when he is walking around, biting branches and playing with that leaf. How much more loving could a mother be? Yun Zi is a very lucky panda cub.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:40 am
I missed not seeing the weekly exam video . . . . . but the posted video of playtime with Bai Yun was great too. Got to see the little guy doing the “panda baby “trot” gait” which is priceless. Bai and Gao produce such lovely offspring! Such beautiful faces on the babies. I think the little boy resembles his mother very much so in the face:)
Happy Holidays!
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:53 am
Dennis #67–thanks for the link to that video. Between that and the outdoor footage, there is much Yun Zi cuteness to appreciate. I join with others to wish you and Lynn better times.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:13 am
Merry, Merry Christmas to everyone!!! Thank you SDZ for the lovely video. Yun Zi is not a baby anymore, but a bear. I am proud of him, watching him learn how to fight, as I guess male bears would in nature. I think Bai Yun was waiting on her treats. I hope she gets some apples and some fried chicken to share with Yun Zi (just kidding about the fried chicken). Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! May the peace of the Lord guard everyones’ hearts and minds. May there be healing and wholeness for Christmas for all.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:34 am
Happy holidays to all!
Great video watching the both play brings a smile to our faces.
All the best,
Shirley
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:37 am
Merry Christmas to each of the dear people, who write on this blog … including the very special moderator. My mother-in-law died on Sunday (the 20th). I did not know her very well, but any death in the family in December is a challenge. My daughter just called. She is pregnant with our first grandbaby … and she will be checking into the hospital tonight. They will induce or take the baby tonight or tomorrow … so … I am about to be a grandma for the first time. WOW. And then there is Yun Zi – a truely bright spot in my life. He has cheered me up more than once this month. You know, I think animal videos should be used as therapy for anyone who just needs a … break from their normal challenges. The videos are so uplifting. They provide real relief from this real life.
Moderator’s note: What a rollercoaster ride you’re having this month. Best of luck as you await the arrival of a precious little one!
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:37 am
Great shot of Su Lin’s newly decorated yard on Cam 3. Is she enjoying the new angle of it? Hopefully next spring it will put out lots of leaves that the pandas can enjoy hiding in.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:40 am
Just watched the new video for the hundreth time. Yun Zi marches just like a little toy soldier. Anyone else notice that?
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:47 am
panda keepers and staff, moderators etc. can i bring you anything on saturday??????
you’ll probably want to go play yourselves. so just page me and i will panda sit for you…. anything else?
merry xmas, happy holdidays to all…have santa paws hang around……
yun zi: dear santa paws…here’s what i would like.
per fume for mommie (ahh choo)
a good bamboo cigar for daddy
a new tree for su lins’ yard.
toys for zz
a twok for me to play in the dirt with.
a snow man to play with.
a bag of leaves (they’re fun)
a snow cone to eat.
peppermint flavored biscuits.
a dvd about pandas
some toys and books.
some video games
some……zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
a
g b
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:02 am
Well we finally got a good view of Miss Lin Lin’s redecorated tree work today….Maybe the SDZ Arborists can put her on the payroll,or she can become an acredited interior/exterior decorator …LOL……I love the aerial view of Yunior playing with the tree limb with the platform on it…It almost looks like the aerial view we get when Gao Gao is shown from above….Maybe next exam you should try some of Gao Gao’s Favorite snack of Pear Slices and see how Yunior reacts,maybe like Father like Son…Any chance of having some more behind the scenes videos like we had in lieu of the last exam as it was a priceless video of the outdoor classroom area with a lot of nice low Yunior perspective or point of view…..
The NZ had some great camera shots today of snow slides while they cleaned out the interior exhibit areas and the Pandas had some great play time before they were let back inside…..It really tired them out as all 3 were soon shown napping after eating their snacks hidden in enrichment toys…..I wonder if they are getting enough enrichment as they all showed to be restless today walking around in circles jerking their heads as they walked…..I guess they got cabin fever from being cooped up while the NZ was closed and on limited staffing….One of the Grizzly Bears Curators at the Bronx Zoo once told me that is how they can tell when their Bears are Bored as it is classic restless Bear behavior…..
“Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things…”
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:03 am
It was so sweet when Bai Yun picked Yun Zi up and held him like a human baby and he bit her! Here is a story about Yun Zi.
Do you ever wonder what Yun Zi and Bai Yun are doing at night when we can’t see them? They are having a fiesta. At night, out from behind those doors comes a mariachi band. Bai Yun and Yun Zi are whooping it up, dancing and partying it up to the wee hours of the morning! That’s how come there is boo all over the place in the morning! It’s a party all night!
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:12 am
Here’s what I want for Christmas.
I want a ball like ZZ has.
I want a brightly wrapped box filled with twigs to chew on.
I want some more hugs and kisses from momma.
I want a climbing post to put in bedroom when momma will not let me out.
I want a plush panda that looks like me to hug and sleep with.
Merry Christmas Panda Fans and SDZ Staff and Moderator!
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
Thanks for the great videos … that’s our boy! A great holiday present for the legion of panda fans.
I now am catching Bai Yun and Yun Zi back in the classroom (around 11:40 San Diego time) on the live panda cam. Bai has her boo, and Yunior appears to be playing with leaves, his toes, etc. But that low branch is sooo interesting, now, and he’s working on getting up it (undeterred by small tumbles). Again, what a boy!
Best of the season to the SDZ staff, all the pandafans and (of course) all five SDZ giant panda bears.
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Merry Christmas P. Wong — and all my fellow bloggers and SDZoo Staff — and a safe and very Happy New Year!!
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Merry X-mas to all the pandas and the panda staff
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I saw Su Lin and Zhennie yesterday, and Su Lin today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I want to see Mr. Gao Gao. (But Su and Zhen make me happy!) Happy Christmas Eve Eve! (Not a typo! It’s the Eve of Christmas Eve!) I am on VACATION!!!!!!!!! (Finally!)
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Addition to #101 Yun Zi’s Christmas Wish List:
I want my adoring fans to be able to visit and see me in all my black and white cuteness.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Yeah Yunior is ahead on the vote for Eight great ‘buzzworthy’ San Diegans in 2009 link at the top of this page. Don’t forget to vote for our little darling so we can keep him ahead.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I put my vote in for Yun Zi to be the most buzzworthy San Diegian and right now he has 85% of the votes for # 1
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Yun Zi’s leading the voting by a wide margin–must be all of us bloggers voting!
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I adore the video of Bay Yun and her little boy in the classroom while he romps and challenges his mother. I cannot say enough about what a wonderful mother Bai Yun is–we humans can learn many lessons from her mothering talents– instincts or whatever one wants to call them!
It is a beautiful sunny and cool but not cold day here on the south Oregon Coast where we have been blessed with an abundance of great weather this past year. When the storms come in, they are fierce, but we appreciate what they bring–clean air and rain to grow our forests and fill our rivers. The wonderful natural cycle of life for which I give my personal blessings.
I wish to all happiness in this season, no matter what you are celebrating, and an abundance of happiness, fortune, and good health in 2010.
December 23rd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
No video, but you so vividly described this, Dani. Good job! Still wish I could have seen his antics. The video of the “classroom” is great! It’s fun to watch mama and baby interact with one another. Yun Zi is so curious. Thank you for the smiles!
December 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Just want to share with the SDZ pannafans a new picture I received of Hua Mei and her latest cub. Enjoy.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kkshaw43/4209069349/in/set-72157622041915607/
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
#122 Mary: Thank you so much Mary for sharing those new photos of Hua Mei and her cubbie. They are both beautiful and I can really see Bai Yun in Hua Mei’s face – especially her smile
Those ears are Shi Shi’s though..hehe! That Bai Yun sure makes beautiful babies!
Merry Xmas and thank you again!
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I wondered why Yun Zi was pink in his video… now I know. I loved it when he ran into Mama Bai’s butt.. and the leaf on his forehead… I watch them over and over…
I know I read from a blog a good link to see the NZ videos.. but I can’t find it… Could someone share it again? I’d like to see the Pandas playing in the snow…
Happy Holidays to you Moderator for all you do…
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
#112 Mary —
Thank you for sharing the photo of beautiful Hua Mei and her adorable cub.
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Hi Everyone
Greetings from Adelaide – sorry I have been off line for a few days – I have been volunteering at a local shopping centre to wrap Christmas presents for a local charity.
I have seen our pandas twice now and have a few photos – After Christmas will sit down and work out how to join Flickr and post the photos. Wang Wang and Funi are settling in well – can’t wait until they are out of quarantine
In response to a query about panda cam at Adelaide Zoo – They have more than 30 cameras which staff can use internally at the moment howver I beleive the computer system is not of the correct efficiency to do what SDZ do with their Cams and blogs etc – they are currently negotiating with a major telecom munications provider in Adelaide – so stay posted for the new year.
To all of the Vets, keepers, moderators, PR people and just everyone else at SDZ thank you soooooo…… much. I am on your website daily and enjoy your emails – you are just fantastic. Adelaide can learn a lot from what you all do. Your passion, Knowledge, commitment and willingness to let us the public in is just amazing
To the GPF everywhere – I just love your stories, your passion and your memories (Yun Zi is my first cub).
To those of you who have had a tough year I sincerely hope that 2010 is just wonderful and particularly to Dennis and Lynn ( Dennis please give Lynn a big Adelaide hug when you can .PS I did tell Wang Wang and Fuin about you
So to all of the above I wish you all a very Happy Christmas , Happy Holidays and the safest and most wonderful New Year and 2010
Love from ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Hi guys. Well I am sitting here writing with probally 5 layers on. Its 10 degrees outside. Buuuurrrrr. #61 – P Wong you always seem to top yourself. #84 Sukochi Couldn’t of said it better. Lovely! #95 Becky- congrats for sure. #98 Tami.Tooo cute. I am looking forward to watching our little guy enter into a New Year. Boy what a year. I want to wish everyone a peace filled holiday. How ever you observe. From New York celebrations to all. Oh and ofcourse Panda love to all. Monderators, zookeepers, cam people and all who put their time and effort into making this such a wonderful expierence. A special thanks. Also a very special thanks to DOXIEMOM and Pamela G.
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I have a dilema … I want to vote for our Yun Zi … but I live in El Cajon … surrounded by people who know and love Jimmy Johnson … and my husband wants to vote for Jimmy. I have a solution: I will vote for Yun Zi on our home computer and my husband can vote for Jimmy from his computer at work! Wouldn’t it be fun to see our little guy win this honor!
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Yun Zi gets my vote as #1!!!!! I didn’t see his last exam video. hmmmm
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Very good video thru the Zoonooz….thanks Dennis for recommending it.
It showed Yun Zi briefly playing with the ball and the apples…….
I passed it on to others to view…..
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Mary, thank you for the picture of Hua Mei and her cubbie. Priceless. It was great seeing the girls today. What a treat.
Funny, I started carrying around my laptop when it got close to the time Bai would deliver. I’m still carrying it around with me; and time after time, I’ve been rewarded with precious moments of the pandas. Mainly our little man. And time after time, I’ve read the blogs which made me smile, laugh, shed a tear, and had my heart tugged.
To all of my panda family, many blessings to you all during this Holiday season, and may much happiness be yours in this next year. For all who have heavy hearts, may your burdens be lightened. I thank all of you for being you. We all share something very speical here.
And Panda Staff, especially you, Dear Moderator, thank you, and may you be rewarded for your dedicated work.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I just watched Lin Ping TV — Lin was in the crib getting Christmas gift…….teething ring which she loved, then they put a Christmas skirt (red) and a matching cape. Outside they went, put her in a basket (sleigh) with robes to her reindeer (plastic little deer thing which she normally climbs on in her den). She was Mrs. Claus in Santa’s sleigh. Odd but very, very cute.
And I don’t remember who told me about the area outside their den in Thailand (Mary? Frances?) — but you were right. It is absolutely lovely. I love the little benches they have for the pandas to sit on and eat. Again, odd, but interesting.
I haven’t seen Yu Zi since much earlier today. I miss him.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Dear Humans who love me, my mummy, daddy and my bwother and sissers,
I hope Panda Claws will bring you all the boo you can eat (what, mama, humans don’t eat boo????) OK, I hope he brings you all your heart desires and that next year we can meet face to face. May next year be a fun filled and loving one. I hope all of you get to spend lots of time with your families especially your mummies. Pwease listen to your mummies, she is always right (Mommie Monster says I have to say this).
I dank all those who have been praying for me and watching me grow and loving me. I now can walk with my feetsies in one direction and I hope to climb some twees soon.
Bye Bye I go now
Yun Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I’d first like to say how I appreciate all the wonderful staff that keeps us panda-watchers well informed. I’m a panda-watcher from northern Virginia now, but grew up in southern Calif. It’s so much fun and facinating to watch a baby panda grow up. And amazing to watch Yun Zi loved, nutured, played with and yes, sometimes diciplined by Bai Yun. They’re both so sweet. I watched Zhen grow up too. I like keeping up with Gow Gow and the other siblings too. My husband and I loved the latest video of Bai Yun and Yun Zi playing together and all the fun Yun Zi had exploring and trying out everything he could get his “cubbie” paws on. He made us giggle. Thank you all so much for making this possible. Have a wonderful Christmas.
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Thanks, Mary #112 for that picture, and kathy #113, you’re right–beautiful babies and grandbabies.
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
wishing san diego zoo, keepers, vets, mods all happy holidays. am greatful to all for taking care of the beautiful animals.
happy holidays to the world-wide panda family.
to lynn, may the new year bring you new found health.
to dennis, you are a prince of a fellow for such love and caring.
let there be peace on earth, let us cherish and care for our planet.
joan said
painted post, n.
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:13 pm
It is really strange to see all of this video on how vigorous Yun Zi is, and yet he is not allowed to go on public view. Is there something wrong that is not being revealed?
Moderator’s note: Not at all! We just want to be absolutely sure the Yun Zi can navigate in and out of this outdoor area with ease and that his mother is comfortable with all of this. We will then gradually add staff to simulate the viewing public. Once panda mother and cub are comfortable with that, the area will open to our guests.
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Congratulations Yun Zi – soon to be elected the most buzzworthy San Diegan! How can anyone possibly be more deserving? Next stop, the world!
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Thank goodness for our pandas – I mentioned that we were leaving this am to spend Christmas with our son, daughter-in-law & 18 month old grandson. My physically challenged brother lives with us so shortly after our 31/2 hour drive to sons house I got a call from the woman I had checking on my brother – He’d fallen & she had to call our security staff to help get him up. There was no doubt, we had to return home as I couldn’t leave my brother alone all night. Must admit it was hard for my wonderful hubby choosing my brother over our only grandchild’s Xmas. All the extended family promised us videos & pictures but we were so looking forward to being there. We made the long trip back home – brother is stubborn so while badly bruised hope he is ok – and as you can see I had to check our pandas & the blog to make me feel better
Thanks to all our panda friends 
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Mary, thanks from us as well, for sharing the picture of Hua Mei and her latest cub. I agree with kathy, canada, my first thought when I opened the pic was WOW Hua Mei looks like her mama! Yun Zi has 89% of the vote.
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:52 pm
#110: OH BANDON HOW I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!!! Best fudge shop in the whole world. L-) And a place where a little bit of my heart will always reside. Please throw a kiss at the ocean and forests for me! Happy Holidays.
December 24th, 2009 at 5:29 am
What a joy to watch- the little panda man- and his mom! From the east coast, I know why tiny Yun Zi sleeps in until 11:00- he is up and about in the middle of your night- as I am getting up for work in CT! The leaf moment… oh, my!
The National Zoo panda cams have had some great snow panda sightings right now- rolling, tumbling, and sliding, if you can catch them at their very “cute-zy” antics throughout the day! Happy holidays!
December 24th, 2009 at 5:47 am
Dianna, #114. The reason Yun Zi is pink is because all the zookeeper women…. they wear pink lipstick and kiss on Yunior when we aren’t looking so it’s lipstick. Aren’t they and Yun lucky!! Wish I could but he’d be red because my lipstick is red. But the zoo folks, they blame the “pinkness” on Bai Yun because she eats beats and all that beet juice gets on our little boy Yun when she cleans him. Well, I will always think the zookeepers are lovin’ on him and it’s lipstick. Sounds good huh?
To Yun and Bai and all SDZ… Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Charlotte, NC.
December 24th, 2009 at 6:03 am
Well Yun Zi is up to 90% on the buzzworthy list, and why won’t he be, he’s got the looks the personality and just plain old carisima, He’s just the total package. I watch the video over and over and he’s just amazing, I laugh and cry.
I would like to wish all of my fellow bloggers A Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. To the staff and all the Keepers who give up their holiday to take care of our beloved animals A Big THank You you are all amazing and we really appericate what you do. I wish you all Peace, Joy and Love this holiday season. To the Moderator who put’s up with us Thank You and bless you. Tonight is the night that just maybe Panda Claws will be around.
December 24th, 2009 at 6:29 am
Wow…..Due to the GPF (Global Pandaholic Fans) Family and Friends Yun Zi (Yunior/Yun Yun) now is over 90% in the vote at Eight great ‘buzzworthy’ San Diegans in 2009…..It seems like we can vote everyday as it allowde me to vote again today…..The direct link to vote is : http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-12-22/8-great/eight-great-buzzworthy-san-diegans-in-2009
For those of us that Celebrate Christmas Happy Christmas Eve as we all wait for Panda Claws to arrive….Thank You Moderator and Camera Operators for all you’ve done to help us afflicted with Pandaholicism as we watch the more and more day time active Yunior explore his world as we all watch on in awe and amazement at him….Bai Yun should be nominated for Time Magazines Person of the Year for the 5 Bundles of Joy that Shi Shi,Gao Gao and she have provide us with not to mention her becoming a Grandmother as well….Do we know if any of her Grandcubbies have made her a Great Grandmother yet?
Panda Team we all salute you for facing the mountain of questions that have been forwarded to you as we all learn the Wonder of Panda’s…..
Let’s not forget the Power of the Panda as Yun Zi has crossed all International Borders and has become his own Spokes Panda and a United Nations of GPF’s….Let us not forget that without our Intervention that a Species of Plant or Animal becomes EXTINCT every 20 Minutes never to be seen again……It’s up to us all to convince the so called leaders of the world that we must intervene and will not tolerate the mass extermination of Plant and Animal Life as is now occuring at an alarming rate before we too join the list of about to be EXTINCT as well……
“Panda Peace on Earth,Goodwill to All Living Things….”
December 24th, 2009 at 7:14 am
It is very heartwarming to know Yunior is winning by a landslide. Merry Christmas to everyone and hope you get a least one panda related gift.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Diana – I’m not sure it is what you mean, but try searching the following on youtube dot com – “pandas climbing trees on a snowy day” (it was recorded 12/5/09, and shows the NZ bears enjoying the falling snow, both on the ground and in the trees …). There are a couple of others that aren’t so well filmed, and some clips from 2008 and 2007 (from both NZ and SDZ) as well. Great pandas clearly Luv That Snow! Happy viewing.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Your description of the exam left us drooling for the video of the exam. To bad there isn’t one this time. Hopefully there will be next time?? Thanks for the description. He certainly is taking off now that he figured it out. So cute.
Happy Holidays to all!!
Moderator’s note: There’s a bit of his exam in the Panda Cub Milestones video.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Yunior has garnered 91% of the vote so far…yahoo…the best of the season to everyone.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:44 am
What do you know! Our boy finally is on the loose. So glad to see him outside and not
sleeping!
Merry Chriostmas to SDZ staff and all pandaholics evrywhere
December 24th, 2009 at 7:50 am
Wow, the little guy is out early — 7:51 am PST.
Anita posted a short video of Hua Mei’s cub yesterday on Flickr.
December 24th, 2009 at 8:12 am
Happy holidays to one and all at the San Diego Zoo and all the panda bloggers.
May all the pandas has a beary merry holiday.
Pam T.
December 24th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Just voted for Yun Zi for buzz worthy San Diegan… he’s got 91% of the votes! Go GPF community! Let’s have this little bit of good news at the top!
December 24th, 2009 at 8:23 am
I was wondering…… do ZZ’s (or any other panda’s) trees stretch out of their exhibit? Or do the trees remain in the exhibit? I remember ZZ last year…sleeping on the tree, napping (and eating) in her hammock. Ah…those were the days. What is Hua Mei’s most recent cub named? Is it a girl or a boy?
December 24th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Merry Christmas to all of the Pandas across the world, especially Gao Gao, Bai Yun, Hua Mei, Mei Sheng, Su Lin, Zhen Zhen, baby Yun Zi, and the Ghost of Christmas past, Shi Shi; Yang Yang, Lun Lun, beautiful Mei Lan, and strong-willed Xi-Lan; Ya Ya and Le Le; Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and playful Tai Shan. May Panda Paws show up for all of you tonight and bring bountiful harvests to each of you.
And, to the Zoos, Keepers, Panda Teams and especially the SDZ Moderator a most joyful Merry Christmas.
Last, but not least, a safe and Merry Christmas to all of the Pandaholics across the world. May you receive everything you wish and dream for, especially for Lynne and Dennis. God Speed and Good Tidings to All.
December 24th, 2009 at 9:01 am
How will the SDZ announce that the panda cub is on viewing and the times? TV, radio, internet, at the parks?
I will be visiting SD next week and will not have internet access.
Moderator’s note: When the time comes, all media will be alerted.
December 24th, 2009 at 9:03 am
#131 Char – golly, I have never talked with anyone who doesn’t like Bandon, but you have somewhere in your life had a love affair with the South Oregon Coast, our seastacks, and gorgeous wide and wild beaches. So I blew a kiss for you into the silvery surf! I have to mention something about pandas so my blog isn’t removed! I know pandas like to play in water….I wonder what they would do if they had surf to play in (how’s that for a tie-in?). If it is anything like my dogs, pandas would have a blast! Now for some agate hunting and shopping in Old Town!
December 24th, 2009 at 10:57 am
I love you, Yun Zi. Merry Christmas!
December 24th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
WOW – what a beautiful “little one”. So precious.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you – pandas and pands lovers.
J.
December 24th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Hi Lilarose in Bandon #131: My mom used to live in Brookings, Gold Beach and Coos Bay so that Bandon became a natural stop along the way. How cool would that be to see the pandas all in a line walking down the beach there!! Thank you for blowing a kiss to the ocean for me. Im landlocked in Sacramento now and miss the ocean SO much. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy New Year!!
December 24th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Yun Zi and Bai Yun are famous — yet again! Their photo is pictured on MSNBC’s website under Animal Tracks! Too beautiful a pair not to share with the world. His adoring fans will grow even bigger now!
December 24th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Thanks for this fabulous video. I love seeing Bai Yun playing with Yun Zi and Yun Zi walking and running in a panda-cub-way. Both Bai Yun and little Yun Zi are so CUTE!!!!!
Wish all pandas, keepers, vet, panda staff and fans
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A NEW HAPPY YEAR!
December 25th, 2009 at 1:25 am
PRICELESS – What you are doing with the Panda conservation and exhibits program. Please keep up the unbelievably good work that your staff is doing. The livecam, films and photos is a priceless and valuable tool for the public ……
December 25th, 2009 at 3:12 am
I do agree with my fellow bloggers, this video is priceless and enchanting! Thank you! Yuni is really ready to tackle anything (everything!). I just love the way he is marching with his front legs, too cute. We all have been knowing that Bai Yun is such an excellent mom but the way she holds little Yun Zi is too heartwarming.
Thanks again everybody at SDZ and all the bloggers for providing us with videos, stories, conversations etc.
Again a happy festive season to all humans and pandas!
December 25th, 2009 at 5:35 am
To #21, #48, #114
The reason Yun Zi is pinkish, not white is due to his mom.
From what I gathered, when mom Bai licks Yun down, the chemicals in her saliva causes a chemical reactio with Yun’s white fur and turn it pink instead, this is harmless. But it does make the cub look weird
December 25th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I can’t stop watching these adorable panda’s, especially at night when mom and son are cuddling in their den. She is such a good, loving mom!!! I’m wondering why I can’t hear any sound…is it my computer? Or do you not tansmit sound on the web cam?? I can hear the videos just fine, please let me know. Thank you for the hours of entertainment!!!
Moderator’s note: The Panda Cam does not have sound.
December 26th, 2009 at 1:07 am
Yun Zi now has 95% of the votes. He’s going to walk it!
I got a panda related gift – a Steiff Panda. She’s been cuddled to death already, along with the adoption panda. I think I might just call the new one Bai Yun.
December 26th, 2009 at 10:15 am
This is absolutely my favorite stage of panda-raising … Yun Zi is now in the bedroom area with his mom, climbing all over her and having SUCH a good time. I was on the phone with a friend when my husband rushed into the room and stage-whispered “Panda cam!” so I turned it on as I was talking, and just had to laugh. Yun Zi is “my” fourth panda cub but I could never tire of the 4-6 month stage. They’re still so much smaller than Bai, but even while she is being protective, she is teaching them the rough and tumble of life…climbing, falling off, climbing back again. He didn’t get a pony or a bicycle for Christmas, because he’s got Bai Yun, the world’s best panda mom.
December 26th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Re: #156 Thank you so much for getting back to me about the Panda Cam (having no sound). Seriously, I would have been trying for days. I can’t get over how obsessed I am with those two.
I happened to remember you guys had the live panda cam (I use to watch it years ago). So it’s been about 2 weeks now and I really hit the jackpot with Momma having such a new adorable little cub. To watch how they interact, especially at night in the den is just so beautiful. She is such a loving Mom!!
I was very ignorant when it came to Pandas. I always thought they were, lets just say “not the most cuddly animals around.” I was pleasant surprise to be wrong!!!
Thank you guys SO MUCH for letting us experience these beautiful creatures! I’ll shut up now, cause I could go on for ever.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!!! Keep up the good work!!!
December 27th, 2009 at 12:35 am
#114-Dianna…sorry no one has followed up on helping you find NZ panda videos. The best way I can tell you without a link is to visit www(dot)flickr(dot)com, then search roxandabear/nz pandas in snow March 2009. In March, Tai was apparently pleased with himself for harvesting his own boo. You’ll see! This lady apparently lives close to the zoo, and has LOTS of NZ videos on flickr. If that doesn’t work, try pandasliveon and search for the pandas by name, Tai Shan, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian. Just use the search bars and you can eventually come up with it.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I received my present to myself, the package from National Zoo, with “everything Tai Shan”, on Wednesday, just in time for Christmas. Then, I celebrated with my late husband’s family on Christmas Eve; then with my daughter Christmas Day; and now I continue Christmas with my son and family in the Dallas area, then my sister, starting tomorrow (Sunday). Unfortunately, I have to travel a lot to see all my family, so it takes about a week to get all my celebration done.
lol
So, while I’m still having Christmas, happy panda viewing to everyone.
As always, thank you, SDZ panda-caregivers, vets, and all the staff, for your wonderful dedicated service to animals. We all love you.
December 27th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Does little cloud play differently than his siblings? Does he explore and play with ma differently? I’m afraid I just haven’t had the opportunity to read all the blogs lately, with the holidays and such, so maybe this has already been chatted about, but I’m very curious.
Thank you!
December 29th, 2009 at 4:04 am
I have missed my Yun Zi and Bai, and lets not leave out Zhen Zhen & sui Lin either. I left town for the holidays and did not have access to the internet. The first thing I did whe I got home was check in on the panda cam and all the blogs. Love the video of Yunior & momma playing. Thank you for sharing the video. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Chrsitmas!!!! Back to the panda cam to watch Yunior sleep and dream sweet dreams.
March 11th, 2010 at 5:52 am
I watched this video 30 times ,Just cant stop playing it again and again.