Panda Attraction
Posted at 9:35 am March 10, 2010 by Chris Tratnyek
Yun Zi
Pandas are so cute. What draws us to them? Why does the panda appeal to so many people? The answer might be neoteny—keeping a juvenile appearance into adulthood. Babies are cute. Our own young have characteristics that we humans respond to such as a big, round head, large eyes, a high forehead, and a roly-poly body. We are programmed to respond to these babyish looks. Babies just make us like them and want to care for them. It is part of our human makeup.
Human babies aren’t the only young that attract us. Puppies appeal to us. They have the short snout, big eyes, high forehead, and clumsy way of moving. The attraction we have for our own babies also endears us the young of many mammals. But then these cute babies grow up and take on adult characteristics, like the brown bear, for example. Its cubs are adorable, with all the baby looks—short snout, big eyes, and high forehead, all cute and cuddly. But they grow up, the body changes and they have a long snout, smaller appearing eyes, low forehead, muscular body, hump on the shoulders, and a business-like gait. The brown bear is a very different animal as an adult, and our reaction to it changes. We are wary and fearful of the adult bears.
Now take the panda. The cubs have all the juvenile features—big head, eyes that appear to be big, high forehead, short snout, roundish, large head, roly-poly body, and wobbly gait. Except for being larger, the adult panda isn’t much different from the cub. The snout is short, as it doesn’t need a long jaw to eat bamboo. The eyes appear large, the forehead is high, the face is broad, and adults keep the roundish, roly-poly shape. So many of us continue to respond to adult pandas as if they are still cubs; even though they are fully mature, they look like babies. This is neoteny.
Chris Tratnyek is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
March 10th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Thanks for the lesson in Neoteny, Chris. I love the diversity of learning I glean from this website.
March 10th, 2010 at 9:51 am
It is good to learn a “new word” everyday. Thanks Chris.
March 10th, 2010 at 9:58 am
Neoteny………hmmmmmm…….I like it! And you can bet I’ll use it in a sentence before the day’s done. P.S. I, too, have big eyes, a round face, and I’m quite roly-poly – sadly, I don’t get the response that Yun Zi does. (lolol)
Thanks, Chris!
March 10th, 2010 at 9:58 am
Great job, Chris. You nailed the analogy about babies. We love ‘em all. Now I have only one question: how in heck did you get Yunni to sit up, strike a smart pose, smile, and wave at you?
That is the cutest picture of Yun Zi. Btw, I am glad pandas’ physical characterics do not change all that much. That’s why they stay so ‘cuddleable’ after they grow up.
If you haven’t seen the new video of Tai Shan in his new digs, PLEASE go to the NZ website and click on the link. Read the update. You’ll love it! He gained weight! He seems to love the big, new space he has. We all know how he loves to explore. His eyes were wide with excitement. He looks happy (I was worried about that), and for all of you who want our bears to have playmates….Tai now has about 10 playmates, all about the same age, and all males. This, alone, should prove to be very interesting.
March 10th, 2010 at 9:59 am
I love the information in this blog… as well as the picture you chose to go with it !!! Good job.
March 10th, 2010 at 10:08 am
love this post. it makes me love pandas even more!
March 10th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Yesterday the camera followed Yun Zi closely for over 1 1/2 hours! That’s a lot of quality footage of our very cute 7 month old panda cub! I couldn’t make a video as there was too much footage, so I made 3, LOL!
The first one shows Yun Zi in the garden, picking (and mouthing!) flowers, as well as climbing a very tiny tree
2010-03-09 Yun Zi: The Gardener!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3eVqboDUkE
The 2nd shows Yun Zi being his adorable self on the rock structure! Then a Keeper arrives with an apple slice, and Yun Zi savors it
2010-03-09 Yun Zi: Apple Appreciation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JovP8oNUnQI
And finally, last but not least, Yun Zi kept grabbing pieces of Bai’s bamboo, pulling them onto the rock structure where he could mouth and play with them. He tried to take them down to his hidey-hole and up to the hammock, too
Was he successful?
2010-03-09 Yun Zi Had a Boo-tiful Day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3Z70qtRdb8
Thanks Chris for the interesting information of neoteny. This is a fantastic Blog ~ both educational and entertaining!
March 10th, 2010 at 10:12 am
Now I know why I love them so!!! Great photo too!
March 10th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Thank You Chris!
Now I fully understand why I love those child like Pandas.
You have also introduced a new million dollar word to my vocabulary.
I still can remember an old professor of English who stated…..
“Use a new word three times and it’s yours”!
Neoteny, neoteny, neoteny……
March 10th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Oh, all cubs are just so endearing! Thanks for sharing, Chris! The picture looks like he’s saying “Hello” to all his fans! Too sweet!
March 10th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Great post, Chris!!! I also think one of the reasons we ‘relate’ to the pandas is that we have had the chance to watch how their ‘mothering’ teaches us to be better parents. Momma pandas Love their babies
YunZi the Gardener. Apple Appreciation. Bai and Yunzi and bamboo! Watch them in that order 
To All: Doximom has posted THREE videos from March 9th!!! DO NOT MISS THEM
March 10th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Chris, I have not heard of Neoteny. After reading this article, I better understand why I am addicted to Pandas…..Neoteny:) Thanks for sharing this information about these wonderful creatures.
March 10th, 2010 at 10:54 am
Very cool! This attraction that we have makes perfect sense– neoteny. Thank you so much for a great post Chris. It never ceases to amaze me how much there is still to learn even after years and years of blog posts!
March 10th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Interesting point. Thanks !
March 10th, 2010 at 11:04 am
this was a new word for me. thanks for the information. you are so right about the descriptions & re-actions to the brown bear vs the panda bear! we are never too old to learn something new or to get a new perspective on things. being open to learning new things at all ages keeps our brains active & alive!
old facts, new facts, and future facts keep us learning and in the loop!
this website is a delight!
March 10th, 2010 at 11:11 am
i’ve always wondered how other animals respond to these cues – i’m guessing that the attraction to juvenile traits did not just evolve for humans but exists in other species as well? what cues to pandas respond to when protecting their young and how do they perceive these ‘juvenile’ physical traits?
March 10th, 2010 at 11:23 am
Neoteny. Fascinating. Whatever the reason, Panda’s are wonderful. Thanks Chris!
I watched Yun Zi climb a tree while ago like he was an old experienced hand at it. Wasn’t to long ago he was wobbling around and wondering if he dare go out or the den. Growing up fast…sigh.. He is a joy everyday and I thank you all again for enriching my life with these wonderful bears and information on them.
March 10th, 2010 at 11:34 am
When Bai Yun nurses a cub (in the way humans nurse)
I always remarked that this looks like a (childs) teddy holding a teddy.
Double cuteness!
March 10th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Thanks for this very interesting article Chris. I haven’t ever heard the word neoteny before. I never figured there was an explanation why I might be more attracted to some animals more than others. It makes perfect sense.
March 10th, 2010 at 11:44 am
I love it when I can learn new things, particularly when they pertain to pandas. Thanks for a very informative post, Chris. I also fell in love with the picture of Yun Zi (such a photogenic bear!!). Just took a look at the video link Dianne mentioned and from the looks of the it, Tai Shan looks like he’s adjusted nicely to his new digs.
Cheers, fellow Panda People!
March 10th, 2010 at 11:47 am
Thank so much for al the wonderful updates! I do have a question though on Zhen Zhen. She seems very very active today running and climbing all over the place! Bouncing on tree limbs and climbing the wall. Looks like she is trying to escape which is probably not the case. But I’ve noticed her being more active overall lately and it’s such a joy to watch but it this typically normal behavior for them or her?
Moderator’s note: She is a young and active panda and it’s a nice cool day in San Diego, perfect panda weather!
March 10th, 2010 at 11:50 am
I was wondering about all the stress for Tai Shan, being moved from D.C. to China, a month in quarantine and then a move to another home, now with other males his age. Location changes along with keeper changes. That adds up to a lot of changes and stress for a bear. I hope his weight gain is not due to too much stress.
The picture of Yun Zi is gorgeous and a very informative blog, thanks Chris.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Now, finally, I know the word for this “condition.” The sounds we speak to babies, kittens, puppies and kittens has to be attributed to neoteny. Thank you, Chris.
I’ve been really busy for the last month or so; consequently, I haven’t had time to read all the posts, so if this has been addressed, forgive me. I read about Tai’s new digs, and in the same article, it states that Tian and Mei Xiang are returning to China this year? I know about the 10 year agreement with the Chinese but they are such a huge part of NZ AND OUR HEARTS.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Very interesting post — it makes so much sense! The video of Yun Zi and the apple is adorable — he takes tiny, tiny little nibbles — savoring every bite! Oh, just for the chance to give him a little hug!!
March 10th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Neoteny, I have never heard of it until now. Thanks for posting this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Yun ZI is soo precious. Tomorrow I will finally get to see him. I hope it is a cold day so that the zoo isn’t crowded and I can spend more time watching him.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
#3 DEB I would describe myself the same way but NEOTENY doesn’t seem to work for me either.
I would add too, the Panda mouth gives the appearance of smiling too…we mostly like others to smile at us, and I for one, get that feeling from them. Then when they open their mouths the smile only deepens in appearence getting us to smile in return—–then comes the cooing snd laughter. They do not look threatening.
As usual a lot to learn about and great videos DOXIEMOM, what would I do without all of you guys….Love Grammmie
March 10th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Great new word! You guys give us the most entertaining sight! And I definitely agree with all of that. I think you also do a fantastic job with panda cam. It was just following Yun Zi while he was rolling around playing with his feet and paws. At one point he covered his eyes with all four! Ain’t much cuter than a baby panda!
March 10th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Turned him on live today….always busy around lunch time. He was actually trying to drink out of the pond.
Then I watched Doxiemom’s videos……he is so darn cute when he is upside down.
He is like a toddler, putting everything in his mouth and teething on the stuff.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Just loving the close ups today……can’t get anything done around here.
I do notice that your clock is off by about 15 minutes…..in case one needs to be accurate.
You are fast……
Don’t forget to spring your clocks ahead this weekend!
March 10th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Oh DOXIEMOM hope you got that fluffy butt scratching routine today about 1:00 pm. Was laughing SO hard!!
March 10th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Hi Chris – Thanks for a very interesting and educational blog. From now on, I will always associate the word “neoteny” with pandas.
The photo of Yun Zi reminds me of a teddy bear sitting on a shelf in my granddaughter’s room. No wonder we all love pandas. They are cute when they’re babies and they stay cute their whole lives.
DoxieMom #7 – Many thanks for sharing the cutest videos of Yun Zi and Bai Yun. I was giggling throughout. Also, the titles of your videos are always very clever.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Adorable video, DoxieMom — I always scan the blogs to look for your postings. Thank you, thank you.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
#23 Linda A.
Tian and Mei at NZ are due to return to China at the end of the zoo’s current agreement. HOWEVER, the NZ has stated that they will make every effort to negotiate an extension of the lease–much the same as ZA extended theirs.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Is little cloud smiling here? (haven’t read earlier comments yet) What I think endures me to these beautiful creatures, well, they are not creatures, for lack of a better description, little cloud is wearing a small black jacket, the black patches around his eyes, and arms and legs and that sweet little spot on the tip of his tail. Zhennie, similar, including her vampire markings on her lower lip….irresistible markings that draw me in, where I can’t stop looking and examining them…
March 10th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
If anybody is having trouble getting to Pandas Live On simply copy and paste those 3 words, or type those three words into your address bar and hit the arrow or “go”—it will take you directly to where you need to be. I precheck this every time I send this to make sure it still works, and it does. Most often by the rules of this blog we are not allowed to add links…so if there is a way to get the information to you within the rules we try to….Love Grammmie
March 10th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Oh, and his tiny black ears….who has tiny black ears?!
March 10th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Neoteny, now that is a word I find fascinating. I love watching the pandas, polar bears, elephants and apes but I find myself watching the panda and polar bear cam more so and then I find myself watching more of the Panda Cam than the Polar Bear Cam. But I still love watching all of the cams. Yun Zi makes my day. I could watch him all day but then my dog would not like the idea that I am not playing ball with him. Thank you for this wonderful information Chris.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
#23 LINDA I read the article on the blog Pandas Live On and am sure the year they gave was 2011, not 2010. Does anybody else have infor mation???? Love Grammmie
Everybody have a great Panda Day.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
If we are going to start using big or unusual words, such as “Neoteny,” (of course we know their meanings), we might lose all of our friends and have to run in more scholarly circles…..try using “neoteny” casually in a sentence, such as working it into a sentence about your own small children, and watch everyone turn and stare at you!
March 10th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Thanks Chris for todays new word.
Now I have a question for the panda team. I notice the Yun Zi seldom goes high in the trees compared to his siblings. The others would go as far as they could and then fall asleep. Have the staff put the ‘collars’ around the branches to stop him going up. You know the ones I mean. The ones that Zhen Zhen was able to climb over very adeptly and sleep on top of. I have so many postcard pictures of her looking very pleased with herself up there. Or is Yun Zi just content to sleep on his hammock and be close to Mom?
March 10th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
#31 CHAR I got the stills—well a few…so if DoxieMom missed (cannot imagine that) let me know and I will get them to you.
If anybody would like to see a great example of Prince Fluffy-Butt smiling to the fullest this link will take you directly there. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapetita/4376499491/ To see some more wonderful Panda Photos please treat yourself to an afternoon of Flickr, Rita Petita is the Photogropher. She is at the zoo every weekend to visit her special friends and has wonderful pictures of all of them for years back. A great way to get the history in photos of Yuniors family…..Love Grammmie
March 10th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Great word- great lesson, thank you Chris and SDZ. Your Website ist very, very good.
Tai Shan Fans go http://www (dot) necn (dot) com/03/09/10/Panda-emerges-from-quarantine-in-China/landing.html?blockID=193885&feedID=4213 and you see a video and a report from Tai Shan.
Greetings from vienna
March 10th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Neoteny – know we all know why we love all giant pandas – fascinsating – thank you
:)
# 3 – Deb – can you eat bamboo for hours ?? If so I think you may be missing the “Mickey Mouse’ ears
:)
Doxiemom thanks again for your wonderful videos – you are giving us a special look into the world of the panda (& how the cubs have their keepers trained – yep, we saw Kathy there with Yun Zi
)
What a relief to see Tai Shan as he enjoys his “villa” – He sure does look happy – Just hope Lani adjusts as well.
March 10th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Yun Zi is sOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute!!!!
March 10th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Awwwwwwwwwwwww, look at little fluffy weeble man………….he’s smiling in the pic!!!
My dogs smile at us all the time, so why not a panda??? LOL.
He is just too cute……………
March 10th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
#39 – Grammmie – Mei Xiang & Tian Tian arrived in Washington, D.C. on December 6, 2000, on a 10 year loan. After a quarantine period of more than 30 days, the pair went on public exhibit on January 10, 2001. So seems like their return date technically should be 2010 – but why split hairs – first it seems to take months to get the paperwork together – guess one just does not go to the passport office & get a panda passport. Second it seems like the Chinese are willing to extend their loan agreements ( ie – SDZ & ZA at a cheaper rental) and if (and it’s a hopeful if) Mei has a cub she will not be moved anywhere for 18 months after a cubs birth
March 10th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
#40 – Lilarose in Bandon, OR – Yep, have a friend that to use a new, unusual word every day – her favorite is “plethora” – so can we have a “plethora of Neoteny” (is there a plural neotenies)
March 10th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Lucy # 26: Take your camera
You can go through the exhibit, exit, and go back in line….and if it’s chilly like it was today, you will have a total ball watching the Pandas 
To All facinated by the word Neoteny: Does anyone remember the word game PROBE? Does anyone besides my family still play it??? I cannot wait to visit my Mom in KC because I now have The Perfect Word!
To camera moderator: You are so Fantastic! Today when Zhen Zhen was racing, sliding down the moat, climbing in trees, you were able to catch her antics
(Just like you always do!) I would LOVE to have your job 
March 10th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Thank you so much for an interesting and informative blog article. I am always checking to see when you all post your blogs. They are as fun as the PandaCam!
March 10th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Thanks for the new word. I think we need to make another word for the appeal of pandas – hyper-neoteny?, mega-neoteny?, uber-neoteny? – because their actions enhance the physical super cuteness. My son just gave me a video about Hua Mei’s birth. In it a newly arrived Bai Yun is doing forward rolls, running & playing (like Zhen Zhen & Su Lin did today. Both of these girls were bouncing in the trees and hanging upside down, having a great time. Adelaide Zoo has a video of Fu Ni running and playing with her keeper, Simone.
I love watching what YunZi is doing but almost as much enjoy seeing Bai “Hero Mother” Yun, her girls, and the occasional glimpse of super stud Gao Gao.
In addition, I think we see ourselves in this animal that sits upright, cradles the babies in its arms as we do and grasp things with “handlike” paws.
Neoteny & Anthropomorphism, no wonder we are so entranced with these amazing animals.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Thanks Chris. Great explanation which makes a lot of sense, and a new scrabble word!
DoxieMom – The three videos are great. I saw some of the tree/twig action live and also some of the bamboo pulling live. I love that you can see how clever he is as he approaches the bamboo, goes behind the stump to pull it more, repositions it, moves it, moves himself and on and on. You can just see him thinking about what move he needs to make in order to get that boo tucked away. Utterly delightful! Thanks!
And again, thanks to the cam operator. These close-ups are absolutely priceless. I really hate pulling myself away from the computer when our ‘baby’ is on!
March 10th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Does anyone have a link for that Tai Shan video?
And thank you, Chris, for a very informative post!
March 10th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Thank-You for again in explaining why so many of us are down and out Pandaholics…. Neoteny … hmmmm…. No wonder once you see your first Panda in person you can’t stop looking at them ….Again many thanks to Doxiemom for the 3 great Yunior videos…… Lynn will be very busy watching your videos when she gets out of the Hospital soon…… She already is very happy knowing that thanks to you she won’t have missed any of the highlights of Yunior and with the SDZ Videos will see him from conception to becoming a black and white furry tree frog….LOL…. Gee a humming older sister ZZ and a waving Yunior, sounds like a perfect day in Panda valley……..
The Tai Shan saga will become even greater as he interacts with his new playmates until his adult villa is finished with its reconstruction……Again for those of you that miss Tai,the NZ website has a link to his new Bifengxia home at :
http://www(DOT)chinapanda(DOT)org(DOT)cn/news/show_art(DOT)php?id=441&hl=en
Simply delete (DOT) and substitute . (a period or dot) and you will see his new digs…..
“Panda Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All Living things……”
March 10th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Thanks Chris.
Now “according to Wikipedia” (everyones favorite unofficial knowledge site), the standard adjectival form is “neotenous” although “neotenic” is often used.
In any case, we love our pandas!!
March 10th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
I have a question?
It seems most nights now when I check in on YunZi and BaiYun, YunZi is sleeping in the hammock (as he is doing now). Does he eventually go inside on his own power to sleep, or does a keeper need to nudge him to go in? Perhaps, he is sleeping outside now? Am very curious………….TYSVM
March 10th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
What a joy to watch, yunior is so nosy and looking for new thing to play with or explore. Just like a
human baby, really very little difference. But I see that mom is always around and keeping tabs on her
boy. Thank you for the update and the new photos.
lu
March 10th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Love that photo of Yunior! He is just too cute.
I’m excited…on Friday I am getting a new kitty. He is black and white, and his name will be….PANDA!!! He is from our local animal shelter – he is about two years old – his owners left him behind in their apartment when they moved! Can you imagine??? Even though no cat will ever be able to take the place of my late kitty who passed on Feb. 4, the addition of Panda to my family will bring some comfort to my heart.
March 10th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Oh great thank you SO much Grammie! Really appreciate it. We’ll keep watching for DoxieMom for a day or two and if she missed it then I will ask you for your photos.
March 10th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Thank you DoxieMom for those footage. I am at the other side of the globe. When it is daytime here, it is night at sandiego. Thanks for clipping those daytime yun and bai activities so much~
March 10th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Thank you for the photo site……what wonderful photos she takes of Yunior.
I sent the site on to some photographers I know……just loved it….
March 10th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Interesting. We humans do like cute little baby any animal. I think the thing that is endearing about pandas is that they are very gentle and sometimes act so silly. It is almost like they are the gentle clowns of the bear world. I like their beautiful looks. It looks like they have little t-shirts on, cute little legs, plumb tummies. It seems like pandas are more gentle than other bears. I like all bears, but I think pandas are precious like little dolls that we could cuddle with.
March 10th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Pat in Nevada, I think Yun Zi sleeps outside at night. I see him wrestling with mom sometimes, or playing with bamboo sticks, or sleeping with mom on the rock outside in the middle of our night.
March 10th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
What you say is so true panda cubs look just like little miniature adult pandas so they never out grow their adorable looks.
March 10th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
#22 Sue Martz: The big change for Tai Shan was obviously not as stressful for him as it was for Mei Lan. I too worried about him getting stressed out. First, Tai is older and is used to a lot of clamour going on around him; where as, Mei Lan’s ZA home is not as large as NZ and not as heavily visited. None of us know how they reacted in the air. Second, Tai has always been very laid back and calm. I’m sure Tai’s weight gain was, from not having a big yard to pace around in for 30 days, as he was doing at NZ. Also, he seems to love the bamboo choices, and he REALLY loves the panda bread, made with corn meal and vegies, and may have some fat in it. He needed to gain weight, as he was getting pretty lanky.
#23 Linda A-NorCal and #39 Grammie: The contract for Mei Xiang and Tian Tian will end in December of this year. National Zoo has stated several times, that they will negotiate for an extension later in the year, and it will really help if Mei is “with cub”. She will have given birth, and that would surely seal the deal.
March 10th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Laura #51–please post that video–I’d love to see Bai as a young panda. She’s still so young at heart and vital–yet majestic and queenly too.
And DoxieMom–even though I haven’t had time to view the three videos you posted today–if you could make one of Zhen Zhen running around today as Laura mentioned, I would be most appreciative.
Sleep tight, little Yun Zi–I can see you snuggled next to Mom (or is that a rock?) on top of the cave. Nighty night. xoxoxo
March 10th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
#47 MAUREEN Passports would be a real problem…..they want you to NOT smile For your Passport photos—and unless a Panda has just travelled for 14 hours and is a bit overwhelmed by her new enviroment it is difficult to make them not look happy. Hopefully your Mei is ready for a cub…that would be great.
#51 LAURA B Is the Video of Bai Yun acting like a kid or cub, after Hau Mei’s birth available to us? I think you are right on about the actions….and when they are quiet they look like we could walk up to them, sit down beside them, put an arm around them and lean our head on their shoulder for comforting. NOT that I would suggest anybody in the world do that with a wide awake wild animal…but I get those feelings and can imagine how it might feel in my head. They look very friendly. I know one of my favorite captures of a stills from the den camera are the ones showing Bai holding Yunior like we held our babies.
#56 PAT So far I have been able to see the Pandas at night, and it seems that Prince Fluffly-Butt sleeps outside every night I have observed, since the choice has been left to the Pandas and he is in camera range….which is most nights. I do not always get to observe Bai Yun as I usually do Yunior. If he has the “rock” to himself he often occupies the top of it, and otherwise the hammock. It has not been until this last week or two that I found either of them inside the “rock”. I can be found observing at almost any time night or day depending on what hours I am able to sleep. At least the hours I cannot sleep at night are not a complete loss….if I cannot see the Pandas Live I have things to read, write and see about them, or things to say about what you guys write.
I have never lost my zest for learning things, and the Zoo here in San Diego has spent the last 50+ years teaching me about animals and plants. I hope they are proud of the job they are doing.
# 57 LU Mamma and baby learn lots from each other. During her midnight (or close to it) bamboo snack he will often occupy the “branch” above her waiting for a chance to play or nurse…he is learning to not interfere with her then. Just like if she Bulldozes him a couple of times when he is exploring or playing in her “bamboo Pacing” feeding time ritual path….twice getting “dozed” and he will move or climb something…..even if it is the size of a twig. He is more like a watcher than a vulture. He will often leave the “rock top” to her if food has just been there, and give her a wide berth since she dumped him over the side a couple of times. When she is done and leaves he will go back to smelling the rock top…..they are finding their own way to deal with each other.
I have seen him come up to her quietly when he seems to want to nurse and gently tap her on the leg or side when she has not given the arm over head sign…is that his signal to her, or have I just not seen enough????
#58 MARCIA I just feel like you are going to be very happy with the addition of Panda to your family. Congratulations and thank you for rescuing.
#59 CHAR Anytime I can I will………..Love Grammmie
March 11th, 2010 at 12:44 am
Chris, you are now responsible for lots of panda people all over the world spreading the ‘neoteny’ word! It does kind of roll off the tongue nicely.
#3 Deb, you as well?
#58 Marcia, I’m so pleased for you. Panda the kitty is going to have a lovely life. And I can’t understand why people do that to their animals either.
March 11th, 2010 at 5:22 am
Why do we here have such strong feelings about Bai Yun and her cubs? just Adding to the wonderful observations about neoteny, the sitting and nursing, the “thumbs,” and the smiles, I would also say that watching a panda mother in those first months has to appeal to all of us who need some care and comfort (and who doesn’t), those who had wonderful mothers who gave us such tender care in a time we don’t consciously remember, and those who didn’t get tender care and have phyches that still crave it. Hmmm… does that cover everyone? All I’m saying is that it’s not just the cuteness of Yun Zi but the incredible mothering of Bai Yun that makes us fall in love. I’ve watched mother dogs with puppies: they nurse and lick and are attentive to their cuties; but neotenic as a puppy might be, nothing beats that panda mom!
March 11th, 2010 at 7:23 am
Great post, I never knew what Neoteny was! Its very interesting. Panda adults do still look like babies just larger.
I love both adult and baby pandas, but I am attracted to the Baby cubs more. The picture of Yun Zi is adorable, he is soooo big!!!
Brown bears are very scary to me when they are strong and older. The cubs are cute, curious and funny little creatures. Then they start to get bigger and bigger and then they look like a big, violent, furry animal!
Puppies are totally cute too!! Even when they get older. I love the babies beacuse of their eyes, there clumsyness and how they are always curious but, I actually like dogs more than puppies because, they are trained, they’re great to cuddle with and they are very calm.
Also, of course human babies are adorable, when they stare at you with those big eyes, how they laugh at anything and when they fall asleep, well thats, the cutest thing!!!
Anyway, on Sunday our hamster, chatty died who lived for a year and 4 months.
March 11th, 2010 at 7:24 am
hey deb #3! lolololololol. i was thinking the exact same thing. that’s rich. call it what you will, i love what it does to me!!
March 11th, 2010 at 8:38 am
I learned what that word means. The new cub very pandaish and good! =D
March 11th, 2010 at 8:42 am
Marcia #58 –Your sweet Panda is one very lucky kitty; actually, you’re both lucky.
I wish you and Panda lots of happy and fun-filled days ahead.
March 11th, 2010 at 9:24 am
Great story. I love Yun Zi like the rest of us Pandaholics do. He is so adorable. I love the pictures with his Mommy. I was wondering is there any where you can purchase them. I would also love to have some of those images as screensavers. Any suggestions? Thanks to all who bring these wonderful “babies” into our lives.
Moderator’s note: You can purchase most of the images you see on our Web site. Please contact our Licensing Division at Licensing@sandiegozoo.org
March 11th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Thanks for the kind words about my new kitty Panda!!
I know someone else posted this, but I, too, am glad that Tai is gaining weight. I am always a little worried about him because he seems to always be on the very low side of the weight scale. (I wish I could say that about me!!)
March 11th, 2010 at 10:33 am
I love the black and white fur. I love the standup ears and black eyes. I especially love the bolero black vest the panda wears making it seem like a festive dress outfit. Or how about their black paws and the way the navigate trees or just hang out all sprawled out on branches that look like they may not hold their weight. Maybe its the couch potato pose when eating that catches our fancy. Or the special interaction and play between momma and cub during the development months. God must love pandas something special to have gives them such “fun” and playful looks and personalities. I always tell my friends, I want a panda cub as a pet when I get to heaven.
March 11th, 2010 at 10:37 am
I didn’t see the footage of Zhen Zhen being active, but honestly, my guess is that she is looking to escape…hahaha…that would be totally in character with her. Hopefully, SDZ has all the routes covered. I’m sure the keepers have thought this out carefully, but that ain’t gonna stop Zhennie.
March 11th, 2010 at 10:42 am
Marcia519, we all welcome your Panda kitty, but also are very sorry to hear that your other kitty passed away. I hope you’ll build wonderful memories with Panda. I’m also sorry to hear that #70 Panda Annie’s hamster has died.
It’s amazing how attached we get to our critters, isn’t it? I get so angry whenever someone says they’re “just animals.”
March 11th, 2010 at 11:38 am
I’ve had a couple of minutes the last few days to catch a glimpse of all of our kids! Absolutely does my heart good! I skimmed over the posts here, and thank you for making me smile. I am very happy to hear about Panda Kitty, Marcia. I am excited for your both. I have a tuxedo kitty, HAD to name him Munchie because he was such a little toad. Loved the videos! Dennis, I can never open on of your links; have no idea why, but thank you anyway. I am counting the days before I see Yun Zi and family (I know that I have that backwards, but I don’t care!!) in person. SDZ, can you handle handing out Kleenexes to some of us — I’m sure there will be some (me) who are realizing a life long dream.
March 11th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
# 58 – Marcia – Sorry on the loss of your kitty. One of my kitties passed away on Feb 4/08. Its been over 2 yrs and I still miss the little guy. He was a black & white “panda” kitty.
I know Panda will bring you lots of love and happiness!
Panda Annie, sorry on the loss of your hamster.
Chris, thanks for teaching me a new word!
March 11th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Will Bai ever stop taking treats out of Junior’s little mouth and paws? She just did it again a few minutes ago, and he did not look happy about it.
March 11th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Panda Annie, I am sorry to hear about your hamster. Yesterday, I was thinking about the rabbit we had. His name was Flower. I still miss him. He was cute and brave. He did not mind our cats following him around. The cats did not know what to think about him. He was a big brown wild rabbit, that I had bought for my daughter. I did not know when we bought the wild rabbit that we would not be able to pick up him for a long time, till he trusted us. He was a good rabbit though. Now, I know we can find rabbits that are already trained. I have silly story. First, my daughter wanted a fish. I got her a blue beta fish. Then she wanted a rabbit. I got her a rabbit. Then she wanted a cat. I got her a cat. Now, she wants a puppy. So, we are looking for a puppy or an older doggie that we can agree on.
March 11th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Moderator, may I have a link to the March Wish List. In the past I thought I could buy something for one of the animals. Then, I was reminded of some big expenses. Now, that those big expenses are taken care of, by the Grace of God, I would like to finally be able to purchase something for an animal. I have not forgotten. I apologize for taking so long to do what I said.
Also, I enjoyed this and all the Blogs. I look forward to learning something new each blog.
Moderator’s note: Here’s the Wish List link, Gabrielle. Thanks for thinking of our critters!
March 11th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I believe this very much!! They do “maintain” their cub looks. But regardless, they are adorable anyway you look at them!!!
I’ve been behind on all the entries so excuse this question if you have answered it lately…does Yunior still have the spot on his tail? Will he always have this spot? I think about the cub that was born I think in Vienna that had the patch of white fur on one of his front paws…I presume he still has that..?? Thanks for a great blog entry!!
Moderator’s note: He will always have that endearing spot
March 11th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
I agree with Cindy #78! I haven’t had any pets die recently,but I feel for those who have had pets die.
My bunnies are healthy and my kitty is awesome!!!! Anyways….I am watching Yunior walk around that rock ledge thingy. (he seems attracted to it) Does he still have access to the garden room?
Moderator’s note: No, that is now Zhen Zhen’s domain.
March 11th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
#42 Grammie thank you so much for the link to those pictures. Wow she is great.
#58 Marcia so glad to hear what a great home Panda kitty will be getting. I lost my Fav kitty Ace last year so I do know your grief. Go figure he was black and white. Must be a theme going there.
#70 Panda Annie sorry about your hamster. We who love animals understand how each other feels.
Thanks SDZ for the info you give us. You have really helped my “enrichment”.
March 11th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Two videos from yesterday, both of which were requested! One by #31 Char, the other by #66 Frances in NYC.
First up is Yun Zi. I’m not sure but I think he might have figured out Xi Lan’s trick of keeping the biscuit in his mouth because after Bai finished with her treats, Yun Zi still had one! Then it was on to one of his favorite pastimes ~ rubbing his rump on that limb that juts out, LOL!
2010-03-10 Yun Zi’s Simple Pleasures: Treats and Rump Rubs!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6BtzQGFXVM
Then it’s on to the sisters! Zhennie was all over the place in her exhibit. Unfortunately it was too light for recording while she was in the trees, but I got lots of footage of her sliding into the moat and splashing in her pool.
Su Lin, bless her heart, was also racing through her yard, up to the top of the trees making them sway, in/out/up/down from her Keebler House, and finally she somehow got the cover to the pool controls (I think that is what it was) and decided that it made a fine enrichment item!
2010-03-10 Zhen Zhen and Su Lin’s Spring Fling!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxipxMCiQaQ
I don’t know how the camera operator kept up with the girls! Once again they did an outstanding job. The video is in real time, too!
March 11th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
While eating a late lunch, I checked out daniel’s panda cams, and found a BEAUTIFUL red panda on cam 1 at NZ and beautiful Mei on 2 in her den. She only had the AI in January, right? This is way too soon even if it’s a pseudo, isn’t it?
March 11th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Awww Yunior looks SO CUTE in that picture!! Im gonna be sad when he goes to China but at least its for a good cause!!
March 11th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
DOXIEMOM: YOU ARE THE BEEEEEESSSSSSTTTTTTTTT!!!!!! Thank you SO much for the rump scratching video. I dont know why it tickled my funny bone so much but now I can watch it over and over. Dont know what we all would do without you. Hugs.
March 11th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
#79 LINDA There are many links not allowed by blog rules….to skirt that we often put (dot) in place of a period in a link. If you paste or type the link to your address bar, taking out all spaces and puting a period for ever place it has (dot) I bet they will work. Give it a try and let us know how it goes. I open Dennis’s all the time with no problem—if I make that onel ittle change.
#81 INPARADISE I did not know until I read it a week or so ago—ALL FOOD IS BAI’S FOOD, that may be as far as she is concerned but right now she is the biggest baddest bear in the enclosure, and will have her way. She has one thing to do…make milk so that in another year our Prince Fluffy-Butt can get a gallon a day from her. She will loose out as he learns to actually eat (right now the keepers say he is mostly tasting), and he will become more aggressive with her. It is her job also to teach him to be the biggest baddest bear in the bamboo forest so he can fight for females and not be afraid of things he must do to survive. It seems cruel, but he will learn in time to grab the food he can get then scramble up a tree to eat in peace. The person who said the thing in caps in the first line said that after a cub (one of the girls) prepared a bamboo stalk to eat, having stripped off the inedible parts, that Bai reached over and helped herself to it and ate it. That cub was much older than Yunior.
#84 LYNDA If you check in on Lin Pings area–she has the same tail tip.
#87 DOXIEMOM I did not ask since I knew if you had it you would share….Love Grammmie
March 11th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Here is a story.
Bai Yun is tanning in her pink polka dot bikini and Yun Zi wearing his blue swim-trunks plays in his pool, Zhen Zhen and Su Lin hearing Yun Zi decided to come over for the afternoon. Zhen Zhen plays in the pool with Yun Zi, while Su Lin tans with Mom. Su Lin talks with her mom, wondering if there are any cute guy pandas around. All of a sudden, a ball hits mom right in the nose. Zhen Zhen points to Yun Zi and says “He did it”. Then Yun Zi chases Zhen Zhen around the place for getting him in trouble.
Bai Yun
Yun Zi
Zhen Zhen
Su Lin
Yun Zi: Hey mom lets play in the pool today.
:O 
Bai Yun: ok son let me get my swimsuit on. And go get your swim-trunks on.
Yun Zi: Ok mommy! :O (Yun Zi is planing to pester his mom but it turns out differently)
Zhen Zhen: oh i should go join little brother and help him pester mom. (ZZ heads over)
Su Lin: Ooh wait for me! (heads over too) Oh it is perfect weather for tanning.
Yun Zi: Hey sis ZZ come over here lets swim!
Zhen Zhen: OK little brother!
Yun Zi: GIVE ME THE BALL! It’s mine! (screaming at each other)
Zhen Zhen: No it is mine! rrrrrrrrrrrrrr :0
Bai Yun: would you please keep it down! (Says Bai Yun as she yells at Yun Zi and then gets back to tanning)
Zhen Zhen: Ohh momma (thinks to herself) ooo (as she throws the ball at momma’s nose)
Bai Yun: rrrrrrrrrrrrr who did that!
Zhen Zhen: He did it! (“Oops my bad” she thinks to herself)
Yun Zi: rrrrrrr no i did not! Just because you know i threw stuff at my moms nose ,chewed on her nose and hit her nose does not mean you can blame me this time rrrrrrrrrrrr (Yun Zi says as he yells at Zhen Zhen).
Su Lin: I wonder if there is any cute boy pandas around here? Hey Mom, have you seen any boy pandas around?
Bai Yun: No, Sue i haven’t seen any boys around.
Zhen Zhen: being chased by Yun Zi yells “Where’s dad?”
Bai Yun: Yells back “Dad is probley sitting at home on a nice day eating and eating and eating while watching Panda TV, wearing his Cowboys ring and dreaming of next season’s Cowboys football”.
Zhen Zhen: Yun Zi stop it i am going to tell Mom and Dad! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
March 11th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Su Lin sure liked the green board to play with……loved watching how she handled it.
March 11th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
# 88 – Linda A – I must’ve been on Daniel’s page at the same time as you because I saw them zoom in on a red panda on cam 1. Wasn’t it beautiful? Also, I read on their site that they recently did an ultrasound on Mei, but they didn’t see a fetus. However, they said it doesn’t mean she isn’t pregnant. So we continue to wait…
# 91 Grammmie, I noticed Lin’s black tip as well last month and forgot to mention it. Are these 2 related somehow? If not, they could get together in the future and create lil black-tipped tail panda babies.
March 11th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
This is so true, as I can watch Bai Yun eat her bamboo all day! She is the cutest adult animal on the face of this planet!! I jut can’t get enough of her, and have pictures of her all over my office too!!
March 12th, 2010 at 12:38 am
Panda Annie #70, I’m so sorry about Chatty. Hamsters are adorable, I also had one when I was about 13 or 14, he was called Kipper.
I took lots of photos of Yun Zi yesterday (Thursday) having great fun on his rock. I’m going to wear my camera out at this rate.
March 12th, 2010 at 10:01 am
#94 Marie – Yes, Lin Ping and Yun Zi are related, they have a common maternal Grandfather: Pan Pan. Pan Pan fathered Bai Yun, Yun Zi’s mother, and Lin Hui, Lin Ping’s mother, among many other pandas…
March 12th, 2010 at 11:00 am
This is a wonderful and informative piece. I have always admired the panda because of its soft, cuddly look, and sad eyes, but know that it can defend itself when need be. I like to think I’m like a panda, soft, cuddly, rather large roly-poly self, except I have not obtained the way to keep my youthful appearance. Thanks!
March 12th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
#98 Nicole – Don’t be fooled by the appearance, panda’s fur is not soft…
March 12th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
This Pan Pan sounds like a total stud muffin. LOL
March 13th, 2010 at 10:36 am
#92 BRITNEY Cute story. I do have some quick questions…Is Bai Yun’s bathing suit pink with whilte polkadots, and a ruffle, or is it white with pink polkadots and a ruffle. Do Bai and Su Lin use lounging rocks or timbers to sun on, or just the nice sod lawn??? I like to “see” these stories in my head as I read them but sometimes need a few details to fill in the blanks…….Love Grammmie
March 13th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Grammmie, the bathing suit is white with pink polka dots. (I am very fond of Bai Yun and I admire her beauty. I just wanted her to have a silly swim suit for the story.) The girls are lounging on the rocks, that’s why they do not notice Yun Zi chasing Zhen Zhen around after she got him in trouble. Don’t forget their sunglasses and bamboo margarita for mom. Su Lin is reading her teenage magazine, learning how to attract the boy pandas. But don’t listen to the teenage magazine, listen to mom. Mom has got Mr. Gao falling all over himself for her. Yeah Bai Yun! Way to go girl!
March 13th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Gammmie, Gao Gao wearing his Cowboy ring and being a Cowboys fan is in honor of a brave man who is serving our country overseas, who is a super Cowboys fan. Let’s say it is also in honor of all our brave troops no matter what teams they admire.
March 14th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Way to go BRITNEY I love your stories, and thank you BRITNEYS CO-WRITER….Love Grammmie
March 15th, 2010 at 5:52 am
I want a good nice cuddly panda like that but they are illegal in my state. =(
March 15th, 2010 at 9:09 am
#56 Pat
Every night is different for our little man! The hammock was made for him so that he would have a larger area to sleep on, thus less chance of him falling. But sometimes he does go into the bedroom at night to sleep with Mom, nurse, or even play with Mom. This is something that we’ve seen all of our cubs do, and it’s completely safe for them to sleep outside as long as they want. In the wild, after a cub has learned to climb, we would probably see some of the same responses.
March 19th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Bai Yun, in particular, did an excellent job of keeping the roly poly shape