San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Stories

As we are fast approaching June and our busiest time of the year, I wanted to give all of you a quick update on the pandas. Everyone is doing well! Bai Yun is still in the North Classroom exhibit, and will be until further notice. At this time we are not able to give an answer to the ongoing question of Bai Yun's maternity status. However, we may know within the next few weeks if we are expecting another cub. Due to Bai Yun's age and the very different breeding season that we had this year, none of us really know what to expect. Her last weight came in around 236.3 pounds (107.3 kilograms)—a good weight jump for her but again, it doesn't mean she is pregnant. Giant pandas can go through pseudo or "false" pregnancies, in which the females show a number of behaviors and other indications leading us to believe they are expecting—but they are not! In that case, the ultrasound comes into play. We will let you know as we gain more information, we will let you know. Gao Gao is also doing very well. He is on exhibit and letting his fans have a peek! Currently weighing in at 168.7 pounds (76.7 kilograms), he has been eating well. He gets his blood pressure taken each week and continues to do well, but will be taking a break for a bit while the crate for Bai Yun's ultrasounds is prepared. Xiao Liwu is terrific! Running around and putting on a great show for everyone visiting, and beginning to fill out. Currently weighing in at 135 pounds (61.8 kilograms). He is so different from his siblings, and it has really thrown us for a loop. With the five previous cubs, we have been able to anticipate the different stages that they go through. With this little guy, we have been surprised at every turn and really cannot wait to see what comes next!