Baby on Board
Posted at 9:58 am July 31, 2007 by Suzanne Hall
Bai Yun is pregnant! We have confirmed via ultrasound that Bai Yun is carrying at least one fetus that appears to be developing normally. A twin has not been confirmed nor ruled out at this time.
It can be difficult to get the ultrasounds accomplished due to many factors. First, Bai Yun’s hormones are making her very lethargic. Recall that in many bear species that inhabit cold regions, bears will hibernate in the winter and give birth to their young while in their dens. Pandas do not hibernate, but a female who is pregnant or pseudopregnant experiences a type of reduced activity level that mimics that of a hibernating bear. She is biologically driven to reduce her appetite and lay still for long periods of time!
Another factor is that her lack of appetite can make her less motivated to participate in an ultrasound. She usually receives rewards during training sessions in the form of apples, biscuits, or carrots. When her appetite is suppressed, these treats do not entice her like they usually do, so our keeper staff has to get creative. Our recent ultrasound found keeper Angie feeding Bai Yun apples flavored with some honey, which worked beautifully. Our bear cooperated fully and allowed the veterinarian to get a good, long look at her.
The vets have their own challenges in obtaining ultrasound images. If Bai Yun does have any bamboo in her belly, the gas and debris of her gut can mask the reproductive tract. If Bai Yun is panting heavily, the image moves in and out of the field of view. Since the panda has a Y-shaped uterus, even finding the upper sections of the organ can require some hunting. Once a fetus has been located, on some days the image quality isn’t perfect for a variety of reasons. But this time, conditions were excellent.
Dr. Meg Sutherland-Smith was able to obtain stellar images, showing a fetus in advanced stages of development. The images showed some bone development in the spine and skull, well-formed limbs, and even tiny claws developing on the little paws. The fetal membranes floated freely in an arc above the fetus as it wiggled and squirmed during the ultrasound.
Once we are a week out from delivery, at this point to be determined by measurements taken by the vets from their recorded ultrasonic images, we will institute a 24-hour birth watch for Bai Yun. We will be looking for signs of labor: increased time spent in the den, increasing restlessness that contrasts with her current lethargy, excessive nest building and, finally and most telling, intense and sustained genital licking. When this occurs, we will be minutes to hours away from a birth.
It is still possible that no cub will be born. Bai Yun has been confirmed pregnant with twins in the past, but she has never given birth to twins. One fetus was clearly documented to have disintegrated in utero. This may yet happen. But chances are very good that we will be watching Bai Yun cradle an infant panda within a few short days.
Suzanne Hall is the senior research technician for the Giant Panda Conservation Unit of Applied Animal Ecology/CRES.
Listen to our new iZoofari Chat: Giant Panda Pregnancy Confirmed, with Suzanne Hall.
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July 31st, 2007 at 10:10 am
Oh, I’m so excited! Thanks so much for the informative write-up.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:10 am
OOOOH A BABY TO WATCH ON THE PANDA CAM!!!!!
July 31st, 2007 at 10:15 am
What absolutely wonderful news. Let’s hope all goes well and the cub is safely delivered.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:15 am
Thank you Suzanne. That lovely girl will give me hours of wonder and pleasure again!! I’m really excited.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:21 am
Congratulations to the SDZ panda team for your perseverance and great work! And of course, congratulations to Mama Bai Yun!
July 31st, 2007 at 10:25 am
Thanks Suzanne
for the wonderful news that Bai Yun is pregnant with a fetus, it is just what we had all been waiting to hear.
In recent days Bai has been subtly telling us that she had a secret that she may decide to share with us, I am so pleased that the ultrasound has revealed her hidden secret!
This morning Bai appeared very relaxed on C15, smelling the climbing frame where Mei Sheng first did his aerobic exercises as a youngster - possibly thinking that she would like another boy to make it two of each sex.
I am certain all staff and keepers are very proud and excited about Bai’s fourth pregnancy - meanwhile I will continue on ‘Bai Watch’ and wait for an August delivery.
Kind regards to all concerned……
July 31st, 2007 at 10:28 am
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO YOWZZZZZA! You go Gao Gao and Bai Yun! Congratulations on your cub- (s) if applicable.
I’ll be there next week to see the two teenagers, since Mom and Dad are off exhibit. An old Carly Simon song comes to mind “Nobody does it better…..”
July 31st, 2007 at 10:42 am
What wonderful news that “apples and honey” allowed the Vets to get such a good view of the fetus, a lively one, in Bai Yun. We will all watch, wait and pray for the arrival of Bai’s fourth baby. Just before going to the blog I had witnessed Mei Sheng and Su Lin together at the Howdy Gate. Great camera work, I believe Su left first and is now sleeping in her tree.
I have followed every word written on the blog although contributed rarely but feel I know you all. P.Wong and Pamela G your entries deserve a special place on this web-site for those who haven’t read the earlier entries.
Thank you everyone who allows us around the Globe to share in all aspects of the miracle of Giant Panda birth, growth and life. My first awareness of these animals came at under age 3 when the London Zoo received Ming in 1938!
July 31st, 2007 at 10:44 am
Aww such good news
Than you for sharing 
July 31st, 2007 at 10:49 am
Congratulations Bai, Gao and all the SDZ staff! Fingers crossed all goes well… any chance of the cub being named Don Lin for the granddaddy of this project?
July 31st, 2007 at 10:58 am
Timing is everything. I was one of two lucky Ocelots who won the opportunity to spend a day with the wonderful vet staff, and yesterday we got to observe Bai Yun’s ultrasound. When I saw the fetus on the monitor, I could barely contain myself. But I followed the vet’s instructions, and stayed quiet as a mouse.
Here’s hoping for a healthy and successful gestation. I can’t wait to see another baby panda at the world’s greatest zoo!
July 31st, 2007 at 11:05 am
Awesome! We’ll keep all of our fingers and toes crossed!
July 31st, 2007 at 11:16 am
I am so excited. Can’t wait to see the little one. I hope its another boy!!
July 31st, 2007 at 11:26 am
YOUPPI!!!!
What a great news!!! Congratulations to Bai Yun and Gao Gao, parents-to-be-for-the-3rd-time!!! Many thanks to the SD zoo for taking care so well of these beautiful pandas and make this new birth possible. Is it possible that you will have the largest family of pandas in the world??? Bai and Gao are now the “proud” parents of 3 (maybe 4) cute cubs!!! What a great family!!!
I guess I will be scotch to my screen for the next days…
Bravo et félicitations!!!
Sophie de Montréal
July 31st, 2007 at 11:43 am
It’s absolutely amazing! Bai Yun, your the best panda mother! Such a great news! I’m so happy!
July 31st, 2007 at 11:47 am
This ls like the best news that I got today. Hazel #6 we all will be on Bai Watch from now on like I said before start biting your nails,pacing the floor and watching the web can as much as you can. Bai you are terrific, we all knew you could do it. Hoooooooray we knew SDZ could do it . Thanks keepers, vets and to all who worked so hard to make this happen. and of course “Big Daddy ” himself.
July 31st, 2007 at 11:52 am
What wonderful news! It’s now nail-biting time for everyone, but we are waiting with happiness for a little one to be born!!! The great SDZ panda staff members must be thrilled to actually have a cub confirmed by the vets! This panda lover certainly is.
July 31st, 2007 at 11:54 am
GREAT NEWS!!!!! Hope all goes well for Bai Yun. Su Lin was born 2 days after we visited from England 2 years ago and I and my daughter have been watching on panda cam since. Looking forward to watching another baby grow.
July 31st, 2007 at 11:54 am
Congratulations SDZ, Bai and of course Gao on this truly blessed occasion! I am so excited that there may be another baby to watch for the next 1.5 years. Watching Bai with her baby is something that has made a lasting impression on me and pandaholics all over the world. Thank you for giving all of us the opportunity to take part in these rare events. I will continue my Bai watch (except when I actually have to do something at my desk).
Congratulations again!
July 31st, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Hooray!!! Thanks for the update,, Suzanne! Congratulations to all at the SDZ, and of course, this could not have happened if it weren’t for our stud Gao Gao. =)
July 31st, 2007 at 12:18 pm
WoooHooo, Hurray, Yippeeee!!! Congrats SDZ, Bai Yun & Gao Gao! There is just nothing more enthralling than watching a baby panda grow up before your eyes on pandacam. Someone asked before whether we might be able to witness the birth on pandacam. Could you please answer that question? Would it be possible to have the birth as one of the videos that we could look at if we are unable to view it on pandacam? Thanks for your wonderful website and especially this blog.
Amanda (#10), I love your idea of the name Don Lin.
Moderator’s note: Panda Cam will not be on Bai Yun during a birth. However, we will post a video clip shortly after a cub birth for everyone to enjoy. Please “bear” with us and we’ll get Panda Cam back on Bai Yun and cub as soon as possible.
July 31st, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Fantastic news! Bai Yun and Gao Gao you are just the best.I hope a little boy is born ,it will help the sadness of losing Mei Sheng,another long stint watching the panda cam just to catch a glimpse of the baby when it is born
July 31st, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Congrats SDZ again, and congrats to Bai, thanks again Suzanne for your informative update, I just wanted to mention to my fellow bloggers to listen to the zoofari chats from Suzanne avalible on the web site awesome info there too, thanks again Suzanne
July 31st, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Congratulations to all of you at SDZ and - needless to say - to the proud parents Bai Yun and Gao Gao who did such a marvellous job. And thank you, Suzanne for keeping us updated of the panda family. I am so excited about the news and wish that everything will turn out right, whatever that means. I am currently on the verge of relocating from Hungary to Austria but try to keep Bai watching as much as I can. May be there will also be some offspring at the Vienna Zoo in a couple of months. I will go and check for myself and keep all of you pandaholics posted. Thanks for all your dedicaton and work at SDZ.
July 31st, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Congratulations Bai Yun, Gao Gao, and all panda keepers and staff! With all your excitement in pandaland at SDZ, you must be beside yourself.
Marisa, #11, you go girl! What a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness history being made. I applaud you for being “quiet as a mouse.” They would have had to put duct tape on my mouth!
My guess is that based on my observation of Bai Yun’s nighttime behavior, she is very interested in her genitals, and has been cradling something that sure looked like a cub. She sure fooled me.
Has anyone documented how much time a panda mother carrying twins spends sleeping, versus a mother with one cub? Reflecting on the sad circumstances at the zoo in China last September with the sleepless mother of twins, I wondered if there were any pre-birth indicators other than ultrasounds that could hint a the possibilities of viable twins. Were Bai Yun’s previous twin pregnancies indicated on ultrasounds this far out, or closer to delivery?
I will be away from computer access for the next 5 days, and therefore think Bai Yun will pick SU LIN’s birthday week to have her newest cub(s). What a great present for Su Lin, especially if she gets to meet them before she goes to China. You can bet I will run to my computer when I get home.
July 31st, 2007 at 1:07 pm
That is the best news today! Congratulations to all of you. Would it be possible to video tape this wonderful birth? I have the dvd of Tai Shan and also Baby Pandas First Year. It would be great to see this from the SDZ as well. Thanks.
July 31st, 2007 at 1:09 pm
The joy of knowing that another cub is on the way makes up for the disappointment of Mei Xiang’s pseudo pregnancy in Washington and Ya Ya’s miscarriage in Memphis. I’ve enjoyed watching Tai Shan, Su Lin, and now Mei Lan grow up every day on the various panda cams, I’m looking forward to watching yet another cub!!
July 31st, 2007 at 1:18 pm
WOW, WOW, this is great news I’ve been waiting for. Knew that Bai & papa Gao could produce another cub for us. Now, guess we just wait a week or so. Will be glued to the website for hours.
Thanks for all your hard work
Maureen
July 31st, 2007 at 2:09 pm
This is such great news! Thank you, Suzanne, and everyone at the San Diego Zoo for allowing us to be a part of this all! The videos, blogs, cams, and everything have allowed me to have a part of something that I could never have experienced otherwise. Thank you so much!
July 31st, 2007 at 2:13 pm
When I saw Bai Yun on C13 yesterday, I knew something was up. Well, congrats to everyone at the panda station. It’ll be a very busy summer, but I hope you have enough coffee to keep you going.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Yippeeeeee! This is the great news we all have had everything crossed for! We should have known Bai Yun and Gao wouldn’t let us down! They seem to have it all down pat. Bai Yun is a jewel among pands dams. We are so fortunate to have her in the U.S. and at the wonderful SDZ who cares for and loves these creatures as much as we all do. Bai deserves the BEST–for the best panda in the world! I can’t wait!
July 31st, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Somehow I don’t foresee much laundry or cleaning being done in this house for the next week or so.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Congratulations Bai, Gao and San Diego Zoo. We wait with great anticipation for the event. We pray for a healthy Cub an Bai to do well..
July 31st, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Awesome news!! Can’t wait for the new baby(s). Gao Gao does it again:) Bai Yun is fantastic! Congratulations to all the San Diego Zoo staff on this great news!!
July 31st, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Congratulation Bai Yun and to all her keepers.
My girls and I will be visiting August 20th. I am looking forward to seeing the Giant Pandas.
Good luck to you all.
July 31st, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Congrats to Bai Yun and Gao Gao (and the staff at the SDZ)!
July 31st, 2007 at 3:25 pm
I just sqealed - again - I’m just so happy and excited - a new baby panda - aren’t we lucky! Congratulations to the entire team at the SD Zoo - what a wonderful success story - and another chapter in saving our beautiful black & white furry friends. Give big mama Bai a special treat for me - she deserves it. Can’t wait for the big day!!
July 31st, 2007 at 3:35 pm
*knitting baby booties and passing virtual champagne to all**
Congrats to all at SDZ, to bootiful Bai Yun and that manly man Gao Gao! May this pregnancy bring a 4th healthy, thriving and adorable cub for us all to love!
July 31st, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Everyone has said it already but Congratulations San Diego Zoo. Without good care animals do not reproduce. They have to feel comfortable, safe and happy and SDZ knows how to do it. Great Job.
July 31st, 2007 at 4:20 pm
I don’t comment here but I always check in on the giant pandas. The ultrasound video was really great. Thanks, SDZ, for sharing it.
July 31st, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Such wonderful news! Bai Yun is such an amazing panda mother.
July 31st, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Suzanne told us that the earliest they had seen a fetus on ultrasound was 17 days before birth. The press release says they first saw the fetus on 7/18 so maybe a cub on Friday?????
July 31st, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Oh wow!!! Yippeeeee! Congrats Bai Yun, Gao Gao, and the whole big panda family! Bai Yun, my lovely girl, you are amazing.
(And of course you too, charming studmuffin Gao Gao!)
July 31st, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Hooorrrraaaaayyyyyy! Never doubted you Gao - you’re the best. It seems your “little guys” work best “in person”
Too bad Mei Xiang is so far away in Washington, cause if she was closer, I’m sure you’d work your magic on her too!!!
It was amazing to see the ultrasound - thanks for posting it!!!!
Can’t wait for the little one - this is so GREAT! Congrats Bai and Gao!
July 31st, 2007 at 6:58 pm
LOTSAFUN Coming for All! Congratulations and Hugs of Love to Bai, Gao and All the San Diego Zoo Staff!!!
I am thrilled for all of you! I’m also pretty darned thrilled for myself as well
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity provided by the staff and cams and the Gorgeous Bears!
Sincerely,
Bobbie Wood
July 31st, 2007 at 7:09 pm
WOW!!!!!! I KNEW that Bai Yun was up to something over the past week!! I saw her on the pandacam a few nites ago, and boy, was she restless! Bai wouldn’t sit or lay still for 2 minutes if not 1 minute! She had a little secret going on there, and now we ALL know that she’s carrying a tiny baby panda inside! Like Bruce (#27) said, we have had a couple of dissapointments already this summer with Mei Xiang’s false pregnancy and Ya Ya’s miscarriage, so now, Bai Yun is carrying the hopes of the panda world for this year! I will definitely be praying and hoping that Bai Yun will carry her baby to full term and have a safe, normal delivery! If and when all goes well, she’ll be a mom to 4 panda cubs! That’s an awesome record for one panda mom here in the USA!!! Gao Gao is the BIG MAN ON CAMPUS now!!!! I’ll be checking the SDZ website and pandacam everyday and nite because I’m on baby panda birth watch myself! Oh yes, big happy birthdays to Su Lin and Mei Sheng! Suzanne, keep us posted on the latest about Bai Yun, ok? And, has there been any new word about Shi Shi yet? Have not heard anymore about Shi Shi since the blog about her possible passing a few months ago, so I’m hoping you all have some new info about Shi Shi real soon.
Have fun, everybody!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
July 31st, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Way to go Bai Yun and Gao Gao
And to the zoo and all her keepers CONGRATULATIONS! Can NOT wait for the little cubbie to arive and know that all is well!
Anyway I have a question about Bai Yun…
The Zoo and China agreed on a 12-year research loan of Bai Yun, Since next year is her 12 years what will happen to her? Mei Sheng will be moving to China in October don’t want to see Bai Yun going so soon after.
Take good care of yourself Bai Yun. Good Luck and THANK YOU for the great jobs your guys has done, and doing
Big HUGS to ALL
July 31st, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Yayyyyyyyyy !!!!!!! I’ve been checking the website again daily to see the latest posts.
I knew Gao Gao could do it !!! =) Cant wait, cant wait !!! Do we get to be on baby watch too ?? Or is this only for Bai’s keepers ?? Either way …. this is exciting !!
July 31st, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Thanks so much for the ultrasound confirmation. I have been watching Pandacam since Bai gave birth to Hua Mei. I’ve watched her previous pregnancies with such delight. Your cam coverage is so wonderful but I wonder if you’d consider this request to make a second cam shot available for us to view so we can stay on Bai in her nest as well as keep track of our other youngsters, Mei and Su, and of course, the man of the day, GaoGao. I would be able to open up a second browser window and have both views on my desktop. It’s hard to know that there is so little time left to watch the amazing Mei Sheng before he returns to his destiny. It would be so nice to be able to watch him in these final months as well as keep close watch on Bei and her new cub on two cams.
July 31st, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Leave it to Bai Yun and Gao Gao to get the job done.
I’m very excited and can’t wait to see the new cub(s)!
July 31st, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Hooray!! I’ll be watching! I don’t know how I’m going to get any work done!
August 1st, 2007 at 1:39 am
Congradulations to Bai Yun, Gao Gao and all the panda Staff at the SDZ.
Another success story!. Good job!
Bai Yun and Gao Gao make a amazing pair. I can’t wait to see our new little baby.
Gigi
August 1st, 2007 at 6:03 am
What a way to start my day being able to watch Bai’s ultra sound a what a beautiful sight it was, I witnessed the trust that Bai has in the keepers and the tech that did the procudure. To be able to put your hand in there and do what you have to is amazing. Bai you are just the best. I’m still a little teary eyed and now we wait. Wouldn’t it be great if the baby was born on Su Lin’s birthday. Cheers to all and as my boss says Mazel Tov.
August 1st, 2007 at 6:37 am
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
We have a panda cub pool here and I am hoping for a girl on 8/8.
But, whenever it is or whatever gender, I hope for a beautiful and healthy cub.
“A baby giant panda cub is God’s way of saying the world needs beauty.”
— Joy from New Jersey
August 1st, 2007 at 7:21 am
BAI YUN WORLDCHAMPION !!!
BAI YUN WORLDCHAMPION !!!
BAI YUN WORLDCHAMPION !!!
BAI YUN WORLDCHAMPION !!!
what a girl !
August 1st, 2007 at 8:14 am
And to think you can already see little claws forming–wow, how incredible. This is an exciting time and I hope and pray for a safe and healthy delivery for both Bai Yun and baby.
August 1st, 2007 at 8:16 am
I am so excited about the baby!! I have been watching the panda’s for a long time but never have posted on anything. I have come to refer to them as “my panda’s” as I am sure many do. They make me smile and giggle on even the gloomy days!! I am a cancer patient so having something wonderful such as the panda’s to hold on to and watch mean the world to me!!!
I can not wait for the baby to arrive!!! I only hope that I am tuned in and ready so that I don’t miss a second!!!
Thank you so much for all that you do and for the wonderful webcam’s!!!
Mary
August 1st, 2007 at 8:23 am
Well! WONDERFUL NEWS! I’ve had some personal emotional events going on and haven’t been able to check regularly. Then, to my surprise…a baby on board! cONGRATS to all at SDZ. Maybe there will be another birth on August 2nd….which by the way, Happy Birthday to Su Lin (tomorrow). Great news, I needed it; thank you.
August 1st, 2007 at 8:36 am
Chari#46, Shi Shi is alive and well for his age. he is blind and has other ailments but he is well taken care of . Candy a panda mama has a friend in the zoo where Shi Shi resides and assured us that he is well .Candy also posted a few pictures her friend sent on flickr and the old honorable gentlemen sure looks good.
August 1st, 2007 at 8:49 am
So will Gao Gao have the opportunity to travel to DC next year to meet (mate) Mei Xiang if he’s not “needed” in San Diego???
August 1st, 2007 at 9:13 am
MaryM, what could be better medicine than watching for a baby panda, please join in on the blog i’m sure you have some things to say that we are interested in.We also have our up and down days also. be well and stay on Bai watch
August 1st, 2007 at 9:14 am
Happy Birthday, Su Lin! We’ll always love you.
xoxo
August 1st, 2007 at 9:18 am
Wow - congrats all round. I’ve been watching since Hua Mei. She was born in the week of my once in a lifetime trip to see the pandas from the UK so I missed out seeing them in person as the exhibt was closed. Watching on Panda Cam almost makes up for it.
Like other’s I think it would be great if we could have 2 panda cams, or even 3 so we can keep up with the others while Bai is looking after baby. Does this mean that she will be staying now until the baby is weaned? I believe her time in USA is almost up.
#60 Michelle that is a great idea, he could also go to Memphis.
August 1st, 2007 at 9:32 am
Kudos to the Meerkats for a close-up shot of Su Lin right now. I can see her facial features clearly on the Panda Cam!
August 1st, 2007 at 10:23 am
Amanda #10
I am certain every pandaholic will be sharing virtual champagne the day that Bai Yun presents SDZ with a new Star(s).
After Bai’s previous births and before 100 days - there was an online selection for a choice of name for the new cub.
Your suggestion that the name ‘Don Lin’ is included in the choice of names is an excellent suggestion.
It would be very appropiate as he was ‘Mr Panda’ from the days when Hua Mei was born, I would think it unlikely that the Chinese authorities would disagree with the choice of name.
Meanwhile I remain on ‘Bai Watch’ and will keep my fingers crossed that all goes according to plan for Bai Yun and Gao Gao……..
August 1st, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Congratulations to Bai Yun, Gao Gao, and the great staff at SDZ!! I’m so excited and praying for Bai and her baby. I hope the birth goes easier for her this time. I can’t wait to see the love that Bai gives to her beautiful babies. She is such a terrific mom. Kisses and hugs to all the pandas!!
August 1st, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Count me among the well wishers for a successful delivery of our newest addition to the SDZ panda family. I am so excited and pleased. Take it easy, Bai Yun, because as the saying goes, “a mother’s work is never done!”
A great, big Happy Birthday wish to Su Lin. I’m sure the staff has a nice day planned for you tomorrow.
August 1st, 2007 at 1:52 pm
I started watching panda cam when Su Lin was about 2 months old. This is very exciting for me to see an actual birth.
A special Happy Birthday to “A Little Bit of Something Cute” on her special day.
One further note: She shares a birthday with someone very special to our family. Happy Birthday Ron.
August 1st, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Congratulations to everyone at SDZ! What wonderful news that there will be a new baby for all of us to watch charm us with his/her antics. Bai Yun’s sweet face was wonderful on the cam this morning. She is such a beauty and a wonderful mother. I wish her well for a good delivery of this newest cub. Happy Birthday to Su Lin tomorrow! I hope Gao and Bai (if she wants it) get a special treat for producing such a beautiful young lady. And big brother Mei Sheng shouldn’t miss out on all the fun either since he’s such a wonderful big brother. Thank you again to the staff at SDZ for taking the time out of their busy schedules to share information with all of us!
August 1st, 2007 at 3:06 pm
I can’t wait for another baby panda. Ever since Hua Mei was the first success story for panda birth in United States & in my hometown of San Diego, it has made me extra proud of our fantastic city & especially our amazing San Diego Zoo!
August 1st, 2007 at 9:31 pm
*Please* let us see Bai Yun on the cam!
August 2nd, 2007 at 6:20 am
Happy Birthday Su Lin! You’ve brought so much joy to pandaholics everywhere, and now it is your turn to be in the spotlight once again. I know SDZ will make this a very special day for you. Enjoy your treats precious girl!
August 2nd, 2007 at 7:06 am
Happy Birthday Su Lin!
August 2nd, 2007 at 7:13 am
Happy Birthday to our little princess Su Lin, you are a big girl now and how beautiful you are. I have watched you grow with so many milestones in your life and each was very special to see. I hope your day is full of treats and happiness and many hugs. So my sweet baby girl again Happy Birthday with love and hugsTo Susan #70 you sure do have the right to be proud of San Diego they have done something amazing that no other Zoo has done, If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have our sweet babies and the panda population would not be what it is today. GO SAN Diego.
August 2nd, 2007 at 7:51 am
Bai is such a beautiful bear. I loved the close up view of her this morning on C13. Thank you Meerkats for the awesome camera work! I can’t wait to watch her care for another cub!
August 2nd, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Happy Birthday Su Lin. Many hugz and kisses to you on this special day. I love you.
August 2nd, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Happy Birthday to Su Lin. I can’t forget because it was my Mom’s birthday also.
August 2nd, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Time to stock up and get ready for long hours viewing panda cam!
Congrats to all and thanks to all that make it possible for us to share in this again. This will be my 4th San Diego panda baby to watch and enjoy.
August 2nd, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Suzanne (or anyone who might know), I don’t understand why Bai (or any giant panda mother) would slow down eating at this time, especially since she won’t eat for a few weeks after the cub is born and she’ll be nursing, she would need a reserve. I would think she would eat alot at this point in the pregnancy, not slow down. Thank you.
August 2nd, 2007 at 1:19 pm
May I ask a question of the Panda Staff? Is it just my eyes or is the strip of black fur, across the panda’s back’s, (from right front leg to left front leg) of very different widths on diffent pandas? They all look so much alike on the cams to me, but I am sure, in person, they all have their sutle diffences.
August 2nd, 2007 at 3:05 pm
On one of the other panda blogs Tai Shan serenaded his cousin Su Lin for her birthday:
“Happy Brifday to you,
Happy Birfday to you!
Happy Birfday dear cuzzin Su Lin,
Happy Birfday to you!”
(and I hope your Mommy has a new cubby today!)
August 2nd, 2007 at 3:26 pm
I have had panda cam on all day, it is about 3:25 and Bai Yun just sat up. Does anyone know what that was on her stomach. Is it possible she really suprised all of us. Or could it be a big piece of bamboo from where she was laying.
August 2nd, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Marie, #80 — I am not on staff, just a regular pandaholic here, but there is a definite difference in the shoulder stripes of each panda. Mei Sheng, for instance, has a very thin stripe at the center, and Su Lin’s is also thin. Mei Xiang, in D.C., has a very wide shoulder stripe (wider than Tian Tian’s). If you look closely, they are all different. Also the space between the ears can be different, such as Gao Gao’s high forehead and space between his ears. I hope this helps you.
August 2nd, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Happy Birthday Su Lin! I have watched you all the way, even high up in the trees. Can’t wait for the new baby. It is so great to live in the San Diego area.
August 2nd, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Being able to share in Su Lin’s birthday and also witnessing a new panda baby being born within hours/days is wonderful! Who could ask for anything more? Praying for a healthy new cub for our beautiful mother Bai Yun!
Thank you to all the staff and volunteers of the San Diego Zoo…you are all great! Hats off to you.
August 2nd, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Happy Birthday Su Lin !!! =)
August 2nd, 2007 at 5:47 pm
It is 7:45CDT, and Sweet Su is all spread out on a log, facing the camera. Her face looks JUST LIKE her Daddy!
August 2nd, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Happy Birthday to sweet Su Lin!
“Lil Bit” has grown into an incredibly beautiful, smart and lovable young lady, and I am proud of my first ever “panda daughter”!
August 2nd, 2007 at 7:22 pm
7:20 PDT. Bai Yun is in her nest, really working over the bamboo, and seems quite restless. Are we day(s) away from a new cubbie.
August 2nd, 2007 at 8:10 pm
It doesn’t seem possible that SuLin is 2 years old already. We were fortunate to visit the SDZ in Feb. 2006. I stood in line for an hour to see Su only to find her high up in her favorite tree - got back in line again - same thing, a bare glimpse. After touring the rest of the zoo, I got back in line once again - you guessed it - Su Lin was still in her tree-but papa Gao decided to get up and wander around his exhibit - not a cub but still fascinating to see a live panda. When I finally came out of the exhibit I found my husband waiting on a bench with a perfect view of SuLin in her tree!!
So, many thanks to the SDZ team for their great work with the pandas. We are confident that Bai will have another healthy cub.
Maureen in Michigan
August 2nd, 2007 at 8:57 pm
How exciting!!!
Congratulations on the pregnancy!!
Yay!!
August 2nd, 2007 at 9:20 pm
A pregnancy is a good thing —Please, all. remember that nothing is ever sure! Bai is a dynamic, living organism. While we’re all excited and optimistic, recall that newborn cubs have been ignored, sat upon, ….
I, too .am an optimist — but I respectfully request that the effusive congrats wait until we have a birth and a successful mother-cub bonding. and, oh, yes, healthy mother and cub.
Isn’t that the most important thing??!!
August 2nd, 2007 at 10:04 pm
From about 8:00 till about 9:40, Bai Yun looked like she was almost about to give birth. I kept thinking how neat would that be that the new cub shared a birthday with his/her sister Sue Lin !!
Then again it’s only 10:00pm and we have 2 hours to go still. Unfortunatly I cant stay up that late. But I thank the SDZ for letting all of us in on the birthing thus far !! I’ve been glued to the computer all night.
So exciting !!
August 3rd, 2007 at 12:39 am
Hooray!!! Another babe to watch! I have followed Mei and Su Lin’s births and was thrilled to see and follow them as they grew and look forward to yet another babe to enjoy. Congratulations to the parents and the Zoo staff!! I can hardly wait!!!
August 3rd, 2007 at 2:55 am
What wonderful news, so excited for Bai Yun, hope all goes well, will definately be late hours here’Panda watching’. Congratulations to all at SDZ, for all your wonderful love and attention.
August 3rd, 2007 at 7:34 am
It looks like Bai is very close to birth time, is that an accuarate assumption I am watching on panda cam????
August 3rd, 2007 at 7:52 am
I’ve just been watching Bai Yun in the den. (7.45am San Deigo Time) She stood on her back feet looked right at the camera and opened her mouth in the biggest yawn ever. I could see right down her throat. Then she left, so I’m not sure if it was a yawn or if she was laughing at me.
August 3rd, 2007 at 7:57 am
Suzanne, THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting Bai’s sonogram!!! I’m so excited for her and you and the team too!!!
Can you answer one question for me? I hope it hasn’t been asked before but,… Do you have an average of how long Bai’s labors are? I’m hoping it’s not going to be over 10 hours or something like 36 hours!
I was just wondering since there isn’t any sound for the cam. Bai’s really keeping us in suspense here!
August 3rd, 2007 at 7:58 am
Is it just me or does Bai Yun seem uncomfortable this morning? Seems like she is moving around a lot, like she can’t get comfortable. Just wondering if anyone else noticed her behavior.
August 3rd, 2007 at 8:00 am
Hi,
I have a question. At approximately 7:45am PDT Friday 8/03 Bai looked up at the camera and growled. I have not seen her do this before. Her mouth was open and she bared her teeth. Is she aware of this camera? Please explain.
Thank you.
August 3rd, 2007 at 8:26 am
Happy belated birthday, Su Lin! Unfortunately I could not get near a PC yesterday but had certainly not forgotten that you cutie turned two years. All the best of luck for your future! May be you have inherited your mum’s genes, i. e. you will have some offspring as beautiful as her and you, in the near future.
August 3rd, 2007 at 8:35 am
Barbara #83, Thank you. I thought it maybe just the way the cam was facing but, then I thought it might actually be different markings. Thanks,
August 3rd, 2007 at 8:43 am
My daughter and I have been closely watching Bai Yun for months here from Brazil, crazily hoping for her pregnancy! We love her, the cubs and all of the pandas! Watching them brings us much happiness. Congratulations for the pregnancy!!!! Our fingers are crossed so that the birth happens soon, hopefully this weekend! Kisses to all the pandas!!
August 3rd, 2007 at 9:10 am
Shannon #100 I saw that too she looked kinda scary, she quickly reminded me that she was a bear and not a play toy.
August 3rd, 2007 at 9:18 am
I have been watching the cam closely. This morning at approximately 4:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) Bai Yun seemed to be flipping bamboo all over herself, eating a little bit as she was doing this. It was as though she was trying to cover herself with the bamboo. I also saw her growl/yawn at the camera around 10:45 a.m. (EST). That was interesting…couldn’t tell if she was yawning, or in pain. I am coming to San Diego on the 12th…I know a baby will be born by then. I’m predicting by the end of the weekend. Pam
August 3rd, 2007 at 9:56 am
I agree, poor Bai looked so restless and uncomfortable, I am going to take my laptop home with me so I don’t miss one moment of what is going on. I’ll definitly be on Bai watch with all the other Panda mamas and pappas. i am going to be home all weekend and believe me nothing will get done, this is more important.
August 3rd, 2007 at 10:34 am
Hello all!
I am seeing well on the cam??? Is it the time for me to congratulate Bai Yun and you, people of San Diego for this new precious gift???
Please confirm us the news!!
Sophie
August 3rd, 2007 at 12:04 pm
If Bai Yun didn’t just have the baby - I would be very surprised! It’s still amazing to me that a baby - that’s only about the size of a stick of butter - can cause such discomfort in such a big animal - but boy, she sure looked like she was having the baby this morning. Please update us as soon as possible - we’re on pins and needles here!
August 3rd, 2007 at 3:13 pm
I’m guessing that when Bai Yun looks at the camera the way she does, she must be saying :
“Please help get this out of me already” - I agree with a few of the other posters, I never would or could
imagine that somthing so tiny could cause sooooooo much discomfort for this big bear !! I was feeling bad
for her from time to time. I also will be watching almost non stop all weekend too…. well hopefully it doesnt take that long…. =)
August 3rd, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Yes, looked to me when Bai Yun was looking into the camera in her den, that she was very aware
it was there. And also looked to me like she was saying : “Uhh can you help a girl out here? ”
I never would or could have ever imagined either like the other posters, that a somthing so tiny could
cause so much discomfort in such a large bear. I felt bad for her a few times…. I will also be on the
website / webcam all weekend long…. well hopefully it doesnt take that long. =)
August 3rd, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Can anyone else not see the cam. Is this wierd to anyone else? (Baby alert??????)
August 3rd, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Can anyone else not see a panda?????? Are we thinking something (baby)??????
August 3rd, 2007 at 4:16 pm
San Diego Union Tribune reports baby panda was born this afternoon at 1:30 pm… They will have avideo of the birth later today for us to view…
August 3rd, 2007 at 4:22 pm
The cub has arrived! I so wish we had been able to see the newst panda cub actually being born, but I am sure they will give us a peak of the baby soon!
August 3rd, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Woohoooooo! Yay for Bai Yun and Gao Gao! What a lovely day. I hope that everything goes well now and that we’ll soon be able to see both Mom and Baby together! Congratulations to all the SDZ staff for everything you’ve done to make it possible. You must be thrilled, as are all of us out here in Panda Friends Land!!!
I hope we’ll see Mom and the new cub 24/7 soon… (;-)
August 3rd, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Congrats Bai Yun !!! Yayyyy !!! Cant wait to sneak a peak !!
August 3rd, 2007 at 5:13 pm
I KNEW IT!!!! I was watching her earlier today and just felt that she was in labor. Had to go offline around 1:oo pm, and I would be kicking myself if it was on live.
Congrats Bai Yun, you are a great mother. Please hurry up on our peak into the den.
August 3rd, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Panda cub born! (August 3, 2007)
Bai Yun gave birth to a single cub today following a 2.5-hour labor. Our animal care staff observed parturition at 1:31 p.m. via a closed-circuit camera installed at the Giant Panda Research Station birthing den. This is a delicate period for the cub, but Bai Yun is an experienced mother and the Giant Panda Team will be monitoring the pair around the clock. The Zoo’s Panda Cam will provide a sneak peek into the den within the next 24 hours.
August 3rd, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Congratulations to the new mom!!! *hhuumm, there is a small tear of emotion here*
Congratulations to you all at San Diego Zoo. I am so blessed to be able to live these exciting moments with you even if it’s via a cam. I am so happy for this success and for the work you do to help these beautiful pandas and their future.
Thank you and I can’t wait to “meet” the new cub. What a big and nice family they are!!
Sophie
August 3rd, 2007 at 7:57 pm
To Ellie # 92 - what a pessimist you are - Bai is an experienced mother & the SDZ has a great track record of raising live cubs - if they see any signs of Mama Bai not taking care of her latest cub they’ll be there in miniute to help out
August 3rd, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Bai Yun, you have saved the day for the pandas in the USA!!!!!!!!! Congrats on the birth of your 4th baby panda cub!! Didn’t get a chance to see Bai Yun give birth, but I did watch her on the pandacam earlier today, and I suspected that she was in labor or very close to being in labor all day. She did not leave her den except once late last nite to bring in some more bamboo to munch on. After reading one of the blogs about panda mom birth behavior a few days ago, I was watching for the signs of a possible birth, and one of those signs was Bai Yun licking her bottom a lot over the last several hours. So I had a very sneaky gut feeling that she was going to have her baby sometime in the next 12-24-48 hours. I got on the website tonite and saw your BIG NEWS about Bai Yun’s new baby being born this afternoon! I did see the video of the birth, but it was cut a little bit short before we got any chance to see the actual birth or the new baby. So, Suzanne, all the panda keepers, and the SDZ zoo staff, have fun watching this baby grow, develop, and be the cutest panda baby in the USA!! I will be watching the pandacam to see Bai Yun and her new baby! Congrats to all of you on another amazing birth! If I’m counting right, this makes the 4th panda birth in the USA since 2005 with Su Lin and Tai Shan born in 2005, Mei Lan born in 2006, and now this newest baby born this year. That’s 3 straight years for successful panda births in the USA, and we are all hoping that Mei Xiang and Ya Ya will be successful in having babies in 2008!
Happy baby watching!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! YAHOO!!!!!!!!! YOU GO, BAI YUN!!!!!!!
Oh yeah, you might not think about this, but isn’t it ironic that Su Lin’s birthday is on August 2nd, and Bai Yun has her new baby on August 3rd?? Now, you’ll be celebrating 2 birthdays in one week next year!!!!
Love you all for what you are doing for the pandas! Keep on going with the research!
Chari Mercier
St. Petersburg, FL
August 3rd, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Barbara (#59), just read your short blog about Shi Shi! Thanks so much for the update!! I’ve been really wondering how the old panda was doing since that one blog about him possibly being gone, and there was no real updated news about him. Tell your friend, Candy, thanks for sharing that news with you, and thanks to you for sharing that news with all of us panda fans. Hope and pray that Shi Shi will live a few more good years and stay healthy! Have fun watching Bai Yun’s new baby! Yea for her!!!!!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
August 4th, 2007 at 1:28 am
Ah gee, somehow I was away from the comp and missed the big announcement~
Congrats!!!!!!
Bai, you are the BEST!
I love how the MSN article notes that Bai is such an experienced and “deft” mommy, that the newborn hardly cried at all…..and only a 2.5 hour labour, what a relief! I have a feeling that the lil sweetie is a boy, as Bai has been alternating girl/boy/girl, but we shall see. Woohooo, I am one happy panda lover this early morning! *can you see my jump for joy?*