Black and White
Posted at 7:08 am August 14, 2005 by Megan Owen
I think that it is safe to say that any descriptions of our cub which compare its appearance to that of a 'rat' are a thing of the past. Black ears, eye-patches, legs, and shoulders are coming into clear view. There is still remnant white newborn fuzz covering the cub's body, but the characteristic panda coloring is heralding the pelage that will soon grow in.
There have been many theories put forth over the years attempting to explain why pandas have this distinctive black and white coloration. The most widely held view is that it serves as a sort of anti-camouflage. Pandas are solitary, except for mothers with cubs, the vast majority of the time. Their mountain habitat is densely forested with thick stands of bamboo and trees. Once a year when it is time to breed, males and females must find each other. Pandas have a fascinating system of communication wherein they utilize scent marking and vocalizations to adverstise their sex, reproductive status, and age. Though the panda's coloration does not provide any specific information regarding individual identity or breeding status, it may simply enhance one panda's ability to see and locate another.
Each panda's markings are slightly different from one another. As this cub's markings come in, we will surely compare them to Bai Yun's and Gao Gao's and look for similarities. Will it get Bai Yun's thick black shoulder band? Will it get Gao Gao's very, very furry feet? We'll just have to wait and see.
Megan Owen is the research coordinator for the Zoo's Office of Giant Panda Conservation.
View Bai Yun and her cub on Panda Cam
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August 14th, 2005 at 7:45 am
My husband and I are avid Panda Cam watchers and were delighted yesterday to see the cub's pigment developing. Thank you so much for providing this blog. I have learned so many new things!
August 14th, 2005 at 8:26 am
Is there a reason that the right-click on the live feed has changed? I used to be able to right-click and set it as desktop wallpaper or save it to show my kids when they weren't in the room at the time. The other day I saw the baby nestled in mom's arms but was unable save it. I miss being able to do that.
August 14th, 2005 at 10:25 am
Thank you so much for the Weblog. It is just fascinating to read! And, yes, I am totally addicted to the Panda Cam; however, I have yet to see the new little cub but I'm not giving up. I haven't been to the San Diego Zoo since Hua Mei was still just a little girl so I'm so grateful for the Panda Cam, etc. (Just for the record, my checkbook is made up of checks with Hua Mei and her Mom.)
August 14th, 2005 at 10:50 am
Thank you to Megan, Suzanne, Pamela and all with keeping us so in touch with Bai Yun and her cub. The cam is always in place and kept up with Bai Yun's movement. I was so happy to see the cub in action once again, from about 12:55 AM to 1:15 AM Hawaii Standard Time — nestling in Bai Yun's shoulder/neck area. Bai Yun had her arms out and there was the cub. You can see the cub's coloration very distinctly now. The eyes, ears and tiny arms. Bai Yun is a terrific Mom. We hope to see Hua Mei this fall in Wolong. We specifically added this to our visit to China. Hopefully, we also get to see her twins. Thanks again. Myrna from Honolulu
August 14th, 2005 at 11:05 am
I have been watching in extreme anticipation the daily (it may not be daily but it seems like they change daily) changes in these babies in S.D. & D.C. It is exciting to watch the colors come in. With having two new babies born so close together it is great to see how much D.C.'s baby has changed in such a short period of time. And I'll continue to watch both to see what the next 'stage' is for S.D.'s baby. Thanks for allowing all of us a chance to see this absolute miracle.
August 14th, 2005 at 11:35 am
I really enjoy watching Bai Yun and her new baby. It's really interesting to watch how good a mom she is. How is Mei Sheng doing these days? I miss seeing him on the webcam.
August 14th, 2005 at 2:41 pm
Seems like every time I call up the Panda Cam Bai Yun is sleeping - maybe it's just a matter of coincidence but is she o.k.?
August 14th, 2005 at 3:14 pm
Greetings from the San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County. I am very excited and looking forward to the various stages of this newborn cub. I have been a loyal fan of the panda cam since the birth of Hua Mei, on to Mei Sheng, and now this tiny cub.
I have always wondered how the pandas appear so clean, since they stay mostly outdoors. Also, are there any plans in the works for Mei Sheng's birthday?
August 14th, 2005 at 6:22 pm
We just turned on the " Panda Cam" and got our first real clear look of the cub!!! We have been watching the " Panda Cam" at every opportunity and were very excited to get such a great view. We find ourselves watching as late as 02:30A.M. We think we may be addicted.
August 14th, 2005 at 10:29 pm
I LOVE these Panda cams!! I LOVE Pandas and enjoy watching the panda cams every chance I get and to get to see 2 babies this year is just that much better. I just got my first live look at Bai Yun's beautiful new baby–what a treat. Can't wait for this one to get a bit bigger so I can add some of its pictures to my bedroom that is decorated in nothing but Pandas!! Congratulations to Bai Yun and the San Diego Zoo…keep up the great work!
August 15th, 2005 at 12:28 am
I think you guys have the greatest " job" in the world!
August 15th, 2005 at 3:40 am
When will you start doing the weekly exams of the baby. Will you be video taping them and posting the videos for us to see again? I so enjoy your daily descriptions of what's happening there. I thank you for taking the time to enlighten all of us as to the progress of Mother and Baby.
August 15th, 2005 at 6:10 am
Have just watched the baby panda for about 5 minutes. Fascinating.
August 15th, 2005 at 8:48 am
This is so interesting! Thank you!
August 15th, 2005 at 9:37 am
Ever since I lived in San Diego for 6 months in 2003, and went to the zoo and saw Hua Mei and Gao Gao (and Bai Yun and Mei Sheng on the TV screen)… I have been totally ADDICTED to Pandas!! They are so truly amazing and adorable. Later, after moving back to Santa Barbara, I loved watching the cam and seeing Mei Sheng grow up. Have visited San Diego several times to visit the bears in person, and am coming down again this weekend. I'm so happy about the new baby, and am deeply grateful to the zoo and to China for caring for these sweet wonderful creatures, so that they will not become extinct. I just read " The Lady and the Panda" and learned about the first person to ever bring a live Panda to the U.S. It's a heart-wrenching story because of learning that up until that time (1936) other explorers had only gone to China to shoot the Pandas and bring back their hides, which they'd stuff and sell to museums! Thank God those days are over. I find it truly shocking and am always amazed at how cruel humans can sometimes be. Anyway, best wishes to all there at the wonderful San Diego Zoo who love the Pandas and take such good care of them! Thank you very much.
August 15th, 2005 at 10:29 am
Gao Gao's very, very furry feet - thanks for the giggle. You guys do an incredible job - thanks so much for the updates and tid bits, especially on Gao Gao, since he doesn't get much Cam time.
August 15th, 2005 at 10:32 am
Oh my god it's SO small! How does she not crush it!!! Amazing..
August 15th, 2005 at 11:41 am
Megan, please can you tell some information about Mei Sheng's training sessions. How is he doing? Thank you, Elisa
August 15th, 2005 at 12:04 pm
I watched Hua Mei every day for months, oohed and ahhed over every video, and I can't *wait* until the new baby's frolicking with Bai Yun and tumbling around all over her. Thanks so much for feeding my addiction to the pandacam. Watching this new little one grow is just priceless. And what a good mom Bai Yun is!
August 15th, 2005 at 1:11 pm
i saw the baby for the first time today and it is so cute and Bai Yun is such a great mom. i watched Hua Mei everyday when she was born and cannot wait for this baby to get older. watching the two of them brings tears to my eyes. thank you sooo much. sheri anderson, san antonio, tx.
August 15th, 2005 at 2:08 pm
Hi, it is 11.00p.m. (UK time) just had a good picture of the baby while mum was out, amazing just how much they change in a few short days! Brilliant!!
August 16th, 2005 at 6:05 am
I have loved Pandas since 1988 when I saw the first one in Cincinnatti. Shi Shi was with us then, I believe. I Love 'Em to death. I have a panda tatoo on my leg and I also have a web site I made years ago for the pandas. I Love them!! I said that already huh? LOL I have been following the progress on here for a lot of years and I cried when Hui Mei went to China even tho I had never met her. She was/is a part of our lives. Someday I will make it to California to see the zoo and the pandas. Thank you so much for the Panda Cam and all that you do there to keep us on the East Coast informed. It would be awful if you weren't there… Thank You!
A friend in Akron
August 16th, 2005 at 6:05 am
Oh, it's such a treat to view this beautiful panda cub! I watched daily with Mei Sheng and am doing the same with this new cub. Also can't wait to bring my children this week to attend Mei Sheng's 2nd birthday!
August 16th, 2005 at 7:12 am
I can see it now! Thanks for keeping us posted!
August 16th, 2005 at 9:10 am
I just started following the growth of both panda cubs (D.C. and S.D.) through panda cam. They are the cutest creatures on earth! Thanks for caring for them! Also, are there volunteer positions available at the S.D. zoo?
August 16th, 2005 at 10:10 am
Oh my gosh is that not the cutest thing. I loved the close up of the baby in its mom's arms trying to get out, and even the little (or loud cries) watching its mouth open and close. I even saw its tongue at one point.
It's so nice to be able to watch this little guy/girl as it is growing.
August 16th, 2005 at 2:41 pm
I LOVE watching the pandacam! My kids tease me because I keep watching them so much!!! I do have a question - do you have a bright light on in the den to see with the camera? It doesn't seem to bother them, but I was just wondering. The cub is too cute! Thanks for doing such a terrific job!! Catherine/Laguna, CA
August 16th, 2005 at 2:49 pm
I am so fortunate to have moved to San Diego in time for the birth of the first panda cub. I have now enjoyed all three! I am as excited about #3 as I was about Hua Mei. I am also thrilled to hear that she and Ling Ling have produced twin male pandas in China. Our " San Diego panda family" is growing! What fun for all of us.
August 16th, 2005 at 8:16 pm
I am so very thrilled to see another baby panda born. The happiest times of my life were watching Mei Sheng grow up. This is the most wonderful thing and to be able to watch is wonderful. Thank you so much for bringing this JOY into my life. I am so very greatful!
August 17th, 2005 at 5:12 am
Hello from NY! I too am addicted to Panda cam. I can't wait to come to work now so I can watch Squirmy Wormy (my little nickname for the baby). How does Mom not squish such a little guy? It's just fascinating watching her scoop him up in her paws. Thank you for providing us this wonderful viewing adventure!
August 17th, 2005 at 11:01 am
Michelle-
As you've noticed, panda mothers are very adept at handling their cubs. If you've spent any time watching pandas handle and process their bamboo for eating, you may not be as surprised since they use the same fine motor dexterity to do this.
September 27th, 2005 at 10:33 am
hello,
i'm from Belgium. and i'm 11 years old.
I love the pandas !!!
I watch every day to the panda cam.
and the cub is sooo cute !!!
bye bye!!!-xXx-
May 18th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
You look adorable ,
I bet you're even cuter in person, well when your mom has you.
Love you,
Lauren Johnson