Catch as Catch Can
Posted at 1:28 pm March 9, 2006 by Suzanne Hall
Some of you have commented recently that you miss seeing regular photos and hearing Su Lin’s growth updates from her veterinary exams. As you may know, it has become more difficult to find time for these exams because our little girl spends so much of her time high up in the tree, well beyond the reach of the keepers. She isn’t easily coaxed down, as even her mother Bai Yun will stand below and call to her to no avail. If Su Lin isn’t feeling motivated to come down, then there isn’t much we can do.
So exams to monitor her growth pattern have become opportunistic. If Su Lin comes down at a time when staff is watching and available, they will make an effort to get their hands on her to check her weight and growth. But even when Su Lin graces us with her presence, exams are not an easy affair.
I had the privilege of helping out a bit today when Su Lin decided to join her momma in the bedroom early this morning. I happened to be in the area when JoAnne and Lisa, members of our panda husbandry team, wanted to take advantage of Su Lin’s foray down from the treetops. They asked me to lend a hand and record the measurements they would take. I wondered why they thought they needed three people to complete this task.
Su Lin showed me why. She never stopped moving! Lisa’s job was to try to hang on to Su Lin as she wiggled and twisted in her arms. JoAnne was responsible for getting that measuring tape around the cub’s neck, down her back, or around her abdomen without getting the tape tangled around Su Lin or into her curious mouth. It was amazing to watch. These experienced keepers needed to summon all of their patience, agility, and efficiency to get the job done. Imagine if they had to pause in between to write it all down!
I enjoyed the opportunity to see close up the vigor and exuberance of our panda cub. I was happy for the others that they were well equipped with heavy boots, long pants, and thick jackets, all of which softened the playful bites administered by our energetic cub. And seeing her in all her youthful effervescence gave me renewed appreciation for what Bai Yun endures during those long bouts of play with Su Lin!
Suzanne Hall is the panda research technician for the San Diego Zoo’s Office of Giant Panda Conservation.
Editor’s note: Su Lin weighed 25 pounds (11.4 kilograms) and measured 36 inches (92 centimeters) long today.
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March 9th, 2006 at 2:53 pm
How lovely! I think it is amazing how much personality our baby has shown us! She is her own person, and exhibits this every day. I remember when every one was worried about her seeming placidity and quiet nature, but, boy, has she ever shown us! She rivals her cousin, Tai, in her activity. And is she ever stubborn! I love it! Cherchez la femme, panda baby. You go, girl!
March 9th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
I am very happy to see how well the cub is doing. My 2nd grade class began to follow Su Lin’s progress at the end of August. A few of them and myself will be over to visit her on Spring Break. Bless you all for the care you give to the Pandas!
March 9th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
Suzanne, thanks so much for that fantastic description of our strong and beautiful toddler panda. She is becoming the independent and resourceful creature that Bai Yun has helped her be. Tai Shan is up to 37 pounds and looks healthy, but no more so than our girl.
March 9th, 2006 at 5:52 pm
Su Lin sounds just adorable. So glad she is healthy and acting like a normal panda cub. I wish I could see her more often, but always seem to miss her walking around.
Loretta
March 9th, 2006 at 7:36 pm
Thanks once again for the great update on how she is doing growth wise and what a handful she has become. It still looks like she may run smaller like her handsome Dad, Gao Gao. Thanks, too, for the hilarious pictures in her photo gallery of our 2 girls after their mud party! The antics of our 2 U.S. cubs keeps us VERY entertained.
March 9th, 2006 at 9:01 pm
Is it natural for a panda to hang upside down like a bat? It seems like Tai does it and his mom used to do it, but I have not seen Su Lin behaving the same way.
March 9th, 2006 at 10:42 pm
Watching Su Lin play with Bai Yun, Tai Shan play with Mei Xiang and reading a blog on Mei Sheng’s separation from Bai Yun make me wonder if being solitary is a giant pandas’ natural behavior. Perhaps panda cubs in the wild are forced to be weaned at 18 months old because it is the best for both the cub and the mom to survive. In a zoo environment, perhaps the cubs don’t need to be weaned at this early age. Perhaps, if the area is large enough, it is okay for Mei Sheng, Bai Yun, and Gao Gao to roam freely as long as they each have a designated home base. This way Mei Sheng and Gao Gao can visit/play with Su Lin and Bai Yun once in a while. They can be solitary if they choose so. I wonder what happens when panda parents run into their children in the wild?
Editor’s note: Read Suzanne’s blog titled “Pandas Play Solitaire,” posted Oct. 24, for some answers to your questions.
March 10th, 2006 at 5:33 am
Too cute. I’m surprised the girls didn’t break down in fits of giggles trying to hold on to little Susie. Picturing the scene in my head made me laugh!! What lucky people all of you are - we’re so envious of what you do for a living. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
March 10th, 2006 at 6:29 am
So funny that we had the same posts from both SDZ and NZP on the same day. Both are having problems catching their cubs. But they are growing up. I know that is what they need to do, but it’s really sad for us…. When all the trees leaf out, we won’t be able to spot them at all …..
March 10th, 2006 at 7:38 am
Because specific pictures and videos are more rare these days, comments by keepers are even more valued than ever as a way of keeping up with the development of the cub, mother, and other bears. I always like to read whatever there is to read, including news about research projects, news from Wolong, and whatever other thoughts come to mind. Thank you for thinking of us - your ever-hungry audience, always waiting for more news.
March 10th, 2006 at 7:49 am
Friday morning…I notice that the keeper is cleaning in the yard this morning and Su Lin is on the rock near her. Su Lin seems happy to be near her. My question is, when the pandas are born there and they interact with the keepers since birth are they used to humans? Is Mei Sheng comfortable around the keepers that he knows? I love all the pandas…especially Su Lin….Thanks!
March 10th, 2006 at 8:20 am
We are all delighted as to the progress of Su Lin (we all voted for her name, two of us got it!) we have watched the web cam since she was born and loved every minute, even though we should be working…but it is addictive. Please, can you trim the trees so we can see more of Su Lin as we miss her.
March 10th, 2006 at 8:35 am
Not really a comment, but some questions that I had…
I love watching all of the pandas on the panda cam. (It helps the slow days at work go by faster). I was wondering if it is normal how much time Su Lin is spending up in the trees. Seems like she’s always up there sleeping. I was also wondering, when does she eat? from morning to night it seems like she is up in the trees. And when can we expect to see her sitting on the ground chomping on her bamboo with Bai Yun?
Finally, I am hoping to make it to the San Diego Zoo at some point in the future. I currently live in N. California. Since the pandas are on loan from China, and it costs so much for us to have them here… do you have a tentative time frame for how long they will be able to remain in the US?
Thanks!
PS. On the “Meet the Panda” pictures, I think Mei Sheng’s picture could be changed? He is much cuter than that picture makes him look (his nose looks awkward in the current one).
March 10th, 2006 at 9:19 am
Thank you for answering our questions about the lack of new info on Su Lin. I am glad to hear that she is so strong and independent. I miss seeing more of her on Panda Cam, but she is so often up in the trees. Yet it is good to get to see more of the other Pandas. Keep up the good work and please send us new pictures when you can.
Linda.
March 10th, 2006 at 10:05 am
Thanks for posting pictures of both Su Lin and Bai Yun on their muddy day! They are just fun to look at. First one shows Bai Yun holding her in her arms, as if she was going to give Su Lin a good, thorough grooming session!
March 10th, 2006 at 10:14 am
I haven’t written in a while but that does not mean I have lost interest. I look in almost every day and sometimes several times a day. In reading comments send by other panda-addicts, I have learned that many of us have similar questions and are very appreciative of the time you spend keeping us informed. Your schedules must be very full and it certainly must take extra effort to do these articles but we DO love hearing about Su Lin. The description of her most recent check-up sounds hilarious–rather like I felt when trying to diaper one of my wiggling children. Thanks for all that the Panda Team is doing. Jeanine
March 10th, 2006 at 10:30 am
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! for posting the “muddy day” pictures in Su Lin’s photo album. My sister and I are leaving for San Diego a week from today and can’t wait to see Su Lin in person after following her antics online since August.
Are there any predictible times during the day where she comes down from her tree to play or nurse? We would love to catch her down on the ground while we are there, rather than trying to play “spot the panda” up in the trees.
March 10th, 2006 at 12:19 pm
Thank you as always, Panda Team, for the updates and great pics of all our pandas.
March 10th, 2006 at 12:35 pm
I am addicted to watching Su Lin and Tai Shan and love wondering what they are going to “get into” next. How wonderful that we can see them across the globe via the web cams!
I read an article today on the Panda Cubs in the Chinese research center. I am concerned by the following quote: “Separated from their mothers soon after birth, the 16 cubs are between five and seven months old, the network reported.” How could this be healthy for the cubs or the mothers? It is also stated that the cubs will eventually be used to breed and some will even be released in the wild. How can a Panda survive in the wild when it has been bottle-fed and has interacted with humans since birth? I am ecstatic that there are 16 happy, healthy cubs, but worried that they are “orphaned”.
Thank you to all who care for the Pandas and all of the precious animals on our planet.
March 10th, 2006 at 1:45 pm
thanks for all the information and pix of the panda princess! she’s up so high all the time that i haven’t gotten a good look at that lovely little girl in weeks and weeks. it’s wonderful to know that she’s doing what baby pandas are supposed to do and is allowed to develop and follow her instincts. su lin is just one perfect baby panda princess! muddy but perfect! he he. she’s a cutie!
March 10th, 2006 at 6:02 pm
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, time and anecdotes with us about these wonderful friends.
I ‘discovered’ San Diego’s Panda family in December and immediately became a confirmed fan. I enjoy all the bears and visit the zoo as often as I can. They have been a lifesaver for me since I was forced into a medical retirement. I particularly admire Bai Yun and her mothering skills. I worry too about cubs being separated from their mothers too soon in China. The adult females are not given the opportunity to follow their instincts and be real mothers as Bai Yun and Mei Xiang have. I also wonder what long-term affect this will have on the cubs who do not have the time with their mamas - will they loose the ability (and instincts) to properly mother a cub? - will they become well-adjusted adults? What a loss it could be for the bears and the humans who care so much about them.
Thanks for allowing us to express our thoughts on this web site. I’ll be visiting Super Mom, Super Dad and the kids soon!
March 10th, 2006 at 6:32 pm
Lea-19. Did you see the pix that went with the Wolong story? They have set up a playground for the cubs, complete with chute. Apparently some of the little ones haven’t learned to stand in line so there were a couple of collisions. And there’s a great shot of one little panda headfirst in the snow at the bottom of the chute with just his (or her) little rear end up in the air. Priceless
March 10th, 2006 at 9:33 pm
I must tell you I must have watched your last video of Su Lin being measured & weighed so many times I know it by heart. I can only hope that there will be another one in the future. We are all so privileged to be able to watch these precious animals. Thank You
March 11th, 2006 at 11:39 am
that picture is the best I have seen of Su Lin. She is absolutely the most adorable panda cub by far. thanks for sharing this with us.
March 11th, 2006 at 8:06 pm
I am wondering if anyone knows where all the 25 surviving panda cubs born in captivity in 2005 are. I know there are 16 at Wolong, 3 at Chengdu research center, 1 in Japan, and two cuties in the US. Where are the other 3 babies? Thank you!
March 12th, 2006 at 9:22 am
What is the white, oblong box (on the ground) in Mei Sheng’s off exhibit area?
March 12th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
I have just been watching Little Su eating bamboo, but I wonder if she’s just mouthing it or actually digesting it… do you have any evidence of this?
March 12th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
I have seen Su Lin “stealing” bamboo from mom! while her mom was busy eating.. I think Su is eating it, otherwise she wouldn’t be so interested in picking up some leaves for herself… that little girl is so smart!
March 13th, 2006 at 9:05 am
# 25: the other 3 were born in Chengdu panda breeding center.
March 13th, 2006 at 10:42 am
Regarding the difficulty in getting Su Lin to stop moving during exams — have you tried wrapping her front paws in a big towel so she can’t use them to maneuver? It used to work on a cat I had who didn’t like to be given medicine by mouth. At least with the paws wrapped up, there was less chance of getting scratched.
March 13th, 2006 at 11:19 am
Thank you for the fun update. We love checking on Su Lin daily on the Panda Cam. We unfortunately haven’t gotten to see her eat yet (since we are at work), but check on her and momma often throughout the day. Thank you for the updates and the cameras.
March 13th, 2006 at 1:30 pm
Just saw the video of the panda cubs in Wolong playing in the snow! I was wondering how they identify each cub so that they know the genetic heritage? Seems that it would be important down the line when they are of breeding age.
March 14th, 2006 at 6:31 am
Thank you for the updates on Su Lin, your baby panda princess! The best part of my day begins with a morning check-in with Su Lin & Tai Shan, being in Buffalo, New York, I am quite a way from both of them. The Panda Cams & web site updates keep me informed. Keep up the great work!!
March 14th, 2006 at 8:25 am
I just love seeing Su Lin daily on the panda cam. I also like all of your pictures in her photo gallery. Is there any way you can thumbnail them (click on them to enlarge) so that it would be easier to print them?? thanks.
March 15th, 2006 at 5:58 am
Beautiful. Just simply Beautiful.
March 15th, 2006 at 7:34 am
Oh how we miss the “going to the vet day” videos! That is what we (co-workers) call the Wednesday vet check ups. Thank you for sharing why we haven’t seen our little Su Lin.
March 15th, 2006 at 11:38 am
that is awsome…she’s so adorable! i find myself watching the panda cam way too much! but it’s great to hear about her growth! i would love to be her keeper!!
March 15th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
I am an avid pandaholic like so many others. I have watched Tai since the day he was born. What sheer pleasure !! How lucky we are to be able to be a part of watching the development of that small little fur person.
March 16th, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Su Lin seem to sleep more than Tai Shan. Very seldom am I able to catch a glimpse of Su Lin when she is awake and down from the tree via panda webcam. Last month I flew to see her in person (I live in Florida). But she was still sleeping….adorable and soooo cute! Tai seems to interact more with his mom Mei, more playful and up and about more often. Does this have anything to do with the difference in gender or just their individual personalities? Anyway, they both are just as adorable and I am madly, crazy “in love” with them.
April 28th, 2006 at 8:29 pm
My class has been following the antics of Su Lin since September. We now have our own version of Su Lin and she travels home each weekend with a student along with a journal to record the weekend activities with our stuffed Panda. The children are delighted each Monday when “Su Lin” returns to school and the journal is read. They also are very excited when I receive the newsletter from the zoo and they hear about the real Su Lin. I have sent the website home to the parents and the children have the opportunity to watch Su Lin on the Pandacam. This is so exciting! I even had the opportunity to bring in some bamboo (about 35 ft high) so the children could see what Su Lin eats. As a matter of fact, my friend has a huge bamboo forest and certainly would consider giving some to the zoo if it is needed. I don’t know how we would get it from the East coast to the West!! Keep up the great work with the Pandas. It is so special.
September 17th, 2006 at 11:52 am
I have found that Bai Yun and Su Lin have the same temperment. Su Lin is definitely Bai’s baby.
With Hua Mai and Mei Sheng, they are their own Panda…but Su Lin seems to be like her MaMa…
Does anyone else see the resemblence in their personalities?
I am so blessed to be able to see the Pandas any time I want.
I love the fact that you allow us to share in the day-to-day life of these special animals.
Do you have visitors that are allowed to help with the Pandas? At the Wolong Zoo they do. You can even spend a day with one of the care givers and have a one-on-one time with one of the Pandas along with a care giver for a day. It is a week-long event that you can enjoy and learn more about our special creatures.
Thanks to all who take the time to care for these animals and all of the blogs that we can read and catch up on.
I have followed Su Lin from her birth and I will truly miss her when we wean and send her off to China.
I am looking forward to seeing your Pandas @ the Zoo soon.
Thank you once again
Lori Dean