New Digs
Posted at 9:36 am December 7, 2005 by Suzanne Hall
Bai Yun had a great afternoon yesterday, appearing calm and relaxed as she fed and napped in her new exhibit space. As a result, we opted to move the cub down to the lower den today. She's still behind the scenes, but she's one step closer to being on exhibit.
Keepers placed Su Lin in the den and put food items in front of the den to encourage Bai Yun to feed there. The hope was that doing this would allow Bai Yun to recognize that her cub was nearby, and would allow Su Lin to see that her momma wasn't far away. The cub began checking out her new digs immediately, sniffing walls and doors and rubbing her paws against the surfaces in the den. Shortly thereafter, Bai Yun joined her in the den.
Bai Yun didn't stay long, and left for a jaunt in the exhibit to find her breakfast. Su Lin continued to investigate the den for about 30 minutes, exploring every nook and cranny. Then she quietly fell asleep in a corner.
If she's relaxed and comfortable in her new space, perhaps the cub will begin tailing mom outside once in a while. The distance from her den door to the new exhibit is only about five feet, so you never know!
You'll now be viewing Bai Yun and Su Lin on cameras 4,5, and 6 (exhibit), 7 (bedroom), and 10, 19, and 26 (den).
Suzanne Hall is the panda research technician for the San Diego Zoo's Office of Giant Panda Conservation.
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December 7th, 2005 at 10:45 am
The new changes are exciting!
Hope to see the behavioral developments and new surroundings of these pandas soon!
I have yet to catch any activity other than Su Lin sleeping soundly in the den! Woe is me… must have poor timing.
December 7th, 2005 at 10:49 am
Oh, thanks, Suzanne. I was just wondering when Su Lin would be on exhibit, now I find out it will be soon. I'm hoping to get to San Diego in the spring, and would be thrilled to be able to see both of " my" cubs, Mei and Su, when we're there. In the meantime, I'll memorize those new camera numbers! — Kay, Redcliff, Alberta
December 7th, 2005 at 11:32 am
#1– I HAVE HAD YOUR SAME EXPERIENCE…EVERY TIME I PEEK IN SHE'S ASLEEP. I FINALLY CAUGHT HER ON THE NEWS YESTERDAY AND TO SEE HER MOVE AROUND…WE MISSED ALOT???? HOPEFULLY OUR TIMING WILL BE BETTER…YOU JUST WANT TO PICK HER UP AND SQUEEZE HER. I BET IT WON'T BE LONG AND SHE'LL COME SEE WHAT MOM IS UP TO..LITTLE DEVIL THAT SHE IS…
December 7th, 2005 at 12:21 pm
Bai Yun: " It's a beautiful day, little one, why don't we go outside?"
Su Lin: " But mom, the ground is hard and cold on my paws. It's scary"
Bai: " Just a couple of steps. I'll be right here. Let me help you"
Su Lin: " Scared, so scared"
Bai: " If we stay inside, I may need to bathe you for hours at a time. C'mon, I'll take you over to the soft green ground."
December 7th, 2005 at 12:56 pm
It's exciting to see Su Lin in her new digs. Just a few more feet and she'll be outside. Bai Yun seems determined to get the baby to follow her out. She carried Su so many times out of the den to give her the idea, and then carried her back in to see if she would follow. I kept encouraging her to take that last step over the threshold (yes, I am another one who talks to the pandas on the monitor) but she's still not ready. Maybe in a day or two. I am so enjoying reading everyone's comments and knowing there are so many others who love the pandas as much as I do. BettyB from Mass.
December 7th, 2005 at 1:06 pm
I'm delighted with the 'new digs'! I can see our wonderful pandas better than ever before. Got to see Su Lin sit up, walk and explore. Saw Bai Yun carry her in and out and even outside! By the way, #4, I really like your comments, thanks!
December 7th, 2005 at 1:22 pm
Love the new set-up - I've already notice Su Lin being much more active - and actually caught her outside with mom. Actually, by the time the camera caught up with them, Bai was dragging Su Lin back to the den. But… I can tell that Su Lin is intrigued by the new surroundings, and kept stepping outside. Mom didn't seem real thrilled with that - so they are now napping together in the den. So very sweet - would love to take a little afternoon nap with them - looks so cozy! XXOO my sweet bears!
December 7th, 2005 at 1:57 pm
Looks like a nice new home for them. I can't wait to see more of it and more of Su Lin as she explores.
December 7th, 2005 at 3:46 pm
A keeper just pet Su Lin. She/he touched the baby's head, grabbed her paw…
December 7th, 2005 at 4:14 pm
#4 your skit with Mom & daughter in conversation is sweet and possibly in Panda language that could be exactly what they might be saying to each other. If only these Pandas knew how much joy they bring to us each day, wouldn't it be great if they knew how to look into the Cam and give us a wave?
December 7th, 2005 at 4:50 pm
#10, I was interpreting what I saw on the pandacam just after noon today. A few minutes after I posted the comment, Bai gently pushed Su Lin out of the den and blocked the entrance until the toddler wiggled her way past.
December 7th, 2005 at 10:37 pm
C24 is so much better than the previous one. I can see them so clearly and they are soo cute..little one is playing with her Mom now!!
December 8th, 2005 at 12:09 am
Thank you #4 for sharing your lovely words with us. I can just imagine that conversation happening at the door of the den. As a new, proud Panda Mom (adoption), I wish I could share some of Bai Yun's cuddle sessions with Su Lin. Since she is pink, white and black, I'm going to call her The Peppermint Panda during December.
December 8th, 2005 at 5:42 am
I wish there was audio on the Cams. What noises do baby Pandas make?
I love watching this beautiful family in the mornings, they groom, feed and snuggle. It's fantastic to see the love and affection between mother and child.
December 8th, 2005 at 6:20 am
I am now an official panda " mom" for both Su and Tai…I'm so proud!!
I love them both to pieces, and I'm glad I'm able to watch them both grow up. Thank you both SD and NZ for allowing us to be a small part of their lives.
December 8th, 2005 at 7:29 am
I have the same problem quite a few of us have- I am on 24/7 (and am nicknamed the " panda stalker" ) and only ever see her snoozing!
December 8th, 2005 at 8:18 am
Is it possible to adjust the lighting on the video cameras? It is so dark that I can't see what is happening. It used to be better.
Thanks!
December 8th, 2005 at 9:50 am
A special hug to Dallas, one of the keepers featured in the Dec. 6 video. You always stand by during exams so attentively with such affection in your eyes. Tuesday when you lay down on your back so Su Lin could get onto the floor easily, I just cried. Thank you for your tender expertise and loving attention to our baby!
December 8th, 2005 at 10:42 am
I agree with #14, audio would be great. National Zoo has audio. It really is fun to hear Tai Shan respond to his Mom. For instance, sometimes she wants to wake him up. He grunts in such a way that you KNOW he's aggravated. He has a whole unique 'voice' when he's hungry, and so on. The audio isn't always the best, but worth listening to anyway. I'd love to hear if Su Lin hates 'bottom washings' as much as Tai does!
December 8th, 2005 at 11:12 am
#14, if you want to hear pandas, look at all the panda clips at the bottom of the videos page. You can hear newborn Su Lin's loud cries until Bai picks her up, then a happy sound when she starts nursing. Some of the exams also have other cub barks and squeaks (at least that's what I call them)
December 8th, 2005 at 11:52 am
Now that Bai Yun and Su Lin are in a new area (C 4, 5, 6), is Mei Sheng still on exhibit? I looked at the camera list and saw only Mei Sheng's off exhibit outdoor area.
We were there just last Saturday and saw Mei Sheng and Gao Gao. We're planning to come back soon when Su Lin is ready to meet her adoring public:) I hope to be able to see Mei Sheng again as he's my favorite!
December 8th, 2005 at 11:57 am
It's so cute to watch Bai Yun in the den with Su Lin. When she sits and bends over to fuss with Su Lin, it looks like she's trying to change Su Lin's diaper!
Bai Yun is a fantastic Mommy!
Once in a while she'd look up right at the camera and the expression she has on her face is lovely and priceless!
December 8th, 2005 at 12:04 pm
I think that now that the baby and mom are closer to the outdoor exhibit it makes it easier for Bai to be closer to Su Lin. Bai seems to spend more time with the baby, which is good, she goes to the den more often and stimulates Su Lin, which is great.. Su Lin is more active and ready to play with mom.. It was a great move. Thanks SDZ!
December 8th, 2005 at 12:08 pm
wah! just a moment ago, Su Lin was out in the exhibit area with Bai Yun! The people who are at the zoo today are really, really lucky! I wish I was there… instead, I am stuck in the office!!
Bai Yun was carrying Su Lin around, I think in one big circle around the exhibit area as if to introduce her baby girl to her adoring fans!
Today is also the day Tai Shan makes his debut in Washington DC!
December 8th, 2005 at 12:19 pm
Cathy (#21),
Unfortunately, we have only two exhibits to house pandas in. That means that, since our bears are housed separately, not everyone can be on exhibit at any one time. Mei Sheng has been on exhibit since July, so he is now behind the scenes.
December 8th, 2005 at 12:27 pm
It was very exciting to see today around lunch time (12:00 - noon) Bai Yun carrying Su Lin around the exhibit area… Very Exciting, and unexpected !! But I was disappointed to see that the minute Bai Yun took Su Lin back into the den for just a moment, the keepers had come out and were cleaning the area. How come ? Why not give it more time to see how many more times she would bring her baby out in the open for all to see ? Just curious. So happy I was able to see this !! Elaine - MDR, Ca.
December 8th, 2005 at 12:41 pm
I was excited that I just got to see Bai and Su Lin in the exhibit area (camera 4) for several minutes. The camera work following them around was great! And a big THANKS to Bai Yun for bringing Su out (I assume) and for carrying her all around the exhibit area, even on top of the lair, to give everyone a really good look at the little cutie! My life is so enriched by these adorable panda girls and guys. Thanks to everyone involved in bringing them into our lives.
December 8th, 2005 at 1:21 pm
How wonderful to see Bai Yun carry out little Su Lin today!! My sister and I, watching from Sweden, couldn't figure out whether they went out to the public exhibit area, it was too unexpected to be true! We are so lucky that we got to witness this huge step and, live!! Thanks for having the Panda Cam, we love it!
December 8th, 2005 at 1:29 pm
Su Lin is out! It was so exciting to see her peering at her fans. I wonder what was going on in her adorable little head as she encountered these unfamilar but enthralled non-panda creatures? I hope Mei can come back on exhibit soon. He'll be 3 years old next August and then going to China if I'm not mistaken. When he was a little cub he and Mom were on exhibit in the area close to the panda information exhibits near the Panda Shop. Maybe something similar can be configured so we can see all of the panda family. Thanks for all that you do!
December 8th, 2005 at 1:38 pm
I too have become a panda " stalker/lover," etc. and the viewing just keeps getting better and better watching Su Lin's daily progress! Whenever I leave the house to do errands, etc. (in other words, go to places where I don't have access to my pandacam), as soon as I get home, the first thing I do is sit down at my laptop and check on my sweet little girl and her adoring mom. Once that is done, then I firmly resolve to clean the bathroom or attend to things that have been ignored for far too long (such as my 3 dogs!)… only it is so hard to tear myself away from the pandacam. I need some kind of hat with a little pandacam screen built into it so I can at least accomplish SOMETHING while watching these beautiful creatures! Does anyone else feel like I do? All you SDZ people are terrific! Thank you!
December 8th, 2005 at 2:40 pm
I see that Bai Yun and Su Lin are in an exhibit area. But is that blocked off from the public? Is it the public or is it just employees that we are seeing on the cam. Either way they are lucky. And if so is Su Lin on exhibit already cause Bai Yun has done this before and it's not as big a deal with her? Thanks so much for the updates. I love knowing that there are others (many, many others) that are as crazy about pandas as me. I'm not the only one.
December 8th, 2005 at 3:30 pm
WOW!!! SU LIN IS UP FOR ADOPTION??? THERE SEEMS TO BE LOTS OF LEVELS OF PAYMENTS.. HAVEN'T FIGURED OUT IF IT HAS TO DO WITH WHAT SHE COMES WITH…FOR EXAMPLE DOES $25.00 JUST BRING HER WITH THE BASICS AND THEN FROM THERE IF WE CHOOSE THE HIGHER AMOUNT THAT WOULD START TO INCLUDE BAMBOO, RECIPE FOR BISCUITS AND PERHAPS OUR OWN CAM SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO SHARE HER WITH OTHERS??? NO ONE HAS COME FORWARD TO CLAIM HER ??? I GUESS SHE'S GONNA WIND UP IN MY DEN…I NEED TO BRUSH UP ON MY MAMA PANDA TALK. I'LL BRING HER BACK TO THE ZOO ONCE IN AWHILE TO VISIT HER BROTHER…IT'S A SHAME TO SEPARATE THEM…AND I JUST CAN'T IMAGINE WHY SHE'S UP FOR ADOPTION…????
December 8th, 2005 at 3:51 pm
Yes, as my sister mentioned (no. 28) we got to witness little Su Lin's first steps out into the " real world" today- what a treat! Big Mama Bai Yun literally dragged her out of the den!
Being able to follow these giant bundles of fuzzy joy is such a privilege and I can't thank the San Diego Zoo enough for sharing these special moments with the whole world. You guys are doing an extraordinary job, hopefully my sister and I will be able to come visit the pandas in the near future. Until then, the PandaCam will certainly be sufficient enough to quench our panda-thirst! 
December 8th, 2005 at 4:15 pm
Thank you for the great newest picture of Su Lin (on this page and panda front page.) Su Lin certainly knows how to pose for a great photo! She looks so lady-like! very clean. I still remember Mei Sheng's dirty fluffy smile (he got lots of grass on his face), when he was first out in the air! Let's call it the boy/girl difference.
December 8th, 2005 at 4:20 pm
I just watched the NBC news about " coast-to-coast competition of cuteness" of baby pandas. It is very cute and amusing. The lady in SDZ, Kay, proudly said, " But We have four pandas!" I can see the affection and proudness in her face! so lovely!
December 8th, 2005 at 4:36 pm
I guess I caught the second half of Su Lin's adventure today. It was so pandalicious to see her out there!! Su Lin seems to be extremely active every night around 10. I'd like to see her doing all the things she's doing late at night during the day outdoors. She's so cute! I'm already planning on driving down from LA to take a glimpse of her.
December 8th, 2005 at 8:32 pm
Coast-to-coast cuteness — not the best time to be in the middle of the country! Thanks be for the panda cams. We do have a baby Sumatran rhinoceros on cam (Cincinnati Zoo)– and bless her homely little heart, I'm sure her mother thinks she's adorable. But no chubby little black and white teddy bears within hundreds and hundreds of miles. Thanks to all the zoos for what they bring to our lives, and are preserving for lives to come. I loved watching Su Lin waddle over to Dallas and climb up to her shoulder, too, #18. So sweet. Just wouldn't be the same with a rhino, somehow…
December 9th, 2005 at 2:04 am
I also got to see Su Lin outside with Bai Yun. I guess she didn't realize how anxious her Mom was to have her outside and got the ultimate encouragement to go outdoors. I'm also lucky to be a night owl, because Su Lin seems to be one too and spends lots of active times in solitary play and with her Mom. Keep up the great care you're giving all the pandas, SDZ people–they all look so healthy and contented.
December 9th, 2005 at 6:03 am
Su Lin is precious! I can't wait to see her on Animal Planet! I am watching her every day, you guys are great owners because you raised a great mother (Bai Yun), and she is wonderful with Su Lin.
December 9th, 2005 at 7:49 am
What fun to watch Bai Yun keeping Su Lin from getting past her by blocking her gently with her arms and legs. Parents of active human babies can relate to those maneuvers!
The latest picture of Su Lin is the epitome of " a little bit of something very cute." What a sweet face! Also, seeing the keeper (Dallas?) caring for the pandas outside yesterday made me realize again how much we owe the bears' excellent health and pleasant dispositions to the loving care they receive from everyone at the SDZ.
December 9th, 2005 at 8:15 am
I've just fallen in love with a new bear! Gao Gao is such a sweetheart! I've never been able to see him in his bamboo-eating glory before. Thanks for the " introduction" to this adorable bear, Suzanne. I always look forward to " Fridays with Suzanne" .
December 9th, 2005 at 9:08 am
Was my adopted baby, Su Lin, hiding from Bai Yun this morning? Bai Yun was going all over the exhibit - pacing and pacing - round and round.
Now Su Lin is in the sleeping area and Bai Yun is in the exhibit area eating bamboo.
December 9th, 2005 at 9:27 am
The Panda Cam is the next best thing to actually being there at the zoo! Especially on Friday when we get glimpses of all the Pandas! I hope to see Mei Sheng:)
Today I hope that Bai Yun will bring Su Lin out again, my mouse pointer will be ready to capture the image in a post card!
I can't wait to go back to the Zoo!
Every time I post a comment, I must say an immense thank you to all the staff there at SDZ for taking such great care of all the animals and for sharing them with us through the Panda Cam. I have seen the video of Su Lin climbing on the keeper Dallas and was very touched at the tender loving way that she held Su Lin. Your kind loving heart shows through in the brightest way! especially to all of us who love Su Lin and all the Pandas so very much
December 9th, 2005 at 10:32 am
Mother and daughter are getting down to serious play. They were really going at it last night, Bai Yun did a somersault. Now they just need to take it outside. Bai Yun has been so patient and sweet in trying to coax her baby out of the den. The zoo should make a documentary on Bai Yun's parenting techniques.
December 9th, 2005 at 11:16 am
Thank you very much for changing Su Lin's picture. She looks so much like Hua Mei. They definitely look like sisters. I think panda girls look different from panda boys and their personalities seem to correspond to human girls and boys.
December 9th, 2005 at 11:46 am
to #37—so how do we get to check out your rhino cam. Whenever I check out Su Lin and she is sleeping, I just go to check out all the other cams. Have you seen Moose, the baby elephant, he's a riot to watch. Of course the pandas are the best but all babies are cute, just ask their moms. Even rhino babies.
December 9th, 2005 at 12:58 pm
OK scratch that last one of mine-she's huge! Oh, I could just walk in and squeeze her!
December 9th, 2005 at 1:14 pm
I'm so confused… Is the baby panda in the exhibit now?? as in, we can now go to the zoo and see her?
December 9th, 2005 at 1:32 pm
Thank you so much for posting the wonderful video of Bai Yun carrying Su Lin around the outdoor exhibit. Oh, to have been there when that happened. Tuesday's exam video was also great — particularly of Su Lin walking back to the birthing den after the exam was completed. She is walking quite well now.
December 9th, 2005 at 1:32 pm
Was that Su Lin playing outside with a big spool earlier? I actually managed to catch mom napping while baby was playing in the bedroom. Now that's a switch. Absolutely lovely photo of Su Lin on the pandacam page. Beautiful cub !
December 9th, 2005 at 4:13 pm
Hello! Thank You to all the team for being so sharing and gracious with us. You've let us into the precious, beautiful world of your pandas and your thoughts and recollections are like hearing from an treasured friend. Thank You for all the moments that will never be forgotten.
Arabella
December 9th, 2005 at 4:26 pm
Greetings to you kind souls. I am a working mother with 4 boys - ages 3 to 8 - and have just adopted Su Lin, we now have our girl in the family. You all are my saviours (!!) After dealing with work, the boys and a hubby who's been home from work for 6 weeks with a broken leg (whew) I have my Bai Yun and Su Lin time. I put my feet up, open a Hershey's bar and I'm sixteen again!
Forever thankful… Kelly
December 9th, 2005 at 4:30 pm
Bai Yun apparently is a much more experienced mother. You can see from today's video that she can easily carry Su Lin in her mouth and walk around. Mei Xiang, on the other hand, needs the help of her paw carrying Tai Shan when he was about the same size as Su Lin is now.
Just a little observation :=)
December 9th, 2005 at 5:54 pm
After watching the loving bond that has grown between Mei and Tai, I (sadly) can't help but wonder if her heart will be broken when her bundle of joy disappears in 2007. (Unfortunately, I never catch Bai Yun and Su Lin in similar moments, but judging from others' comments I know the love is there, too!).
December 9th, 2005 at 8:05 pm
I watched the video of Bai Yun carrying Su Lin into the viewing area. She really was carrying her all around. Momma just isn't comfortable yet with the newness. It was so sweet. Thank you so much for saving this video and making it available to us pandaholics. Perhaps it will be possible to save more videos of panda antics. It seems we watch and watch and Su Lin is sleeping or the sleeping area is empty so we go watch something else and then aren't watching when the action happens. I do watch late at night as it seems Su Lin and Bai Yun do a lot of playing then.
December 9th, 2005 at 11:05 pm
It was great to watch Bai Yun carry her little pink cub around and share her with the public. And I might add, it's great to see her actually pick Su Lin up and carry her..unlike the NZ mom, who drags her poor cub like he's too heavy to pick up. I've seen those bears pick up half a tree and carry it to a nice cozy spot to eat. Hard to believe that Tai Shan is too heavy for mom to pick up.
December 10th, 2005 at 6:10 am
Re Mei Xiang's problems carrying Tai Shan: since his birth, Tai Shan has been an assertive, willful little cub, very different from the gentler, more passive, and proportionally smaller even accounting for age difference Su Lin (and I don't know if the difference in the cubs' personalities is genetic, or whether it's because one is male and the other female). In any event, Tai Shan typically struggles mightily when Mei Xiang wants him to do something he doesn't want to do, biting, kicking, squealing, and squirming with the vigor that has made him such a good and quick learner when it comes to climbing. That's rather less cooperative than a large bamboo branch, isn't it?
December 10th, 2005 at 6:29 am
It is so neat to see the way each panda keeper interacts with their charges. This morning, someone was cleaning the bedroom and Su Lin was trying to interact with this lucky lady. This baby needs a playmate and it is neat to see her interct with others. It is still so amazing to me how fast Su Lin and Tai have grown. They are fun to watch.
December 10th, 2005 at 8:04 am
Had a blast yesterday (12-9-05) watching Su Lin & Mom play. Su Lin thought Mom was a chew toy. Playing with Mom's leg and Mom just shaking her off while she was eating. Have had a real fun time watching her develop. Watching the cubs grow up and develop has been a wonder.
December 10th, 2005 at 8:08 am
Hey #56 ease up on my awesome girl Mei. Tai is a HUGE cub, she would probably tear his neck up trying to lift his rolly polly cuteness around!
December 10th, 2005 at 9:31 am
Comment #56: Meixiang did carry Tai at one point, before he grew too big. Now she uses both mouth and paw to move him around. Cubs are more delicate than trees and I'd imagine it's difficult to pick up a 20-pound cub by the neck.
December 10th, 2005 at 11:10 am
Hmm…I find it hard to believe that someone would criticize a bear who is doing the best she can in the best way she knows how unless they had walked a mile in her paws!!
December 10th, 2005 at 11:20 am
One of the loveliest sights I have seen is that of Bai Yun carrying Su Lin around….whatta Mom she is!!! and, whatta baby she has!!!
December 10th, 2005 at 12:35 pm
A question about Bai Yun's behaviour. It's around 12:30 San Diego time. Bai Yun is carrying Su Lin out to the viewing area and touring around. I've noted that Bai Yun did the same over the last few days around the same time frame. Why? Thanks in advance for your explanation.
Cécile
December 10th, 2005 at 1:06 pm
Bai Yun did it again…and again…and again!!! I had a feeling she was planning on something when I saw her talking to Su Lin this morning. Kudos to the staff for great camera work! Once in between the outings, while sitting in the den, Bai Yun looked up at the camera with a look, " Are you ready for another one, folks?" I wonder if Bai Yun is going to make the noon-ish time for her daily outings for Su Lin. I took almost 30 screen caps!
December 10th, 2005 at 2:04 pm
Oh my, quite a day for Su Lin (and web cam viewers). Bai Yun carried her around the outside enclosure twice, that the web cam followed her. After the first trip, Bai appeared to comfort her daughter in the den prior to taking her out for a second time. The web cam then stopped following them, so don't know if they made more than the two tours.
It would be nice if flash photography were not allowed until Su is used to being outside.
December 10th, 2005 at 2:28 pm
Bai Yun is so beautiful. She is smiling even during her sleep. Oh, dear!
December 10th, 2005 at 5:07 pm
Cécile #64: They lock Bai Yun out of the exhibit area while they clean up and put out fresh food…around noon. That may have something to do with Bai Yun's timing.
December 10th, 2005 at 5:29 pm
Will San Diego Zoo produce a similar TV documentary on the births of all the panda babies it has successfully produced? I love watching many of the behind-the-scenes stories on Animal Planet today for the birth of Tai. Since SD has three babies, are we going to have a 3-hour TV program? That would be so cool!
December 10th, 2005 at 6:56 pm
I just watched a documentary " A panda is born" on discovery channel. Poor NZ has tried 30 years to get a panda baby! no wonder they are crazy about what they have right now! SDZ is certainly doing the best with 3 panda babies in 6 years!
December 10th, 2005 at 8:21 pm
Bai Yun certainly seems to be doing her best to encourage Su Lin to spend more time out of the den. Earlier today I saw Mom unceremoniously carry Su from the den upside down by one hind leg and plop her down on the bedroom side of the doorway. Su Lin was completely happy to continue sleeping, as if nothing had happened. Su Lin's and Tai Shan's personalities seem so totally opposite much of the time, it's amazing. Of course, Su does get energetic sometimes when she climbs all over Bai, and chews on her and swats at her. They're all totally adorable!
December 10th, 2005 at 8:32 pm
Re #56. Keep one major thing in mind. Not only is Tai MUCH bigger and more active than precious Su Lin, Bai Yun is a BIG girl. And she has had experience with 3 babies. This is Mei's first and Tai is definitely a handful. He would probably give Bai Yun a run for her money, as active and willful as he is. Bai Yun is my favorite mommy but she is older and more mature and has the mom thing down. Mei is still learning and doing a wonderful job. Both pairs are wonderful and it shows us how unique these pandas are.
December 11th, 2005 at 6:52 am
Bai Yun coaxed Su Lin to follow her out of the sleeping area but cam did not follow. Is anyone on the cam at 6:30 a.m. PST? This happens during the day also. Isn't it possible for a cam to follow them and see where they are going? Looked in on Tai Shan and he is rough-housing with his Mei Xiang as usual. When I'm really feeling deprived of my panda fix, I just sit and watch my screen saver rolling the six pictures of Su Lin over and over. Terrific close ups, I could almost reach out and cuddle her.
December 11th, 2005 at 6:57 am
OK, cam is now on Bai Yun in the exhibit area but where is Su Lin? Cam in exhibit area never zooms in so Bai Yun looks so small but then her back is to cam as she is eating bamboo.
December 11th, 2005 at 11:28 am
Bai Yun and Mei are both excellent mothers.
I was only noticing the difference in styles. I saw Bai Yun carry Mei Sheng when he was much larger than Tai Shan is now. It's all in their style of mothering. I don't believe it has anything to do with Tai's weight. Or in the strength of the mothers. It perhaps does have something to do with the terrain. Mei Xiang has a pretty smooth surface to drag her cub back to the den once they are down from the rocks. And perhaps she is more cautious of picking him up from her inexperience. Bai Yun has carried 3 cubs now. It's like a mom with 3 kids. The first one, you're afraid of everything. By the 3rd one, you know when to be afraid. 
December 11th, 2005 at 2:54 pm
Su Lin is outside and exploring her world under Bai's watchful eye. What a sweet picture!
December 11th, 2005 at 3:31 pm
Today again Bai Yun has brought Su Lin outdoors, sometime before 3pm SD time. After putting Su down, Bai sat and enjoyed her bamboo, while Su started again to hide behind shrubbery. She seemed so shy, but soon she came out from behind to explore the bamboo. She even climbed up on a rock! That girl's legs are really strengthening. When Bai stopped eating, she carried Su to many areas in the exhibit, almost as if to show her daughter how many exciting and beautiful things there are to see in this little part of the world. Bai even carried Su close to the visitors' path, as if to show all how proud she is of her beautiful cub. Now I hope the worrisome cam watchers will see that Su Lin is progressing very nicely in her development.
December 11th, 2005 at 3:45 pm
Bai Yun made us wait till 2:30 to see her bring the baby outside today, but it was worth the wait. Wish the camera could keep up with them though. I was yelling at my monitor, " What's happening, what's happening!" a couple of times.
December 11th, 2005 at 4:53 pm
It was so exciting to see Su Lin outside today in the sun-dappled exhibit. She seemed to be climbing and investigating and enjoying herself, with lovely Bai Yun watching her. Now both bears are fast asleep in the den and I wonder if the little one is dreaming of all the new things she did today.
December 11th, 2005 at 5:51 pm
It's Sunday and I was lucky enough to catch mom and Su Lin outside around 3:30 San Diego time! Was great. I even got a pic of Su Lin on the rock she was climbing on, and then mom carried her off in a couple different directions. I was hoping the camera would follow, but didn't. Did see a few heads of some lucky zoo goers that got to see it in real life!! What a beautiful pair!
December 11th, 2005 at 6:35 pm
Martha - comment #57 - It's interesting that Mei has such a hard time moving Tai when Bai Yun just picks up Su Lin like a suitcase. It looks like Mei grabs Tai by the side of the neck, and that looks uncomfortable for the cub. Mei needs to watch a video of Bai Yun carrying her cub — and she also might benefit from the Bai Yun/Gao Gao mating video. I watched the Animal Planet special on the DC pandas last night, and they need some mating instruction. Tai is certainly a cute fellow though. I read that he likes to chase the keepers out of his enclosure, so now they take toys in to divert him when he starts to chase them.
December 11th, 2005 at 9:39 pm
I was so proud of Su Lin this afternoon for climbing AND coming down the rock with no problem. She seems to be more and more comfortable both in the bedroom and outdoors. I'm looking forward to her spending more time outside the den.
December 12th, 2005 at 9:55 am
Su Lin is so precious…And daddy is huuuuuuge! And sleeping…The camera turned to him around 9:50 am…AND HE WAS SLEEPING!
December 12th, 2005 at 10:21 am
I am so enjoying watching Bai Yun and Su Lin in their new environment playing with each other and exploring; it's much more exciting than the old digs where it was hard to see what Su Lin was up to. I'm also enjoying watching Mei and Tai at the NZ and think she's doing a wonderful job as a first-time mom and folks should stop picking on her and just enjoy the fact that there's another little panda in the world!
December 12th, 2005 at 11:01 am
I am just happy to be able to see the two new little pandas in the world.. and two very different mothering styles.. they are both wonderful.. We shouldn't feel " offended" when people point out the differences of moms and cubs, it is just normal to compare them and appreciate them for what they are. We are so lucky to see them grow and interact every day. Thanks to both zoos for their hard work.
December 12th, 2005 at 11:50 am
It's just the sweetest thing! It's about 11:50 am and Bai Yun and Su Lin are playing - with mom on her back and baby crawling all over her. Bai looks like she loves her baby girl so much - and gives her big " bear hugs" whenever she can. It's just so sweet…
December 12th, 2005 at 1:12 pm
Su Lin is so shy. You can see her tentativeness whether to cross the threshold or not. The other day, she was playing in the bedroom hiding in the closet. Bai got her outside and carried her around so the viewers can see her. She also carried Su close up to the watchers. Mom is proud of her Su. But Su will adapt slowly — under her mom's watchful eye. They are so beautiful and little Su Lin fits her name. Bai is a wonderful, patient and loving mom. Thanks so much for giving us the opportunity to watch these great animals.
December 12th, 2005 at 1:50 pm
The keepers brought a tree trunk into the bedroom and placed it in the corner. I was wondering if it will be for Su Lin to practice her climbing. Tai spent quite a while this morning trying to climb all over the small stump in the exhibit. I was wishing he had a tree, but I suppose (from the hammering) that the outdoor area is still under construction.
December 12th, 2005 at 1:54 pm
wow.. I just discovered Su Lin's new photo gallery.. there are so many beautiful pics of the little panda doll.. =) I love it!
December 12th, 2005 at 2:49 pm
To #56. Mei is a wonderful mother. I work in social services and I can tell you that Mei and Bai have way better mothering skills than some of my clients. We human mothers go through all kinds of classes (lamaze, parenting, etc…) to learn to be good parents. Still many of us humans are unable to develop ability to bond with our babies the way I see the two panda mothers bond with theirs. Also, a good mother make sacrifices for her baby. How many of us are willing to be holed up for a few weeks with no food and water after we give birth?
Both Mei and Bai are way too precious to have flaws.
December 12th, 2005 at 3:34 pm
I too watched the SNZ " A Panda Is Born" on Animal Planet Saturday. It was so sad to hear that they had five cubs, before this, that did not live. Sooooo interesting. What a surprise to Mei Xiang when this tiny squeaking baby literally shot out and hit the wall. As a first time mother it took Mei a few minutes to get her act together. It was heart tugging when Mei was locked out when they were performing the first exam on baby and he was really fussing. Mei could hear him and searched and searched but she did not know where he was. The behind the scenes was very enlightening. Such an education for thousands of people who never experienced a panda before. I hope SDZ can put together something like this. I also hope SDZ saves some of those daily videos so us panda mothers can view them.
December 12th, 2005 at 4:09 pm
Bai has come into the bedroom several times this afternoon to check on a soundly snoozing cub. Didn't someone (Dallas?) say during an exam " waking a sleeping panda is like waking a teenager" ?
December 12th, 2005 at 4:18 pm
#91: Ellen of Poway CA: SDZ has two documentaries on their own panda wonder! One is about Hua Mei: " Hello World: Hua Mei's first year." One is also about how Hua Mei was born, but I forgot its title. The second one also has how SDZ people went to the mountain of Sichuan. It was a really cool one.
December 12th, 2005 at 7:51 pm
I loved the animal planet special " a panda is born" . I was blown away at how trainable and personable the pandas are! I admire all the people behind the scenes that were interviewed. Are the panda people at San Diego friends with the National Zoo people? Do you give each other advice and trade stories?
December 12th, 2005 at 8:02 pm
I like your idea Kay, (#69) but why stop at a tv show? How about SDZ produce a feature theatrical film on their 3 amazing babies? The penguins have their March of the Penguin, so I say it is high time the pandas get their due on the silver screen and at our local theaters. Wouldn't that just be incredible? Makes me giddy even to think of it….
December 12th, 2005 at 9:03 pm
After watching how frustrating it is to wait for the pandas to learn how to breed, I remembered once seeing an interesting piece of news on a Chinese news website. It talked about how Wolong tried to educate its pandas by showing them videos of other pandas breeding. I know it sounds too funny, but I remember the news said this method was quite effective. After " teaching" its pandas how to breed, these " students" succeeded too.
December 12th, 2005 at 10:07 pm
I loved " A Panda Is Born" so much. While I had been watching Tai grow under Mei's wonderful care on the cams, there was nothing like watching him on video from his rocket arrival to his current darling, daring escapades. The staff at National cared so much, and I laughed and cried through the entire presentation. While I love Bai and her sweet, beautiful little Su Lin, I think even Bai would have found Tai a pawful! After learning about the lost little ones at DC, I felt even more blessed looking at Su and Tai. How lucky we are!
December 12th, 2005 at 10:11 pm
I hope the Zoo is keeping a tape of panda observations. I assume that at least one video is recorded all during the day. It would be great to see some of the more interesting or funny antics of the pandas edited into a one-hour show. Some of my favorites were 1) Bai Yun finding the zoo phone in her enclosure, picking it up and knowing immediately to put it up to her ear, 2) Hua Mei getting her nightly bath from mom on mom's bed and slipping off onto the floor to hide when Bai Yun was distracted by scratching an itchy ear. 3) Bai's lesson to Hua Mei on getting bamboo from the ground up into a tree (really hilarious) - Bai made it as complicated as she could because Hua Mei woke her from a nap when she was having bamboo carrying problems. There are lots of others, too. This could be sort of an " America's Funniest Panda Videos" show. I still look at some of my screen captures and laugh at all the antics.
December 13th, 2005 at 12:31 am
Betty #81 - it's interesting to watch the different ways in which Mei and Bai move their cubs, isn't it? Don't forget, though, that Tai is almost twice the size of Su, about 22lbs at last count; he must be pretty unwieldy to carry, especially when he doesn't want to be picked up and taken away from something new and exciting that he has found to explore!
Ellen #91, thanks for your review of the Animal Planet programme about Tai; it isn't yet in our schedules here in the UK and I can hardly wait, so it was great to read a taster of what we can look forward to! SDZ made a video about Bai Yun's first cub, Hua Mei (I think it was called Hello World) that you might still be able to get from the SDZ shop online. It started with Bai Yun and Shi Shi's arrival from China and followed them right through to Hua Mei's birth and early months. It is unBEARably cute! Bai Yun is such a devoted mother. I remember her the first time Hua Mei decided to try and spend the night in a tree, Bai was in and out checking on her, looking like she was trying to coax her down and being a very concerned mummy.
These wonderful animals put a smile on my face every single day and it sounds like they do the same for panda watchers the world over - how fantastic is that?
December 13th, 2005 at 3:38 am
The 12-6 exam. I think I look forward to the exams as much as watching the panda-cam live. Today should be an exam and I hope it is Tracy that does the exam. I am sure that all the vets are great, but there is just such a connection between Tracy and her little charge. To see her and Dallas with Su Lin, it is wonderful. Tracy is more like that encouraging day care teacher that really works with her budding students and has as much fun as they do. Dallas looks like that mom that sneaks peeks into the daycare to check on her toddler while Tracy is examining her. It is just such a pleasure to watch them with her. And I could be wrong but Su Lin tends to complain less when Tracy is examining her than any of the other veterinary staff.
December 13th, 2005 at 5:10 am
I was wondering how Pandas in general react to humans. Are they aggressive or interested in interacting? As part of the bear family I am curious if Panda behavior is like other bears and are they feared by humans if they are encountered in the wild? BTW, like others, I am captivated by Bai Yun and Su Lin. Will be in SD 12/26-12/30 and plan to spend my time on Panda watch!
December 13th, 2005 at 7:38 am
I love watching your panda cam. It brightens my day. Keep up the good work, and I can't wait tell the panda gets bigger!
December 13th, 2005 at 7:41 am
SDZ could make a new documentary: " From Su Lin to Su Lin: 70 years of panda-ing!" .. how cool is that.
December 13th, 2005 at 8:48 am
Comment #98 Betty
Had you seen that [ Bai Yun finding the zoo phone in her enclosure, picking it up and knowing immediately to put it up to her ear] ? Had this really happened ? It's incredible !
December 13th, 2005 at 9:42 am
Su Lin is getting big! It seems that she is extra fuzzy, like her older brother Mei Sheng! I like the new setup. I am anxiously awaiting the day when Su Lin follows Mumma around!
December 13th, 2005 at 10:33 am
My life hasn't been the same since the 2 cubs were born. My productivity is really down…. Would love to see the old video of Hua Mei and Mei Sheng. If SDZ plans to compile these together, I would like to purchase them. I watched " Panda is born" program 3 times that night. Call me crazy!! Couldn't believe that Tai came out of Mei like a canon, WOW. Everyone was shocked..
December 13th, 2005 at 10:34 am
#103 - Eugena, I think you just coined the title for Heidi Fleiss's autobiography when she's older - isn't 'panda-ing' what she went to jail for
?!!
I'd just like to wish panda-maniacs everywhere a happy festive season, I'm sure we're all dreaming of a (black and) white Christmas. The fairy on top of our tree is a little plush panda, wearing angel wings that came from a craft shop! Most of the world would probably think my husband and I mad, but I know you will all understand…!
December 13th, 2005 at 10:53 am
Living on the West Coast, I may have a certain prejudice regarding the USA's two panda cubs; I'm a Su Lin fan! Here's a nice switch - at this moment Tai Shan and his mother are sound asleep, Su Lin's the active one! Thanks to all the panda keepers on both coasts!
December 13th, 2005 at 11:27 am
Our little beauty has been sleeping, centered in a ray of sunshine for about 15 minutes on the panda cam. She must be an angel.
December 13th, 2005 at 12:01 pm
To Loh #104 - Yes, that really happened! One night when the zoo visitors were gone, Bai Yun went out to her enclosure to sleep in the tree. Upon entering the enclosure, she immediately saw something yellow on the ground and went right to it. It was a zoo walkie-talkie phone that the keepers carry. Bai picked it up, studied the buttons then put it up to her ear and listened. Since there wasn't anything to hear, she studied the phone again and I guess decided she didn't know how to make it work, so she VERY carefully stood the phone on end and leaned it against the drinking fountain. I think this is insightful because she didn't just toss it down on the ground. She knew it was something she had to handle carefully. Pretty smart! She walked off and climbed her tree and one of the keepers made a mad dash out to pick up the phone and quickly retreat!
December 13th, 2005 at 12:23 pm
Comment #101….I read somewhere that there has been only one recorded attack on a human by a panda. That was at the Panda Reserve in China. A female worker slipped and fell down a hill and into a feeding panda. She came out with scratches on a leg and, I think, a bite on an arm. She was not sereously hurt. From what we see on our panda cams and films from China, it looks like pandas enjoy interacting with people. Personally, I feel like they are God's beautiful, gentle creatures. How lucky we are to be able to watch them.
December 13th, 2005 at 1:15 pm
Comment#109: YES! I saw that too! Wasn't that just magical?
Comment#110: Oh my GOODNESS! What a smart girl!!
You're so so lucky to have caught that moment! Hugs to Bai Yun - the cubs are wonderful and adorable but this girl's always been my favourite panda. 
December 13th, 2005 at 1:16 pm
Hi, I wanted to wish all of you at the Panda team many good things during this Christmas season, and also thank you for everything I have learned about Pandas this year. Our office really enjoys the web camera. Thanks again from The Law Offices of William Souza.
December 13th, 2005 at 1:17 pm
I sit here and smile at all the comments made by all my fellow pandamaniacs. I enjoy reading them when all is quiet on the panda fronts. I look to see who has new posts and if Suzanne has answered any of the many questions. While we have no color barriers on this forum, we still see things in black and white, panda-wise that is.
December 13th, 2005 at 1:42 pm
#100 - Ryannon - I totally agree with you about Su Lin's temperment when Tracy is examining her. The other vets are great, but Tracy just shows an extra amount of love to " our" precious baby. There is truly a connection there. I just loved when Dallas was on the floor with Su Lin. You can tell the staff just loves their jobs–who wouldn't?
December 13th, 2005 at 1:52 pm
I would loovvee to see what the people in the exhibit are watching… Could it be Su Lin sleeping in a cave?? Can't see… =(
December 13th, 2005 at 5:50 pm
I'm not sure if this is " stupid question amnesty day" or not, but I'll give it a shot. . .I was watching Bai Yun and Su Lin wrestling yesterday, and I just wondered if Panda Moms do some of the same things that Human Moms do? Like buzz tummies, tickle feet, etc? Or is the wrestling strictly a teaching tool for Su Lin? :o) Thanks!
December 13th, 2005 at 5:56 pm
#110 Betty - Thank you for your answer. After following the two mothers, Bai and Mei, raising their babies for months, I notice that they are pretty intelligent.
December 14th, 2005 at 11:17 am
Eugena #103 I agree this would make a terrific documentary. Hey guy's how about it? From Su Lin to Su Lin. Give Su Lin a hug for me….Kay, Oak Forest, IL
December 19th, 2005 at 7:04 am
Hi There. I am curious as to why you are letting Su Lin go on exhibit to the public this early. If I remember correctly, Mei Sheng had a " debut" and was not on exhibit to the public until he was close to a year old. Just wondering what is different this time around. Thanks a bunch!
December 20th, 2005 at 12:14 pm
Monday 12/19 and Tues 12/20 - noticed Momma Bear is pacing back and forth as if she is concerned about Su Lin. Is there another Web Cam showing Su Lin? And, it would be nice to have audio.
Editor's note: Please see the Weblog posted Dec. 13 titled " Panda Cam: Why No Audio?"