Panda Prep School
Posted at 8:37 am January 23, 2006 by Suzanne Hall
As Su Lin adapts to life on the " outside," she spends a lot of time exploring and investigating the many interesting things in her environment. It's only natural that she spend some time playing with bamboo as well. Bamboo is abundant in her environment, as keepers supply Bai Yun with fresh stock several times each day.
Su Lin seems to enjoy all parts of the bamboo in different ways. Sometimes she likes to play with the bamboo stalks, treating them like little sticks that she carries in her mouth and turns over and over in her little paws. She plays with shreds of culm, the remnants of the large, thick pieces of bamboo that are favored by Bai Yun. Perhaps the most endearing is when Su Lin chooses to sit side by side with her momma, mimicking her movements as she wraps her paws around bamboo leaf and stuffs it in her mouth.
As entertaining as all of this play may be, it serves a real purpose: it teaches Su Lin how to manipulate her future food source. Although right now she depends on mother's milk to provide her with all of her sustenance, she will need to learn to be a proficient bamboo feeder before she is weaned at about 18 months to two years of age.
Our volunteer corps of observers is on the lookout for the transition from milk to bamboo. This transition will be a gradual one. Currently, Su Lin can be seen holding bamboo stalk and carefully grabbing leaves, which she puts in her mouth. She bites the leaf a few times, then moves on to another leaf or stem to mouth. Soon, however, the leaf in her mouth will remain there for extended periods as she chews it to a pulp. After working on each leaf wad for as much as twenty minutes, she'll spit it out and grab another. Eventually, as her best bamboo-processing teeth grow in and her skill set improves, she will stop spitting out the leaves and try swallowing them from time to time. By the end of her first year we will be observing regular bouts of extended bamboo consumption from our little girl.
Improvements in bamboo feeding proficiency don't stop once the cub is weaned. For example, we have seen improvements in Mei Sheng's bamboo handling in the last year. Since these animals spend so much of their time working to ingest bamboo, you can imagine how important it is that they become really good at it. There is a real skill to managing this food source, and apparently it takes years of practice to become very efficient. I hope you enjoy watching Su Lin and Mei Sheng as they fine-tune their abilities!
Suzanne Hall is the panda research technican for the San Diego Zoo's Office of Giant Panda Conservation.
View giant pandas on Panda Cam.
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January 23rd, 2006 at 9:30 am
Thanks again, Suzanne, for the great info. Your descriptions are so good I can see Su in my mind's eye doing everything you say - I seem to always miss her active time on the Panda Cam. What a sweet and special little girl. Thanks so much and keep the great stories coming. Have a great day, Suzanne.
January 23rd, 2006 at 9:58 am
Hi! Thank you for keeping us updated on all the pandas. Are you going to continue to show videos of Su Lin's exams? I love watching them every Wednesday and have missed seeing these. Thank you!
j.nichols
Editor's note: As our panda cub continues to grow, she is becoming more independent and the opportunity to schedule weekly health exams has diminished. We will post video and new photos whenever possible. Thank you.
January 23rd, 2006 at 10:25 am
I just wonder if panda cubs were given the other plants, would they regard them as their toys and future food source ? I saw Tai Shan of NZ picking up small sticks then chewing them in his mouth like chewing gum.
January 23rd, 2006 at 11:09 am
Thank you for the very interesting and important information, Suzanne. I asked this once before and maybe I missed the answer - it's about the Giant Panda's teeth. I can hear the crunching as Mei Xiang (SNZ) eats the bamboo stalks. It seems that the constant chewing of this hard surface would result in a great deal of wear and tear on the teeth. How does this affect the Giant Panda teeth? Do the teeth wear down? Do the teeth continually grow (as in some other mammals)? Is the composition of the teeth different from human?, other animals?, and how? I am so concerned that older Giant Pandas may lose their teeth and have no way of sustaining themselves when transferred to the wild. We pandaholics have taken these Giant Pandas into our lives and hearts, so we do become concerned about so many things that affect their well being.
January 23rd, 2006 at 1:01 pm
I'm not sure if this question has been answered. What happens to Tai and Su after they return to Wolong? Do they eventually get sent out to the wild or sent back to mate and their cubs are the ones who are sent out? I'm worried that they might be too domesticated to survive. I'm so happy that our pandas here in the US are treated so well by our zoos. You guys do a great job. They must be in panda heaven!
January 23rd, 2006 at 1:07 pm
Thank you, Suzanne, for another one of your enlightening passages. Your descriptions are so accurate that I can see little Su Lin and her mama engaging in their favorite activities. I love your reporting. Thank you immensely.
January 23rd, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Watching Su Lin sitting next to her mumma and " play" eating bamboo is one of the most tender moments I have seen between these two; and there have been many!! It is just such a peaceful and natural thing to watch.
You all have my continued gratitude and thanks for sharing these pandas with the world.
January 23rd, 2006 at 2:15 pm
Thanks for the interesting blog. We don't have pandas at our zoo in South Bend IN, but it is nice to see them on zoocam. Su Lin is soo cute. Keep up the good work.
January 23rd, 2006 at 2:16 pm
I was thinking back, just a few months ago these 2 baby pandas were trying so hard to move around, from back to tummy and vice versa…trying so hard to get the hang of walking…here they are today climbing trees, rocks and such, both exploring their environment…a whole new world…they are so precious… so well taken care of…and loved…from their keepers out into the world and back to them…yes, we are so lucky to witness all of our pandas….
January 23rd, 2006 at 2:26 pm
Thank you, Suzanne, for your comments re " Panda Prep School." It was especially timely because we were able to see Bai Yun close up this afternoon, eating her bamboo. I always appreciate your updates and the camera close-ups that make us really see what is happening in real time. In the wild, pandas must have to use a lot of energy to find and then eat the bamboo. Is that one of the reasons why there are so few pandas left? " Our" pandas are really thriving because of the loving care they receive here. (;-)
January 23rd, 2006 at 2:32 pm
P.S. I forgot to ask– what are the best times to see Su Lin with her momma? I seem to miss tuning in during the times when they are together, eating, playing etc. Thanks…
January 23rd, 2006 at 3:37 pm
To #4, Ellen: Our family thinks about the dental health you mention a lot, because we are always so impressed with the impeccably-clean pearly whites of all of the pandas in DC and SD. We've actually researched a bit to see if our captive US bears get dental cleanings, or merely dental checkups; so far, it seems as if it's Nature taking care of their teeth–and not human intervention. In the dog world, a harder, more abrasive chew is considered beneficial in removing plaque and the growth of bacteria, and there are even special veterinary diets designed for just such hardness and tartar control. While I'm not a zoologist, it does seem that a diet of bamboo–which in flooring is considered to be as sturdy as steel–would provide an especially hard chew to polish those teeth! Add the fact that pandas have to eat so very much bamboo each day, and it would seem that our beloved bears get not only a beneficial chew in this regard, but a LOT of chew! That diet of bamboo may be poor nutritionally, but perhaps this is one way in which Mother Nature is actually safeguarding their teeth and their ability to nourish themselves successfully throughout life.
Thank you so much for the joy of seeing Gao Gao tonight! He's so beautiful!
January 23rd, 2006 at 4:30 pm
Thank you for all the information on bamboo–it certainly is enlightening.
Also, what a pleasure to watch the members of the handsome Panda Family today. I never get tired of seeing each of their beautiful faces and their individual mannerisms. They seem so contented.
January 23rd, 2006 at 4:41 pm
I have enjoyed watching Su Lin and her mom and also Tai and his mom. When if at all do they try to introduce them to their fathers or other Pandas? Also, I will be coming to the Zoo this spring, what is the best way to see Su Lin?
Thank you
Editor's note: Read Suzanne's blog called http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/index.php?p=158" >" Pandas Play Solitaire" to learn how we manage our pandas. Also, Su Lin should be on exhibit daily when you visit!
January 23rd, 2006 at 7:25 pm
Thanks for your fascinating reports on the pandas, Suzanne. I am trying so hard not to get excited because we have bought our plane tickets and will be in San Diego to see Su Lin and Mei Sheng (and Bai Yun and Gao Gao, of course) in mid-March. Su Lin is fascinating — she looks so small, but she's up there in the trees first thing every morning. I've been watching the Panda Cam every day since Mei Sheng was a baby, and I can hardly wait to see them in person. — Kay, Alberta, Canada (PS, I also miss the " vet videos" but I can see Su must be getting hard to capture.)
January 23rd, 2006 at 11:54 pm
Thank you for the wealth of information on this site. The panda cam is such a blessing! Just wanted to comment that at 9:53pm Hawaii time (you are two hours ahead), I observed Momma eating in the exhibit area. What a pleasant surprise! I log on at different times to see what the pandas are up to. Again, thank you for a valuable site.
January 24th, 2006 at 7:06 am
Are there still weekly exams? I miss so much the weekly updates on the News, Videos and Photos.
Editor's note: As our panda cub continues to grow, she is becoming more independent and the opportunity to schedule weekly health exams has diminished. We will post video and new photos whenever possible.
January 24th, 2006 at 7:27 am
I noticed this morning that Bai Yun was pacing back n' forth quite a bit when she was on exhibit. Was she aggitated ? Also she had twice knocked little Su Lin off of a branch. Was this her form of play with Su Lin ?
January 24th, 2006 at 8:30 am
Thanks for the information. It is fun to see that Su Lin is a little " tree girl" while Tai, the pudgy boy, a big " tub boy." He just loves sitting, playing, sleeping in his tub. So adorable… LOVE YOU BOTH…and KISSES!!
January 24th, 2006 at 8:44 am
I love all the pandas equally, but has anyone ever seen a more handsome guy than Gao Gao? I know for a fact that he just turned and smiled at me!!! LOL
January 24th, 2006 at 9:15 am
I saw a close-up of Su Lin sleeping in the tree yesterday. She's a beautiful little girl! If the word " peace" could be captured in a photograph, the image of the slumbering Su Lin yesterday embodied it.
January 24th, 2006 at 10:17 am
#18.- I have seen Bai Yun doing that (knocking off Su Lin) at least twice before.. I've noticed that it happens when she's pacing back and forth for some reason.. Maybe waiting for her snack. It's a good thing that Su Lin spends so much time up in the tree, just in case mom gets a bit cranky.
January 24th, 2006 at 10:28 am
Thanks for showing our precious Gao Gao. I'm glad he is back on exhibit so that people can see him in person. He is just so adorable and has the sweetest face. I wonder if he sleeps on the ground because he doesn't like to climb?
January 24th, 2006 at 10:34 am
Ditto!(#20) If he were my Daddy I would be so proud! He seems so content and secure whether he is eating or sleeping! Su Lin and Mei Sheng are so lucky to have such beautiful and endearing parents. We are so lucky to be able to share all of these precious moments with such magical creatures. Thank you to all involved with their care and to all who make our cam visits possible! Luv, Judy J
January 24th, 2006 at 11:47 am
#12, Candace: But wait! He was smiling at ME! LOL The way he eats his woody stalks from the very end makes him look like he's using a long cigarette holder–and then grinning at us like a dapper young gent! I know he has plenty of smiles to go around! Gao Gao is a wonderfully valuable treasure, and it's clear that he has a lot to smile about! (Including looking at us both!)
January 24th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
Poor Su Lin. I also saw Bai Yun knock baby out of the tree. It looked deliberate, like mom was mad about something. I know there were a couple of times she picked Su Lin up in her mouth and carried her off camera, but here baby came trotting right back behind mom, so mom would have to take her off camera again. I thougt maybe Su Lin was being a little unnerving for Bai Yun and that was why mom was a little cranky with her. Most excitement I've seen in a long time!!
Keep up the good work!
January 24th, 2006 at 1:10 pm
Candace and Christine! Oh no, no, no, you've both got it all wrong! You see Gao Gao (my big daddy mac) was smiling at MEEEEEE! Oh, how we love him. Isn't it crazy?
January 24th, 2006 at 1:46 pm
#19–I don't see Tai Shan as much as I see Su Lin, but he never seemed to sleep in a tree. So this morning I was surprised when I saw him maneuvering on a tree branch and then finally falling asleep there (although he didn't look really comfortable). I assumed he'd done this before, but the NZ site says this is the first time they've noticed him doing it. Maybe he's taking a cue from his high-flying cousin! I also found it interesting that he seemed to move around the tree branch with abandon, kind of flinging himself into different positions (of course the branch was not very high off the ground). That's different from the careful, intense climbing that Su Lin has done for the past few weeks.
January 24th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
Candace, Christine, and Holly, actually all of you are wrong. Gao Gao is the sweetest bear and his heart belongs to Bai Yun. His smiles belong to her. *smile*
January 24th, 2006 at 2:39 pm
It's a Gao Gao love fest!
During my last visit to the zoo, I noticed that Mei Sheng is still working on his bamboo handling skills.
The other night, around 11 pm, Su Lin and Bai Yun were outside playing as usual. Su Lin would climb up on top of the log by the pool. Once she's on the log, Bai Yun would knock Su Lin off with her paw. Su Lin rolls on the ground, rushes back and climbs up on the log, Bai Yun knocks her off… This went on and on. Funny girls.
January 24th, 2006 at 3:56 pm
RE: #30 - that has to be one of the silliest games I've heard described - but they must enjoy it, or Su Lin wouldn't be so eager to climb back up, just to be knocked off, again and again. I also saw Tai Shan early this morning climbing on a tree - which was the first time I had seen him do that - and the view was from behind - which was extra cute because he is so chubby. I just can't get enough of our little girl and her baby cousin. They are just such a treat to watch. Thanks so much!
January 24th, 2006 at 4:36 pm
Tai's first day outside, he went pretty much straight to the tree limbs..he was up on them in nothing flat (several feet off the ground). Mei tried her best to get him down, but he held fast. Have you noticed the difference in the types of trees in DC's exhibit vs. Su Lin's tree? I think that, and the fact that NPZ are first-time panda parents, is the reason they are a little protective. I'm sorry you don't get to see him much, he's absolutely adorable, active and fun. I'm on the other end of the stick, I don't seem to catch Su Lin doing anything but sit in the tree. All the pandas are so precious!
January 24th, 2006 at 5:17 pm
I think that Bai Yun's pushing Su Lin off the limbs is either a social ritual and/or a method of training, because Mei Xiang has been doing this with Tai since 12/22, the first day he ventured outside. Mei is much more playful and often pulls Tai down from a branch into a big bear hug and then nibbles him like corn in social play, but she nevertheless continues to put this kind of instructive monkey wrench into his progress quite consistently. Just this morning, Tai not only made his tree-sleeping debut, he seemed to be climbing upside down for the first time along his branches. Just as I was realizing that this was a new skill, along came Mei–and ran her arm right between his pudgy paws and the branch, causing a big Tai 'plop' to the ground! If this behavior is consistent between two such different moms as Bai and Mei, I'd bet that it's a deeply-ingrained instinct to train cubs not to be distracted. After all, suffering a fall in mom's proximity would be a much less dangerous thing in the wild than " learning the hard way" and falling into the hands of a hungry predator.
January 24th, 2006 at 6:54 pm
Just over a week ago I finally went to the national zoo to see the pandas in person. Both Mei Shang and Tian Tian ate a lot of bamboo when I was there. After waiting a long time I finally got to see Tai Shan walking around when he woke up from a long sleep!
January 24th, 2006 at 9:16 pm
It was indeed great seeing Gao Gao today. He's such a unique looking giant panda. His facial features are so much more modest than most bears. Why is that? Stunted growth?
January 25th, 2006 at 12:33 am
It's past midnight and I just checked in to see what is happening. Momma just started a midnight snack of… guess what?? (Okay, Panda Chorus … all together: " It's the family favorite –bamboo!" ) I wonder who will win this year's trophy for the most hours spent eating in one day, Beautiful Bai Yun or Sweet Gao Gao? (;-) Good thing there's a steady supply at the zoo in San Diego and the Wild Animal Park.
Bai Yun was pacing around and around the exhibit this afternoon, as if to say, " Where is it? I have to make some more milk for the baby."
January 25th, 2006 at 6:56 am
Boy! Did I ever open a can of worms!! LOL Gao Gao's heart may belong to Bai, but I'm beginning to think he is a sweet flirt….an easy thing to be when you are as handsome as he.
January 25th, 2006 at 7:02 am
I have been looking at Su Lin every day and I noticed that she spends almost the whole day on the tree, even when it is dark. Why is that? Sometimes she looks like she is a little sad panda. I do not see her mother taking care of her as she did before. Could you answer why? Is Su Lin as strong and healthy as Tai is?
January 25th, 2006 at 7:26 am
RE:#22, #26 -Glad to know I was not the only one noticing Bai Yun knocking Su Lin off the branches and not to mention carrying her off exhibit. Maybe you were right and Bai Yun was just waiting for her morning snack. In any case, she looked like she was not in the mood. =)
January 25th, 2006 at 7:30 am
Hello Suzanne and everyone, Wow, it ages since I have posted here, but I haven't missed a day of our Mum and Babygirl though hee hee !!. Suzanne, once again thank you so much for the latest information. I have seen some of the copying/learning feeding going on and it tickles me pink. I have missed posting so I hope to be back as much as I can now.
Just a little personal message from me to everyone out there who inquired as to our baby penguin, Toga. I asked for the latest update from a keeper I met, but she told me definitely no news at all. I don't want to think of anything, so I am imagining him in a safe haven. Thanks to you all for caring.
Valerie Warburton - UK.
January 25th, 2006 at 9:58 am
It has been a joy to be able to see the boys! My morning is complete when I have been able to see all four of our marvelous Pandas. I adore them all! Thank You Luv, Judy J
January 25th, 2006 at 11:38 am
Thank goodness for the Panda Cams. I have had the most hellish of mornings in the lab that caused me to be very angry. Now I am back in my office and am able to sit down for a moment to watch both the SDZ Panda cam and the National Zoo cam. The image of Gao Gao sleeping on the ground is extremely soothing. Seeing Tai Shan playing with his Mommy also put a lot of things into perspective for me. I can feel my anger dissolving thanks to these wonderful bears. I do love them more than I can articulate. They've come to mean a lot to me and the impact they make on my day-to-day life is most profound.
Thank you for having the Panda Cam up and working everyday. I think I would need a lot of therapy otherwise!
January 25th, 2006 at 11:48 am
Whom are we watching…Gao Gao or Mei Sheng? I can't tell them apart, and I know they were to be switched every week on Tuesday. I love seeing Mom and baby, but Mei Sheng has a special place in my heart as " first born/watched." Just wish I knew whether it was him or Gao Gao. Doesn't matter though, they're all sweeties! Thanks for the great Panda Cams and blogs. Kathy C
January 25th, 2006 at 12:28 pm
I enjoy your updates, but when will you be posting Su Lin's current weight? I know she is becoming a handful but I love the updates and doctor's notes, and pleeez a current picture would be so nice. I have watched her climb the trees and I find it awesome, thanks ,but the pictures really show how big she really is becoming.
Editor's note: Su Lin's latest weight information (taken today) can be found on our http://www.sandiegozoo.org/news/panda_news.html" >Giant Panda Birth News page. A new photo will be available tomorrow.
January 25th, 2006 at 1:09 pm
Valerie, I was thinking about little Toga just the other day and wondered if there was anything new about him. I agree with you. I just imagine him in a very safe and comfortable haven. But I heard the parents are getting ready to nest again, so I hope they have another baby to make them happy. Thank you SDZ for having this weblog so that the panda, etc admirers can communicate with each other.
January 25th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
According to a news report I read yesterday, Toga's parents have an egg that should hatch in about 40 days. No doubt they will have 24 hr protection for this baby. God bless little Toga.
Can't wait for the new photo! Thank you for being so reponsive to our pandamaniac needs!
January 25th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
#43, Kathy — I think it is easy to tell Gao Gao and Mei Sheng apart. Look at the head–Gao Gao's ears are much farther apart and the top of his head is more round–and also his left ear is about half the size of his right ear. Mei Sheng's shoulder stripe is very narrow, and his ears stick straight up from his head.
#36, Cathy –I wonder who would win the trophy for most hours watching the panda cam in one day? I'm glad no one is keeping score . . .
January 25th, 2006 at 2:59 pm
#40 Valerie-It is so sad that Toga was never found. Nothing will ever replace that baby, but I did hear on CNN the other day that the parents have another egg due to hatch in about 40 days. So at least the future for them should be brighter. I didn't see Su Lin at all yesterday–that high-climbing girl can certainly make herself scarce! I also got to see Tai Shan sleeping on a tree branch yesterday for the first time. Must have been more comfortable than it looked since he stayed there for more than an hour. #43 I think a good way to tell Gao Gao and Mei Sheng apart is by the ears–Mei's ears stand almost straight up while Gao's ears go out more to the sides of his head. Also Gao's left ear is smaller due to an injury that brought him into captivity at 6 months of age. Thanks again (and again and again) to the zoos' staffs for caring for our beloved and loving pandas–and all the other animals too.
January 25th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
Sounds like Su Lin is quickly gaining on her cousin. He used to be so far ahead of her and now it seems she is right on track weight wise. They both are so cute and it is fun to see their personalities showing through on the cam.
January 25th, 2006 at 3:25 pm
To Kathy C (#43): for me it's usually easy to tell Gao Gao from Mei Sheng. Gao Gao has the one very damaged ear, so if I see 2 intact ears then it's Mei Sheng. It was Gao Gao I saw this morning with the ear & a half.
January 25th, 2006 at 7:49 pm
#49, Tahilia: I wouldn't be so sure that Su Lin is catching up to Tai! His last weight of 28 pounds is not only 50% more than her new weight, but it's now nearly 3 weeks outdated! He has been looking just enormous lately, and sometimes from the rear, it's hard to tell him from his mother! LOL We've actually been assuming that his weight gain might slow down because he has to use his caloric intake to keep himself warm enough here in our northeast winter weather; however, his whole frame has suddenly taken on a " big bear" look, one which suggests considerably more weight! I marvel at how rich the mommies' milk must be to completely sustain cubs of this size without harm to their own health! Aren't they just amazing in every way?!
January 25th, 2006 at 9:45 pm
As much as I love watching Bai Yun and Su Lin, it has been a real joy seeing so much of the boys this past week or 2. I am starting to see a family resemblence between Mei Sheng, Su Lin, and older sis Hua Mei. Add me to the list of girls whose heart is stolen by Gao Gao, LOL. It is so cute to hear that Mei Sheng is still perfecting his bamboo-ing skills.
Also, on Toga's parents, I am very happy that they will have a new baby soon. Nothing will ever replace Toga, and I do hope that whomever the culprit is, they are caught and dealt with harshly. Good to know that they now have 24/7 surveillance to prevent this happening again.
January 29th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
Thank you so much for keeping us informed on little Su Lin's progress. I do miss seeing new pictures of her, the last one posted in from December. It would be great to see some new ones.
Editor's note: Su Lin's latest photo, taken January 25, can be see in our http://www.sandiegozoo.org/news/panda_news.html" >Panda News section.
January 30th, 2006 at 7:11 am
Su Lin does appear to be very fond of her tree. What's the best time to see her interacting with Bai? I never seem to catch them together.
January 30th, 2006 at 6:40 pm
Debbie, I seem to have the most luck catching Bai and Su late at night, usually between 10 pm and midnight California time. I am often treated to their wrestling matches, and Bai's hugging and cuddling her lil panda girl. Sometimes she will hold her daughter and just gaze up toward the sky, like she is the happiest mom in the world. Tooooo precious!
February 10th, 2006 at 12:43 pm
I just wondered if Su Lin and Mei Sheng will eventually play together?