Reading the Signs
Posted at 9:46 am July 19, 2007 by Suzanne Hall
How do we predict a birth window for Bai Yun? Shall we use tea leaves, chicken bones, or read it in the stars? No, the latter options may be far-fetched; but the first item, leaves"¦ well, there may be something to that! Of course, in the case of giant pandas, we are talking bamboo leaves.
The first sign we had that something was happening with Bai Yun was a reduction in bamboo feeding. Keepers routinely monitor all of our pandas' bamboo consumption by weighing the quantity fed to them and then weighing what is left behind when they are done eating. The bears routinely consume between 6 to 11 kilograms (13 to 24 pounds) of bamboo daily. When Bai Yun's consumption began to drop in early July, we became aware that the clock had started ticking, as this is a first indicator to us that she is experiencing pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. As time progresses, the bamboo consumption continues to drop, and as of yesterday she is eating a little more than 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) daily. Her appetite for biscuits, yams, and apples has also been waning of late. This pattern of decreased appetite is consistent with that seen in Wolong females, with whom most of our research into pregnancy and maternal care has been conducted.
Our veterinarians have moved Bai Yun into a routine of daily ultrasounds. This is predicated on the fact that they have seen some changes in her uterus, including a thickening of the uterine wall. Such physiological modifications to the womb environs are necessary to support a fetus. A word of caution, however: Bai Yun experienced similar uterine changes in 2001 and 2002, years in which she did not give birth.
Our hormone results are in, and we know that Bai Yun has experienced the progesterone rise that probably signals implantation in a pregnant female. If she is indeed pregnant, all of these indicators together can help us project a birth date. I mentioned previously that behavior projections indicate the second week of August. Current ultrasound evidence is fairly in line with this, and hormone evidence suggests a bit later. The real kicker will come when ultrasounds allow vets to measure a fetus and watch it develop over a few days; in doing this, they can chart any fetal growth against the growth recorded in Mei Sheng and Su Lin in utero. With that data, we can refine our birth window to within a week.
As we are little more than two weeks out from the behavior window for birth, we are in the final stages of planning for it. Staff is being lined up for a 24-hour birth watch, set to begin about one week prior to a birth. Behaviorists are dusting off their " twin protocol" in the event that we have more than one cub; this is a study we have had waiting in the wings for some time but have not had the opportunity to employ. The " quiet zone" around the Giant Panda Research Station will be extended, and many common Zoo maintenance activities will cease around the bears. This is important to keep Bai Yun as calm as possible to ensure a smooth birth. Everyone is getting ready for the big event.
That is, if there actually will be a big event. Will we ever be able to know for sure? I think so. We just need Bai Yun to leave us a few more signs.
Suzanne Hall is the senior research technician for the Giant Panda Conservation Unit of Applied Animal Ecology/CRES.
Listen to our new iZoofari Chat: Giant Panda Pregnancy Watch, with Suzanne Hall.
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July 19th, 2007 at 10:05 am
How exciting to think that Bai Yun will possibly give birth again this year. Do hope it is not a false pregnancy like Mei Xiang in D.C. You are so gracious at sharing your knowledge with us pandaholics! Can't believe that it has been 2 years since I started watching Tai Shan and then 6 weeks later, Su Lin.
July 19th, 2007 at 10:06 am
Thank you, Suzanne, for the current posting! We know you must be VERY busy now and appreciate these informative 'fluff' and 'junk science' reports we get from the staff! After reading and watching the Cam since '99 and Hua Mei's birth, I'm still not bored and continue to learn!
Good luck to Bai and the staff in the next few weeks!!!
July 19th, 2007 at 10:39 am
Suzanne, I prefer a Ouji board myself {couldn't resist} For right now only Bai knows for sure and she's not telling. Every time I have seen her lately she has this serene look on her face and she want's to say, I know something you don't. She has given us so much and her offspring are hope eternal for the future of the species . So Bai whenever your ready we will be waiting. to all my fellow pandaholics start pacing, eat nervously, read the blogs more often and lastly WAIT. Happy Keepers Week Suzanne
July 19th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Hi Suzanne…..
I read with interest your 'Reading the Signs' - as you explained everything appears to be on course for yet another successful pregnancy, fingers crossed everything will progress as intended.
Yesterday,18th July at approx. 14.21(pm) I noted Bai relaxing on C15 and thought I have seen this 'laid back position' on previous occasions when Bai was pregnant - she was 'smiling' and had that look on her face that said why the concern? I have already 'been there - done that' !
I am keeping my fingers crossed for all concerned that this is the prelude to yet another successful pregnancy.
If it was not meant to be, c'est la vie - we will all still love you Bai Yun.
I note that Bai now has access to C17, happy days, 'in my mind' I recall the area well, for several years I have been an 'outsider looking in' from the UK, thanks to SDZ and Hua Mei I became an early pandaholic.
I follow Hua Mei with interest and am very proud that Hua Mei has honoured you with her third set of twins, but then she always was one very special lady.
Su Lin is certainly progressing in leaps and bounds and has given us some excellent viewing of late.
As she develops, purely from pics via the PandaCam, I think that both Su Lin and Mei Sheng are developing a similar profile to their dad Gao Gao ?
Good Luck to Bai Yun and thank you to all concerned with her welfare.
Kind regards…….
July 19th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Now that's a very informational blog, and very much appreciated…as we all await word of an ultrasound sighting! I managed to view Hua Mei's twin babies…Wow…they ARE small. I'm amazed that the keeper was able to hold both, while it appears she is doing so on Hua Mei's (belly) body! Are we in the US as easily able to be that close to the mom's?? Another aside, I have been following the Berlin baby polar bear (Knut) and his rather startling rearing by (human) his keeper. These bears (pandas and polar) are remarkable animals. I must admit, that pandas are 'cuter' longer, than the polar cubs, as the latter grows into a predator and cuteness would not be helpful in gathering food. Back to work =-)
July 19th, 2007 at 11:09 am
While I am sovery excited about the possibility of another cub :), Bai Yun has given us so much already and I will love her no matter what.
July 19th, 2007 at 11:36 am
I am SOOO excited!! And the people in the office here expect me to work? Ha! I'm on a baby vigil here!
July 19th, 2007 at 11:39 am
I have been a pandaholic since I lived in San Diego. I was a resident there for the births of Hua Mei and Mei Sheng. Thank goodness the PandaCam allows me to continue my adiction from Denver. There will never be another panda as special as our wonderful mommy, Bai Yun.
July 19th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Well, you guys, you have a lot going on over there! I am really hoping and praying that Bai Yun will have a baby panda this year. She just happens to be the only mama panda left to give birth right now! Lun Lun at Atlanta Zoo is still taking care of 8 month old Mei Lan, so she won't be having anything to do with another pregnancy for another 1 1/2 years! Ya Ya at Memphis Zoo lost her baby about a month ago. And, Mei Xiang had a false pregnancy, dashing any hopes of a baby panda there! Bai Yun is our only hope! I did notice Bai laying down on a platform indoors last nite on the pandacam. She just looked so contented and not letting any of this baby excitment get to her! Only she knows what's up inside of her, and like you said on your blog update, she'll give it up when there are positive signs of a baby inside of her. Have fun on your 24/7 birthing watch (staying positive here!), you all! Give Bai Yun a big good luck hug from all of us panda lovers, ok? She's been successful giving birth already a couple of times, so she's very good at this! And, you have the records to prove that. Keep us informed on a daily basis or as often as you can so that we can stay informed of Bai's progress!
Thanks,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
July 19th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Suzanne, if Bai Yun has twins how long could the interval be between births? Could they be born one right after the other? If one is born do you wait a certain number of hours before you stop looking for a second one?
July 19th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
BayWatch….BaiWatch
from now all pandaholics will be reporting on happenings on their 'watch'
At 13.30 SDZ, on C11 Bai is contemplating an executive decision which she will reveal when she is good and ready.
From the expression on her face it could something positive.
July 19th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Excited to hear news of Bai. Just been on Wolong Panda Club and Hua Mei has had a third set of twins!! Visitied from Scotland in 2003 and saw Hua Mei. Hope to see her brother or sister in 2009.
July 19th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Ok…I'm going to ask an extremely selfish question.
If there is a birth around the second week of August, does the whole exhibit and nearby areas shut down? I am visiting San Diego (specifically to see the pandas) from August 12th - 17th. If Bai does give birth will Su, Gao and Mei Sheng still be on exhibit and be available for visits? Please say YES!!! Pam From Rhode Island
July 19th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Is it possible for you to give me the website for Hua Mei's panda cam? Kathy in Ohio talked of seeing the twins…would love to do the same. Thanks.
July 19th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Michelle #10,
When twins are born, they are usually born within minutes or a few short hours of one another. However, there have been scattered cases of twins being born about a day apart.
July 19th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Dear Suzanne,
Thank you for this update. Yesterday when I viewed Bai in the round nest area and watched her lifting the straw(?) and replacing if after sniffing or tasting(?) it, I was thrilled! Did Bai create her nest? I noticed there appears to be a small door or window at the rear of the circular area. Too small for Bai; however, is it there in case she does have twins and you dear Panda People would be able to access the babies one at a time as they are doing in China? I am looking forward to August! Speaking of August, will there be a 2 year old getting a special treat? It is my hope that the celebration for Sweet Su Lin will not be too noisy…I want Bai to have her long naps
Thank You All at the SDZ for your fine updates and Fabulous Care of your Furry Celebrities!!
Sincerely,
Bobbie Wood
July 19th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
This postive news for a possible pregnancy is too exciting - how can all us panda lovers wait another 2 weeks for a cub or 2. But know SDZ has a proven winner in Bai. Thanks Suzanne for taking time to keep us all posted.
Maureen
July 19th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Thanks for the update ! this is definitely NO " junk science" (comment 56 on previous post) ! we pandaholics are preparing aswell for the big event.
July 19th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Baiwatch… Baiwatch…
19th July, 18:30pm (SD time) : Bai Yun is laying in the birthing den and she is munching on bamboo sticks. how lovely to see her back in her birthing den !
July 19th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Suzanne, thanks for a very informative blog.
Have you noticed that Bai Yun's close-up camera view watchers have a common thread? We all think that Bai has a serence " smile" on her face like she knows something we don't. Hopefully she has yet another first in store for all of us. TWINS! If Hua Mei can do it three times, it would be a great way for her mother to potentially end her breeding/birthing years.
I read that there were 3-4 hours between Hua Mei's latest twins' births. When Lun Lun delivered Mei Lan last September, I recall reading that they waited over 24 hours before they determined that she was definitely not giving birth to two cubs. As Michelle #10 asked, how long do you wait before you determine that there is only one cub. As I recall, Bai Yun was pregnant with 2 cubs when Mei Sheng was born, and possibly with Su Lin, but only one cub was actually born. The others seem to have been reabsorbed by her body prior to delivery.
How close to delivery is the last possible time that you would actually see a cub in utero? I have heard of human twins where one of them managed to hide until just before birth, or birth. Is that possible in pandas as well?
It is too early for a cub to be born this week, but what a great Zoo Keepers' Week " gift" that would be. Best wishes on your 24/7 watch. There is much to get ready for, procedures to brush up on, and the twin protocol must be " dusted off" just in case. Let's hope that it will finally get used!
Gao Gao and Bai Yun are pros at this now, so their history making rendezvous is likely to bear " fruit of the womb." Too bad Gao Gao's sense of smell can't be of assistance in the timing of the delivery of cub(s) as it was in the timing of Bai's estrus. If it were you would have another scientific and behavioral predictor on your side.
How are the " kids" doing? Can the other three bears tell that anything different is going on in Panda Land? If they are used to a certain routine, do they notice that there is a change in the keeper schedule and number of keepers around at certain times? Granted they don't think like humans, but as noted in the daily report from Zoo Atlanta today, pandas are known to react to sounds to which they are not accustomed. With more keepers and staff around, necessitating the enlarged " Quiet Zone," might elicit some potential behavior changes or recognition on the part of Gao, Mei, and Su.
It is hard to believe that a panda mother could stop eating this early, while the cub is actively developing, and have enough stored up " fat" reserves to hold her through the first 3-4 weeks after delivery of a cub. But, it may be that her body is not only storing up rest from sleep, but rest may be required for the development of the fetus as well.
What is Bai Yun's current weight? Someone asked in the past couple of days whether she had gained back the weight that she seemed to have lost as measured when Su Lin was weaned in February.
Best wishes Queen Bai Yun! May you get your well deserved rest before you have 18 months of nurturing and motherhood.
July 19th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
I am watching Su Lin eating her " late night snack" . It's so cute to see her eating in the sitting position, with her back leaning against a rock, just like her mama Bai Yun! Like mother like daughter indeed!
July 20th, 2007 at 4:01 am
I just squeeled with delight while reading this blog - and I have goosebumps - I'm just so happy about the possibility of a new panda cub!
I have to say, as so many other fellow bloggers already have, that I LOVE, LOVE these blogs and have found them extremely informative, humorous, heartbreaking, educational and heartwarming. I really believe that the only way to truly fall in love with anything, is to learn about it. The more we learn about these amazing creatures, the more we fall in love with them, which in turn makes us want to protect them forever. Ok, so some of the stuff we write is silly, puppy love kinds of comments - but who cares. We are just sharing our feelings - and I think its great! Just my two cents…
July 20th, 2007 at 5:01 am
So exciting to know the good signs of Bai Yun !!!
We now have 4 lovely great pandas: Jia Jia, An An and the new citizens Le Le and Ying Ying. The nearly 2-year old naughty, cutie and energetic Le Le and Ying Ying have brought so much fun and pleasant to Hong Kong people. We still have some years to wait for a Hong Kong born cub ^^.
I'm praying for dear Bai Yun and I love her no matter what. I also send my warmest greetings to all the other adorable great pandas Zu Lin, Mei Sheng and Gao Gao
With lots of love from HK
July 20th, 2007 at 6:43 am
My heart jumped this morning when I came on and first thing i saw was mom up in the B-Den. I know it's not time yet but that brought back all the memories of watching her in there with Mei and Su. Sadly, i was not on board for the first one, but i think i've made up for it by now.
OK Bai! lets go girl. August is our month . You've given us one on the 21st, the 19th and the 2nd. Now I want twins for my birthday on the 15th! AND… I want 2 males. Mei needs some little brothers. All he's got now are sisters. Poor guy.
At least Gao has a reason for that smug smile he always has. Who would have thought when they found him beat up and bloody so long ago that he would have ended up being sent to San DIego to become the father of the next generation of Pandas.
You guys are doing some AWESOME work over there. With the 3 Bai has already had, and now even more with her newest set of grandbaby's being shown off to the world over in China, you are directly responsible (ok with a little help from the pandas) for 6 new panda lives. Maybe we'll be able to make that 8 this year.
What are the chances of getting a girlfriend over here for Mei? With your record of preformance, and his stellar line of royal genes they should be jumping at the chance to send him some company. I hate to bring up that which must not be spoken of, but have they said anything yet about taking him back? He's almost 4 now.
Looking fwd to seeing the new baby(ies?) hopefully on the cam soon, and the others when i come back on the 15th again.
TM
July 20th, 2007 at 8:48 am
#10 With all other single panda births I've read about, 24 hours after the first birth is when the twin watch ends.
Lately all I've seen Bai do is sleep, at times when she would normally be munching away. That has to be a good sign. Good luck to Bai and to everyone who has to monitor her at 2am.:)
July 20th, 2007 at 9:58 am
It is such great news that we may well get to see Bai raise another baby. Know she loves being a mom and does such a great job. Makes me feel like a giddy grandmother at the prospect of being able to watch it unfold.
July 20th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Thanks again Suzanne for the info, I am so excited as I am sure all are. I think Bai is going to have twins she was the first to do so much in the us. I also have the sam equestion already asked how do the twins come rgt after the other or is their time in between??? I fell strongly that Bai is having twins.
July 20th, 2007 at 11:42 am
Bai is sleeping all curled up in a ball. She looks so sweet! Hopefully we'll see her curled up this way holding her baby ver soon. I just had to share!
I love SDZ and all the bears. I love how we all can peek inside to their world through the panda cam and learn so much about these mysterious bears through the knowledgeable staff at SDZ. Thank you again for all you do!
July 20th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
MaryLou #14 google pandaclub and click on the site for the wolong panda club. They have a picture of Hua Mei and one of the babies, but look at all the other pics that they have from the panda kindergarten and others.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
#14 Mary Lou, look at comment number 52 & 53 on previous posting.
Everyone have a great weekend; I'm hoping for an ultrasound 'sighting' when I return to work on Monday!
July 20th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Pam #13,
The exhibits will remain open in the event of a birth, since they are located far from Bai Yun's den.
Bobbie #16,
Bai Yun is in the process of making her nest, which often takes her many days or weeks to perfect.
Margaret #20,
The last time we saw Su Lin in utero was the day before she was born. Bai Yun finally balked the day she gave birth…. understandably!
July 20th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Bai was sleeping when I checked the cam at 8:30 am this morning. Now its 2pm and Bai is still sleeping in the same spot and also the same position. Has she moved at all today?
July 20th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Oh that pregnant human mothers could sleep as peacefully and stretched out as Bai Yun. She is the picture of serenity and comfort snoozing away on the platform in her bedroom. I hope I get a glimpse of her in the birthing den that everyone has written so eloquently about.
The beat goes on…and the beat goes on….
July 21st, 2007 at 8:24 am
I am at the SDZ now, have been here all week watching Su Lin and Mei Sheng. They are eating and sleeping!
But, I also got to see some enrichment times and frieghtened by construction noise times and play times. They are great to watch… and it is fun to see the people watching them, too.
I'll say " HI!" to them from all of you!
Love, Joy
July 21st, 2007 at 10:44 am
Su Lin is in a comical pose eating her bamboo. She is lying flat on her back!!! =)
July 22nd, 2007 at 2:07 am
As Tom Petty sang: " The waiting is the hardest part" . Hoping so much that Bai graces us with a cub(s) this summer. She is a lady of many secrets, and only she knows for sure…….it is such a pleasure and priviledge to watch her mothering skills, as I did when she raised Su Lin to be the perfect young lady you see today. Hoping for the best for Bai Yun, and all at SDZ!
July 22nd, 2007 at 2:38 am
I recall Christmas of 2005, and Bai's raising of, and tender loving of, Su Lin. Bai would cuddle Su close to her, then hold her in her arms and gaze up at the sky with wonderment in her face………I could literally, thru the panda cam, feel the love and bonding between Bai and her 4 and a half month old daughter. This is a memory that shall stay with me forever, and stands for all that I feel a mother should be! Bai, my hat is off to you, and please know you are loved beyond belief, world wide!
July 22nd, 2007 at 8:19 am
Bai-Watch….
Sun. 22nd July - C14 at 06.33am
Bai Yun was very busy making preliminary arrangements inside her den - all positive signs that she may shortly decide to let us in on her secret.
After time spent on C11 in her 'please open the door' pose, she proceeded in her usual calm manner.
I wonder when she will decide let us in our her secret that hopefully she is pregnant and that Mother Nature is not playing tricks with 'false signs'…..
July 22nd, 2007 at 5:55 pm
How long is gestation for a panda?
July 23rd, 2007 at 7:11 am
I read quite a interesting article from Chengdu, It seems that Chinas economy is very robust and that the lure of the american dollar isn't what it used to be. The mayor from Albuquerque and the chief negotiator from the U.S. for pandas have been in china seeking to work out a plan for the Rio Grandezoo to get a panda. They mentioned working on a plan to recieive " an offspring from the Sdz" but that it would require special permission from the Chinese government which closely controls endangered species.They also mentioned that SDZ has loan agreements that will expire next year and that the expense of pandas are becoming to much for zoos. This plan is only one of many that was discussed and nothing has been set in stone because the Chinese are tough to negotiate with. The head of Chinas wildlife retired last year and his replacement has yet to be named, they are hopeful for a replacement that is more receptive to the plan. Suzanne do you know anythng about this, Could this mean that Bai or even Mei Sheng could go to one of the zoos. Ohmaha was also mentioned.
July 23rd, 2007 at 8:26 am
I was just watching the panda cam and it looks as if Mei was at the howdy door watching Su very patiently, yet Su didnt seem to want to be bothered was this their first introduction threw the door, it really was a cute moment Su kinda looked like she was hiding behind the tree and she looked as if she would bolt up if that door was opened.
July 23rd, 2007 at 8:30 am
I'm so happy to see the howdy gate camera today. Mei Sheng and Su Lin are staring at each other so I hope to see them playing in the same space soon. How do you determine if they will get along? There is so much going on with the pandas that the staff must be running around in circles. Congrats to all of you. You must be excited and I know all the viewers are.
July 23rd, 2007 at 8:45 am
It's 10:45amCDT and Su Lin is interacting at the mesh with another panda. Is it Mei Sheng? … they both look so big!
July 23rd, 2007 at 9:35 am
Su Lin is pacing around the exhibit and I was wondering why. Then I saw Mei Sheng looking at her through the howdy door. Su doesn't seem to know what she should do. I hope she goes to visit him.
I noticed at the National Zoo website they have a cute " Panda Match Game" where you can match pandas that would be good mates. The link is below Tai's birthday blog. There is an adorable picture of Gao Gao and his match in the game isn't Bai Yun. I won't give away the answer so you'll just have to play the game and find out!
July 23rd, 2007 at 10:34 am
On Sunday 22nd July I read with interest an article in a UK Sunday National Newspaper
regarding trips to China which include visiting the pandas at Wolong and a chance to work alongside the keepers. It has to do with travel and …petapanda…
Participants pay approx £1,400.00(uk) (excluding flights) for 5 days accommodation etc. including access to Wolong to meet the staff and a chance to volunteer and help with the pandas.
The person reporting assisted with cleaning the pens etc. which from the pics appeared somewhat austere compared to SDZ. They also collected food for the pandas, some panda moms had babies - it stated that 'mother pandas' are at their most tranquil after giving birth?
The panda 'kindergarten' was available for viewing for a maximum of 6 mins per visit, each viewing cost an additional £68.00 (uk) - they were allowed to hold and cuddle the 'babies'
While this was in progress, a sedated panda was wheeled past on a trolley after having just received AI. - it says that this is what happens at Wolong?
Everyone appeared enthralled at their visit as I am certain I would if I had the opportunity to visit Wolong.
I am aware that SDZ arranges 'similar' trips to China so I am certain that people who read this blog can comment with more authority.
Barbara #40
I wait with interest any developments that may follow in the near future, please keep us all posted.
Meanwhile I remain on 'Bai-Watch' - hopefully our wonderful Bai Yun will soon let us in on her secret(s)…… the signs are looking good… so fingers crossed…. Bai is pregnant…
July 23rd, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Hazel #45, I have all my stuff set at my desk, my portable laptop is set for any news. My snacks are here and i even have a fridge and a micro wave handy. The rest room is only twenty feet away, so I'm on duty.
July 23rd, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Whats that thing that Bai is sleeping next to on C11? It's sort of looks like a toilet.
July 23rd, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Laine #47
You enquired what the object is that looks like a toilet where Bai Yun was sleeping on C11.
The staff at SDZ are more qualified than myself to answer your question however the object is a 'water fountain'
Mei Sheng had a great time performing aerobics on it when he was a young panda…….
July 23rd, 2007 at 4:39 pm
#47 Laine - Yes, that's a panda toilet. It's amazing to see how they manage to sit on it. Sometimes I see Bai Yun reading a magazine while she's taking care of her business.
OK, OK. It's a drinking fountain for zoo animals. When you visit the zoo next time, take a close look at the exhibits and you'll see them.
Panda Cam postcard seems to be malfunctioning again, by the way.
July 23rd, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Laine #47,
You are probably referring to her drinker, her water source.
July 24th, 2007 at 5:41 am
Bai Yun is " passed out" , lying on her back with a paw covering her eyes as if to say " Hey, could someone get the lights please?" I watched her nesting last night- very interesting. If a cub is eminent, I wish her and the SDZ staff well. If a cub is not to be in the cards, it has been quite interesting to watch her.
July 24th, 2007 at 8:24 am
I've been watching Bai preparing her den. If she was not pregnant, would she be doing this? Or is this behavior only during a pregnancy? (pseudo or real)
July 24th, 2007 at 8:32 am
Forgive me if this sounds silly (because I know this certainly does not pertain to humans, lol) but, is there a certain time of day that Bai (or Pandas in general) would give birth?
If she does have a cub this summer, will the Pandacam be on her, or does the SDZ prefer to watch it " in private" ? As you can guess, I'm wondering when (in case!) would be the best time to be sure I'm watching!
July 24th, 2007 at 10:27 am
If you have a little spare time, I suggest you go back on this blog. Click on " San Diego Zoo blog home" link, and you'll get to go back to certain month. Start from July 2005. Lots of interesting things to read. I was reading an entry from August 2005 and realized that Su Lin's first experience outdoor was just hours after her birth.
Now, back to 2007. It's good to see Mei Sheng and Su Lin enjoying each other's " company."
July 24th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Sayuri, now you have my curiousity and learning seeking brain activated. I will have to follow your advice and check out the August 2005 blogs you referenced. Since Bai Yun was in the birthing den and that is adjacent to the Garden Room if I recall from February 2007, it is conceivable that Su Lin was " carried" outside by Bai around the time of her birth, but spent three+ weeks following her birth in the birthing den.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Bai watch is sure on in this household (on both home & work ) computors. Having watched Bai and all of her cubs has been a pleasure that as a child who loved pandas could only experience. This would only be better if I could be daily and sit at the exhibit area in SD. Thanks for all the info and pleasant thoughts on all our pandas. I am thinking the panda fountain would look good in my backyard but certainly not with pandas who need all the love and care they get at SD
July 26th, 2007 at 12:48 am
Is this " twin protocol" thoroughly documented somewhere? It seems like if there are twin babies, the big problem — aside from constantly switching out cubs after birth — would be making sure that Bai Yun doesn't accidentally squish either of them, as has tragically occurred after other panda births. Will someone be tasked to make sure this doesn't happen?x
July 26th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Sayuri, how do you get to the old blogs?
Moderator's note: To access archived blogs, click on " San Diego Zoo Weblogs home" in the gold bar to the right. When that page opens, scroll down and find " Archives" . Click on any month you are interested in. Enjoy!
July 27th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Due we know yet, if she is actually pregnant? Have the ultrasounds shown anything yet? She should be giving birth within the next couple of weeks.