Su Lin's New Adventures
Posted at 12:05 pm February 7, 2007 by Kay Ferguson
Now that weaning has started, Su Lin has access to the right-hand exhibit at the Giant Panda Research Station. This has meant new trees to climb and explore. She has tested all of them and has found that they are very different from her favorite tree in the left-hand exhibit. One of the " new" trees is the large one at the back that is very high. Su Lin seems to like high places and, believe it or not, it is also her brother's favorite tree.
When you enter the Station, the first object that stands out is the concrete tree that I call the Keebler Tree; next to that concrete stump to the left is that popular tree: tall, beautiful, and such an adventure to climb! So up she goes to find a great napping spot and soon she is sound asleep. You can easily miss her because most of us don't look for bears in trees! But you must look up into the trees when it comes to young pandas, as they spend hours sleeping quietly in their branches.
What about mom? What is she doing while cub is high in the tree? Eating or taking naps. Right now during the weaning time Bai Yun and Su Lin can roam between the exhibits. It is interesting to see their response to both sides. Su Lin will wander over to the other side to find the tree she wants to take her nap. Or maybe she'll visit the new climbing structure, so much different than the one on the left. She seems so curious about all the new things to touch, feel, and smell.
Weaning is a natural experience, even in a closed environment, and the panda staff makes it the easiest of transitions. While weaning is going on in the front exhibits, the two males are in the back exhibits. Mei Sheng has found a new tree to climb up in Shi Shi's former exhibit. He is such a great climber and enjoys looking over the area from his treetop look out. Gao Gao seems content anywhere you put him; as long as there is food, he's fine.
I hope you will come during the weaning process and watch how panda mother and daughter enjoy being apart as well as together at this time. You will discover that it's not so bad, growing up here at the San Diego Zoo.
Kay Ferguson is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo.
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February 7th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Wow - that poor tree looks like it could snap in two - that's a pretty big bear up there! What an adventurer - you go girl!
February 7th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Thanks, Kay for the enlightening update. Last week when I first saw Su Lin climb that tree I wondered if she was ever going to stop. She kept climbing higher and higher. Finally she found a place she liked and stopped to take a nap. Last night I saw her deftly climbing down out of a tree, in the dark, and off she went, presumably to eat. It was about 7 PM PST.
As you noted, she seems to be having a great time exploring. I imagine the scent from her brother gets her attention when she climbs that tree too. I wonder if she can tell he is also a young bear?
You mentioned that Mei Sheng likes to look over the area from high in his new tree. How much of the 4 yards can he see? Can he see where the other 3 pandas are? If so, I wonder what goes through his head and if he notices that there is another young panda down below.
If they get to play together, it will be exciting to see how he and Su Lin react to having another playmate that also likes to climb trees. Who knows they may climb two adjacent trees and stare at each other. Kind of a double dare scenario. Or, maybe they will see who can climb the highest? (If they get too high, I may have to close my eyes, from fear for them slipping accidently). They are both very adept at climbing so I know they are careful. You can see her take very deliberate movements when she goes up another notch.
February 8th, 2007 at 11:11 am
I enjoy watching Su & Mei's different climbing styles. Su is so deliberate & Mei is a daredevil. I have also seen pictures of Su leaning back in the tree apparently looking at the sky. Is she watching the clouds? the Skyfari? She looks so comfortable. I can't wait to see her & Mom in their expanded digs this Sat.!
February 8th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
I think it was on the first day — I saw Su Lin went up Mei Sheng's tree and sat in his favorite spot. I hope she's been enjoying the whole new views of her home and neighborhood.
I found that the best way to see the boys right now is from SkyFari. You might catch the boys walking around their yards.
February 8th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Ah, the Skyfari - what a good idea. If it's not raining too bad this weekend - I think I'll visit my furry friends - and take a ride on the skyfari and check out the boys - and I suppose our high-flying acrobat girl. I suppose if I'm really lucky, and it's rained just enough - there might be some fresh mud/mulch for them to role in.
February 9th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
thank you for the update about our dear boys !