The Importance of the Den
Posted at 10:28 am November 16, 2005 by Don LindburgKeeping newborn panda cubs out of the public's eye for the early months of life is a necessary procedure. At birth, a cub can suckle and vocalize, but is dependent on the mother for all of its remaining needs. Eyes and ear canals will not open for several weeks postpartum, and the natal coat of fur is too sparse at birth to provide sufficient warmth. This complex of traits is subsumed under the descriptive term " altricial," as contrasted with those mammalian offspring that are described with the more familiar term " precocial." A newborn foal exemplifies precociality, for it can stand within minutes of being born and can keep up with the herd within hours. This not only addresses the need to maintain contact with the herd as it moves from place to place, but in a wild context also reduces the chances of becoming a predator's meal. Among placental mammals (as different from marsupials like the koala), the panda infant is much closer to the altricial end of the development scale, having a fetal growth period of only about two months at the end of a pregnancy averaging 4 1/2 months in duration.
Denning provides the protective environment needed by species that produce altricial young.
Given this mandatory den phase for pandas, is there a way to advance the time of public viewing? We think so. Our present arrangement has the birth den separated from the exhibit area, and requires cubs to
negotiate a long tunnel to move from one to the other. The main exhibit does have a birth den within the small nursery building through which our pandas travel to the viewing area. In future years, we will explore
the possibility of sharing glimpses of newborn cubs with the public as early as two months of age; that is, as soon as the mother begins to carry them out of the exhibit den.
Don Lindburg is the San Diego Zoo's Giant Panda Team leader.
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November 16th, 2005 at 11:42 am
Oh! I can't believe I missed the two big events—Tai climbing his Mt. Everest & little Su Lin walking outside. My computer at work has been acting up just when I need it the most! My day isn't complete until I check in on both our babies. This is such a wonderful way to connect with so many people around the world. What a miracle to be able to share with so many who experience a common love for the protection and preservation of wild animals. Thanks for giving us this great gift.
November 16th, 2005 at 3:02 pm
Thanks, Don. I just added 2 new words to my vocabulary. Altricial and precocial. Very interesting indeed - thank you for the explanation. I love this stuff!
November 16th, 2005 at 4:57 pm
I love all the information in these blogs. I feel like I'm getting an education in panda-ology! Thanks, Dr. Panda!
November 16th, 2005 at 7:37 pm
And so goes on the cycle of life. Any word from Wolong how Shi Shi is doing? Is he enjoying his retirement? He is my favourite panda. He must be over 30 years old now.
November 17th, 2005 at 4:40 am
I am curious about the feelings of the people that handle and take care of these magnificent creatures. As you can tell by the postings of the many pandamaniacs on the blogs, we are all very attached to these two precious babies and their wonderful mothers, as well as the other pandas in the panda families at San Diego and in DC.
I have seen all the videos of the exams of Su Lin and have seen some of the exams of Tai Shan. The look on the faces of the women watching runs the spectrum of emotion, as far as I can tell. They look proud of their little wards and how well they do. But they also seem to look on guardedly to make sure the exam is not hurting or bothering the little cubs. The look on their faces, especially when the cubs are a little more vocal, could be the look ANY mother would have when their child was crying while being examined.
Su Lin's most recent exam is a prime example. There were smiles but as she became more and more vocal, the looks went from smiles to concern, as if to say " What are you doing to her and could you please stop it? Don't make me come over there" .
Am I reading too much into their faces? Are they as attached to these babies as they appear? I know it would be very difficult to not get attached to them. Su Lin is so delicate and small and sweet looking but she looks like she has a bit of the devil in her, very adventurous and not afraid, like her older sister was. Tai Shan just looks like he is ready to conquer the world and have fun doing it. How could you not get attached?
But I just wonder if this is projecting how we would feel if we had those positions. Do you get so very attached and how difficult is it for you all to say goodbye when it is time for them to go? I know you have only had one leave so far, and she will always be our reigning princess because she was the first and so very special in her own right.
November 17th, 2005 at 7:29 am
Thank you so much Don for taking the time to explain such interesting facts. Each bit of knowledge brings all of us to a closer understanding of the behavior of our precious Pandas . It means a lot to us to know how hard you all work to ensure that the Panda exhibit area is as close as can be to a natural habitat and that you encourage the natural behavior of our precious charges and watch over them so carefully. When I see Bai Yun and Su Lin snug and content and protected in the den or Gao Gao supremely happy eating his bamboo I get a feeling of peacefulness and hope. Your Giant Panda Team is awesome and appreciated daily! Thank You! Luv to All, Judy J
November 17th, 2005 at 9:19 am
Thank you for this fascinating information, Don! Knowing practically nothing about most animals in general, it's interesting to learn so much from just these few pandas.
Thank you for teaching me something new every day!
November 17th, 2005 at 9:32 am
Regarding comments made by #5 & 6, I have to agree. To me giant pandas are special but these captive bears at these facilities where they are taken care of by people who care about them, grow up to be truly special bears.
November 17th, 2005 at 10:02 am
Ref to # 5, since just watching panda cubs on the cam can get us so attached, we can imagine how deep that connection for those who really take care of them. It is sad they have to leave. But hopefully SD zoo and Wolong have close connections so they can visit them very often, at least hear about them frequently, and more new cubs will be born here to keep them busy and content.
I just watched Tai at NZ have his lunch.
He reminds me of those 1-2 years old, who play while eating. He tried to climb up/down his mom, left/right, up/down, he just keeps on changing his mind all the time. Mom just lets him be. Everyt ime he crosses the door, he will play with the iron bar for a while. He is just in this wonderful age while everything is a toy.. We are in the east coast, most time when we check Su Lin, she is sleeping. But I am sure she is also in this curious and playful stage. 
November 17th, 2005 at 10:06 am
I've learned so much from updates like yours and others from Suzanne - thanks for it all! One thing I've noticed - sometimes it seems like the pandas (the grownups, at least) are panting pretty heavy. Is this normal for pandas?
I was watching yesterday as little Tai Shun climbed up on a little shelf, and then climbed/tumbled down afterwards! You wanted to just reach in there and give him a hand! It's so marvelous to be able to watch both the little ones on the panda cams, and hear about the daily developments - but having this forum available, where we can comment back to you, is a BIG BIG plus!
November 17th, 2005 at 10:50 am
I have been watching Tai and mom at the NZ website.. it's hard to decide who's more playful, baby or mom.. seems that Mei is always after little Tai, wherever he goes she goes. I wonder if Bai Yun will be like Mei when Su lin is going everywhere on her own.
November 17th, 2005 at 10:55 am
I laughted out loud at Suzy's comment from yesterday (#35?) re: " Weebles wobble but don't fall down." It brought me immediately back to my own days of being a young mother with small children. And perhaps that is one reason (of many) why I get so fascinated with watching the interaction between Su Lin and her mama. I was watching Su Lin a little while ago (about 10:15 AM SDZ time) and it almost looked like she was going to leave her den and " go for a walk" again. I have a feeling a lot of other people were thinking the same thing. But the exercise tired her out… she is now sleeping. Ooops, time to watch the National Zoo's pan-cam…. I am hopelessly hooked and in love. Thank you " panda keepers" for ALL you do! WE all hope YOU know that!
November 17th, 2005 at 11:09 am
Hello again,
Thanks for the latest update. I began to read and thought " oh dear, being baffled by science here, why is he using words that the average person wouldn't use," but as I read on, I realised that it couldn't really be explained in any other way by a zoo staff member. Sorry if this seems a bit offish of me, but I have enjoyed all of the information so far received and didn't have to think too deeply about how it was worded. I too though now have learned two new words that are used when speaking of animals. Thanks for all you do.
Valerie Warburton - UK.
November 17th, 2005 at 12:19 pm
I was just reading about Su Lin's checkup yesterday. She is getting so big and I'm sure it won't be long now before mom takes her out on display. Wish I could be there to see that! Su Lin is growing into quite the beauty and it's fun to watch her from time to time everyday. Thank you again for everything you are doing to save the Giant Pandas. They are such a loving and special species.
November 17th, 2005 at 12:45 pm
Does anybody know what happened to Shi Shi, Hua Mei's papa? Is he still alive? I remember him being pretty old already when he first came to the SDZ.
November 17th, 2005 at 1:09 pm
Twice today I have watched Su Lin look like the little " panda that could" as she seemed to be trying to go out of her den. Each time it appeared that she was intrigued by her reflection on the shiny walls of the den's entryway. The second time it also looked like she was trying to get around to the " other side" of her reflection… like dogs do when a mirror is on the floor. Did she perhaps think this reflection was her mom? Or are her eyes even developed enough to do this? It was very interesting to watch. And then, both times, she just got tuckered out and went to sleep again. Thank you! (P.S. A blizzard here in Michigan… might as well watch the pandas. I would anyway.)
November 17th, 2005 at 1:32 pm
I have the feeling there are a lot of people watching this afternoon wanting to coax Su Lin to take those few steps across the threshold of the den.
November 17th, 2005 at 1:37 pm
I just clicked on Su Lin's profile info and it said she weighed a little over 10 lbs at her exam yesterday. Tai Shan, only a month older in age, weighs about 20 lbs (or is getting close to it). It's extraordinary that they are only a month apart in age and Tai the Bulldozer is twice as big as Su Lin is! Speaking of the Little Empress's profile, can you update her photo again? These blogs are just fantastic and I hope that SDZ continues this not only with the next cub, but occasionally with the adult pandas as well.
November 17th, 2005 at 2:08 pm
I wonder if a SDZ panda wall calendar is in the works. Wouldn't it be fun to have photos of the special mother and daughter moments. I can also imagine a set photos of all 3 SDZ cubs at the same ages. And of course the boys would be included. It would make a great give for pandamaniacs and all those who love animals. The Pandacam has given so much joy we could share with others.
November 17th, 2005 at 7:00 pm
Re #16–I know what you mean. This afternoon, I was beginning to think that a watched panda cub never walks. As Su Lin approached the threshhold of the den, I found myself thinking, " Go on, little girl, go find your mommy." She was so close to crossing but then seemed to become so fascinated by her own reflection (well, it IS adorable). But I shouldn't rush things–she'll be walking and more soon enough. Thanks for the terrific views of Su Lin and Bai Yun.
November 18th, 2005 at 3:10 am
For those of you that really enjoy watching Su Lin active, one of the best times to watch her is 3 a.m. San Diego time. She is so squirmy and rolly. Bai just lays there and seems to sleep, I am not sure, but she doesn't seem to react to Su's movements. But you get a very good view of Su scooting all over the place, climbing up on mom's big bottom from behind, rolling on her back and playing with imaginary stuff in the air and on the ground. It really is a wonderful time to watch her in all her glory. I wake up to exercise at 6 my time and wind up skipping exercise in lieu of getting my Su Lin fix, like today. If only there was a rewind on this thing.
November 18th, 2005 at 6:00 am
I witnessed Su Lin's 'walk on the wild side' with mom Bai Yun, who as always decided to do it her way - it was an exciting milestone in Su Lin's development.
Hazel Turnbull
November 18th, 2005 at 7:26 am
Have to agree with comments made by # 18 & 19, I would love to own some more lovely things from San Diego Zoo that are giant panda related. As for Su Lin, just saw her looking out of her den at momma, who is just outside eating and watching. Su Lin looks so beautiful in these pandacam shots, thank you. Oh, and regarding the size, Tai Shan is a boy and they do grow larger in size and he is considered larger than average. Su Lin is a girl, let's not forget that.
November 19th, 2005 at 4:51 am
Living in Georgia I am blest to have 3 sets of Pandas to watch on ET, I start with Mei and Tai at 6:am then later I can see the Atlanta zoo pandas and the group in Memphis. The afternoons I get my west cost fix with Bai Yun and Su.
Thak you so much for giving us the joy of watching your wonderful family. I spend about 14 hours a day getting my panda fix, living on the east cost I always finish my day with the SZ family.
November 20th, 2005 at 3:49 am
FYI: At 3:32AM Sunday PST Bai Yun yawned and stretched and took Su Lin out of the den. Are keepers on site all the time to keep an eye on things?
November 20th, 2005 at 9:39 am
Is Su Lin leaving the den on her own? I swear I saw her tumble out yesterday.
December 2nd, 2005 at 6:39 am
I don't understand the birthing den in relation to the rest of exhibit. Plus it looks like Su Lin cannot get out of the cylinder den. Why is that?
December 2nd, 2005 at 1:26 pm
As a pandamaniac and a long time viewer of the pandacam, I can tell you that the birthing den is accessed through an indoor area (off exhibit area) of Bai Yun's. I believe they call this area her bedroom. I remember after Mei Sheng and Bai Yun abandoned the den, they spent most of their nights in that room until Mei Sheng became more independent and started sleeping outside.