The Mating Ritual
Posted at 3:17 pm September 13, 2005 by Suzanne HallWith the birth of our new little girl here in San Diego, some of you may be wondering about panda mating habits and how such habits are facilitated in captivity. To that end, I thought I would share with you a bit about panda breeding season at our research station.
For the first several years of our loan agreement, our facility housed Bai Yun and Shi Shi. You may know that Shi Shi was brought into captivity long after he had reached reproductive maturity. Because of the time of year he was found, bleeding and seriously injured, it was assumed he had been in a fight with another male, possibly over access to a female in estrus. After years of unsuccessful mating attempts with Bai Yun in captivity during which Shi Shi showed reluctance to be near our female, we came to wonder if his experiences in the wild had made him timid around estrus females. Thankfully, we were able to produce Hua Mei with AI (artificial insemination) techniques, so Shi Shi does have at least one offspring (and several grandbabies!); but we were not able to learn much from him about male breeding behavior.
Since Gao Gao's arrival, things have been much different. Though he was raised most of his life in isolation from female pandas, we had hope that he would warm up quickly to Bai Yun. In the spring prior to his arrival in San Diego, Gao Gao was transferred to the Wolong breeding center where he was introduced, for the first time, to a female in heat. The female, Guo Guo, was young and inexperienced and knew little about how to act during a mating encounter. Gao Gao, equally inexperienced, was excited by her presence, but didn't seem to know how to translate that excitement into a mating opportunity. When I observed them that spring, they reminded me of two flirtatious teenagers: full of energy but a bit shy and awkward in dealing with their instincts. They played, rough and tumble, for hours. Gao Gao would climb on the female's back in a mock attempt at achieving a sexual mount, and proceed to bite her back and shoulders gently. She would roll on her back (not conducive to mating!) and paw at him, then return to all fours and press up against him. They were getting along well, but no mating ever occurred in the days they were together.
Would things be different when Gao Gao came to San Diego? He would still be an inexperienced male. Bai Yun could be counted on to have a strong estrus, but she too had never mated. How long would it take to overcome these obstacles?
Within minutes of their first introduction to each other in the spring of 2003, we had our answer. Gao Gao, smaller and a bit weaker than Bai Yun, showed tenacity in working with her as they attempted to perform the delicate mating dance without everything breaking down into a fight, as it so often did with Shi Shi. Despite their inexperience, they successfully copulated and that resulted in the birth of our Mei Sheng. In 2005, it happened again- twice- and our bears proved that they are now seasoned and would likely be able to produce cubs together for many years into the future.
To help Hua Mei learn a little of the mating dance herself before sending her home to China, we opened the howdy gate between Gao Gao and Hua Mei when she was in estrus in 2003. She was able to spend time across the gate from Gao Gao, getting familiar with the level of interest a breeding male might show her in the future. We can't say for sure how much this helped her in Wolong, but we do know she mated successfully the first year she was given the opportunity to do so… which is more than I can say for Guo Guo!
Suzanne Hall is the panda research technician for the San Diego Zoo's Office of Giant Panda Conservation.
View Bai Yun and her cub on Panda Cam
See our slideshow images of the cub's latest exam
See video of the cub's exams.
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September 13th, 2005 at 3:43 pm
Suzanne, we are all learning so much from your wonderfully informative blogs. Thank you again. It seems to me, reading them, that you and your fellow panda crew are a combination of Dr. Spock, Dr. Ruth, and probably even Dr. Phil! It's fun to see Mei Sheng at the Howdy Gate. The two times I've seen him there, he immediately afterwards scent-marked a small pole near the gate. Claiming his turf?
September 13th, 2005 at 4:26 pm
I must admit these blogs are very, very interesting. They are informing us about things that we didn't know about the panda. You've told us about the studies, observations and the recent things that you are doing there at the zoo with Mei Sheng and Gao Gao and what we can do to help brighten the future of the panda, but I must admit, I'm a little disappointed. I thought these blogs were going to be about our newest little girl. I want to know what is going on, on a daily basis. How is Bai Yun doing as far as eating, her weight and her daily routine?, and is our little girl starting to open her eyes? These are the things that are important to us. All of the videos for the exams of the new cub have been terribly short. I don't want to compare you to the National Zoo, but, everyday they tell us a little something about the cub and Mei. They got so excited when they first noticed that the cub had opened his eyes, that they put it on the site immediately. Even when there really isn't much going on and the day has been uneventful, they will still have something to say. Even the littlest blog is news…even if it's one or two lines. We're interested in the small things. The other thing that has sadden me is, that you told us Hua Mei had twins…and we haven't heard a word since. Nothing. We watched that little girl grow up before our eyes on Panda Cam… and leave us to go to China and now she is a mother. Well, she is very special to us and we want to know everything about her. We never got to see any pictures last year when she had her twins. Please don't get me wrong, I admire all the work that you do at the zoo. It's just that when you watch these little cubs on the cam day to day and they're just sleeping…it's nice to know what's going on in the background.
September 13th, 2005 at 4:55 pm
From what I read about Hua Mei after she returned to China, she was shown panda " sex" videos to help her. And after she had her first set of twins, she had to be shown videos on how to feed her cubs!
September 13th, 2005 at 5:00 pm
Your blogs are so interesting and informative. Please tell us that China will acknowledge that you have a successful breeding pair and let you keep breeding them here, for as long as possible. (I bet the Panda Team wants this also.) Surely with the success at the SDZ, they won't ask for them to be returned to China. Thank you again for your care and love for these precious, beautiful animals.
September 13th, 2005 at 5:29 pm
I feel sorry for male pandas. All they get is isolation, food, and maybe getting together with a female panda three days once a year! On the other hand, females like Bai Yun get the pleasure of a child to nurture. You can see the joy in her face when she hugs her baby girl.
I hope Hua Mei gets a chance to enjoy her twins and that they are not taken away early just to allow her to have more babies.
September 13th, 2005 at 5:30 pm
Is it the camera angle or does Bai Yun look kind of fat? heheh. I think panda moms gain weight just like human moms do. She can work off those extra pounds once the baby girl starts to run circles around her. Thanks to the SDZ panda team for all your tlc for this panda family.
September 13th, 2005 at 6:06 pm
Bai Yun seemed to have lost weight, but now that she is leaving the birth den more often and for longer periods of time (probably eating more) she seems to be gaining her weight back.
September 13th, 2005 at 7:34 pm
Were Gao Gao and Bai Yun shown the sex video before they successfully mated? I heard that's what the panda research team in Wolong did to some of the pandas in order to educate them.
September 14th, 2005 at 4:21 am
Suzanne…Shirley forgot you also must be part Dr. Doolittle. Keep up the great work. Is there a specific time of day you change the cameras to view the Howdy Gate? I have yet to see it no matter what time I check in from here on the East Coast.
September 14th, 2005 at 5:02 am
The blogs from the staff are so great - I check out the pandas both here and in DC each morning, and it's a great start to see them, and then read about what they've been up to or more about their behavior, habit, etc. Thanks so much - I'm coming to San Diego in January (I live in Minnesota) and am so looking forward to seeing the pandas myself at the zoo!
September 14th, 2005 at 5:08 am
Thanks Suzanne for the great info. I just have one question. Do you think the folks in China will give Hua Mei a break now since she's had four babies in less than a year - that seems like an awful lot? I hope so. I think it would be great if she got to spend more than 5 or 6 months with her babies. Thanks again for all your hard work and loving dedication to these sweethearts.
September 14th, 2005 at 5:19 am
Thank you, Gao Gao. You have been giving us a great opportunity to " raise" our handsome and peaceful Mei Sheng and now, our baby girl. Good job! Elisa (from Brazil)
September 14th, 2005 at 5:52 am
I love watching the new panda cub and reading your panda information. However, I would really appreciate it if you would update us on what the panda cub is doing day-to-day (e.g., when he turns over, when his eyes open, when he crawls, sits, etc.). Thank you!
September 14th, 2005 at 6:25 am
I love the humor in your explanation of mating, I can just picture 2 awkward pandas trying to figure each other out and clowning around instead of mating. Luckily they all got the hang of it. Thanks for all the information.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:16 am
George,
You aren't too far off… Bai Yun is a big girl! Her daddy, Pan Pan, was always one of the largest males at the breeding center in Wolong, and she and her brothers are all very big pandas. She's got amazing, large panda genetics! Despite her fasting after the birth and the energy drains of nursing a cub, Bai Yun is approximately at her pre-birth weight so she is doing very well as far as that goes.
As far as updates on cub progress… major milestones can be found on the site once they are noted by vets, keepers or researchers. So far the cub has NOT opened its eyes, etc… which is why it isn't yet mentioned!
September 14th, 2005 at 8:51 am
To : panda lover
I think that National Zoo has to write something about the mother and cub everyday whatever it is , or they will be bombed by telephone enquiries and emails ! ^^
They said that in the first two days after the birth of the cub, there were more than 1/2 million page visits to their website, so you can imagine how the Washingtonians react if the NZ doesn't update their website daily.
My personal opinion is that SDZ is doing a great job, their situation is a bit different from NZ.
September 14th, 2005 at 10:17 am
I check the National Zoo website every day and unfortunately cannot get the video working which is why I am on SDZ; however, they do daily updates on what the mom and cub are doing which is awesome. Where exactly are the milestones located on this site (even tho the eyes haven't opened, there have been some milestones — her turning over, her surviving being squished by her mom and sometimes bamboo :o) what about vocal? does she squeak or whine? i know something special happens every day in the life of the panda girl and would love more info.
September 14th, 2005 at 10:20 am
I have truly enjoyed watching the baby girl grow and look forward to seeing her do more and more as she gets bigger. I'm constantly amazed at how gentle and loving Bai Yun is with her baby. I never knew they were so good with their paws and just assumed they moved the baby around with their mouth, its wonderful to see Bai Yun come into the Den, plop her butt down, bend over and scoop the baby up with her paws, give her some cuddles then feed and clean her, then they both snuggle down for a nap. What a wonderful life for a baby panda.
September 14th, 2005 at 11:54 am
Leave it to a man to think someone is too fat!! How rude! How ridiculous would she look if she were model thin? I think she is beautiful just like she is…I'm sure her baby would agree since Mom also doubles as her crib…I am so much enjoying watching the two of them together. I am also amazed at how adept she is with her paws. She is very humanlike in handling her baby…or maybe we are " Pandalike" ….at any rate she is great with her baby..so gentle. I like watching her give the baby her daily bath. " Little China girl" is enjoying it less and less…I wish I could hear what is going on in the birthing area. Thanx again for all you do..your blogs make me wish I had followed my dream to be a vet. I would be there in a red hot minute! ;O)
September 14th, 2005 at 12:30 pm
i for one am happy that this website is different from the one at the national zoo. if i want to read about when certain growth events happen, i can go to their site. if i want to read about behind the scenes things, i can come here. together i can get a better picture! no one site can do everything.
September 14th, 2005 at 12:38 pm
I, like many other people, have become 'addicted' to watching panda cam. For the first time today, I was able to access the National Zoo cam and see their little boy. I check both sites everyday for new information, blogs, etc. While each site does this a little differently, I find both sites very informative. I also enjoy seeing the other pandas at SD zoo. Today there was information regarding Shi Shi…has he returned to China or is he still at SD?
Editor's note: Shi Shi returned to China in January, 2003.
September 14th, 2005 at 1:27 pm
I thoroughly enjoy learning more about every panda, not just the new cub. I also watch the cam to see Gao Gao and Mei Sheng, not just Bai Yun and her cub.
September 14th, 2005 at 1:34 pm
I have been watching both the NZ baby and the SD baby daily since they were born and I have to say, I am a little more than obsessed :). I appreciate the differences in both of the sites and the information they offer. I am fascinated by how different first time mom, Mei Xiang, is with her baby boy and how the more " experienced" mom, Bai Yun, is with her baby girl. They are truly amazing. I find myself laughing out loud at the little DC boy now that he is learning to " locomote" . The SD little girl seems quite active for her age, compared to the way the DC boy was. Is this because Mei Xiang seemed to be a little more of an over-protective first time mom? She never put the little guy down.
Thank you all for everything that you do to help save the beautiful pandas! I am in awe of what you do.
September 14th, 2005 at 1:42 pm
I agree with another panda lover, that SD panda site is just perfect. I don't need millimeter by millimeter coverage on the cub's growth, or a detailed log of what is going on every day in the den — that'll simply be too much to read! I really enjoy reading the tidbits and facts about more general issues regarding pandas and taking care of pandas in Zoos.
September 14th, 2005 at 2:59 pm
I so enjoy watching the pandas. Bai Yun is such a good mother, rocking her baby and washing. Since the Chinese will not name the cub until she is 100 days old, I have given her my own personal name. Princess Butterfly. The black markings on their backs reminds me of a butterfly. In the morning when I turn on my computer I say good morning Bai Yun and Princess butterfly. In the evening when I shut everything down I say good night Princess butterfly and Bai Yun. She will be a beauty like her mom.
September 14th, 2005 at 3:53 pm
Pam C.,
You can view the latest milestones recorded by the vets on the following page:
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/news/panda_news.html
Also, from time to time you can read about milestones noted by keepers or researchers on the blog. For those who haven't done so already, you can read through all of the blog entries by visiting the " archives" section; panda archives begin with the cub's birth in August. I have noted that many of our blog readers are asking questions that have been answered in past blog entries… the archive can be very useful to help with such things!
Thanks to all for your support and interest!
September 14th, 2005 at 4:18 pm
If Mei Sheng is too lonely, have you thought about raising him and some peacocks together? At Beijing zoo, lonely pandas and 2 peacocks are raised together. They get along just beautifully. It was great to see pandas taking nap and peacocks walking around.
September 14th, 2005 at 4:20 pm
I love both the SD and DC sites…
They provide different types of information, and are both so interesting and enjoyable! I also agree with 'another panda lover' - no one site can do everything! Thanks for the fabulous blogs; they add some depth to our 'view' into the pandas' worlds! And I must say…you guys are great writers!!
September 14th, 2005 at 4:53 pm
Suzanne, how about a little information on you and all the wonderful people taking care of " our" pandas. Like how you got to be so lucky to work at the SD Zoo. You keep us updated on your " kids" but I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to know more about the panda staff. Thanks and keep up the good work.
September 14th, 2005 at 9:50 pm
I have watched Mei Sheng on the cam since he was about 6 months old. I miss seeing him every day; it feels like he has already left for China. Every day I check at odd hours to see if he is on camera and I have only seen him for 5 minutes since his birthday party. What a responsive, intelligent, happy/lonely little guy he seemed! Since I figured out how to send to myself and friends and family the photos, I have a memorable collection of the youthful pranks of Mei Sheng. He was such a little sweetie that Bai Yun often indulged him–one time he was so silly that he wanted to be carried piggyback out of the bedroom and had the nerve to step off the slab and right onto her back. What kind of pandamom besides the ever-patient Baiyun would indulge such pandamonium from her playfully wacky little cub? That shot has been my screensaver for months. Please don't let the news of all of the San Diego Zoo alumni go dry!
September 15th, 2005 at 5:56 am
I live in Washington, DC, and I visit both panda sites daily. I have found your information on pandas, especially the info on raising twins, to be extremely educational. No criticism here……keep up the good work.
September 15th, 2005 at 6:56 am
I'm watching both SDZ website & NZ website. I had to say that NZ's web cam is more clear than SDZ's. But I really enjoy reading the blogs of SDZ more. I like to read what the panda researchers & technician write, so interesting & informative! I also like to read the comments of other panda lovers:)
September 15th, 2005 at 9:47 am
My only gripe is that we don't get enough of your wonderfully well written and informative blog entries!! I enjoy them so much that I often read them more than once. Keep up the good work.
September 15th, 2005 at 10:20 am
It's really fascinating to watch the panda babies trying to stand up and walk, they are just like some moving toys.
September 15th, 2005 at 10:41 am
I agree with Donna - all you wonderful folks who take care of our precious pandas and write the blogs - tell us about yourselves; pictures would be great too. It'd be nice to put faces with the names - and names with the faces we see in the pictures and videos. Oh, oh, oh, you could do a group shot with little " Princess Butterfly" (too cute) and identify the picture. What do you say?!?! Thanks!
September 15th, 2005 at 12:02 pm
A keeper removed Bai Yun's bamboo from the birthing den this morning. Bai Yun did not appreciate this and went outside immediately and brought more bamboo into the birthing den………very eloquent!
September 15th, 2005 at 12:35 pm
I love your postings, love the pics of the cubs exams. Thank you so much for all you do to share the pandas with us.
September 15th, 2005 at 1:41 pm
What a nice new pic of 2005 Panda Cub! I enjoy all the news and updates, and keep her and the Washington, D.C. boy cub on my screen all the time. Interesting to compare them, they do so many of the same things, at the same time! Of course, Panda things!
September 15th, 2005 at 5:16 pm
It's hard not to venture over to watch Bai Yun and baby girl at work during the day. I try to " check up on the them" every hour or so without getting caught panda watching! I enjoy this so much I can't even begin to tell you. And the blogs with all your wonderful information have been so much fun, I look forward to reading any news you give us. Thanks for all your hard work!
September 15th, 2005 at 5:32 pm
Hello there, I do so enjoy watching Mum and babygirl every day and night. It is wonderful to see the love and care Mum heaps on babygirl and the way babygirl seems to be getting bigger each day. I am happy to have found such a wonderful site, and to have such caring and devoted members of staff to keep all of us informed of what is happening. Thank you all for the information on everything pertaining to all of the pandas. I have learned so much. Thank you all for sharing all of this with us here.
Valerie - UK
September 19th, 2005 at 6:17 am
I am interested in the process of artificial insemination, since you mention it in the cases of some of these pandas. I wonder if you could say a bit more about it at some point, or is it too delicate a subject to say more about in a forum such as this?
October 6th, 2005 at 12:32 pm
Hi, I loved the article about Mei Sheng and Gao Gao. It was interesting but I felt bad for Mei. I am a panda fanatic and appreciate any & all information you give! You do excellent work and I am visiting your zoo next year to see the new baby!