Understanding the Ursidae
Posted at 11:54 am January 28, 2008 by Suzanne Hall
One of the major foci of the San Diego Zoo's Giant Panda Conservation Unit is our bear maternal care study. This study seeks to characterize and better understand the early postpartum period in as many bear species as possible. Thus far, we have complete data sets on the denning phase of the giant panda and American black bear. We have some data on brown bears and sun bears and are actively seeking to collect more. But many of the more threatened bear species remain unrepresented in our study thus far.
Why is it necessary to understand this stage of bear life? On the practical side, it is important because we know so little about how a female, tucked in a den, cares for and nurtures her young. Since six of the eight species of living bear are currently classified as either endangered or vulnerable to extinction, it is imperative for their survival that conservation managers take an interest in their situation. Learning as much as we can about their biology and natural history is a first step toward understanding the needs of each species so that conservation action plans can be tailored to serve the best interests of each bear.
Efforts at reproduction in zoos and other facilities can be more effective if the natural behavior of the species is supported. Bears in zoo settings have often been known to neglect to care for their young, sometimes killing or abandoning their young inexplicably, obviously defeating the purpose of any goals of increased reproduction. Knowing more about the normal course of healthy maternal relationships will aid managers in identifying bears that are in need of assistance in caring for their young and in providing an environment which promotes good maternal care in the first place.
Adding individual bears to our study has proved to be a bit daunting. First, the San Diego Zoo has a limited number of bears on site, since bears require large amounts of resources and cannot be maintained in large populations in any one place. Nonetheless, we are utilizing the animals we have on site to the best of our ability. As you know, our pandas have been studied intensively, and our sun bears have contributed to their own maternal care data set. We are thrilled to be expecting a few pairs of sloth bears in the future, which we hope will enable us to study many aspects of their biology. But most of our work with this project has depended upon collaborations with other zoos and institutions.
Our American black and brown bear data have come from collaborators inside the U.S. Andean (or spectacled) and sloth bear collaborations are in development, working with facilities ranging from coast to coast. However, we can't get at all of those vulnerable species by sticking solely with collaborators in the U.S.
To that end, we have partnered with bear researchers as far away as China and Japan to study species such as the panda and, most recently, the Asiatic black bear. This species is classified as vulnerable but is currently not being bred by any AZA-accredited (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) facilities in the U.S., so we have had to look farther afield to include them in our research. As of this writing, I am pleased to report we have cameras currently installed in the dens of our first two Asiatic blacks. We are awaiting news that they may give birth to their cubs, and a new chapter in our research, sometime in the next month.
I look forward to sharing more updates about this aspect of our work with you as it develops.
Suzanne Hall is a senior research technician with the San Diego Zoo's Giant Panda Unit.
Here's information about the study, Mother-infant Relationships in Bear Species…
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January 28th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Thanks for this new ursaline info. The pandaholics have room in their hearts for other species. Keep up the good work.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
What a great study!! Bears are such intelligent and charismatic animals! And the work you do to help all species is so important! If SDZ's polar bear Chinook breds successfully this year, will she and her cub(s) be included in the study?? Thanks for keeping us posted on your research!
January 28th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Amy #2,
Yes, they will!
January 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
This is off-topic for the present blog, but I just noticed Su Lin draped over the lair like her mother has been so many times. How adorable! Su is just a beautiful, beautiful bear–a smaller version of Bai Yun. Thanks, Meerkats.
January 28th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Dear Panda Fans and Suzanne,
Thank you Suzanne. This blog sent me to the dictionary today! The bear family= Ursidae. Looking for the definition, I also saw something else I didn't know and it made me think that perhaps Bai Yun did. Ursa Major and Ursa Minor= Big Dipper and Little Dipper=Great Bear and Little Bear. Maybe Bai, several months ago, was showing her little Zhen Zhen a star formation or two named after the bear family
I will never see the big or little dipper from this day forward without thinking of the Pandas 
January 28th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Yay for sloth bear babies! They are cute little buggers-always busy. And they ride on momma's back, too, which is adorable.
January 28th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Thanks for the informative post, Suzanne! I also love the picture of Bai Yun cuddling our little Zhen Zhen! She is such a wonderful mother!
January 28th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I love the photo of Bai and Zhen too. It is very precious, and since Zhen has taken to residing high in the tree tops like her siblings before her, it is great to see one of the special moments between she and her " mom."
Thanks Suzanne for yet another lesson in the fascinating world of Ursidae. I love to see the three species of bears, Pandas, sloths (including cub that is exactly 6 months younger than Tai Shan, and is still nursing), and Spectacled Bear. I didn't know for a long time that there was a Spectacled bear at NZP, because they reside in a different area of the zoo from the Pandas and Sloth bears. Those two are house near each other in the brand new state of the art Asia Trail exhibit. It is great to have cubs that are so close in age, and to follow the differences in their development and relationships with their dams. Tai has been independent of Mei Xiang for 11 months, and Bala (sloth) has a year or so to go before he will separate from his mother.
I look forward to future updates on your study, and like all bear lovers, am excited about the prospect of Chinook and Kalluk having cub(s).
January 28th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Suzanne, I love your writings!! I can not believe how much I've learned from you and the other contributors.
I agree with Grace #7 - that picture of our Bai and Zhen is one of the best!
January 28th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Wonderful post, Suzanne - how informative and good to hear about the research being done…I have always wondered why? and been heartbroken when we hear of polar bears injuring their young in capivity. Giant panda moms don't seem to exhibit that aggressive trait. Keep the faith, thank you!!
Paula in Tx
January 29th, 2008 at 1:40 am
#5 Bobbie - another of those lucky people who can put on paper what is in their head! I just can't seem to ever find the words, even though I am thinking them. I will always have that image with me now, too. So sweet.
Anyway, Suzanne - you mention you have cameras in the Asiatic Black Bear den - obviously this is so you can monitor their progress. But is their any chance that one day they might also be on the webcam?
#6 Jennifer - love sloth bears too. But have you ever seen the huge cream coloured sloths that move in slow motion. I saw one last year here in the UK and was mesmerised by it.
January 29th, 2008 at 7:21 am
I was watching the Wolong Reserve Panda Cam and was wondering how Mei Sheng is adapting to all that snow. It must be quite a change for him from San Diego. I hope his body is adjusting well.
January 29th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I have a 2008 World Wildlife Fund panda calendar, and this picture of Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen is definitely material for next year's calendar!! Great shot.
January 29th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Susan, thank you for the information about bears, they are lovely animals. The picture you have posted here, Bai holding ZZ — sooooo sweet, so peaceful and so etc…
I have been checking on Vienna zoo about Fu Long. Their site has videos about him in German and they are soooo cute.
January 29th, 2008 at 11:41 am
To AC (#14), I too check on the Vienna Zoo for Fu Long updates. I will have to seek out the videos now. I did learn yesterday the German equivalent for " poop" by comparing the English & German posts. It is " gacki" . They were proud to announce that Fu Long has had his first gacki.
January 29th, 2008 at 11:45 am
The Panda cam is on Su-Lin right now, (1:40 EST) and OMG is she Beautiful. She has gotten so big. She must be almost as big as Bai Yun by now??
January 29th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I join the Chorus in gratitude for our continuing education - - and LOVE the picture of Mom and Baby. Beth - - - where did you find access to the Wolong Reserve Panda Cam? I will begin my search now, but perhaps you can share the site with us! Has anyone received information regarding the Bears relative to the major storm? What a dramatic change in weather for our little boy - - I pray he is doing well.
Bobbie McLeod
January 29th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
To #14 — How do you get to the videos of Fu Long? I looked on the Vienna Zoo web site, but could not find it. Thanks.
January 29th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I love learning about all the SDZ bears! Thanks. #17 We cannot post links here but if you google wolong panda club, there is a link to the website sponsored by science museums of China. If you just google wolong pandas, you get a link to a pandacam website stuffed with ads. Don't forget the time difference–12 hours off EST. It's handy–when the US pandas sleep, the Chinese pandas play!
January 29th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
How long is Bulan going to be with her mom? (if not already separated)
Speaking of Asiatic Black Bears, what do you think of the Ueno Zoo's attempt to and successfully have their black bear hibernate (second year in a row)? For those bears hibernate in the wild, does the lack thereof affect their reproduction in any way?
January 29th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Hello, Suzanne!
Maybe it is slightly off-topic but I have a question about Zhen Zhen's weaning. As she is Bai Yun's last cub, will she be allowed to stay with Mom longer than Bai's previous cubs? Do you plan to let Bai Yun decide when and how this cub should be weaned as if she were a wild mother panda?
Thank you for your answer.
January 29th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
How do we know this is Bai Yun's last cub? Did I miss something? BTW.. I'm not sure about Asiatic Black Bears, but I do know some bears have their babies while in hibernation, which I assume means they were pregnant when they went into hibernation. They seem to sleep thru the birth, and the cubs nurse when they need to eat while Mom sleeps or is still hibernating.
January 29th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
#18 Jane:
-google search on " zoovienna"
-after you get to zoo site, click on picture labeled " tagebuch Pandababy"
-then click on picture referring to Panda TV (link label is " zum ORF Videotagebuch" )
Enjoy!
January 29th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
#17 go to the vienna zoo website click on " tagebuch Pandababy" after entering the site click on Panda TV which is right above the 26-29 Janner. There are videos by date as you scroll down the menu. Hope that helps.
Rita Yokoyama
January 29th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Sayuri #20,
Bulan is still with her mother, but will likely be weaned by 19 months.
As for hibernation, most of the cold weather bears (polars, browns, blacks) give birth while denned up for the winter in the wild. In captivity, they usually don't hibernate, but are still capable of normal birthing cycles. The Asiatic black bears in our study are currently hibernating in captive dens in Japan.
Gloria #21,
Zhen Zhen may not be Bai Yun's last cub. It is likely that she will be able to have one more litter. Pandas in Wolong have given birth at 17 years of age.
January 29th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Question on the pandas…how does Su Lin stay so beautiful and white and fluffy…do pandas groom themselves or do the keepers help? lol at Zhen who looked so bedraggled the other day…
January 29th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I love the photos and blogs about Bai Yun, Gao Gao and their children. ZZ seems to be spending a lot of time in the tree; is this normal? I noticed that she is still attempting to climb vertically — nothing seems to really faze her! On a different topic, anyone watching the Nuremberg Zoo postings about Flocke?
January 29th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
#22 Widget..I'm not sure that #21 Gloria meant to say Bai would have no more cubs. However, the arrangement with the Chinese government dictates that the giant pandas must at some point return to China. On a previous thread, those in the know said there is just no way to envision when Bai (and for that matter, all the pandas) will be sent to the China Woolong sanctuary. Enjoy the black&white treasures while they're here!
January 29th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Hi! Read some of the comments that Suzanne wrote, but haven't read all of it yet. The one thing that did catch my eye was this great pic of Bai giving her daughter, ZZ, a loving hug! That is the most adorable pic that you all have taken of them yet! That's a great pic for the picture gallery for Valentine's Day!! Will read this latest dissertation later on, but in the meantime, I'll keep watching the pandacam to see ZZ some more. I've seen her in the trees alot lately on the cam! And, playing with her ball! She's definitely got her climbing legs going now!
Gonna go and get some sleep.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
PS: Still waiting on the latest update about Lungile's baby elephant calf. Hoping someone will write something to let us know how the calf has been doing during the last week. I'm still praying for the both of them, and that the calf has gained some more weight. Last update, she weighed 205 pounds, which is an improvement. Also hoping that she gets a name ASAP!
January 29th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
More bear news came today in the SDZ news about the Polar Bears at the Zoo. We won't want to miss the Press Conference on Thursday at 10AM to hear the big announcement. Then, watch the polar bear cam to see them playing with their new enrichment " toy" — can't wait to see what the surprise is!!!
I also really love the pic of Bai and Zhen, I think the caption should read, " Were you calling me?" It looks so cute as Bai is lookng over her shoulder to see something (or someone) behind her.
Great to hear about the " other animals" at the Zoo sometimes. (My friends laugh at me because when I go to the Zoo, I have 2 categories of animals… the pandas AND the other animals.)
Love, Joy
January 30th, 2008 at 1:49 am
It's approx quarter to one in the morning SDZ time and Su Lin is enjoying a tasty meal of bamboo in the dark!
January 30th, 2008 at 5:30 am
I was wondering why we don't see video of this cubs exams like we did Su Lin?
January 30th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Zhen Zhen cannot be Bai Yun's last cub. A 21 year old panda at Chengdu panda base gave birth to a beautiful cub and rasied her very well.
January 30th, 2008 at 8:22 am
At the Vienna Zoo: It seems little Fu Long is not as busy as Ms Fluffy butt, but he's starting to venture out.
January 30th, 2008 at 8:36 am
#21 Gloria, Don't give up on more pandas with Bai already. She may be getting older, but from what I understand, even in another 18 months, she still won't be past reproductive age, just on the farther end of it.
January 30th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Does anyone have any idea why FuLong & Mommy are so hesitant to leave the nesting box. You'd think Mommy would want to be out & about by now. Here we have Miss Z happily exploring and zooming up & down the trees.
January 30th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Ooh - I have a sneaking suspicion about what the press conference on Thursday might be about. Seems there's a romance going on between 2 of the bears at Polar Bear Plunge (go to Other Blogs and read " Love is all around the Plunge" ). Kalluk and Chinook have been flirting alot lately - and spending most of their time together - so we may have some baby polor bears in the near future. How exciting is that. Check out the Polar Bear Cam and you might get to see them playing together in the plunge - they are so cute together!
Moderator's note: The press conference is about our new collaboration with Polar Bears International. But there will be some very fun (we hope) enrichment for the bears that day. See Polar Cam: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/ex_polar_bear_plunge.html
January 30th, 2008 at 11:23 am
I think when we say that this could be Bai's last cub we mean here in sdz don't forget her contract of 12 years is up this year but I personally doubt she would be returned because of Zhen Zhen being so young and it is up to SDZ and China if Bai stays or goes. this is something none of us want to think about.
January 30th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Hi Dawn #34 and Maureen #36 - I visited the Vienna website and couldn't find the panda cam. I am having withdrawals not being able to watch Miss ZZ like I once did. Can you guide me how to also be watching this little guy in Vienna as well?? Don't get me wrong, I STILL watch for ZZ - I catch a glimpse every once in awhile!! She'll always be my favorite - she was my first baby panda I started watching. But I would like to watch FuLong as well. Thanks for your help! Have a good one!
January 30th, 2008 at 11:45 am
This has nothing to do with this topic. I was watching the cam and little ms thing was
laying next to her mommie with bamboo in her mouth. Does she think she is grown now. She is such a kick to watch.
January 30th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Well, I have been watching the longest play session ever this morning! Bai Yun really wanted to play today. I think Zhen Zhen still feels overpowered and would just as soon be up in the tree napping, but mom is really giving her a workout–and how wonderful that we all get to see.
January 30th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
YES YES YES!!! Both mom and baby are ON THE GROUND - playing!!! I am having the BEST panda-watching day in a long time!! LOVE IT!!
January 30th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
It's a good thing work's kinda slow today, because I can't stop watching. Thanks, Meerkats!
January 30th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Great play session today with Bai on her back holding Zhen up in the air with her four extremities. Had me laughing out loud a lot and ahhhing at the two of them.
January 30th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
#39 Rhoda - check out the instructions on the #23 & #24 posts to get to the video of Fu Long. I was having a problem finding the video on the english version of the vienna zoo's website, apparently it is only on the german version. If you are viewing in english, you must click on " deutsch" near the top right to get to the german page - then the instructions work fine. He is adorable!
January 30th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
During play time with Bai and Miss Z, I got a beautiful picture of them kissing, snout to snout. It is adorable! Bai Yun really put Zhen Zhen through her paces today. They played a long time. A little longer than Zhen wanted to I think. She kept trying to get away, and Mom would be right there to sweep her back into her arms. What a great hour or so that was to watch today!
January 30th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Any chance of posting this wonderful picture of Bai & Zhen Zhen in a bigger version that would work for wallpaper? I " stretched" it but lost a lot of quality.
Thanks for all the info on the bears. The are wondrous creatures all.
January 30th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Yes, I must say, the Bai/Zhen play session today was a real treat!! Too bad I had to go back to work. I could have watched those two all afternoon. I hope someone captured it for youtube.
January 30th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
USA Today has the video of Fu Long on its website - very, very cute. Reminds me of when our little weeble was wobbly ; )
January 30th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Rita #44–She used to do that when ZZ was teenier in the den, too, making a little playpen out of her legs.
Mom really did wear her out today–hope we can look forward to many more wonderful play sessions as Miss ZZ gets bigger and stronger.
Fu Long is cute, too. Someone who knows panda genealogy–are he and Zhen Zhen related?
I hope the polar bears can breed at SDZ They're awfully cute with their cubs too.
January 30th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Suzanne, I forget whether anyone has asked this yet or not. Are Hannah and Balawat the mother-cub Sloth Bears at the NZP included in your study?
I think that Zoo Atlanta is also doing research on Mother - cub relationships both at ZA and at Chengdu and Wolong. I wonder if they will leave Mei Lan with Lun Lun longer because of their study to see how Lun Lun weans Mei Lan? I recall reading last year that Tai Shan and Mei Xiang were the longest a cub stayed with its mother in captivity.
January 30th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Oh, the life of a " precious" panda baby. After having such a busy day, Zhen Zhen is now sleeping, looking so angelic! I didn't get to see the long play session between mom and baby this afternoon, but did get to see Zhen Zhen being very busy–climbing on a tree limb, playing with her red ball, trying to stand on her head in the outside waterer. She has so much energy, and seems so fearless. Climbing looks so easy for her. I agree, with Mary #47, these bears are wondrous; and I so enjoy watching them on all the web cams, and thank the ones that make this possible.
January 30th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Hi, again! Had to write up something tonite because I just got on the pandacam and saw ZZ on the platform (C15) napping in the corner! She's found another favorite spot to nap in! Earlier today, I was watching the pandacam when Bai and ZZ were sitting together. Bai was eating her bamboo, ZZ was playing with a bamboo stalk and sniffing it. CUTE!! Also, I was watching my local news program from Tampa, Florida, (WTSP, Channel 10) tonite, and they had the news about the panda cub that was born in Vienna, Austria, Fu Wong. Her mom and Fu Wong went outside for the first time together today, and they spent about an hour outside. Fu Wong was really cute as she walked around the exhibit, sniffed a little bit, played a little bit. She pretty much stuck to mom alot, tho. Apparently, Fu Wong was a little bit afraid to come outside the last couple of days, but she finally got out there. Then, her mom felt that she had enough of all the people watching and scooted her cub back inside. The video my local station had was really cute! To all of you that have been keeping up about this cub, hope that you liked this cute update about Fu Wong! Europe is really fascinated about the panda cub because it had been 25 years since the birth of a panda cub in Madrid, Spain. Everybody's loving her!
Well, gonna get back on the pandacam to see where ZZ is at next!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
January 30th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
#33 Eugena, the 21 years old mom you have mentioned is Bing Bing, Lun Lun's mother, Mei Lan's grandmother.
January 30th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Rhoda #39 - The Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schonbrunn) does not have a Panda Cam. To obtain the panda photos you have to Goggle Tiergarten Schonbrunn/Vienna Zoo. Then click on the first item entitled Tiergarten Schonbrunn. Once the page comes up, click on " diary Panda Baby" .
The diary photos start with the current date: 26 - 28 January at the top of the page. As you scroll down to view each photo (click on the photo to enlarge it), then read the description. There are approximately 64 photos - no videos.
To locate videos of Fu Long, Goggle Panda Baby - Fulong (note: fulong is one word). There are a few short videos of the pandas. Click on the first one " Baby Panda - Fulong - AOL video" , also, scroll down to " Raw Video: Baby Panda Makes Debut" , my favorite. Happy Viewing!
January 30th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Mary #47 - I googled for Zhen Zhen pictures and found amazing pictures on Flickr, but could not make them my wallpaper - they were either protected or just appeared distorted. I've spent so much time trying this! I finally Googled for Panda wallpaper and found the Smithsonian National Zooligical Park site.
It would be so lovely if SD Zoo offered a Zhen Zhen wallpaper!
Paula in TX
January 30th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
The 21 years old panda at Chengdu panda base mentioned by #33 Eugena is mother of Lun Lun, so Mei Lan has a baby auntie now!
January 31st, 2008 at 12:20 am
I spent over half-an-hour watching Bai and ZZ playing; it was fantastic to see them at ground level. And every time I popped in every 5 minutes or so over the next hour they were still having fun. Absolutely great. I could swear Bai was laughing!
Will try to watch the Polar Bear thing tonight (it'll be 6pm here - right when my favourite daily soap starts!!) but I will be popping over in the break.
January 31st, 2008 at 6:20 am
Thanks, Suzanne, for the maternal care blog. I agree that I'm learning so much by reading the blogs and appreciate the research being done. We all marvel at the research and are so appreciative of the efforts being taken to save the endangered Ursidae, which ever bears we're talking about.
Concerning Fu Long, our little star in Vienna, I just found footage this morning on CNN.com showing his public debut yesterday. He looks like a little wooly, albeit roly-poly, lamb and not at all shy in the video. The title of the video clip was " Roly cub makes his debut" and it's 2 minutes of cute and very entertaining video. He does do a lot of that rolling-around-being-cute thing we all love, and also finds his momma's neck particularly tasty to nibble on.
January 31st, 2008 at 6:55 am
Maureen#36 this morning the news had a video of Fu Long making his public debut, what a beautiful boy and mom was right there to make sure he was okay. I bet Bai and Zhen slept good last night after that long play session yesterday. I only got to watch for a couple of minutes but it was great.
January 31st, 2008 at 7:07 am
Maureen, forgot to say CNN has a 2minute of Fu Long and it is beautiful, he looks like he is going to be a climber just like Zhen.
January 31st, 2008 at 8:28 am
Thank you, Suzanne, for all the information on bears, including mother-cub relationships. The pandas have certainly made me more eager to learn about their relatives. It was great news, too, about the SDZ collaboration with Polar Bears Int'l. Every time I open a newspaper or magazine or go online, there is a report on the fast-worsening plight of the polar bears. It's good to know that all of SDZ's knowledge and expertise have been and will continue to be used in the struggle to save those magnificent animals.
It was wonderful to watch Bai and Zhen yesterday during their extended play session. Bai Yun must have thought it was a good day to give her daughter a lot of on-the-ground interaction. She just wouldn't let ZZ get away. Seeing their snuggling and wrestling in the sunlight was just a delight. I'll bet the baby was really worn out after all that.
January 31st, 2008 at 9:00 am
Yes, Bai is definitely the momma in charge. When she says it's playtime - you play! I remember seeing her on several occasions waking Su Lin from a nap to play. Stark contrast to Mei Xiang in DC. Tai was ALWAYS wanting to play and she was often seen fending him off like " why don't you go take a nap already??" . You have to marvel at the differences.
January 31st, 2008 at 9:41 am
Many thanks y'all (Carol #45 and Rose N #55). That is my project today - to see FuLong!! But I am so enjoying ZZ since she's been so active yesterday and today. Have a good one everyone!
January 31st, 2008 at 10:28 am
I too was fortunate enough to watch the long mom/cub playtime yesterday and it was just fascinating! Today I see why ZZ is closer to the ground, I see the tree guards up there on the tall trunks. I hope she is still closer to the ground during the viewing time in one month when I get to come to SDZ to see them! I've been watching her since her birth and am delighted every time I see them on cam. Thanks to all of you for providing such excellent entertainment and education, I am much more aware of pandas in the world as a result (and in love with them)!
January 31st, 2008 at 11:16 am
Speaking of babies, how is that little sun bear doing. I haven't heard anything about him in a long time. I read something a while ago that said there was little hope for the survival of that species.
January 31st, 2008 at 11:41 am
#55 and #39 - regarding video of Fu Long. See P Wong's post (#23). There is a video on the same page as the photos. The title is " Zum ORF video tagebuch" . They also have a blog, but, since it's in German, I don't understand anything in it. But, it is great to know that another group of people are sharing their love and care of pandas with each other.
January 31st, 2008 at 12:12 pm
#53 Fu Long is a male panda and he finally went out a couple of days ago to the viewing area. We must remember that Fu Long's mom, Yang Yang, is a first timer and just like Bai Yun she is very protective of her new offspring. It's interesting to observe Fu Long's behavior such as climbing on his mother and harassing her while she is eating. The website at the Vienna Zoo is both in english and German and until today the English translation is a few days behind so if you are able to read German you are ahead of the game.
Rita
January 31st, 2008 at 12:51 pm
#67 Cat and #68 Rita.
To translate the German to English:
- Copy and paste a paragraph of German verbiage to a text file (Notepad works better than MS Word)
- Google " babelfish altavista" and go to babelfish site
- Then copy the German verbiage from text file and paste it to " translate a block of text"
- Click on " select from and to languages" to select " German to English" .
- Then hit " translate" button.
January 31st, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Regarding FuLong in Vienna, has anyone else noticed his right hind foot has a white tip? Really unusual. He's a cutie, but a little behind our little ZZ. (Our cubs in the U.S. are so precocious.)
Thank you, SDZ for allowing us to comment on the other pandas. You are very gracious.
January 31st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I did get to see the video of FuLong's public debut - another cutie.
Am sitting here laughing as I've been watching Miss Z carrying a long piece of bamboo around while trying to climb a tree - oops, that doesn't work. She couldn't decide which she wanted more - the bamboo or to climb the tree - climbing finally won out.
January 31st, 2008 at 2:36 pm
#69 Hi P Wong have you ever done that? I have and because German grammar is so complicated it often times comes out as jibberish! There are so many colloquialisms in German that just won't translate no matter how hard you try. Depending on the sentence structure the subject may be at the end of the sentence and the translator can't place the nouns, verbs, pronouns or adverbs in their proper location. # 70 I did notice the white paw tip on Fu Long and I agree it is very cute.
Rita
January 31st, 2008 at 5:01 pm
#72 Hi Rita. No, the Babelfish translator is not perfect. But it's worth a try once in a while. I'm used to the gibberish by now and it does not phase me. Although I must admit that my having studied some elementary German eons ago does help.
January 31st, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I wholeheartedly agree with Paula #56–we need some Zhen Zhen wallpapers and stuff!
Moderator's note: Check out this month's Member Specials page for panda wallpaper: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/membership/member_news.html
January 31st, 2008 at 8:25 pm
As another baby panda (FuLong, Austria) makes it public debut we all tend to compare them to each other- the pandaholics can't help it. But it does seem that Tai, SuLin, Lani & now Miss Z seemed more curious, adventerous & willing to explore. Someone mentioned that FuLong's mom(Yang Yang) was a first time mother & was being more protective but so were Mei Xiang & LunLun but their cubs were determined to escape the den. But I also have a question - according to the Vienna Zoo panda updates after the cub's birth mommy Yang Yang & papa Long Hui spend time together eating bamboo like an old married couple & they get along fine. I was surprised they were back together so soon. I read that Bai has no interest in Gao other than mating but now Tian Tain & Mei Xiang are back together. And as Lun Lun & Yang Yang (ZA) grew up together I wonder how they would get along now. But there are so many variables - some pandas do better in mating if kept away from their " spouse" until " the day" . So many questions about these wonderful, strange, beautifu,l endangered animals.
Also another question - names of pandas -we have Yang Yang the father of Mei Lan (ZA) & Yang Yang the mother of FuLong. Someone in a previous blog mentioned that Tai & Lani were related because their grandfather had the same name-so are we sure of the of the family tree - this is just the impossible hope that my favorite panda, Tai, doesn't have return to China this year.
January 31st, 2008 at 8:30 pm
The February Wish List is on, folks!
https://www.sandiegozoo.org/sl/wishlist/index.cfm
Some fine person already purchased 6 hyena beauty grooming sets. Oh, lookie,
Panda Stimulation Device
This high amp stimulation device will be wonderful enrichment for Gao Gao enabling him to produce a sample for collection. The sample will be used for reproduction efforts at the National Zoo…and is there anything more cute than a panda cub?
Number needed: 0 out of 1
$750 - someone has already donated this, ummm..unique gift. $750??? Wouldn't a copy of Wild Panda Babes work for Gao? " Wonderful enrichment" , that's good…LOL!
Yikes! Well, there are some WONDERFUL gifts on the February list!! Cheetah dinner for two sounds perfect!
February 1st, 2008 at 1:24 am
Hello fellow pandaholics!
#70 Barbara - yes, I agree it is very gracious of SDZ to allow us to mention the other pandas. It is so good to have this forum for sharing our love and concern for these beautiful creatures.
I discovered several brand new videos of Vienna's panda baby Fu Long on youtube capturing his public debut. Do a search on 'panda fu long' and they'll all come up for you. There's even one where he does a handstand just like ZZ did when she first ventured into the outdoors. There is also one of a song written to celebrate the birth of Fu Long - fun, catchy tune. The close-ups are great. Enjoy!!
#70 Barbara - Fu Long was born after ZZ, hence his development is not at the same level; however, I'd say he is catching up. I see the same drive and determination in him that we've seen in ZZ. I love the way he just plows through a bamboo pile. Not too graceful, mind you, but I don't think he cares!
February 1st, 2008 at 1:45 am
Bother! I had to miss the polar bears yesterday evening because my darling husband pinched my laptop to show me historical forts on the Thames at Tilbury! Wow. OK, it is very interesting but not when I want to watch the bears. Can anyone tell me what their new enrichment toy is? By the time I got there the pool was empty and everyone (including bears) had gone home!
Moderator's note: The enrichment to celebrate our collaboration with Polar Bears International was several large ice cubes with fish, yams, and carrots frozen inside. They didn't last too long!
February 1st, 2008 at 4:47 am
My husband is lovely. Without me knowing he's found a beautiful pic of Bai cuddling Zhen Zhen when she was a baby with all fuzzy fur, and put it on my laptop for me. I'm over the moon - it's a really close-up one too.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:58 am
I just had a moment today to peek in on everyone because it's a short day but everything seen fine and that's okay. I would like to take a minute to mention that a lot of our blogger buddies are having a hard time with the wether situation across the country and in China and I wish to let them know that they are in my thoughts. Be safe and careful. Paula I know Texas is really have a time of it. Now the wish list. AH LOVE what a better way to say I love you than with a donation to the Feb wish list. I'm sure there is alot of love going on.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:59 am
Thank you Suzanne and all staff at SDZ who are working to understand the bears and all the other animals, bears are very important all of them and their conservation is very important because if we help them and understand them it gives us as the human species benefits too. Because what effects them today will effect us tomorrow so thank you so much for caring
February 1st, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Paula #76, you are to funny.
February 1st, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Moderator–thanks for the info about the beautiful wallpaper!
#77 pandafan–I think it is inevitable that we compare our Miss ZZ to Fu Long–they are very close in age–not quite 3 weeks apart. As many of us have noted, one day in the life of a panda can make a huge difference in what they are able to do–one day they can't walk, and the next day they can–and then they're climbing all of a sudden. It's fascinating to watch their individual development and really be able to appreciate their similarities and differences in " real time" –as opposed to comparing Zhen Zhen to any of her older siblings or any of the other year or two-year-older cubs. It's also amazing to observe the different habitats the zoo pandas live in and their relationships with their viewers. I don't know how aware Fu Long is of the people coming to watch him through the glass, but he's closer to them and younger than Zhen Zhen was when she first met her " public."
I also hope Mei Sheng will get to see/be seen by more people as he settles in to Woolong. He's such a ham, I think he misses his audience (at least he looked that way in his just out of quarantine pictures).
Wishing everyone good weather and good panda watching this weekend.
February 1st, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Moderator - thanks for the info on the polar bears' enrichment goodies. They sound yummy. So glad the bears enjoyed them. I'm really miffed that I didn't get to see them. Oh well…
Moderator's note: Video is now posted of the event at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/videos/index.html
February 1st, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Just checked on Miss Fluffy Butt and for a change she is 'chilling out' with her mom Bai on their climbing structure on C28 - my guess is Bai is having a well deserved rest while ZZ recharges her batteries before another tree climbing expedition.
#78 Susan and #30 Joy - I also missed seeing the polar bears receiving their new enrichment, I checked in before and after 10.00am, also later in the morning but saw no signs of the occasion. Eventually I did see Chinook relaxing by the water and Kalluk sniffing the air to pick up any favourable aroma!
I note the moderator has kindly enlightened us they received edible treats, hence the reason I did not see any 'items' floating in the water!
#69 P Wong
I have checked ZoeVienna many times, both the German and English write ups - as someone else mentioned the German version of occurrences is always more up to date than the English.
I followed your instructions finally arriving at Panda TV…clicked to open, however my computer using Windows Media Player was unable to open the link.
Any person who has succeeded access via the Panda TV - please advise what software is required.
Fu Long is very cute and his mom is very protective of her first born.
There is only 20 days difference in the age of Fu Long and Little Miss ZoomZoom, however our Bai is a real pro at being a mom, I feel certain that like human moms Yang Yang will be more 'relaxed' when she has her next cub.
Thank you Suzanne or your most enlightening write up - keep up the good work.
Like many more pandaholics I would so love to have the photo of lovely Bai (with her super wrinkly butt) and the endearing Zhen Zhen as my wallpaper.
Please can someone arrange for us to have the photo as 'wallpaper' - we could pay for it to add to the Wish List!!
Moderator's note: See comment #74
February 1st, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Just tuned in to check Miss ZZ and the cam is on her butt! Too cute.
PS-desperately waiting for a new update on the baby elephant…
February 1st, 2008 at 3:54 pm
#76 Paula. You are too funny! I kinda feel bad for Gao Gao. It doesn't sound like enrichment at all. In fact, it sounds like it could be painful! Hopefully it will be fine and in a few months, Mei Xiang will once again hear the pitter patter of tiny panda paws. I bought a box of bear treats for the Grizzly cubs. I wish I could watch them enjoy!
February 1st, 2008 at 4:23 pm
#85, Hazel - I viewed the Zoo Vienna video again, and noted it was playing through Windows Media Player. Perhaps you need to update your player to the newest version?
February 1st, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Big thanks for making that great picture into wallpaper!
February 1st, 2008 at 5:15 pm
To see webcam for Wolong just Google Pandas in Wolong China.
How lovely to see Zhen Zhen down closer to the ground for a change. I think she wanted us to play spot the panda cub in the trees. You had to look really closely for this little bundle that at times looked like a birds nest! Then you knew that it was little miss mischief.
Has something been put up around the trees to stop her from being able to climb up so high into the trees now?
Are there any plans to give Zhen Zhen her first snowy day? I wonder what she will think of it? That is something that i am really looking forward to seeing. Here in the UK we are having freezing Artic blasts with snow all over the country. You could have some of the 'real' white stuff for her if you wanted!
Thanks for putting up the details from the polar bear event. I didn't check my emails in time to watch it live. I did look on the web cam a couple of hours later though and i also saw nothing, not even a polar bear. I will go and check out the videos to see the one about the day.
February 1st, 2008 at 6:53 pm
#76 Paula - Oh My, poor Gao Gao - this is considered enrichment (????). It's not going to be a fun year for our male pandas (Tian Tian, Yang Yang & the " super stud" pappa Gao.) So YaYa (Memphis) is the only male that has a female available - let's hope that LeLe is receptive & is able to have a live birth this year.
#86 Michelle - agree - we are all waiting for an update on the baby elephant & momma - the last I read she was gaining back the weight she lost & was up to 204 pounds. The WAP is in contact with other zoos that have hand raised baby elephants so while her condition is still guarded I would guess that with the love & care from the staff she'll make it. Plus mom has health problems so we just all pray for both.
For some reason I thought that FuLong was older than Miss Z which is why I questioned his staying in the nest box area. But after watching the videos of his public debut on youtube think Yang Yang may have another " holy terror, Tai Shan" on her " paws" While still a little unsteady he showed no fear of climbing on a tree limb or hassling poor mommy. If we could only keep them at this fun age.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I think it was the " high amp" in the panda stimulation device that made me go whoh! But I hope it's a $750 vibrator. The February Wish List is actually quite funny, it's all about LOVE. OK, not love specifically, more like um, sex.
" The King of the Jungle does Date Night
Daddy needs a date night! With seven little cubs running around, our fierce leader needs to spend time with his ladies. Each $250 contribution will be enough for a huge carnivorous feast, a tip for the keepers, and plenty in a doggy-bag for the cubs at home."
It's good to be The King! >>>wait, did that say LADIES?
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:09 am
#15 Sharon and #18 Jane, sorry for taking so long to reply; thanks #23 P Wong and #24 Rita for providing the information.
#83 I like to compare babies at real time too, so our ZZ and Fu Long. One thing for sure is same is that they both are very cute and precious.
February 2nd, 2008 at 8:41 am
#85 Hazel. I encountered Windows Media Player difficulties the first few times I tried, but don't know how I finally got it to work. Maybe it worked after I upgraded to Windows Media Player 11 and answered the Genuine Advantage type prompts, then somehow the software launched. The Panda TV videos had very good resolution and sound quality so it was well worth the effort.
February 2nd, 2008 at 10:10 am
Someone may have already posted this, but just in case — if you go to youtube and search Fu Long Panda, there are a couple of wonderful videos of the Little Prince on his public debut at Vienna Zoo. What's kind of interesting to me, both in the videos and in the comments on the Zoo website, is that he still seems much more baby-like and unsure of himself than the intrepid Miss Zhen Zhen.
February 2nd, 2008 at 11:56 am
Just watched the Polar Bear video. It's the first time I've seen them close up. They are absolutely gorgeous. I also visited the Polar Bear International site. There's so much to look at on the site, I didn't know where to start. Actually I did - the Gift Shop!! There's some lovely things in there. I wish I was a millionaire a million times over then I'd give it to all the animals in the world.
This morning I finally remembered to go to the cam at Woolong (caught 5 pandas a couple of weeks ago - all eating of course) but there were no pandas to be seen this time.
I'm hoping for news on the baby elephant and her mum too.
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Conversation with Gao Gao #24
Gao Gao: Hee hee hee.
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
G: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: So you're chuckling again?
G: Hee hee hee.
T: So what's exciting you now?
G: It's February!
T: February?
G: Like today's Groundhog Day.
T: So, what's it to you?
G: Then next Thursday, February 7…
T: Oh yeah, that's right, Chinese New Year! The Spring Festival.
G: And don't forget Valentines Day. Hee hee hee.
T: Now what's going on? Something smells around here.
G: Oh, it's my scent blocks.
T: Scent blocks?
G: For my cruise package.
T: What?
G: The Panda Love Boat Cruise.
T: Huh?
G: Su Lin will preside over the beauty pageant festivities.
T: Beauty pageant?
G: And we'll invite all the eligible ladies from around the world.
T: Now wait. How would they get here?
G: No need to worry. The Panda King will see to it.
T: And the boys, too?
G: Uh huh. And they all want to try the new Panda Stimulator.
February 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
#95 Carol–Maybe he'll be more of a Mama's boy, like Mei Sheng? Our Miss ZZ has that extra special something that makes her a star. Boys develop a little slower sometimes–it will be fun to watch and compare them since they're so close.
#92 Paula–well, for $750, it had better be the BMW of panda " stimulators" ! Maybe if he likes it, he can become the spokespanda for it between his meetings with Bai Yun.
February 2nd, 2008 at 7:59 pm
#90 Sammi - am sure what you see on the trees are metal sleeves (tree guards) -the idea is to keep cubs from digging their claws into the bark & climbing tall trees until they're older - BUT this didn't stop our Tai Shan who climbed on mommy & with her help was able to get above the tree guards so up & away he went. It seems to me I also recall the NZ also reporting that Tai somehow getting inside a tree guard!! He sure lived up to his nick name - Tai, the Terror.
I watched our dear Miss Z playing in a pile of bamboo & exploring for over an hour this afternoon - this is such a fun age - everything is so new to her & needs to be checked out. She goes from one thing to another.
We are so fortunate to have these cubs to watch - Tai & Su Lin, then Lani & now Miss Z & Fulong - each so different & lovable.
I agree we need to do something about the plight of the polar bears - I also read that " Knute" the famous polar bear cub in Germany needs a new home - the zoo is unable to keep him. Too many sad stories about what mankind has done & continues to do to our animals. It's time we all learned each species (whether animal or plant) lost also affects the human race.
February 4th, 2008 at 2:25 am
Has anyone managed to catch Bai and ZZ this morning? I tuned in just before 1am SDZ time and 20 minutes later they're still playing - unlike the other morning which was rough and tumble play, this is sort of 'before bedtime' gentle cuddly play, with Bai really in a cuddle ZZ mood! ZZ, meantime, is happily chewing on a small piece of bamboo. Can't stay, got to go back and watch. Doesn't look like my work will get done this morning then!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Thank you for keeping both the camera AND the lights on in C11 Sunday night/Monday morning. I enjoyed checking up on Bai and Zhen.
Hope we get an update on the ill baby elephant soon. They need to give her a name too!
February 4th, 2008 at 8:39 am
It's 10:37 Michigan time and I just logged on to the ZA site. I was delighted to find Lun and Lani in a cuddly nursing session. What a treat. At least it was for Lani and me… Not sure how Lun Lun felt about it, but she didn't seem to be putting up a fight, either.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:18 am
when i don't have access to a computer i can put on my panda wear. yes folks, there is panda wear. i have a leather purse with a panda painted on it and leather mules with a panda painted on it. icon makes them…
Moderator's note: For lots of panda " stuff" visit the San Diego Zoo's online store, ShopZoo.com
http://www.shopzoo.com/
February 4th, 2008 at 11:44 am
#96 P. Wong - TOO FUNNY!!!
February 4th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
P.Wong, (#69 and 96) you are a man of many talents. Author, Interviewer, Linguist (Chinese and German so far) and computer expert. Thank you for the fun you have added to this blog. I have cut and pasted your entries and those of Pamela G's poems to a special panda file.
Several times in this blog mention has been made of ZZ and Fu Long being close in age. Tai was, I believe just 18 days older than Su Lin and I remember seeing Tai do something new and estimating when Su Lin should be doing the same. It was this time of year because the best series of photos of Bai Yun and Su Lin (captured by sending postcards to myself) were during the Super Bowl of 2006!
Like so many others, this web-site is part of my life and thank you all who make this incredible experience possible. SDZ staff, the moderator, the MeerCats and all that read and write in it THANK YOU!
Moderator's note: We're glad to have you as well, Bernice! And to all of you who send comments, thank you for keeping our blog section so interesting with so many points of view. We appreciate you all!
February 4th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Like Rita #101 I love love love it when we get to see C11 overnight–more chances to view Bai Yun and Miss ZZ.
I wonder if Suzanne could address Knute's situation. News stories over the weekend said he is suffering from psychological problems since the crowds don't come to see him anymore. Can he be retrained/rehabilitated so that he can live a more " normal" captive polar bear life? Now that there is another polar bear cub being hand raised, are there plans to raise him differently than Knute was?
February 4th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
#106, Frances — I hadn't heard about Knut being depressed at all. The female polar bear cub was born at the Berlin Zoo, if memory serves me correctly. There is some talk about the fact that she could possibly be Mrs. Knut. That would be so neat if it could happen.
February 4th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
#97 lol that was too funny
#106 Dear, dear, I never knew animals could suffer psychological problems from NOT having tons of people watching you all the time. That is interesting. I certainly hope Mei Sheng is doing ok hint hint. I'm sure that he isn't getting as many visitors as he did in SDZ.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Paula #103 - well, HELLO! I'm a Paula as well - and I like to shop for panda items too! Let's get together for a drink! LOL…
#96 P Wong…hysterical - thanks for the laughs! Somehow, I don't think the SD Zoo will be selling miniature Panda Stimulators in the gift shop. (but if they do, please let us know
I saw little Precious playing on a log today…what a Doll!
Paula in TX
February 4th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
#108 Laine–Knut was hand-raised and always on display. The news reports this weekend indicated that he enjoyed the attention and missed it now that he didn't have the interaction with the crowds of children he once attracted and was acting out because of it. One of the polar bears in the Central Park Zoo became depressed, not from lack of attention, but from lack of mental stimulation. They had to provide him with toys and frozen food blocks and a fairly concentrated program of enrichments to get him out of his doldrums, if I remember correctly. That's why programs such as SDZ's are so valuable, to discover what keeps captive wild animals mentally and, if I may, emotionally stimulated.
February 5th, 2008 at 5:57 am
Paula #103 - I found flannel panda pajamas at Target just after Thanksgiving. I mentioned them to a fellow pandaholic in my office and was gifted a few weeks later with panda slippers. They were wrapped in tissue and put in a gift bag so that when I took off the top layer of tissue, I had two little panda heads staring back at me. Made my day!
February 5th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Hi! To those of you who corrected me on the name of the Vienna Zoo panda cub, thanks! I couldn't tell if the news people here in Tampa were saying Fu Long or Fu Wong. Now, I know it is Fu Long!
Been on the pandacam over the last few days, and have seen Gao Gao, Su Lin, Bai Yun, and ZZ at different times of the day and sometimes at nite. Some of the cams you can't see anything on because there are no lights on in those areas at nite. Also been checking the pandacams on the Atlanta and National Zoo websites to check in on those pandas there. Usual normal panda stuff with all of them. Tai Shan at DC got his very first comprehensive physical last week. They have written an update about that on their panda page on the NZ website. Also at NZ, the elephant keeper staff and vets have done two artificial insemination procedures on their momma Asian elephant, Shanthi, a couple of weeks ago. She had the same procedure done last year (2007), but it didn't take. So, they have tried again, and this time they are hoping for a calf by late 2009 or early 2010. A 22 month pregnancy is a long time to wait for a newborn calf! They will probably do an ultrasound on Shanthi sometime this spring or summer to see if this procedure was successful this time around.
To all of you Californians, today is primary day! Find the time to go and vote your choices for president. Florida had their primary last week, so I already did my voting thing!
Well, gonna go and check the pandacam again and hopefully see ZZ and Bai. Oh yeah, please be praying for all of those millions of Chinese in Central and East China. That region of China has had a string of severe snow and ice storms for 4 weeks now, and everybody has been trying to get to their homes for the Chinese New Year this weekend. Flights have been cancelled or delayed, trains not running, traffic stalled on a large number of roads that are choked with snow and ice; it's been a horrible 4 weeks there. This is the worst winter weather in that region in about 100 years, and it has affected the economy in the whole country of China as well as travel there. I just hope that Chengdu and Wolong panda bases are not socked in with piles of snow even tho those pandas at both places are probably enjoying it alot more than the people are right now!
Gonna go and check pandacam!
Happy voting,
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
February 5th, 2008 at 9:05 am
P. Wong as usual you have out done yourself, I guess a good time will be had by all.
February 5th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Hi, I am back again! First of all, thank you so much, Suzanne, for a very informative blog on the many varieties of ursidae. I was truly fascinated, but then I am always fascinated with regard to your wonderful infos. I truly love all animals, but pandas, also owing to their markings, are such charming animals irrespective of being adults or infants. I cannot think of another mammal that forever projects the " kindchen schema" . No wonder the panda was chosen as the symbol for WWF.
Zhen Zhen is just adorable. She has made a lot of progress. Yesterday I was lucky enough to see both Bai and Zhen Zhen sitting and (most probably) snoozing in opposite trees. We all thought that Zhen was a late " bloomer"
but it seems that we underestimated her. Fu Long of Vienna Zoo is three weeks younger than Zhen Zhen and has only recently started to come out and excape his mother's protection. He is also very, very cute with his white foot (# 70 Barbara) and I have started to collect all the paper cuttings on him. Yang Yang being a first-time mom is, according to her keepers, an excellent mother. Currently she seems to be overprotective resulting in Fu Long taking only short outings and leaving lots of visitors yearning for Fu Long. I am so happy to tell you that beginning of March I will be visiting Vienna Zoo and sincerely hope that I am going to see Fu Long. Please, guys, keep your fingers crossed for me. I hope that my recent move to Austria paid off!! I will certainly report on my trip to Vienna Zoo. Thanks to SDZ I have become a true panda addict. Thank you to all of you who continue to care for these and all the other precious animals and enable us to be part of the " panda families" .
February 5th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I totally agree with everything you said, #105 Bernice - but who are these 'Meerkats' that I keep seeing pop up every now and then? Forgive my ignorance, haven't been here as long as some of you but I don't think somehow that they're the animal Meerkats!!!
Just been watching the Polars - both catching rays. It's raining here in the UK (as usual) - misery and dampness abounds.
Moderator's note: You can read about the " Meerkats" in this blog from 2006: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/pandas-and-meerkats-mix-well/
February 5th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I am sorry this is not about the bears but I need to express my deep, deep sorrow for the baby elephant girl who had to be euthanized. My heart feels like it fell out of my chest. Thank you.
February 5th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I was very saddened to hear about the baby elephant being euthanized yesterday, Feb. 4. I had been searching the blogs all day yesterday thinking we had not heard about her for awhile and fearing the worst. I am so sorry for all of you at the hospital center and the wild animal park. I guess we do have 4 other babies to be thankful for. Please know that we all appreciate all you do for all of our animals and our hearts go out to you and to Lungile.
February 5th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I just want to say how sorry I am about the loss of the little elephant calf. Will her mother, Lungile, be okay? Is her problem serious enough to possibly cause her death?
February 5th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I send my condolences to Lungile, all who care for her, and all who cared for her calf.
February 5th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I just looked in on the status of the elephant calf and was saddened to learncalf who died yesterday. I was hopeful that mother and calf would return to the herd together. I feel very badly for those who worked tirelessly to save this young calf. I pray that Lungile will recover. Elephants do have emotions…
I LOVE the Pandas, but Elephants have always been my favorite animal.
This may stem from when I was learning to crawl and I would throw my head back (so the story is said) and made a sound that apparently reminded my parents of an elephant. Thus, " baby elephant" was born as an affectionate reference to my crawling skills.
February 5th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Have Lisa or anyone heark from Scott in Wolong about Mei Sheng recently. Every time I read headlines like " Many in China to greet new year without power: Millions struggle to get home amid 'coldest winter in 100 years'" I wonder how he is coping in his first Winter in real cold climate. He will be having more snow than he would have seen in three lifetimes in SD. The poor Chinese are innudated with snow throughout the country accompanied by extreme cold. The picture that accompanied the headline above showed Chinese soldiers shoveling a bridge by hand. That is extreme amount of snow.
Are Scott and the other keepers at Wolong and Chengdu able to survive if they are stranded at Wolong, and can they get back and forth to their families and lodging if there is no where to stay at the Panda Reserve?
This extreme amount of snow is as much a crisis for the Chinese as the smoke was from the fires in CA.
February 5th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
My hear too goes out to all at SDZ over the death of the elephant baby girl!! I am so saddened by this news!! I was so hopeful she was doing better…..
Between this, the fires and Josephine it has been a rough spell!! Yes, we are so thankful for the healthy " kids" but it is so sad to hear that such efforts could not be rewarded. You are all such precious people and take such wonderful care of all the animals. My heart truly goes out to you!
Keep up the wonderful work. We are so thankful you are all there doing such wonderful jobs not only at SDZ but at WAP as well!!
February 5th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I am so sorry to hear about the baby elephant. What a loss her caretakers must feel! I hope her mother is improving and will soon be back in the herd.
February 5th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I really, truly fell in love with elephants on a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I visited an elephant camp there - and just fell in love with them. My heart also goes out to all of the staff at the WAP and especially the vets who tried valiantly to save the little elephants life. There is a blog on the " Other Blogs" page and of course a place to submit comments and condolences to the staff. I'm sure their hearts are broken - but their spirit strong in saving it's mother's life… hugs and kisses to all of them.
February 5th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Whoa - hold on - I'm confused - unless I'm not seeing what I'm seeing - but it looks like there are 2 pandas in one enclosure - and one of them is not Zhen Zhen. It's Tuesday afternoon - around 3:15. Am I seeing things?
February 5th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Oops - nevermind - it was the top of someone's head that was in the camera shot…
February 5th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Its great that we are able to learn about bears through the blogs and the cam. Zhen Zhen is so big but I never get to see her play, when Im able to grab the computer shes always up high on a tree.
I was wondering if anyone logs on to the wolong cam because lately i havent seen any of the 6 cubs that are there and wanted to know if anyone knew what was going on. I would log on every day to watch them just like I log on here, and one day there werent any bears =( . It would be great if anyone had any info on that =D
February 5th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Cheryl #15 and #126,
I don't know…perhaps it's because prior to your postings, I read about the little elephant and was in an emotionally elevated state..but when I read your two notes, I laughed until I had tears in my eyes
I do love watching the visitors watch the pandas…camera here, camera there, camera camera everywhere 
Could the wild and crazy antics of Tai be 'a male thing'? Having raised two sons and now having 4 grandsons and one grand-daughter, I'm pretty certain that boys will play (and make ones day) whereas, girls are much more reserved 
Riiiight! 
I hope the other fans of animals were cheered up as well.
Tai Shan has been on a 'rock and roll' the last couple of days! Sunday morning he was really showing off!
Climbing his trees and, in the pine tree, litterally falling off the branches. This morning (Tues.) he was doing summersaults again and bouncing and running all over the playground. Meanwhile, our Little Su Lin was calmly eating her bamboo and her baby sister Zhen Zhen was asleep. Even Mei Lan was mellow….
I'll risk this
February 5th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Oh no, I was hoping for good news about " BABY" (as the staff nicknamed the elephant calf) after I read she had gained some weight. What a heartbreaking end to a long, dedicated try to save her life. They are such magnificent, family oriented animals.
February 5th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
How heartbreaking to hear about the baby elephant…what a loss this is to the Zoo and us all. I echo all those who have given heartfelt credit to the Zoo staff who tried so hard to keep her alive. I'll just have to go make another February contribution to the wish list.
Margaret & Melissa: are y'all saying there is no way to see Mei? Is it just ME, or does anyone else think the pandas should stay here…
Paula in TX
February 6th, 2008 at 12:23 am
To all of you elephant fans that have not heard or read the latest info about Lungile's baby elephant, there's bad news. On 2/4/2008, the vet staff had to euthanize the baby female elephant because she was not responding well to the treatments that they have been giving her over the past 2 months. I had this awful gut feeling over the last week that something might have happened to either the mom or baby when they didn't get a new update in by this week, and I guess my awful feeling turned out right. I am really sad to read about this because I have been really praying hard for this baby to keep on going, survive, get healthy, and be out with her mom to be with the rest of the herd. It's also sad that this calf never got a name, and that hurts, too. She really needed an identity. Now, we will just keep on praying for Lungile in that she will get well, be healthy, and be able to get back out with the herd very soon. The vets and WAP staff deserve a lot of credit and kudos for their extremely hard work in trying to keep this calf alive. They can say this, tho; they have had 4 successful elephant births since 2003, and they are hopefully looking to have more babies when the time is right.
Haven't been on the pandacam much at all today. Been battling some sinus problems and post nasal drip all day today and haven't felt good. Will get on the cam tomorrow to check out Bai and ZZ. California election results: John McCain (Rep) and Hillary Clinton (Dem) both won their primaries. Also, be praying for everyone in Arkansas and Tennessee. People in both states have had to battle severe thunderstorms and huge tornadoes since this afternoon and on thru the nite. What a day to go out and vote! There were several injuries and some deaths, and damage has been very severe in several towns that were affected by these storms. Memphis, Tennessee, home of the Memphis Zoo, had 2 tornadoes go thru there within an hour of each other. I am hoping that the Memphis Zoo was NOT in the path of those tornadoes! Gonna check their website tomorrow and see how they came thru all of that. Ya Ya and Le Le are there, and I am hoping that those 2 pandas and all of the animals are safe and sound after a wild day and nite of severe weather there.
Gonna go, get to bed, and nurse this sinus problem. Will write in later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
February 6th, 2008 at 12:38 am
I truly love Miss Z, and her momma Bai Yun, dad Gao, SuLin, Mei Sheng, and the panda's at all the other zoos. Since finding this blog, I have also signed up for updates that come by email. Reading them weekly has made me a tremendous fan of ALL the animals. Palla's Cats, koala's, eagles, bonobo's, lions, tigers and bears, and a little sick baby elephant with no name. I have really loved reading about all of them, and am heartbroken to hear of the death of Lungile's baby. I just by coincidence watched a documentary on Elephants in the wild. The range of emotions they exhibit are really amazing, and proves that there are no 'dumb' animals. Lungile will grieve just as any mother would. I extend my condolences to all the staff, keepers, and fans of Lungile and her daughter. Every animal is so precious, especially now in this unstable world. I will keep all the animals in my thoughts and prayers.
February 6th, 2008 at 1:43 am
My sincere condolences go out to all of you at the terrible news about the baby elephant. I am writing this in tears - I only checked the site yesterday, as others did too, and thought 'no news is good news'. How wrong could I be. I really hope that the Mum gets better.
Lots and lots of love and hugs to all of you.
Susan
February 6th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Thanks Moderator, for the info on 'Meerkats'. Now I understand.
February 6th, 2008 at 9:26 am
I've been watching a long play session with Lani & LunLun - Lun is the instigator today, chasing after Lani.
For those (like me) that thought FuLong was not as advanced as Miss Z, there are some new adorable videos on youtube showing him bouncing around, climbing on tree limbs, hanging upside down & dropping off to the next limb. What a difference a couple of days made.
February 6th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Ruth #114 - Welcome back to the blogs!
How wonderful, you now have baby Fu Long nearby. Fu Long's debut video was very sweet. I also found his little white foot very charming. Wouldn't it be great if one day Zhen Zhen and Fu Long could get together for a play date :)?
Enjoy your visit to the Tiergarten Schonbrunn next month. My fingers are crossed, and please don't forget to give us an update.
Regards, Rose
February 6th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
#135- Maureen–thanks for the heads up about the new Fu Long videos. He is so cute and round and bouncy–he makes Miss ZZ look positively California laid back by comparison. I agree with Rose #136–I think a play date would be so cute. Maybe he can take Miss ZZ to the panda prom someday? Well, we can dream, can't we?
February 6th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
#137 Frances - a prom date is a good idea —-Hey, Paula, how about a prom story for all of us.
#114 Ruth - be sure to let us know when you see FuLong - one of the videos shows long lines - good luck.
February 6th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Conversation with Gao Gao #25
Tourist: Hello, Gao Gao.
Gao Gao: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: What's going on here? So much bamboo.
G: We're getting ready for tonight's family Lunar New Year's Eve dinner.
T: So you'll have a bamboo feast, I see.
G: And sweet potatoes, apples, biscuits…
T: And of course sugar cane, fruitsicles…
G: Yup.
T: And what are these paper strips?
G: Oh. They're petitions to the Daoist Pantheon and Immortals.
(in the heavens amongst the Immortals)
Jade Emperor: Greetings, Queen Mother of the West.
Queen Mother of the West: Greetings, Jade Emperor.
J: Now what have we here?
Q: Looks like Gao Gao's been busy at collecting petition signatures.
J: Hmmm. He's got quite a few paw prints on here.
Q: And telegrams, text/voice messages, emails…
J: I don't suppose he's asking for a Panda Stimulator this time…
Q: No, he's asking for an edict.
J: An edict?
Q: He wants a new holiday.
J: A new holiday?
Q: Yes, he thinks Valentines Day should become a Chinese holiday.
February 6th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I love the information we get from the blogs. There is one thing I am really missing and that is video's of our baby and her exams. Is there a reason this has stopped so early?
Moderator's note: As the baby panda grows and becomes an adult bear, animal care staff are not able to handle her as they did when she was a cub. She's just too feisty! So, as the cub grows her exams become less frequent.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
In addition to a photo of Fu Long snuggling up to his mom (very cute), MSNBC's wesite includes a photo of our very own love birds Kalluk & Chinook in the Animal Tracks slide show.
February 6th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I too am saddened by the loss of the little elephant calf. I feel better, though, knowing that she was surrounded by those who loved and comforted her and who gently escorted her " onward." I hope her mom recovers soon, and that she'll quickly be back out with the herd.
Did I see right on #28 ( think) this morning? From the angle, it looked as though some people/visitors were so close to little ZZ they could touch her????
February 6th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
#141 Cheryl - thanks for the info about MSNBC website - some great photos there.
February 6th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I just looked at the February Wish List and most of the needed items are for BEARS! And, they are affordable!
https://www.sandiegozoo.org/sl/wishlist/index.cfm
Skip buying that box of chocolate - and instead, donate to a good cause!
Paula in TX
February 6th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Gao Gao is not the only one who is stimulated by the stimulater. Two wonderful conversations to read by P Wong. And as always, your imagination makes everything so vivid to me. Thank you P Wong!
February 7th, 2008 at 8:26 am
I join you all in the mourning of the little elephant calf, how sad! I understand that elephants are very sensitive animals and can truly mourn when something has happened to one of their mates. How more tragic must it be for Lungile to lose her baby. I hope that she will recover soon, my best wishes.
February 7th, 2008 at 9:41 am
This is off topic: There's another cute two minute video of the baby lions at the Wild Animal Park. It's narrated by Autumn Nelson, Animal Care Supervisor. Just Goggle " Sign on San Diego" . Click on the first result then scroll down to the Multimedia area and click on " Wild Animal Park's New Cubs" . Enjoy.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:53 am
To all who enjoyed my inanity, you're welcome . It was my pleasure.
February 7th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Ha, ha… I'm laughing out loud watching Zhen Zhen wrestling with a puzzle feeder. Not sure who's winning yet - but she sure is giving it her best. Very cute!
February 7th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
P. Wong - I'm anxiously waiting to hear how the Panda Love Boat Cruise went. Dying to know who took over the roles of Doc, Julie the Cruise Director, Gopher and Isaac the Bartender. I'm sure a great time was had by all!
February 7th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I think the picture above… with Bai Yun holding Zhen Zhen is SO precious! Too bad she won't stay that little for much longer! It looks like Bai Yun couldn't be a more proud momma!!
February 7th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
No fair opening a new blog without letting us post to it…calling the IT department!!
Question: what will the pandas get for Valentine's Day?
Paula in TX
February 12th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I LOVE this photo of Mother and Daughter. I wish the site had an area to see larger photos like this so we could make them wallpaper for our computers! Is there any way??
Moderator's note: It was so popular with our blog commenters that we prepared it as wallpaper for our members. But you can download it as well! Just go to http://www.sandiegozoo.org/membership/members_wallpaper.html