Update on the Big Move
Posted at 2:44 pm March 4, 2008 by Pamela Crowe
Well, as expected, it didn't take long. This morning the keepers opened the door leading to the main exhibit area, and Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen immediately headed down to check things out. Bai Yun lead the way, of course. After all, her bamboo had been placed down in the main exhibit. Zhen Zhen followed along curiously after her mother, stopping periodically along the passageway to investigate all the new sights and smells. Once they made it all the way down to the exhibit, both immediately began exploring. Zhen Zhen was all over the exhibit. I think she covered every inch, from the far corners of the exhibit to the very top of the trees. She explored this new exhibit area independent of her mother, which is just another testament to her audacious personality.
For the rest of today, the keepers will continue to allow Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen access to their previous bedroom area. That way if the cub should want to return to this familiar area, all she needs to do is wander back up the passageway. We want to ensure that this transition occurs at a gentle pace, and that Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen always have the choice of where they would like to spend their time. Then over the next few days, if they continue to choose to spend their time in the main exhibit area, we will gradually decrease the access they have to the former bedroom areas. Considering how smoothly things went today, I expect they'll be spending all of their time enjoying their new exhibit space, complete with adoring fans.
And as for our other two residents"¦
Earlier in the day, Su Lin (pictured) was shifted to the right exhibit area where Gao Gao used to reside, and Gao Gao was shifted to the classroom exhibit. Su Lin has been exploring her exhibit space and has settled in nicely. This area is not unfamiliar to her; it is the exhibit she lived in when we weaned her from Bai Yun back in the spring of 2007. Gao Gao is also enjoying his new exhibit space. He has spent time in the classroom exhibit in the past, and is undoubtedly enjoying all the scents that Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen have left behind.
Pamela Crowe is a research technician with the Giant Panda Conservation Unit of the San Diego Zoo.
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March 4th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Time sure flies and a lot has happened in the past year. Su Lin was weaned, ZZ was born, and Mei Sheng moved to Wolong. Wow!
I am amazed at how calmly Mei Lan seems to be adapting to her separation from Lun Lun. Only a couple more days left, and they virtually ignore each other when they are together. Lani calmly walks past Lun and sits down near her and starts eating too. If you did not see two pandas in the same room, you wouldn't know they were still together. I wonder why the difference in the reaction of Mei Lan and that of Su Lin, especially since Su Lin seemed to be more independent staying high up in the trees all day, and Mei Lan seemed dependent and was playing a lot with her mother until a week ago when the weaning began. Seems opposite reactions to me. Go figure!
March 4th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
This post is a " salute" to the Panda Keepers…
Don't all you Panda fans agree that all of the Keepers in all of the zoo's in the USA are amazing. When I read an update it is so obvious to me that these people care so very much for these animals. I see it in everything that I read. They never do anything that would stress or agitate the bears, it's like they are working with their very own children. Letting the Panda's " lead the way" so to speak, never rushing them.. and how all of this pays off when we watch these wonderful animals, their calmness and their demeanour. It is just plain obvious to me that they are " Happy Bears!!!" ..
My first Panda was Mei Lan at ZA, but I have been to SDZ (shortly after Zhen was born). I never start at day at work without checking in on all the Bears.
So, a BIG BIG Thankyou to all of our Panda Keepers, and of course all other staff that take such pride in caring for the black and white beauties.
March 4th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Well, I guess Zhen Zhen can officially say " I'm a big girl now" . Also through the past months, she has had so many nick names and one of my favorites was Miss Fluffy Butt, Every time I see her on the panda cam there she is waving her fluffy little butt at all of us.
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL THE PANDA STAFF FOR THE OUTRAGEOUSLY WONDERFUL UN-SELFISH JOBS YOU ALL DO. I know if I am home on the weekend I don't always turn my computer on. But you all have to be there every day to take care of these precious creatures. Thank you so much for giving up your holidays, days when you would rather sneak off to the beach, or just sleep in.
March 4th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Gosh - there is just the cutest shots of Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen snoozing away, side by side, on the platform. They must be exhausted from their big adventure today - but they seem to have smiles on their faces - so it was a good day for everyone. No doubt Zhen is dreaming about the big trees and gossiping with big sis high in the branches. It's an exciting time for everyone - and thanks so much to all of the people working behind the scenes - making sure that everything is going smoothly and our panda family is as happy as can be.
March 4th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
I totally agree with both Darlene (3) and Silvertip (4), that our dedicated keepers are among the world's finest. They truly love their " charges" and their work, and are always willing to share information with visitors. I walk the zoo frequently and often have had brief chats with keepers as they go about their jobs, garnering a great deal of information about their work and the animals they work with. Three cheers for them all!!
March 4th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
You Go Baby Girl!! We all just knew you would be " nosy" and have to run right on in and check it all out! I can't wait to look at the time lapse and see what I can pick up!! You are my first cub so you are very special to me. I can't wait to watch for more!
Yes, Yes, Yes! The Panda keepers/caregivers are so AWESOME! But EVERYONE that deals with all these most precious charges are AWESOME - the Polar Bears, the elephants, the apes, the lions and tigers and ALL the bears - oh, MY! You ALL ROCK the world!! SDZ staff I think are especially wonderful because I have personally experienced them at SDZ - twice! I thank you all for all that you do and all the sacrifices you make to ensure that these precious gifts are well taken care of and contiue to give us pleasure and the more precious off-spring to perpetuate the lines!
March 4th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Amazing day!!! I was so lucky to have seen her in her new home. Here are some photos I shot today: go to flickr and search " zhen zhen the panda" .
March 4th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Thanks for not keeping us in suspense wonderding what happened when the door opened.
I knew our precious Miss Z would zoom out to explore the minute the door was open - she is something else. It must have been a surprise to those that saw ZZ up in the trees -now we have a challenge—-is it SuLin or Miss Z up high now..
I agree with Margaret - Su Lin seemed more independent - I rarely saw her playing with Bai - on the other hand Lani & Lun were quite a pair -like Tai & Mei Xiang playing together. One never can knows the personality of each cub until they are grown.
March 4th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Hi Pamela - Congratulations! - It sounds to me like the " Big Move†is working out very well. A BIG thank you to all involved in making the transition process go so smoothly.
It sounds like Zhen Zhen is enjoying the new larger exhibit with all the intriguing and unfamiliar scents. Bai Yun, of course, is probably thrilled to be back in one of her old stomping grounds. Also, I'm certain Su Lin and Gao Gao will be very happy exploring their exhibits and occasionally get to enjoy some private off exhibit time.
March 4th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
#3 Silvertip–Even though she's growing, she'll be Little Miss Fluffy Butt for some time to come. As always, when she's next to her mom (and those were beautiful pictures of the two of them napping this afternoon on the platform, as Cheryl said) you see how small she still is and how much farther she has to grow. More fun for us!
In honor of her move to the new exhibit area–(to the tune of Good Ship Lollipop), sung by Su Lin, Gao Gao, and Bai Yun:
She's our Little Miss Fluffy Butt
On a sweet trip to the high tree top
Where the pandas play
On a sunny San Diego day
New trees to climb everywhere
Bamboo with mom Bai Yun to share
Now there she'll play
Looking cuter every day…
ZZ: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
March 5th, 2008 at 1:44 am
Just two words - ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC.
March 5th, 2008 at 7:43 am
I agree with all that has been said. That's why SDZ is the premier zoo. They have the best birth rate of pandas and some species that are close to extinction. This shows the dedication and commitment that all these people have towards these animals. So to all the keepers, vet staff, researchers and all the other employees you are all the best of the best. The world has a better chance thanks to you all. I couldn't imagine not being able to see Zhen, Bai. Big daddy, Su and yes Mei Sheng even though he isn't here now he will always be with us. THANK YOU
March 5th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Great little family vignette this morning! Bai was sitting at the side of the platform, munching bamboo with great intensity. ZZ was climbing all over her — you could almost hear her saying " C'mon, Mommy, let's PLAY!" She tried every which way and, when she finally appeared to be trying to sit right on Bai's face, Bai gave her a mighty shove and sent her flying right across the platform and to the floor, never missing a munch of bamboo in the process! It didn't faze Miss Zhen one bit, she just righted herself and went right back about the important business of trying to get Bai to play with her. What a determined little bear she is!!
March 5th, 2008 at 8:01 am
I can't believe how fast " Miss Fluffy Butt" is growing and graduating to her new exhibit! She is something else let me tell you. Very adventuresome - VERY adorable! Thank you zoo keepers for making it possible for us to follow along with ZZ and Bai Yun on this great adventure.
March 5th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Hi All, - I also want to add my kudus to the panda keepers. Thank you very much for caring for these beautiful creatures and thank you for re-doing the chart showing " who is where" . It will be far less confusing for me. I do wish that you could post a chart showing the whole panda area.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Great pictures on Flickr, Scott (#7)! LOVED one of the comments somebody made for one of the photos, calling her Miss Zippy. So true…
Thanks again for capturing the big move for all to see.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:27 am
I guess I should clarify my earlier post #4 when I said " I'm a big girl now" I was thinking of the pull-ups commercial that kids sing, it's just another step towards independence. I find I tend to compare these steps with the pandas in relation to my own daughter and the independent steps she has made. I know it sounds stupid. But what's a mom to do. LOL.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Oh, my gosh!! Little Miss is in seventh heaven!! She is literally climbing up one trunk, then climbing down to move to the next one, and the next one, and on and on. I can almost hear her squealing with delight when she first went in to C4:
" Momma Bai!! Look!! Twees and twees and twees!! Are we in panda heaven? Oh, look!! who's that other panda next door? Can she come and play with me?? Momma Bai, this is such a beautiful place!! I am such a lucky panda cub!! Let's have a housewarming party and invite cousins Tai, Mei Lan, Fu Long, Aihin, Meihin and have a climbing contest!! I bet I'll beat them all; well, okay, sister Su might still be better than me. But I'm getting betterer and betterer all the time, aren't I, Momma Bai?" Oh, I'm coming to see her in two weeks!! Joy!!
By the way, there is a priceless video of Mei Lan and Lun having a most entertaining nursing session. Actually, two - one from Feb. 27 and one from yesterday. The one from yesterday in the former hammock room is a gem! Lun is lying on her side on one of the horizontal trunks. She has her left arm grasping the log above her head and her left foot grasping the opposite log - to keep herself from falling, of course. After all, she's quite large, she can hardly lie on those logs without rolling off. Then, Mei Lan stands upright on the fire-hose ladder and proceeds to nurse!! They look like a couple of acrobats!! Go see it on youtube. It was recently posted (March 3 or 4) so if you search for " panda mei" and sort by date, it should be close to the top.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I see Su Lin is smiling away happily as usual in her new home. I've just tuned in and she's cheered me up.
March 5th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Hi #7 - I have been trying to get on " Flickr" but cannot locate it. Can you please advise the full name I should be looking for?
Thank you,
Moderator's note: You have to add " .com"
March 5th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Wonderful pictures of our Miss Z on flickr - thanks to all who got such great shots.
And add my thanks to all the keepers & zoo staff - you are terrific.
March 5th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Great pictures–and wonderful views of Bai Yun and Miss ZZ in bunches of new areas on panda cam today. So much to explore–even Bai Yun is trying out the trees!
March 5th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Boy did we ever hit the nail on the nose with the 'zoom zoom' nickname!! Little Miss ZZ has been zooming around the new exhibit for more than an hour now (not sure how much I missed before I checked in). Playing with Bai, climbing, playing with Bai WHILE both are climbing, trotting after Bai, jumping on Bai, inspecting the mesh walls, playing, trotting… *I'm* tired now! Kudos to the Meerkats on panda cam this afternoon - I'm sure they are going to be tired tonight also! They've been spectacular following the fluffly bundle of energy! I'm sure both Bai and ZZ are going to sleep VERY well tonight!
March 5th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Please give us an update on the whereabouts of precious Mei Sheng.
March 5th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Will the panda exhibit be opened earlier than planned if all goes well with the move?
March 5th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Little baby girlfriend is in HEAVEN with the new digs! I got to watch her for a few moments at lunchtime and she is just having a ball! No hesitation, no insecurity, she just embraces every new experience. It does my heart good to see her whole-hearted enjoyment of her wonderful life.
And, yes, to echo many other posters, a BIG BIG THANKS to all the wonderful keepers!! While we all probably feel envious of your jobs, I'm sure there is tedium and frustration and fun stuff like scooping poop (do you measure it all out like they do in Atlanta?), but you all do it so well and so lovingly and you post so eloquently and you have MANY very appreciative admirers. I am one!
God bless every one of you and your precious charges, too!!
March 6th, 2008 at 8:27 am
I just wanted to add my words of appreciation for all the Panda keepers…we see the fun " upside" to this job but don't want to forget how labor-intensive it is…like scooping poop etc.! An exciting time for all us Panda fans, we have babies to watch like Fu Long and Fuzzy Butt, and Panda estrus (sounds like a National Holiday!) in 3 of the zoos hopefully…we have our paws crossed for babies in all 3 this year…an endless cycle of babies, weaning, estrus, babies….it's heaven!
March 6th, 2008 at 11:10 am
What is the plan for the Su Lin/Gao Gao rotation going to be like? Is Su Lin going to be out for awhile? Or is it going to be a weekly or biweekly switch?
March 6th, 2008 at 11:37 am
I just read that officials are sure the red pandas found dead last month at the Nuremberg zoo were killed by deer that shared their space. They used their sharp hooves to slit the stomachs of the pandas. It was apparently revenge as the pandas had attacked & killed a baby deer
March 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
#29, Wow! Nature can be cruel can't it?!
Looks to me like Lani knows something is up today. She started off her time with Lun by wandering into the other day room by herself. She took the first chance to get a good nursing drink in however. Then she played with bamboo. Then she tried everything she could to get Lun to play with her, including leading her into Lani's favorite dayroom. Finally she gave up and is getting another drink from mom.
It is obvious that Lun is ready for the separation as she is all but ignoring Mei Lan. The only attention she is giving is to allow Mei Lan to nurse and at the moment she has stopped eating long enough to semi cuddle her.
But, when time comes for them to separate permanently later this afternoon, I have a hunch the Lun Lun will willingly, and somewhat joyfully, walk out of her daughter's life forever. She is ready for a new chapter, and when she is on her own the rest of the day Mei Lan appears to be ready for her new chapter as well.
It reminds me somewhat of Su Lin's last day or two with Bai Yun, when her normally docile mother took a swipe at her, and was obviously ready for Su Lin to go on her own.
March 6th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I, too, have been watching Lun & Lani. I shed a few tears when they reunited, knowing that today was it and been tearing up throughout the afternoon. Lun has been very accomodating and patient with Lani in letting her nurse — very often. It is such a wonderful site to see. I am sure Lun knows this is it (Sniff, Sniff), but all of us Panda/Animal lovers willl cry the most. They have been such an entertaining pair and their antics will be sorely missed (thanks to YouTube, we'll be able to view over an over again). I think Lun will give Bai a run for her money as a great Panda Mom when she has another one! Sigh…..
March 6th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
First: To every single keeper and helper at the entire SDZ: I thank you all for the photo opps you give to every visitor! When photographing through the glass, the pictures are as clear as 'up close and personal'!
Thanks for placing the photos up onto flickr.
Bless all of you who keep the windows so clean!!! Then, to whomever who designed the viewing areas for all the exhibits: Hooray! Great Vision!!
To Scott Beckner #7: Fabulous Photos of Zhen Zhen from the 4th!!! All pandaholics need to go to Flickr!!
Were you at the SDZ on the morning of the 2nd? A young man with a really big camera and lens was taking photos of Zhen and Bai as I took video and photos with my trusty Canon Elura 50. I was jealous
Of course, it's much easier for a gramma to carry a smaller camera
To Suzanne Hall: Thank You for your updates!!! You keep the Treasures of a Lifetime in grand verbal view for us all! I've said it before: We learn something new every day and your writings are a huge pleasure~
March 6th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Woops~ Suzanne did not write this particular update! Therefore
Thank You All for the updates!!!
Now! all Pandaholics, go to the top of the page where you will see a link about the Meercat pups in the den! Great article!!! I got to see Meercat babies at the Childrens Zoo! They were adorable! Still in a nest but older….They were snuggled all around each other and naturally, there was one baby who was a leader and climbed all over siblings
)Priceless video 
When were the baby Meercats in the Childrens Zoo exhibit born?
Moderator's note: The Children's Zoo's meerkat exhibit now has five meerkats. The two youngest were born November 22, 2007.
March 7th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
grrrr!! I got dissolved back to tears, thinking about Lun Lun and Mei Lan not being able to spend time together anymore. I guess the separation HAD to come eventually… babies can't live their lives with their mothers maybe this year Lun Lun can have another cub. Then eventually Mei Lan will grow up and become a mommy herself.
#7 Scott.. those are great pics you took of Zhen Zhen… (Zoom Zoom) looked like she actually posed for a couple of em!
March 12th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Thank you moderators.