Zhen Breaks the " Glass Ceiling"
Posted at 11:09 am January 16, 2008 by Ellie Rosenbaum
It's been such a privilege to be able to watch the growth and development of four giant panda cubs firsthand here at the San Diego Zoo. Each cub has exhibited its own personality, quirks, and distinctive " style," and Zhen Zhen is no exception. While as a tiny cub she appeared interested in the vertical approach to climbing, she's worked her way up to that current favorite napping spot and no further. She has three routes to get there, of varying difficulty, and getting down can still be a challenge for her, but all of these trails are more slanted than vertical. The idea of going still higher apparently intrigued her; she'd brace her paws on the tree trunk and gaze upward, flexing and reaching a tentative paw, but until yesterday, this seemed to be her limit.
With all the research going on and the careful observation and study of so many cubs in the U.S., it's tempting to all of us to compare and contrast their behaviors, but " so many" is only six cubs so far; not a very large sample, by any standards, and even fewer by the same paternal line with the same mother, Bai Yun. There seems to be a tendency to hover and worry, if one cub doesn't do " it" the way others have, whether crawling or climbing, eating or playing. Each of these little bears is an individual, growing and changing at his or her own rate. Yesterday, ZZ broke through her " glass ceiling," making it all the way to the top of the fabled elm tree, where she spent the night just as Mei Sheng did after his first trip up there. Even after four cubs, they can still surprise us!
For all her napping in the same spot, however, ZZ's been a busy little girl. We've seen a lot of oral exploration, putting and holding things in her mouth, including bamboo. Toddlers, whether human or animal, gain a lot of information about their world through this kind of feeling and testing. She's also still cutting teeth, so a combination of these two things may be giving the appearance of bamboo eating at this point. While she may inadvertently ingest bits and pieces of whatever she has in her mouth, her primary source of nutrition is still milk. By 8 or 9 months of age she'll begin sampling bamboo and other food items with more purpose, but panda cubs generally aren't self-sufficiently feeding until 12 or 13 months of age.
Ellie Rosenbaum is a panda narrator at the San Diego Zoo.
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January 16th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
great information about zhen zhen. was wondering when i saw her waaaay up in the tree today on the cam when she started climbing so high. and how fun to have spent her first night in a tree. enjoy all the pandas at SDZ and love getting updates on them via the blog. Thanks SDZ!
January 16th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
WOO HOO, Zhen Zhen is following in her big brother Mei Shengs footsteps!. She is an absolute delight to watch. She certainly intends to find things out for herself. Wonder what Bai Yun thought about it. Does the lovely moderator know or can you find out if Bai Yun attempted to get her down by calling to her or trying to get to her to bring her down?
I was wondering when she would attempt the top of the trees. She really is a dare devil, or maybe Bai is thinking " what a devil she is" .
Wonder what her next trick will be?
January 16th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Oh no, now we'll never see Zhen Zhen.
January 16th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
#3 Marilyn - How right you are - many of us panda watchers probably hoped Miss Zoom would not learn how to zoom up the trees-and to spend the night there on her first excursion - wasn't Bai concerned?? But how does one get a panda down??? Not until she got hungry I guess. It's always fun to watch them so carefully try to get down - going up seems easier.
January 16th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Carol and I were at the SDZ by 10:30 and we went immediately to see the pandas!! The Zoo is as gorgeous as ever and by golly the walk to the pandas was down steps and down a hill and THERE WE WERE!!! First we went by some little Sun Bears! Then!!! No Wait! Bai and Zhen!!! Zhen was sleeping in a real tree and Bai was wandering around
I simply cannot get over how SMALL the panda bears are!!! I swear they as adults would come at the shoulder, to the top of my thigh!!! I swear a mastiff would be almost twice the size of a Panda! Cooper, in my mind would be larger than a panda!
We walked right next door to what we know as C-1,c-2,c-3 on the website and lo and behold there was Mr. Studmiffin Gao Gao doing what he does best…eating brunch 
Go Gao! Hurray, I thought, his hormones are making him eat and wander around 
I got to see where the 'Howdy Gate' is 
Right next door is what on the site is known as c-4, c-5, c-6. Miss Sweet Su was plopped in a tree sound asleep 
Then we decided to go back to 'the classroom' to see if Zhen had decided to wake up 
Nap time was still in progress 
There fore, we then went to look at Gao who was wandering around. Then we looked at Su who OHMYGOSH! Moved! Then Suddenly! She really moved! She climbed down from her tree! Yahoo! Camera on! She climbed all the way down, wandered around, went to the howdy gate fence, left, climbed back up to a low tree perch and showed her adoring fans her BACK. Then in total professional camera awareness style, Su climbed back up into her tree 
Bai, Gao, and Su, and all the panda visitors could hear the cutting/cracking of the lunch time feast! They noticed 
We watched Bai. We saw little Miss Precious sleeping in a real tree! On the video she looks like a clump of missseltoe
We then made what another visitor described as 'quite a hike'( my friend and are are rather over the hill, but the 'hike' was not enervating) up to the Polar Bears….Anyone visiting the SDZ really needs to make this a STOP! One of the polar bears was diving for carrots and playing underwater with a 5 gallon plastic water bottle! He/she is a BIG bear! For all future visitors to SDZ, all I can say is DO NOT MISS the polar bears! Take video thru the glass! It works!
We also saw the grizzly bears! I know these bears are youthful! Again, I said, " Look how small they are!" The little grizzlies are so adorable!
We saw baby flamingos! We saw baby ducks! We saw a baby Red River hog! They have great ears for video!
What a treat of a lifetime the San Diego Zoo is!!!! We got to see the lions… this is interesting…the lion exhibit has a meaty scent…they are carnivores…think about the scent of opening a package or steak. Pandas do not exude a 'scent'. They are vegetarians,,,,hmmm
The visit was Lotsafun, huh!!!! The SAN DIEGO ZOO is simply BEAUTIFUL!!!
WE'LL BE BACK!!!
Bobbie
Moderator's note: Thanks for coming to visit us, Bobbie! It's nice to hear what a great time you and your friend had watching our animals large and small. The grizzly bear cubs' keeper just posted a blog about them yesterday. You can read it in the http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/category/default/animal-stories/" >Animal Stories blog category…
January 16th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Thanks for all of your great updates that you give us! I'm sure it takes time to do, but we appreciate all of the info.
I'm wondering how tall the elm tree is that Zhen Zhen climbed… Was she at least 20 feet up? Also, when she goes up that high, is it possible to get her down if you needed to? Inquiring minds…
January 16th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
" Step by step I come closer to reaching the top,
Every step must be placed so I don't fall off…
Looking down to see about how much higher I am,
Another cool wind comes through, brushes my skin.."
My sincere apologies for posting No Doubt lyrics, but it seemed to fit!
Zhen Zhen is climbing the stairway to…well, you guys know the rest of that one! I watch her on the webcam and am always thinking " don't fall!" Or, if you do, fall on your Mom!
Paula
January 16th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
What's next after the top of the elm? I know… getting down smoothly!
Go ZHEN!!! (They grow up soooooooooooooo fast!)
Thanks, Ellie for the update. Love, Joy
January 17th, 2008 at 2:41 am
Thank you so much for this info, Ellie. I know a lot of us were wondering about the climbing and the eating.
#3 Marilyn - I so agree with you!
I didn't get to see ZZ at the top of the tree. Hopefully it's on the time-lapse video.
Actually managed to watch Su Lin for ages a couple of days ago - on the ground would you believe!! Not something I get to do very often.
January 17th, 2008 at 5:19 am
I've been enjoying this cubs antics and saw her up high on the panda cam. I've been comparing her to our European cub and the couple of weeks age difference seems to be a huge gap developmentally. Fu Long still hadn't ventured out of the safety of his nesting box in the last update (2nd Jan)
January 17th, 2008 at 6:09 am
I saw Zhen Zhen slowly climbing higher and higher up the tree yesterday, very cute. But, I sweated and worried sick for this little girl, how can she get down. I wish I can catch her when she falls so she will not be hurted, she is so precious.
January 17th, 2008 at 7:27 am
so much bear stuff going on. Grizzlies, pandas, red ones too and the most adorable polar bear baby born in Germany and rescued from mother who tried to kill it. This one also caused controversey about letting nature take it's course as it did about Knute.I saw the video of the new one yesterday and she is beautiful, all white and a pink belly and loving that ninnie bottle. I believe that Miss Precious is going to be something very special as this may be Bai's last baby and as they say " saving the best for last" She is going to keep everyone on their toes from mom to the keepers. she is going to find new ways everyday to get into something new.I watch when I can and every peek I get of her is precious to me. Zhen and sister Su are going to have alot to talk about high up in the trees. As for Big Daddy well what can one say, Mr. Mellow.
January 17th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Zhen Zhen is a very smart, inquisitive and beautiful little girl. Bai Yun has produced some very excellent cubbies. SDZ has a Panda research program of which they can be extremely proud. I really enjoy watching them and hope to visit someday.
January 17th, 2008 at 8:42 am
07.35 San Diego time and little Miss ZZ has just climbed to the top of the tree again. I tuned in just in time to see her climb the whole thing. What an intrepid little explorer she is!
I wonder if we'll see her for the rest of the day?
January 17th, 2008 at 9:06 am
As we always do, here I go attributing human emotions to our pandas . . . wonder what Bai thought about her baby girl staying out all night? Was she concerned? Did she behave any differently with ZZ so high in the tree and staying out all night? Did Bai sleep well? Oh, we're so curious; so many of us out here in pandaland would love to be able to sit and watch the girls all day and night. By the way, how is Su Lin? How much does she weigh now and how is her behavior training coming along? Did behave differently right after Mei left? Has she stopped looking for him? We just can't get enough information about those wonderful pandas!
Moderator's note: Su Lin now weighs 135 pounds (61.2 kilograms).
January 17th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Hello fellow pandaholics!
This is my first posting. I had to share with all of you Tai Shan's antics at 11:00 a.m., January 17. As the snow was falling down on him, he ran around, then stood on his hind legs, extended his arms into the air and tried to catch the snow with his mouth! He then lay down on his back and continued his quest to eat snow as it was falling. He is such an adorable panda boy. He is my 'first panda love' and he is still the most amazing creature to watch.
It's hard to work with such beautiful pandas to watch.
January 17th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Guys, if you check the DC zoo Panda cam you will see some great entertainment. It is SNOWING at this exact moment and all 3 pandas, Tai Shan, Tian tian, and Mei Xaing are going berzerko!
January 17th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Thanks for the update on Zhen Zhen, i have been watching her, and she seems to get more adventures each day bless, i have just been watching Tai Shen at the NZ,he has been laying down in the snow and trying to catch it with his mouth wide open, then running backwards trying to catch it in his paws, it was so funny, a joy to watch, now going back to Precious thanks once again.
January 17th, 2008 at 9:54 am
What a delight it is to see Zhen Zhen and watch her grow. She is delightful to watch as she explores and discovers new things each day.
January 17th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Oh dear Oh dear, We've lost our little one to the trees……. And she sure is following in her Brother's foot steps, what a little doll. When I was at the Zoo last Oct, first time we went into the exhibit (first of 5 times for the day), both Su and Mei were up the trees…. Later on they came down, Su gave us quite a show and Mei, well he just slept… What a guy….
Just checked the cam and Gao is chowing down again… Does he ever " not eat" ?? ha ha… What an eating machine that boy is..
Sammi #2, I am curious as well " dear sweet moderator" , if Bai was at all concerned when she went up so high??? Or is she just such an experienced Mom that realizes that her baby has a mind of her own and will do what she wants????
January 17th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Bobbie…thanks so much for your detailed insights from your visit. The info is valuable and endearing. I have yet to see the SD Zoo so any visiter experiences I get from theses blogs are truly helpful.
January 17th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
#16 & #17 - I was watching the National Zoo cam a bit ago too and saw one of them just rollign and playing with a good sized branch! He/she looked like they were having such a WONDERFUL time! Running, tumbling. SOOOOOO much fun to watch.
Bobbie (#5) - I have been to SDZ twice myself and most heartily agree with you. Such a wonderful zoo!! All the animal habitats are wonderful. I have not made it yet to WAP, but certainly plan to the next trip - especially after watching the elephants on the elephant cam. I ony regret I will not make it there while our little precious one is still young! Oh, well. I will have to make the panda cam do!
Have a wonderful day pandaholics! Keep up the great work meerkats!! : )
January 17th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Bobbie #5 after reading your adventures I am more determined than ever to get to the Zoo. I don't really like to fly but i'll manage. I hope you took alot of pics that will give you alot of memories. Your story was so vivid and really expressed the joy at seeing every exhibit.
January 17th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
#5 Bobbie - you're right the SDZ is something - let us know when you get your videos posted.
Loved seeing Tai playing in the snow today -
Great camera work now of Miss Z not in her tree " eating" bamboo - such a " grown up" .
January 17th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Darlene #20, I see our dear moderator isn't talking to us again, maybe we need to really tell the most fantastic, amazing, kind, dearest, brainy, wonderful moderator how much we appreciate all our questions being answered, because if it wasn't for our lovely friend the moderator we wouldn't know all the wonderful information that is passed our way. We all promise we will not tell your secrets, so come on share with us, remember you know you want to!!, Remember WE really want you too!!!
Does Bai Yun get concerned when Zhen Zhen goes up into the trees?
This morning (UK time) i was watching Bai and Zhen, yes Zhen was actually on the ground!!. She had been nursing with Bai. When she had finished Bai curled herself up with Zhen and went to sleep. Zhen waited a while then looked at Bai saw she was asleep and got from under Bais arm looked at her again, then decided to get down (they were outside on c16). She tried to go down the log head first changed her mind and went down backwards. When she got on the ground Bai woke up, she looked down saw Zhen on the ground and Zhen looked at her as much as to say " i'm here" . Bai went back to sleep, i think Zhen made her escape to the tree top again. The cameras then went on to Gao Gao i think it was. I did see Zhen Zhen up in the trees later though.
I too saw the pandas in the snow on the live web cam at NZ. They were really enjoying being in the snow. It was settling on the top of their fur.
There is a web site with some new photos of Mei Sheng in the snow at Wolong. Can i please have permission to put it down on here for other Mei Sheng lovers to go and see him? I don't want to put the address up and get into trouble so i would rather ask permission first.
Dearest moderator i hope you have a nice day. xxxx
Moderator's note: The moderators for the blog section of SanDiegoZoo.org are part of the Web Team, not the Giant Panda Research Team. We can answer simple questions like " Can I post the URL to the Wolong Panda Cam?" (No, we do not post URLs to other Web sites.) But for answers to questions about the pandas and their reactions to things, that is best left for our Panda Team to answer when they have the time. And from what we hear, Zhen Zhen is keeping everyone busy!
January 17th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Got the camera wrong earlier it was c15.
I have just witnessed something i never dreamed i would see. Bai Yun was standing (c15) and then i saw her poop! I never expected to see that!. Thing is she done it on top of some of her bamboo. She then went and had a drink come back sat down next to her poop and continued eating her bamboo! Tasty!!!
January 17th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
#5 Bobbie thanks for the detailed account of your trip. For those of us who can't be there in person, your vivid description made us feel like we were there with you. I love the Polar Bears too, but rarely catch them at optimum " play" times. Sounds like you might have seen Kalluk who is described as quite a big boy and very much a ham with his toys.
Did anyone catch the NZP pandas out playing in the real snow that we got in Virginia today? They were just wandering around when I tuned in. Since it turned to rain later in the day, I imagine they had less interest in the snow. They don't seem to get as " wound up" as Mei Sheng did in the rain. I can just imagine how excited he will be with snow!
The 2 year old male lion at NZP got to enjoy his first snow fall. They said that he stopped eating his lunch bone to watch the flakes for a few minutes. I was surprised to see that he was out of his heated " den" laying out on the snowy ground. He is getting so handsome as his mane is coming it. I wish I could see the WAP lions when they got to play with the snow. It must have been quite a sight.
January 17th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
The DC National Zoo is selling ringtones with the pandas sound. I listened to them and Tai Shan sounds so different and funny, in a way 'wierd', so different to Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. My question is: do pandas sound differently when they are in different stages? The cub sounds so cute, but Tai Shan's ringtone is just so…. don't know what word to use. I'm wondering what it sounds with Mei Sheng, Su Lin, Mei Lan, or the other adult pandas and those in Atlanta and Memphis? I'm in Chicago and don't have the chance to visit these zoos so as to see these lovely bears in person :(… Watching pandacams makes me happy though. If I can hear how they sound, that would even be better!
January 17th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
As some others mentioned, I also got to see Tai Shan having a ball in the snow this morning. Made me giggle and laugh out loud–he was standing up trying to catch the snow in his mouth, batting at it with his paws, lying down, running around, oh my! Sadly I missed seeing Tian Tian and Mei Xiang out in the snow; when I saw them it looked like they were trying to convince the keepers to give them a treat. Yesterday morning I was lucky enough to see Zhen Zhen climbing around on the waterer as Bai was having breakfast. It is so wonderful to have these beautiful animals to watch. The first baby panda I saw was Mei Lan, so she will always have that special place in my heart, but all of them have their own unique personalities and are a joy to watch. Again, as others have mentioned, I thank SDZ and NZ for having the live cams and for all the information they provide us.
January 17th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Little Precious ZZ is showing her adventurous spirit! What a sweetie she is. Hopefully, we'll get to see her between sleepy times in her newly-found tree.
I remember watching Su Lin gently rocked by the breezes way up high. She looked so peaceful there.
I'm very excited because it looks like a trip to see Zoom Zoom in person is in the works for February!! What a happy time that'll be. The SDZ and the WAP are my two favorite places to see animals in captivity. They are so well-cared for and it's always a treat to see them do whatever they're doing…eating, sleeping, playing…living.
Being able to watch " our" bears on the panda cam ever since Su Lin was born, I've learned many things - from the Panda Team's blogs and going to see them in person, among others. There's much more to learn, so I'm coming back for another lesson or two or three!
January 17th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Oh, Bobbie #5, I am so excited to read your account! I am going to San Diego in April (my first time ever to see a panda in person!) and believe me I am taking all your advice to heart. I know there will be many other wonderful animals to see. I hope to go to the Wild Animal Park, too. Yay!!
January 17th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I'm sorry I missed the NZ pandas in the snow–I hope somebody caught it to post on youtube or somewhere.
Like everybody else, I'm amazed that our Little Miss Fluffy Butt zooms right up to the top of the tree now, and I'm oh so curious how she gets down. Does she back down all the way to the more angled branches that she can walk down head first? I saw her with Bai this morning, too, Sammi # 25–a couple of beautiful mother-daughter moments, then it's off to climb the tree!
And I agree with Barbara #12–I think Zhen Zhen is going to be the SDZ panda family's crowning glory.
January 17th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Well, by golly, I thought so!! I knew from seeing ZZ in a real tree on the pandacam the other day that she will get to that highest point of a tree and start napping there! I also figured that she would take after Mei Sheng and Su Lin in their climbing prowess, and now she has matched Mei Sheng in her own climbing prowess. Smart little girl, that ZZ!! I guess that from now on, she'll be climbing high and seeing the world from the highest tree tops just like Mei Sheng and Su Lin used to do. ZZ has figured out that there are a lot more napping spots to go to now! More fun for her! ZZ has this all figured out for herself.
Read the latest update about the baby female elephant calf today on the elephant page. The staff at WAP has put up a special update page that starts in early December when they discovered the nutrition problem with the baby elephant. I also found out that Lungile, her mom, has experienced some health problems after she had her calf. So, they are both sick, and they are getting the best care they can get there. If you all want to read all of the updates about this mom and daughter, go to the elephant page and click on the short statement about the baby elephant's bottle feeding. From what I read on today's update, the baby elephant is slowly gaining her weight back, but it's a very slow process right now. Please keep praying for her and her mom, Lungile, as well as the WAP staff and vets that are doing their very best to get the both of them back to health and strength. It's been a trying 2 months for all of them. I'm still trying to find out if they have a name for this baby girl elephant.
Gonna go and see if the pandacam is on Bai and ZZ.
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator's note: For those interested in watching the elephants at the Wild Animal Park, visit our Elephant Cam at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wap/ex_elephants.html
January 17th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Carrie (#17)—I was on the DC zoo pandacam this morning myself and watched Tai Shan running around and rolling around in his snowy yard! He was fun to watch, too! Mei Xiang was just walking around, then she would go to the door to the indoor exhibit acting like she wanted to go in. At 10:45pm EST tonite, it is still snowing in DC (checked their animal cams a little while ago), so I know that the pandas are going to have more fun in the snow tomorrow morning. It looks like to me from the cams that DC picked up at least 3" of snow since late this morning. More fun watching the pandas in DC tomorrow!
Will also keep watching ZZ to see how much higher she will climb those trees!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
January 17th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Hi guys…I took some time out from my work as this is my busy seanson for the next few months and my free time isn't.
As to #5..Yea getting to the pandas is a trip going through the avairy and down the stairs, and down the stairs and down the stairs..but every step is worth it…you're so busy trying to get to the pandas you're not even thinking oh no I have to go up to get back. You just wonder around and one thing leads to another and you see the sign for the polar bears you walk towards their home which is something else..it's all glass and so beautiful and you're really up close…then you go back and you keep going and going and going each step thinking I'm almost there…San Diego Zoo is my favorite zoo and I love the Wild Animal Park, too.
As for Miss ZZZZZZZZ! Doesn't anyone remember how her biggest sister Hua Mei decided to climb a tree and stay out all night making her mom a nervous wreck…Bai would come out every so often calling to the cub, but to no avail..and it seems that all the cubs at the SDZ are real climbers…as for seeing our baby on the ground in action…mmm she's going to be high in the sky as soon as she hits the outdoors…maybe she'll investigate a little but being off the ground seems like more fun…that's our little " preciousâ€
January 18th, 2008 at 10:40 am
well if what the Prez is talking about comes true the money i get is my ticket to SDZ. YEAH hopefully i'll see you all soon.
January 18th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Watching Tai Shan in the snow yesterday was SO MUCH FUN!!! Can we have snow for our pandas again? Can we…can we?
January 18th, 2008 at 11:45 am
For those who missed Tai Shan at the National Zoo yesterday, playing in the snow, there's a great video on YouTube - over 5 minutes of panda play. Sort by date and you should find " Tai's Snow Day" . I can just imagine Mei Sheng reacting the same way.
January 18th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
See you tomorrow, Zhennie!
January 18th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
It's great to see ZZ up in the tree. That's where she belongs. Yes, it's a pain for us, but it's good for her.
I know it's OT, but I have to say that I'm going to miss Josephine a lot. She was such a lady.
Moderator's note: We will all miss Josephine the orangutan. Thank you, Sayuri.
January 18th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Hi Cat #38
Thanks for sharing the info on " Tai's Snow Day" . What a fun video. It was hilarious.
Without a doubt, our handsome Mei Sheng is and has been definitely enjoying lots of snow! I still miss him very much.
January 18th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Cat#38 — thank you so much for posting that info about the YouTube from yesterday.
Everybody note — it's misdated, because it says January 17, 2007 instead of 2008. It is hilarious!
January 18th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Little Miss ZZ was asleep both times I viewed her on the 13th when I visited. I couldn't tell by her positioning what her physical size is, but was told she's 19-20 pounds. I did get a couple of cute pix of her cute face along with some good ones of Bai Yun, Su Lin and Gao Gao. There is video of Gao Gao and Su Lin posted on You Tube about 1PM pacific time on the 18th. Photos will go to Flickr- but not until this weekend. Su was great to watch, as was Gao Gao. Mama and ZZ were sleeping for the most part, but Bai did come down for a drink of water. The staff member, Chris was awesome- she was very informative.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Cat #38–Thanks for the tip about the youtube video! It was hilarious. And watching it led me to wonder if Mei Sheng might be having that much fun in China's snows
??
January 18th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Dear Fellow Pandaholics,
Hope you are much younger and will simply decide flying is lotsafun!
First, Dear Barbara #23…..When you head to SDZ, remember, flying can be FUN! I understand your 'fear of flying'….My Dad was a commercial pilot and his eldest (me) finally got over the 'fear' at age 50
To Cat #38: A Huge Thank You! I was working on the DVD of my trip to the SDZ all day on 1/17/08 and when I read the blogs, I was simply dismayed that I had missed out on Tai's adventure! Bless whomever put the video up on You Tube! And Bless You!
Speaking of videos on You Tube….they limit the upload content to 10 minutes! Rats. I have a 24 minute movie….will have to delete???? 3 parts? a popcorn intermission? LCNessie I need help
To all, The SDZ is a fabulous Adventure! If you are coming from out of area, really think 2 days to visit the SDZ alone! Then a day at the Wild Animal Park is a must! Then, a day at Sea World is a must! San Diego is a fantastic family visit area!
With Lotsafun for you all,
Bobbie Wood
January 18th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Cat #38–thanks for the youtube info. All you folks in the midwest, box up some snow and send it out to San Diego–the SDZ pandas deserve to bliss out on some snow too!
There were some great shots of our Miss ZZ up in the tree late this afternoon–thanks, meerkats.
January 18th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
As Sayuri #40 mentioned, this is off topic.
We are so very sorry to hear the sad news on the passing of our beloved orangutan matriarch Josephine. She was quite a character. Always so endearing to all the visitors. Josephine often enjoyed adorning herself with a newspaper or a cardboard box on top of her head - so very cute. We could always find Josephine at the exhibit; she was the one with the most beautiful bangs on her forehead.
Our deepest condolences to all the staff and keepers at the Absolute Apes exhibit who cared for and loved Josephine for many years. We too will miss her very much.
Moderator's note: Thank you for your kind thoughts, Rose. For those interested, Josephine's keeper had written a blog about her medical challenges in June 2007: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/josephine%e2%80%99s-heart-condition/
January 19th, 2008 at 3:23 am
Sorry to hear the news about Josephine.thinking of you all who looked after and cared for her all those years, best wishes Marian
January 19th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Thank you Suzanne for your update with the most appropiate heading - Gao Gao 'Always at the Ready'
Gao Gao has always been ready, willing and able since his arrival at SDZ in Jan.'03, via a forklift truck and still munching his beloved bamboo.
Gao Gao really is a fast worker, only a short time after settling in he met up with his new lady Bai Yun, and she gave birth to the one and only Mei Sheng on 19 Aug. '03.
I still miss Mei Sheng and his lovable ways, being a male cub he was always a 'mommy's boy' and did not take easily to separation from Bai when the time arrived for him to move on to be more independent.
In a follow up from Suzanne's report there is a blog from -
#46 Tonychen in China - with advice on how to access viewing Mei Sheng using pandahk etc.
Has anyone been able to follow the instructions with success? all I succeeded in doing was finding Panda Logistics which I am certain is not the correct URL!
ZZ…Bai's energetic cub is now a large and competent fluffy butt who is destined to be a 'high flyer' - I think shortly she may take up bungee jumping as a means of trying to descend from the high trees.
Thank you to everyone at SDZ who look after and care for the pandas and other animals - you are doing a great job.
January 19th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
My condolences also on the death of Josephine. We spent a lot of time watching her during our visit.
Watching Tai cavorting around with an inch or two of snow makes me wonder what fun Mei Sheng & his new friends must be having in Wolong.
January 19th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Thanks to all of you who let us know about " Tai Playing with the Snow" on Jan 17 and now on YouTube.com. It is wonderful, such a delight to watch.
I have always thought that Mei Sheng's happiest day was his first birthday. Snow was made for the celebration and he reveled in it. Running and tobogganing down slopes, climbing trees to knock the snow to the ground, eating snow, climbing a tree and sliding down onto Bai Yun's head while she was munching bamboo, running to Bai repeatedly as if to say, " Mama, aren't we having the most fun!" This show went on for two or more hours and was truly magical. I know he is enjoying the snow in his new home.
January 19th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
So sorry to hear about Josephine, the matriarch orangutan. Such a special animal. My favorite memory will always be the daily walks she would take with her grandson, Cinta, holding his hand while exploring the exhibit. He must miss his grandma.
January 19th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
YouTube has around 10 videos of Zhen Zhen.
#45 Bobbie: I agree! the flight into San Diego is a delightful rush coming in, you look like you're going to land on the water…and driving into the airport to leave, those planes fly over really low over the cars, yikes!
Beautiful city, astounding Zoo. My family was there over Thanksgiving, and I enjoying the Zoo the most, but my kids and husband liked Seaworld a little better. I will say the Zoo has some major upslopes in the terrain! We were always looking back to see if everyone made it. I can't wait to go back!
Paula
January 19th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
omg! im watching the panda cam c15 SD time 5:27, and im pretty sure its ZZ on because of how the fur looks (she's curled up with her back to the cam) and she is soooo big! our lovely little panda girl is growing everyday
January 19th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
My deepest condolences to Josephine's keepers and friends. She will be sorely missed. I remember reading about how happy Cinta was to see his grandmother return after her treatments last year. Obviously as the matriarch of the family she will be sorely missed by the Orangetans as well as the humans who carried for and loved her. It is hard to lose a family member whom one has know for so long. She lived a very long life, and is now out of her suffering. Hopefully Janey, who it says is 45 years old, is not suffering from similar heart disease issues. It is a testament to the great care and the wonders of modern medicine that she was able to live a better quality of extended life due to the procedures that were done to drain the fluid around her heart.
It is amazing how much medicine has changed in the past 10 years, for both animals and humans, and how the advancements in human medicine and veterinary medicine are helping both groups by similar treatments and procedures.
The successful births of so many panda cubs in the past three years is also a testament of modern veterinary medicine and reproduction research worldwide.
January 19th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
As I watch Zhen Zhen growing so fast, I try to remember when I first saw Su Lin at this age. I came across a fabulous compilation video of Su Lin at this very age, by AnimalTrainer, called " Su Lin: A little Bit of Something Very Cute" It is set to the music of Butterfly Kisses, and is awesome. For those of you who missed see Princess Su Lin when she was just a wee cub starting out on her outdoor journey with Bai Yun in this very same panda space, please check it out. For those of you who were blessed to see Su Lin in person or on Panda Cam at this precious age, check it out. It will bring back very fond memories.
Has anyone seen any videos of Mei Sheng lately. Many panda bloggers have mentioned the snow in Wolong recently and how watching Tai Shan makes them wonder how Mei is adjusting and enjoying the snow. Any word from Scott, Mei Sheng's keeper and new friend at Wolong? Surely Sheng has had an opportunity to play in the " real thing" by now.
January 19th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
#32 Frances - Pandas seem to climb down trees backwards - As a cub, Tai seemed to ease himself down a little at a time then often he would find a branch to get ahold of swing on it like a monkey and just fall to the ground. Poor Lani (ZA), from what I can tell has never been up a tree - she's going to have a time when she has to return to China. If you watch Zhen climing off the platform she tried on day to walk down head first but soon turned around.
January 19th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
#57 Maureen–thanks for the info. I had seen her coming down headfirst from one of the smaller structures, slipping, hanging on by her arms, and falling. I imagine coming down the vertical structures would be butt first, but I would think eventually she could walk headfirst down the more angled ones.
#49 Hazel–after much experimentation, I stumbled across another blog site. Google: Hancock Wildlife Channel Mei Sheng or Hancock Wildlife Channel panda and scroll through the blogs until you find the URL for the site Tonychen wrote about. There are some recent pictures of Sheng in the snow–his pictures start after the 5th one or so (the Hancock blog entry, dated 1/19, will tell you). I never could find the RSS feed at the Chinese site, but I have bookmarked the blog. Hope that helps!
Very sorry to hear about Josephine–she sounds remarkable.
It was lovely seeing Miss ZZ sleeping in the moonlight tonight. Thanks, panda cam.
January 20th, 2008 at 1:11 am
So very sad to hear about Josephine (sorry to post here, but can't find anywhere else). My thoughts are very much with all the animal carers who have had the pleasure of sharing her life. As a massive animal lover myself (as all of us are on here, I'm sure) and having had many pets throughout my life, I know how you are feeling. My thoughts are with you. RIP Josephine.
Susan
January 20th, 2008 at 3:53 am
Loved the update on Zhen Zhen. I am in Thailand right now and have missed seeing her and all the others daily on the panda cam. Will be seeing the two pandas in Chiang Mai tomorrow so that should make me feel better. Don't let her change too much before I get back.
January 20th, 2008 at 5:33 am
This is way off the subject, but I think Tai Shan and Su Lin should be paired together and stay in the U.S.! They would certtainly have some amazing panda cubs.
January 20th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I was so sorry to learn of the death of Josephine. My condolences go out to the staff at the zoo, especially those who had close contact with this beloved matriarch. I'm sure you'll miss her very much. I'm glad you were able to improve her quality of life, if only for a short while. Thank you for making the difficult decision to let her go in a peaceful way. Please know my thoughts are with you.
I can't thank all of you at the zoo enough for the enrichment you provide for all the animals at the zoo and your ability to care for the animals in such a personal way. I check in every day and just love all I see and read about all the animals. Sometimes I cry with you and sometimes I laugh with you but I always come away feeling like I've been allowed into a special world that wouldn't be possible without your hard work and dedication. You do a fantastic job.
Congrats to Zhen Zhen on her high climbing expertise!
January 20th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
I love watching our little girl grow up, but I wish we could see her better. What is going on with the Panda Cam, we are missing so much and ZZ just keeps growing.
January 20th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Great shot of Zhen Zhen from the Meerkats right now! Our little precious is sleeping WAY HIGH UP in the trees that I can't even see what's on the ground. I am sure that she's acquiring great climbing skills each time she goes up and comes down. No wonder Bai Yun had a hard time trying to locate Hua Mei because they are all such wonderful little climbers! =)
January 20th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
7 new pictures of Mei Sheng in snowy Wolong, be sure to check them out, easy link on 'pandafanclub blogspot'.
January 20th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Someone asked earlier if adult pandas climb trees - check out youtube - " Tai Shan vs Mommy:Da Battle of Da Twee " Tai does not want Mei Xiang in HIS TREE.
January 21st, 2008 at 9:15 am
Conversation with Bai Yun #9
Tourist: Hello, Madame Bai Yun.
Bai Yun: Hello, Mr. Tourist.
T: So how are things going with you nowadays?
B: Oh, not bad.
T: So is Zhen Zhen keeping you busy?
B: Oh, sometimes.
T: Oh?
B: The latest play bout she had…
T: Yes?
B: She wanted to play Santa Claus.
T: What?
B: Yes, Santa Claus.
T: Why Santa Claus?
B: Su Lin maybe left some tree top message up there.
T: Su Lin?
B: And maybe Mei Sheng, too.
T: So what kind of Santa Claus game is Zhen Zhen playing?
B: Well, she climbs up and down trees.
T: Like she thinks she'll go up and down chimneys?
B: Seems like it.
T: Does she know to distribute gifts?
B: Not yet.
(While up in tree top practicing with a toy stethoscope)
Zhen Zhen: Ho ho ho… HO ho ho…
(While in tree top in other yard)
Su Lin: HO HO HO!
(While in tree top in Wolong with his PDA)
Mei Sheng: Ho Ho Ho!
(While roaming and circling his yard)
Gao Gao: Hee Hee Hee. Oh, Panda King. Feels like Christmas in January! Ho ho ho!
January 21st, 2008 at 9:52 am
We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Josephine,Her long life is a testament to the kind of care and love that the staff at SDZ give all the animals in their care. I'm sure that her memory will live on thru her children and grand children and that alot was learned about caring for a older animal. My deepest sympathy to all.
January 21st, 2008 at 10:57 am
#61 - Jane: Tai Shan and Su Lin are cousins, so they can't be bred together. Tian Tian (Tai's father) and Bai Yun (Su's mother) have the same father, Pan Pan, in Wolong.
January 21st, 2008 at 11:52 am
#69 - Barbara — That's really too bad, but maybe he can wait for Mei Lan!
January 21st, 2008 at 11:57 am
P. S. to my message #69: How about Tai Shan & Mei Lan? The Atlanta pandas came from the Chengdu Research Base, so presumably they would not be related. I'm all for keeping any of them in the U.S.!!
January 21st, 2008 at 12:56 pm
#71 Barbara, I was thinking the same thing, wonder if Tai Shan and Mei Lan could be mates? Wouldn't it be something to have " our" Panda's stay here and have cubs here??? One never knows???
I also wanted to express my sincere sympanthy to all that cared for Josephine over the years. When we were there, she was sitting in a corner by the glass, just staring at us, it was so funny, like we were having a staring contest… She won!!!! What a joy it must have been for all her keepers to have cared for her for the years she was at SDZ. She was the same age as me, I am so thrilled that I got to see her…
January 21st, 2008 at 1:14 pm
At about 11:36 a.m. SDZ time, I witnessed the sweetest scene of Bai and Zhen cuddling/playing/feeding. This happened after Zhen decided to come down from a high branch after experiencing a near-fall. Bai went and gathered her up and they proceeded to have almost a half-hour of beautiful quality time.
By the way, is Bai still assisting Zhen with nature's calls or has our eager climber done " the deed" on her own already?
Also, there are some very recent postings on youtube.com of Mei Lan and Tai Shan when they were celebrating their first and second birthdays, and of Yang Yang and his weeble. I had so much fun re-living those days with these new postings because what you hear in the background are the comments and reactions of people as they watched Mei Lan and Tai react to their birthday " cakes." On top of that, Tai puts on an excellent tumbling show. The clips of Yang are classic Yang - attacking the weeble with all his might. Entertainment supreme and good camera work, too. Again, the visitors' commentary is quite fun.
January 21st, 2008 at 3:16 pm
#73 Pandafan-I love looking at many of those videos again - brings back a lot of memories -when Yang gets going he's a riot. But it seems like the ZA pandas are not cold weather fans - read today's post from their keeper under " Panda Cub Updates."
Moderator's note: New images have been added to the Panda News page's photo gallery at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/news/panda_news.html
January 21st, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Oh my! The new photos of Zhen Zhen are just precious - thanks for posting them. The one where she is on the floor - a big black & white fluff ball - partially covering her face - that's a keeper. I scrolled through - and found some photos from the 18th I hadn't seen before. The one of Bai Yun covering her face is too funny - and the caption says it all. It's amazing how fast our little one is growing - she doesn't look like a little baby anymore - just a miniature version of Bai. She's just precious!
January 21st, 2008 at 9:00 pm
#73 pandafan–I saw that beautiful scene between Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen too–just when I was thinking it had been a long time since I had seen a good snuggle. Although I'm sure they are together more than we see, it seems like Little Miss Independent comes down to get fed and runs off to her tree again. I just looked at the video of Bai and Su Lin that Margaret #56 recommended–you can tell that the two cubs have completely different personalities and even body types. Su Lin looks so tiny by comparison.
And I did finally get to see Miss ZZ come all the way down from her high perch–what remarkable progress she has made–they do grow up so fast, as so many of you have said who have watched a cub growing up before.
Moderator–thanks for letting us know about the new pictures. They are a welcome addition. Now–not to be too eager–when's the next video? It's been a long time since the last one!
And thanks to the other bloggers for sharing their favorite videos and moments from the past with beautiful pandas from far and wide. It's a great help to those of us who need to catch up to previous panda generations.
January 21st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Maureen - if we can't enlarge the tiny pictures, or print those pictures of Zhen Zhen from the SD photo gallery…not good! I shall go Google for Zhen Zhen pictures.
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:31 am
The new photos are so cute. I love the peek a boo one.
Looks like the early days of Bai telling Zhen all about stars has paid off. I can't believe how high she wants to go and stopping out all night too.
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I loved the new photos. Those lucky vets and keepers don't have to wear gloves anymore!
January 22nd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
As much as i enjoy watching the panda bears, why is it that their area always seem so dark (shaded). Don't the pandas get any sun light in their exhibit? The National zoo panda cam shows the areas for the pandas and they are so clear. Why is the san Diego's exhibit for the pandas so dark and small looking? Thank you.
January 22nd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Okay, I am a nervous wreck watching ZZ up in that tree!! I'm so scared she's going to fall - I don't even want to know how far she is up there. If I was Bai, I'd be pacing below her!! Is this normal for such a youngster to be so bold and brave????? I'm on pins and needles watching her.
Moderator's note: It's perfectly normal, Rhoda.
January 22nd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Okay, thank you Moderator - but I'm still nervous!! She's such a little dare-devil!! Can't wait to see her as a " teen" !!! LOL
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
How is Cinta doing after losing his grandmother Josephine? Everyone misses her, I am certain, but he seemed to have a special fondness for her, and probably misses her even more. He doesn't have her kind, gentle hand to hold and walk with any more.
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
#80 Mary S - the panda exhibit is in an extremely shaded area - agree NZ & ZA are much better for their panda cams - but neither on has the blogs so we take the good the bad.
The latest pictures of Miss Z are adorable - as are the ones of Mei Sheng -he looks likes he's enjoying himself in the snows of Wolong.
January 22nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
The recent photos of Mei Sheng show him to be the handsome, healthy, panda that we all know and love. He seems to be enjoying his new home. To me, he looks more comfortable, and less thin, than he did in previous photos. He definitely looks " happier." Now that he is out of quarantine, and hopefully more accustomed to his new yard and diet, he has time to get used to the cold weather and natural snow, and learn to play at new adventures.
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
#58 Frances - thanks for your advice, I was able to access the Hancock Wildlife Channel, there was so much to see, however I did eventually get to see our lovely Mei Sheng in the snow. Sheng appeared more relaxed and not 'unhappy looking' as in earlier pics, he is looking more like Bai Yun everyday.
#35 Tami - I likewise recall the days when Hua Mei performed her aerial acts high in the trees - she was Bai's first born and Bai was always concerned for her welfare. Possibly like 'human' moms they are more experienced and not as 'concerned' when they have further additions to the family.
Does any one have knowledge regarding Hua Mei's three sets of twins? - were they the result of AI or natural matings, what are the names and sexes of the cubs and have they all remained at Wolong?
Is there any link to recent pictures and info. on Hua Mei, maybe it has not been released or I have missed a relative blog.
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
There are several really cute Precious videos on YouTube - search for Zhen Zhen San Diego Zoo. Hazel#86, search on YouTube for Hua Mei, there are several videos, one from 6 months ago.
In other words, pretty much anything you want to see is on YouTube.
*disclaimer: I am not employed by YouTube, although I should own stock given how much time my 2 kids spend on that site.
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Hazel#86, you got me all curious, so I looked around, and it appears Hua has vanished from sight since having 2 sets of twins:
Perhaps searching within the Woolong website would let you know where she is. I'd do it, but the site sort of creeps me out, with all the " pose with the panda for $100" advertisements. Good luck! Let us know if you find out where Hua is. Moderators…any ideas here? Surely we are in contact with the Chinese habitat officials as to how our pandas are doing?
Paula in TX
Moderator's note: Hua Mei has had three sets of twins. San Diego Zoo Panda Keeper Angie Fiore saw Hua Mei and Mei Sheng when she visited Wolong in November 2007. She wrote a blog about her visit: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/a-happy-reunion-and-new-friends/
January 23rd, 2008 at 1:50 am
I really would love to cross stitch the " hanging on for dear life" pic on the photo section. ZZ is absolutely adorable. Since I started watching the pandas last August I have gone panda potty. I scour the internet and catalogues for panda cross stitches. Only a few of the cross stitches are what I would call good quality, lots of them are pretty awful. One good one, for anyone who likes cross stitching, is called Panda Row and the pandas are sitting eating bamboo.
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:30 am
# 71 and #72. According to the family trees at NZ and ZA, Mei Xiang and Lun Lun also share the same father, Lin Nan. This would make Tai Shan and Mei Lan cousins also.
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:51 am
Paula #87 and #88…….
thank you for your suggestions where to search for recent info on Hua Mei, as you mentioned YouTube has become an excellent source to search, keeping my fingers crossed I will see pics of her in the near future.
Re my #86 blog it was somewhat remiss of me as I failed to mention ZZ - Bai's 'Little Adventurer'.
After her nights spent under the stars with Bai, I think she has become starstruck, maybe she is aiming to take up astronomy - who knows with Bai's expert tution she may even check if the ISS will be passing overhead.
I think ZZ's motto is to climb high and to 'Reach for the Stars'…
January 23rd, 2008 at 2:19 pm
#90 Carol - Oh, doggone - as Mei Xiang was born in Wolong & Lun in Chengdu was hoping Tai & Lani were not related. There goes our only hope of keeping our pandas in the US (any chance there are 2 pandas with the same name??? hope, hope)
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Hazel #86 and Paula #88. I visited Wolong Sept. 19-20 (NZ FONZ tour) and had my picture taken with Mei Ling (a son from Hua Mei's second set of twins). He is one big guy, 3 yrs old and 200 lbs. He is a beautfiul animal and loved eating his carrots. Did not see Hua Mei as she was taking care of her new twins and all the mothers/new babies are kept isolated from the public. There were fuve babies in the nursery (twins) ranging ffrom 6 days old to 10 weeks. They exchange a twin every 4 days so each twin gets the mothers milk. During our visit, we were able to see borth 6 day old twins during the changeover. An incredible experience watching the staff toilet and bottle feed the babies.
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
FINALLY - I have been watching Bai and Zhen having a great play session. It's the first time I've been able to catch them live - what a fun time they had. Bai still likes to play.
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Hmmm… did someone slip Zhen Zhen a double cappuccino this afternoon? Someone is all wound up - good thing Bai was in the mood to engage in some playing this afternoon. But ZZ is still looking for adventure and /or trouble - can't tell - but she hasn't stop moving yet. Maybe it's the full moon and impending storm we're expecting tonight. Hope she decides to stay inside rather than sleep in the trees tonight - I don't think it will be much fun trying to sleep in a tree during a heavy rain/hail storm…
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I was watching Miss Z yesterday playing in a tree. She was not far from the ground, but couldn't seem to get down. So, she just hung there by her arms, until her Mother noticed her hanging. Bai walked over and grabbed her and gave her cuddles and gently put her on the ground. Then promply knocked her over when she was walking away! Oh well..you win some, you lose some.
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Moderator's note: Hua Mei has had three sets of twins. San Diego Zoo Panda Keeper Angie Fiore saw Hua Mei and Mei Sheng when she visited Wolong in November 2007. She wrote a blog about her visit: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/a-happy-reunion-and-new-friends/
Thanks for that update!! Whoo, three sets of twins, someone put that mama panda out to pasture!
Google for Zhen Zhen, wonderful pictures. YouTube has some sweet videos as well.
I saw Zhen perching in a tree today…watch out on the way down, Precious!
Paula in TX
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:45 pm
#93 Dean–what a great trip you must have had! Sounds like Mei Ling is going to be a giant–he's almost as big as Bai Yun.
#94 Maureen and #95 Cheryl–wasn't it great to see Bai and ZZ together this afternoon? They always seem to be doing something fabulous during my commute, darn it, and I wish I could slow down the time-lapse when I see them having wonderful play moments like they did today. I guess they closed off the classroom so she wouldn't get caught up in the tree.
I can see the rain falling on Gao Gao's camera tonight. I hope they're all enjoying the rain–or are snuggled safe and warm in their panda beds.
January 24th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Thank goodness for time lapse videos. Being in the UK we miss some of the " live" streaming.
I have just watched yesterdays when Zhen Zhen was actually spending time with Bai Yun. It was a refreshing change to see her instead of amongst the branches and leaves of the trees. I had been watching her in the trees, she started to make her way down and i thought " oh good she's coming down so we can all get a good look at her" . I think she must have known what i was thinking as she turned around and started to go up a bit. At one point it looked as if she was playing with the leaves.
The latest photos of her are amazing. She has got so many teeth now. She looks as if she is getting a handfull when she has her checks. Maybe that's why she spends so much time in the trees, she probably thinks " if i stay on the ground too long they will be grabbing me and taking me in for a while and spoiling my fun in the trees" .
Was Mei Sheng like Zhen? Out of Mei Sheng and Su Lin (as they all have the same parents) who is Zhen Zhen more like in behaviour?. Can i still access Mei Sheng in the panda blogs from his birth onwards?
Moderator's note: Our panda blogs didn't start until a few days before Su Lin was born. All blog archives are listed on the gold-colored bar to the right.
January 24th, 2008 at 9:20 am
OMG, I've been super busy with work for the past couple of weeks, and haven't had time to log on to see Miss Fluffy Butt. This morning, I logged in just in time to see her starting to climb. SOOOOO cute! One of the panda wranglers came and got her off the tree, though (I'm guessing because it's pouring rain here in CA and they didn't want her to slip or get up there and get waterlogged!). It was adorable, when the lady took Zhen out of the tree, the funny little expression on ZZ's face. It was like she was thinking, " Hey! I'm climbing, here! What? Why are you hugging me? No, put me down, I'm climbing!!"
I cannot WAIT to get down there and see her in person!
Thanks to the SDZ staff for the great updates, and for braving the rain to watch over our darling baby girl!!
January 24th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Bai's mini 'mountaineer' ZZ continues climbing on C15 at 08.00(SD), her bedraggled appearance makes it look like she has spent another night in the trees!
I peeked in earlier at 04.00am (SD) when it was still dark, however I could see Gao Gao 'pacing' around his pad - obviously a man with something on his mind! sorry Gao Gao, your lady will not be available for some time!
Thank you to all who have commented re Hua Mei….
#93 Dean - how wonderful for you to see to one of her twins.
Since leaving SD in Feb '04 Hua Mei has been very busy as a mother, as her first twins were born that year, she also had cubs in '05 and '07 so hopefully they will give her 'time out' this year.
Back to check on 'Miss Fluffy Butt' who now needs a clean up from her mom!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Yes, she's Little Miss Muddy Butt today.
January 24th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Perhaps the keepers could answer this question. I have been watching Zoom Zoom and also her cousin at Atlanta Zoo on and off for months. Please, why do baby pandas spend so much time standing on their heads? Actually they really don't, but its sort of a head stand, somersault combination. Is this early scent marking behavior? Or just play time gymnastics? Thanks, Sandy
January 24th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
How lovely to see Zhen and Bai together for a change!. I've just been watching Bai munching through her bamboo and little miss mischief playing on the log by Bai Yun. Then Zhen decided to climb all over Bais head. Up went Bais front paws and got miss mischief off of her. Well no way was Zhen going to give in, she was having too much fun. Straight away she started climbing back on top of Bais head, poor Bai just left her too it.
After a little bit longer, up Bai got and walked off. A few minutes later miss mischief realised and walked off in Bais direction.
It was so good watching miss mischief down on ground level instead of panda spotting in the trees. She deserves the nickname Miss Mischief, she is certainly mischevious and inquisitive, and sooooooo cute.
January 24th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Sammi #104–you are right. Soooooooooooo cute, and seeing them together like that is always a treat.
January 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I had a thought today…the SD Zoo Panda site has stated that there was a " 12 year" adoption agreement with Japan. If Bai came to SD in 1996, does that mean she leaves this year? Say it isn't so!
Paula in TX
January 24th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Ya know, these panda cubbies are like human babies in fast-forward: First they just lay there, all cute and cuddly, then they begin to stagger around & fall a lot, then they take their first toddling steps, then they trot, and then they're like teenagers–they never write, they never call, they come by for a meal and then you don't see them again for days.
I miss baby ZZ, all snug and cozy in her den, whenever I wanted to see her :-).
January 25th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Bobbie #5 and #45- Glad you and Carol had a fab time at the SDZ- where are you from? It sounds like you enjoyed visiting my former hometown! It was a great place to grow up. As an adult, I lived about 2 minutes walk from the Zoo, which was quite fun for the summer, Nighttime Zoo. I moved 4 years ago to the midwest. I was at the SDZ on the 13th of January lurking around Bai/ZZ and Gao/Su for several hours when the zoo opened. I have a short video of Su coming down from her perch, but can't get it to upload to YouTube for some reason- I'll keep trying to upload it- it's not that large of a file. For your 24 minute video, maybe you could fade out in groups of 8 minutes for a total of 3 videos?
January 25th, 2008 at 9:45 am
#106 Paula–I think I read in one of the blogs that they " renegotiate" periodically–fingers crossed. Moderator or Narrator, or someone, please ease our minds!
January 25th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Dear Loriann,
I got to live in San Diego for 4 years (1980-1984) and simply loved the city/county. It was difficult to return to Orange County. To all bloggers, San Diego is one perfect location for a family vacation…especially the SDZ! I may attempt to divide the 'movie'….however, it's now in Pinnacle DVD format so I don't know if this will work.
The rain out here on the coast has certainly made for some truly fun Pandacam watching! Zhen Zhen was hilarious as she crawled all over Bai on the 24th around 4:00PM! Bai just kept on eating her dinner
January 25th, 2008 at 10:00 am
At our zoo in chapultepec we have 3 female pandas. shuan shuan (20 years old), xin xin(born in 1990) and xiu hua (born in 1985). I was wondering if any of them could still be moms or if they are too old.
January 25th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Paula #106, I doubt that Bai would go back this year because of Zhen Zhen but when she is older next year it's anyones guess what is going to happen. I don't think any of us want to think about that happening.it also brings up questions about a female for Gao Gao and what about Su Lin, next year she will be three and her turn to go back home. this is all to much to deal with at once
January 25th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Oh no… major downer… please no more talk about pandas leaving - it's too heart wrenching for a rainy Friday - or any day really. Happy thoughts people - happy thoughts - it's almost the weekend. On a much, much happier note - but off topic - but I saw our 7 new lion cubs from the Wild Animal Park on the local news last night. They are on exhibit with their moms in the mornings - talk about cute, cute, cute!
Moderator's note: We have video of their debut posted in our Video Portal at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/videos/index.html
January 25th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Oh how I wish I had more time to watch " our" little dumpling doing cute things. Seems like each time I'm able to check in on her, she is up a tree, snoozing, while Mom is munching away. I really miss the video updates which I would watch it in " re-runs" , just enjoying her growth and development. Guess I must enjoy her antics vicariously through all of you who are able to catch her being feisty or getting muddy or whatever else she is up to each day!!
Keep posting those great comments so I can enjoy her changes here in Louisville, KY.
January 25th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I wonder if the San Diego pandas have the same problems as pandas in the Wolong Nature reserve. Do they survive on bamboo alone or are their diets supplemented…
January 25th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Paula Erdelyi #114 — I think we all miss the videos (hint, hint). You can see some of the the cuteness you've missed by looking at the time-lapse videos. They do go by mighty fast though. And keep checking youtube as people post some of the cutest moments.
Bobbie Wood #110– Bai was adorable as always–she wasn't going to let a little thing like a squirmy 20-lb fuzzy thing pretending to be a hat disturb her dinner. No way!
January 25th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
When ZZ's napping up in the tree…there seems to be a bird flying back and forth just over her, am I seeing things. The angle of the camera makes this bird appear somewhat large, is Zhen Zhen safe up there, what's the birds problem? Doesn't this bird realize baby panda's up in trees is a common thing.
January 25th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Looking at little (not so little anymore) ZZ snuggled up high in the branches — it looks like there is a squirrel or something that keeps running across the branches behind her! Has anyone else noticed this? Maybe it's a bird — hard to get a good glimpse of it. Whatever it is, ZZ seems to be perfectly content to go on sleeping and let it go on about its day.
What a life!
January 25th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
It is a funny view of Zhen Zhen in the treetops - essentially just the outline of her - with the Skyfari whizzing back and forth above her. I'm guessing, hoping, that the people on the Skyfari and look down and see her. Wonder what she thinks when she looks up… " hmmm… those are some mighty strange birds up there?"
January 25th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Moderator, I clicked on the link to see the video of the Lion Cub debut and don't see it in the portal. Help..???
From the portal, select " Wild Animal Park" or " Animal Babies" from the Channels listed. Happy viewing!
January 25th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Ha! Thanks, Cheryl - I think what Mary in Illinois and I are seeing must be the Skyfari. Since I've never been to SDZ, I didn't realize it was right there.
In any event, ZZ seems completely unperturbed by it, which is good!
January 25th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Bobbie, #110- yeah, going back to OC would be difficult.
People out here in Indy seem to think life is really like " The housewives of OC" or whatever that show is called! LOL Couldn't catch ZZ today other than napping in a tree. I was hoping she'd become a bit more playful and active with mama by now. Hard to believe Zoom Zoom is nearly 6 months old! I know someone who does video compilations- I'll check with her about splitting up your video- if it can be done and if so, how. I see Gao is munching at 4PM SDZ time- I was really amused at his going round in a circle- guess he's " getting ready" to think he's going to have Bai's attentions this year.
January 25th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Sorry - but just one more comment about the new cubs - if you haven't checked out the new blog about them - go to More Blogs above and check it out. Don't miss the video link and photo album at the bottom of the blog. The pictures are stunning - and the video so enchanting - it will put a smile on your face - I promise!
January 25th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Oh! My Goodness! It's 4:50PM Pacific time on 1/25….our buddy Gao Gao apprears to have become a nature lover/health nut! I think he is eating a pine tree branch!!! He has a huge pile of bamboo in front of him and has ignored the bamboo in favor of what looks like pine to me! Is there long needled bamboo
January 25th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
#115 Raul– I know SDZ supplements their diet with apples and carrots and yams (I think) and some kind of panda biscuits, for digestion, I assume.
The new little lion cubs are adorable–worth the time to check out the video.
January 25th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Cheryl #123…ok, I just watched the video and that is the CUTEST thing I have ever seen in my life!! SEVEN lion cubs, 2 moms - what a gorgeous sight! Dammit, I wish I was in San Diego right about now!
Paula in TX
January 26th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Little Miss Mischief is actually inside with Bai Yun at the moment. Nice suprise when i entered this site.
So she's now 21lbs. You can actually see her getting bigger when she is alongside Bai.
I wish animals could talk to us properly sometimes. I would love to know exactly what Bai thinks of miss mischief. Especially when she climbs up high in the trees. Bai is a brilliant mother, she seems to have so much patience with her.
Frances in NYC #116, i also miss the weekly video updates. I used to look forward to watching them and seeing Zhen Zhens reaction. Maybe that's why she goes high in the trees, to stop the keepers being able to do the checks.
January 26th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Where has our little Miss ZZ been today? I saw her with Bai Yun this morning on the time-lapse video, but I haven't seen her again.
January 26th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I am looking at Bai Yun on Camera 15 and can't help but marvel at the sight how beautiful a bear she is. Her fur is so white and pristine. This brings to mind if the keepers have " planned" another " mud day" ! I still remember the muddy day that both Su Lin and Bai Yun had, and it was so fun to see the pictures of both of them! I wonder how our little Zhen Zhen will react.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
#129, Grace — Yes, Bai Yun is a beautiful bear, both within and without. They've said they call her their " teflon bear" because she sheds dirt so well and always looks beautiful within hours of being very dirty. She is an amazing mother; we humans should take notes from her nurturing.
#115 Raul, & 125 Frances — the biscuits they feed the pandas are full of nutrients–vitamins and protein. Raul, you may see them sometimes on the cam, they are reddish & flat, rectangular in shape.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
On another topic - today the SDZ newsletter reported that while the latest baby elephant is still in guarded condition she has gained weight & now weighs 204 pounds - thanks to bottle nursing & the dedicated staff at the WAP
January 27th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Have the hours increased for viewing Zoom Zoom?
K
January 27th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Grace #129–After seeing Miss ZZ rolling around in the mud from all the recent rain, I think we have our answer about how she'll react to mud. though not an official mud day, she has now rolled around in it with great abandon and is totally gray. Now, since it seems that the tree branches are pretty slippery, she's rolling around in Bai Yun's bamboo. How cute is this!!
January 27th, 2008 at 10:53 am
It's almost 10am Pacific time and little Miss Zhen Zhen looks to have been rolling in the mud. Mama Bai appears to be her neat and tidy self, while little Miss has been exploring and having fun. I almost always see Zhen Zhen in a tree, so this is a nice treat. Back to the webcam!
January 27th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Grace (#129), don't know if you were watching the cam Sunday morning but it seems Miss Z is having her own mud day! She was hilarious to watch! She would romp along and then so a somersault and roll, roll, roll around in the dirt. (Made me think of Tai for a moment). She is totally filthy but looks like she is having a dang good time in the process. I think she is trying to give Chinook some competition in the " who can get the dirtiest" game. I even sent a snapshot to my daughter with the comment " I thought panda's were supposed to be black and WHITE?" . Too funny. That Zhen, she is a pistol! Got to see her in person last weekend, even though she was way up high in her perch napping. Saw Gao for the 1st time too. Last May when we were there, he was off exhibit. He is quite the " compact" little man but non-the-less very impressive. Just love the SD Zoo!!
January 27th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I also marvel at how white Bai Yun's fur is. In fact, when there is a head shot of her, I wish I could reach my hand in and pet her between her ears. Her fur looks so soft on her face, and plush. I wonder how it feels in real life. Is panda hair soft on their head, but more bristlely on their body? Zhen Zhen sometimes looks very straggley, and dirty. Dirt all over her back.Somebody, whether its Mom or the keepers, have the wonderful job of giving her a bath. I want THAT job. But not Mom. She is always so gorgeous. So is Su Lin and Daddy Gao. I just wish I could touch them, once in my life. I might enjoy it, but I'm not so sure they would! Ha!
January 27th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
LOL about all the muddy talk..when we visted SD Zoo in November 2007, I was so enchanted by Gao and Su Lin..and my husband said " what's the big deal…it's 2 bears with muddy butts!"
Did I mention my husband is a Virgo? And my 2 young sons are also Virgos? A moment of silence to feel my pain, please…
Are the pandas ever cleaned? #136 Widget, I'd love to give Zhen a bubblebath too. That sounds sorta odd, but you know what we mean.
Paula in TX
January 28th, 2008 at 10:18 am
this little one is making me dizzy what energy, poor Bai must be exhausted maybe that's why she really just let's percious go do her own thing and just watches. Widget #136 I would die for that kind of chance also, I had the chance to bottle feed a baby tiger a couple of years ago and just to feel the purring and the heart beat against my body made me cry tears of joy.I didn't want to let go.
Now to a different subject, I had the pleasure of talking to Marla Barr who is the wish list coordinator, what a dedicated indidivual she is,no matter what species she is equally dedicated to them all and does her best to see that they all are represented. Please think about a donation to the wish lists wether or not it is a subject of your intrest, They all need our help and are a valuable part of our planet. Marla THANK YOU for all that you do on behalf of all our critters.
Our monthly Wish List can be viewed at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/adopt/adopt_wishlist.html
January 28th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Paula & Widget: - I went through some past entries (from when Su Lin was roughly Zhen Zhen's age) and Suzanne wrote a blog called " Coat of Many Colors†that described the panda coat like this:
" Su Lin got pretty dirty in that rain, but it took only a day or so for her to appear mostly black-and-white again. We don't bathe our pandas, and their coat condition is the product of their own grooming practices (except for Su Lin, who is groomed by her mother). If you dig your fingers into a panda pelt, you'll notice a bit of an oily feeling, which probably helps the bears to slough off dirt and debris after a time without bathing. Bai Yun (pictured above), our " Teflon bear,†never seems to be too dirty, and her white is always quite bright. â€
Sadly, no bathtime for a furry black & white (& muddy) friends…
Here's a link to the Coat of Many Colors blog: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/coat-of-many-colors/
January 28th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Paula, Widget, and Cheryl–but isn't it a wonderful image: Zhen Zhen, a tub full of bubbles, coupla rubber duckies, big fluffy towels…
Paula–what sign are you with all those picky Virgos? Virgo seems to be a pretty good sign for pandas (Bai Yun–no wonder she's the Teflon bear, always so clean). All the kids are Leos–no wonder our Miss ZZ is so adenturous.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Frances #140 - I'm a Pisces - that's a water sign, right? I live in a house full of Virgos… Cheryl #139, thanks for that link! And lastly, a big shout-out to Barbara #138 for posting the wish list…
It sounds like pandas are much like cats with the grooming issue (owned by 4 cats here)!
Paula in TX (bubble bath still sounds lovely!)
January 30th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Thank you all for the donations to the Jan wish list. No matter how large or small your donations they all help and our feathered friends thank you. There are still a few items left if anyone would still like to donate. the wish list ends at 5: 00 today so please hurry and give what you can Thank You all
Moderator's note: Thanks, Barbara. January's Wish List helps birds in our Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program.
Wish List: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/adopt/adopt_wishlist.html
Blogs from Hawaii: