This morning (July 29, 2016), giant panda Xiao Liwu’s exhibit at the San Diego Zoo was filled with decorated gift boxes and treats, in celebration of his fourth birthday. Volunteers painted and embellished the gift boxes, and keepers filled them with various enrichment items—including wood wool, alfalfa and burlap sacks covered in cinnamon—and some boxes were just filled with more boxes. Keepers also created a ice cake, flavored with strawberry-kiwi and fruit punch drink mix, and pureed yams, carrots, apples and honey. His cake was topped with apples and four bamboo sticks that resembled candles.
Xiao Liwu (pronounced “sshyaoww lee woo”), also known as “Mr. Wu” to his keepers and fans, is the sixth panda born at the San Diego Zoo. He is the sixth cub born to mother Bai Yun and the fifth cub fathered by male Gao Gao. His party was witnessed by dozens of early morning guests at the San Diego Zoo, and it was also viewable to people worldwide via the Zoo’s online Panda Cam, at zoo.sandiegozoo.org/cams/panda-cam.
In the past year, Xiao Liwu has gained more weight and now weighs 160 pounds—the same as his father. The birthday gifts he received today are part of the enrichment that the bear gets on a regular basis to keep the animal active and stimulated, and to encourage natural behaviors like foraging.
The San Diego Zoo is home to three giant pandas, on loan from the People’s Republic of China for conservation studies of this endangered species.
Keeping 2 sets of pandas, translates into $1.5 million loan fee annually. Other additional expenditure would be incurred, as well.
China and its citizens, consider giant pandas as their #1 national treasure. It is extremely unlikely that, they would allow pandas be “stranded permanently” overseas.
There are many more options/opportunities, for Xiao Liwu in China. Besides, repatriation is specified, by China, in all loan agreements.
Consensus of policy makers and scientists, is for species conservation in the wild. Official position of AZA (American Association of Zoos and Aquariums), supports this goal as well.
Maybe Wu will get a nice Chinese wife sent to him and we can keep Bai and Gao for the rest of their life. We can keep the family growing here at home.
And I hope this (“while next steps for giant panda conservation are being discussed”) means in part that the terms of US Fish & Wildlife regarding giant panda loans will be or are being revisited as conservation efforts change & evolve.
That is great news about Xiao Liwu staying for at least a couple more years, especially knowing we will be losing three of our U.S. “kids” in the coming months. We always know the day is coming when the panda youngsters will move to China, but it sure tears at the heart to see them go. I look forward to seeing more of soulful Xiao’s gorgeous face.
OCTOBER 13, 2016
Hi does the Zoo or China, know when XIAO LIWU will be going to CHINA ?
Monitor’s note: San Diego Zoo Global and government officials in the U.S. and China have agreed that the young panda, Xiao Liwu, will remain at the San Diego Zoo for the next couple of years while next steps for giant panda conservation are being discussed.
Dear Monitor: Any update on our Big Daddy Gao Gao, maybe even a photo.
Monitor’s note: Just posted an update this morning! 🙂
Hello, Moonk and Lynn from Scotland:
Doesn’t Scotland have its own panda pair?
We understand, Scots and your Brexit neighbours, are all hoping for a panda baby this year, after experiencing several prior heartbreaks. Keep your paws crossed.
Quoting San Diego Zoo: “Giant pandas don’t belong to us. They are on loan from China. SDZ Global is privileged, in having the opportunity, to work with them here”.
Being iconic species, giant panda is China’s #1 national treasure. Its official and social media, often refer to ones loaned overseas, as temporarily lodged elsewhere (“Qiao Ju Hai Wai”). According to Chinese tradition, an individual may leave at early age, getting established in foreign land, but will always return to ancestral home eventually. In essence, this applies to their loaned pandas as well, Xiao Liwu included.
Is there anything cuter than watching Mr. Wu simply eating his bamboo?! He just makes my day!
Yes, Xiao Liwu! Next month, our family will visit Bifengxia, to convey greetings, on your behalf, to your siblings plus clan members there.
Upon return, we shall drop by SDZ, to present gifts for your family: tea packages prepared from bamboo leaves, as well as, embroidered slippers made by, Qiang craftsmen of Sichuan. Best regards.
To our dear keepers and caretakers and all others who work so hard to make the San Diego Zoo so beautiful and peaceful…Please know that all of your hard work, attention and love of the animals is greatly and sincerely appreciated. And thank you, sweet moderator for your patience and consideration to allow us our commentary.
Geez…take a joke but thanks for the heads up. I will now have to rethink my plan and stash my forbidden apples in my backpack as I hoist Wu into a waiting car. This could get tricky. Maybe someone should tell the zoo that the animals aren’t “zoo pets” so people will stop waiting in line for two and a half hours to see the pandas, turn in their memberships and close down all the gift shops and online stores. Sadly, not everyone has a warm enough heart to understand how millions are attached to the beautiful animals and, more specifically, Mr. Wu. All the legal jargon does nothing to diminish our passion.
Hi, Moonk of Scotland: It is me again.
Should we miss each other at California this year, there is another opportunity for rendezvous, in May, 2017.
On lower right margin of Panda Cam page, just click on ‘Meet Panda Face-to-Face in China, with San Diego Zoo’, to learn more.
Imagine: Amidst picturesque mountainous setting, a panda chorus, to be led by yours truly, will serenade your family, with ‘Moon Light Sonata’. Analogous to Shakespearean play of ‘Mid-summer Night’s Dream’, this would be exactly ‘As You Like It’.
In addition, delicious bamboo snacks and green Wulong tea, will be served.
Chance of a lifetime: Panda encounter, at exotic land of Cathay (Per our oral history, Marco Polo narrowly missed my B&W ancestors, while he was there).
How does that sound to you? If agreeable, please book trip today, and plan itinerary accordingly.
Monitor’s note: The person writing here as Xiao Liwu is not a staff member of San Diego Zoo Global. While there is indeed a fantastic trip you can take with Zoo staff (click here for more information) and will see pandas at the Dujiangyan Panda Park, operated by Wolong Panda Preserve, there is no guarantee that the pandas you see will have a connection to the San Diego Zoo.
Folks, per policies of U.S. Agriculture Department, and Chinese Ministry of Agriculture: Raw apples are prohibited items, subject to confiscation by custom officials, for purpose of international transit.
Our offspring are doing well, plus contributing to research and breeding, at giant pandas’ ancestral homeland. Likewise, our youngest son, will soon follow their examples over there. We are NOT “zoo pets”.
Since 2002, in response to recurrent comments/inquiries, SDZ has repeatedly emphasized the rationale; in returning San Diego-born pandas ( indeed, applicable for all overseas-born ones as well), to their ancestral homeland.
Besides, any zoo unwilling to accede to, stipulated terms of repatriation, will not get a single panda from China, to begin with. No if’s, or but’s!
A world-renowned law school, actually has offered a course, on ‘Panda Loan Negotiation’, as case study example, in its contract law series.
Really, Al? That’s right…we are going to protest on the runway. In fact, I am soaking biscuits in honey water and coring apples as I write.
Dear panda buddies,
Not being a lawyer I make no pretence in understanding all the ins and outs of agreement. I just want to say, Mr Wu. Has touched the hearts of many world wide, as seen by the blogs. I make no apology for sentimentality , money isn’t everything!
From last paragraph of above article: “SDZ is home to 3 giant pandas, on LOAN from People’s Republic of China, for Conservation Studies of this endangered species”.
For more, at top of current blog, click on ‘Saving Species’; as well as on SDZ home page, click on ‘Conservation’.
Finally, please peruse mission statements, as outlined at AZA website (American Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
Past departures of SDZ-born pandas
Yun Zi: in 2014, at age 4+.
Zhen Zhen: in 2010, at age 3.
Su Lin: in 2010, at age 5 [Su & Zhen left together].
Mei Sheng: in 2007, at age 4.
Hua Mei: in 2004, at age 4+.
Happy (upcoming) Birthdays for Mei Sheng (b. 8/19), and Hua Mei (b. 8/21)!
Hello, Moonk et al. from Glasgow, Scotland,
Per SDZ, Xiao Liwu will leave for China, sometime after his 4th birthday.
Diehards, reluctant to let him depart, might attempt sabotage. While it has yet to happen, exercising abundant precaution, is always prudent. For safety of returnee & accompanying chaperons, actual departure, will only be announced; when flight with its previous cargo, is safely westward bound, across the Pacific.
Nonetheless, preparation for repatriation, is a lengthy process. This entails, among others,
1) Securing transport permits, from multiple U.S. and Chinese government agencies.
2) Crate & fork lift training.
3) Diet supplement modification, from leafeater biscuits, to Chinese buns (rich in soy plus sorghum).
Further, in anticipation of taste bud acclimatization, from California to Sichuan bamboo; time will be needed, to bulk him up first, before travel.
If interested, search SDZ tag archives, for past articles: discussing travel preparations of his siblings (Yun Zi, Su Lin/Zhen Zhen, Mei Sheng plus Hua Mei); as well as their welcome receptions, upon arrival in China.
CCRCGP (China Conservation & Research Centre for Giant Pandas), have lots of experience, in handling returnees, including ones from SDZ. Hence, transfer of care, should be a seamless undertaking. Exhibit A: Wu’s siblings are all thriving there.
Dear Moonk,
Following pawsteps of my siblings, most likely, I shall depart in the near future. For security/safety reasons, actual departure date/time are never announced, in advance.
Look for future articles, on preparations involved, for my repatriation, to the exotic land of Cathay.
Meanwhile, please drop by, to visit my family and friends, at San Diego Zoo. Let us bleat over, everything in panda land!
If it’s all about research and breeding, then why have zoos at all?
There’s no shortage of funding. We all know that. And, since the zoo is dependent on public admissions and donations, why don’t we have a say in this? If “Fly On The Wall” is correct, it is beyond unethical for two people to ultimately decide Wu’s fate. What becomes of the panda exhibit in San Diego? Do we wait for two new pandas to arrive, relocate, adjust, get to know each other and then hope they eventually breed? What about all the funding that has gone into the program just to start all over, not to mention the revenue that popular Wu generates? Why not have one here (Mr. Wu) who is already established and avoid more adjustment time with not one but two bears? Bai Yun has successfully proven that this method works. Isn’t that the goal of the program? These are questions we all have.
Hmm.. Looks like it’s working again. Yay! I have been so upset lately, reading how many people across the world love and are enchanted by Mr. Wu, yet have to be so saddened by the prospect of his leaving. The “arrangement” to return him is especially disheartening when the panda reserves in China have dozens and dozens of cubs, while Wu is the only legacy of Bai Yun and Gao Gao who can carry on the lineage here. An arrangement is simply that…an arrangement…and can always be renegotiated. Please take heed of the thousands of people who are lifted in spirit every day and those who feel better during illnesses by watching his adorable antics. With all due respect to the work the zoo does, these factors have immeasurably more value in this troubling world than any research. Please consider the human factor, as well. We love him and ask that he stays.
I have been trouble posting my comments…cleared history and cookies…this is a test because I am frustrated writing and then not being able to post.
It is such a shame that Mr. Wu has to head back to China. I understand the need for it but still doesn’t make it that much better. Been over to see him a few times since his birth and it has been great seeing him grow.
It may have already been covered and I’ve just missed it – however, is there a firm date to when Mr. Wu is likely to start his journey over to China? Would be great if my partner I had one more chance to get over from Glasgow, Scotland to San Diego to see him before he jets off.
Am I correct in thinking the pandas have been moved about again. Looks like Bai Yun in the cave on Fri early morning. Any reason?
Monitor’s note: The keepers had Bai Yun and Mr. Wu trade spaces, just as they sometimes do at the Panda Research Station.
Panda cam shows a close-up of a snoozing Mr. Wu … I luv you so, Wu bear.
Thank you so much for the informative article and video. I missed Mr Wu’s special day. He’s still my baby even though he’s a “big” boy now!
Panic over, web cam working for me again, and all well in Panda Canyon!
Is Wu ok?? Can’t get web cam to come on and he is lying down, maybe relaxing , I don’t know, but he was breathing rather hard earlier
Oh my Wu , there you are leaning against the wall with your back paws moving up and down as if you were keeping the beat to music! So cute !
On 8/6/16 Pandas International – Facebook Page: Video showcasing (one of) Bai Yun’s granddaughter, together with Bai’s third great-grandchild (born last June).
8/8/16 San Diego Union-Tribune: Article + recent photo regarding Bai Yun, with 2013 video of Mr. Wu.
Check them out, if interested.
Dear Wu, understand why you must fulfil your destiny, but shall miss you so much, the Love Force will be with you! X
I deeply appreciate, my fans’ sincere desire, to keep me here forever.
Nonetheless, I must answer, to a higher calling. To-date, only 2314 pandas inhabit planet Earth (wild + managed care population combined). Our overall survival, remains at risk. Therefore, I am duty-bound, to assist my endangered species, in China. Thanks for your understanding. May the panda force be with you always!
To My Fans:
Like humans, pandas too, go through different life stages. I am ready, to embark on my next chapter. Just to name a few: explore new adventures, reunion with my siblings, getting acquainted with my large, extended family clan, plus sampling spicy Sichuan cuisines etc., all conducted in picturesque, mountainous landscape.
Last but not least, I should have opportunities a plenty; bleating love songs, in Mandarin Chinese, to fair ladies of my dreams.
I shall look forward, in following footsteps of Marco Polo, to the exotic land of Cathay!
Thank you “Fly on the Wall”. Just grasping at straws, going to miss my favourite panda, the wonderful Mr Wu
Keeping U.S.-born pandas here permanently, would incur additional expenditure, not just extra loan fees, payable annually.
Setting a precedent, could open a flood gate, inducing others to seek same. CHINA WILL NEVER AGREE TO SUCH ARRANGEMENT.
Since 2004 repatriation of Hua Mei, all overseas-born pandas, without a single exception, have returned to China, as sub-adults. Standard, stipulated age for return, is post age 3. Thus, for Xiao Liwu, now age 4; has already enjoyed extra year of stay in San Diego, at the minimum so far.
Last year, someone circulated online petition, aiming to keep all U.S.-born pandas, permanently stateside. It fizzled, after Chinese ambassador and zoo director, both emphatically rejected such move.
Wu is still several years away, from attaining sexual maturity. Even after he does become an adult, there are NO suitable mates available in North America. Previously, per San Diego Zoo:
Mating choices are more plentiful in Sichuan. From species conservation standpoint, opportunity to create a dynamic, diversified gene pool, is more favorable there.
Transporting pandas on long journey, is least stressful for sub-adults (& accompanying staff).
Hence, CHINA IS Xiao Liwu’s DESTINY! Besides, he is Chinese property, per loan contract.
Dear moderator,I have a question. If the main purpose of Mr Wu going to China is the breeding programme could his sperm not be taken there and leave Mr Wu in San Diego? Then it would be the best of both worlds for us all? Thank you.
HUA MEI (Xiao Liwu’s eldest half-sister, b. 8/21/1999, at SDZ)
3/27/2016 YouTube video, ‘Giant panda Hua Mei Mating’, posted by Nicole Cady, with audio.
Last spring, she successfully mated with 2 males, at Bifengxia. Since then, per one French source, she has moved to Shanghai Wild Animal Park.
No word yet, on her pregnancy or pseudo-pregnancy status. Folks, keep your paws crossed!
A Mid-summer Night’s Dream
Amidst gentle Pacific breeze, a giant panda is currently sound asleep, underneath the cave, at outdoor enclosure area.
Also, for budding zoo architects: A review from SDZ tag archives,
‘Planning a Panda Exhibit’, 9/15/2010, by Karen Barnes.
Other bamboo eaters
Red pandas (“fire fox”) and takins, among others; also consume bamboo, besides giant pandas.
Both are exhibited at San Diego Zoo, though there are no live cams for them.
Besides photosynthesis function, bamboo leaves are also rich in protein, fulfilling nutrient need of pandas.
Summer time, and bamboo leaves are in season, to serve as meals for giant pandas.
It looks like Wu is left pawed like Gao Gao. Up until last year, I thought I saw Wu using both paws alternately. Now whenever I saw him on Panda Cam, he’s using his left paw to hold the bamboo. Wu’s both his parents’ son for sure 🙂
Michele,
For that big ‘scratch’, I have a nickname for Wu, Scarface Wu 🙂
Ann: Sometimes the only way I can tell Wu from Bai Yun is to look at the big “scratch” on his left cheek (right cheek, when we’re looking at him). Seems the fur never grew completely back.
Mr. Wu is his Mama’s son alright. Now that he’s a ‘big’ boy of 160+ lbs, he looks so much like Bai Yun.
I sometimes cannot tell whether I’m looking at da Wu self or Mama Bai Yun, unless I see the triangle on the belly.
He looked like a teddy bear on his birthday. A very cute Blue Wu.
Little Liwu eating his boo. Sweet. 🙂
Thanks Cynthia! Guess it was a quick shower ??
Aww.. Liwu is taking a nap on his new birthday blanket and has a sweet smile on his face. <3
There is a waterfall, as well as pool, in new (temporary) outdoor courtyard, for Wu.
Wonder…….did Mr Wu have a dip in his pool to wash his beautiful blue face?
Birthday ice cake: Size is in the eyes of beholder.
Please peruse again, first paragraph of above article. Further, view thoroughly, 7/30/16 YouTube video, posted by Doxiemom19, on ‘Giant panda Xiao Liwu’s fourth birthday celebration’.
Ice cake was but one of multiple enrichment items, presented to Wu. As stated by SDZ, their actual purposes are to provide varied environmental stimuli, and promote more naturalistic behavior, for creatures in confined setting. Overall goal is to improve animal well-being, thereby decreasing exhibition of stereotypic behavior (repetitive movements, without any obvious, useful purpose or function).
99% panda diet is bamboo. Other food treats serve as supplements only. Overfeeding of calorie-dense items, can lead to animal obesity. There are several informative SDZ articles, on ‘Panda Nutrition’, searchable via panda blog archives, for those interested.
Why didn’t Wu have a big cake? He is the best!
To Shirley of U.K.,
Several websites offer panda-cam viewing in China,
‘iPanda (dot) com’: for Chengdu Base & Dujiangyan.
‘Explore (dot) org’: for Bifengxia.
Bear in mind, time zone differences.
Alternatively, one can go panda watching, live in person. San Diego Zoo sponsors annual trip to China, which includes visits to Bifengxia & Chengdu Bases. Next tour is scheduled for May, 2017. To learn more: On panda cam page, click on ‘Meet panda face to face in China, with SDZ’, if interested.
Mr. Wu. I cant believe that you are now 4 years of age. I have been watching you from England since you were born. I remember when you first climbed really high to the top of a tree, I was so scared that you were going to fall. I was about to go out shopping but I could nt move from my laptop until you had got down safely xxx I was lucky enough on your 4th birthday to watch you from the beginning of your birthday present adventure, it was amazing I will remember it always. I love you so much, you make me feel happy when I watch you when I feel sad. I cant even think about when you have to go to China as I wont be able to watch you any more. I would like to thank all the keepers who look after you so well, and lots of hugs to you my special Mr. Wu xxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Laurence of France,
Thanks for your compliments. I am delighted that, you have learnt much about our endangered species, plus giant panda is not a mere “zoo pet”.
We are built, to endure both rain and snow. My parents often relay, lusty Sichuan highlands of their childhood. Sun rays streaking through misty morning dew, shine upon green bamboo thickets, amidst quiet, serene solitude. Just like a perfect Chinese landscape painting!
Advance team of SDZ scientists, is now gathering data at Bifengxia, on mate behavioral compatibility study. It should bear fruit, when opportunity knocks, for my introduction to fair ladies there.
Like humans, it might take time, for panda taste buds to adjust, after switching from California to Sichuan bamboo. Don’t worry, my keepers will deliver extra treats, to bulk me up, before eventual departure.
Indeed, being of adventurous spirit, I shall look forward, to journey into land of my ancestors. Best regards.
Darling Xiao Liwu is turning blue. Apparently too much artificial coloring in the treats he buried his sweet little face in. Looks like he had a terrific time during his birthday celebration.
Happy Birthday Xiao Liwu! Already 4 years!
I remember that I know of your existence through a French website that showed a small moment of your life in the den with your mom Bai Yun. You were so small, so vulnerable and the scene was so wonderful and amazing! At that time I knew nothing of the life of pandas, their survival difficult in the wild. Out of curiosity, I logged on the San Diego zoo’s panda cam and since that moment, I followed your life, day after day. And also I was interested in everything that was done to help save your species. So thank you guy have brought me so much since you were born!
… 4 years is probably also the year of your return to your homeland!
So I hope you will know the rain and snow from your homeland, the taste of bamboo from your homeland, the clouds, sun and moon in the sky of your homeland, the parfumes of your homeland. And even if you are already very happy in San Diego, loved by your dear keepers, I sincerely hope you will be happy to your future travels.
Good year till your 5-year-old Xiao Liwu, our little guy so appealing !
Two panda (7/29) birthday celebration videos, accompanied by music & narration, at Pandas International/Facebook Page.
Aww, the big, little guy all stretched out taking a nap with a full tummy and happy dreams of his 4th birthday. 🙂
Liwu is loving his boo today! 🙂
Hi, Cynthia:
Thanks for mentioning, San Diego TV station video, on Wu’s 4th birthday celebration.
There is a longer version (about 20 minutes), posted today (7/30) on YouTube, albeit without audio.
As for your quiz: That set of panda trio, had their birthday party together, also on 7/29 (accounting for time zone difference). They, too, were stimulated by enrichment treats.
happy belated birthday, Xiao liwu – just by these photos alone, it looks like you had a great and colorful one!
Short video of Xiao Liwu’s 4th birthday celebration, can be viewed at website of Channel 8 (CBS) – San Diego, 7/29/2016.
Quiz: Which 3 other panda sub-adults, share same birthday with Wu?
Absolutely darling and just made my entire day!!!!! Xoxoxoxo
Did you ever get Wooooo’s cake out of the moat? He looked so upset that he could not get it!!! Poor WOOOOO!
Happy Birthday Little Buddy!!!
?✨?Happy❤️Birthday❤️Mr. Wu!!?✨?
Happy Happy Birthday to a wonderful Mr Wu,
Loved your pictures of you covered in paint. Your were adorable. Have not seen the videos of you coming into enjoy your treats and presents. Is there a site where we can see this event?
Thanks,
Panda Di
Happy Birthday Mr. Wu. We were there today, we arrived after 10:00 am. We didn’t get to see you, it was so hot. We saw you last year on your Birthday.
Woohoo Mr Wu!! Lots of love from Indiana!!
Too, too cute…a blue Mr. Wu!
Bravo to the staff for giving him such a wonderful celebration.
What a joyous little bear.
I was told he isn’t given baths but will today be an exception? 😉
Happy birthday Mr Wu
Love all the photos of little blue Wu! There are many on Facebook too. I would say that he has had a most wonderful 4th birthday. Thank you SDZ for taking such awesome care of the pandas!!
As one of your many adoptive humans I too hope you had a wonderful birthday. I am so sorry I was not able to be there in person but in my heart I was with you all day. I will see you in August and Sept for sure. BTW – You look adorable in your birthday pictures. XOXOX Aunty Darlene
Happy birthday Mr Wu, you have given us all four wonderful years of pleasure, thank you. Also a big thanks to the wonderful,caring and imaginative keepers ,each birthday celebrated at Panda Canyon is a joy for all to see. ???
Happy Bearday, Mr. Wu! Love your sweet face.
Happy Birthday WuWu!!! As one of your adoptive humans, I can’t be more proud to see just how big and smart you’ve become already. I so wish I could have been there in person with you today but knows you wouldn’t mind since I’m spending the weekend with patients in the hospital. I will so tell them about My Most Wise and Handsome Panda Liwu every chance I get. And invite them to watch over you too on Panda Cam.
Missing you as always, Liwu’s meigui
Happy birthday my dear Wuwu!!!
Thank you for bringing so much joy to all of us.
And thank you to all the keepers for taking such good care of Wu.
Lots of love from Japan.
Happy Birthday Wu!! ♥♥♥♥♥ You still are and will forever be my Favorite!!! Such a special bear ♥
Happy 4th birthday to my big boy Wu…Love you ????.
Happy Birthday, Little Liwu! Been loving you for 4 years now! <3