Summer has officially begun here at the Zoo, and our animals are getting into their new groove for the next several weeks. Please remember as you make plans to visit the zoo, that there we are updating areas of the zoo, so you may need to reroute as you walk around.
Down at pandas, the bears are still doing well. They spend much of the day eating, especially Xiao Liwu! Most mornings when I come down to Pandas to narrate I notice that he has done a pretty good number on his morning bamboo feed. Our keepers do a great job of placing the bamboo in areas that are shaded so it stays fresher but is still visible for our guests view him eating. His most recent weight puts him at 175 pounds (in summer it’s normal for the bears to reduce fat content due to rising temperatures). However, as the day warms up, the bears will try to stay cool and spend most of their time in the shade of their caves. Even as our keepers are putting their mid-day feed out where our guests should be able to view him, I have recently seen Mr. Wu bring his bamboo into the cool of the cave and become quite difficult to see from the front.
Bai Yun has been doing very well, and has been eating quite a bit! Her most recent weight puts her at about 238.6 pounds. There really hasn’t been a lot of consistency in viewing Bai Yun; she definitely wants to be out about when the day is cooler so I would say viewing is going to be best in the morning when the Zoo first opens, and usually late evening. Mid-day has been hit or miss seeing her as she sometimes likes to sleep through the keepers attempting to get her into the bedroom.
The last few days we have been experiencing some heat waves for the coast of San Diego. So we ask all of our viewers and visitors to please remember that if we notice the animals showing signs of being uncomfortable from the heat, we will do our best to make sure that they are able to cool off—even if that means giving them access to their bedrooms, which takes them out of guest view.
We hope to see you soon, and try to stay cool out there!
Anastasia Jonilionis is a panda keeper and narrator. Read her previous blog, Sights of Summer.
I just saw the old video on YouTube “Giant Panda Gao Gao Returning Home” about Gao Gao as a cub and the special care he received and how he was released to the wild in the early 90s. Even though I know his future, how people had to take him back into captivity and he ended up at SDZ, I still cried like a baby at the end when they release him into the forest and you see him going off into the distance before the end credits. I haven’t cried like that since I was a kid. I wish there was an English subtitled version of this documentary because it looks very interesting and informative. But Gao Gao is such a special and sweet bear, and I loved seeing footage of him as a little cub.
What about Gao Gao? Does he stay mainly in his bedroom now? Any chance of seeing him on PandaCam?
Blog Monitor’s note: Gao is in his own area, and unfortunately there is no Panda Cam access there at this time.
How SDZ-born Hua Mei (b. 8/21/1999) Keeps Cool
Now at Shanghai (Wild Animal Park), she enjoys cool comfort from air-conditioning, electric fan, cool mist, pool plus ice blocks. Carrot or bamboo shoot embedded ice pies, plus watermelons, provide enrichment treats.
Last spring, Hua Mei was artificially inseminated, with sperms from 2 males (one donor hails from Bifengxia). No word yet, on her pregnancy or pseudo-pregnancy status. Keep your paws crossed!
SDZ-born Yun Zi Keeping Cool
Recent YouTube videos: dated 6/3/17 and 6/6/17, posted by ‘Giant Panda World’.
His spacious outdoor courtyard, contains two shaded platforms. Both his bedroom, and glass-enclosed indoor exhibit area, are air-conditioned.
He is provided with ice block, plus watermelon as enrichment treat. At discretion of keeper, he can also enjoy a cold shower!
Once again, Yun Zi is serving as ‘good will ambassador’, on species conservation/habitat preservation; for grade school kids, attending summer camps at Shijiazhuang, where he is on domestic loan till 2018.
Now age 8 (b. 8/5/2009), he might be recalled to Bifengxia, for next spring’s breeding.
Note: Shijiazhuang/Hebei is 683 miles NE, from Jiuzhaigou/Sichuan. So, he is safe from earthquake rumbles there.
In response to findings from 4th (2013) giant panda census, China will begin preparations to,
1) Enlarge acreage of existing (67) nature reserves. (Currently, 600 pandas live outside reserve boundaries).
2) Improve a/o restore ecological conditions, providing more viable habitats within each.
3) Create new connecting corridors, between reserves; to ease migration, for foraging and mating.
Through such provisions, there would be added opportunities for pandas to thrive, plus to increase dynamic genetic diversity, especially for isolated sub-populations.
Last Tuesday’s earthquake was centered, at northern rim of Sichuan Province (See Google map). Hence, it has not affected three CCRCGP bases (where SDZ-born Mei Sheng, Su Lin plus Zhen Zhen reside), or its reintroduction training sites; which are located further south, away from epicenter of the quake.
Numerous aftershocks continue to rock Jiuzhaigou County, a pristine region, at southern edge of Min Mt. Range. The aftermath could potentially interfere with migration of wild pandas, as arrow bamboo habitat, and forest canopy along corridor, might be destroyed.
I heard Zhen Zhen had twins last month – I can’t believe she’s 10 years old now! She was my first Cubbie.
Jiuzhaigou is a World Biosphere Reserve, plus IUCN Category V Protected Landscape. Local residents are urged to adopt eco-tourism, supplemented by government subsidies. Land is dotted with numerous waterfalls, colored lakes, valleys, plus snow-capped peaks. With unchecked heavy promotion, it might become too much beloved, by tourists.
Panda population there is extremely isolated, at great risk of inbreeding and extinction.
Jiuzhaigou (“Nine Village Gorge”), where Tuesday’s earthquake occurred, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local inhabitants belong to Qiang ethnic minority, who are animal herders. A picturesque mountainous region, served by an airport, it is also frequented by tourists.
In 2006, San Diego Zoo sponsored a tour trip, to visit its nature reserve. See 4/26/2006 blog/SDZ tag archives, ‘WWT: Jiuzhaigou Park’.
With this earthquake, aftershocks and landslides are sure to follow. Indeed, thoughts and prayers are with humans plus wildlife there, giant pandas included.
Prayer for people and pandas of northern Sichuan.
A magnitude 6.5 earthquake just struck Sichuan, 180 miles north of provincial capital Chengdu, late night local time. While there are deaths, full extent of structural damage plus casualties, are yet to be determined.
Epicenter is around Jiuzhaigou, a region favored by tourists. There is also a nature reserve, with 20 wild pandas, per 2003 third census [Result of 2013 fourth panda census, for this reserve, has yet to be officially released].
In 2008, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Wenchuan County. The old Wolong Center (at Hetaoping) was severely damaged. One female panda was crushed to death, by falling debris, while another has never been found. Vegetation was vastly uprooted, with subsequent mudslides affecting bamboo habitat. It has a lingering effect, as reflected in 104 wild pandas within Wolong Nature Reserve, per fourth census; down from 145, in year 2003.
Fun Facts:
In 2010, Su Lin, then about age 4 & 1/2, initiated her first mating calls. SDZ Institute for Conservation Research building, is located next to Panda Trek enclosures. Staff there could hear her high-frequency chirps, very distinctly.
Qionglai Mt./Sichuan, was birthplace of another ‘Su-lin’ (1936 – 1938, studbook #1), first live panda brought under managed care. Despite given a feminine name, “she” was determined to be a male, at necropsy.
Panda Reintroduction – Mating Vocalizations, with a twist.
In 2009, SDZ scientists conducted mating vocalization study, on giant pandas. Among the participants were, Gao Gao & Bai Yun, plus Hua Mei & Mei Sheng (both then at Bifengxia).
Last March, a middle-aged female was released at Qionglai Mt., one of six mountain ranges, with wild pandas. [Previously, she had served as “drill instructor”, for 2 trainees enrolled in Reintroduction Program]. She entered into estrus, and copulated with a male. Audio receiver, attached to her GPS collar, emitted mating vocalization signals, lasting 90 seconds during that encounter.
Subsequently, she was taken back, under managed care. This July, she delivered a healthy cub, at Hetaoping. It represents an experiment in reverse, with wild-born DNA, contributing to genetic diversity of captive population.
Description of ‘infrared, motion-triggered camera trapping technology’, as a valuable tool in wildlife research, can be read online at Wikipedia.
Three specific instances illustrated, its use on pandas, in their native environment:
1) A wild panda mother was filmed, nursing her young.
2) A panda was photographed, trekking through snow, with her cub in toll.
3) Previously, upon successful completion of reintroduction training, a female panda was released into the wild. Earlier this year, she was spotted, after migrating to a neighboring nature reserve. Recognized by her GPS collar, verified by her mucus DNA in panda feces, she is now of breeding age. It is hoped that, she would mate with male suitor(s). If she does conceive and give birth, that would be an important milestone, for species conservation in the wild!
Since 1996, SDZ has collaborated with CCRCGP, on panda research, under managed care settings. Just like its ecosystem study (at Foping Reserve/Shaanxi Province), current SDZ participation, in panda reintroduction project; is a logical next step, in wilderness (in situ) research.
Hi, Rosetta:
Participation by SDZ, in panda reintroduction program, represents ‘transmission of knowledge & technology to China, which could benefit species conservation in the wild’. In essence, it fulfills one of several stipulations, required by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, for issuance of panda import permits.
SDZ’s involvement, in ‘Panda Reintroduction into the Wild Program’, at Sichuan, China.
Recently, a research team led by SDZ Global scientist, installed infrared motion-triggered cameras, at Hetaoping, Wolong Nature Reserve. The location is used, for CCRCGP’s phase one reintroduction training.
Last spring, similar cameras were placed at Tiantaishan (“Heavenly Terrace Hill”), site for phase two training. Beginning in 2017, SDZ becomes first of several international institutions, to participate collaboratively in this pilot project.
Such camera trapping technology, is a more advanced version, than offered by some car models. Mounted on tree trunks, they allow non-obtrusive monitoring of pandas, plus other wildlife. Programmable, real-time observation is done remotely. Further, memory cards can be retrieved, for detailed analysis later, as well as shared among researchers.
Congratulation to San Diego Zoo Global, for such undertaking. Look forward to read study findings, in future panda blogs.
To Al,
Thank you for follow up!
Joy and sadness… But we hope the best for our strong surviving cub.
I remember the first months of Xiao Liwu, five years ago. The lovely pictures with Bai Yun in the den. Unforgettable moments.. Thanks to SDZ and its panda cam!
To Laurence of France: Follow-up,
Congratulation and condolence to France, for twin panda deliveries.
To Laurence of France,
Giant pandas give births to twins, about 50% of the time.
Bai Yun herself is a twin. However, at birth, their mother focused solely on Bai, but rejected the other. Hand-reared at the nursery, without mother’s colostrum (“first milk”, rich in antibodies, necessary to fight off infections), Bai’s twin sister expired at age 6 months.
Since then, with cub swapping, plus better nursery care/husbandry, twin survival has improved markedly. To-date, for 2017, eleven twin pairs have been born.
One potential drawback: At each overseas zoo with pandas, there is only one adult female. Thus, in setting of twins, should birth mom utterly neglect both cubs, it would really be problematic (At least in China, “foster panda mothers” are available, often within same facility, to “adopt” such rejects).
During her several past pregnancies, Bai Yun were found to carry twins (even triplets in 2003). However, due to in-utero fetal resorption (pre-natal pruning), she ultimately delivered 6 singletons, instead.
Incidentally, Bai Yun, now a geriatric bear, will be age 26, on coming September 7th (Her 21st year, at San Diego Zoo).
Happy birthday and very beautiful year to you, young Xiao Liwu!
Thanks to SDZ for your celebration ‘s enrichment.
Here in France we expect this weekend the birth of twins pandas at the zoo of Beauval. The first in France. We keep our fingers crossed!
NB ; sorry dear monitor for this info that comes out of the comments defined rules! But I am so happy to share with the fans of the handsome San Diego Zoo’s pandas!
Thank you SDZ for the great pics of Little Liwu on his birthday!
Fun fact: Bamboo-eating Animals
Giant and Red Pandas: bamboo as their main staple.
Bamboo Rats: consume rhizomes.
Bamboo Lemurs of Madagascar.
Takins, Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys of Sichuan, and Mountain Gorillas of Africa: eat bamboo leaves, when available.
Takins, giant and red pandas, are on exhibit at SDZ.
Source: San Diego Zoo,
a) Plants/bamboo.
b) Animals at SDZ.
Through evolution, bamboo has become the major staple, for pandas. Their preference for stalks/culms, or leaves, varies with seasons, and what is available in their habitats.
Human teeth, too, can handle young bamboo shoots, if cooked properly. Sold at oriental food markets, recipes can be followed, to prepare delicious bamboo cuisines. Or, taste them at Asian restaurants, for folks not doing their own cooking.
A hearty bamboo leaves lunch, followed by afternoon nap, under shady cave cover, in a leisurely summer Sunday, for Wu Wu.
There are different ways, to offer enrichment for giant pandas, under managed care setting.
China has granted Wu, a stay extension, through July of 2018, per SDZ.
I do not think Xiao Liwu missed his cake. He had a Happy Birthday and the San Diego Staff did a great job with his presents, as always. 🙂
Great disappointment that Wu didn’t get a cake on what is likely his last BD at the SDZ. Even if I had seen the blog monitor’s note on a post having nothing to do with his special day, it wouldn’t have lessened my disappointment. Even a small cake would have been most welcomed.
Liwu is taking his afternoon nap after a very busy birthday morning! 🙂
Happy Birthday to a special panda, Mr Wu!! ♥♥♥
Fast demolition derby on special birthday treats, now is back to munching standard bamboo staple, for Xiao Liwu.
????Happy Birthday✨Mr. Wu!!????
Happy 5th Birthday, Mr. Wu! I hope you get loads of your favorite treats. Love you.
I am looking to watch Liwu on his birthday today. Where can I find him?
Happy Birthday, special boy! <3
Selection of enrichment treats for pandas, will have to fall within daily calorie parameters, as determined by SDZ animal dietitians.
For the birthday boy – 2 whole Fuji apples and honey water on the side, please … 🙂
Mr. Wu could at least get a nice sweet potato-apple mousse frozen in a bundt pan. This is a milestone birthday for our wonderful Wubie! ?
SDZ opening hours, on 7/29/17 Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
While it might not be exactly, a ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’, exploring SDZ and surrounding Balboa Park, while viewing giant pandas plus other creatures, can be a leisurely family outing, nonetheless.
Perhaps, ice cake (in bulk) might be too abrasive, for panda teeth, e.g. Gao Gao’s dentition.
I was alarmed by the Blog Monitor’s note stating that this will be a “low-key birthday, with no ice cake” for our dear Xiao Liwu’s 5th birthday this coming Saturday. Is there a special reason for this? This is definitely a change in tradition for our San Diego Zoo off-spring.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye!
Open invitation: Come in person, to join me; for my 5th birthday celebration, on this Saturday, July 29th.
Menu: Bamboo ice cake, plus other tasty treats.
Bon appetit. Bring your family, to spend entire summer day at SDZ, with pandas and friends.
Blog Monitor’s note: Mr. Wu will get some special enrichment on Saturday, but this will be a low-key birthday, with no ice cake.
Hi, Panda Nation:
It is nice for those students, to gain first-hand appreciation, on daily tasks undertaken by panda keepers.
I understand that, the Americans also had encounters, with 2 U.S.-born panda returnees. One of which is, Mei Sheng (b. 2003, at San Diego Zoo).
A group of American high school students visited Sichuan recently. They learnt about giant pandas, ecosystem, plus importance of SPECIES CONSERVATION and HABITAT PRESERVATION. Further, they also participated in hands-on practicum, such as:
1) How to observe, and interpret panda behavior (‘Giant Panda Ethogram’).
2) Clean panda enclosures.
3) Prepare feedings, including bamboo.
4) Personally feed pandas, separated by protective barriers, while under supervision by keepers (Folks, eat your hearts out).
It was not a mere tour trip. Upon return, these students are to submit written reports, on their ‘study abroad’ experience. Hope they have gained valuable exposure, in panda husbandry and conservation.
Yay
I want to be a zookeeper one day ???????
Salute National Zoo Keepers Week.
Thank you Anastasia for the update and glad to know Xiao Liwu and Bai Yun are doing well. How about our panda papa Gao Gao, I missed seeing his cute face!
Have not been at zoo for a while due to illness. I will be so glad to see the pandas again.
Upcoming Panda Birthdays in 2017:
Xiao Liwu, 7/29 Saturday, 5th birthday.
Bai Yun, 9/7 Thursday, 26th birthday.
Summertime, and the living is easy, for SDZ pandas.
Hi, Anastasia–thanks for the update! But surely Bai Yun’s weight is closer to 238.6 than 138.6?
Blog Monitor’s note: Fixed it, thanks! 🙂
Thank you for the update and we look forward to seeing you all for Bai’s Birthday xoxoxo
In light of above blog and digital photo,
it is time for “Peek-a-Boo summer pandas”.