Pandas Live on

San Diego's newly born panda cub eyes have opened!

Oh my gosh, the little fella looks like they picked him up right after a nap because of his sleepy eyes.  Nonetheless, he continues to grow while sleeping alot as all cub do and the zoo tells us he weighs a whopping 6.4 lbs at 8 weeks old.   Here is a excerpt of the 5th vet exam for the cub: 

"For the first couple of minutes he seemed sleepy, barely keeping those precious eyes open, and was yawning. He waved a little paw here and there as he was flipped around for a look at his underside or a paw. Halfway through the exam he seemed to have a lot more to say and began to grunt and make a few soft objections. The Panda Team tried to comfort him by massaging his back (they were really trying to feel his backbone, but he’s so

robust, it’s almost like he doesn’t have one!). This usually relaxes him but not this day. He kept on protesting. Taking a cue from him, the team speeded up their exam. I looked up at a monitor to see what mom, Bai Yun, was doing, and she kept glancing at the den door. She was obviously hearing his little complaints but I think the bamboo was extra fresh and she kept eating, that is until the little guy felt the prick of his first vaccination and let out a big yelp. 

I don’t know about everyone else in the room, but I held my breath and immediately looked over to see that Bai Yun had made her way to the den door, wanting to get in and check on the cub. It was the first of a series of vaccines and he’s quite fine. But when a panda says, “I’m done,” well, the exam is immediately concluded so that Bai Yun could comfort her little fellow.

Clearly it’s the pandas that run these checkups. We’re just along for the ride."   Yadira Galindo is a senior public relations representative for the San Diego Zoo.

You can read the complete blog post and watch the video of the exam at these links:

SDZ blog post "I can see clearly now".

SDZ video of cubs 5th exam

Pandas WILL Live On

Well, the debate on the future of giant pandas has been fully discussed in the press this month. 

It all began with the article that Chris Packham a naturalist, published on September 22, 2009.  He quickly did a follow-up article on the following day to clarify himself.  

Then there were articles published in China as a response to Chris's articles and Pandas International Director, Suzanne Braden has written a response in  the organizations newsletter that is sent via email.  I will post a link to each of them here today so you can read over them. 

It is always good to know how people feel on both sides of a debate.  We can always learn from each other, even if we don't agree on the other persons point of view. 

If there are comments listed below the articles, be sure to read them also.  Remember, not everyone gets a chance to have their comments published into a complete article, but that does not mean their points are not as valid or any less important.

Thanks to bob2cleo of flickr for the photo of Xi Lan who just turned one, thanks to the dedicated staff at Zoo Atlanta. 

The articles begin with these links.

"Let Pandas Die Out", says wildlife expert 

BEAR RAID

Should pandas be left to face extinction?

Picking on the Panda

Anti-Panda tirade of bat ban slammed

The following article is the response from Suzanne Braden from Pandas International sent via email. 

Notes from Director Suzanne Braden

We have received many emails regarding the comments made by Chris Packham. Packham, who hosts Springwatch, a popular BBC nature show, said money spent trying to save the panda would be better invested in helping other species. Mr. Packham states, "The panda is a species of bear that has gone herbivorous and eats a type of food that isn't all that nutritious, and that dies out sporadically. It is susceptible to various diseases, and, up until recently, it has been almost impossible to breed in captivity. They've also got a very restricted range, which is ever decreasing, due to encroachment on their habitat by the Chinese population. Perhaps the panda was already destined to run out of time." As someone who has devoted her life to the pandas, I strongly disagree with his conclusions and some of what he said was incorrect and needs to be noted as such. Pandas have survived since the ice age and the first fossils were found in Pleistocene sediment so it is odd to conclude they are destined to run out of time. Yes, they are basically herbivores but pandas in the wild do quite well with a food source that is available and an integrated part of their habitat. "Almost impossible to breed in captivity?" Mr. Packham should read our emails about the cubs born so far this year and how this year could very well be record setting. Giant Pandas living in the wild seem to reproduce adequately and with unprecedented advances in research, captive breeding strategies and a major focus on safe and efficient reintroduction protocols, the future seems to mandate renewed effort for preservation, not giving up and letting this species die out. As to punctuate this point, Guo Guo, the first to give birth following the earthquake, has once again produced a set of twins, bringing the total to 16 cubs at the Bifengxia Center and there are still more cubs to come. Human encroachment has and continues to be a major problem but not simply for pandas. With greater frequency, citizens and their governments are realizing the value of wildlife and are devising ways to make animal populations more sustainable. People around the globe are taking to heart the notion that if they are part of the problem, they need to be part of the solution. So that said – let’s use this opportunity to focus on our beloved pandas and what we can do—despite Mr. Packham’s ill advised statements—to save them. And right now the most important thing is milk for all those very much alive babies "born in captivity." Please click here to make a donation to our formula fund >> Suzanne

Adelaide Zoo selects their giant panda keeper

Thanks to Rita, a panda pal from Australia, for finding this article and sending it our way from ABC online, (Australian Broadcasting Corporation).

Adelaide Zoo's former orangutan keeper Simone Bayly has been chosen to head the team caring for the pandas.

She will travel to China soon to learn more about Wang Wang and Funi before they are shipped to Australia.

Ms Bayly will study their behavior and learn more about the reproductive cycle of giant pandas.

"They are still dangerous carnivores so we'll be doing a lot of training as well, which obviously includes a lot of touching and getting them to trust us," she said.

If Funi gives birth, Ms Bayly could find herself in the role of a surrogate mum.

"She will hopefully raise her young herself and I won't need to get involved but there is a chance, especially with twins, that she will abandon one of the twins," she said.

"There's an amazing technique called twin swapping, which is where she'll actually be involved in the raising of both of her twins and we'll actually be looking after one of them and then swapping every couple of days."

Congratulations, Simone, we wish you the very best in your new exciting job!

Lin Bing of Thailand is introduced to a new outdoor area

There is always a new milestone for Lin Bing in Thailand at the Chiang Mai Zoo. 

From what I can make out in the most recent photos that were just released, the zoo staff brought Lin outside into what looks like a new enclosure that they built for her so that the public can come to see her.

I don't know if this is going to be a daily event or not.  I

could not find anything on the website that would explain what their plans are.  The enclosure is very small, not enough room for her mom, Lin Hui and her together. 

So, we will just have to wait and see on the live webcams. 

I will say one thing, the cub does seem to really trust the veterinarian that handles her for exams and events such as these.

She certainly has star quality in Thailand and seems to take it all in stride. 

Su Lin & Zhen Zhen of San Diego get a chance to visit with each other

The other day out at the San Diego Zoo the keepers opened up a 'howdy window' that gives the pandas a chance to see through to the adjoining enclosure.

Right now Su Lin (born August 2, 2005) and Zhen Zhen (born August 3, 2007) are in the two adjoining areas.  Sure enough both sisters came over to the window and spent some time getting to know each other.  Zhen is the one on this side. 

One of our panda pals, Patti, sent us some great webshots they captured from the webcam.  Thanks alot Patti, if only we could have been there to see it live like those lucky people in the last shot! 

Last chance to vote for Suzanne Braden as 'Hero of the Year"

We only have today and tomorrow to vote for Suzanne Braden of Pandas International in Animal Planets 'Hero of the Year'.  Remember you can vote every day! The contest ends on Sunday the 27th of September so call your friends and neighbors and lets get a big push out to get as many votes for her as we can!

Vote HERE for Suzanne Braden as the 2009 Animal Planet "Hero of the Year"!

You can read more about her great work with pandas from our first post about her being one of the finalist for this award HERE. 

Together we can make a difference in the world!

Videos of Lin Bing in Thailand, she's now 4 months old!

Chiang Mai Zoo staff celebrate their 120 day old panda cub, Lin Bing.  Congratulations!

Lil' Lin continues to grow and develop.  Her last physical at the Chiang Mai Zoo in Thailand, on September 21, 2009, has her weight at 8.960 g (.0196 lbs)  and her length at 72 cm (2.36 ft).  They say it is getting harder to acquire accurate measurements because she can move around on all fours now.  You go girl!

You can watch the videos of Lin by going to the next page with this link.

Wang Wang and Fu Ni leaving for Australia a little later

The arrival of two giant pandas to Adelaide Zoo has been delayed by up to a fortnight. (two weeks)

Celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the Chinese Republic are the reason for the delay.  The Zoo says public holidays surrounding the celebrations are unusually long this year.

This means the quarantine period in China for Wang Wang and Funi has been postponed.

The pandas will spend 30 days in quarantine in China and another 30 in Adelaide, before being unveiled to the public on December 13.

Meanwhile, the zoo said construction of the new panda exhibit was on time and on budget with the opening planned for Dec. 13.  - source ABC news, abc.net.au

 

Australian governor-general Quentin Bryce will open the new facility along with the Chinese ambassador to Australia, Zhang Junsai.   Thanks Lee of Facebook for providing the article for us.

What does Wang Wang and Fu Ni think about all of this news of their trip to the 'down under' being delayed?  No problemo, says Fu Ni.  "We're not concerned, we know the professionals have it all under control."  Wang her male partner, was heard saying in the background..."Just keep the boo coming!"

Sad Panda

Well, I think most of us have read the recent statement made by someone who calls themselves a 'naturalist, saying "we should 'pull the plug' on giant pandas and let them die out." 

Of course, that is not the responsible thing to do considering mankind has created the majority of problems that pandas face in trying to maintain their populations such as the loss of their habitat. 

It is unfortunate, that the news media would consider placing this story as part of their headlines. 

Pandas Live On, believes giant pandas hold as much value to the future of this planet as any other living thing and we will continue to fight for their lives forever and a day!

2009 - San Diego panda cub has his 4th exam

Its amazing when you look at these photos of the new cub, because he looks so tiny still in the webcams.  The little fella is growing by leaps and bounds.   Here is the latest report by the San Diego Zoo  along with photos and a link to the video of the exam. 

"Our panda boy received his fourth exam today. “He’s a growing like a weed,” said Meg Sutherland-Smith, D.V.M. “He’s grown quite a bit since I last saw him two days before he was born.” Very funny, Dr. Meg! She is, of course, referring to the ultrasound images she saw prior to the birth of Bai Yun’s fifth cub.

 

At 48 days of age, the cub weighed 5.73 pounds (2.6 kilograms) and measured 1.5 feet (45.5 centimeters) long. Our videographer and photographer were surprised that the cub was too large to be weighed by the little scale and watched as the cub was placed on the floor scale used to weigh the rest of the panda residents. Having examined many a panda cub over the years, Meg was a pro at picking the youngster up by the scruff of his neck, just like his mother would do, to help him relax during the brief examination.

Meg noted that the little bruiser’s left eye and right ear are both starting to open. She says the cub squinted when she used her flashlight, which means he can see, but she doesn’t believe he can hear yet."

Be sure to check out the rest of the photos (SDZ Panda Photos) and video (SDZ Panda Video) of this exam.

Wild pandas holding on after 2008 earthquake

We continue to keep up with any news from China concerning wild pandas and post earthquake surveys.  This article comes from the The Strait Times out of China.  Thanks to Xi Shan of flickr for sending this our way.

"BEIJING - CHINA'S wild panda population has remained stable despite last year's Sichuan earthquake that damaged key areas of the endangered species' habitat, state press said on Saturday.

A recent survey in Sichuan province concluded that the deadly May 12 tremor did not lead to significant fatalities in the panda population, the Chengdu Evening News said.

'The panda has a strong capacity to adapt, we have not found any cases of pandas dying because of the earthquake,' the paper quoted Yang Xuyu, an expert involved with the survey, as saying.

The 8.0-magnitude earthquake was the strongest to hit China in decades and left more than 87,000 people dead or missing, while devastating cities and towns.

Remote sensing of the region found that only about three percent of the panda's habitat in south-western Sichuan province was damaged to differing degrees by the quake, the report said.

However, in an area near the epicentre where 35 wild pandas live, more than 37 per cent of the habitat was damaged, including significant areas of bamboo forests, the animal's main food, the report said.

The damage could threaten the survivability of the group of pandas collectively known as Minshan Zone Group B, the report said.

Bai Yun's 2009 male cub has his third exam

The San Diego Zoo posted the news of their panda cub's third exam. He was born on August 5, 2009:

We know everyone is eager to hear the results of this week’s panda cub exam, so here goes: Now 43 days old, the little cutie weighs 5.1 pounds (2.318 kilograms), which is an increase of 1.2 pounds (0.5 kilograms) from last week, and is 15.75 inches (40 centimeters) long. His eyes and ears have not opened yet. His teeth are just below the gum line but have not yet erupted.

Like many of you, I like to compare the little guy’s measurements with that of his four siblings. Of course, not every cub was examined on Day 43, so keep that in mind: so here goes:

Hua Mei, Day 46: 2.159 kg. or 4.76 lbs.
Mei Sheng, Day 43: 1.923 kg. or 4.24 lbs. pounds
Su Lin, Day 42: 2.0 kg. or 4.4 lbs.
Zhen Zhen, Day 41: 1.89 kg or 4.17 lbs.
2009 Cub: 2.318 kg or 5.11 lbs.

Yes, it appears our newest cub is one roly, roly poly guy!"

You can view all of his photos in their Panda Photo Gallery and the newest video of his exam here.

Shaanix Research Center welcomes three panda cubs for 2009

Two female pandas at the Shaanix Wild Animal Conservation and Research Center (SWARC) in NW China just had cubs through artificial insemination.  

Proud momma, Lou Sheng with her twins

Six year old Lou Sheng had twins, a male and female on August 18, 2009 and nine year old Zhu Zhu 'pearl', gave birth to a female on September 4, 2009.  Lou Sheng was the first panda born at the center through artificial insemination.  "The recent baby boom indicates we have made some progress in pandas' semen collection and freezing as well as prenatal care," said Jin Jin Xuelin, deputy director of the Shaanxi Rare Wild Animals Rescue and Breeding Research Center in Zhouzhi County in the suburbs of the provincial capital Xi'an. - Xinhuanet

Here is some history on the discovery of pandas in the Qinling mountains.  "Early in 1932, zoologists already thought there was a possible existence of pandas on the south slope of Qinling Mountain. From 1958 to 1960, biology professors from Northwest University and Beijing Normal University found panda skins in Foping County to help prove their theory. In the winter of 1959, biologists discovered pandas in Foping County for the first time. In 1964, it was first published in scientific journals that pandas had been found to inhabit Qinling Mountain and this fact attracted the world’s attention.  At present, it is estimated that between 270 and 340 pandas inhabit the Qinling district of Shaanxi Province. About one third of the pandas inhabit Foping county. An average of one panda exists in every 2.5 square kilometers in the San-Guan-Miao protected area in Foping Natural Reserve". - SWARC

Set in the foothills of the Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi Wild Animal Conservation Research Centre (SWARC) is home to many of China’s indigenous species for example Giant Pandas, Crested Ibis, Golden Monkey, Takin and the Brown-eared Pheasant. The Qinling mountains contain the highest panda population density in China. They are home to approximately 20% (approximately 300 individulas) of China's total wild panda population. Encompassing a total area of 52,000 km2.  The centers purpose is to rescue injured or sick animals from the wild and to work to protect these species from extinction. The center was set up in 1987 and so far has rescued more than 300 animals from the wild, released about 160 wild animals and bred about 400 animals. - SWARC

The Qinling Mountains reach elevations as high as 12,000 feet (3,700 m). They run east-west and are subject to strong, cold winter winds on the northern slopes and rain and warmth on the southern slopes. The Qinling Mountains form an important boundary between two of China's largest watersheds, the Chiangjiang (Yangtze River) and Huang He (Yellow River).  - National Geographic

Lou Sheng takes a nap with one of her twins

Lou Sheng getting up close to one of her twins

The photos of Lou Sheng and her cubs is courtesy of The Daily Mail.

Pandamonium at Zoo Atlanta!

This coming Saturday, September 19, 2009, Zoo Atlanta is putting together a super-big celebration for everyone to come and party with their four giant pandas, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Mei Lan and Xi Lan.  Seeing that all four of their birthdays fall within two weeks it makes sense to have one big party!

"Partygoers can enjoy panda-centric activities, treats and keeper talks while the guests of honor enjoy creative birthday surprises. Activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m."

"Guests who arrive at the Zoo between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. can purchase a $1 raffle ticket for a chance to win an exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity to meet one of the giant pandas! Zoo staff will work with the grand prize winner to schedule this once-in-a-lifetime visit."

Pick up a Zoo map when you get here for a full list of locations, opportunities and times. Wear your “Panda Pride” for a chance to win a special panda prize giveaway!

Pandamonium is a RAIN OR SHINE event.

Birthday activities are FREE for Zoo Members and children under 3; FREE with general admission.

Gosh this sounds like alot of fun, hope alot of you can make it to the zoo to enjoy this.  Oh, that raffle ticket for a tour behind-the-scenes is fantastic!  Here's a preview of what you may see with this video of Xi Lan and his mommy, Lun Lun, playing out in one of the yards.  Thanks so much to bob2cleo of flickr for the above cute photo and video of Xi Lan. 

Tai Shan and Tian Tian keepin cool in D.C.

A couple of weeks ago, we featured beautiful Mei Xiang of the National Zoo and so today I wanted to let the two guys have a chance to show off on the blog.

  4 year old, Tai Shan

The Smithsonian National Zoo just updated us with some interesting news about what they have had going on over the last couple of months.  With the hot, summer temperatures it slows the pandas down but the pandas at the NZ have cooled grottos and rocks they can retreat to and you will see with these photos the bears are lookin 'pretty cool'.  Thanks to Daniel.Techie from flickr for capturing and sharing these great shots of Tai Shan and Tian Tian, who by the way, just celebrated his 12th birthday on August 27, 2009.  Way to go dude!

'Birthday Boy' Tian Tian

Yesterday, we brought you some new construction photos of the state-of-the-art panda facility at the Adelaide Zoo in Australia and it just so happens, that the NZ hosted a couple of their curators and a veterinarian last month.  Am sure they picked up some good tips from Tai and the crew in Washington. 

Tian Tian

Last month with the help of an intern, the NZ started a new project to evaluate the effectiveness of their panda enrichment program.   "We will be evaluating existing activities as well as introducing new objects, or ways of presenting old ones. It is important to evaluate enrichment so that we keep it stimulating for the pandas and ensure that we are doing everything we can to make their day interesting."   That has to be a constant challenge for any zoo.  I will keep up with their progress on this and let you know what they come up with.  You can read the complete update here. 

Tai Shan you are one gorgeous panda bear, thanks again Daniel for bringing them into our lives with your wonderful photos. 

Tai Shan

 

Tai Shan