Home > Panda Watch > Archives > 2006 > December > 07 > Entry
Panda cub to make public debut soon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Coming soon, to a sunny, public spot: Zoo Atlanta’s baby giant panda.
The unnamed cub reached a milestone Thursday morning during her weekly examination. She stood, shakily, for a few seconds, her furry fanny rising like a balloon.
That means she should be walking soon, said Dr. Maria Crane, the zoo’s senior veterinarian, who conducted the checkup. And when she starts walking, the cub doubtless will follow her mama, Lun Lun, into a public viewing area.
That should happen, Crane estimated, in about four weeks — perhaps sooner.
“There is a high possibility” that people wanting to see the adult Lun Lun early next year might get a bonus glimpse of her youngster, Crane said.
When she does make her debut, the kid will be sporting some teeth, too. Examiners discovered eight more teeth had erupted from her gums in the past week, meaning the cub now has 12.
Other findings:
• The cub now weighs 10.8 pounds. That’s about one pound more than her weight seven days ago.
• She’s now 25.25 inches long. Last week, she was two inches shorter.
• Her fur gets ever thicker, dense enough to ward off the worst chill on a Chinese mountainside — more than enough to keep Georgia’s winters howling in frustration.
• Her eyes are still developing, and are keener now than they ever have been.
• She’s stronger than ever, too. She wiggled like a puppy in a sack during the eight-minute exam.
Crane, probing the cub, couldn’t hide a grin under her surgical mask. “We’re very excited that she’s doing as well as she is,” Crane said.
When zoo officials, dignitaries and others gather next Friday at the zoo to witness her naming, the star of the show should be in fine shape.




DEL.ICIO.US

Comments
By lovelyliz
December 7, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the good news.
By Jex
December 7, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
Her name should be whatever the Chinese word is for “Precious” because she truly is.
By Fain Denicke
December 7, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
I’m in love with our baby bear! She has to be the cutest little critter on the fact of this earth. I just wish I could hold her before she gets too big! I can’t wait to see her.
By shay
December 7, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
All I have to say is “too cute!”.
By Susan
December 7, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
I try to log onto the Panda Cam everyday to watch the little girl. She really is a wonder. Can’t wait to see her! She still looks tiny on camera - but when you look at the pictures of her during exams, she looks huge!
By trisha
December 7, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
Yada yada yada. We still have the ridiculous viewing hours and it amazes me that the people of Atlanta didn’t make much more of a scene.
Zoo Atlanta is made up of selfish insiders masaquerading as “caring” animal lovers, the Atlant Journal Constitution is complicit because real reporters would have done an expose on the lack of effort by Zoo Atlanta to find a full-time sponsor, and the people of China should be most furious for having their viewing hours when everyone there is sleeping.
The whole thing disgusts me. But the genteel people of the south will continue to ooh and aah over the Panda - when they get to see her that is.
Humbug.
By Carla
December 7, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this
I think I love her more and more each day. She is so adorable.
By Colleen Horan
December 7, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
awww my lil princess finally did it!!
She’s got to feel happy and proud of herself!
I was wondering why people were saying negative things about her weight…she’s a bear!! bears are tubby…specially now she’s bulked up for winter.
Colleen Lansing MI
By Esther
December 7, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
I just love the regular updates on the Panda’s. Baby Panda is so cute! I think her name should be Lula.
By Melissa
December 7, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
Hurray for little Suri(that’s what we’ve named her at my house)! My daughters love looking at the baby Panda on PandaCam and watching the weekly videos.
Viva Lil Cub!
By TheOne
December 7, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
She is indeed adorable. Why anyone would “hate” on a precious defenseless animal is beyond reason, and they need to get a life. I can’t wait to see her in person…..Trisha, how much have you donated? $0, right, lol…
Fain….I would love to hold her too, before she gets huge, of course.
By trisha
December 7, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
Yeah I’ve donated $0, “LOL” and proud of it. On the other hand the Christmas donation I WOULD have made is now going to the Smithsonian Zoo and Tai Shan. “LOL”.
Let me guess. You get to sit on your a* all day and look at the computer while others who may work and not have computer access no longer get to watch the Panda. “LOL”. Neither do the people of China. “LOL”. You know, the ones who loaned the pandas to the United States? “LOL.”
Now I’d love to hang out and talk with you but I’m sure you’re busy serving mint juleps to your euqally boring friends.
“LOL” “LOL” “LOL”
By Akagi
December 7, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
Precious would be baobei (寶貝) or baogui (寶貴) in Chinese.
By Betty Jack
December 7, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
Trisha, honey, lighten up! Someone should take you aside and explain that “bitter” is a shade that looks bad on everyone. If you hate the South that much, go back to Yankeeland! I adore our little cub and enjoy printing out these weekly updates to send my mom and sis — and yes, I’m mixing me a julep as I write this… y’all.
By Joanne
December 7, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
It has been an amazing experience and privilidge to watch this little girl grow from a hairless undescribable animal, to a beautiful little panda. I’ve loved watching mom take such good care of her baby. I am sure people from all around the world feel they are personally involved with these two.
By bwhit
December 7, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
That little girl is a “bright star” in my day. That’s the name I chose. In a few weeks she’ll give Lun Lun a run for her money.
By mika
December 7, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this
Bling Bling
By Christina
December 7, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
I am so addicted to our baby panda. She absolutely beautiful and so fun to watch. Thanks so much for constantly keeping us updated. Whenever I have a bad day or get in a bad mood, I just come over here for a few minutes and the negativity just seems to disappear. Thanks Zoo Atlanta and the AJC!
By Susan
December 8, 2006 07:32 AM | Link to this
My kids & I love to watch the videos of the baby panda. I am an ex-patriot Atlantan living in FL, and did not know about the panda cam until the article about the decreased hours. I haven’t been to the Atlanta Zoo since elementary school field trips. We have been happy to check in weekly for the new video of the baby. Not sure why anyone (Trisha) would waste their time in this forum complaining about the Atlanta Zoo, AJC or southerners. This baby has brought so much joy to so many. We can’t wait to make the trip up and see her someday!
By risker
December 8, 2006 07:59 AM | Link to this
Thanks, AJC, for continuing to bring us updates that unite us with smiles for the baby panda and pride for Zoo Atlanta. I think Lun Lun should get mother of the year. Actually, maybe Time should change it’s annual Person of the Year and make it Creature of the Year - Lun Lun would definitely be on the cover!
By Ellie Swain
December 8, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
I love the panda, but am concerned at the hint of Northern-Southern unpleasantness I inferred while reading through the blog. Please, everyone, let’s all unite in our admiration for this dear creature. I am a Southern girl who married a man from Up North and it caused quite a stir in my family, but my husband simply captured my heart. Just as this sweet panda has! Best to everyone, Ellie
By Stephanie
December 8, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
I think the baby panda is too adorable, I’m like everyone else—-I just want to hold her and squeeze her so tight! She is such a cutie and a joy to watch.
“Happy Holidays’
By susan
December 8, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
I’d much rather focus on the 95% of the positive messages on this forum than the 5% who really need to grasp the spirit of Christmas and life’s many blessings. I am truly grateful for the little miracle of Atlanta. Against all odds, the adorable star has thrived and showing us what the meaning of this season truly is.
By Mary
December 8, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
Hello from Chicago IL…..we look in on this beautiful new life every day and enjoy the updates. She, indeed, is a “bright star” and a wonderful addition to all of our worlds. As is Tai Shan at the Natl Zoo and Su Lin at the San Diego Zoo. Anyone who cant get a little silly and gaga over these babies has my sympathy.
By Mary
December 8, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
Hello from Chicago IL…..we look in on this beautiful new life every day and enjoy the updates. She, indeed, is a “bright star” and a wonderful addition to all of our worlds. As is Tai Shan at the Natl Zoo and Su Lin at the San Diego Zoo. Anyone who cant get a little silly and gaga over these babies has my sympathy.
By Judith
December 8, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
I’m from England and I am totally fascinated watching panda cam and reading her daily updates. She has completely stolen my heart.My sincere beast wishes to everyone.
By Liz
December 8, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this
I can’t thank Panda Cam enough for bringing such a beautiful event for all to see, especally with all the horrible things going on in our world today, we can hook up to the panda can and take a look at that beautiful Miracle Panda Baby. We love her so much. So every one that negative things to say all you have to do is not get on the web site DUH ??? let everyone enjoy this while we can. Happy Holidays To All Liz
By Alice
December 8, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this
I look forward to logging in every day to see what Lun Lun and daughter are up to. They have truly caught my heart. I hope to visit Atlanta in summer 2007 and see the Panda Family. I thank all the people at Zoo Atlanta for making it possible for us to learn about these magnificient creatures.
By Ginni
December 9, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this
I have so much enjoyment out of watching the baby panda, she is so adorable. It is amazing to watch the mother take care of her and watch her development and grow. This is an experience of a life time. Thank you Zoo Atlanta for giving us all a chance to see the baby grown, something most people will not see in their lifetime. Those who have negative comments need to grow up and get a life.
By Joann
December 9, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
I can no longer view the cub because I’m at work 9-5. Why did you change the hours. I was addicted to checking in several times a day to keep up with her development. Now I can’t even check in on the weekends at home. Even a mint julip wouldn’t help. Why did you do that and why can’t you extend just a little so we can check from home before going to work? Say 7 or 8AM? Please? I don’t want to miss her first steps.
By Margie
December 9, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this
Have been watching the panda since her birth. Thank you for sharing her development and progress with us. The time committment and palnning that is involved is greatly appreciated!!!!!!. She is adorable and it has been a joy to watch her grow. Can’t wait to see her walking! Thank you for making it possible for all to learn about these special animals!
By christine, NJ
December 9, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
It’s such a pleasure to look in at the darling cub & her mom via the panda cam & keep track via the cub updates. Truly brightens the day. I am hopelessly in love with Tai Shan, this little peach & Su Lin in San diego. Thanks every one for the hard work! Now i believe the reason for the long hours of the panda cam at the national zoo is VOLUNTEERS. So there, folks, rise to the occasion.
By Judy Sherer
December 9, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
I have watched this baby girl from the beginning and would check on her everyday from work but now we don’t have access to the internet at work and by the time I get home, the web cam is off. I am so sad that I cannot see her progress anymore. I wish that Zoo Atlanta could extend the web cam until 7:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m. PLEASE EXTEND THE HOURS OF THE WEB CAM TO 7:00 P.M.?
I absolutely adore this baby and her mother and father. I LOVE PANDAS AND CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THEM IN PERSON.
Thank you,
By Anita
December 9, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
I was at work the day this little girl was born and I have just been in awe at her from the moment I first saw her come into this world.I have kept up with her from day 1 and hope to visit her and mom in the spring. Thank you so much for allowing me the experience to watch her grow and flourish day after day.She is a beautiful girl for sure and no matter what kind of day I am having either at work or at home I have been just a few types away from seeing God’s precious creation and smile.. Thank you so much..
By Camygramy
December 10, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this
I am a volunteer at the National Zoo for the Pandas. Your sweet baby girl has brought back such good memories of our little guy Tai Shan when he was so little. I am so happy for Zoo Atlanta to have this great opportunity to raise a panda cub. You and Lun Lun are doing a great job! Wish the hours could be extended but understand sponsorship issues. Maybe down the line when she has a name, CNN will think to jump back on part of the time.;-)
By Debbie
December 10, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this
I have watched Tai Shan, Su Lin and this newest panda birth in the United States. Several years ago we would not have had the ability to see any of this, so I am grateful for being able to witness any of this at all…if not amazed (guess I’m showing my age huh?). Thank you to all the zoos that have allowed me any glimpse of the pandas and the other animals in their zoos. I made my first trip to DC last year to see Tai Shan up close and intend to go to Atlanta this spring. I also intend to get to California and Tenneesee as well. Seeing them in person is something everyone will enjoy especially after you have gotten to know them from the cams. We watched the cams to see when the pandas were most active and timed our visit around those times. See you in the spring Atlanta!
By Claudia from CA
December 10, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
I just found this blog and enjoyed reading the positive comments. This Bright Star beautiful cub is very special. We all are so lucky to see a giant Panda Cub grow so quickly. Yes, the new hours are a bit difficult but anytime I can watch a miracle I’ll love every second. Each of the 3 cubs I have adored all seem to have such different personalities as do the loving Mamas. Blessings to all!
By Mary
December 11, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
Oh how I miss our little family on the week end and I’m afraid that I will miss that first walk, when I get to see her she is sleeping. Lun Lun, at her age and with her first born, to me seems to be a bit perplexed at caring for, but it’s so obvious that she loves her even more than we do. I wanted to name her Ming Yue (Bright Moon) even before I read that there was a full moon on the night she was born , can hardly wait to find out, what we are going to call our little doll.
By Christi
December 11, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Well, I’ve named this little Tic Tic, and will be sorry to have to learn a new name! I just adore Tic Tic and think we are all so fortunate to have this unique opportunity to watch her grow right before our eyes. Thank you to everyone who plays a part in this magic!
By Christi
December 11, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
Well, I’ve named this little cutie Tic Tic, and will be sorry to have to learn a new name! I just adore Tic Tic and think we are all so fortunate to have this unique opportunity to watch her grow right before our eyes. Thank you to everyone who plays a part in this magic! Love from TEXAS
By Couple from San Francisco
December 12, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
Now that earthlink has taken up sponsorship of the webcam, there is now limited hours to see Lun Lun and the baby! That means us west coast people get cut off around 2pm! yikes. Please extend the hours. My boyfriend and I are used to checking in on them everyday and sometimes at night!
By Peggy
December 12, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this
I am so addicted to your panda cam to be able to view the baby panda. She is absolutely beautiful and so much fun to watch. I am from Massachusetts and wish I could be there to see her in person. Thanks for constantly keeping your site updated.
By Cindy Overby
December 12, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Watching this baby since day one has been a wonderful experience. I feel like she is partially mine. We plant to come to Atlanta to see her in person when she comes out of the den with her Mom. She is just adorable and I do not like to thing she will be leaving one day for China. Cannot wait every week to see her progress.
By Carolyn
December 12, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
The pictures of that sweet baby have cheered me many a day. She is too sweet. The highlight of my day is flipping over to the internet to see her in the morning.
By Nana
December 13, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this
I miss seeing our baby when I get home from work, My grandaughter and I looked at her every evening before bedtime, please extend the hours. Nana