Home > Panda Watch > Archives > 2007 > February > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMei Lan, rocket girl?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
She rolls. She rollicks. She runs. Mei Lan can do just about anything these days. Except sit still. That’s just asking too much of Zoo Atlanta’s 5-month-old baby giant panda.
Zoo officials conducted their weekly checkup on their furry dynamo Thursday morning. Mei Lan was as docile as a bag of kittens. Dr. Maria Crane, the zoo’s chief veterinarian, reached for her measuring tape to get the youngster’s vitals — length, girth, paw size, that sort of stuff. She tried once. Mei Lan rolled over. She tried again. Mei Lan bounded to a corner. Crane tried a third time. The cub skittered off in another direction. Crane gave up, and instead issued a scientific observation: “She’s grown.” Last week, Crane estimated the cub was 32 inches long.
What else do they know?
• Mei Lan now weighs 21 pounds, gaining another pound in the past seven days.
• She’s fast. When Crane finished her exam, she left the cub in the corner of her sleeping area and headed for the door. Mei Lan scooted past her, arriving at the door first.
• She’s strong — and headstrong, too. When Crane took the cub’s temperature with a rectal thermometer, the doctor added another fact to the zoo’s growing volume of Mei Lan findings: “She really didn’t like that.”
• The cub is as healthy as her mom, Lun Lun, and dad, Yang Yang. She follows Lun Lun about like a fat little shadow. She climbs logs and rolls in buckets. She swats and gnaws on her toys. She ripples with energy and curiosity.
• She’s spending more time outside every day. As soon as zoo officials can reasonably expect her to remain outdoors for extended periods, they’ll schedule a formal debut for Mei Lan, said Susan Elliott, Zoo Atlanta’s spokesperson. The zoo also will sell timed tickets for people to see the cub and her parents when Mei Lan has her coming-out in Atlanta society, Elliott said.
“We’re so excited with her,” Elliott said. “Everyone is just thrilled with her progress.”
To keep track of her pending debut, check outwww.zooatlanta.org
Comments
By Chucklieboy001
February 15, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Thanks Mark for a wonderful report on little Mei Lan. Your reports are so wonderful and I truly look forward to them. “Little Lani” we call her is a pure beauty. I will be there this weekend and can’t to see for the first time. Keep up the great reports!
By cubsfan723
February 15, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
Another pannafabulous report on our beloved Lani. Thanks Mark!
By jane o
February 15, 2007 01:07 PM | Link to this
Mark you continue to do a wonderful job keeping us informed about our “Little Pandy”. I turly look forward every Thursday for your article. Have you seen her up close? Were you ever able to hold her?
Thanks so very much!
By deb deb
February 15, 2007 01:36 PM | Link to this
As the regular “panda watch” reporter how close have you gotten to her? She is such a remarkable creature. How do you resist not asking to pet her/hold her/give her a kiss?
By R
February 15, 2007 01:37 PM | Link to this
AJC thanks for your continued updates on the baby panda every week. I enjoy Mark Davis’ articles. However, I think that I would enjoy the videos much better without his comments.
By sukie
February 15, 2007 01:46 PM | Link to this
Thanks for all your articles. All of us at Pandas Unlimited look forward to Thursday.
By Jane Britcher
February 15, 2007 02:30 PM | Link to this
Once again, a brilliant report and video. Thanks.
By Dookie-Boy
February 15, 2007 02:39 PM | Link to this
Once again all the enablers get wet and hard about some silly Panda’s.
More Muchadoo doo about nothing.
POOT in ya faces.
By Lynne
February 15, 2007 03:11 PM | Link to this
Dear Mark, I have a very good friend who is a reporter for a Chicago paper - you are much, much better - it actually reads like you enjoy our Atlanta peach as much as all of us at PU. Has anyone told you yet about Lani and Tai’s Valentais date?? If not, try and check out the Pandas Unlimited site at Flickr - you will be inspired I promise you. Keep the wonderful articles coming. Thanks for making my day. L Levine
By Jeri
February 15, 2007 03:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks Mark for another great article and video. In response to “R”, I like your comments with the videos. Next time you get on PU, you should definitely check out the Valentais Day Story and Minnie the Pooh’s animated picture of Tai and Lani in front of Zoo Atlanta. PS - I’m in DC, and your coverage of Lani is much better than coverage of Tai in the Post!
By itsme
February 15, 2007 04:07 PM | Link to this
Just charming. Thanks for the updates.
By Pamela G
February 15, 2007 04:36 PM | Link to this
Just when you think she’s pegged out your cute-omotor….! Your stories and vid narration are super, Mark. Thanks for covering our little peach so beautifully.
By Sandra the Panda lover
February 15, 2007 05:46 PM | Link to this
Mark, I absolutely LOVE your narration of the videos. I agree with those who say you seem to enjoy her just as much as all of us do. And I would also like to know if you have ever had the opportunity to touch or hold her. How could you resist? She looks like she’s so much FUN! I mean a “cub in a tub” is just so darn cute!!
By Joan
February 15, 2007 06:07 PM | Link to this
Canada loves Mei Lan too!! I have watched her on the Pandacam from day one, and can hardly wait for 10:00 a.m. to tune in and see what she is up to. I am really hoping to get to Atlanta to see Mei Lan up close. She is such a sweetheart and truly brightens my days!
By Mark Davis
February 16, 2007 08:08 AM | Link to this
Panda fans, thanks for the comments. In answer to a couple of queries about cuddling Mei Lan: Zoo Atlanta has a hands-off policy in dealing with its animals, which is wise. Besides, an earlier Mei Lan chomped off the hand of a fellow who got too close; I like my hands, especially when they are attached to me. Thanks for writing, and for reading the AJC.—Mark Davis
By Police Wife
February 16, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Mark, thank you so much for the terrific reports on Mei Lan! It’s the next best thing to being able to see her in person for myself. The narration on the videos is just terrific. Keep it coming, please!
By ReadMyLipsNoNewTaxes
February 16, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
There’s so much bad and sad stuff going on, this is great! First of all, the little gal is adorable. She’s a day brightener, and the stories are great for warm fuzzies. Second of all, (for those who say too much about a bear) Zoo ATL is paying fortune in rental fees — there is a business value to covering the panda. If you’ve been to the national zoo, you know that the baby has upped attendance and also increased gift sales. I’m sure our little baby will do the same here. So even those who don’t enjoy seeing the cute little thing grow up on a personal level, on the business side, there is still a huge value to having the AJC cover this.
Great job Mark!
By Rosalyn
February 16, 2007 01:07 PM | Link to this
To those that commented on a replica Valentine’s cartoon with Tai and Lan, can you please post the web address? Thank you
By Kelli
February 16, 2007 02:48 PM | Link to this
Mark you rock. I love your commentary and your reports. You make it even more fun
R - how about simply turning the sound off, genius
By Rosalyn
February 16, 2007 03:08 PM | Link to this
Nevermind to my initial question. Its at Zoo Atlanta