Home > Panda Watch > Archives > 2006 > November > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSnerk! Panda cub fit as a fiddle
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
She’s gained weight. Her teeth are round little nubs. Her nails are as sharp as roof tacks.
She is, in other words, in great shape.
The baby giant panda at Zoo Atlanta underwent her weekly exam Thursday morning. It’s a routine procedure designed to monitor the cub’s development — a chance, too, to wow her handlers. Their assessment? The child is longer, stronger, more prone to let people know what she’s thinking.
“Snerk!” The 57-day-old baby grunted once and fixed eyes as bright as black marbles on her handlers, three energetic young women who came to poke and probe. She’d just been removed from the heated space she shares with her mom, Lun Lun, and looked vaguely irritated.
Maria Crane, the zoo’s chief veterinarian, gently thrust a glove-clad index finger in the little creature’s mouth. White jaws clamped shut, a furry vise. The latex snapped softly as Crane removed her finger.
“She has teeth,” Crane announced.
But that’s not all. The baby has grown more than an inch; from soft little nose to furry little tail, she now stretches 19.5 inches. She’s put on about a half-pound in the last seven days, making the scales groan at 6 pounds. The ears? Last week, they were beginning to stand erect. This week, they were still rising, and sat atop her head like surprised wooly-worms.
She is doing just what a baby panda should be doing after less than two months on this earth. She’s eating, sleeping, hanging close to mama, and making the occasional editorial comment:
“Snerk!”
Services »
Comments
By Jex
November 2, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Pictures! We need pictures. And video. And audio in this case.
I love following the story behind this precious little thing. Please continue the updates.
By Michelle
November 2, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
Maybe “Snerk” is a good name for little Baby Panda.
By Brad
November 2, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this
When will the zoo be have the “Snerk” shirts available? I’d buy one.
By Cindy
November 2, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this
I’m with Jex! We need pictures, videos and sounds fast. I just love following her growth and updates. I can’t wait until we can see more of her, as her personality is just adorable. I’d like the name Snerk too and it would definitely suit her. :)
By lovelyliz
November 2, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
I love good news.
By Linda
November 2, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this
The name will have to be Snerk-Snerk - gotta follow Chinese tradition here!
By Trudy
November 2, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
I like the updates. I would love some audio or video, though. And why weekly exams. When my babies were born they let us out the hospital and did not see us again until six weeks later. What say you?
By Barbara
November 2, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
I so look forward to the Thursday updates on this precious baby girl! I agree with Jex, we need pictures and video and audio! Watching our little furry bundle on Panda Cam, I can see she is getting bigger and stronger everyday. The zoo staff and Lun Lun, in particular, are all doing such a great job! Please keep up the good work on her coverage… but more pictures, please.
By Sonya
November 2, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
Pictures and audio, please! Just reading the article made me smile and get me teary. Hugs and kisses for the little panda baby.
By b. white
November 2, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
My class keeps an update too. We also watch the pandas at the National Zoo. That little panda wrestles with mom. She follows her mom all over the enclosure. I can’t wait till Baby ‘Lanta gets running.
By Stacy
November 2, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
SOUND! We need to hear our little sweetheart’s coos and snerks. Thanks for the great information about our girl.
By Lisa
November 2, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
Wonderful! My 6 year old daughter and I check in on Mom & Baby every morning before we head off to school!
It’s such a joy to watch her progress!
By Kat
November 2, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
I love Snerk-Snerk!!!
By Traci
November 2, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
QUESTIONS QUESTIONS QUESTIONS ——- WHO CAME UP WITH THE NAME “SNERK”, WHAT IS A “SNERK”, WHO HAD THE FINAL SAY, AND WHAT DOES IT REALLY MATTER? I just wanted to share my shock and dismay at the new panda’s name. I was really excited and almost positive that the panda would be given a cool, cute, distinguished, honorable of a panda name (whatever that maybe), but SNERK! Oh well I guess that is what we get when we leave it to the city of Atlanta to use its “brains” when trying to be oringinal.
By DAVE
November 2, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
Please name this wonderful creature anything but “SNERK” Who is the brainiac who came up w/ that for a name?
By Nita
November 2, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
It is not his name. Please read the above notes everyone.
By Stacy
November 2, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
jeez, Traci. Lighten up..it was a joke. Our cub will have a name befitting her status on her 100th day.
By Dekalb Educator
November 2, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
Traci…you may want to go back and reread. No one said the panda’s name was Snerk. It was a suggestion because that is the sound that she made and some found it cute.
By Justin
November 2, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
Thank you Nita! People please read the blog before you write something stupid. Snerk is the sound that the Panda made today. Michelle just gave her opinion that Snerk would be cool, but it’s not like the Zoo is actually gonna name the panda that.
I love the watching the progress of the baby panda!
By Holly
November 2, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
I agree,,,read before inserting foot into mouth. I also whole heartedly am in love with this precious little one. Thanks for the updates,weekly or not! Please send lots of hugs for me,I am so jealous that they get to hold the cub,lucky them !
By Keith
November 2, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
As many as 45 million Americans may lack health insurance. A panda gets a weekly exam. I obviously don’t understand something.
By Keith
November 2, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this
Up to 45 million Americans-including children-lack health insurance. States are cutting back Medicaid coverage. A panda gets a weekly exam. Apparently, there are things I just don’t understand.
By Jamie
November 2, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
What fun to hear these updates. I agree, we love the pics and need video!! Thanks for the great job!
By Yvonne
November 2, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
Snerk Snerk!
By heidi
November 2, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
Snerk may have multiple uses.
Snerk! I just stubbed my toe!
By MariaT
November 2, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this
wonderful to read your updates! And, yes,videos would be just so fun to see:) Especially for shut-ins like me who rely on internet reporting like yours to keep up.
By karen
November 2, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this
i heard they sedate the mom each time, is this true? if so, is that safe?
geez, does it have to have weekly checkups? seems like a lot.
By ann
November 2, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this
Keith, are you as cute at Snerk??..lol..just jesting..
I check on the baby several times a day and love the interaction with Mom and wee one, wish we could have some audio with the pics so let me add my vote to that. Beautiful baby..keep up the fine work
By Cyn
November 2, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
WHOA Tracy! Seems you have a little problem today other than enjoying the panda update like the rest of us. “Can we all just get along” GEEZ!
By christa
November 2, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
Hi I am christa and I am 11 years old, home schooled and I think that the baby panda is one of the cutest things I have seen in my whole….life it just makes me want cudle with it. we WANT TO HEAR THE SOUNDS TOO!!!
By Gracie De Luxe en Vie
November 2, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Snerk, eh? Guess that beats Blog. http://spaceygreview.blogspot.com/
By Cyn
November 2, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Seems like Keith got up on the wrong side of the bed as Tracy! Please people take a deep breath
By Mary Trimbell
November 2, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this
Where’s the PandaCam? Since Tai Shan was born here at the National Zoo, we’ve had 24/7 access as we watch him grow. Doesn’t your little girl deserve the same?
By TheOne
November 2, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this
Yes, we need pictures and sound. She is toooo cute!!!
Keith, I feel you on that….BUT, there are also millions of hungry people….should we stop feeding the animals too? Pleazzz
By Yvonne
November 2, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Keith. You don’t understand. Maybe you should stick to The Vent and let the rest of us enjoy the Snerkster!
By Anna
November 2, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
If you go to Zoo Atlanta’s website they have live video of Lun Lun and the baby
By Barbara
November 2, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this
Thank you AJC for adding the photos of the cub’s latest check-up. She is too cute!! In the close-ups, she looks so big, but on Panda Cam, next to her mom, she still looks so tiny. Keep up the great coverage on Atlanta’s furry little treasure.
By Keith
November 2, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
A. I don’t know Traci. Never met. I could not possibly have got up on any side of the bed with her. Say what you will about me, but be polite to her.
B. I have been properly admonished for my understanding or lack thereof. No trying to understand from now on. I promise.
C. I will not comment on Snerk’s blog. I will not comment on Snerk’s blog. I will not comment on Snerk’s blog. I will not comment on Snerk’s blog.
By Carla
November 2, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
Oh baby’s first word! I’m so excited but I too would have loved to hear her say it. How adorable is snerk??? OMG I love the baby panda so much. If you see a story about a missing baby panda, it’s because I took her home with me.
By Juli
November 2, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
I am in love with this baby panda. I log onto the ajc every day to see if there are up dates!! Has anyone seen the video of the baby panda sleeping and then it sneezes and the mother baby jumps??? Is this our panda??
By Jo
November 2, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
For the sake of peaceful pandas, no bickering!
Our little girl is growing - can’t wait to see if she has her daddy’s ears. Still waiting for a report on if she has mom’s fluffy cheeks!!
Signed - a panda auntie from NJ
By AGR
November 2, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
Great article Mark. I love your descriptions of this sweet panda girl. I too really enjoy the updates - thanks AJC (and zoo). I’m with the crowd, more pics!!
By Jo
November 2, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this
Just checked out those pics of her check-up. God she is just too cute! And her little fuzzies - adorable! Thanks ZA for the cam to help take the edge off stressful workdays!!
By Penns
November 2, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this
How wonderful! That little panda baby has brought so much joy to my day - everyday! She is a blessing and a true joy to everyone!
What is Chienese for Pretty Baby??
By tlp
November 2, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
I still vote for “Bling Bling”
By Sevenof9
November 2, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
What a delightful article! “Snerk” LOL! I’ve heard pandas squeal, bark, honk and huff, but not “snerk!” Thanks AJC for the updates and photos, and I’d also like to put in my name as one who craves SOUND on the Pandacam! I adore the little AZ cubcake!
By DJ
November 2, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
Bling Bling
By DEP
November 2, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
For the person who asked about the Chinese for “pretty baby”, it’s: piàoliàng nǚ yīng
Basically, the phrase sounds like pee-yow lee-yang new ing. The “new” section gets that umlaot sound while also dipping your tone. Pretend you’re swedish when you say it. The “ing” section should have a flat pronounciation (no accent to it). Since it’s coming after the swedish bit, it may help if you try to mimic the “ting” sound of a symphony-triangle.
By JOANN BAILEY
November 2, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
isn’t she just adorable!!!!!!!!!!. i love the updates. can’t wait to go see her.
keith, don’t rain on our panda parade. that’s what the vent is for.
By TC
November 2, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
Traci, your the dumb one! Snerk is the sound baby panda made and had you been reading with your thinking cap you would have gotton the picture. Info from a dumb atlantan!
By LiasMom
November 2, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
I was excited about watching the video of the panda check-up, especially since it was labelled as Baby Panda Speaks. I was really disappointed to find out that she doesn’t make noise on the video, unless that almost indistinguishable sound at the very beginning is her “snerk”. I also wanted to see her charge the cameraman last week, but alas, they didn’t show that, either. I’m glad to see she’s getting some personality.
I, too, would love audio on the Panda Cam, but I’ll bet that could get somewhat uncomfortable for the panda keepers, if everything they said was being recorded.
And I don’t think they sedate Lun Lun when they do the check-ups. I haven’t read that anywhere. They do the check-ups when she goes to get food, and they keep her attention by doing her routine training exercises. They only have the baby for a few minutes. It’s funny because with the Panda Cam, you can always tell when the check-up is coming on Thursday morning. You see the baby alone, and then you see mom eating, and then the baby is back and mom is holding her to say hello again.
By Hinton James
November 2, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
I was a panda fan from the start, but this dispatch is the finest yet! What vivid imagery, such robust prose! I feel as if I had been there with that panda young’un myself. Great work!
By Stephanie
November 2, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
Love at first sight…….
By susan
November 2, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this
I for one really look forward to all the updates. I think weekly exams are just fine…besides, we get to see new photos each time the little cub gets a check up. keep up the great work!
By beatrice
November 3, 2006 07:24 AM | Link to this
I need pandababy intervention- totally hooked, more photos and minivideos please also from the den with Mom
By Stephanie
November 3, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Love at first sight….
By Pam G
November 3, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
It is not necessary to sedate the Panda mothers while their cubs are being examined. Panda training consists of rewarding desired behaviours with small treats and praise; the caretakers request a behaviour - such as opening the mouth for a dental check or placing a paw on a bar - using voice and/or hand signals. The training sessions are usually held in one area, so when the bear is called to this area, they know that there will be a training session. It is their choice whether or not to participate. Teaching the bears to present different parts of their bodies allows caretakers and vets to give shots, draw blood, and perform medical exams without having to stress the bears by sedating them. The Pandas seem to enjoy these training sessions, and the level of trust and affection between the bears and their caretakers can be truly amazing: Mei Xiang, mother of Tai Shan at the Washington Zoo, allowed her keepers to obtain samples of breast milk for analysis, and Bai Yun, the 15-year-old mother of three at the San Diego Zoo, actually responds to a “go potty” command! It should be noted that Lun Lun was not interested in training for a couple of weeks after she had her cub. The AZ Panda Team waited until she was ready and willing to leave the cub before they called her to the training area and took the cub for its first exam.
By Kathie
November 3, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
Thanks for this great video. I had just finished reading an article in my local paper regarding Yang Yang’s (Daddy panda)affinity for Tobasco sauce and rememered the AJC was doing these updates. What a beautiful baby she is. I can’t wait to visit the zoo again when she gets to be out for us all to see.
As for Keith…I don’t think you were raining on anyone’s parade. Your comment is very valid. Don’t let anyone here make you feel that you were inappropriate.
By Julie
November 3, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
Oh, no, I wish y’all hadn’t mentioned that about the webcam! I just took my first look and will now be hooked for the rest of the day. She’s so adorable!!
By Sheila
November 6, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
Very cute!:-) Oooohhh, I would love to hear the snerk as well!
By Betty Hight
November 15, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this
I think the name should be Pandy Lun Yang.