Panda Files: "Just The Facts"

They seem pretty quiet, but giant pandas can bleat, roar, growl, and honk.

Giant pandas are technically carnivores, but they have adapted to live mostly on bamboo. They will eat small mammals if they can catch them, though!

Like other types of bears, giant pandas are curious and playful, especially when they’re young. In zoos, they like to play with enrichment items like piles of ice or sawdust, puzzles made of bamboo with food inside, and different scents like spices.

Giant pandas have unusually thick and heavy bones for their size, but they are also very flexible and like to do somersaults.

The People's Republic of China sent two giant pandas, Basi and Yuan Yuan, to the San Diego Zoo for a 200-day loan in 1987. More than two million people were able to view the pandas during their stay.

On August 21, 1999, Bai Yun gave birth to Hua Mei, the first giant panda born in North America to survive to adulthood. Millions of people around the world watched Hua Mei grow up via the Zoo's Panda Cam.

In 1979, the Zoo began working with Chinese zoos to help many of China's endangered animals, including red pandas, takins, and Manchurian cranes.

A panda narrator is at the panda's main viewing area daily to share the latest news and to answer guests' questions about the "bamboo bears."
Bamboo is grown on Zoo grounds and at several off-grounds locations to supply the pandas with their daily meals.

Panda Files: "First Time"

San Diego Zoo’s Panda Cub Explores Outside Habitat, Greets Public for First Time

     It was a big day for the San Diego Zoo’s panda cub, Xiao Liwu: this was his first time in front of onlookers. The cub stepped into the outside habitat by himself this morning and climbed through the bamboo as employees and media representatives got their first glimpses of the five-month-old cub.

     Panda staff say the cub is a confident climber but may have some tumbles while he’s getting used to the new habitat, which is very normal. There are trees, a moat and rocks to climb over, which are all new elements for the cub.

     Only 1,600 giant pandas are believed to exist in the wild, and the species is primarily threatened by habitat loss. San Diego Zoo Global, in conjunction with giant panda experts from the People’s Republic of China, continues to work on science-based panda conservation programs at the Zoo and in China.Photo taken on Jan. 9, 2013, by Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo.

The Panda Files: "Look Into My Eyes"

   SAN DIEGO – As Xiao Liwu gains strength in his legs, the curious 18-week-old giant panda cub is exploring more, even getting near the camera for an up-close view of his black and white markings. As the cub, whose name means “little gift,” develops, mother Bai Yun will take him into other rooms for the cub to explore in their off-exhibit area. Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu can be seen in action daily online at www.sandiegozoo.org/pandacam. Only 1,600 giant pandas are believed to exist in the wild, and the species is primarily threatened by habitat loss. San Diego Zoo Global, in conjunction with giant panda experts from the People’s Republic of China, continues to work on science-based panda conservation programs at the Zoo and in China.Photo taken on Dec. 4, 2012, by Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo.

The Panda Files: "Barking Up a Tree"

Panda Cub Xiao Liwu, Barking Up a Tree
SAN DIEGO- San Diego Zoo keepers placed a small section of a tree branch and some fresh bamboo on the ground for the panda cub’s 17thexam this morning. Xiao Liwu was eager to explore and climbed over the branch while practicing his coordinated climbing skills for keepers. The 19-week-old panda weighed 14 pounds this morning when he was brought in for his weekly veterinary exam and continues to grow. Only 1,600 giant pandas are believed to exist in the wild, and the species is primarily threatened by habitat loss. San Diego Zoo Global, in conjunction with giant panda experts from the People’s Republic of China, continues to work on science-based panda conservation programs at the Zoo and in China.Photo taken on Dec. 13, 2012, by Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo.

The Panda Files: "New Year, New Adventures"

New Year, New Adventures for the San Diego Zoo’s Panda Cub
     The San Diego Zoo’s panda cub, Xiao Liwu, started the New Year with a clean bill of health from his veterinarians. During his 20th exam this morning there was bamboo to snack on and various toys including a doughnut- shaped plastic ring (perfect for panda sitting) to play with and a wooden log to climb over.

     The 22-week-old panda weighed 16 pounds this morning and keepers say he is confidently climbing and full of energy.

     Only 1,600 giant pandas are believed to exist in the wild, and the species is primarily threatened by habitat loss. San Diego Zoo Global, in conjunction with giant panda experts from the Peoples Republic of China, continues to work on science-based panda conservation programs at the Zoo and in China.
Photo taken on Jan. 1, 2013, by Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo.

Panda Files: “All Mine and I’m Not Sharing!”

San Diego Zoo’s Panda Cub, “All Mine and I’m Not Sharing!”

     The San Diego Zoo’s panda cub, Xiao Liwu, was eager to play with a plastic ball during his 18th exam this morning and made it clear that he did not want to share his new toy by holding onto the ball tightly. Panda keepers gave the cub the new toy to test his coordination and encourage him to play with new objects.

     The 20-week-old panda weighed 14.5 pounds this morning when he was brought in for his weekly veterinary exam and is on track with other giant pandas born at the San Diego Zoo.

    Only 1,600 giant pandas are believed to exist in the wild, and the species is primarily threatened by habitat loss. San Diego Zoo Global, in conjunction with giant panda experts from the People’s Republic of China, continues to work on science-based panda conservation programs at the Zoo and in China.
Photo taken on Dec. 18, 2012, by Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo.