The staff now 'fesses up that we're panda devotees. We have the San Diego Zoo panda cam minimized on our second circulation computer at all times! When we have a moment we all check in to see what's happening. As of October 3rd, we know that it's a boy, and that at last week's checkup he weighed in at a rol- poly 6.4 pounds. At the website you can watch a video of each medical checkup if you want to track his development Last week, he protested loudly when given his first distemper innoculation (who wouldn't), and the vets had to rush and finish since Mom Bear is not too far away, and could hear him bleat. ( Each exam is conducted only when Bai Yun is outside the den eating bamboo, so that she doesn't fret about the cub. After almost two months of nursing him, she feels more comfortable leaving than she did at first, obviously.) She has had four cubs before and is a very experienced mother. I particularly enjoy watching her give him a bath, which usually occurs about noon EST, or 9 a.m. where they are in California. Since he is quite big now, she tosses him around a little like a football-not an inch is missed with that wet tongue! I'm sure it feels wonderful to our little cubbie. A final note: All panda cubs are named on their 100th day, according to Chinese custom. The zoo has not announced whether or not they'll have a naming contest. If they do, you may enjoy participating. Five names, in Chinese with their English equivalents, are usually listed, and it's fun to pick one. Meanwhile, happy viewing, there's no way this little guy won't put a big smile on your face!
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