Panda Mating Season Started @ BFX
The mating season started early this year at CCRCGP Bi Feng Xia!
Ying Ying, a 20 year old wild born panda, showed estrus signs on January 25. On January 31 two wild born males were given access to Ying Ying, first Yi Bao, then Wu Gang who showed no interest in mating and they had to be separated. Yi Bao was given access to Ying Ying again, but even Ying Ying’s experience and patience and Yi Bao sticking his tongue out didn’t help!! The attempts at natural mating by both males were considered not satisfactory and Artificial Insemination was performed on January 31st and February 1st.
Ying Ying has so far given birth to 13 cubs in 8 litters, 12 have survived. Her last cub, Shu Qin was born in 2009. In 2010 and 2011, Ying Ying was transferred to Hetaoping to join the reintroduction program, but failed to give birth.
Ying Ying’s cubs that you most probably know are Yang Yang (Tiergarten Schönbrunn / Zoo Vienna), Shin Shin (Ueno Zoo) & Meng Meng (Beijing Zoo).
Source: www.chinapanda.org.cn
