Kai Kai's Annual Health Check
River Safari’s male panda, Kai Kai, underwent a thorough medical examination last Friday as part of a routine annual check-up, and the veterinary team is happy with the results.
The 1.5 hour-long examination comprised a full dental and body check, blood sample withdrawal, an X-ray and ultrasound scan. For the first time since he arrived in Singapore, Kai Kai’s health check also included electroejaculation — a technique commonly used for semen collection to evaluate the reproductive status of animals. While more data analysis is being conducted to assess the quality of the sperms, preliminary results indicate that six-year-old Kai Kai is a healthy, fertile male.
Vets and keepers are closely monitoring Kai Kai and his female partner, Jia Jia, for significant changes in behaviour that indicate their readiness to mate. When ready, male pandas will vocalise, perform handstands against trees, walls and rocks, scent-marking as high up as possible. Females will show signs such as scent-marking, restlessness and characteristic bleating sounds.
Source: Wildlife Reserves Singapore
