A zoo has been trying to get
2 pandas to mate for 10 years. When coronavirus shut the zoo down, the pandas
finally did
"(CNN) — It seems all these giant pandas needed
was a little privacy.
Parenthood
might be around the corner for Ying Ying & Le Le, which are longtime
residents of Ocean Park in Hong Kong. Zoo officials announced… that after 10
years of attempts at natural mating, & 'through trial & learning,' the 2 have finally succeeded.
'The
successful natural mating process today is extremely exciting for all of us, as
the chance of pregnancy via natural mating is higher than by artificial
insemination,' Michael Boos, executive director for zoological operations
& conservation at Ocean Park, said in a press release.
Due to
the coronavirus outbreak, the park has been closed to visitors since late
January. Staff noticed certain behaviors in the 2 giant pandas that are common
during breeding season, which occurs every year between March & May.
'Since
late March, Ying Ying began spending more time playing in the water, while Le
Le has been leaving scent-markings around his habitat & searching the area
for Ying Ying's scent,'…
While
it is still too early to tell whether a baby panda is on the way, Ying Ying's
body & behavioral changes are being closely monitored.
'If
successful, signs of pregnancy, including hormonal level fluctuations &
behavioral changes may be observed as early as late June, though there is
always a chance that Ying Ying could experience a pseudo-pregnancy,' said
Boos.
This is
big news in conservation efforts for the species that is currently listed
vulnerable, one category away from being endangered, according the IUCN Red
List of Threatened Species. There are only around 1,800 giant pandas that
remain in their natural habitat, according to Ocean Park.
'We
hope to bear wonderful pregnancy news to Hong Kongers this year & make
further contributions to the conservation of this vulnerable species,' said Boos.
If Ying
Ying is pregnant, the gestation period for giant pandas ranges between 72 &
324 days. The zoo said it will be sharing updates on her journey to motherhood
once more is known."
Amanda
Jackson
April
7/2020
CNN.com
Cute Critter Pics:
Weekly Chuckle:
#StaySafe
#StayHome
No comments:
Post a Comment