Giant panda breeding season starts early at National Zoo

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The 2009 giant panda mating season began Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Female Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) and male Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN) attempted to mate throughout the day Thursday. For the past six years, Mei Xiang has typically ovulated in March or April.

Zoo staff carefully observed the pandas’ activities and, because competent mating did not occur, Zoo scientists and veterinarians performed a nonsurgical artificial inseminations on Jan. 17.

For more information, visit: nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/

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Comments

Groove Kitten1 says:

Well this is exciting though I hate that the pandas had to be knocked out for the procedures.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

spiderxcat says:

Thank you so much for this video it was really interresting !! I appreciate all the behind the scenes footage. Praying for a cub or two from Mei this year..
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

TAIwiffic says:

Thank you National Zoo. I appreciate this video and think that using this medium for disseminating information. We can catch up with SDZ and ZA on keeping people worldwide interested in pandas, conservation and the special pandas we have at NZ!
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

apandalover says:

Yes, thank you for using Flickr to share this exciting time, news and interviews.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

saulesmeit says:

Wow, Big Daddy sure has some really active swimmers there! :-)
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Carol ~ CAP says:

Thanks for this behind the scenes look. I'm keeping my pseudo-thumbs crossed for a cub this spring.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

ffleur says:

Love that Mei Xiang had a pretty pink sheet for her operation.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

buttercake56 says:

Thanks to NZ for submitting this to Flickr to share this video.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

marcia4tai says:

Thanks National Zoo - this was terrific to see!
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

rae@flickr says:

Thank You, NZ staff, All of You, for the wonderful, expert care you give 'our' pandas! We are hoping along with you for a new brother or sister for Tai!
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Grasshopper9 says:

This is cool. I appreciate the video. Oddly enough the Memphis Zoo is going through the same thing. There estrus seems to have arrived early as well. Hmm.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

JudyOR says:

Thank you so much for this video.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Panda Overload says:

Thanks for sharing
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

msmith2629 says:

Thanks for sharing. Excellent job of explaining the AI process without being to "graphic" for young folks who may be watching. Excellent job of educating everyone in the value of Mei's genes in the captive population.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

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Taken on January 22, 2009
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