Two pandas are having sex for the first time in 10 years following zoo closure

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By VT

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No one could have anticipated the effect that the global coronavirus pandemic would have on our natural world. Due to the various lockdowns that have urgently come into effect, carbon emission rates are dropping, and animal species are having a chance to thrive without human interference.

It seems as though the lockdown has even increased the libido of a species that isn't well known for its sex drive. That's right, this week two pandas are reportedly mating naturally for the first time in a decade after their zoo has closed to the public.

Take a look at this video all about one of the world's only brown pandas: 
[[jwplayerwidget||https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/uZHT2WFw-Q0L14jDU.mp4||uZHT2WFw]]

According to a recent press release by the Ocean Park Zoo in Hong Kong, their 14-year-old female and male giant pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le, mated at around 9:ooam on Monday, April 6. Spring is usually an important time in the mating cycle of the pandas, with Le Le has leaving scent-markings around his habitat in a clear sign to initiate mating.

[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/B-qggRxn6r7/]]

Commenting on the recent development, Executive Director in Zoological Operations and Conservation Michael Boos stated in the press release:

"Male and female giant pandas are sexually mature starting at ages of seven and five respectively. Since Ying Ying and Le Le’s arrival in Hong Kong in 2007 and attempts at natural mating since 2010, they [...] have yet to succeed, until this year upon years of trial and learning."

He continued: "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."

A panda.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Pexels (Stock Image)]]

He added: "If successful, signs of pregnancy, including hormonal level fluctuations and behavioral changes may be observed as early as late June, though there is always a chance that Ying Ying could experience a pseudo-pregnancy. We hope to bear wonderful pregnancy news to Hong Kongers this year and make further contributions to the conservation of this vulnerable species."

The Ocean Park Zoo closed on January 26, 2020, in response to the government-mandated coronavirus lockdown.

We are urging all of our readers to adhere to the advice from their respective governments and medical bodies, and practice social distancing and self-isolation where required. Together, we will beat this...

Two pandas are having sex for the first time in 10 years following zoo closure

vt-author-image

By VT

Article saved!Article saved!

No one could have anticipated the effect that the global coronavirus pandemic would have on our natural world. Due to the various lockdowns that have urgently come into effect, carbon emission rates are dropping, and animal species are having a chance to thrive without human interference.

It seems as though the lockdown has even increased the libido of a species that isn't well known for its sex drive. That's right, this week two pandas are reportedly mating naturally for the first time in a decade after their zoo has closed to the public.

Take a look at this video all about one of the world's only brown pandas: 
[[jwplayerwidget||https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/uZHT2WFw-Q0L14jDU.mp4||uZHT2WFw]]

According to a recent press release by the Ocean Park Zoo in Hong Kong, their 14-year-old female and male giant pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le, mated at around 9:ooam on Monday, April 6. Spring is usually an important time in the mating cycle of the pandas, with Le Le has leaving scent-markings around his habitat in a clear sign to initiate mating.

[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/B-qggRxn6r7/]]

Commenting on the recent development, Executive Director in Zoological Operations and Conservation Michael Boos stated in the press release:

"Male and female giant pandas are sexually mature starting at ages of seven and five respectively. Since Ying Ying and Le Le’s arrival in Hong Kong in 2007 and attempts at natural mating since 2010, they [...] have yet to succeed, until this year upon years of trial and learning."

He continued: "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."

A panda.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Pexels (Stock Image)]]

He added: "If successful, signs of pregnancy, including hormonal level fluctuations and behavioral changes may be observed as early as late June, though there is always a chance that Ying Ying could experience a pseudo-pregnancy. We hope to bear wonderful pregnancy news to Hong Kongers this year and make further contributions to the conservation of this vulnerable species."

The Ocean Park Zoo closed on January 26, 2020, in response to the government-mandated coronavirus lockdown.

We are urging all of our readers to adhere to the advice from their respective governments and medical bodies, and practice social distancing and self-isolation where required. Together, we will beat this...