Ocean Park’s resident giant panda Ying Ying is not pregnant this year despite having displayed typical pregnancy symptoms since mid-July, including reduced appetite, prolonged rest time and changes in hormonal levels. Yet, these symptoms started to gradually subside in late-August and her hormonal levels have returned to normal. After ultrasound scan and evaluation by experts, Ying Ying is confirmed to be not pregnant.
Michael Boos, Executive Director of Zoological Operations and Conservation at Ocean Park, said, “Giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le have achieved a major milestone in April when they mated naturally for the first time after nine years of attempts, which is an uplifting news to all of us at the Park in times of COVID-19. We hope Ying Ying and Le Le will mate naturally again in the next breeding season. At the same time, we will continue our commitment to provide the highest standards of animal care and maintain the giant pandas’ well-being. I believe Ying Ying and Le Le, as well as our ‘centenarian panda’ An An, would very much like to meet with their fans again when the Park reopens.”
Giant panda pregnancies are filled with uncertainties. Mature female giant pandas may display typical pregnancy symptoms after their oestrous cycle. However, pseudo-pregnancy, reabsorption of fetal tissues or miscarriage is not uncommon. Ocean Park will continue to work closely with experts from the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda to help conserve this species.
Michael Boos, Executive Director of Zoological Operations and Conservation at Ocean Park, said, “Giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le have achieved a major milestone in April when they mated naturally for the first time after nine years of attempts, which is an uplifting news to all of us at the Park in times of COVID-19. We hope Ying Ying and Le Le will mate naturally again in the next breeding season. At the same time, we will continue our commitment to provide the highest standards of animal care and maintain the giant pandas’ well-being. I believe Ying Ying and Le Le, as well as our ‘centenarian panda’ An An, would very much like to meet with their fans again when the Park reopens.”
Giant panda pregnancies are filled with uncertainties. Mature female giant pandas may display typical pregnancy symptoms after their oestrous cycle. However, pseudo-pregnancy, reabsorption of fetal tissues or miscarriage is not uncommon. Ocean Park will continue to work closely with experts from the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda to help conserve this species.
