Adelaide Zoo keepers and veterinarians have been busy over the past four days supporting Wang Wang and Fu Ni during their short, yearly reproductive window.
Giant Panda reproductive specialist Mr Li of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda was in Adelaide to aid the process, supported by reproductive fertility experts from Repromed.
Natural mating attempts weren’t successful this year. With the short fertility window coming to a close, the decision was made to proceed with artificial insemination.
Zoos SA Veterinarian David McLelland said the artificial insemination procedure went very well.
“We were extremely pleased with the procedure, with results again confirming that Wang Wang’s semen is of a high quality,” David said.
“With such a good sample obtained, our team were able to carry out two artificial insemination procedures on Fu Ni.
“Both artificial inseminations went really well, with one completed on Saturday and the second completed on Sunday morning.
“Artificial insemination has played an important role in the captive breeding of Giant Pandas around the world due to the species’ unique reproductive biology.
“Their complicated reproductive biology presents a number of challenges; however ongoing research efforts continue to improve our understanding of panda reproduction and hence improve our chances of success.”
Panda Keeper Lucy Catt said both Wang Wang and Fu Ni were recovering well and were being closely monitored by the team.
“At the moment, it’s essential that Fu Ni is not exposed to any potential stressors.
“We are now treating Fu Ni as though she is pregnant, although we’ll not be able to confirm she’s officially with cub until approximately two weeks before she would potentially give birth.
“We thank everyone for their support and patience during this important time.
“Wang Wang and Fu Ni are fantastic ambassadors for their species and are already playing an important part in international Giant Panda conservation.”
This year marks the third genuine attempt at breeding for Wang Wang and Fu Ni, and we are excited to be closer than ever before to achieving our ultimate goal of welcoming a Giant Panda cub to Adelaide Zoo.
The Bamboo Forest will be closed for the next few days to give Fu Ni some peace and quiet to maximise the chance of success.
