Giant Panda Update [69] | Tokyo Zoological Park Society

Recent news about Giant Panda [69]
└─ 2021/06/22

As previously announced, Shin Shin is currently not on public display due to the possibility of pregnancy (Announcement). Below is an update on the current status of Ri Ri, Xiang Xiang, and Shin Shin.

Recent updates on Ri Ri and Xiang Xiang

Both Ri Ri and Xiang Xiang are in good health. On sunny and cool days, they mainly stay in the outdoor enclosure, while on rainy days, at night, or on hot days, they stay indoors. Their diet consists mainly of bamboo and dwarf bamboo such as Moso bamboo, Madake bamboo, and Sasa bamboo, along with panda dumplings, pellets, carrots, and apples as needed.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Ri Ri and Shin Shin's arrival at the zoo, a special exhibition is being held in the zoo from June 22nd. It provides an easy-to-understand introduction to Giant Panda conservation efforts being carried out at Ueno Zoo, so please stop by (for more details, please see this page).

Additionally, to celebrate Xiang Xiang's 4th birthday on June 12th, we are holding an online event that you can enjoy (please see this page for details).


Xiang Xiang (Date of photo: June 21, 2021)	Lily (Date of photo: June 21, 2021)

Shinshin's current situation

Shin Shin's health remains excellent. As of June 15th, her weight is 124.4 kg, and there are no health problems. We have kept her on display to ensure she can give birth safely.
In addition, in preparation for giving birth, we have been managing the animals in private room 2 and birthing room 2 all day since June 18th.

Changes in behavior
① Changes in appetite
Its appetite decreased to about a quarter of its normal level around May 31st, and it has continued to eat little since then.
② Changes in behavior
The rest time increased to about twice the normal amount around June 2nd, and has continued to increase since then. In addition, the dog has been exhibiting behaviors of licking its forelegs, hind legs, the floor, and genitals.
③ Physical changes
On June 10th, the nipples became noticeably larger, and a small amount of milk was secreted from all four nipples, and this continues to this day.
④ Hormonal changes
The results of the urine test for hormone metabolites indicating pregnancy continue to show values characteristic of pregnancy.

Signs of childbirth
At this time, there are no signs of labor.

Message from Ueno Zoo
At this time, the exact date of birth is unknown, and there have been no significant changes since the update on June 15th. We will continue to make comprehensive assessments of her appetite, behavior, and hormonal changes as we prepare for the birth and subsequent raising of her cub. Breeding Giant Panda is very difficult and requires advanced techniques and a thorough system, so we will carefully manage Shin Shin's health in preparation for the birth.

Please note that Giant Panda can experience a phenomenon called "false pregnancy," so at this time, we cannot definitively say whether or not she will give birth.

　If there are any significant changes related to pregnancy or childbirth in Shinshin, we will inform you separately. Therefore, we kindly ask that you refrain from making phone inquiries about minor changes in other aspects of daily life.