ジャイアントパンダの近況［67］

ジャイアントパンダの近況［67］
　└─ 2021/06/08

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.

Ueno Zoo reopened on June 4th, but there have been no particular changes observed in the two animals (please see this page for information on the reopening and visitor information).

Xiang Xiang is picky about the bamboo she is given, but her foraging is going well. While she exhibits behaviors similar to adults, such as foraging and resting, she occasionally moves around actively.

On June 5, 2021 (1,454 days old), the measurement showed a weight of 91.2 kg.

In addition, to celebrate Xiang Xiang's 4th birthday on June 12th, we have planned an online event that you can enjoy starting June 11th (please see this page for details). Giant Panda are said to reach sexual maturity around 3.5 to 4.5 years old, but so far Xiang Xiang has not shown any such signs.


Xiang Xiang (Date of photo: June 7, 2021)	Lily (Date of photo: June 7, 2021)

Shinshin's current situation

Shin Shin's health remains good. Although she has lost some weight, there are no health problems. We are continuing to suspend her exhibit so that Shin Shin can give birth in peace.

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
Rest periods increased to about twice the normal amount around June 2nd, and this high level of rest has continued since then.
③ Physical changes
No significant changes have been observed so far.
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
While the exact date of birth is currently unknown, we continue to make preparations for the birth by comprehensively monitoring Shin Shin's appetite, behavior, and hormonal changes. Breeding Giant Panda is extremely 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.