Ueno Zoo is temporarily closed from December 26, 2020 (Saturday) to February 7, 2021 (Sunday) and March 7, 2021 (Sunday) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (please see this page for details).

As the breeding season for Giant Panda we keep at our zoo is approaching, we will be making preparations to quickly create an environment conducive to mating if any signs of estrus are observed.

Therefore, we would like to inform you about our response during the breeding season.

Shinshin (female)	Leelee (male)

Target animals
Giant Panda
Ri Ri (male), born August 16, 2005 at Wo Long Conservation Center.
Shin Shin (female) was born on July 3, 2005, at the Wolong Conservation Center.

About breeding
Giant Panda typically breed once a year, from February to May. During this period, the female's chances of becoming pregnant are only high for a few days.
Our aim is natural breeding, and we plan to determine the optimal mating period for females and then house them together for mating.

Breeding season response
We will take the following measures while observing the behavior of Shin Shin during the breeding season.

① Regarding the implementation of cohabitation
For the purpose of mating, we plan to have Ri Ri (male) and Shin Shin (female) live together multiple times over several days.

② About the exhibition
If signs of estrus are observed during opening hours, in order to create a calm environment in which the panda can concentrate on breeding,
Access to the area around Giant Panda panda enclosure and pheasant enclosure West Garden 's "Panda Forest" will be restricted.
As a result, the exhibits of Ri Ri, Shin Shin, and pheasants will be suspended. We appreciate your understanding.
Thank you very much.
Xiang Xiang will continue to be on display at the panda enclosure in East Garden.

*Due to the health condition of the animals, access to the entire "Panda Forest" area, including Red Panda enclosure, may be restricted.
Please note that we may have to cancel the exhibition of other animals, including Xiang Xiang.
*Depending on the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the temporary closure period may be extended.


West Garden" Panda Forest" Giant Panda Breeding Season Restricted Area
Notice about the exhibition
If Shin Shin's mating behavior intensifies during opening hours, we will issue a separate notice regarding the suspension of the exhibits of Ri Ri, Shin Shin, and others.

For information on whether or not the exhibits will be on display afterwards, please check Ueno Zoo Zoo website. Ueno Zoo Official Twitter Information will be posted at the entrance gate. Please check the notice and make a reservation in advance for the numbered ticket required for entry.

If any signs of estrus are observed during the temporary closure period, we will notify you separately.

Current situation
Ri Ri is exhibiting behaviors commonly seen during the estrus season, such as urinating while standing on his head, marking territory, rubbing his body against things more frequently, and sniffing the floor or Shin Shin's excrement when entering Shin Shin's room or enclosure.

Currently, Shinshin has not shown any signs of estrus, such as vocalizations characteristic of the mating season, behaviors like cooling parts of her body, or significant changes in urinary hormone levels.

[Reference] The events of 2017, the year Xiang Xiang was born.　

Estrus

Around December 8, 2016, the male (Li Li) began exhibiting behaviors typical of the breeding season.
Around February 15, 2017, the female (Shinshin) also began to show signs of estrus.
February 22nd Exhibition canceled
February 27th: Cohabitation commenced, mating behavior confirmed.
February 28th: The female's estrus is subsiding.
Press release on March 1st announces reopening of the exhibition.
March 2nd: Exhibition reopens

After mating

Around May 16th, changes begin to be observed in Shin Shin, such as a decrease in her food intake and an increase in her resting time.
Around May 20th, changes in hormone metabolites in the urine may be observed.
May 25th: Shin Shin's exhibit will be closed in preparation for giving birth.
June 12th: Childbirth

(January 28, 2021)
(February 3, 2021: Temporary closure period corrected)