According to the China Wildlife Conservation Association, there are 1,864 Giant Panda in the wild and 464 in captivity, totaling 2,328 individuals. While most are in China, 54 are kept in 19 facilities in 14 other countries. Although Giant Panda population is increasing, concerns about their extinction remain.
Breeding Giant Panda in zoos is considered extremely difficult. This is due to several factors, including the importance of compatibility between males and females for mating, the existence of pseudopregnancy, and the fact that newborns are very small and have a high mortality rate. In response to these challenges, technologies such as artificial insemination and techniques to support mothers in raising their young have been developed and are being applied to giant panda breeding.
Ueno Zoo is also supporting mother Shin Shin to ensure that her child-rearing goes smoothly. This includes creating a calm environment for breastfeeding, massaging her breasts, reminding Shin Shin to be careful not to suffocate her calf, and providing her with water and bamboo shoots. They also regularly take the calf away from Shin Shin for a physical examination to accurately assess the health of both mother and child.
Furthermore, various devices and technologies are utilized throughout pregnancy, including the measurement of urinary hormone metabolites, supplements, high-sensitivity cameras, artificial formula, and incubators.
The most reliable resource is the breeding records left behind by senior animal keeper. The detailed daily journals, which record every event, are now in their 157th volume. They contain a complete record of 45 years of Giant Panda care at Ueno Zoo. The first page of the first journal reads, "October 28, 1972 (Saturday) Cloudy, Kankan, Ranran, 18:50 Arrived safely at Haneda, 20:30 Arrived at the zoo..." Ueno Zoo 's challenge began at this time, and even now, 24-hour support for Shin Shin's cub rearing continues.
By the way, a project to reintroduce Giant Panda into the wild began in China in 2003. In 2006, an attempt was made to return Giant Panda to the wild. Reintroduction into the wild is a grand project that involves coordinated efforts between conservation within the panda's habitat and conservation outside of it, including in zoos. Some of you may have seen it on the news, but the sight animal keeper in China wearing Giant Panda costumes while performing their duties may seem a little comical.
However, there are many technical challenges that must be overcome in order to raise individuals to be released back into the wild. And our endless efforts continue, as we dream that one day Giant Panda born Ueno Zoo will contribute to the wild reintroduction program in China.
