Today, February 27, 2017 (Monday), mating was confirmed between Giant Panda "Ri Ri" (male) and "Shin Shin" (female) at Ueno Zoo.
Two Giant Panda living together
The two Giant Panda normally live in separate areas. This morning, February 27th, when the two were introduced through a fence, they frequently called to each other, and the female raised her tail in a receptive posture, exhibiting strong signs of estrus. Therefore, from 8:06 a.m., the two were placed together, and mating was confirmed from 8:48 a.m. for 52 seconds. The cohabitation ended at 8:52 a.m., and the two were then moved back to their separate enclosures. We will continue to observe the condition of the two today, February 27th, and plan to try putting them together again depending on the situation.
Currently, the two animals are not on public display (see notice), but we will carefully observe their condition and make a further announcement regarding their reopening.
*Both cubs were born at the Wolong Conservation Center in China. Ri Ri was born on August 16, 2005, and Shin Shin was born on July 3, 2005.
The handler is using a long stick to touch the base of Shinshin's tail to check if she is in heat.
