However, despite opening a tunnel between their enclosures during Tian Tian’s
36-hour peak ovulation window, the pair have so far failed to show any
chemistry and not yet mated.
Other establishments where pandas are failing to get amorous include Taipei
Zoo, where their resident Yuan Yuan and Tuan Tuan did not mate last month
despite being on heat.
However, officials at the zoo took matters into their own hands when they
launched an artificial insemination programme in a bid to help the female
Yuan Yuan become pregnant.
In Japan, officials will be watching closely the animals at Adventure World to
determine how successful the recent mating stint might be.
If the female panda has managed to conceive, the zoo will be hoping to welcome
new cubs in the summer, according to reports.
It is not the first time the pair have mated, with Eimi giving birth to one
male and one female cub in 2008 as well as a set of twins two years ago.
“They make a nice couple,” an official at Adventure World told the Yomiuri
newspaper.
Earlier this year, Ueno Zoo in Tokyo also confirmed that their two giant
pandas in its care managed to mate.
Officials are observing their condition after Ri Ri mated with the female Shin
Shin in an outdoor enclosure, sparking hopes that the zoo will be able to
welcome its first panda cubs in 24 years.