Artificial Insemination of Giant Panda

The National Zoo’s giant panda mating season began earlier than expected again this year. Female Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) and male Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN) attempted to mate Saturday, Jan. 9. It appears a new January ovulation pattern is emerging for Mei Xiang; excluding 2009, typical ovulation for her has historically occurred in March or April. 

National Zoo scientists have detected a secondary rise in urinary progesterone in its female giant panda, Mei Xiang. This means that she will either give birth to a cub or experience the end of a pseudopregnancy in 40 to 50 days. Mei Xiang has had five consecutive pseudopregnancies since 2007.