Edinburgh Zoo have announced that their female giant panda could be expecting a new arrival some time soon.
Tian Tian has been at the zoo since 2021, but is yet to give birth in Scotland.
After many attempts, keepers at the zoo are hoping this time could be the one after she was inseminated on Saturday (April. 10).
Today, the RZSS stated that they are “keeping their fingers crossed” that the insemination is successful.
Similar to IVF treatment in humans, Tian Tian is now being cared for by a team of top vets to ensure she has as good a chance as possible.
After arriving at Edinburgh Zoo from China, it had been hoped that Tian Tian would mate with her male counterpart, Yang Guang.
However, after some failed attempts, in 2018 Yang Guang was required to have his testicles removed due to the presence of tumorous, meaning he was unable to conceive.
The donor was instead chosen from a Chinese Giant Panda currently living on a conservation site.
Unfortunately, keepers will not know whether or not Tian Tian is pregnant until she would be due to actually give birth in August or September, due to it being very difficult to examine if a panda is pregnant.
She has given birth before, once in 2007, so it is hoped she could be successful this time round.
The pair of giant pandas were on loan to Scotland from China for ten years, however it has not been confirmed if they will be returning this year.
Edinburgh Zoo has confirmed that they are in discussion with their colleagues in China, and will update their visitors in due course.
