SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Panda breeding fails in Adelaide

An attempt to have Adelaide Zoo's giant pandas breed has failed despite the use of artificial insemination.

Adelaide Zoo's two giant pandas, Wang Wang and Funi
(AAP)

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Maybe the two pandas at Adelaide Zoo needed some Barry White music?

Despite all efforts - both natural and artificial - the zoo's two giant pandas, Wang Wang and Funi, were unable to mate at the weekend.

Female pandas have a very short fertility window - 48 hours - which is why breeding can be so difficult, but the zoo's male panda is also thought to have a low sperm count.

Zoo officials said Funi came into season over the weekend but attempts to have her mate naturally with Wang Wang proved unsuccessful.

Artificial insemination was then attempted but is also thought to have been unsuccessful despite the efforts of reproductive specialists from China.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"Panda breeding is difficult at the best of times and this year's attempt at artificial insemination was made more complicated by low-sperm volume," the zoo said in a statement on Monday.

"As Wang Wang is still a young male panda this isn't uncommon.

"In the wild, young pandas generally don't breed, as dominant males ward off younger rivals.

"It is anticipated that as Wang Wang matures, his ability to breed will increase."

Adelaide Zoo senior panda keeper Simone Davey said both Wang Wang and Funi were returning to their normal routines following the breeding season.

She said zoo officials had learnt much from this year's failed attempt and were hoping for more success next year.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world