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Giant panda Jia Jia's pregnancy prospects still unclear

SINGAPORE — Giant panda Jia Jia's pregnancy prospects remain unclear following the artificial insemination process, according to her caretakers at the River Safari today (Sept 3).

Female panda Jia Jia is often “missing” in the exhibit and has been spending more time sleeping in her den, eating less and showing an increased level of progesterone, which are signs of pregnancy or pseudo-pregnancy, say caretakers. Photo: Yeo Kai Ting

Female panda Jia Jia is often “missing” in the exhibit and has been spending more time sleeping in her den, eating less and showing an increased level of progesterone, which are signs of pregnancy or pseudo-pregnancy, say caretakers. Photo: Yeo Kai Ting

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SINGAPORE — Giant panda Jia Jia's pregnancy prospects remain unclear following the artificial insemination process, according to her caretakers at the River Safari today (Sept 3).

Caretakers said Jia Jia was often “missing” in the exhibit and has been spending more time sleeping in her den, eating less and showing an increased level of progesterone – signs of pregnancy or pseudo-pregnancy.

According to Dr Serena Oh, Assistant Director of Veterinary Services at Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), Jia Jia’s behaviours are in line with a rise in progesterone, but it is not easy to confirm her pregnancy because the gestation period varies for each panda.

“Giant pandas have delayed implantation and it is difficult to see the small foetus during ultrasound scan,” Dr Oh added. The gestation period for a giant panda is typically five months, and the foetus only starts to develop a few weeks before birth.

WRS Chief Life Sciences Officer Dr Cheng Wen-Haur added that members of the public will know if Jia Jia is pregnant in about a week’s time. Meanwhile, vets and keepers will continue to monitor Jia Jia’s hormone levels and conduct ultrasound scans.

The artificial insemination took place after Jia Jia and Kai Kai had an unsuccessful mating attempt in April. Since July 23, the caretakers have been conducting weekly ultrasound scans to detect the heartbeat of a foetus but the results were inconclusive.

Female panda Jia Jia turned seven today, while male panda Kai Kai turns eight on Sept 14.

To celebrate their birthdays as well as the duo’s third year in Singapore, a private party was held for them at the River Safari. More than 30 pre-school children from PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Zhenghua were invited to the party. The pandas are here on a 10-year loan from China. CHANNEL NEWSASIA

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