It’s finally happening.
We’ve waited long enough to hear this again: Singapore’s beloved giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia are mating once more.
The two were brought together in their dens for natural mating on Thursday (Mar 30), after Jia Jia’s hormonal levels indicated that she was ready, said Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) in a press statement.
Visitors of River Safari’s Giant Panda Forest might be a little confused if they find Kai Kai and Jia Jia missing in action from Friday onwards.
But don’t worry – they’re getting in on some action, alright? It’s just that our panda friends need some privacy at this time. They will not be in their exhibits until Sunday (Apr 2).
However, WRS assured visitors that they will still be able to view the red panda exhibit.
Artificial insemination will be carried out after Kai Kai and Jia Jia are done with natural mating. This is to maximise the chances of a successful insemination, said WRS.
This is the pandas’ third attempt at natural mating since 2015, after previous rounds of natural mating and artificial insemination proved unsuccessful.
Assisting the veterinary team at River Safari will be a team led by Prof Ng Soon Chye, an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist internationally renowned for his expertise in reproductive medicine.
From now till the end of this week at least, let’s give Kai Kai and Jia Jia their much needed space.
So please, everyone – for the sake of baby pandas – shhh!
ssandrea@sph.com.sg
