Reluctant mate leaves fertile female panda frustrated

Shi Shi won't won't

April 12, 1998
Web posted at: 11:02 p.m. EDT (0302 GMT)

SAN DIEGO (CNN) -- Pity poor Bai Yun, fertile, frisky -- and frustrated.

The San Diego Zoo's female giant panda was ready to breed. And for women of her species, such a moment only comes once a year and lasts just 24 to 48 hours. But alas, her mate, Shi Shi, was just not interested.

That left zoo keepers scratching their heads and drove poor Bai Yun into a panda funk.

"I think she is possibly a little depressed. She's certainly frustrated," said the zoo's Dr. Don Lindburg.

Perhaps it was the difference in their ages (he's 20 and she's just 6). But try as she may and try as she might, all Bai Yun could get out of Shi Shi was a lot of growling, not exactly a good way to create a romantic atmosphere.

Panda mating problems at the San Diego Zoo 1 minute, 57 second VXtreme video 1.82MB/31 sec./240x180 QuickTime movie

So zookeepers decided to give nature a helping hand. They collected sperm from Shi Shi and artificially inseminated Bai Yun. It will be three months before they will know if she is pregnant.

If the procedure took, the zoo will be able to add to the giant panda population, which numbers less than 1,000 worldwide. If it didn't, then it will be another year before Bai Yun gets another shot at satisfaction -- and Shi Shi another chance for redemption.

Correspondent Charles Feldman contributed to this report.

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