Pandas from China get inseminated at Edinburgh Zoo  

愛丁堡動(dòng)物園為大熊貓“陽(yáng)光”“甜甜”人工受孕

生活在英國(guó)蘇格蘭愛丁堡動(dòng)物園的大熊貓“陽(yáng)光”和“甜甜”日前進(jìn)入發(fā)情期。21日，愛丁堡動(dòng)物園的專家和專程前來(lái)的中國(guó)專家為這一對(duì)大熊貓實(shí)施了人工受孕。

London (CNS) -- Yangguang and Tiantian, two giant pandas from China currently living at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland of the UK, received artificial insemination by experts at the zoo and experts from China on Sunday.

The procedure is going smoothly, and the pair are in good health, said a spokesperson for the zoo.

They are expected to meet visitors next week after a short observation period.

Ultrasonic exams will be done in mid-July to determine whether Tiantian is indeed pregnant, the spokesperson said, adding that if the insemination is successful, the baby panda is expected to be delivered in late August or early September.

"It is hoped that the pair will produce a lovely child this year," said Ian Valentine, chief of the zoo's Giant Panda Program.

The pair arrived at Edinburgh Zoo on Dec. 4, 2011, under the Giant Panda Protection and Research Cooperation Agreement signed by China and the UK. They will live in Edinburgh for 10 years.

Their arrival led to a surge in visitors to the zoo, and the number of visitors is expected to reach new highs after Tiantian gives birth to a brand new panda.