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Births of pandas in captivity hit record number
(Washington Post)
Updated: 2005-11-25 14:57
Chinese scientists have logged a record number of giant
panda births in captivity this year through improved artificial insemination
techniques and better understanding of how the reclusive but universally
appealing creature lives and mates.
Yaya, a female giant panda, cradles her cub,
Jingjing, also a female, who was born at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding
Research Base in China's Sichuan province Aug. 30. It was one of three
live births at the facility this season. [Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding
Research Base] |
The result of hard science by no-nonsense researchers,
the increased birthrate is good news for the many children and soft-hearted
adults around the world who delight in the sight of pandas, with their distinctive black
and white fur, sitting back and tranquilly munching on bamboo leaves.
The pandas slouching about their compound here at the Chengdu Giant Panda
Breeding Research Base in central China's Sichuan province did not seem
particularly moved by their species' accomplishment. But at least 19 pandas were
born -- and have survived -- this season in a pair of Chinese research
facilities, officials said, the highest number since scientists here and abroad
began trying to foster reproduction of the endangered animal through artificial
insemination about 40 years ago.
Several more were born in research centers and zoos in
other countries, including twin cubs born Aug. 23 in the Adventure World Park
Zoo in western Japan's Wakayama prefecture, of which only the female lived, and
Tai Shan, a male cub who was born at Washington's National Zoo on July 9 and is
reported to be thriving. In all, up to 25 giant pandas were born and survived in
captivity around the world during this summer's birthing season, according to
the State Forestry Administration and Chinese specialists.
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