Toronto Zoo could soon welcome 2 new pandas

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The Toronto Zoo could soon welcome two new additions to it’s panda family. Er Shun, the zoo’s 9 year old female panda is pregnant, and expecting two panda cubs. Adam Atkinson was on ‘panda watch’ today, and has the report.

There are two giant panda’s at the Toronto Zoo. Er Shun, a female, and Da Mao, a male. They’re the only pandas in Canada, for now.

“Earlier this year, we introduced the two pandas. We didn’t put them together because we didn’t feel it would go so well, so we decided to pursue artificial insemination with her” says Toronto Zoo Dr. Chris Dutton.

Using a sperm sample from Da Mao, and frozen sperm from two giant pandas in China, staff at the Toronto Zoo successfully impregnated 9 year old Er Shun. An ultrasound from Friday shows one fetus, an image yesterday shows the second one.

“It’s exciting for her” says Toronto Zoo Dr. Gabriela Mastromonaco. “She’s a first time mom, big picture it’s important because part of a breeding program and numbers and genetics are important.”

“It’s highly important, they’re an endangered species. There’s only about 1800 of them left in the world. They’re unique and we’re delighted to be partnering with the Chinese in promoting the conservation of this species.”

Er Shun is expected to give birth sometime in the middle of October, and shortly after that we’ll find out if Da Mao is the dad.

“We know that he could be the dad, we will in due course if we’re successful. We’ll be able to determine who the dad is, or who the dads are because there could be two different dads.”

Zoo visitors were excited to hear of the panda pregnancy. “We think that the panda’s are beautiful animal, we’re fortunate to have them here, a pregnant one here and about to deliver.”

Even though the due date is in October, the panda cubs likely won’t be introduced to the public until March.