Heavy or not? - Lady Panda examined by ultrasound

Zoo Berlin - Heavy or not? - Lady Panda examined by ultrasound

The signs for a possible pregnancy of Panda female Meng Meng from the Berlin Zoo are good - even though there is still no definitive confirmation. "The hormone values currently look quite similar to five years ago," said Philine Hachmeister of the German Press Agency. In 2019, Meng Meng was pregnant for the first time and gave birth to twins.

On Monday, the eleven-year-old Panda lady was examined via ultrasound. "An increased activity of the uterus was observed," said Hachmeister. However, this is not yet a definitive sign of pregnancy. According to the zoo, the fertilized egg cell of giant pandas does not immediately implant itself into the uterine wall of the mother, but remains in the uterus in a resting state for a certain period of time. This period of implantation can last several months, during which the embryo does not further develop.

Certainty only before birth

The signs for pregnancy are therefore difficult to interpret. Only shortly before birth will there be definitive certainty. After an unsuccessful mating attempt, Meng Meng was artificially inseminated on March 26. Since then, the Panda has gained more than 15 kilograms in weight. This also points to a pregnancy. Large Pandas need a good fat layer to have enough milk for the offspring. "So far, everything is going according to plan with Meng Meng," said Hachmeister. The pregnancy in giant pandas usually lasts three to six months.

1. The ultrasound examination at the Berlin Zoo revealed an increased activity in Panda female Meng Meng's uterus, which was observed by Philine Hachmeister from the German Press Agency.
2. In 2019, Meng Meng from Berlin Zoo experienced her first pregnancy and gave birth to twins, providing a positive indication for her current situation.
3. The Berlin Zoo confirmed that a fertilized egg cell in a giant Panda does not immediately implant itself upon conception, but instead remains in a resting state in the uterus for several months.
4. The German Press Agency reported that Meng Meng, the eleven-year-old Panda residing at Berlin Zoo, has gained more than 15 kilograms in weight since her artificial insemination on March 26, indicating potential pregnancy and the need for an adequate fat layer to produce milk for the offspring.

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