John Matthews
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) He was never much of a lover, but Tian Tian, has potent sperm.
Zoo officials confirmed Friday that both cubs born to Mei Xiang last week were sired via artificial insemination by Tian Tian, the National Zoo’s male panda, and not Hui Hui, a would-be surrogate Dad in China whose sperm was also used in the breeding bid. Tian Tian is also the father of the Zoo’s 2-year-old cub, Bao Bao.
The zoo also announced that both of the baby cubs are males. The smaller of the two cubs died on Wednesday, but the larger cub has been steadily gaining weight and is reported to be doing quite well.
The official cause of death for the smaller cub will be determined through lab results, but Zoo veterinarians believe he died of pneumonia, which developed after the cub aspirated his mother’s milk or formula into his lungs.
Zoo officials were on a Maury Povich-esque mission to determine the paternity of the cubs.
“What we have learned will greatly add to our body of knowledge about artificial inseminations in pandas,” said Rob Fleischer, head of the Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics. “Determining the pedigree relationships of a cub is a key aspect of helping to maintain a genetically diverse population. Our ability to assess the cub’s lineage will help our colleagues ensure that he finds a suitable mate.”
The Zoo’s Giant Panda Habitat has been closed to the public since Aug. 20, and will remain closed until further notice to provide quiet for Mei Xiang and her cub. Both will be visible on the panda cams. Visitors can see Tian Tian and Bao Bao in the outdoor habitat.
Assuming all goes well, officials say the cub will likely make its public debut early next year.
Copyright 2015 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (Photo: National Zoo)
