Ying Ying: born free in 2005 Age: 11 Sex: female Weight: 100 kg Age when brought to Hong Kong: 2 Distinguishing feature: eyes shaped like the number 8 Likes: sleeping in tree tops, doing a balancing act, walking on branches and bending backwards.
An An is treated with medicines that are usually blended with snacks between meals. "Pandas are sensitive to smell. If they don't like the smell of the snacks, they won't touch them," Leung said. High-fiber biscuits mixed with fresh fruits add a sugar coating to An An's medication.
"Giant pandas have their own preferences, which change as they age and with the changing of the seasons. We have to observe their reactions and draw conclusions every time we provide them with different drinks," Leung said.
The next generation
The two younger pandas bear the responsibility of producing the next generation. Giant pandas are solitary animals and only come into contact during the peak of their period of sexual receptivity, which lasts about three days a year. Another problem is the pregnancy success rate of just 30 to 50 percent.
The team has spared no efforts in trying to bring about Hong Kong's first panda birth. They stash food and toys at higher levels in an attempt to strengthen Le Le's hind legs, so they will support his weight when mating. They also place bags that carry the pandas' scent in each other's habitats to familiarize them with each another. The panda house was even closed to the public temporarily in April in the hope of encouraging natural mating.
Leung was overjoyed by Ying Ying's successful pregnancy in May last year, even though he was not her main caregiver at the time. Sadly, 130 days later, Ying Ying had a miscarriage.
