It is great to know that the AI is being done to help diversify the gene pool. I didn't realize that in addition to the fact that he was a wild caught male (valuable) he came from " a panda population distant from Wolong" which would make his sperm extremely valuable. And he is the only male in the US that has bred naturally - twice!!! By using the AI process in US it helps Wolong get the results they are trying to achieve while the animals are here, and they don't have to wait until they return to China. Hopefully it also allows for future mating possiblities for US born pandas to be bred here.

These blogs are incredibly educational, and a priceless opportunity to learn more about the cooperation going on world-wide for panda conservation. Thanks to everyone for patiently explaining, and answering our questions.

We did collect sperm from Gao Gao this year to give to the NZP for use in the event of an AI. As far as I am aware, this has nothing to do with Tian's sperm count, but rather is an attempt to increase genetic diversity in the cubs that may result. Both Tian and Bai Yun come from Pan Pan's lineage, a highly overrepresented line in the captive population. Gao Gao is certain to have fathered only two offspring, and since he is a wildcaught male from a panda population distant from Wolong, his genes are very rare and valuable in the captive population. Using Gao's genes in an AI is strictly an attempt to allow Gao to have more offspring, so that his genes can be more represented in the captive population as a whole. Since the NZP and SDZ animals are all from Wolong, it was easy to get permission to exchange the male sperm fo this purpose.

Since both zoos are involved, interaction and comments are available from both zoos in person, not necessarily in writing in blogs.

The person who first mentioned this last week said that one of the volunteers at the NZP Panda exhibit told them on a recent visit. Since both zoos are on constant research and hormone watch for that " magic panda moment," of Mei Xiang and Bai Yun respectively, there is information available on-site at both facilities from the keepers and visitor greeters.

I have not read any " official" comment about this from SDZ, probably because it is more of a NZP situation/issue. It is up to NZP to disclose what they want to about the breeding circumstances with their pandas, just like SDZ discusses things that pertain specifically to the breeding of their pandas.