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The Washington Post

washingtonpost.com > Photo

Zoo looks for signs of panda pregnancy

On Monday, veterinarians gave Mei Xiang, the National Zoo's female giant panda, an ultrasound. The procedure comes after experts artificially inseminated the panda twice in January.

National Zoo veterinarian Jessica Siegal-Wilcott, right, gives Mei Xiang the ultrasound.

National Zoo veterinarian Jessica Siegal-Wilcott, right, gives Mei Xiang the ultrasound.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

Zookeeper Laurie Thompson feeds apples to Mei Xiang during the exam.

Zookeeper Laurie Thompson feeds apples to Mei Xiang during the exam.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

Panda reproduction in captivity is complex and difficult, and zoo scientists have only about 48 hours once a year, when the female is in heat, to try to achieve a pregnancy.

Panda reproduction in captivity is complex and difficult, and zoo scientists have only about 48 hours once a year, when the female is in heat, to try to achieve a pregnancy.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

Siegal-Wilcott works the ultrasound probe on the underside of Mei Xiang. In 2005, Mei Xiang gave birth to Tai Shan, who was recently returned to China.

Siegal-Wilcott works the ultrasound probe on the underside of Mei Xiang. In 2005, Mei Xiang gave birth to Tai Shan, who was recently returned to China.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

This ultrasound machine shows Mei Xiang's reproductive tract. The test did not provide conclusive evidence that the panda is pregnant.

This ultrasound machine shows Mei Xiang's reproductive tract. The test did not provide conclusive evidence that the panda is pregnant.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

Mei Xiang, along with Tian Tian, were sent to the zoo by China in 2000 on a 10-year lease, which expires in December. The zoo is hoping for an extension.

Mei Xiang, along with Tian Tian, were sent to the zoo by China in 2000 on a 10-year lease, which expires in December. The zoo is hoping for an extension.

Courtesy of Smithsonian's Nation

Gallery Credits:
Producer Stephen Cook

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This Story Enough panda -- embrace the octopus! Article \| It's our creepiest rite of spring, this annual obsession with panda procreation. Yesterday we were at it again, shamelessly watching a video of poor Mei Xiang's ultrasound to see if the female giant panda might be pregnant with another butter pat. No signs of baby panda yet for zoo Zoo looks for signs of panda pregnancy National Zoo introduces new giant Pacific octopus This Story No signs of baby panda yet for zoo Article \| Mei Xiang, the female giant panda, ambled into the narrow cage and, as trained, rolled onto her back. National Zoo biologist Laurie Thompson sat near her head, feeding her apple slices from a plastic bowl. Veterinarian Jessica Siegal-Willott knelt by the bear's hind legs, running an ultrasound... Zoo looks for signs of panda pregnancy Waiting and hoping: Zoo administers panda ultrasound		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Save/Share + Digg Facebook Reddit Twitter myspace del.icio.us NewsTrust Stumble It! Reprints COMMENT 0 Comments Your browser's settings may be preventing you from commenting on and viewing comments about this item. See instructions for fixing the problem. Discussion Policy CLOSE Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post. Who's Blogging » Links to this gallery		More on washingtonpost.com • More Photo News » washingtonpost.com
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