Pandas from China get inseminated at Edinburgh Zoo  

爱丁堡动物园为大熊猫“阳光”“甜甜”人工受孕

生活在英国苏格兰爱丁堡动物园的大熊猫“阳光”和“甜甜”日前进入发情期。21日，爱丁堡动物园的专家和专程前来的中国专家为这一对大熊猫实施了人工受孕。

London (CNS) -- Yangguang and Tiantian, two giant pandas from China currently living at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland of the UK, received artificial insemination by experts at the zoo and experts from China on Sunday.

The procedure is going smoothly, and the pair are in good health, said a spokesperson for the zoo.

They are expected to meet visitors next week after a short observation period.

Ultrasonic exams will be done in mid-July to determine whether Tiantian is indeed pregnant, the spokesperson said, adding that if the insemination is successful, the baby panda is expected to be delivered in late August or early September.

"It is hoped that the pair will produce a lovely child this year," said Ian Valentine, chief of the zoo's Giant Panda Program.

The pair arrived at Edinburgh Zoo on Dec. 4, 2011, under the Giant Panda Protection and Research Cooperation Agreement signed by China and the UK. They will live in Edinburgh for 10 years.

Their arrival led to a surge in visitors to the zoo, and the number of visitors is expected to reach new highs after Tiantian gives birth to a brand new panda.