According to Hong Kong media reports, giant pandas An An (安安) and Ke Ke (可可), gifted to Hong Kong by the central government in September last year, have just completed their first breeding season at Ocean Park. The animal care team arranged six encounters between them in adjacent indoor enclosures separated by a gate. However, after initially observing Ke Ke, An An showed no romantic interest and remained focused on eating bamboo. Based on An An’s reaction and lack of interest, the park did not attempt natural mating this year.
Ke Ke, on the other hand, reached the peak of her estrus period last week, displaying behaviors such as tail-raising, backward walking, and frequent vocalizations. Caretakers will now help her regain her appetite following this period. Whether mating will be arranged in the next breeding season will depend on further behavioral observations and assessments.
An An and Ke Ke, both five years old, are the panda equivalent of 18-year-old humans. Ocean Park described this first breeding season as a “protective interaction experience,” allowing the two pandas to get to know each other through scent, sound, and sight, gradually building comfort and connection.
Ocean Park revealed that six protective interactions have been arranged so far, creating a relaxed environment for the pair to “meet.” Ke Ke showed curiosity during these encounters, often peeking into the other space and sniffing to explore An An’s scent. However, An An remained focused on eating after initially observing his new companion, displaying his trademark food-loving nature.
The park explained that female pandas typically experience a short estrus peak lasting 24 to 72 hours between February and May. In mid-April, Ke Ke exhibited typical signs of estrus such as scent marking, restlessness, and reduced appetite. Last week, she reached the peak of her estrus cycle with behaviors like tail-raising, backward walking, and frequent calls.
Since the pandas have only recently arrived in Hong Kong, the park plans to continue similar interaction sessions over the next one to two breeding seasons, allowing them to gradually adapt to each other and increase mutual interest. Caretakers will closely monitor and evaluate their behavior in the next breeding season before making further arrangements.
Since arriving in Hong Kong in September 2024, An An has gained 8 kilograms, reaching a healthy weight of 138 kg. Ke Ke has maintained a stable, healthy weight of around 100 kg. The animal care team will continue to monitor Ke Ke’s behavior and support her in regaining her appetite after the estrus period.