Is it weird that we're excited about a couple of pandas having sex? Maybe. But with so much negativity flying around these days, hearing about Ocean Park's 14-year old residents Ying Ying and Le Le mating for the first time in a decade has certainly put a smile on our faces.
According to Ocean Park Hong Kong, Ying Ying and her long-standing sweetheart Le Le had finally succeeded in natural mating last Monday, April 6, after numerous attempts since 2010. Since January 26, the park has been closed to the public to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. It looks like these lovely pandas just needed some 'alone time' to do their deeds. Michael Boos, Ocean Park's executive director in zoological operations and conservation, explained that the chance of pregnancy via natural mating is higher than by artificial insemination. So, with any luck, we could be hearing some news about adorable baby pandas by June. A big congrats to the lovely couple!
While most people are staying at home these days, it seems that Ying Ying and Le Le are not the only animals taking advantage of the empty streets. After a herd of goats had taken over a Welsh seaside town, an entire herd of deer has also taken over an empty corner of east London too! Well, at least nature is having fun during all this.