#DCPandas: Preparing for Pseudopregnancy

Earlier this spring, giant panda Qing Bao experienced her first estrus cycle—the very short (48-to-72-hour) window when female giant pandas are able to conceive a cub.  

 While this was a normal—and very exciting—development for our 3-year-old female giant panda, we did not put her and our now 4-year-old male, Bao Li, together. Generally, giant pandas do not breed before 5 years of age, so both bears have a bit more maturing to do.  

Still, we were encouraged that the pair showed such positive interest in each other—a hopeful sign they may produce cubs in the future!  

Now that we’re past breeding season, Qing Bao will experience a phenomenon called a pseudopregnancy. Even though she did not breed, she will go through the same hormonal and behavioral changes that she would experience if she were pregnant.  

To monitor Qing Bao’s hormones, we regularly collect samples of her urine and send them to the Zoo’s endocrinologists. They analyze the samples and look for changes in her estrogen and progesterone levels, which rise and fall just as they would during a real pregnancy.  

On Aug. 13, our scientists confirmed Qing Bao’s hormones are elevated, indicating the start of a  pseudopregnancy. Just like with a true pregnancy, we expect to see her activity level change over the next four-to-six weeks. Qing Bao may become restless at first, then show less interest in food, become more sensitive to noises in her environment, nest-build, cradle objects and sleep more. 

As this is her first year experiencing an estrus, it will be an opportunity for our giant panda team to learn what a pseudopregnancy for Qing Bao may look like. Based on her most recent urine samples, we expect her hormones and behaviors will return to normal by the end of September. For now, our team continues to provide Qing Bao with the highest quality of care and creature comforts, including plenty of bamboo, enrichment and attention from her keepers. 

On Sept. 12, we’re throwing a fourth birthday paw-ty for Qing Bao! Celebrate in person with us at the Zoo, or tune into the festivities on the Giant Panda Cam, sponsored by Boeing. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. On behalf of the animals we care for and work to protect: thank you!