Scotland's giant pandas are expected to have to wait until next year to mate again after two days of putting the creatures together failed to bring success.
Tian Tian and Yang Guang wrestled, rubbed paws and noses called incessantly during their five minute stints together....but that was all.
Zoo officials said there would a last few tries this evening but it looked like the 36-hour mating season was drawing to an unsuccesful close.
Yuang Guang climbed on top of the Tian Tian on a number of occasions but that was where it ended for this year.
Edinburgh Zoo’s panda keepers are expected to consider the possibility of artificial insemination next year when the female enters her short period of ovulation, which can be anything between about 36 hours and three days and arrives only once a year.
Panda expert Henry Nicholls said the zoo had conducted the process well. He said: "The zoo have acted very sensibly and didn't try artificial insemination at this stage. I would think they would consider it next year."
In a statement headed "Close, But No Cigar: Tian Tian and Yang Guang hit it off, but no panda babies yet", the zoo said: "Although the furry pair have hit it off and have a definite attraction, no full mating has been seen to date. The pandas will have one or two final meetings later this afternoon and potentially early this evening, however the chances of the panda pair achieving a successful mating this year have decreased."
Iain Valentine, director of research & conservation, said: "Each time the pair met we saw a huge amount of eagerness and attraction between Tian Tian and Yang Guang. There was lots of vocalisation and encouragement from our female and physical contact between the two.
"He mounted her several times, however full mating did not occur. Although both have bred before and have borne cubs with other pandas, they are both still relatively inexperienced.
"At the end of the day, this is year one of a 10-year conservation project here at Edinburgh Zoo. We are hugely encouraged by how much the natural sparks flew between the two animals, as like humans, not all male and female pandas are attracted to each other. Both were keen to mate, but their inexperience showed.
"Baby cubs would have been a bonus this year, but we have to appreciate that the pandas have only just arrived and have had limited time to settle.
"Overall, we remain very pleased with the outcome of the last few weeks and it has been a fantastic trial run here at Edinburgh Zoo. As animal conservationists and scientists, we have learnt a huge amount in such a short time about this captivating species and we look forward to the next 10 years."
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