Thailand in need of "panda porn"

dpa German Press Agency
Published: Monday November 13, 2006

Bangkok- Chinese experts have advised Thailand's Chiang Mai zoo to invest in some panda porn if they want to get their bears to mate, media reports said on Tuesday. The tip was one of many insights offered by 100 sex specialists from 10 countries gathered this week in Chiang Mai, 560 kilometres north of Bangkok, to discuss panda breeding techniques, said The Nation newspaper.

Chiang Mai boasts the only two pandas in Thailand, but to the great disappointment of the city's zoo the couple, Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui, have proven reluctant lovers.

Chinese expert Liv He told the conference that from past experience he had found that playing recordings of mating pandas might prove inspirational for bears in captivity.

There appears to be a lot of panda porn going around, judging by growing fertility rates elsewhere.

Lertrat Rattawanitch of Thailand's Zoological Organization said 2006 had proven a "golden year" for the panda population, with 25 born in captivity this year.

Meanwhile, China's wild panda population has reportedly risen from 1,000 a few years ago to 1,500 now.

© 2006 dpa German Press Agency