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:: Gao Gao's :: I knew it all along Gao Gao is a Daddy :) The DNA test result came out proving the little guy at San Diego is indeed, related to Gao Gao :) yaaaay! (Shi Shi did a good job on Hua Mei too, I have to say) Mama, Bai Yun Papa, Gao Gao Baby Panda ----------------------------------------------- From San Diego Zoo [web link] ----------------------------------------------- SAN DIEGO ZOO ANNOUNCES THE LOOMING QUESTION: WHO'S THE PANDA CUB'S DADDY? NOVEMBER 19, 2003 Researchers from the Genetics Division at the San Diego Zoo's Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species determined that Gao Gao, the Zoo's adult male giant panda, is the cub's sire. This is Gao Gao's first known offspring. The much-anticipated result became available after separate DNA tests were conducted with the use of the cub's hair and saliva, which were obtained by the Zoo's veterinary staff during weekly exams. DNA from Bai Yun, the cub's mother, and Shi Shi, sire of the Zoo's female panda Hua Mei, was taken from blood, while Gao Gao's DNA was from a cell culture. Researchers from CRES identified six informative DNA markers and confirmed their results with repeated tests. The laboratory tests qualified Gao Gao and excluded Shi Shi as the sire of the Zoo's 3-month-old male panda cub. "In a sense we are disappointed that Shi Shi will not leave another offspring to future generations," said Don Lindburg, Ph.D., Giant Panda Conservation and Research team leader. "But as a new breeder, Gao Gao's contribution to the giant panda's gene pool adds importance to the genetic diversity of this rare and beautiful animal." A DNA test was needed to distinguish the cub's sire when Bai Yun had significant bouts of mating with Gao Gao and was artificially inseminated (in the course of her three-day estrus period) with Shi Shi's semen. Shi Shi, who originally joined the Zoo's Giant Panda Conservation and Research Program in 1996, now resides at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong Nature Reserve. The San Diego Zoo is home to four giant pandas, the largest giant panda captive population in the United States. Guests may see Hua Mei, the first ever giant panda to be born and survive in the United States, and Gao Gao, at the SBC Giant Panda Research Station from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The male panda cub and his mom, Bai Yun, continue to bond in the birthing den and are viewable on the Zoo's Panda Cam at www.sandiegozoo.org.