Close relationship with panda Ying Ying left Hong Kong researchers devastated after miscarriage

Researchers who have taken care of giant panda Ying Ying at Ocean Park are devastated about her miscarriage because they developed close bonds with her. Some accompanied the panda to Sichuan province for mating attempts between February and July, a senior researcher said.

The 13 researchers were initially excited when they last week confirmed that 10-year-old Ying Ying was pregnant for the first time.

But when they saw from ultrasound images that the foetus had broken down, some even cried, said Howard Chuk Hau-chung, Ocean Park’s senior curator for terrestrial life sciences.

"Including me, we treat Ying Ying as a family member. I take care of her and we spend time together every day," Chuk told an RTHK programme today.

The panda could tell the level of friendship or intimacy with each researcher, he said. “If you and I come to play with Ying Ying, she will only play with me because I spend more time with her and she knows me.”