Thai people have longed for the pair to mate naturally but so far this hasn't happened as Chuang Chuang was not ready for mating or due to other reasons, deputy zoo director Thanong Natheepithak told a press conference yesterday.

The topic of increasing the world's panda population will be up for discussion at a meeting of international panda experts - including those from China and the US - in Chiang Mai in November, Thanong said.

"Next year, if Chuang Chuang still doesn't perform during Lin Hui's in-heat period, which lasts only three days per year, the zoo may use the artificial insemination with Chuang Chuang's semen," he said.

He added there was also the possibility of using imported frozen sperm, and insisted artificial insemination is safe and has been carried out in many countries.

Meanwhile, it is hoped Asia's first artificial insemination and embryo transfer programme for the rare fishing cat will yield a result on July 7, said the organisation's Academic Department director, veterinarian Sumeth Kamolnoranart.

This project is a three-year joint effort by researchers from the organisation, the Smithsonian and the Cincinnati Zoo.

The team is confident the embryos will be strong and grow in the wombs of three breeding mothers, Sumeth said.

If successful Thailand should be able to welcome the first "fishing kitten" by artificial insemination 63 days later, Sumeth said.

He added that although embryo transfer is complicated, it only uses 10,000 sperm for three to five eggs and therefore will help save semen that may become rare in future.

There are 36 species of wild cats and tigers. Thailand has nine species, all of which are currently under threat of extinction. Dr JoGayle Howard, a reproductive science expert from the Smithsonian, said it was therefore necessary to find techniques and methods to help maintain the species, alongside natural breeding.

Janjira Pongrai

 The Nation