MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Veterinarians at the Memphis Zoo said they are concerned about the pregnancy of giant panda Ya Ya after an ultrasound failed to detect a heartbeat.
Blood tests have shown the hormone progesterone, which indicates a pregnancy, but at a lower level than it should be, said Matt Thompson, curator of mammals.
...
Although no heartbeat has been detected, [radiologist Dr. George] Flinn has seen a gestational sack, where the fetus would develop, and a fetal pole [!], another sign of a developing fetus.
Ya Ya has been showing behavioral signs of pregnancy, such as occasional agitation, sleeping more often and becoming more secluded.
Panda pregnancies cannot be confirmed until shortly before the delivery date. Gestation lasts about 133 days. [emphasis added]
No wonder it's so hard to save them.
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