/ Source: The Associated Press
The National Zoo says its female giant panda is not pregnant after all.
The zoo says a final ultrasound and hormone analysis late Tuesday confirmed Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) was experiencing a pseudo pregnancy over the past several months.
Volunteers at the zoo began a 24-hour pregnancy watch Friday as Mei Xiang's hormone levels began to level out. This is the fifth time she's experienced a pseudo pregnancy.
In 2005, Mei Xiang gave birth to her only cub, Tai Shan (TY-shawn). He was sent to a breeding program in China earlier this year.
This may have been the zoo's last chance to breed Mei Xiang and male Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN). A 10-year loan for the pair expires at the end of the year. The bears could be returned to China at that time.
