Panda pornography (or Panda porn) refers to pornographic movies created to promote sexual arousal in captive Giant Pandas (Chinese: 大熊貓) (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Under zoo conditions, the bears have in general proven unenthusiastic about mating, placing their species in danger of extinction.
The method was popularised following reports of an experiment performed by zoologists in Thailand, in which they showed several captive bears at Bankok Zoo a number of pornographic videos featuring other Giant Pandas.[1][2] Though the researchers behind the project state that they believe in a successful mating due to usage of pornographic movies for animals, such success so far has not been achieved outside of China,[3] where 31 cubs were born over a ten month period following commencement of the experiment.
Other methods, including the use of Viagra, to stimulate pandas have thus far been unsuccessful.[4]
References
- ^ "'Panda porn' to encourage mating", Narunart Prapanya, CNN, January 25, 2006. Retrieved August 17, 2007.
- ^ "Panda 'Porn' to Boost Mating Efforts at Thai Zoo", Brian Handwerk, National Geographic, November 13, 2006. Retrieved August 17, 2007.
- ^ "Panda porn pays off", Ananova.com, retrieved August 17, 2007.
- ^ Pandas unexcited by Viagra, BBC News, 9 September, 2002. Retrieved August 17, 2007