San Diego pandas sequestered for mating

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SAN DIEGO, April 16 (UPI) -- The San Diego Zoo is giving its pandas some private time this weekend, hoping they will mate.

Female pandas are "in season" only three days a year, but zookeepers believe Bai Yun, 19, a mother of five, is ready. She and Gao Gao, 20, were put together Friday after meeting at the gate that separates their quarters, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The couple are being shielded from public view to encourage mating sessions. Their youngest cub, 2-year-old Yun Zi, will be on exhibit.

Bai Yun and Gao Gao are kept apart all year, except for their special 72 hours in the spring. Veterinarians have been keeping track of Bai Yun's behavior and hormone levels.