Pandas set mating time record in China

CHENGDU, China, April 6 (UPI) -- A pair of amorous pandas at China's Sichuan Giant Panda Research Center set a world record when they were recorded mating for 18 minutes and 3 seconds.

The center introduced female panda Xi Mei to male Lu Lu, who set the previous record of 7 minutes and 45 seconds with female panda Zhen Zhen, and recorded the pair Friday as they engaged in an 18-minute, 3-second mating session.

China Network Television's iPanda, which shared video of the encounter, said pandas typically copulate for between 30 seconds and 5 minutes.

The website said pandas have only a short reproductive window of 48 to 72 hours and the fertility period falls between March and May.

There are believed to be only about 1,600 giant pandas left in the wild.

Researchers said it will be about two months before they can tell whether the female pandas were impregnated.

Warning: Video contains graphic panda intercourse