Black and white pair Kai Kai and Jia Jia will be having a go at it again under the watchful eyes of the nation this coming March to May 2017.

This is so as panda mating season is in full bloom and the River Safari is ready.

This will be the third attempt at natural mating.

The 10-year-old Kai Kai and nine-year-old Jia Jia entered mating season for the first time in 2015, but both natural mating and artificial insemination had been unsuccessful. Last year ended with an offspring drought as well.

The giant pandas have been given a clean bill of health after a recent check-up, which comprised of x-rays of Jia Jia’s abdomen, collection of urine samples and a dental and eye check.

Visitors to the zoo may observe certain courtship behaviours between the two during this period, such as making different sounds to attract the attention of any potential mates. Other actions include biting or gnawing on the branches.

For this mating season, keepers have fine-tuned techniques to stimulate their mating instincts.