Giant panda Tian Tian believed pregnant at Edinburgh Zoo

LONDON: Officials at a Scottish zoo say they believe a female giant panda is finally pregnant after months of anticipation.

Edinburgh Zoo says the latest scientific data it has suggests that Tian Tian — Chinese for Sweetie — has conceived following artificial insemination in April and may give birth at the end of the month.

However, officials cautioned Tuesday that they would not be certain until Tian Tian gives birth.

Giant pandas have difficulty breeding and their pregnancies are notoriously difficult to follow because the animals experience “pseudo-pregnancies” — their behaviour and hormonal changes do not indicate for certain whether they are pregnant or not.

Hopes were dashed last year when Tian Tian apparently miscarried near the end of her pregnancy.