Giant pandas are notoriously lazy lovers. Even the threat of imminent extinction has failed to raise their libido levels from their current pathetic lows.

In the past zoo keepers have even resorted to showing the stupid animals porn in the hope that this would encourage them to save themselves. Now they have a new weapon.

According to Chinese state media the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is preparing male pandas for intercourse with a “rigorous ‘sexercise’ program”, which strengthens their pelvic muscles and “boosts the animal’s sexual stamina”. The story has been picked up widely.

“We use apples to lure male pandas to stand up and walk for a while in a standing position to increase the strength of their hips so that they are more powerful while mating with female pandas,” says Yang Kuixing, chief of the base’s maternity ward.

Other methods are also employed. “We arrange love-making between two excellent pandas in front of inexperienced pandas, which have never had sex. It does work,” says Fei Lisong, deputy chief of the base.

Image: A panda in Washington zoo contemplating its future / US FWS