Video: Giant Pandas get into training for mating season Tian Tian puts her paw through the bars onto a metal support, which will allow blood samples to be taken. She has also been trained to urinate on command, which allows samples to be tested for changes in hormone levels. The male panda Yang Guang is also being trained to allow keepers to monitor his own hormone levels and changes in his body. Pheromones in Tian Tian's urine, which keepers are dabbing around Yang Guang enclosure, help to drive hormonal changes in his body. Edinburgh Zoo is highly protective of its two pandas - which are on loan for 10 years from China - restricting the number of people who are allowed to get close to them in their enclosure. This makes the access granted to The Telegraph particularly special, allowing a previously unseen insight into how latest research on panda biology and behaviour is being applied to to help increase the chances of cubs being born. Such breeding in captivity is seen as extremely important in helping to ensure the continued survival of these critically endangered animals as there are hopes that with time, some of the pandas can be reintroduced to the wild.