Pandas mating in captivity is an extremely rare event and the zoo described the moment between Yang Yang and Long Hui as “sensational”.

“Other zoos and especially breeding stations rely solely on artificial insemination,” they said in a statement.

Footage shows the pair caught in the act before the female Yang Yang decides enough is enough and hits the male around the head.

The animals are famous for having a disinterest in mating and the female’s mating period only lasts a few days.

However these two, who were the first to mate in captivity in Europe and have already given birth to three baby pandas at the zoo, are bucking the trend and proving that panda love can last.

Keepers had noticed a change in behaviour of Yang Yang and Long Hui in recent weeks as they became more restless and began making more noise than normal, and decided to put them together to see if there were any sparks of affection.

It turns out there was, although the zoo will have to wait for around two months to see whether the mating was successful and Yang Yang is pregnant.