Tian Tian and Yang Guang have both bred before, although not with each other.

BBC: Edinburgh Zoo pandas: Enclosure swap ahead of mating

Tian Tian and Yang Guang will be given the opportunity to meet up to three times for short 15 to 30 minute intervals, following the pattern of how pandas would come together briefly in the wild to mate.

BBC: Edinburgh Zoo's pandas may be ready to mate

Keepers hope Tian Tian and the male Yang Guang mate naturally, but will also attempt artificial insemination.

BBC: Edinburgh Zoo's pandas may be ready to mate

Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine) will not be brought together until that stage is reached.

BBC: Edinburgh Zoo waits for female panda hormones

Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine) were also able to interact with a grate keeping them apart.

BBC: Tian Tian

The female panda, Tian Tian, will then be put into the same enclosure as male panda Yang Guang.

BBC: Edinburgh Zoo encouraged by panda hormone test