Just like humans, animals sometimes need a little romantic help in the "bedroom." For endangered, captive animals, the pressure to perform is even greater as mating is the only way to save species from extinction.
So what's a sexually apprehensive creature to do? Leave it to industrious zoo keepers to come up with some wildly romantic gestures — from the sweet sounds of a classical pianist to the alluring scent of fragrant herbs — to help make the magic happen.
In honor of Valentine's Day, here are seven potentially inspiring stories (ahem), of animals trying to get it on:
1. French pianist plays live
A pair of Galapagos tortoises at the London Zoo were treated to the ethereal tunes of French pianist Richard Glayderman on Feb. 7.
The musician serenaded them with songs from his latest album Romantique, as well as classics like his stirring "Ballade pour Adeline" and a rousing rendition of "Chariots of Fire."
While the intimate event was mostly an admitted plug for his new work, the endangered animals do desperately need to get it on and the zoo was willing to try anything.
Unfortunately, the romantic music was, by all accounts, lost on the amphibians, who only appeared interested when offered carrots by a keeper.
2. Creating a private love nest
The pressure was on earlier this month for giant pandas Yang Guang and Tian Tian when the female, Tian Tian, had but a 36-hour window of optimal fertility.
To encourage the process, keepers at the Edinburgh Zoo opened a "love tunnel" between their separate enclosures and also turned off the Panda Cam to ensure they had their privacy.
While the pair showed encouraging signs of intimacy, including a spirited wrestling match, they have yet to mate.
Officials say they would like for the UK's only pandas to do it naturally, but if necessary, they can use an extended bamboo pole to lift up Tian Tian's tail. Talk about a mood killer.
3. A cuddle surrogate
Cheetahs, being such stunningly fast animals, are fiercely independent, which doesn't help them in the metaphorical sack.
Adding to the pressure, female cheetahs don't go into heat, but rather have to be brought into estrus by a male cheetah.
Those living in zoos and wildlife parks are often particularly skittish and ill-suited for mating because they are likely to have been abandoned by their mothers or just fail to relate well to other cheetahs.
How do zoos warm the loins of the frigid kitties? With dogs, naturally. Several zoos around the country have begun using "companion dogs" to serve as playmates for young cheetahs to provide the cats with socializing guidance.
The cats and dogs are introduced at three months old and grow up together, the dog being the dominant figure in the relationship.
The hope is that over time the cheetahs will relax around their brethren and, one day, welcome male cheetahs with open paws.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider