Zoo animals just don't get out to the traditional meeting spots, so like many of their human counterparts, they've resorted to computer dating to find just the right mates.

The Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) is coming universally online this fall to help zookeepers matchmake for their precious charges, as well as coordinate a number of other zoo functions, such as sharing medical tips, keeping birth and death records, and providing insight on individual animals, all in real time.

According to a story published by the Associated Press, "the software will give zookeepers better access to species-level details," including special turn-ons for each species, or perhaps each individual animal, based on observation by other zookeepers. In China,  for example, breeding experts show pandas images of other pandas mating--so-called "panda porn"-- to get them stimulated.

"There are some frogs that you have to simulate rain for or they won't come out and breed," Bob Wiese, director of collections for the Zoological Society of San Diego, told the Associated Press.

"Other frogs, they just need to hear the sound of rain and the sound of lightning and thunder. That's what sets off their hormones."

Up until ZIMS was widespread, most zoos kept their own databases of family histories, mating patterns  and animal data, but the information wasn't readily shared because of different computer programs, etc. Now that everyone's on the same (web) page, so to speak, there will be instant access to information that might save an animal's life--or a species.

Animal husbandry, zoo-style, was also shared with zoogoers and students through a game called "The Mating Game."  at Zoo Atlanta several years ago. Georgia Institute of Technology  developed a program where people could enter into the process of how zookeepers choose mates for their animals, to educate future zookeepers and zoo attendees on the processes involved.

Zookeepers herald the program as a step in the right direction, given the artificiality of many zoo settings and the lack of opportunities for breeding that exist in a wild population. Hopefully, the Match.com way works to strengthen the family lines of zoo animals, keeping them happy--and satisfied--for years to come.