July 20th marks the 4th birthday of giant panda “Fubao.” At the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (referred to as the “Panda Center”), a visitor named Zhao Qingshu, who traveled from Incheon, South Korea, to celebrate “Fubao’s” birthday, marveled, “Since returning to China, ‘Fubao’ remains as adorable as ever. I hope it continues to bring joy to more people.”
“Fubao” was born in South Korea on July 20, 2020. After returning to China in April this year, it successfully adapted to quarantine and integration into its group. On June 12, it was introduced to the public.
On July 20, “Fubao” celebrated its 4th birthday, which is also its first birthday since returning to China. Early in the morning, “Fubao” leisurely walked out of the inner circle, first patrolling along the outer circle before strolling to the pool in the center of the courtyard. It gently dipped its paw into the cool water, creating splashes and enjoying the refreshing summer breeze.
The keepers placed fresh bamboo on the climbing frame. After playing, “Fubao” went straight to the food, sniffing it before sitting by the wooden post, the bamboo making a “crunch” sound as it chewed. Unfazed by the tourists’ cameras, it spread out its limbs, lying on the ground for a relaxed nap, exuding a sense of complete ease.
Outside the enclosure, tourists formed long lines to see “Fubao.” Ms. Li from Hong Kong has been closely following “Fubao’s” growth and even visited South Korea twice to see it. This time, she took her annual leave to visit Sichuan to see “Fubao” up close. She noticed that as “Fubao” grows, it remains as energetic and cute as ever.
To express birthday wishes, 52-year-old tourist Ma Yan created two exquisite watercolor paintings overnight and brought them to the site. In one painting, “Fubao” is seen enjoying bamboo; in the other, it is sleeping with a mischievous little bird perched on its head. Ma Yan explained that both paintings were inspired by real photos, “I hope all ‘national treasures’ grow up healthy and happy, just like depicted in the paintings.”
Mr. Yang, a panda photography enthusiast from Chengdu, compared his footage from over a month ago and was delighted to find that “Fubao” seemed more at ease and enjoying itself, “I look forward to visiting again in winter to capture pandas in the snow.”
Xu Xiang, a keeper from the professional care team for “Fubao,” introduced that in its new environment, “Fubao” has found various ways to enjoy itself. In the morning, it likes playing by the pool; in the afternoon, it often lazily sprawls on the climbing frame, sleeping with its head inside and bottom facing out. Sometimes, it enthusiastically climbs the artificial hills to play or searches for delicious “wotou” (steamed corn buns) in hanging bamboo baskets.
“Its adaptability is very strong, and it has already integrated into the Panda Center family,” said Xu Xiang. Through environmental, dietary, social, and cognitive enrichment, “Fubao” has learned to use sounds and scents to communicate with its “neighbors.” Yesterday, it even participated in a group birthday party held at the Panda Center for the giant pandas.
