Fu Bao (福宝), the first giant panda born in South Korea, has captured the hearts of millions with her charming personality and endearing presence. From the moment she was born at Everland Resort, she became a symbol of joy and a beloved figure among the local populace. Nicknamed “Princess Fu” and “Long Ren Fu Shi,” Fu Bao’s journey has been marked by widespread affection, cultural impact, and numerous honors, solidifying her status as a true celebrity panda.
Basic Information
- Name: Fu Bao (福宝)
- Gender: Female
- Nicknames: Princess Fu (福公主), Long Ren Fu Shi (龙仁福氏)
- Birth Weight: 197 grams
- Date of Birth: July 20, 2020 (local time in South Korea)
- Place of Birth: Everland Resort, South Korea
- Parents:
Personality Traits
- Fu Bao is described as the perfect blend of charisma and wisdom. Not only is she visually striking, but she also exhibits remarkable intelligence. Reports indicate that Fu Bao can understand instructions in Sichuan dialect and obediently follow her keeper’s directions, such as cooperating during weight checks – a rare trait among giant pandas.
- Known for her lively and playful nature, Fu Bao is full of energy and sometimes a bit mischievous. She has been raised with meticulous care by her two dedicated keepers, who shower her with attention and toys, making her one of the most indulged panda cubs. These keepers often craft various playthings for her out of bamboo, such as guitars, flutes, and even ice skates.
- Despite giant pandas being solitary animals that spend most of their time eating bamboo and resting, Fu Bao stands out for her high sociability. She enjoys interacting with her companions and often engages in playful activities with other pandas, displaying a level of friendliness that is unusual for her species.
Physical Characteristics
- Fu Bao has several distinctive physical features, including a tuft of hair on top of her head, yellowish markings around her cheeks, widely spaced eye patches, and a silvery tail with fine, bird-like feathers.
- One of her most unique physiological traits is her heart-shaped tongue. This feature adds to her adorableness and charm, earning her the nickname “Princess Fu” among her admirers.
Life Exprience of Fu Bao
Birth and Early Life
Fu Bao was born on July 20, 2020, at Everland Resort in Yongin, South Korea. At birth, she measured 16.5 cm in length and weighed 197 grams. Her mother, Ai Bao (known as Huani in China), initially struggled but eventually succeeded in holding and comforting her newborn after several attempts.
Between September 22 and October 11, 2020, Everland Resort held a public naming contest for the first giant panda born in South Korea. The name “Fu Bao,” meaning “a treasure that brings happiness,” won with 17,000 votes. On January 4, 2021, Fu Bao made her first public appearance at Everland’s “Panda World.”
Return to China
According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), giant pandas born abroad must return to China before they reach breeding age, typically around four years old.
On April 3, 2024, Fu Bao left Everland Resort in Yongin, South Korea, to return to China. Later that afternoon, with joint efforts from Chinese and South Korean authorities, Fu Bao arrived in Chengdu, China. She was then taken to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) at the Wolong Shenshuping base for a one-month quarantine.
Quarantine and Adjustment
During a routine press conference on the day of her arrival, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin welcomed Fu Bao back to China and expressed gratitude to the South Korean caretakers for their meticulous care.
On May 1, while still under quarantine, Fu Bao showed normal behavior in eating, activity, and interaction with her keepers.
On May 4, Fu Bao completed her quarantine and moved to the breeding park at the Wolong Shenshuping base, where she continued to adapt well to her new environment.
Public Debut in China
On June 11, Fu Bao was relocated to the No. 2 building of the panda kindergarten at the Wolong Shenshuping base.
On June 12, she made her official public debut at the Wolong Shenshuping base. Fu Bao had already adjusted to her new diet, showing a high acceptance of local bamboo shoots, carrots, and apples. Her weight fluctuated between 103 and 106 kilograms, within the normal range for a panda her age.
On July 4, fulfilling his promise to visit Fu Bao, South Korean panda caretaker Kang Cheol-won (affectionately known as Grandpa Kang) visited the Wolong Shenshuping base.
Social Impact and Hornors
Nicknames and Public Affection
Fu Bao’s presence in South Korea garnered immense love and affection from the public. Her charming personality and adorable antics led to her being affectionately called “Princess Fu” and “Long Ren Fu Shi.”
Photographic Essay Collection
On July 20, 2021, a photographic essay collection documenting Fu Bao’s growth, titled “Panda Baby Fu Bao,” was published. This book provided fans with an intimate look at her life and quickly became a cherished item among her admirers.
Popular Emojis
In 2021, Everland Resort released the first set of Fu Bao emojis, titled “Fu Bao One Year Old.”
On September 6, 2023, a new set of emojis, “Fu Bao Three Years Old,” was launched. This set featured 24 fan-favorite moments from her growth, including a heartwarming image of Fu Bao cuddling with her caretaker, Kang Cheol-won, accompanied by the text “I love you.” The following day, this emoji set topped the popularity charts on South Korean social media. Additionally, the previously released “Fu Bao One Year Old” emojis saw a resurgence in popularity, ranking second.
Pop-up Store
On November 9, 2023, Everland Resort opened a two-week limited-time pop-up store, “Fu Bao, My Sweet Home,” at THE Hyundai Seoul’s B2 level. The online reservation slots for this event were fully booked within five minutes of opening, demonstrating Fu Bao’s massive appeal.
Limited Edition Credit Card
At the end of 2023, KB Kookmin Credit Card introduced the “KB Kookmin Everland Panda Card Fu Bao Limited Edition,” with an initial release of 1,000 cards. The cards sold out within three business days, prompting a second release of an additional 4,000 cards, which also quickly sold out.
Honorary Citizenship
In February 2024, Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province awarded Fu Bao an honorary citizenship certificate. This special recognition highlighted her significant impact on the local community and the joy she brought to the residents.
Galaxy Buds Special Edition
In May 2024, Samsung Electronics launched a special edition of their Galaxy Buds wireless earbuds, inspired by Fu Bao and her family. This product further cemented Fu Bao’s status as a cultural icon in South Korea.
