From her first breath on July 20, 2020, at Everland Resort in South Korea, Fu Bao (福宝/Fubao/Pubao) has been a captivating presence, charming hearts and winning adoration from all corners of the world. As the first giant panda born in South Korea, she quickly became a symbol of joy and unity, earning the nickname “Princess Fu.” Her playful antics, endearing personality, and unforgettable moments, like the time she mistook a familiar face for a stranger, have made Fu Bao a beloved celebrity far beyond her homeland.
Basic Information
- Name: Fu Bao/Pubao (福宝)
- Gender: Female
- Nicknames: Princess Fu (福公主)
- Birth Weight: 197 grams
- Date of Birth: July 20, 2020 (local time in South Korea)
- Place of Birth: Everland Resort, South Korea
- Mother: Ai Bao (爱宝) (Hua Ni in China)
- Father: Le Bao (乐宝) (Yuan Xin in China)
- Siblings: Hui Bao (辉宝) and Rui Bao (睿宝)
Intriguing Details of Panda Fu Bao
Appearance: Fu Bao possesses several striking physical features that set her apart. A small tuft of fur sits adorably atop her head, adding to her playful charm. Her cheeks have a subtle yellowish tint, and her widely spaced eye patches give her an expressive, almost mischievous look. One of her most distinctive features is her silvery tail, adorned with fine, feather-like strands that resemble delicate bird plumage. But perhaps the most unique trait of all is her heart-shaped tongue – a rare and endearing feature that makes her even more lovable to fans.
The “Destroyer”: Before Fu Bao entered the world, Ai Bao’s enclosure was a picturesque little garden, bursting with vibrant tulips and golden rapeseed flowers. Ai Bao, ever gentle and meticulous, would carefully step around the blossoms, preserving their beauty. But once Fu Bao arrived, the serene garden quickly fell into chaos. The tulips vanished, trampled under her playful paws, and Ai Bao’s beloved small trees met an untimely fate—mercilessly uprooted whenever Fu Bao threw a tantrum. What was once a lush and colorful paradise soon became barren, as if no plant dared to thrive in the wake of Fu Bao’s playful destruction.
“Not Recognizing Grandpa Jiang”: One of the most amusing moments in Fu Bao’s daily adventures happened when her beloved caretaker, Grandpa Jiang, came to visit. However, on this particular day, he was dressed differently – wearing a new work uniform and a safety helmet. This small change was enough to completely baffle Fu Bao. She stared at the “strange” figure before her, tilting her head in confusion as if trying to make sense of the unfamiliar sight. Despite Grandpa Jiang’s gentle calls and reassuring pats, Fu Bao remained completely clueless, treating him as if he were a total stranger. Then, just as everyone thought she might never figure it out, Fu Bao suddenly had an epiphany. Her eyes lit up with recognition, and she joyfully realized that the “green-clad stranger” was none other than her trusted Grandpa Jiang! The moment was both adorable and hilarious, quickly going viral on the internet.
The Shy and Timid Fu Bao: Though playful and curious, Fu Bao has a shy and clumsy side that often leads to comical mishaps. One memorable incident occurred when she attempted to climb a tree but miscalculated her movements—her head got stuck between the branches! Panicking, she let out a surprised sound that amusingly resembled a dog’s bark, much to the delight of onlookers.
In another incident, she confidently climbed onto a thin, fragile tree branch, only to realize – too late – that it couldn’t support her weight. The branch wobbled, and before she could react, she lost her balance and tumbled down with an ungraceful thud, letting out a startled bray that sounded just like a donkey.
Life Exprience of Panda Fu Bao
Birth: 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.
Early Life: 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.
Estrus: On February 12, the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center announced that Fu Bao, who has entered sexual maturity, went into estrus in late January this year. To ensure her physiological health, zookeepers have been closely monitoring her behavior and have made timely adjustments to her diet. Currently, Fu Bao is in stable condition. To better observe and care for her, Fu Bao is temporarily residing at the Shen Shuping Base breeding area, but she will not participate in breeding this year.
Resume Exhibition: On the morning of March 25, giant panda Fu Bao resumed public exhibition at Enclosure 203 in Hall 2 of the Panda Kindergarten at the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.
Social Impact and Hornors of Panda Fu Bao
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.
News about Panda Fu Bao
- Giant Pandas Living Abroad Become “Top Global Stars” (01-01-2025)
- “Fu Bao” Moved to Non-Exhibit Area for Observation and Rest (31-12-2024)
- China’s Efforts in Giant Panda Conservation and International Collaboration (21-12-2024)
- Giant Panda “Fubao” Latest Health Check Results: All Virus Tests Negative (16-12-2024)
