Hua Ni (华妮/Huani/Aibao), known as Ai Bao in South Korea, is not just a giant panda – she’s a symbol of international friendship and maternal devotion. Born on July 13, 2013, at the Bifengxia Base in China, her journey from the Sichuan mountains to the bustling Samsung Everland’s Panda World in South Korea is a testament to the enduring bond between China and Korea. Adored by fans for her playful nature, Hua Ni’s legacy includes the birth of Fu Bao, the first panda born in Korea, and her twin daughters, Rui Bao and Hui Bao. Her deep connection to her cubs and her playful love for snow, even when artificially made, reveal the tender soul of a panda who has captured the hearts of two nations.
Basic Information
- Chinese Name: Hua Ni (华妮)
- Korean Name: Ai Bao (爱宝)
- Lineage Number: 869
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: July 13, 2013
- Place of Birth: Bifengxia Base, China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center
- Mother: Xin Ni’er (新妮儿)
- Father: Lu Lu (芦芦)
- Husband: Yuan Xin (园欣)
- Elder Daugher: Fu Bao (福宝)
- Twin Daughters: Rui Bao (睿宝) and Huibao (辉宝)
Intriguing Details of Panda Hua Ni
First Meeting with Grandpa Jiang: Before making her way to South Korea, Hua Ni (later known as Ai Bao) lived in her hometown in Sichuan, where she had a fateful first encounter with Grandpa Jiang, a devoted caretaker from South Korea. From the moment they met, Grandpa Jiang showered Hua Ni with attention, spending countless hours with her to help her grow familiar with him and feel at ease in his presence. However, this newfound bond didn’t go unnoticed – especially by Le Bao (乐宝), another panda from Sichuan. Seeing Grandpa Jiang’s affection for Hua Ni, Le Bao couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. He began to sulk, convinced that Grandpa Jiang no longer favored him as much. To express his silent protest, Le Bao started ignoring Grandpa Jiang altogether, turning away whenever the caretaker tried to interact with him.
New Name and Its Meaning: Upon her arrival at Samsung Ai Bao Park in South Korea, Hua Ni received a brand-new name from Grandpa Jiang – “Ai Bao” (爱宝), meaning “Beloved Treasure.” More than just a personal name, “Ai Bao” also represented the special bond between China and South Korea, highlighting how these gentle, black-and-white ambassadors could strengthen friendships and bring people from different cultures closer together.
Spoiled with Love: Hua Ni has an unshakable love for snow. The moment the first snowflakes fall, she becomes completely immersed in the winter wonderland, rolling, tumbling, and delighting in the crisp, icy fluff. But her caretakers know that her love for snow isn’t limited to the winter season. Even when the skies are clear and the sun is shining, they go out of their way to create artificial snowfall just so she can relive the joy of playing in the snow.
Mother-Daughter Bond: Ai Bao’s devotion to her children is unwavering, and the bond she shared with Fu Bao ran especially deep. After Fu Bao became independent and moved out of their shared enclosure, Ai Bao ventured into her daughter’s old room. The moment she stepped inside and saw the familiar surroundings, an overwhelming wave of emotion washed over her. She sat quietly, her eyes filled with sorrow, and tears welled up as she grieved the absence of her beloved child. Even after welcoming her twin cubs, Ai Bao’s love for Fu Bao remained strong. Whenever Grandpa Jiang casually mentioned Fu Bao’s name, Ai Bao would suddenly freeze in place, as if transported back to the days when her firstborn was still by her side.
Life Experience of Panda Hua Ni
Journey to Korea: Hua Ni embarked on an international journey on March 3, 2016, along with another giant panda, Yuan Xin (Korean name: Le Bao). They were part of a 15-year collaborative research program between China and South Korea, and their new home was Samsung Everland’s Panda World in South Korea.
Public Debut: On April 21, 2016, Hua Ni and Yuan Xin’s new habitat officially opened to the public. In Korea, Hua Ni was given the new name Ai Bao, and Yuan Xin was named Le Bao. Both pandas quickly became popular among visitors.
Offsrping: Hua Ni’s contribution to the panda population extended further when she gave birth to her first cub on July 20, 2020, in South Korea. This cub was named Fu Bao, marking a significant milestone as the first panda born in Korea. Hua Ni’s second significant achievement came on July 7, 2023, when she gave birth to twin female cubs, who were named Rui Bao and Hui Bao.
Postpartum Care: Following Hua Ni’s births, a team of Chinese and Korean experts collaborated to ensure her postpartum care and the healthy development of her cubs. Given that panda mothers can sometimes abandon their cubs due to the physical and nutritional demands of multiple births, human intervention was crucial. Techniques such as collecting colostrum and providing necessary support helped ensure the well-being of both Hua Ni and her cubs.
Cub Development: Hua Ni’s cubs have thrived under the diligent care of the joint expert team. Fu Bao, the first panda born in South Korea, quickly became a beloved figure among the Korean public, gaining fame as a panda star. The twin cubs, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, also received a warm reception when they made their public debut. Their health and growth are closely monitored to ensure they develop well.
