According to Yonhap News Agency, in response to South Korean citizens’ petition on the Citizens’ Proposal Platform website requesting the government to renew the lease of the giant panda “Fubao,” the Seoul City Government responded on the 23rd, stating that it has not initiated the necessary processes for renewing the lease.
The report mentioned that the Seoul City Government explained on the Citizens’ Proposal Platform that although the Mayor of Seoul had mentioned “Fubao” during his visit to China and discussed ways to alleviate the feelings of sadness and reluctance among South Korean citizens over “Fubao’s” departure, the city has not advanced the procedures required for leasing the giant panda.
Previously, media reports highlighted that “Fubao,” born on July 20, 2020, is the first baby of the giant pandas “Aibao” and “Lebao” in South Korea. Loved by many South Korean citizens, “Fubao” earned affectionate nicknames like “Princess Fu” and “Fu Dundun.” According to the agreement between China and South Korea, “Fubao” must return to China before turning four years old. On April 3rd, approximately 6,000 visitors braved the rain to bid farewell to “Fubao” at Everland Resort in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Accompanied by South Korean zookeeper Kang Cheol-won, “Fubao” departed for China and was sent to the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center in Sichuan Province.
Additionally, according to CCTV News citing the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center, after more than two months of quarantine and adaptation, “Fubao” officially met the public on June 12th at the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.
