“Seeing Fu Bao so happy and joyful now reassures me; it shows that he quickly adapted to the environment at the Shenshuping base,” said Kang Zheyuan, the caretaker of Fu Bao in Korea, as he watched the giant panda joyfully rolling around in the quarantine area on a monitor in the meeting room at the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center on April 4 at 10:30 AM. Fu Bao was born in July 2020 and is the first giant panda born in Korea, marking a successful case of overseas breeding through online guidance from experts at the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. With the joint efforts of both China and Korea, Fu Bao has grown up healthy, becoming a symbol of friendship between the two nations and beloved by the public.
According to the panda protection agreement, giant panda cubs born overseas must return to China between the ages of 2 and 4, and Fu Bao was due to return this year. His journey home began when he arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 19:14 on April 3 via a chartered flight.
Farewells and Welcomes in the Rain
In Chinese culture, rain carries special significance, and spring rain is seen as nourishing. Fu Bao’s homecoming journey took place amidst the spring rain. “Although it’s a bit chilly now, this is the weather that pandas love; they prefer cool to hot,” said Zeng Wen, a caretaker at the Shenshuping base.
As Fu Bao left Korea, it was raining at Incheon International Airport, where many fans braved the weather to bid farewell to him. Born in Korea, Fu Bao is the first cub of the panda couple Huan Ni and Yuan Xin, symbolizing friendship between China and Korea. He has been affectionately nicknamed “Princess Fu” and “Fu Dun Dun,” earning the status of a “superstar” in Korea. In February 2024, he was even awarded honorary citizenship by Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province.
At 16:49 local time on April 3, Fu Bao took off from Incheon International Airport on a chartered flight back to his homeland, accompanied by his caretaker Kang Zheyuan. Another caretaker, Song Yong Kwan, shed tears as the door closed.
On April 3 at 23:47, when Fu Bao’s transport vehicle entered the Shenshuping base, staff members lined up to welcome him, chanting, “Welcome home, Fu Bao!” As Kang Zheyuan watched Fu Bao enter the quarantine area at the base, he expressed his reluctance to part ways, promising to visit Fu Bao frequently in the future.
Fu Bao will undergo a one-month quarantine period, during which experienced caregivers will ensure his health and adaptation to the new environment, gradually transitioning him to the local feeding style.
The Transition of Fu Bao
Giant pandas are not only China’s national treasure but are also loved worldwide as ambassadors of friendship. Since the 1990s, China has collaborated with 26 institutions in 20 countries on panda protection research, successfully breeding 68 cubs. The cooperation has fostered friendships and advancements in conservation efforts.
Kang Zheyuan, who had spent a significant time training at the Shenshuping base, expressed confidence that Fu Bao would thrive under the care of experienced staff. During discussions about Fu Bao’s care, he described Fu Bao as healthy, energetic, and fond of playing with toys and eating carrots.
“We monitor Fu Bao’s health daily, ensuring he has a diverse diet of bamboo and shoots to support his growth,” said Li Guo, deputy director of the base. As Fu Bao adapts, his final residence within the research center will be determined, ensuring he receives the best care possible.
“Regardless of which base Fu Bao ends up at, he will receive the best care. We have arranged for experienced caretakers,” Li Guo assured. Fu Bao will have his own enclosure, allowing him the freedom to explore and enjoy a semi-wild lifestyle.
As Fu Bao adjusted to his new environment, Kang Zheyuan smiled, reassured that he would communicate the good news of Fu Bao’s happy adaptation back to Korea.
According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the wild panda population has increased from about 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900 today. The global captive panda population has reached 728, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has reclassified the panda’s status from “endangered” to “vulnerable,” acknowledging China’s efforts in panda conservation.
Wei Rongping, deputy director of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, emphasized the importance of ongoing international cooperation in panda conservation, fostering cultural exchange between China and partner countries.
