Fu Bao enjoying bamboo shoots at the Sichuan Chengdu Panda Base in China (screenshot image of Weibo channel)
SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Korea Bizwire) – The Sichuan Wolong Giant Panda Research Base in Chengdu, China, announced on Sunday that it is closely monitoring giant panda Fu Bao after noticing unusual symptoms.
The base stated via Chinese social media platform Weibo, “This morning, we observed abnormal behavior in Fu Bao.” The panda has since been moved indoors for a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of the irregularities. The base added, “We will provide timely updates on Fu Bao’s condition and express our gratitude to everyone concerned about her well-being.”
The specific symptoms observed were not disclosed. However, videos circulating on Weibo show Fu Bao trembling while eating bamboo shoots. The hashtag “Fu Bao Shaking” has gained traction, with fans expressing hopes for her swift recovery.
Fu Bao (Image courtesy of Everland)
Fu Bao was born on July 20, 2020, at South Korea’s Everland Zoo to pandas Le Bao and Ai Bao, gifted by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a symbol of friendship between China and South Korea. Adored in South Korea, Fu Bao was affectionately nicknamed “Yongin Fu,” “Princess Fu,” and “Chubby Fu.”
In accordance with an agreement requiring pandas born overseas to return to China before the age of four, Fu Bao was repatriated to China on April 3, 2023. Since her return, allegations of substandard treatment and abuse have surfaced, sparking criticism from both Chinese and South Korean netizens.
Chinese authorities have countered these claims by releasing videos of Fu Bao and issuing statements to address the controversy.
Fu Bao remains under observation as fans around the globe await further updates on her health and well-being.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
