Fubao, a giant panda born in South Korea and relocated to China on 3 April under an international agreement, has been causing controversy with her strange behaviour. (screenshot image from Weibo)
SEOUL, Apr. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – Fu Bao, the giant panda born in South Korea who departed for China on April 3 in accordance with an international agreement, has sparked controversy due to concerning behavioral changes.
The panda, who once relished fruits during her time in South Korea, now refuses to touch them, repeatedly rolling on the ground instead. Footage released on April 9 by China’s National Park Administration on its official social media channels depicts Fu Bao repeatedly rolling in her enclosure.
Not only that, but she also shies away from the fruit she once enjoyed at Everland Resort, attempting to hide behind bamboo shoots.
The video was captured on April 4, the day after Fu Bao’s return to China. Her apparent struggles have ignited criticism among South Korean fans over the practice of “panda diplomacy,” given the nationwide affection for the beloved panda and her apparent difficulties adapting to her new environment.
China has historically gifted pandas to countries with which it has established diplomatic relations as a gesture of goodwill – a practice known as “panda diplomacy.” Under the terms of the agreement on giant panda protection and research, designed to safeguard the dwindling panda population, pandas born outside China must be returned before the age of four (48 months).
Fu Bao, who made history as South Korea’s first naturally bred giant panda in July 2020, was born to Le Bao and Ai Bao – pandas gifted by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a symbol of friendly Sino-Korean ties.
Prior to Fu Bao’s departure, Everland Resort had been paying an annual rental fee of $1 million to China as a protection fund for her parents, Le Bao and Ai Bao. An additional one-time fee of $500,000 was paid following Fu Bao’s birth.
Fans of Fu Bao have expressed heartbreak, questioning whether she will adapt and inquiring about the possibility of her return. Some netizens have even suggested halting “panda diplomacy” altogether, labeling the practice as animal cruelty.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
