YONGIN/SEOUL, Apr. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – In an event that has captured the hearts of people nationwide, Fu Bao, the panda cherished as the “forever baby,” is set to depart for China on April 3, marking the end of an era that saw her receive widespread love and attention.
As the day of her journey approaches, captivating footage has been released showcasing Fu Bao’s preparation for her trip, specifically her adaptation training with the travel cage she will be using, drawing significant interest from her followers.
The video, shared on YouTube, reveals Fu Bao getting accustomed to her airplane crate—a rectangular cage with walls made of transparent, perforated plastic. This is the same type of cage her mother, Ai Bao, used when traveling from China in 2016.
Initially wary of the unfamiliar enclosure, Fu Bao gradually entered the cage, reassured by zookeeper Kang Cheol-won’s comforting words. Despite her initial tension and refusal even to snack on her favorite carrots, Fu Bao soon settled down, snacking on carrots and comfortably resting inside, showing her adaptability.
Kang highlighted the meticulous preparations for Fu Bao’s journey, stating, “We have thoroughly disinfected and securely fastened the cage, and Fu Bao is being trained to enter it. She is adapting very well and we expect her to handle the trip to the airport and the flight smoothly.”
Fu Bao’s story began on July 20, 2020, as the first panda born in Korea through natural reproduction between her parents, Le Bao and Ai Bao, making her a national treasure that brought joy and happiness to many.
Fubao getting used to the box before boarding a plane. (Image from Everland Instagram)
However, according to the Giant Panda Conservation Research Agreement, pandas born outside China must return to their homeland before turning four. Fu Bao is scheduled to leave Everland Resort and travel to the Giant Panda Conservation Research Center in Wolong, Sichuan Province, China.
Her departure involves a special journey from Everland to Incheon International Airport, utilizing a special vehicle commonly used for semiconductor transport, followed by a chartered flight to China. Kang, who has been by Fu Bao’s side since her birth, will accompany her on this significant journey to ensure her comfort and safety.
In anticipation of Fu Bao’s departure, Everland has organized a brief farewell event, despite initially considering a quiet departure without any ceremony. The outpouring of requests for a proper send-off from her fans led to the decision to hold a modest farewell ceremony.
From 10:40 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the day of her departure, fans will have a chance to say their last goodbyes as Fu Bao’s vehicle travels through the Everland theme park from Panda World to the Rose Garden, though they won’t be able to see her inside the vehicle due to health and safety concerns.
Everland’s decision to hold a farewell event came after persistent inquiries and expressions of affection from the public on Everland’s official online forum, Utopia, with many expressing their desire to bid farewell to Fu Bao, highlighting the deep bond and affection shared between Fu Bao and her fans.
As Fu Bao prepares for her new life in China, the sentiments among her caregivers are bittersweet. Song Young-kwan, another zookeeper, shared his mixed emotions, expressing a desire for time to slow down yet also wishing for Fu Bao to quickly embrace the broader world awaiting her.
“I really want to tell Fu Bao that she’s a wonderful panda,” he stated, encapsulating the affection and pride felt by those who have cared for her.
Fu Bao (Image courtesy of Everland)
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
