YONGIN, July 20 (Korea Bizwire) — Fu Bao, the first giant panda ever born through natural pregnancy in South Korea, joyously celebrated her third birthday.
On Thursday, Panda World hosted a delightful birthday party in honor of Fu Bao, who was born on July 20, 2020, weighing a mere 197 grams. Now, at three years old, she weighs an impressive 98 kilograms, an astonishing growth of about 500 times her birth weight.
Fu Bao’s special day was made even more memorable as Everland presented her with a bamboo toy and a custom-made birthday cake. The cake was lovingly prepared by the dedicated keepers, Kang Cheol-won, affectionately known as “Panda Grandpa,” and keeper Song Yong-kwan.
It included all of Fu Bao’s favorite treats, such as bamboo, carrots, water chestnuts, and flowers. With the audience watching, Fu Bao enthusiastically rubbed herself against the cake and savored the carrots cleverly arranged to resemble birthday candles.
The celebration was an exclusive event with 80 lucky fans who were pre-invited to attend. They won the coveted spots amidst intense competition, with 100 eager fans vying for each spot. The party took place over five days from June 6 to 10 and featured events on Everland’s Instagram and Zootopia’s Naver Cafe.
Sadly, this might be Fu Bao’s final birthday celebration in Korea. As per the agreement between the park’s operator, Samsung C&T Corp, and the China Wildlife Conservation Association, Fu Bao is scheduled to return to China before July 20, 2024, when she turns four years old.
This practice is typical for giant pandas, who are returned to China at four years old, as they reach sexual maturity, to contribute to the conservation of the species.
On another happy note, on July 7, Fu Bao’s siblings were born – the first twin pandas (two females) in the country conceived through natural reproduction. Consequently, Everland Panda World is now home to five pandas: Fu Bao, her mom Ai Bao, her dad Le Bao, and the adorable twin sisters.
Ai Bao and Le Bao were a gesture of goodwill from Chinese President Xi Jinping, sent to South Korea in 2016, and they will remain here until 2031.
Image and Video credit: Everland/Samsung C&T / photonews@koreabizwire.com
