Fu Bao, a beloved giant panda born in South Korea in 2020, is being sent to China as part of a lease program. The panda has been a major attraction at the Everland theme park near Seoul since her birth, and a crowd of people gathered to bid her farewell before her departure. China sends pandas abroad as a sign of goodwill, but still maintains ownership over the animals and their cubs. This practice has contributed to the conservation of the species, which has seen a significant increase in population from fewer than 1,000 to over 1,800 in the wild and in captivity.
Despite the rain, many panda fans braved the weather to attend a farewell ceremony for Fu Bao at the Everland park. As a truck carrying the panda slowly moved through the park, visitors waved flags, shouted messages, and took photos to commemorate the occasion. Some in the crowd were visibly emotional, with some crying or wiping away tears. Fu Bao was not shown to the public on the day of the ceremony, but the park decorated the truck with a large picture of the panda and a message expressing gratitude for having met Fu Bao.
During the ceremony, zookeeper Kang Cheol-won gave a speech expressing gratitude and asking the audience to remember Fu Bao for a long time. He reassured the crowd by saying that Fu Bao would always be remembered as their baby panda, regardless of the passing of time. Fu Bao’s mother, Ai Bao, gave birth to twin cubs last year, marking the first panda twins born in South Korea. The departure of Fu Bao marks the end of an era at the Everland park, as she had been a major attraction since her birth.
The conservation efforts for pandas have been a global collaborative effort, with many countries working together to protect and increase the population of these endangered animals. Although some pandas are sent abroad to foster goodwill between countries, their ownership and lineage are still controlled by China. This unique situation has helped to raise awareness about the plight of pandas and the importance of conservation efforts. As Fu Bao begins her journey to China, her departure symbolizes the ongoing cooperation and dedication to the preservation of these iconic animals.
The emotional farewell ceremony for Fu Bao highlights the special bond between pandas and humans, as well as the impact that these animals have on people’s lives. Despite the sadness of saying goodbye, the hope is that Fu Bao’s departure will contribute to the longevity and protection of her species. The legacy of Fu Bao and her mother, Ai Bao, will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to witness them at the Everland park. As the world continues to work towards the conservation of pandas, Fu Bao’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and cherishing these endangered animals.
