It's a rainy Wednesday in South Korea, but that didn't stop hundreds of panda fans from braving the weather to bid a heartfelt farewell to their beloved panda star, Fu Bao. 🎉🐼
Born in July 2020 at Everland, South Korea's largest theme park, Fu Bao quickly became a national sensation, earning the title of \"top celebrity in South Korea.\" As the first panda cub ever born in the country, she captured hearts with her adorable antics and charming personality.
Fu Bao's parents, Le Bao and Ai Bao, arrived from China in March 2016 on a 15-year lease as part of a special agreement between the two countries. Now, at just over three years old, it's time for Fu Bao to embark on a new adventure back to her roots in China.
Fans gathered outside Everland's Panda World—a sprawling 3,300-square-meter habitat—waiting for hours under umbrellas to catch a glimpse of Fu Bao before her departure. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and bittersweet goodbyes as the crowd cheered her on. 🌧️❤️
A specially designed truck, equipped to minimize vibrations on bumpy roads, transported Fu Bao to Incheon International Airport. Accompanied by her dedicated South Korean caretaker and a Chinese veterinarian, she's set to fly on a chartered flight to Wolong in southwest China's Sichuan province—the hometown of giant pandas.
Once in Wolong, Fu Bao will make her new home at the Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, joining over 30 other pandas in a lush, natural environment. 🐾🌿
While South Korea will miss its panda sweetheart, fans can take comfort knowing Fu Bao is heading to a place where she'll continue to thrive and perhaps even start a family of her own someday. Who knows? Maybe we'll see her making international headlines again soon! 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
