Giant Panda Born in Korea
All Pandas Are Chinese Nationals by Principle
Return Around Mating Age
Giant panda 'Fubao', born in 2020 in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Fubao is currently growing at Everland in Yongin, but there are claims that it may be sent to China in the near future, drawing attention.
Chinese media 'People's Daily' released a video and interview with Fubao and its dedicated professional caretaker Kang Cheol-won on the 3rd (local time). In the interview, Kang introduced Fubao in Chinese, explaining, "The Fubao family regularly eats, rests, exercises, and meets tourists at 'Panda World'.
He continued, "Fubao is growing by eating more than its mother," sharing the latest update. Chinese netizens' reactions to Fubao were enthusiastic. Kang was even nicknamed 'Panda Dad' and 'Panda Grandpa' in China.
Fubao was born naturally on July 20, 2020. It was born between panda Lubao, born in 2012, and Aibao, born in 2013. Fubao's growth story was shared through the Everland YouTube channel, attracting high interest among domestic netizens as well.
The 2021 appearance of Puba, the first baby panda born in Korea at Everland Panda World on July 20, 2020. / Photo by Yonhap News
However, Fubao is expected to 'return home' to China in a few years. This is because all giant pandas are, in principle, Chinese nationals. Originally, pandas are rare animals native only to Sichuan and Gansu provinces in China, with a current population of about 1,800, classified as a 'vulnerable species' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
China has sought to develop friendly relations and promote cooperation by 'loaning' pandas to diplomatic partner countries. This form of diplomacy is called 'panda diplomacy' in China.
The Chinese government has sent over 50 pandas to 18 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, and also sent Lubao and Aibao to South Korea. Fubao is the panda born between these two.
Since pandas, classified as vulnerable endangered species, need to increase their population through mating, China repatriates overseas pandas once they reach the mating age of 3 to 4 years old. Previously, the female panda 'Xiang Xiang', born at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, also returned to China when she turned 5 this year.
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