[News Figures] 'Panda Harabeoji' Caretaker Kang Cheol-won

Everland Panda Couple Give Birth to Twin Cubs
Natural Mating Achieved by Identifying High Success Period
Keeper Kang: "My Eternal Baby Pandas" with Deep Affection

Twin baby panda sisters have been born at Panda World in Everland, Yongin, following Pubao. This is the first time in South Korea, drawing attention to Kang Cheol-won, the zookeeper managing the panda family. Kang is known as an animal care expert, so much so that he is called the 'Panda Grandfather.'

Samsung C&T Resort Division announced on the 11th that Lubao (10 years old) and Aibao (9 years old), a couple living in Everland Panda World, have had twin daughters. The twin baby pandas were born on the 7th, with the mother Aibao starting labor and giving birth at 4:52 AM and 6:39 AM, respectively, with a 1 hour and 47 minutes interval.

Fubao and zookeeper Gang Cheol-won

The success of natural panda breeding was due to the dedicated efforts of the zookeepers. Everland Zoo has scientifically analyzed hormone change data of the couple Aibao through blood and urine tests. Based on this data, they identified the period with the highest probability of successful mating and succeeded in natural breeding in mid-February.

Zookeeper Kang Cheol-won said, "I am very happy that twin baby pandas were born for the first time in Korea following Pubao," adding, "We will take good care of them so that the panda family can bring hope and happiness to many people."

Who is 'Panda Grandfather' Zookeeper Kang Cheol-won?

Kang is a well-known panda expert through various broadcasts. His appearances with Pubao have spread through the YouTube channel 'Everland - EVERLAND,' making him famous as the 'Panda Grandfather.'

According to the photo essay 'Baby Panda Pubao,' Kang was born in 1969 in Jeonbuk and spent his childhood in a deep mountain village. Naturally growing up with animals and plants as friends, he started working as a zookeeper after graduating from high school. Later, he studied zoology and landscape architecture at university and pursued graduate studies in breeding science to overcome the difficulties of breeding while in charge of primates.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Working as a zookeeper at Everland, he earned the nickname 'Panda Dad' after taking charge of Aibao and Lubao in 2016. He also expressed affection for Pubao.

On the tvN show 'You Quiz on the Block' aired last May, Kang said, "(Pubao) became independent from his mother on September 1, 2022, and from me on November 1," adding, "They have a good relationship, but why separate parents and children? The most important thing for a zookeeper is to respect the animal's habits. Pandas live independently. This makes the panda's 'life' happy," sharing the news of Pubao's independence.

Recalling the moment Pubao became independent, Kang said, "'You have to live alone now.' I told him that. 'But in Grandpa's heart, you are always there,' I said," showing an emotional moment. Especially, when asked, "If you could talk to Pubao?" Kang said he would encourage him by saying, "To Grandpa, you are forever my baby panda. No matter what happens, Grandpa is always on your side and thinking of you."

On the 3rd, at Everland in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi, the baby panda Pubao is lying on the ice rock 'Cool Rock' to cool off from the heat. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Following independence from his parents, Pubao will soon have to go to China. Based on an agreement between Samsung C&T and the China Wildlife Conservation Association, Pubao must be returned to China before turning 4 years old (July 20, 2024). After turning 3 years old (July 20, 2023), discussions on the return date and detailed procedures will begin. Pubao will have a birthday party this month and then start the return process.

Meanwhile, Everland plans not to open the twin baby pandas to the public for the time being to ensure they grow up healthy, providing focused care inside Panda World and reviewing the timing of their public debut. Everland Panda World, opened in 2016, is the only dedicated space in South Korea where pandas can be seen, housing the panda family of three: parents Aibao and Lubao, and Pubao.