"Is It Okay to Leave Puba in Their Care?"... Controversy Over 'Animal Abuse' at Chinese Panda Base

Suspicion of Neglect of Panda at Bifengxia Base in Sichuan Province
14-Year-Old Panda Linbing Spotted in Emaciated Condition
Abuse Issues at Shelter Raised Since Past

The sanctuary that Panda Pubao is likely to reside in after returning to China has been embroiled in allegations of 'animal abuse.' A local animal-focused YouTube channel claimed that the pandas at the facility are effectively being neglected.

On the 29th (local time), a Chinese panda-specialized channel raised suspicions of animal abuse at the Bifengxia Panda Base located in Ya'an, Sichuan Province, China. This base is one of several sanctuaries where giant pandas relocated from overseas to China are housed.

The YouTuber alleged that Linbing (14), a panda born in Thailand currently residing at the Bifengxia Base, has recently been left in a severely emaciated state. In the video uploaded by the YouTuber, Linbing is seen sitting outdoors and getting hit on the head by bamboo that flew over the fence.

The scene where bamboo strikes Linbing's head [Image source=YouTube]

The netizen who first posted this video stated, "On the 29th, Linbing was eating outside. While watching Linbing, a shocking incident occurred," adding, "The keepers were giving bamboo shoots, but they dropped one from above, causing a significant impact on Linbing."

Linbing was born on May 27, 2009, at Chiang Mai Zoo in Thailand through germ cell transplantation within the oviduct. Linbing was born to Linhui and Chuan Chuan, pandas sent from China to Thailand.

As Thailand's first giant panda, Linbing gained great popularity and was returned to China in 2013, where Linbing has been living at the Bifengxia Base. Over the past decade, Linbing has been pregnant 10 times, experiencing 3 miscarriages and giving birth to 7 cubs.

Meanwhile, the Bifengxia Base has previously been involved in panda abuse controversies. A notable case involved a keeper who abused Pubao's mother, Aibao, by hitting her. This keeper was investigated by authorities in 2015 for assaulting Aibao and was subsequently suspended.

As suspicions continue, some local netizens have also voiced concerns about the Chinese panda sanctuaries. While some worry, saying things like, "What if Pubao is entrusted to an unqualified keeper?" others have expressed hopes that Pubao will continue to stay in Korea.

Meanwhile, according to the lease agreement between China and Korea, Pubao must return to China before turning four years old. China assigns mating partners to pandas that have reached reproductive age to increase the population of this endangered species.

The return of pandas, which was temporarily delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been actively progressing this year. In February, four pandas born in Japan were returned to China, and pandas born in the UK and France are also scheduled to return to China soon.