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Pu Bao, the first baby panda born in Korea who was affectionately nicknamed 'Yongin Poo-ssi' and 'Poo-rincess,' will board a flight to China on the 3rd. Before undergoing about a month of quarantine procedures, the waiting line at Yongin Everland Panda World stretched to over 240 minutes at one point due to the influx of tourists visiting to see Pu Bao's last outing, drawing nationwide attention. Focus is also on the new caretaker who will be responsible for Pu Bao, following the 'Panda Grandpa' caretaker Kang Cheol-won and the residence where Pu Bao will live in China.
On the 1st (local time), the Chinese Foreign Languages Bureau's monthly magazine "China" reported an interview with caretaker Zeng Wen (曾文) of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center (Panda Research and Protection Center). Also known as Panda Paradise, the center is an institution under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China, established for the breeding and protection of the endangered giant panda. It consists of four bases: Shenshuping Base in Sichuan, Hetaoping Base, Dujiangyan Base, and Ya'an Base.
Caretaker Zeng Wen first corrected misinformation regarding Pu Bao's new home. He stated that Pu Bao may not be heading to the previously known Shenshuping Base in Sichuan. While it is true that upon arrival in China, Pu Bao will move directly to the Shenshuping Base to enter the quarantine area, the final residence after the quarantine period has been lifted has not yet been decided.
Regarding the most frequently asked question about Pu Bao's 'romantic life,' caretaker Zeng Wen drew a clear line, saying, "It is still premature." He explained, "There are currently no plans for mating. Pu Bao is a subadult panda under four years old. Although he can live independently away from his mother, he is not yet sexually mature, so there are no mating plans at this time."
Additionally, caretaker Zeng Wen commented on the timing of Pu Bao's public appearance, stating, "The timing depends on how well the giant panda adapts. Since each panda's adaptation period varies, the exact timing cannot be predicted. Looking at past cases of pandas returning to China, it has taken anywhere from 1-2 months to as long as 7-8 months." Pu Bao's specific future schedule will be discussed again once he has fully adapted to life at the base.
Pu Bao to Depart for China on April 3... Wisely Overcomes First Estrus Period
Meanwhile, Pu Bao was born in 2014 as the first cub of Lubao (father) and Aibao (mother), who were brought to Everland following President Xi Jinping's visit to Korea. On July 20, 2020, Pu Bao became the first panda in South Korea to be born through natural breeding. Among pandas, Pu Bao is notably round and chubby, earning nicknames such as 'Poo Gongju,' 'Poo-rincess,' 'Ttunbbang-i,' and 'Poo Ttunttun.' The chemistry with caretakers Kang Cheol-won and Song Young-gwan is a key to Pu Bao's popularity.
From a young age, Pu Bao grew up receiving much love from the caretakers, enjoys human interaction, and inherited the affectionate personality of his playful father, often showing affection to caretakers and visitors. He is the most popular animal at Everland and accounts for a significant portion of views on Everland's YouTube channels (such as Ppuppa TV). On March 28, a video showing Pu Bao experiencing sexual maturity was uploaded to Everland's official YouTube account, sparking widespread attention. In the video, Pu Bao appeared flustered but handled his first estrus period calmly, earning much support and encouragement from fans.
Earlier, on the 27th, Everland announced Pu Bao's transport plan through its website and official social media channels. On the 3rd, at 10:40 a.m., Pu Bao will board a special vibration-free vehicle designed for semiconductor transport at Panda World and move to Incheon International Airport. Everland plans to slowly move Pu Bao from Panda World to the Rose Garden over 20 minutes, providing fans an opportunity to bid farewell. For fans unable to see Pu Bao in person, caretakers will represent them and say goodbye at the Rose Garden.
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