Crunchy Carrot-Eating Pubao... Update on Week 2 of Quarantine Revealed

China "Outdoor Activities Also Active"
"Public Release Timing Decided According to Adaptation Situation"

The recent status of the giant panda 'Fubao,' who left for China two weeks ago, has been revealed through a video.

On the 17th (local time), the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center released a video on social networking services (SNS) showing Fubao in the second week of quarantine at the Wolong Shenshuping Base.

A photo captured from a video released on the 17th by the China Giant Panda Protection Research Center, showing Fubao, who is in quarantine at the Wolong Training Base in Sichuan Province, coming out into the enclosure.
[Photo by Giant Panda Protection Research Center Weibo]

In the 2-minute 32-second video titled 'Fubao's Quarantine and Inspection Diary 2,' Fubao is shown in the quarantine and inspection area of the new home, Wolong Zhonghua Giant Panda Garden (臥龍中華大熊猫苑) Shenshuping Base (神樹坪基地).

Here, Fubao enjoyed eating bamboo, carrots, and wheat buns. There were also scenes of Fubao leaving the indoor area to roam in the outdoor enclosure. The Panda Protection and Research Center stated, “Fubao showed a good appetite and was full of energy,” adding, “He has started exploring the enclosure and is gradually increasing his outdoor activities.”

Earlier, on the 10th, the center released a 1-minute 42-second video titled 'Fubao's Quarantine and Inspection Diary 1.' Edited in a diary format, the video showed scenes from Fubao leaving Korea on the 3rd and arriving at Chengdu (成都) Airport, including moments of Fubao eating well and holding hands with his caretaker.

The center also shared several photos and videos immediately after Fubao arrived at the Shenshuping Base.

Pubaobao Quarantine and Inspection Diary 2 [Photo source=Chinese Panda Protection Research Center Weibo capture]

If Fubao continues to adapt well as he is now, the timing for public viewing may be moved up. Originally, after a month of quarantine, Fubao was planned to settle at one of four panda bases?Wolong Shenshuping Base, Wolong Hetao Ping Base, Dujiangyan Base, or Ya'an Base?and then be introduced to the public. However, the specific schedule for Fubao’s public appearance will be decided once he fully adapts to life at the base.

In fact, the timing of public appearances varies for each panda. Xiao Qi Ji, born in the U.S. and returned to Wolong Shenshuping Base on November 9 last year, was introduced to the public on December 27, less than two months later. However, Xiang Xiang, who returned from Japan to the Bifengxia Base in Ya'an, Sichuan Province on February 21 last year, took about eight months to meet the general public due to a longer adaptation period.

A photo captured from a video released on the 17th by the China Giant Panda Protection Research Center, showing Fubao in quarantine at the Wolong Xian Suping Base in Sichuan Province.
[Photo by Giant Panda Protection Research Center Weibo]

Caretaker Zheng Yuan said, “Since each panda’s adaptation period is different, the exact timing of public viewing cannot be predicted,” adding, “Looking at past cases of pandas returning to China, it can take anywhere from 1-2 months to as long as 7-8 months.”

The panda research center where Fubao lives is surrounded by mountains and valleys at an altitude of 1,700 meters, where wild pandas naturally inhabit. The pandas are released into nature to help them retain their wild instincts.

Fubao is the first giant panda born through natural breeding in Korea. He was born on July 20, 2020, to father Lebao and mother Aibao. According to the 'Giant Panda Protection and Research Agreement,' pandas born outside China must be returned to China before the age of four, so Fubao returned to China on the 3rd.

Meanwhile, caretaker Song Young-gwan, known as 'Fubao’s Little Grandpa,' and caretaker Oh Seung-hee, known as 'Fubao’s Aunt,' are preparing a film about Fubao’s story, which is expected to be released to audiences as early as September to October. The film will include the story of the Bao family preparing for their farewell with Fubao.