"Despite Mother's Funeral, Came Anyway, Please Just One Time for Pubao..." China Grants Plea

Authorities Unexpectedly Allow Outsiders Access

Recently returned to China, the giant panda Pubao bid farewell to zookeeper Kang Cheol-won on site. It is rare for Chinese authorities to allow outsiders to enter during quarantine.

On the last day Pu Bao meets the general public, he is receiving a canola flower gift from zookeeper Kang Cheol-won at Panda World, Everland, Yongin City.
[Photo by Joint Press Corps]

Despite the loss of his mother, zookeeper Kang Cheol-won, known as the ‘Panda Grandpa,’ who accompanied Pubao on his journey back to China, appeared on the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' aired on the 17th and talked about the final farewell they shared locally. Kang said, “Normally, outsiders are not allowed to enter during quarantine,” adding, “No country allows zookeepers or related personnel to enter the quarantine area. That is the rule.” However, he conveyed to the authorities his wish to “check on Pubao one last time, as I have been with him since his birth and wanted to see him in this unfamiliar environment,” and pleaded, “Although I am in mourning, I am here. I know it’s difficult, but this is my last request.”

Chinese officials consulted with quarantine authorities and permitted Kang’s entry under the conditions that he properly wear quarantine clothing and refrain from filming.

Kang recalled, “Chinese quarantine suits are white, unlike ours. It must have been very unfamiliar to Pubao.” He added, “When I entered wearing that suit, Pubao didn’t recognize me at first.” He said, “I called out ‘Pubao, Pubao, Pubao,’ and suddenly he looked around restlessly, pacing back and forth, but eventually found me.” He continued, “He came over and rubbed his body against me, so I gave him a massage,” and conveyed, “I told him, ‘I knew you’d do well. These people are even better zookeepers than Grandpa, so they will take good care of you.’”

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

Pubao is currently undergoing a one-month quarantine at the Wolong Xueshuping Base in Sichuan Province, China. On the 17th (local time), the China Giant Panda Protection Research Center released a video on social media showing Pubao in his second week of isolation at the Wolong Xueshuping Base. In the video, Pubao was seen enjoying bamboo, carrots, and steamed buns. There was also footage of Pubao leaving the indoor enclosure to roam the outdoor enclosure. The Panda Protection Research Center reported, “Pubao showed a good appetite and was full of energy,” adding, “He has started exploring the enclosure and is gradually increasing his outdoor activities.”

Pubao was born on July 20, 2020, to Lubao and Aibao, pandas sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 as a symbol of Korea-China friendship. According to the ‘Giant Panda Protection Research Agreement,’ pandas born outside China must be returned before the age of four. Accordingly, Pubao returned to China on the 3rd.