Puba finally reveals face... China’s special measures amid abuse allegations

Announcement of Meeting with the Public Following Allegations of Abuse

Giant panda Fubao, born in Korea and sent to China earlier last month, is reportedly scheduled to be revealed to the public next month amid allegations of mistreatment such as being used for entertaining visitors.

Puba appears to be showing signs of hair loss. [Image source=Captured from Panda Protection Research Center Weibo]

On the 27th, China Central Television (CCTV) reported, "Fubao has been moved to the Wolong Shensuping Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center and is adapting to the environment," adding, "Fubao's adaptation is currently peaceful and normal. In good condition, Fubao will meet the public in June." The report also stated, "To help Fubao better integrate into the panda group at the center, the base has arranged for Fubao to spend a certain amount of time in the nursery," and added, "The base’s special enclosure is equipped with exchange windows, allowing neighboring pandas to interact through sounds and scents to become familiar with each other, and it is convenient for caretakers to observe and record Fubao’s adaptation closely."

Despite three weeks having passed since Fubao’s quarantine ended, the panda has not been shown to the public, and recent suspicions that Fubao has been used for 'private entertaining' have prompted the center to take active measures. Analysts interpret the Chinese authorities’ sensitive response to online public opinion as a concern that the spread of unverified rumors could disrupt China’s efforts to enhance its national image through the symbolic panda and potentially affect panda diplomacy with other countries.

Puba showing fur pressed down on the nape as if wearing a collar, with some fur appearing to be missing.
[Image source=Captured from Weibo of China Panda Protection Research Center]

Earlier, on the 24th, several photos of Fubao were leaked on Chinese social networking services (SNS) such as Xiaohongshu and Weibo. The photos showed someone apparently touching Fubao with bare hands and feeding the panda. Additionally, Fubao appeared to have patches of missing fur, and there were marks around the neck that looked like pressure from a collar. Chinese fans of Fubao who saw these images raised allegations of mistreatment, suggesting that Fubao might have been used for entertaining visitors in a non-exhibition area.

Korean fans also held a truck protest in front of the Chinese embassy over the mistreatment allegations. The Korean fans stated, "This protest was held to demand improved treatment for giant pandas, which are vulnerable to infections, in light of the recent allegations," and added, "Even if these allegations are not true, we believe a response assuring that such incidents will never happen to Fubao in the future is necessary."

As the controversy grew, the center stated, "It has been confirmed that no unauthorized persons have entered to touch, feed, or film Fubao," but the suspicions have not subsided. Therefore, on the 28th at 5 p.m., the China Panda Research Center plans to hold a live broadcast to address the allegations. It is expected that there will be a Q&A session focusing on the recent suspicions during this event.