Body Trembling and Convulsions, Abnormal Signs in Fubao Detected... "Under Close Observation"

"Abnormal Signs Detected, Under Close Observation"

In April, abnormal signs were reported in the giant panda 'Fubao,' which was returned from South Korea to China.

On the 3rd, Yonhap News reported that the Wolong Giant Panda Research Base in Sichuan Province announced via Weibo (the Chinese version of X) that "this morning, Fubao was found to be in an abnormal condition." A hashtag saying 'Fubao was trembling' (福寶發?) was even created on Weibo, and fans wished for Fubao's well-being.

Panda cub Fubao eating bamboo shoots. Weibo capture

The base stated, "This morning, we discovered that Fubao was in an abnormal state," and added, "We are currently closely monitoring Fubao's condition and plan to conduct comprehensive tests to identify the cause of the abnormalities."

They also said, "The base will promptly inform the public about Fubao's situation and express gratitude to everyone who has shown interest in Fubao." However, the base has not disclosed what specific abnormal signs have appeared in Fubao.

The giant panda 'Fubao,' returned to China last April, was unveiled to the public on June 12 at the Sichuan Panda Base after about two months. Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Fubao 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. On April 3, Fubao was sent back to China in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which requires giant pandas born outside China to be moved back before reaching 48 months of age to mate.

Since then, the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center has occasionally reported on Fubao's condition. In August, the center announced, "Between March and April, hormonal changes and atypical estrus behaviors were first observed in Fubao. From mid-July, behaviors such as severe loss of appetite, decreased intake of bamboo and supplementary foods, reduced fecal volume, decreased activity, increased resting time, and increased water play were noted," and stated that "Fubao has entered a fertile state."