"Pufao Discharges Yellow Mucus"
"Examinations Show Pufao Is Normal"
Pufao, the giant panda born in South Korea, has once again become the subject of health concerns after being returned to China. As the controversy grew, the Chinese conservation center clarified that "health examinations revealed no abnormalities."
On the night of May 13, the Chinese Giant Panda Conservation Research Center released a video titled "Today's Pufao" on its official Weibo account. The video stated, "On the morning of the 13th, Pufao exhibited a discharge of yellow mucus," but added, "However, examinations showed that Pufao's mental state and physiological signs are normal, and the mucus discharge is a common phenomenon among giant pandas."
Recently, claims circulated on social networking services (SNS) that "Pufao has been neglected and appears to be vomiting and suffering from diarrhea." In response, fans expressed deep concern over Pufao's health. One fan, in particular, posted a related video on YouTube, stating, "People who saw Pufao passing loose stools were so heartbroken that they shed tears."
As the controversy intensified, the center explained that mucus discharge is a natural physiological phenomenon that can occur in giant pandas due to their bamboo-based diet. The center also stated that Pufao's vomiting and emaciated appearance are suspected to be caused by a roundworm infection. Currently, Pufao is in a state of pseudopregnancy, which has led to a loss of appetite and an inability to take deworming medication. Pseudopregnancy in pandas refers to a condition in which the body undergoes hormonal and other changes that mimic pregnancy, even though the animal is not actually pregnant.
Previously, in December of last year, Pufao showed abnormal symptoms, such as trembling and appearing to have convulsions while eating bamboo shoots. As a result, Pufao was moved to a non-exhibition area, but after about 100 days, was reintroduced to the public in March.
Meanwhile, Pufao was born on July 20, 2020, to Le Bao and Ai Bao, who were sent to South Korea in March 2016 by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a symbol of friendship between China and South Korea. Pufao lived at Everland in Yongin and was affectionately called nicknames such as "Princess Pu" and "Pudundun," receiving much love. However, in accordance with an agreement requiring her return to China before the age of four, she was sent back to China on April 3 of last year, 1,354 days after her birth.
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