Witness the Emotional Farewell of a Panda Keeper to His Cherished Companion, Raised from Birth, as Tears Flow Beside the Transport Truck from South Korea to China.
On Wednesday, Fu Bao, the beloved panda, departed Everland, South Korea’s largest theme park in Yongin, amidst a crowd of thousands overcome with sorrow.
In a heart-wrenching scene captured during the departure ceremony, zookeeper Kang Cheol-won delivered a poignant speech: “You will always be our baby panda, no matter the passage of time, be it ten years or a hundred. Dear all, as Fu Bao embarks on this journey, cherish her memory for eternity. Please, refrain from shedding too many tears!”
Subsequently, he approached the convoy transporting the majestic creature, resting his forehead against the vehicle’s side while clutching his closed umbrella amidst the pouring rain.
Addressing attendees at the farewell ceremony for Fu Bao held at Everland amusement park in Yongin, he expressed, “Regardless of whether ten or a hundred years elapse, you will always remain our beloved baby panda.”
Fu Bao was observed arriving at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in a custom-designed cage.
This morning, thousands of individuals congregated on the streets of South Korea to bid farewell to panda Fu Bao as she embarked on her journey to China.
Distressed supporters were spotted brandishing banners and posters adorned with heartfelt messages dedicated to the beloved animal celebrity.
Kang and a panda expert from China accompanied Fu Bao on her two-hour flight to her new residence at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Sichuan Province.
Cheol had been nurturing Fu Bao since her birth in July 2020 at the Panda World amusement park, with her parents being Le Bao and Ai Bao. This panda pair was sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 on a 15-year loan as a gesture of friendship between Korea and China, as reported by The Korea Herald.
According to the endangered species conservation agreement, pandas sent abroad by China are repatriated before they reach the age of four. As a result, the amusement park couldn’t display Fu Bao to the public on Wednesday, as she underwent a month-long quarantine in preparation for her return to China.
Nonetheless, throngs of emotional fans gathered to catch a final glimpse of the gentle giant before her departure. Heartrending images from the event depict approximately 6,000 individuals, as reported locally, enduring heavy rainfall beneath a canopy of colorful umbrellas. Some attendees held aloft posters and balloons dedicated to the beloved animal celebrity.
Despite their large numbers, the crowd fell silent as a specially designed green vehicle transporting the panda passed through, aiming to minimize noise and avoid startling her. The convoy, adorned with lush jungle scenery and images of Fu Bao’s visage, traversed the bustling streets at a leisurely pace while onlookers wept, waved, and bid a sorrowful farewell to the departing bear.
A woman was observed leaning over a barrier, tears streaming down her face as she captured a photograph of the convoy transporting the panda.
Fu Bao garnered widespread popularity among South Koreans as she was the first giant panda ever born in the country.
Spectators were spotted in tears as the panda departed the vicinity, having not seen her since March 3rd.
The panda will embark on her new journey at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Sichuan Province.
A heartfelt message painted on the side of the vehicle expressed: “It’s a miracle to meet you. Thanks, Fu Bao.”
Accompanied by two police cars, the lorry proceeded along the road, trailed by devoted fans. The streets were adorned with floral motifs and messages from supporters, while Everland displayed photos and videos of Fu Bao on a large LED screen.
Amidst the crowd of panda enthusiasts, individuals held up banners, flowers, and homemade posters, leaning over railings and venturing onto the roads to capture photos. According to The Korea Times, some fans had been waiting as early as 4 am to catch a glimpse of the gentle giant.
One poignant image captured a woman shedding tears in the rain as she took a final photo of Fu Bao. Clutching her phone adorned with a panda pop-socket, it appeared as a touching tribute to the beloved bear.
Another snapshot depicted a group of solemn individuals holding yellow balloons featuring the panda’s face.
Additionally, a young woman stood on the sidewalk corner, holding up a bright pink fuzzy poster while awaiting the convoy.
Following Fu Bao’s departure, zookeepers hosted a farewell event for the fans inside the theme park.
A woman was spotted leaning over a barrier, tears streaming down her face as she captured a photo of the convoy transporting the panda.
Two police vehicles accompanied the lorry as it made its way through the bustling streets towards Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.
Observers wept as the panda departed the area, having not laid eyes on her since March 3rd.
The panda will commence her new journey at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Sichuan Province.
A message emblazoned on the side of the vehicle conveyed: ‘It’s a miracle to meet you. Thanks, Fu Bao’.
As the lorry traversed the streets, it was flanked by two police cars, with fans trailing along behind.
The roadway was adorned with floral motifs and messages from supporters, while Everland showcased photos and videos of Fu Bao on a large LED screen.
Amidst the throng of devoted panda enthusiasts, individuals held aloft banners, flowers, and homemade posters, leaning over railings and venturing onto the roads to capture photos.
According to The Korea Times, some fans had been waiting as early as 4 am to catch a glimpse of the gentle giant.
One poignant image captured a woman shedding tears into the rain as she snapped a photo of Fu Bao for the last time, her phone adorned with a panda pop-socket, a touching tribute to the beloved bear.
Another image depicted a group of solemn individuals clutching yellow balloons featuring the panda’s face.
Furthermore, a young woman stood on the sidewalk corner, holding up a bright pink fuzzy poster while awaiting the convoy’s arrival.
Following Fu Bao’s departure, zookeepers hosted a farewell event for the fans inside the theme park.
Fu Bao, born in July 2020, was the offspring of Le Bao and Ai Bao, a giant panda couple sent to South Korea by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016.
Individuals lifted balloons and brandished posters adorned with Fu Bao’s visage.
Despite the cold and wet weather, fans courageously bid their last farewells to the panda.
Fu Bao has captured the hearts of South Koreans with her adorable demeanor and distinct charm.
Since Fu Bao’s public debut in January 2021, approximately 5.5 million visitors have flocked to Panda World in the Yongin park to meet the panda family.
In July 2023, Le Bao and Ai Bao also welcomed female twin cubs, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, at Everland.
