It’s panda-monium as South Korea says goodbye to Fu Bao: Crowds of sobbing fans gather for one last glimpse at the gentle giant as she is returned to China
Beloved panda Fu Bao left South Korea for China on Wednesday, as crowds of sobbing fans gathered to catch one last glimpse of the gentle giant before her journey.
Emotional footage from the event shows thousands of panda lovers gathering at Everland, the country’s largest theme park in Yongin, to say goodbye to Fu Bao – the first giant panda born in South Korea.
According to local reports, the approximately 6,000 people braved the heavy rains as they stood under a colorful sea of umbrellas, with some even holding up posters and balloons in honor of the famous animals.
Although the number of fans was large, they stopped for silence as a specially crafted green vehicle carrying the panda drove through – trying not to frighten her with the noise.
The convoy, printed with a green jungle-like background and images of Fu Bao’s head, moved slowly through the busy streets as onlookers cried, waved and watched sadly as the bear left.
Thousands of people gathered on the streets of South Korea this morning to say goodbye to panda Fu Bao as she heads to China
Appalled fans were seen holding up banners and posters dedicated to the animal celebrity
A woman was seen leaning over a barrier and sobbing as she took a photo of the panda convoy
Two police vehicles escorted the truck through the busy streets on its way to the airport
Fu Bao was popular among South Koreans because she was the first giant panda born in the country
Fans were seen sobbing as the panda left the area after not seeing her since March 3
A message painted on the side of the vehicle also read: “It’s a wonder to meet you. Thank you, Fu Bao’.
As the truck drove down the road, he was escorted by two police cars as fans drove behind him.
The road was decorated with floral designs and messages from fans, and Everland played photos and videos of Fu Bao on a large LED screen.
Crowds of adoring panda lovers held up banners, flowers and homemade posters as they leaned over the railing and walked onto the road to click photos.
Some fans were waiting as early as four in the morning to catch a glimpse of the gentle giant, they reported The Korea Times.
A heartbreaking image shows a woman sobbing in the rain as she takes an image of Fu Bao for the last time.
On the back of her phone is a panda doll socket – a seemingly touching tribute to the beloved Fu Bao.
Another image shows a group of frowning people holding yellow balloons with the panda’s face printed on the side.
One shows a young woman holding up a bright pink fluffy poster as she stands on the corner of the sidewalk waiting for the convoy.
Zookeepers organized a farewell event for fans at the theme park after she left the area.
Fu Bao was born in July 2020 to Le Bao and Ai Bao – a pair of giant pandas sent to South Korea by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016
People held up balloons and waved posters with Fu Bao’s face printed on them
The truck was decorated with images of Fu Bao and a message that read: “It’s a wonder to meet you. Thank you, Fu Bao’.
Fans braved the cold, wet weather as they said their final goodbyes to the panda
South Korean zookeeper Kang Cheol-won spoke at a farewell ceremony for Fu Bao at Everland amusement park in Yongin. He said, “You are our baby panda forever, even if ten or a hundred years pass.”
“You are our baby panda forever, even if ten or a hundred years pass,” zookeeper Kang Cheol-won said in a speech at the ceremony.
“Dear all, Fu Bao is leaving now. Please remember Fu Bao for a long time. and please don’t cry much!’
The amusement park was unable to show Fu Bao to the public on Wednesday because she was in quarantine for a month in preparation for her return to China.
Fu Bao will be moved to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan Province.
Kang and a panda expert from China assisted Fu Bao during her two-hour flight.
Fu Bao became the first giant panda born in South Korea, born through natural reproduction in July 2020 to Le Bao and Ai Bao.
The giant panda couple was sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 with a 15-year loan as a symbol of friendship between Korea and China. The Korea Herald.
Pandas sent by China to overseas countries will be returned to China before their fourth birthday, in accordance with the Endangered Species Conservation Agreement.
Fu Bao is loved by South Koreans for her cute appearance and unique charm.
About 5.5 million people had visited Panda World in Yongin Park to meet the panda family since Fu Bao opened to the public in January 2021.
Le Bao and Ai Bao also gave birth to female twin cubs, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, in July 2023 in Everland.