"Goodbye 'Pugongju'"... Pubao to leave for Sichuan Province in mid-April

Open to the Public Only Until Early March at Sichuan Giant Panda Conservation Research Center

Giant panda Pubao will be relocated to the Giant Panda Conservation Research Center in Sichuan Province, China, in early April.

Samsung C&T Resort Division Everland announced on the 23rd that after consultations with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, the Panda Conservation Research Center, and others since the second half of last year, this decision was made by comprehensively considering various factors such as the panda's characteristics, temperature, and local conditions.

Giant panda Fu Bao at Everland.
[Photo by Everland]

Pubao was born on July 20, 2020, between Lubao and Aibao, pandas sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 as a symbol of Korea-China friendship. While living at Everland, Pubao was affectionately called names such as 'Yongin Pussi,' 'Pugongju,' and 'Putuntun,' and received much love.

However, pandas sent by China to foreign countries must return to China before turning four years old in accordance with the Convention on the Conservation of Endangered Species.

Accordingly, Pubao will be open to the public only until early March. To help Pubao adapt to the move, visitors will be able to see him during the afternoon starting this weekend.

Everland plans to make thorough preparations to ensure Pubao’s safe journey. In accordance with international regulations on wildlife, Pubao will undergo health and quarantine management for one month in a separate area within Panda World before the move.

Everland stated that they will provide immediate updates once the detailed schedule, location, and flight information for Pubao’s relocation are finalized.

An Everland official said, "We are preparing programs to remember and support Pubao together with our customers," and added, "We ask for much interest and support for Pubao’s happy panda life."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.