Revealing the New Keeper of Fubao... A Look-Alike of 'Fubaji' Kang Cheol-won?

Photos of Pubao Arriving in China After Leaving Everland Released
Veterinarian Makes 'Cook' Gesture with Finger... Controversy Over Neglect Arises
Pubao's New Caretaker Revealed... "Man in Black Clothes"

Photos of Puba, the first baby panda born in Korea, arriving in China after leaving Everland on the 3rd, have been released.

The new caretaker of Fubao (wearing black clothes) looking at Fubao who has arrived in China.
Photo by China Panda Protection Research Center

On the 4th, local Chinese media reported that Puba safely completed the journey from Korea to Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Given Puba's popularity in both Korea and China, the panda's trip to China was broadcast live by media outlets in both countries.

The China Panda Protection and Research Center shared on the social networking service (SNS) Weibo images of Puba resting in the quarantine area inside the Shenshuping Base of the Wolong China Giant Panda Sanctuary (臥龍中華大熊猫苑).

In the released videos and photos, Puba appeared somewhat tense inside a transparent cage. A staff member, presumed to be a caretaker, was seen inserting a bare finger into the cage's ventilation hole and poking Puba, which sparked controversy over allegations that Puba was being 'neglected.' At the same time, concerns arose that this individual might be a new caretaker succeeding Kang Cheol-won, who had developed a close bond with Puba.

After arriving in China, Fubao moved indoors and is looking around. Although showing a somewhat surprised expression, she is calmly adapting to the situation.
[Photo by China Panda Protection Research Center]

However, the man was identified as a professional veterinarian at the center and not the caretaker who is supposed to be constantly by Puba's side. The China Panda Protection and Research Center stated, "The veterinarian's finger touch is an essential examination to check Puba's condition," and assured that "Puba is safe and healthy." Caretaker Kang also commented, "Puba was a bit nervous and sensitive, but this is normal," adding, "Chinese caretakers are well-versed in husbandry methods and possess high-level skills, so there is no problem."

At the same time, Puba's new caretaker was revealed. In response to questions on Chinese SNS about who the Chinese caretaker looking after Puba is, the China Panda Protection and Research Center said, "The person wearing black work clothes is the caretaker." Photos posted on SNS show a man dressed in black quietly watching Puba, who had just arrived in China.

Netizens who saw the photo reacted with comments such as, "He looks like Kang Cheol-won," "Maybe they deliberately chose someone similar to Kang," "I hope Puba won't feel lonely," "He looks exactly like Kangbao," and "Caretakers must have a certain look."

Meanwhile, Puba is scheduled to undergo a one-month quarantine and isolation procedure at the base. The final residence after the quarantine is yet to be decided. On the 1st, in an interview, Zeng Wen (曾文), a caretaker at the China Panda Protection and Research Center, said, "The timing of Puba's public appearance will be decided based on the giant panda's adaptation status," adding, "Since each panda's adaptation period varies, the exact timing cannot be predicted, but based on past cases of pandas returning to China, it can take anywhere from 1-2 months to as long as 7-8 months."

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