"Fubao Gurgi, Don't Worry"... Hearing Explanation from Caretaker Gang Cheol-won

Everland Releases Interview Video with Zookeeper Kang Cheol-won
"Seems to Roll to Communicate and Adapt to Environment"
Good Quality Bamboo Shoots and Apples... "Will Adapt Well"

'Puba-o Halbuji' Kang Cheol-won, the caretaker, reassured fans by saying that Puba-o, who was moved to the Chinese Xuanxingping Base on the 3rd and was seen continuously rolling around, is "not exhibiting behavior to be greatly worried about."

On the morning of the 3rd of last month, the final day Pu Bao met with general visitors, zookeeper Kang Cheol-won is giving Pu Bao carrots and canola flowers at the indoor enclosure of Panda World in Everland, Yongin.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 11th, Everland released a video interview with caretaker Kang on its official YouTube channel for fans curious about Puba-o's condition. Kang explained regarding the health concerns raised due to Puba-o’s continuous rolling, "The rolling videos are actually something we have seen a lot of in Korea already," adding, "Puba-o tends to roll in various situations such as when feeling good, feeling bad, or when having certain demands." He continued, "Perhaps in China, Puba-o is rolling to seek interaction with the caretakers, to express some needs, or to adapt to the new environment," and dismissed the concerns by saying, "It is not behavior to be seriously worried about."

Earlier, CCTV footage released by the China National Park showed Puba-o repeatedly rolling around. Some fans who saw this expressed concerns that Puba-o might be stressed. However, Kang, who accompanied Puba-o to China, said that Puba-o adapted well during the move and quarantine process. He shared, "I thought, 'Puba-o is Puba-o' because he handled it so well," and added, "It was as if he was saying, 'Halbuji, did you see? I told you I could do well.'" Kang also said, "Takeoff and landing on a plane are tense moments even for people, but after landing, Puba-o sat calmly and comfortably with a bright expression, eating bamboo," and "He completely trusted me and seemed to offer comfort so that I could return safely."

Pubaowho arrived at the Chinese athlete's village.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Kang said, "(After the quarantine and adaptation period ends) I plan to visit Puba-o around June or July, and if he doesn’t recognize me then, I might feel a bit disappointed but still proud," adding, "Since every meeting is based on the premise of parting, it is very sad and bittersweet, but I sent him off with support and positivity." Earlier, when leaving the Xuanxingping Base, Kang conveyed a message to Puba-o: "Now Halbuji is going. Once the quarantine is over, Halbuji will definitely come to see you. If you don’t recognize me then, I might feel a little sad, but even so, I will think that you are adapting well. Please adapt well. I love you."

Kang also explained his decision to accompany Puba-o to China despite his mother’s passing. He said, "Three days before my mother passed away, I visited her in the hospital and said, 'I will go to China safely,' and she told me, 'Go to China safely. You are working hard on something important,'" adding, "After the funeral, my older siblings told me at the mourning house, 'Of course you should go. Mother wanted that, and she would have been proud, so your going is a wise choice for her as well,' which helped me to go with composure." Kang reportedly returned to Korea, held a memorial service with his family for his mother, and recently resumed work.

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