"Not Hair Loss but Shedding"... China Suspected of Editing Live Broadcast of Fubao

Reiterated Public Release in June
No Clarification on 'Undisclosed Client Suspicion'
Suspected Edited Version, Not Live Broadcast, of Released Video

In early last month, the giant panda 'Fubao' was returned to China from South Korea, and amid various allegations such as 'undisclosed guest visits' and 'animal abuse,' Chinese authorities have taken to live broadcasting to provide explanations.

"Not Hair Loss but Molting... The Bald Spot on the Crown Will Improve Over Time, Virus Tests Completed" Explanation

Pufao eating the apple thrown by the zookeeper. [Image source=Capture from video on Panda Protection Research Center Weibo]

On the 28th, the China Panda Protection and Research Center revealed Fubao's condition through a live broadcast on the Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency. A local reporter, along with a caretaker from the center, entered the interior of the Wolong Shensuiping Base where Fubao resides, observing and broadcasting online for about 30 minutes, including scenes of Fubao eating an apple. In this footage, Fubao appeared healthier than in previously released videos, and the floor of the enclosure looked relatively clean.

The center emphasized that Fubao has been moved to a breeding hall where it can interact with neighboring pandas and is adapting well there. They specifically mentioned that Fubao has become familiar with neighboring pandas Bingcheng and Winwin. Addressing the 'hair loss controversy,' they noted, "The down feathers fall out before summer," clarifying, "It is not hair loss but molting." Xu Xiang, the caretaker in charge of Fubao, also reassured fans regarding the bald spot on Fubao's crown, explaining, "It is caused by leaning against the corner while sleeping, which prevents hair from growing properly in that area," and added, "It will improve over time."

Furthermore, Xu Xiang seemed aware of recent concerns about flattened or missing fur around Fubao's neck, stating, "We took hair samples from around the neck for testing, but no viral bacteria were found," and added, "We will continue to observe carefully." The center reiterated its position that Fubao's adaptation is improving and plans to open it to the public in June.

Analysts interpret the Chinese authorities' sensitive response to online public opinion as a concern that the spread of unconfirmed rumors could disrupt efforts to enhance the country's image through the panda, a national symbol, and potentially affect panda diplomacy with other countries.

No Explanation for the Most Controversial 'Guest Visit' Allegations... Suspicions of a 'Rebroadcast' Instead of a Live Stream

Puba appears to be showing signs of hair loss. [Image source=Captured from Panda Protection Research Center Weibo]

However, the center did not address the 'undisclosed guest visit' allegations. Additionally, the originally scheduled live broadcast at 10 a.m. Korea time was suddenly postponed to 5 p.m., and the footage presented as "Fubao's current condition" was identical to a video released by the Wolong Shensuiping Base on the 27th amid the guest visit controversy, leading to suspicions that it was an edited recorded broadcast rather than a live stream. Some fans also pointed out that in the video, a caretaker threw an apple to Fubao, who cautiously ate the apple after it bounced off its front paw, which contrasts with Fubao's behavior in Korea, where it refused to eat carrots and apples with dirt on them.

Earlier, on the 24th, several photos of Fubao were leaked on Chinese social media platforms Xiaohongshu and Weibo. The photos showed someone touching Fubao with bare hands and seemingly feeding it. The images also revealed signs of fur loss and marks around the neck that appeared to be caused by wearing a collar. Chinese local fans of Fubao raised concerns, suggesting that "Fubao, who is in a non-exhibition area, might have been used for guest visits," and alleged abuse.

Korean fans also held a truck protest in front of the Chinese embassy over the abuse allegations concerning Fubao. The Korean fan group stated, "We organized this protest to demand improved treatment for the giant panda, which is vulnerable to infections, in light of the recent allegations," and added, "Even if these allegations are not true, we believe it is necessary to receive assurances that such incidents will not happen to Fubao in the future."