In the heart of Everland, nestled in the bustling Yongin, South Korea, a special panda was born on July 20, 2020. Princess Fu Bao was born to her parents, Ai Bao e Le Bao. A name that, in its sweetness, encapsulates the meaning of "happy treasure." This giant panda cub was no ordinary event. Her arrival marked the first natural birth of the species in Korea, surpassing previous births in captivity using assisted reproduction techniques. On April 3, 2024, giant panda Fu Bao returned to China to live in his natural habitat. The princess landed at Shuangliu International Airport in Sichuan Province.
Who is Princess Fu Bao, who are her parents and the media phenomenon?
Fu Bao is the daughter of Ai Bao and Le Bao, a pair of giant pandas that China generously donated to South Korea back in 2016. They are a powerful symbol of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. When Fu Bao was born, she quickly became a media and cultural phenomenon. From her very first cries and clumsy attempts to explore the world around her, the little panda captured the world's attention.
The videos capturing her first weeks and months of life have reached a staggering number, to say the least. Around 500 million views on YouTube. A number that testifies to her innate ability to win hearts. It's estimated that an incredible portion of the South Korean population—approximately 5.5 million people, equivalent to one-tenth of the entire nation—have made the pilgrimage to Everland Park to see her in person, even if only for fleeting moments. Her unstoppable popularity has given rise to myriad fan groups spread across every corner of the globe; online communities where enthusiasts incessantly share photos, videos, and meticulous updates on her growth and daily life.
The deep bond with "grandfather" Kang Cheol-won: who is he?
The wave of affection generated by Fu Bao has also translated into a thriving market for themed merchandise. Plush toys of various types, clothing items adorned with his iconic image, and a wide range of accessories have achieved truly remarkable sales, with staggering figures, confirming his status as a true star. A crucial element in the story of Fu Bao's success is undoubtedly his special and deeply touching bond with his Korean guardians, including Kang Cheol-won who announced his retirement after 38 years of work.
Affectionately nicknamed "Fu Bao's grandfather" by his legion of adoring fans, Kang has followed the panda's growth since her first breath. From that first moment, he forged a unique and visceral bond with her that has deeply touched millions of visitors and spectators ever since. The moments of tender affection, the awkward games, and the mutual understanding between man and animal have been widely documented and shared on social media. All this material has significantly contributed to strengthening Fu Bao's image as a universal symbol of joy and affection.
Kang Cheol-won, un esperto panda nanny cinquantacinquenne dello zoo di Everland, è divenuta una figura paterna non solo per Fu Bao. Ma anche per le sue successive sorelle gemelle, Rui Bao e Hui Bao, le quali a dicembre torneranno in Cina. La sua storia con i panda di Everland affonda radici profonde. Kang ha iniziato a lavorare nello zoo nel lontano 1988, prendendosi cura di diverse coppie di panda negli anni ’90, prima che questi facessero ritorno in Cina a causa delle turbolenze economiche causate dalla crisi finanziaria asiatica.
Il noto custode è stato anche colui che ha accolto ed accudito incondizionatamente i genitori di Fu Bao, Le Bao ed Ai Bao, fin dal loro arrivo nel 2016. Il suo legame profondo con i panda è talmente profondo che la gravidanza di Ai Bao è stata persino preceduta da un “taemong” della moglie di Kang, un sogno premonitore considerato di buon auspicio secondo la tradizione coreana.
The special gift to Princess Fu Bao
Over the years, the bond between Kang and Fu Bao has grown ever stronger and more special. It's no coincidence that on her third birthday, Kang dedicated a children's book to her. A second volume followed, retracing his years in Korea. Kang's familiarity with these animals is such that Fu Bao's photo has become the wallpaper on his personal watch, while Rui Bao's adorns his phone's lock screen. A sweet gesture to avoid making the other pandas in his care jealous. Kang also felt the need to clarify an incident that had raised some concerns among fans: an occasion when Fu Bao had climbed over the wires of his outdoor enclosure.
Contrary to rumors that she attempted to escape, Kang explained that it was simply an act of curiosity and play. This was further fueled by the fact that the bamboo trees had been temporarily covered with straw to protect them from the harsh winter cold. When the other keepers attempted to lure her with carrots, to no avail, Kang's arrival and a simple call by name were enough to make her meekly return. The keeper explained that pandas possess extremely keen hearing and develop a deep affection for their keeper, especially when cared for with love and dedication, to the point of responding to his voice in a manner similar to the imprinting observed in Lorenz ducks.
The return to China
Fu Bao's twin sisters too,Rui Bao and Hui Bao, before their fourth birthday, will have to return to China. Kang, with a heart full of love, accompanied Fu Bao on her journey back to China, even though he was unable to stay with her during the quarantine period required by the program. His biggest concern, however, is only one: that Fu Bao, in the future, might have difficulty recognizing him, despite his firm belief that the panda would adapt perfectly to her new environment. On March 24, 2026, the panda Fu Bao received a visit from the new Korean ambassador.
Fu Bao's departure for China and farewell ceremony in South Korea
On April 3, 2024, Fu Bao set out on her journey to China, in compliance with international agreements that mandate the return of panda cubs born abroad to contribute to the species' vital breeding programs. This move moved the entire Korean community. Thousands of people gathered in the pouring rain to bid her farewell during a touching farewell ceremony held at Everland Park.
Attualmente, Fu Bao risiede presso il Centro di Ricerca e Conservazione del Panda Gigante di Shenshuping. Dove continua a ricevere cure e attenzioni specializzate, contribuendo attivamente agli sforzi globali per la conservazione della sua specie, classificata come vulnerabile. La sua straordinaria storia ha persino ispirato la realizzazione di un commovente documentario intitolato “My Dearest Fu Bao”. Quest’ultimo ripercorre i tre mesi precedenti al suo trasferimento in Cina, visti attraverso gli occhi amorevoli dei suoi custodi. Il film, descritto come una “storia toccante simile a una fiaba”, ha debuttato nelle sale cinematografiche sudcoreane a partire dal 4 settembre 2024. Presto, anche le gemelle Rui Bao e Hui Bao lasceranno la Corea per tornare “a casa”, in Cina. La loro partenza sarebbe prevista per l’inverno 2026.
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The strange convulsions and health conditions
After her return to China, at the Shenshuping panda base, Fu Bao exhibited some worrying symptoms, including seizures. Her particularly worrying health conditions led to the princess being isolated for approximately four months. During this time, concerns about her health and the nature of her seizures grew among her fans. However, thanks to the constant and loving care provided by the research center, any fears were allayed. Indeed, after her forced isolation and constant monitoring, Fu Bao was once again presented to visitors at her new Chinese residence, displaying all her undeniable beauty and vitality.
Fu Bao perfectly embodies the image of an animal who has united nations and beyond, inspiring universal affection and raising awareness of the crucial importance of biodiversity conservation. Although her fame was not a deliberate choice, but rather the result of a singular combination of unique factors related to her birth, the cultural context in which she grew up, and her touching personal story, Fu Bao has become much more than just an adorable panda. The princess is a global symbol of hope, connection, and our responsibility to the natural world. As an inadvertent ambassador for her species, Fu Bao represents the tireless efforts dedicated to the conservation of giant pandas—a species fighting for survival—and raising awareness worldwide of the urgency and importance of environmental protection.