Fu Bao (panda)

Fu Bao (Chinese: 福宝; pinyin: Fú Bǎo) is a female giant panda born at Everland's Panda World in South Korea on July 20, 2020. She is the first panda born in South Korea. Her parents are Ai Bao and Le Bao, who were sent to South Korea from China in 2016 as part of a panda research project and goodwill initiative.

Fu Bao's birth was widely celebrated in South Korea and she quickly became a national sensation. Her name, meaning "treasure that brings happiness," was chosen through a public online vote. She has been featured extensively in Korean media, documentaries, and online content, contributing significantly to increased public interest in pandas and conservation efforts.

As per the agreement between South Korea and China regarding panda loans, Fu Bao is scheduled to return to China around the age of four, to participate in China's giant panda breeding program. Her departure is expected to be a significant event for her many fans in South Korea. Her return is intended to contribute to the genetic diversity of the panda population in China.

The story of Fu Bao has highlighted the collaborative conservation efforts between countries and the role of iconic species like the giant panda in fostering international relations and raising awareness about wildlife protection.