Fu Bao's Departure to China Marks the End of Debate Over Potential Return to South Korea

Courtesy of Eerland

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has rejected a citizen petition requesting funding for the re-loan of Fu Bao, the beloved giant panda born in South Korea. The petition, posted on April 8, advocated for Fu Bao to be housed at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, which is funded and operated by Seoul.

In response, the city expressed the belief that it would be in Fu Bao's best interest to remain in China, where she was sent earlier this month. The official reply to the petition stated that while many citizens were saddened by Fu Bao's departure, it was hoped that she would adapt well to her environment in China and lead a happy life.
 

▲ Fu Bao / Courtesy of Eerland

With the city's decision, the debate surrounding Fu Bao's potential loan appears to have concluded. While the initial petition spurred additional petitions supporting Fu Bao's return to South Korea, there were also opposing petitions arguing that a loan would be a waste of taxpayers' money.

Concerns were raised about the potential stress of another relocation for Fu Bao, as well as the impossibility of mating with another panda if she stayed in South Korea. Kang Cheol-won, one of Fu Bao's primary caretakers in South Korea, expressed the belief that Fu Bao's best chance for companionship lay in China. 

▲ Fu Bao / Courtesy of EverlandFu Bao, who will turn 4 years old on July 20, was born at Everland theme park in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, to pandas Ai Bao and Le Bao, on loan from China. Despite her popularity, Fu Bao was sent to China in accordance with international agreements granting China ownership of nearly all living pandas, except those given away before 1984 and their offspring.

Fu Bao is currently residing at the China Conservation and Research Center, where she has been reported to be in good health. Videos of Fu Bao have been released by the center, providing updates on her well-being.

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Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com