"Everland May Face Another Uproar"... Will Twin Pandas, Fubao's Siblings, Return to China Earlier Than Their Sister?

"Experts from Korea and China Discussing the Timing"
Return Possible This Winter Before Hormonal Changes

The twin giant pandas Ruibao and Huibao, currently living at Everland, are expected to return to China as early as this winter.

Mother panda Ruibao (right) and twin pandas Ruibao (left) and Huibao (center). Samsung C&T Corporation

Kang Chulwon, the zookeeper affectionately known as "Panda Grandpa," recently discussed the future plans for the twin pandas on Everland's YouTube channel, "Talking Zoo Ppupa TV." Kang stated, "Ruibao and Huibao are already turning three years old, and I expect that by early next year, they will begin experiencing hormonal changes related to breeding behavior." He added, "Fubao also went through a tough time because of that, so we are considering preparing for their return as early as this winter to ensure the twins have a smoother transition." He continued, "The schedule has not been finalized yet, but experts are discussing when would be the most comfortable time to send them back."

Ruibao and Huibao, born on July 7, 2023 at Everland to mother Aibao and father Lebao, are the first twin pandas born in Korea. Next July, the twins will turn four years old. Their older sister Fubao was born at Everland on July 20, 2020 and was sent to the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base in Sichuan Province, China, on April 3, 2024, about three months before her fourth birthday. At that time, Fubao had difficulty due to hormonal changes, and so the team is considering having the twins return to China slightly earlier than Fubao did.

According to international agreements, giant pandas born in any country must return to China before they reach breeding age. Typically, the relocation process takes place before the pandas turn four, and they are introduced to new mates in China.

When Ruibao and Huibao were born, they weighed only 180g and 140g, respectively. However, thanks to the dedicated care of the zookeepers and their mother Aibao, they now each weigh nearly 90kg and are living healthy lives.

Additionally, on May 15, Everland announced on its website the possibility that Aibao may be pregnant for the third time. Everland stated, "Aibao is currently in a period that requires careful observation and stable management. From May 26, she will be staying indoors under the close supervision of her zookeepers and veterinary staff." Female pandas have a very short fertile period, usually lasting only one to three days in the spring each year, making the pregnancy success rate quite low. Typically, after mating, there is a gestation period of about four months before the cub is born. Pregnant pandas are known to show behavioral changes, such as increased sleep and decreased appetite.

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