Everland Baby Panda Naming Vote Surpasses 100,000 Participants in Just Six Days

Five “Bao” Name Candidates Compete

Fan Excitement Surges with Short-Form Videos and AI-Generated Images

A nationwide contest to name the fourth baby panda born in Korea at Everland is drawing explosive attention, with 100,000 people participating in the vote.

According to Samsung C&T Resort Group's Everland on August 24, the number of entries in the second round of the baby panda naming contest, conducted simultaneously via the official Everland app and the Panda World on-site board since August 18, surpassed 100,000 in just six days.

Everland's youngest baby panda, photographed on the 22nd, marking 81 days since birth. Samsung C&T Corporation

Online, a vibrant fan community has emerged, with panda fans enthusiastically sharing the meanings and nicknames of their favorite name candidates. Fans encourage active participation by sharing photos as proof of on-site voting and posting thousands of creative images, such as AI-generated movie-poster-style photos of the baby panda.

Short-form content featuring zookeepers who care for and manage the animals is also enjoying immense popularity. Videos of keeper Kang Chulwon, known as “Panda Grandpa,” and keeper Oh Seunghee sharing playful banter about participating in the vote have surpassed a combined 2 million views. Additional videos featuring keepers Song Younggwan and Lee Sehyun are scheduled for release.

The five name finalists in this second round were carefully selected by a naming committee consisting of zookeepers, veterinarians, and staff, from over 10,000 entries submitted in the first nationwide open call. All names use "Bao," which means "treasure" and is a part of the panda family's generational name. The final contenders are "Jubao" (meaning a treasure as precious as a pearl or gem), "Junbao" (an outstanding treasure), "Linbao" (meaning beautiful jade), "Yubao" (blessed and protected by all), and "Shubao" (a treasure as bright as the dawn).

The final name will be officially announced next month, when the baby panda turns 100 days old, based on the results of this second round of voting. This event is also being held on the official social networking channels of the Embassy of China in Korea, with various prizes awarded by lottery, such as trips to Chinese panda bases, invitations to the 100-day celebration, and baby panda footprint merchandise.

An Everland official stated, “Fans and keepers are coming together to choose a precious name that will accompany the baby panda for its lifetime,” adding, “We sincerely hope everyone sends warm support so that our youngest panda can grow up healthy and happy, surrounded by care and celebration.”

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