A new life has arrived at Everland's Panda World. The resort, operated by Samsung C&T, announced on June 10 that a female baby panda was born on June 3 to parents Ai Bao and Lu Bao. At birth, the cub weighed 171 grams. Both the mother and baby panda are reported to be in good health and are receiving care from zookeepers and veterinarians.
This birth is considered a significant achievement in the history of panda conservation in South Korea. Following the birth of Fu Bao, the first naturally bred panda in the country in 2020, and the first set of panda twins, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, in 2023, this marks the third instance of natural breeding. Ai Bao and Lu Bao are now parents of four cubs.
Ai Bao's condition had been a topic of interest among fans even before the birth. Observations of increased sleep and decreased appetite led to speculation about a possible third pregnancy on social media and online communities. In late May, Everland moved Ai Bao to a private area for focused care.
Natural breeding among pandas is challenging. A female panda's fertility period occurs only once a year and lasts just a few days. Hormonal changes during actual and pseudopregnancy are similar, making it difficult to confirm pregnancy until just before birth. Everland prepared for this delivery by monitoring the panda couple's condition based on data from previous births. In February, they successfully achieved natural mating with the assistance of the China Panda Protection Research Center.
This year's birth is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of Panda World, which opened in 2016. The facility is the only panda experience space in South Korea and serves as a site for joint research on panda conservation between South Korea and China. To date, it has welcomed approximately 18 million visitors.
The Bao family has always been marked by both reunions and farewells. The first cub, Fu Bao, returned to China in 2024. There are also concerns among fans about the potential future relocation of the other popular pandas, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, to China.
Amid these changes, the news of the new baby panda brings joy to those who love the panda family. Everland plans to provide focused care for the baby panda until it can walk independently and adapt to its environment. The growth process will be shared on Everland's YouTube channel, 'Everland,' 'Talking Zoo Buppa TV,' and the Naver Cafe 'Zootopia' before the public unveiling.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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