South Korean netizens expressed regret that Fu Bao could not return to China on a Korean Air flight.
Summary:
- South Korean-born giant panda Fu Bao plans to return to China before the age of four.
- The Chinese side has asked Fubao to fly to China on Air China instead of Korean Air.
- According to the lease agreement between China and the country concerned, giant pandas born outside of China must return to China before a certain age.
According to a report by the "Korea Times" on the 23rd, the Chinese giant panda "Fu Bao", who is currently in South Korea, plans to return to China by plane in April this year. According to the report, China and South Korea have held scheduled negotiations on Fubao's return to China before the age of 4.
However, the report also mentioned that at the request of the Chinese side, "Fubao" will fly to China on Air China instead of Korean Air.
Fukubao
According to the giant panda lease agreements signed between China and the countries concerned, all pandas born outside of China must return to China before a certain age. The previous agreement between China and South Korea stipulated that giant pandas born in South Korea must return to China before their fourth birthday. July 20 this year is Fu Bao's 4th birthday.
Fate from 2016
Fu Bao's parents, "Lebao" and "Aibao", arrived at Seoul Airport (ICN) in South Korea on March 3, 2016 on a Korean Air (B747-400F) flight from Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) in Chengdu, China, to Incheon International Airport.
At that time, Korean Air adjusted the cargo hold pressure to the normal level of a normal airliner and kept the temperature stable at 18 degrees Celsius, which is suitable for the survival of giant pandas. In addition, three keepers and a veterinarian accompanied the pandas on board. They observed the pandas' health every 20 to 30 minutes, and conducted a total of about eight health checks throughout the flight.
Fukubao
According to the agreement between China and South Korea, "Lebao" and "Aibao" will live in South Korea for 15 years. In 2020, they gave birth to South Korea's first giant panda, "Fu Bao". Fu Bao has received national attention in South Korea for his cute appearance, mischievous behavior, and special relationship with zookeepers. In July 2023, they welcomed a pair of giant panda twins, Ruibao and Huibao.
Giant pandas return to China
At present, there is concern about the return journey of giant pandas, especially those born outside of China.
Singapore's first born giant panda, Le Le, returned to China on a Singapore Airlines flight last week on 16 January. For this mission, Singapore Airlines used a dedicated Boeing 747-400F freighter called VIP Panda Flight.
Last November, three giant pandas living in the United States — Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qiji — flew from Washington, D.C., to China on a FedEx charter flight
European-born giant pandas, such as France-born Yuan Meng, Netherlands-born Fan Xing, and German-born twins Meng Xiang and Meng Yuan, also flew to China on Air China last year.
Do you have any memorable stories about animals flying on planes?!