Three years ago, Korea welcomed its first natural-born panda named 'Fu Bao' at Panda World in Everland Zoo’s Zootopia, which has since gained much popularity among locals and tourists alike.
However, it's highly likely that Fu Bao will be sent back to China soon. Endangered pandas are loaned to foreign countries with the expectation that they'll be returned to China for breeding purposes after a designated time.
Xiang Xiang, a giant panda born in Tokyo, Japan, was sent back to China in February for breeding, and Fu Bao may follow suit.
Interestingly, Chinese netizens are suggesting that it would be wonderful if Fu Bao remained in Korea. This is because of the affectionate bond between Fu Bao and her zookeeper.
The Chinese have seen the touching videos and pictures of Fu Bao's trust in and reliance on her zookeeper Kang Cheol Won, which were widely shared on social media. Many Chinese citizens hope Fu Bao doesn't have to return to China and can continue living happily with her beloved zookeeper.
In the past, China gifted pandas to countries with which it had diplomatic relations as a symbol of friendship. However, since the 1980s, when concerns about endangerment arose, pandas have only been sent abroad on a rental basis.
According to China's policy, all pandas are owned by China, and pandas born abroad must eventually be returned to their home country. Hence, Xiang Xiang, a panda born and raised at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, was recently returned to China.
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Animals can always tell when someone genuinely loves them.
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