Zookeeper shares heartbreaking final moment with panda he raised from birth
A zookeeper shares a final farewell with the panda he'd helped raise from birth.
The panda, named Fu Bao, was born in July 2020 and had been raised by Kang Cheol-won her whole life so far.
Around 5.5 million people have visited Fu Bao at Everland Resort in Yongin, the country’s largest theme park, and she will now be transported from South Korea to China.
Crowds of around 6,000 fans queued up for the 20 minute farewell ceremony to watch on and were seen sobbing.
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A convoy, which was transporting the bear, was printed with images of Fu Bao.
Kang, alongside a panda expert from China, also accompanied Fu Bao on her two-hour flight to her new residence in the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Sichuan Province by the agreement between South Korea and China's authorities.
In a heartbreaking speech before the lorry departed, Kang addressed the people saying: “This day has really come...the day you are beginning a long journey for the next part of your life.
“You are our baby panda forever even if 10 years pass or 100 years pass. Dear all, Fu Bao is now leaving.
“Please, remember Fu Bao for a long, long time. And please don't cry much!”
At one point, Kang stands beside the van containing Fu Bao before resting his head against it while holding his umbrella.
She was born in the Panda World amusement park in July 2020, to parents Le Bao and Ai Bao.
Her parents had been sent on a 15 year loan by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016, as a symbol of the two country’s friendship, according to The Korea Herald.
Despite the heavy rainfall, crowds in their thousands gathered underneath umbrellas to say their last goodbyes to the panda, whilst making an effort to make little noise to avoid unsettling her.
A message on the side of the large vehicle read: “It's a miracle to meet you.
“Thanks, Fu Bao.”
Whilst departing, it was escorted by two police vans, whilst fans followed along.
Some people chose to get there for 4am, hoping to catch their last glimpse of the giant bear, The Korea Times said.
While others brought flowers, posters, banners, and balloons which covered the streets.
Zookeepers collectively held another goodbye event for fans inside the theme park after the convoy had made its way out of the park.
But it’s not all bad news for the panda-lovers as Fu Bao's parents, Le Bao and Ai Bao, also gave birth to female twin cubs, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, at the park in July 2023, who remain there along with their parents.
Mia Williams