Twin pandas Luibao and Huibao at Everland Panda World have successfully become independent.
On the 19th episode of SBS TV's Animal Farm, the process of independence for the twin pandas Lui and Hui, who draw attention just by their presence, was revealed. The broadcast drew attention as it posted a 3.7% viewership rating in the Seoul metropolitan area according to Nielsen Korea, the highest rating in its time slot.
The now two-year-old Lui and Hui are finally leaving their mother Aibao's care and preparing to stand on their own. In the wild, pandas naturally become independent between about one and a half and two years of age. Keeper Gang Cheol-won said, "If you miss the proper time for independence, problematic behaviors can occur," and noted, "Lui and Hui go out to the outdoor enclosure alone in the morning and spend time with their mother in the afternoon as part of their adaptation training."
But perhaps because she parted with her first cub Pubao, the mother seems to sense the separation from the twins and shows an unusually anxious demeanor. Unaware of anything, Lui and Hui still burrowed into Aibao's arms while nursing and showed innocent affection, a sight that left viewers smiling and openly moved.
Finally the D-day arrived. The two safely completed their first independence training, moving to an enclosure about 20 meters away. Lui and Hui hesitated briefly but bravely took their first steps. After the broadcast, viewers responded, "How admirable and cute," and "How will they be sent off later?"
But father Lubao seems unconcerned and sleeps peacefully. Keepers removed the floor of the jungle gym to encourage Lubao to exercise, as he was using the equipment as a bed and not moving. Discovering the altered jungle gym, Lubao was momentarily stunned but still climbed it in an attempt to sleep there. In the end he gave up. In addition, keeper Song Young-gwan prepared daepae-bap, a meal that is said to lift the mood and increase activity, for Lubao. The effect was immediate. Rubbing against and embracing the daepae-bap, Lubao was thrilled like a baby.
Meanwhile, Lui and Hui faced another challenge as they entered the indoor enclosure for the first time. Despite tense expressions, brave Lui emerged first to look around and soon came out with his younger sibling Hui, and together they adapted to the new space. It is expected to be easier for them to adapt since they are not alone. Within about a week they will go out to the outdoor enclosure and grow into adult pandas.
Thus Lui and Hui took a step into the world. TV Animal Farm airs every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. <
[Photo] provided
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