Rui Bao and Hui Bao, the first twin giant pandas born in Korea, are expected to return to China as early as this winter. The exact return schedule has not yet been set, but experts from Korea and China are discussing the appropriate time to move.
Kang Cheol-won, an Everland zookeeper, stated accordingly in a video released on the Everland YouTube channel "Talking Zoo Ppuppa TV" on the 1st that "Rui Bao and Hui Bao have already turned 3, so I think there may be hormonal changes related to breeding behavior early next year."
Kang said, "Fu Bao had a bit of a hard time because of that, so we are considering preparing to move as early as this winter so the twins won't have a hard time," adding, "We haven't finalized the schedule yet, but experts are discussing when would be most comfortable for the two to leave."
If Rui Bao and Hui Bao move to China this winter, they will return somewhat earlier than their older sister, Fu Bao. Fu Bao was born at Everland on July 20, 2020, and moved to the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base in Sichuan, China, on Apr. 3, 2024, about three months before turning 4.
Under an international agreement, giant pandas born in countries other than China return to China before turning 4, the age when they can breed, to meet a new mate. Rui Bao and Hui Bao, the first twin pandas born in Korea to mother Ai Bao and father Le Bao on July 7, 2023, will turn 4 next July.
At birth, Rui Bao and Hui Bao weighed only 180g and 140g, respectively. They have since grown under Ai Bao's care and the zookeepers' attention, and recently have reached nearly 90kg in weight.
As the possibility of the twin pandas moving to China becomes known, fans are expressing growing sadness. On social media (SNS) and online communities, reactions such as "Time flies too fast," "After Fu Bao, we have to prepare for another farewell," and "I'll go see them more often before winter" are being posted.
Meanwhile, Everland announced on its website on the 15th of last month the possibility of Ai Bao's third pregnancy. Everland said, "Ai Bao is at a stage that requires careful observation and stable management," adding, "Starting May 26, she will stay indoors and receive intensive care from zookeepers and the veterinary team."
Pandas are known to be difficult to impregnate because their fertile period is only about one to three days in the spring each year. If mating is successful, they typically give birth after a gestation period of about four months.