Everland employees stand to say goodbye to Fu Bao as he departs to return to his homeland China - Photo: Yonhap News
On the morning of April 3, Fu Bao, a giant panda born in Everland, was returned to China by the Korean Government to participate in the breeding program.
Fu Bao left Panda World at 10:40 a.m. (Korean time) on a special vibration-free vehicle, went through Everland Parade and said his final goodbyes to fans in front of the fountain at 11 a.m.
Panda Fu Bao says goodbye to fans and returns to China - Photo: Yonhap News
Fu Bao will be transported from Incheon International Airport to the Wolong Shuping base of the Sichuan Giant Panda Conservation Research Center, by a chartered plane prepared by the Chinese side.
"Grandfather" reads a farewell letter to panda Fu Bao - Photo: Yonhap News
Mr. Kang, also known as "grandfather Kangbao", was emotional and burst into tears when sending Fu Bao back home.
It is known that Mr. Kang was the one who took care of Fu Bao right from birth. "Grandfather" will accompany Fu Bao throughout the process of moving to the new house.
Touching image of Fu Bao and "grandfather" Kang
Before departure, Mr. Kang read a letter sent to Fu Bao: "Thank you for loving Fu Bao since he started his journey to the new world.
I was very proud to see that Fu Bao had completed all the processes to become an adult panda.
I will stay by Fu Bao's side until he gets used to the new house. I believe that whether 10 years or 100 years have passed, Fu Bao is still Everland's eternal baby panda.
And please remember Fu Bao forever."
Fu Bao is well cared for at Everland - Photo: The Korea Times
On March 3, Everland Zoo held a farewell ceremony for Fu Bao.
Thousands of people lined up from early morning to see Fu Bao one last time. Many people expressed their regret at having to say goodbye to this adorable panda.
Fu Bao's farewell on March 3
Everland also plans to continue broadcasting Fu Bao's life in China to fans, through a deal signed with China's CCTV late last year.
Fu Bao was born on July 20, 7, through the natural reproduction process between two pandas Le Bao and Ai Bao.
Le Bao and Ai Bao were sent to South Korea by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 3 under the "panda diplomacy" policy.
Fu Bao quickly became a "star" loved by Korean people and was considered a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
According to Beijing's panda conservation agreement, Fu Bao must return to China when he is 4 years old to participate in the breeding program.
