Twin pandas mark last birthday in South Korea

Twin giant pandas Rui Bao and Hui Bao marked their third birthday on July 7 at Everland’s Panda World in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. The celebration, attended by about 30 fans and zookeepers Kang Cheol-won and Song Young-gwan, featured a bamboo cake and a handmade wooden bench.

Born on July 7, 2023, the sisters were the first twin pandas born in South Korea. However, their time in the country is drawing to a close. An international agreement mandates that all giant pandas born overseas must be relocated to China before their fourth birthday, when they reach breeding age.

Their older sister, Fu Bao, already made the journey to China in April 2024, moving to the Shenshuping base of the Wolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan province. An Everland official stated that the park will closely monitor Rui Bao and Hui Bao’s health and coordinate with the Chinese side to ensure a safe relocation at the most appropriate time.

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We plan to closely monitor Rui Bao and Hui Bao’s health and consult with the Chinese side to ensure a safe relocation at the most appropriate time.