Twin pandas Rui Bao and Hui Bao to return to China this winter

Rui Bao and Hui Bao, the beloved twin giant pandas residing at Everland in Yongin, South Korea, are slated to return to China this winter. This move follows the repatriation of their elder sister, Fu Bao, about two years ago, under a bilateral agreement between South Korea and China.

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Rui Bao and Hui Bao are also getting on in years, and as they approach three years old, hormonal changes related to breeding behavior might occur next year.

Kang Cheol-won, a zookeeper at Everland, shared the news via the park's YouTube channel, 'Talking Animal Zoo PpBT V.' He explained that the twins are nearing three years of age, a developmental stage where hormonal changes associated with breeding behavior might begin. To facilitate a smoother transition and minimize potential stress, Everland is considering an earlier departure this winter, rather than waiting until early next year when such changes might become more pronounced, as experienced by Fu Bao.

While the specific date for their return has not yet been finalized, discussions are ongoing between experts from both South Korea and China. The primary goal is to determine the most comfortable and opportune time for the pandas' journey. Rui Bao and Hui Bao were born on July 7, 2023, to parents Ai Bao and Le Bao, marking the first twin panda birth in South Korea. They will turn four years old next July, the age at which giant pandas born outside China are typically returned to their native country to participate in breeding programs.

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Fu Bao also had a difficult time because of that, so to send the twins without difficulty, we are thinking of preparing their move around this winter.

Meanwhile, their mother, Ai Bao, has been housed in a private area away from public view since late last month due to the possibility of a third pregnancy. Everland announced that Ai Bao is receiving intensive care from zookeepers and veterinarians. Giant pandas have a very specific and short mating season, and distinguishing between a true pregnancy and a false one can be difficult until shortly before birth due to a phenomenon known as 'delayed implantation.'

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We haven't confirmed the schedule yet, but experts from both countries are discussing when it would be most comfortable for the two.