China News Service, Chengdu, April 3 (Shan Peng) On the evening of the 3rd, Beijing time, flight 3U9680 carrying the giant panda "Fubao" traveling to South Korea landed at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. At about 19:25, the Airbus A330-200 wide-body passenger plane was parked firmly on the apron. That night, it started to rain lightly in Chengdu.
On the evening of April 3, flight 3U9680 carrying the giant panda "Fubao" traveling to South Korea landed at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Photo by China News Service reporter Anyuan
"Fubao" was born in South Korea on July 20, 2020. He is the first cub of the giant panda couple "Ai Bao" and "Le Bao" living in South Korea. He is deeply loved by the Korean people. This year, "Fubao" will turn 4 years old. According to the cooperation agreement and practice between China and South Korea, Fubao must return to China before reaching the age of 4 to maintain a natural and healthy growth rhythm.
After inspection and quarantine procedures, at about 19:44, a platform lift truck slowly approached the aircraft. When the platform rises to the height of the hatch, the hatch opens, and the transfer box containing "Fubao" passes through the conveyor and is gently transferred to the platform. At this time, the "Fubao" in the transfer box also appeared in people's field of vision. It kept looking out, seemingly curious about everything. In the corner of the transfer box, there are piles of bamboos for "Fubao" to eat during his journey.
On April 3, the giant panda "Fubao" who traveled to South Korea returned to China. The picture shows "Fubao" in the transfer box. Photo by China News Service reporter Anyuan
It only takes about 10 minutes to get from the cabin to the cargo yard. Outside the cargo yard, a vehicle with a large photo of "Fubao" and the words "Welcome giant panda 'Fubao' back to China" has been waiting for a long time. It will take "Fubao" back to its new home overnight - the China Giant Panda Protection Center in Wolong, Sichuan. Research center Wolong Shenshuping base. In the carriage, the staff also gave "Fubao" fresh bamboo shoots and apples for dinner.
According to the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the Shenshuping base is ready to welcome "Fubao". The isolation area is fully equipped with supplies. A working group will also be set up to take care of "Fubao"'s daily life and ensure that it survives the isolation period safely. In the early days of returning to China, the base will take care of "Fubao" according to the Korean breeding method, and will transition to the base's breeding mode as appropriate. At that time, the feeding plan will also be customized according to "Fubao"'s preferences, maturity stage, physical condition, etc. (over)