Everland Twin Pandas Turn Three: Is This Their Last Birthday in Korea?

*This content was translated by AI.

Rui Bao and Hui Bao, the first twin pandas born in South Korea after Fu Bao at Everland's Panda World, celebrated their third birthday on the 7th. This birthday is highly likely to be their last in the country, as international agreements require them to return to China before turning four years old.

Everland, operated by Samsung C&T's Resort Division, held a special birthday celebration for the twin panda sisters at Panda Second House on the morning of the 7th. The event brought together chief keepers Kang Cheol-won and Song Young-kwan, along with pre-invited guests, to honor the twins' third birthday.

Everland's keepers prepared a large birthday cake made from bamboo, which pandas love. In particular, keeper Song Young-kwan gifted an emotionally touching wooden bench custom-made to allow the twin pandas to sit side by side.

About 30 fans invited to the birthday party were selected through a "Love Rui and Hui" comment campaign held in advance at Panda Second House and the Naver Cafe Zootopia, overcoming a 400-to-1 competition ratio. They sang birthday songs together and shared heartfelt messages wishing for the twin sisters' health and happiness, creating a memorable occasion.

Born on July 7, 2023, to mother Ai Bao and father Le Bao, Rui Bao and Hui Bao weighed 180 grams and 140 grams respectively at birth. They have now grown significantly, each exceeding 80 kilograms in weight.

This birthday is expected to be recorded as the last one Rui Bao and Hui Bao will spend with fans in Korea. All giant pandas born worldwide must return to China before reaching four years of age, when they become eligible for breeding under international agreements. Earlier, their older sister Fu Bao was also transferred to the Wolong Shifeng Panda Base in Sichuan Province, China, in April 2024, before turning four.

An Everland official stated, "We are closely monitoring Rui Bao and Hui Bao's health conditions and coordinating with Chinese authorities to ensure their safe transfer at the most appropriate time."

Daily updates on the growing baby pandas are being shared on YouTube channels such as Everland and Ppupa TV. Already, they have gained popularity under various nicknames like "Four Bao" and "Youngest Bao," building a dedicated fanbase.

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*This content was translated by AI.