Fu Bao gets grounded after futile escape attempt

Food & Travel

Published: 17 Nov. 2023, 12:39

Fu Bao gets grounded after futile escape attempt

Giant panda Fu Bao left her outdoor enclosure at Everland on Monday, enjoying 30 minutes of unbridled freedom. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

There'll be no more outings for Fu Bao, after the Korean-born giant panda's daring escape from her outdoor enclosure on Monday.

Fu Bao crossed the barbed wires surrounding the outdoor enclosure and began digging up the decorative bamboo on the other side of the fence, according to Everland, the theme park where Fu Bao lives, on Wednesday.

Spectators were led out to prevent any accidents. Caretakers persuaded the giant panda with carrots but were unsuccessful, as Fu Bao refused to accept the bribes. Entry for the audience was delayed for roughly 100 minutes as attempts at capture became futile.

Fu Bao's standoff with caretaker and ″grandfather″ Kang Cheol-won ended in her return. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

In the end, it was Kang Cheol-won, a zookeeper referred to as Fu Bao's "grandfather" by fans, who took her back inside. It had been 30 minutes since her escape.

This is not the giant panda's first attempt at unbridled freedom. After a few hesitant tries, Fu Bao managed to knock over the fence surrounding the outdoor enclosure on Nov. 8.

Fu Bao has been grounded by the caretakers since Tuesday, and will not be allowed in the outdoor enclosure for a while until the fence surrounding the enclosure is repaired. Her fans will still be able to meet Fu Bao in the indoor enclosure.

Fu Bao enjoys a bamboo meal on Oct. 12. [NEWS1]

Born to parents Le Bao, father, and Ai Bao, mother, Fu Bao is also an older sister to twins Rui Bao and Hui Bao. She is three years old and will migrate to China early next year before turning four for endangered wildlife preservation reasons.

BY KIM JU-YEON [kim.juyeon2@joongang.co.kr]