Everland releases photo of Korea's first naturally born panda cubs

Social Affairs

Published: 11 Jan. 2024, 15:33 Updated: 11 Jan. 2024, 15:47

Everland releases photo of Korea's first naturally born panda cubs

A photo of the giant panda twin cubs Rui Bao (left) and Hui Bao released on Thursday. [SAMSUNG C&T]

The twin giant panda cubs at Korea's Everland theme park and zoo had an adventurous week, exploring their new surroundings and meeting their fans.

On Thursday, Everland released photos of the cubs — Rui Bao and Hui Bao — playing in their yard, a week after they were first introduced to the public.

The panda cubs weigh over 12 kilograms (26 pounds).

“Rui Bao and Hui Bao now cross a single log bridge, climb up the wooden shelter and play together while their mother Ai Bao is enjoying bamboo stems and leaves [for her meal],” panda caretaker and zookeeper Kang Cheol-won said.

Kang added that the twin cubs are well and quickly adjusting to their yard.

Everland has gradually increased visitor capacity for each time slot. The park reduced the capacity to 30 visitors per slot last Thursday and now allows 80 people.

Giant panda twin cubs and their mother, Ai Bao, spend their time in the indoor yard at Panda World in Everland. [SAMSUNG C&T]

Visitors to Panda World can only see Rui Bao, Hui Bao and Ai Bao in their indoor yard for an hour from 10:10 a.m. every day.

At the same time, Fu Bao — the cubs’ older sister and Ai Bao’s first daughter — will greet fans in the outdoor yard. Le Bao — Ai Bao's mate — roams his own indoor and outdoor yards.

The park plans to extend the cubs' playing time in the yard as they grow.

Korea’s first naturally bred giant panda twins, Rui Bao and Hui Bao were born on July 7 of last year in Everland, which is located in Yongin, Gyeonggi.

BY LEE SOO-JUNG [lee.soojung1@joongang.co.kr]