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Bamboo, Cake, and Goodbyes: A Final Birthday Bash for Everland’s Twin Pandas

  • Everland’s beloved panda twins, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, celebrated their second birthday on July 7 with a special event hosted by zookeepers and fans
  • This marks their last birthday with their mother, Ai Bao, before starting independent lives in a new panda residence this fall
Twin giant pandas Rui Bao and Hui Bao each stand beside a round flower arrangement topped with signs that read their names and the number 2. The decorations are surrounded by colorful flowers and bamboo, set against a green forest backdrop.
Rui Bao and Hui Bao pose with their flower birthday cakes to celebrate turning two at Everland

On July 7, Everland’s cherished panda twins Rui Bao and Hui Bao turned two years old. Born as Korea’s first giant panda twins, the sisters marked the milestone with a heartwarming birthday celebration at Panda World, surrounded by keepers, fans, and a whole lot of bamboo.

From Tiny Cubs to Growing Giants

Rui Bao and Hui Bao were born on July 7, 2023, weighing just 180 grams and 140 grams. In two years, they have grown nearly 440 times in size and now each weigh around 70 kilograms. To celebrate, zookeepers at Everland crafted a giant bamboo cake for the twins, along with ice rocks and enrichment toys designed to keep them mentally and physically engaged.

Guests invited through a fan event on Everland’s SOMSATANG mobile app joined the celebration. Around 40 Bao Family fans gathered at Panda World to softly sing happy birthday and send messages of love and encouragement to the twins.

A Bittersweet Transition

This birthday holds extra meaning, as it is the last one Rui Bao and Hui Bao will spend with their mother, Ai Bao. Pandas typically begin independent lives between 18 and 24 months, and the twins are now preparing for that next step.

This summer, Everland will gradually help them adjust to life without their mother. In September, they will move into the newly constructed Panda Second House located next to Panda World. The new facility includes both indoor and outdoor enclosures and will serve as their shared living space. Until their move, this summer offers the final chance to see Ai Bao and her playful daughters together, tumbling and cuddling in one space.

To mark the occasion and wish the twins a joyful life ahead, Everland gifted them custom employee badges engraved with their names and faces. Matching plush toys and keyrings featuring the panda twins wearing their new badges have also been released and are now available at the gift shop.

Happy Bao’s Day: July Is for the Whole Family

July is also the birthday month for the entire panda family. In addition to Rui Bao and Hui Bao (July 7), Ai Bao celebrates her birthday on July 13, big sister Fu Bao on July 20, and father Le Bao on July 28. To mark the occasion, Everland is hosting “Happy Bao’s Day,” a celebration running through August 3.

At Bao House, a panda-themed gallery, guests can play a timer game to guess the family’s birthdays and receive a special badge. The Panda World gift shop is offering panda photo cards and eco-bags for customers who spend over a certain amount. At the Panda World café, a rotating birthday set featuring reusable cups, stickers, milkshakes, and roll cakes is being introduced weekly.

Online events are also in full swing. From July 7 to 9, anyone can join a Rui Bao and Hui Bao balance game on the SOMSATANG mobile app. Forty winners will receive panda badge plushies and keyrings. Everland’s Instagram and Naver Café are also hosting events, including silhouette drawing contests and birthday comment campaigns, with more Bao-themed prizes.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

Zookeeper Kang Cheol-won, affectionately known as “Panda Grandpa,” spoke during the celebration. “I want to thank Ai Bao for being such a wonderful mother to Rui Bao and Hui Bao. As they begin this new chapter of independence, I hope everyone continues to support and love them.”

Jung Dong-hee, head of Everland Zoo, also thanked the fans. “We’re truly grateful for all the support our panda family has received. We’ll do our best to ensure they stay happy and healthy.”

Visitors can join in the celebration in person throughout July. For full details on events, operating hours, and ticket reservations, visit the Everland website or check out the Everland app.

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