KO
- Everland welcomed a healthy female baby panda on June 3, giving Fu Bao, Rui Bao, and Hui Bao a younger sister
- The birth marks Korea’s third successful natural giant panda birth and comes as Panda World celebrates 10 years of Korea-China joint panda conservation research
A new life has arrived at Everland’s Panda World, home to Korea’s only giant panda family.
The birth marks Korea’s third successful natural breeding of giant pandas, following Fu Bao, the first baby panda born in Korea in 2020, and twin pandas Rui Bao and Hui Bao in 2023. With the arrival of the newborn, Ai Bao and Le Bao are now parents to four panda cubs, further expanding the beloved Bao family.
This joyful news comes in a particularly meaningful year for Everland. Panda World is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, marking a decade since the opening of Korea’s only giant panda experience space and the beginning of joint panda conservation research between Korea and China.
A Precious New Life at Panda World
Ai Bao gave birth at Everland’s Panda World at around 10:53 a.m. on June 3, approximately two hours after going into labor. The newborn weighed 171 grams at birth.
The baby panda’s birth weight is considered healthy when compared with the birth weights of her older siblings, Fu Bao at 197 grams, Rui Bao at 180 grams, and Hui Bao at 140 grams. Fu Bao, Rui Bao, and Hui Bao have since grown to around 100 kilograms.
Both the baby panda and Ai Bao are currently in good health. Zookeepers and veterinarians are providing close care around the clock, carefully monitoring the mother and newborn during this important early stage.
Ahead of the birth, Ai Bao had shown possible signs of pregnancy, including longer sleeping hours and reduced food intake. She had been staying in the inner quarters of Panda World under intensive care.
According to Everland, Ai Bao is already showing the calm confidence of an experienced mother, caring for the newborn with calm and gentle maternal behavior. Panda World zookeepers, veterinarians, and a specialist zookeeper dispatched from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda are also supporting Ai Bao’s recovery after birth and assisting with newborn care.
A Meaningful Milestone Built on 10 Years of Conservation Research
Giant pandas are known to be extremely difficult to breed naturally. Female pandas are fertile only once a year, usually for just one to three days in spring. Pregnancy is also difficult to confirm until shortly before birth, as hormonal changes during actual pregnancy and pseudopregnancy can appear almost identical.
For Everland, the newest baby panda’s arrival is the result of years of careful observation, scientific data, and accumulated breeding experience.
Building on the births of Fu Bao in 2020 and Rui Bao and Hui Bao in 2023, Everland Zoo closely analyzed Ai Bao and Le Bao’s behavior and hormonal changes again this year. Through blood and urine testing, the team studied hormone data to identify the period with the highest chance of successful breeding, leading to the panda couple’s natural mating in February.
Afterward, Everland provided prenatal care at the same level as an actual pregnancy while considering the possibility of pseudopregnancy. From mid-May, a dedicated delivery room was operated with 24-hour monitoring, while Everland maintained close cooperation with the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.
Cheol-won Kang, the zookeeper widely known as “Panda Grandpa,” said, “I am very happy and grateful to meet another new life after Fu Bao and Rui Bao and Hui Bao. We will care for the panda family with sincerity so they can continue to grow healthily and bring warmth and happiness to many people.”
Baby Panda’s Growth to Be Shared Through Official Channels
Everland will carefully observe the newborn as she grows, begins to walk on her own, builds immunity, and becomes ready to adapt to the outside environment before deciding when she will be introduced to visitors.
Until then, the baby panda will remain with Ai Bao in the inner quarters of Panda World, where she will receive focused care from specialists. Fu Bao, Rui Bao, and Hui Bao first met visitors at Panda World when they were around five to six months old.
Before the newborn’s public debut, Everland plans to share her growth journey and the daily life of the Bao family through official channels, including the Everland YouTube channel, PPUPPA tv : animal world YouTube channel, and the Zootopia Naver Cafe.
Since opening in 2016, Everland’s Panda World has welcomed approximately 18 million visitors, making it Korea’s only panda experience space and one of the park’s most beloved attractions.
Dong-hee Jeong, head of Everland Zoo, said, “This birth is another meaningful achievement in the Korea-China panda conservation cooperation and research that has continued over the past 10 years. Everland will continue strengthening the role and expertise of the zoo to support the conservation and research of endangered species.”
Giant pandas are loved around the world for their charming appearance and behavior. With an average lifespan of about 20 to 25 years, the species is estimated to number around 1,900 in the wild and is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Everland Panda Family at a Glance
For full details on operating hours and park information, visit the Everland website or check out the mobile app.
International visitors can also enjoy a range of special admission offers when presenting eligible VISA, JCB, or T-money cards, or by showing eligible boarding passes from Asiana Airlines. Visitors can also enjoy 25% off the Everland Pass through Singapore Airlines’ Kris+ platform, which can be accessed using a KrisFlyer membership, while Discover Seoul Pass holders can enjoy complimentary admission as part of their pass benefits.
