Ai Bao, the mother of giant panda Fu Bao who returned to China in 2024, will move into an indoor enclosure closed to visitors starting May 26. With Everland stating that "this is a time requiring careful observation and stable care," interest is growing among fans over the possibility of a third pregnancy.
According to Everland and related online communities on Tuesday, the theme park announced through its website on the 15th that Ai Bao will live in an indoor enclosure starting May 26, where she will receive intensive care from her zookeepers and veterinary team. "Ai Bao has entered a period requiring careful observation and stable care," Everland said. "We ask for your strong support for Ai Bao."
Following the announcement, posts mentioning the possibility of Ai Bao's pregnancy have been spreading across online communities and social networking services. Among panda fans, sightings are also being shared that Ai Bao has recently shown behavioral changes similar to those she displayed before giving birth to Fu Bao in 2020 and twin pandas Rui Bao and Hui Bao in 2023.
However, Ai Bao's pregnancy has not been officially confirmed at this time. Head zookeeper Kang Chul-won said on the YouTube channel "Ppupa TV" on the 18th that "Ai Bao is experiencing significant ups and downs in her condition due to hormonal changes," adding, "We plan to move her to the indoor enclosure starting May 26 and focus on management to help her recover her condition." He also added that the duration of her indoor stay may vary depending on Ai Bao's condition.
Zookeeper Song Young-kwan also said through the Everland Zootopia community that Ai Bao has entered intensive care for her health and stability. The message conveyed that the zookeepers and veterinary team are continuing meticulous care with Ai Bao's health as the top priority.
If Ai Bao's pregnancy is confirmed and leads to birth, it would mark her third delivery in Korea. Ai Bao gave birth to Fu Bao, Korea's first baby panda, in July 2020, and to twin pandas Rui Bao and Hui Bao in July 2023.
Pandas are considered animals for which pregnancy is not easy. Their fertile period occurs only once a year, lasting just one to three days in spring, and pregnancy is also difficult to confirm in its early stages. When mating is successful, birth typically follows after a gestation period of about four months, during which behavioral changes such as increased sleep or decreased appetite may appear.
Everland is also holding an on-site event to cheer for Ai Bao. Visitors who write supportive messages in a designated space at Panda World will receive discount coupons for the Panda World Cafe and Panda World Shop, offered to the first 2,000 visitors each day on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will continue until Ai Bao reappears in good health.
