Target: Duan Zhaogang, Director-General, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda
Goal: Provide Fubao with a fully enriched, species-appropriate enclosure with trees, clean water, and fresh bamboo under independent veterinary monitoring, or permit relocation to a first-class facility that can meet these needs, including a return to Korea if necessary.
Fubao, the beloved giant panda born in 2020 as part of a high-profile conservation exchange, may be living in cramped or unstimulating conditions since being sent back to China under the endangered-species agreement. The group “Fubao and Fudeok-ideul” said the young panda appeared lethargic and slimmer than before, raising concerns that her current environment at the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Conservation and Research Center might not be meeting optimal welfare standards for a growing panda. Because Fubao is an endangered animal moved under the banner of friendship and conservation, any apparent decline in welfare understandably shocks the public.
According to the group’s statement, Fubao lacks access to tall trees, abundant clean water, and plentiful bamboo shoots that match her species’ basic needs. Advocates further argued that a busy breeding facility may not provide the same level of individualised care, enrichment, and public transparency as a first-class zoo or sanctuary environment. They therefore urged that Fubao be moved from the current center in Sichuan to a higher-standard venue or, if Chinese authorities cannot guarantee best-practice husbandry, that she be allowed to return to Korea, where she has a proven and highly engaged support base.
Endangered animals transferred across borders for diplomatic and conservation purposes carry more than symbolic value. Their care must be visibly excellent, scientifically grounded, and open to independent review, or trust in such arrangements erodes. This petition therefore calls on Chinese panda authorities to immediately assess Fubao’s housing, diet, and enrichment, to allow independent veterinary and husbandry experts to verify her condition, and to approve relocation to a first-tier facility or back to Korea if a gold-standard environment cannot be provided.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director-General Duan Zhaogang,
Korean animal-welfare advocates have raised serious concerns about the present living conditions of the young giant panda Fubao, who was returned to China last year under an endangered-species and friendship agreement. Supporters in Korea have observed what they describe as weight loss and a lethargic appearance, and they fear that her current housing at Wolong Shenshuping may not be providing the level of enrichment, vertical space, clean water, and bamboo variety that a growing panda requires.
Because this panda was transferred as a symbol of conservation cooperation, her care must reflect the highest international standards. We respectfully ask your center to conduct and publish an immediate welfare review of Fubao’s enclosure, nutrition, medical status, and daily enrichment. If the assessment shows any deficit, please upgrade her habitat at once with tall climbable structures, access to fresh water sources, plentiful bamboo, and species-appropriate behavioral stimulation. Also, permit independent veterinarians and husbandry experts to verify improvements.
If for any reason a gold-standard environment cannot be provided at your facility, we further urge you to authorize Fubao’s transfer to a first-class zoo or sanctuary, including consideration of a return to Korea, where there is documented capacity and public commitment for her care. Transparent, science-based action here will strengthen public trust in panda diplomacy and, most importantly, secure the welfare of an endangered animal entrusted to your stewardship.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: George Lu
