Everland's Twin Pandas Rui Bao and Hui Bao Successfully Achieve Independence from Mother Ai Bao

The adorable twin pandas of Everland's Panda World, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, have successfully taken their first steps toward independence, leaving their mother Ai Bao's side.

On the SBS TV program 'Animal Farm' aired on the 19th, the growth and independence preparations of Rui and Hui were revealed amidst the audience's fervent attention. The broadcast recorded a viewership rating of 3.7% in the Seoul metropolitan area according to Nielsen Korea, marking the highest rating in its time slot and reaffirming its status as a trending topic.

Now two years old, Rui and Hui must naturally prepare for independence, leaving their mother Ai Bao's embrace in accordance with nature's rhythm. It is common for pandas in the wild to separate from their mothers and become independent between the ages of one and a half to two years old.

Zookeeper Kang Chul-won explained, "If we miss the independence period, the cubs might develop behavioral problems." He added, "Rui and Hui spend mornings together in the outdoor enclosure and afternoons with their mother, undergoing adaptation training for independence."

However, perhaps sensing the impending separation due to the experience of parting with their older sibling Fu Bao, mother Ai Bao showed unusual signs of anxiety. Unaware of what was happening, Rui and Hui continued to nuzzle into Ai Bao for milk and displayed innocent affection, evoking smiles and heartwarming emotions from viewers.

The D-Day finally arrived. The twin pandas successfully completed their first independence training, moving to a new enclosure approximately 20 meters away. Despite a brief moment of hesitation, Rui and Hui bravely ventured towards their new habitat.

Meanwhile, father Fu Bao was nonchalantly sleeping, unfazed by the situation, bringing laughter to the viewers. To increase Fu Bao's activity, zookeepers implemented special training methods, such as removing the floor of the jungle gym. Initially bewildered, Fu Bao attempted to sleep on the modified jungle gym but eventually gave up. Zookeeper Song Young-kwan's special 'wood shaving' preparation proved highly effective. Fu Bao, rubbing and hugging himself in the wood shavings, became excitedly playful like a baby, bringing great joy to those watching.

Following this, Rui and Hui faced another challenge by entering the indoor enclosure for the first time. After a moment of tension, the brave Rui cautiously surveyed the surroundings before leading his sibling Hui out, and they began to adapt to the new space together. It is anticipated that having each other will make their adaptation to the new environment smoother. They are expected to move to the outdoor enclosure as early as next week, growing into adult pandas.

Thus, Rui and Hui have taken a precious first step into the wider world. 'Animal Farm' airs every Sunday at 9:30 AM.

Viewers commented, "The way they stick together is so adorable," "It's amazing how much they've grown," and "Although parting with their mother is sad, I'm cheering for them to stay healthy and well." Reactions to Fu Bao's indifferent attitude included comments like "As expected, the professional sleeper" and "Fu Bao is healing."