Giant Panda Fu Bao Enters Pseudopregnancy in China

Giant panda Fu Bao, who was returned to China, has entered a state of pseudopregnancy this year.

On the 24th, the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center announced on its official social media that "distinct physiological changes have been observed in Fu Bao's reproductive organs and hormone levels," indicating that Fu Bao is in a state of pseudopregnancy.

The center reported that "since February, Fu Bao has shown a normal estrus cycle, and from the 20th, her appetite, bamboo intake, excretion, and activity levels have all decreased, while her rest time has increased." They added, "We plan to continue monitoring Fu Bao's condition closely and maintain her health care."

Pseudopregnancy is a condition where physiological changes similar to pregnancy occur, but actual pregnancy does not take place. Female pandas exhibit symptoms akin to real pregnancy, requiring reduced activity and ample rest. Fu Bao's mother, Ai Bao, also exhibited similar symptoms in 2017.

Pandas are globally recognized as a species with challenging natural reproduction. Their estrus period occurs only once a year, lasting a maximum of three days, and they lead solitary lives, making mating opportunities extremely rare. Even if a fertilized egg is formed, implantation is delayed, causing it to drift in the uterus for months before eventually implanting, making it difficult to predict the exact timing of birth.

Fu Bao was the first panda to be naturally bred in Korea, born in July 2020 to giant pandas Le Bao and Ai Bao. She gained significant popularity through YouTube and variety shows, showcasing her interactions with zookeepers. Last April, she returned to China under the Endangered Species Conservation Agreement and now resides at the Shenshuping base in Sichuan Province.

Meanwhile, Fu Bao's twin siblings, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, are also scheduled to be returned to China in the first half of 2027.