"Giant Panda Fu Bao Sparks Concern Over Health Issues"

 

Article: Fu Bao's Condition Raises Concerns

In April of this year, the giant panda "Fu Bao," who left South Korea for China, has reportedly been showing unusual symptoms. Chinese authorities are currently conducting a comprehensive medical examination to determine the cause.

On December 3 (local time), the Shenshuping Base of the Wolong Giant Panda Reserve in Sichuan Province, China, announced on its official Weibo account that Fu Bao's condition was found to be abnormal that morning. They stated, "We are closely monitoring Fu Bao's condition and plan to conduct a thorough examination to identify the cause of these abnormalities."

The exact nature of Fu Bao's symptoms has not been disclosed. However, posts and videos of Fu Bao allegedly experiencing seizures have circulated on social media and online forums. One Chinese netizen posted a video on Weibo with the caption, "What happened?" The video, purportedly taken that day, shows Fu Bao sitting in a bush eating bamboo shoots. While Fu Bao's facial expression appears calm, her arms and legs are visibly trembling. The poster claimed to have informed a zookeeper, who responded that they would observe the situation further.

Fu Bao was born in July 2020, the first giant panda born through natural breeding in South Korea, to parents Ai Bao and Le Bao. Under the endangered species conservation agreement, giant pandas born outside China must be returned to their homeland before they turn four. Accordingly, Fu Bao was sent back to China in April this year.

Since her return, concerns have arisen about Fu Bao's condition. She appeared significantly thinner in recent updates, and some reports noted hair loss on her head, sparking allegations of poor treatment. Additionally, footage of Fu Bao bowing her head with her paws clasped together near a fence, seemingly greeting visitors, has led to suspicions that she might have undergone visitor interaction training.

A. Vocabulary Matching

Match the words with their definitions.

• abnormal | reserve | conservation | trembling | allegations

1. Shaking or quivering due to fear or another condition. __________
2. Claims or accusations of wrongdoing. __________
3. Protecting and preserving natural resources or wildlife. __________
4. A designated area for the protection of wildlife. __________
5. Not typical or usual, deviating from the norm. __________

B. Comprehension Questions

1. Where was Fu Bao born, and why was she sent to China?
2. What symptoms has Fu Bao reportedly been experiencing?
3. How has Fu Bao’s condition raised concerns among netizens?
4. What are some allegations about Fu Bao’s treatment in China?
5. Why is Fu Bao considered important in terms of conservation?

C. Discussion Questions

1. What do you think should be done to ensure Fu Bao’s well-being?
2. How can international agreements like the panda conservation program be improved?
3. Why do you think Fu Bao’s case has attracted so much public attention?

D. Research Exercise

Compare and contrast the living conditions of giant pandas in conservation centers in China and other countries. Write three points for each:

Living conditions in China

Living conditions in other countries

Answers

A. Vocabulary Matching

1. trembling
2. allegations
3. conservation
4. reserve
5. abnormal

B. Comprehension Questions

1. Fu Bao was born in South Korea and sent to China under the conservation agreement that requires pandas born outside China to be returned before the age of four.
2. Fu Bao has reportedly been trembling and experiencing seizures.
3. Netizens have expressed concerns about her weight loss, hair loss, and possible training for visitor interactions.
4. Allegations include poor treatment and visitor interaction training.
5. Fu Bao represents an important milestone in panda conservation and the collaboration between South Korea and China.