Appetite Decrease and Sluggish Movements in Fu Bao, Turns Out ‘Pseudopregnancy’
It’s been a year since the nation’s panda, Fu Bao, left for China, and recently surprising news was delivered. Fu Bao has entered a state of ‘pseudopregnancy’. Fans are looking on with relief and concern.
Hormonal Changes and Behavioral Abnormalities… Fu Bao, Not Giving Birth but ‘Mature Stage Symptoms’
On the 24th, the China Giant Panda Conservation Research Center detailed Fu Bao’s recent state via Weibo. The researchers explained that “Fu Bao exhibited estrus behavior since February, and since mid-April, showed symptoms like reduced appetite, decreased activity, decreased excretion, and increased rest.”
A detailed health check revealed physiological changes around the reproductive organs and significant fluctuations in hormone levels, interpreted as a ‘pseudopregnancy state’ during the reproductive period. This is a condition that appears periodically in sexually mature female pandas, although it is not an actual pregnancy.
Pandas Are Animals Whose Pregnancy Status Is Uncertain Until Just Before Birth
Pseudopregnancy in pandas is famous for its symptoms being almost identical to real pregnancy. It is even hard to conclude the pregnancy status until just before birth. Therefore, the shelter stated, “We will continue to monitor Fu Bao’s current state carefully and manage her to maintain a healthy condition.”
Prior concerns had been raised among some fans over Fu Bao’s previous symptoms like convulsions, but this announcement seems to offer some relief.
Fu Bao’s Present and Family, and the Wait of Fans
Fu Bao is the first naturally bred giant panda born in Korea between Le Bao and Ai Bao at Everland in July 2020. She received explosive love after scenes of bonding with ‘zookeeper grandpa’ Kang Cheol-won were revealed on YouTube and entertainment shows.
However, according to the endangered species conservation agreement, she was returned to China in April last year and is currently at the Sichuan Shenshuping Base. Fu Bao’s twin siblings, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, are also scheduled to be transferred to China in the first half of 2027.
