This year, the documentary My Dearest Fu Bao (안녕,할부지) became one of the most substantial films around the world. It tells the story of Korea’s first giant panda, born in captivity, Fu Bao, and the lives of her “Grandpa” caretakers Kang Nam-il and Song Seung-ho. The documentary, perfectly showing the beginning of Fu Bao’s life and the bond she found with her Grandpas, now reflects the galling process of her return to China. The film has become so compelling that people from different countries are watching it together on the internet, leaving numerous comments on how hard they are touched by the panda’s story. The reason for such emotional involvement is that My Dearest Fu Bao is far more than just a movie about this cute animal. It is an extension of the concept of human-animal interaction, showing the life of Fu Bao and her two human friends at Seoul’s Everland Zoo.
Fu Bao and Her Grandpas
One of Fu Bao’s two caretakers is Grandpa Kang Nam-il, who has been with the panda from the moment of her birth in 2020. Fu Bao’s life was full of fun thanks to her friend Grandpa Song Seung-ho, her other keeper. Both grandpas were responsible for little Fu Bao, and their friendship with her is so strong because they were the closest people in her life. Over her short life, the girl has become so close to Kang that she considers him her father. The panda’s keeper provides the girl with food, amusement, and care by visiting her every day. Kang Nam-il has become so attached to the girl that it seems he loves not only the panda but the crowds of tourists who come especially for tourists to look at the princess. Song Seung-ho’s attitude towards Fu Bao is a little different but as vivid: it was he with whose jokes and tricks Fu Bao spent the days.
For many viewers, the documentary is an emotional roller-coaster, especially as the film nears the moment Fu Bao has to leave. The scenes where Grandpa Kang and Grandpa Song, the original captors, are forced to part with their panda child are gut-wrenching yet filled with love. It would be naive to think of it merely as a goodbye to the beloved panda. It is, in fact, the end of a relationship that could change the lives of every person who has ever laid eyes on Fu Bao.
Fu Bao’s Role in Panda Conservation
Aside from being a good narrative, My Dearest Fu Bao also accentuates Fu Bao’s significance in the global effort to conserve pandas. Since she is part of the China-South Korea panda concession agreement, a substantial portion of the documentary is dedicated to the beginning of her stay in China and efforts to facilitate her role in the panda breeding program once Fu Bao’s return reaches its completion. To say goodbye means not just a bid farewell to the panda herself and all sweet memories accompanying her stay but also the finality of her contribution to the continuation of her and her kind’s species.
The film emphasizes this issue and sends a message that surely won’t be lost on the audience. The careful and constant working on the preservation of giant pandas entails every moment of consciously accepting a parting with the animals involved in the program, whether they are zookeepers, conservation activists, or good people hosting pandas in their homes. This is how My Dearest Fu Bao incites the emotions of the audience when taking them through the journey of the promise and all its consequences that also represent one’s last hours with Fu Bao. However, there is a way to make these last few moments special and meaningful.
Fu Bao Cheering Stick: Celebrate Fu Bao’s Legacy
These light sticks were made specifically for Fu Bao’s fans who would like to keep her spirit inside the heart. Whether you wish to visit the embracing her tank party or stay at home watching My Dearest Fu Bao, the Fu Bao Cheering Stick is a brilliant and merry way to express your gratitude for Fu Bao, Aibao, Huibao, Ruibao, and Lebao.
Made of environmentally friendly materials, the Fu Bao Cheering Stick is not just a keepsake—it’s a public sign, showing and cheering on the connection between Fu Bao and her fans. This piece reminds us of the happiness she has given to each and every one of us and encourages us to support the future panda’s rescue effort. Shall we continue to support and cheer for Fu Bao, wherever she goes?
Conclusion
My Dearest Fu Bao is a powerful film, reminding us that we, as human beings, are emotionally connected to animals. It is a beautiful story of Fu Bao’s life from her birthplace in South Korea to her return to China. With the Fu Bao Cheering Stick, you can support and cheer for Fu Bao when necessary and wherever you are.
Even Fu Bao’s song was created, symbolizing the connection between Fu Bao, Grandpa Kang, and Grandpa Song. However, let’s not forget about the life and destiny of her kind in wild habitats and continue supporting and doing everything possible so that giant pandas and other endangered species will have hope and happy lives.
