It's panda-monium as South Korea says goodbye to Fu Bao: Crowds of sobbing fans gather for one last glimpse at the gentle giant as she is returned to China

Beloved panda Fu Bao left South Korea for China on Wednesday as crowds of sobbing fans gathered to catch one last glimpse of the gentle giant before her journey.

Emotional images of the event show thousands of panda lovers gathered at Everland, the country's largest theme park in Yongin, to say farewell to Fu Bao - the first giant panda born in South Korea.

The crowds of around 6,000, according to local reports, braved heavy rainfall as they stood under a colourful sea of umbrellas, with some even holding up posters and balloons dedicated to the animal celebrity.

Although the fans were large in their numbers, they paused for silence when a specially crafted green vehicle carrying the panda passed through - in an effort to not scare her by the noise.

The convoy, printed with a green jungle-like backdrop and images of Fu Bao's head drove slowly down the bustling streets as onlookers cried, waved, and watched with sadness at the bear's departure.

A message painted onto the side of the vehicle also read: 'It's a miracle to meet you. Thanks, Fu Bao'.

As the lorry made its way down the roads, it was seen being escorted by two police cars while fans trailed along behind. 

The road was decorated with flower designs and messages from fans, and Everland played photos and videos of Fu Bao on a large LED screen.

Crowds of adoring panda lovers held up banners, flowers, and homemade posters as they leaned over railings and stepped into the roads to click photos.

Some fans had been waiting from as early as 4am to catch a glimpse of the gentle giant, reported The Korea Times. 

One heartbreaking image shows a woman sobbing into the rain as she snapped an image of Fu Bao for the last time.

On the back of her phone is a panda pop-socket - a seemingly touching tribute to the beloved Fu Bao. 

Another image shows a group of frowning people holding yellow balloons with the panda's face printed on the side.

One more displays a young woman holding up a bright pink fuzzy poster, as she stands on the corner of the sidewalk awaiting the convoy.   

Zookeepers hosted a farewell event for the fans inside the theme park after she had left the area.

'You are our baby panda forever even if 10 years pass or 100 years pass,' zookeeper Kang Cheol-won said in a speech during the ceremony. 

'Dear all, Fu Bao is now leaving. Please, remember Fu Bao for a long, long time. and please don't cry much!' 

The amusement park was unable to show Fu Bao to the public on Wednesday as she spent a month in quarantine to prepare for her return to China.

Fu Bao will be relocated to the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Sichuan Province.

Kang and a panda expert from China both assisted Fu Bao on her two-hour flight.

Becoming the first giant panda born in South Korea, Fu Bao was born in July 2020 to Le Bao and Ai Bao through natural breeding.

The giant panda pair were sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 on a 15-year loan as a symbol of Korea's and China's friendship, reported The Korea Herald.

 Pandas sent by China to overseas countries are returned to China before they turn four in accordance with the endangered species conservation agreement.

Fu Bao has been loved by South Koreans for her adorable appearance and unique charm.

Around 5.5 million people had visited the Panda World in the Yongin park to meet the panda family since Fu Bao was made open to the public in January 2021.

Le Bao and Ai Bao also gave birth to female twin cubs, Rui Bao and Hui Bao, at Everland in July 2023.