It's panda-monium as South Korea says goodbye to Fu Bao: Crowds of sobbing fans ... trends now
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.
Thousands of people gathered in the streets in South Korea this morning to bid farewell to panda Fu Bao as she heads to China
Upset fans were seen holding up banners and posters dedicated to the animal celebrity
One woman was seen leaning over a barrier, sobbing as she snapped a photo of the convoy carrying the panda
Two police vehicles escorted the lorry down the packed streets as it headed for the airport
Fu Bao was popular among South Korean's as she was the first giant panda born in the country
Fans were seen sobbing as the panda left the area, after having not seen her since March 3
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
