Livestreamer, three others banned for life from panda centers in Sichuan

A livestreamer and three others have been permanently banned from all facilities under the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center in Sichuan province due to violations of management regulations, the center announced on Sunday.

The livestreamer, identified by the surname Zhu, began illegally livestreaming footage of Fu Bao at the center's Shenshuping base in Wolong town, Sichuan province, following the giant panda's return from South Korea on April 3. Zhu used balconies of local accommodations and elevated areas surrounding the base to capture unauthorized sections such as the quarantine area, office and research buildings, and breeding enclosures.

Despite multiple warnings from local government, police, and the base, Zhu continued to disregard regulations. On June 8, he was again observed livestreaming the breeding enclosures, prompting authorities to intervene. Due to the continuous disruption caused by Zhu's actions, the base decided to permanently ban him from visiting any panda bases.

On the morning of June 9, Zhu was found continuing his livestream on WeChat despite being notified of the ban. When asked if he would continue streaming after being informed of the ban, he responded affirmatively. Zhu expressed surprise at the ban and stated he would communicate with the conservation and research center on the matter, according to Nanfang Metropolis Daily.

In a separate incident on May 3, visitors identified by the surnames Sun, Zhang, and Yang were involved in a physical altercation at the Shenshuping base following a verbal dispute. This incident caused significant disturbance and negative social impact, leading to their permanent ban from all panda center sites.

The China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center reiterated the importance of proper visitor behavior and warned against unauthorized livestreaming of restricted areas within the centers. The center emphasized that violators will be held accountable for their actions.