CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Beloved Pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi Return to China After Emotional Farewell in France

Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, two 17-year-old pandas at Beauval Zoo, are returning to China after Huan Huan was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The pair, at Beauval since 2012 under China’s "panda diplomacy" program, produced three cubs — France’s first panda births. More than 200 fans attended a rainy farewell; the zoo hopes to continue its partnership with China while the twins born in 2021 remain at Beauval for now.

01:14 PM, 11/25/2025Culture
Beloved Pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi Return to China After Emotional Farewell in France

Two giant pandas at the Beauval Zoo in central France, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, departed for China after a moving public farewell following a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease in Huan Huan. The pair, both 17, arrived at Beauval in 2012 under China’s long-standing "panda diplomacy" program and have been a major attraction for the zoo and visitors alike.

Originally scheduled to remain in France until January 2027, the pandas will instead retire at the Chengdu panda sanctuary. More than 200 well-wishers braved cold, rainy weather to say goodbye on Sunday, including devoted fans who have visited the bears repeatedly since their arrival.

Beauval staff said the animals will be escorted by police to Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport for their scheduled flight, reflecting the careful logistical arrangements typically required for international panda transfers.

A legacy of new life and strong bonds

While at Beauval the pair produced three cubs — the first panda births in France — and became star attractions for the park, which welcomed around two million visitors in 2023. Their eldest cub, Yuan Meng, returned to China in 2023; the twin cubs born in 2021 are expected to remain at Beauval for now.

Zoo director Rodolphe Delord said the decision to return Huan Huan and Yuan Zi came after careful consideration following Huan Huan’s diagnosis. "It was made with a twinge of sadness," he said, while emphasizing the welfare of the animals and the importance of their care in a dedicated sanctuary.

Panda keeper Delphine Pouvreau described the departure as "very hard" for caretakers who forged close bonds with the animals and who celebrated France’s first baby panda birth at Beauval. "This memory will remain engraved in our hearts," she said.

Globally, the giant panda was reclassified in recent years from "endangered" to "vulnerable," reflecting conservation progress, but pandas remain rare outside China. For decades China has loaned pandas to foreign zoos as a form of diplomatic outreach — a practice often referred to as "panda diplomacy" — dating back to exchanges such as the pair sent to the United States in 1972.

Similar Articles

Trending