After more than a decade spent in France, the famous giant pandas of the Beauval Zoo Park, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi are preparing to return to China. The decision, officially announced by the director Rodolphe Delord, comes following the health problems of Huan Huan, the female, who suffers from chronic renal failure. The repatriation, planned for end of November 2025, will take place within the framework of the programme scientific and conservation cooperation on the giant panda between France and China.
Beauval ZooParc: Giant pandas return to China to treat Huan Hua: a thirteen-year bond between Beauval and China
Arrived in France in January 2012, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi have become the living symbols of the panda diplomacy, an initiative by which China lends rare specimens to other countries as a gesture of friendship and scientific cooperation.
Over the years, the two pandas have been among the main attractions of Beauval Zoo, attracting millions of visitors and contributing significantly to the global awareness on species protection. Thanks to this collaboration, Beauval was the first zoo in France to obtain panda births in captivity. Among these, that of the cub stands out Yuan Meng, born in 2017, and of the twins Huanlili and Yuandudu, which came to light in 2021.
Huan Huan's health and the decision to return
In recent months, ZooParc veterinarians have noted that Huan Huan showed signs of kidney fatigue, a common pathology in older carnivores, even among bears. Although the panda maintains a good appetite and stable behavior, the experts agreed with the Chinese authorities on the opportunity to transfer it to the Chengdu Conservation Center, in Sichuan, where he will be able to receive more specialized care.
Director Delord stated:
“We decided to bring forward our return to ensure Huan Huan receives the best possible medical care. This is a gesture of responsibility and profound respect for these extraordinary animals.”
Yuan Zi, the historical companion, will accompany Huan Huan on the journey to China. The two four-year-old twins Instead, they will remain in Beauval for some time, continuing to play an educational role for visitors.
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Diplomacy, Science, and the Future of Giant Pandas
The departure of the pandas represents not only an exciting moment for French visitors, but also a significant diplomatic event. Since their arrival, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi have strengthened the bond between Paris and Beijing, becoming ambassadors of the international collaboration on the protection of the giant panda, a species classified as “vulnerable” by the IUCN. loan agreement The panda conservation period had been extended until 2027, but health priorities dictated an early return. However, Delord is already looking ahead:
“"We hope to continue our partnership with our Chinese friends and, perhaps, host more pandas in the future. Beauval will always be a home for them."”
Beauval Zoo: A Conservation Giant
With over 35,000 animals e two million visitors in 2023, it Beauval Zoo Park It is confirmed as one of the most visited nature destinations in Europe. Thanks to the giant pandas, the institution has generated 113 million euros in turnover and a positive impact in promoting the biodiversity and international research.