(C) RFI

PARIS, France — After 13 years as the undisputed star attractions of the French zoo scene, giant panda couple Huan Huan and Yuan Zi made an unexpectedly early departure from France, returning to their homeland in China on Tuesday, November 25 (local time).

The iconic pair, who resided at the Beauval Zoo in central France since 2012, were originally scheduled to return in early 2027. However, their departure was moved up due to a pressing medical concern: the female panda, Huan Huan, was diagnosed with kidney failure.

In an emotionally charged moment, the beloved pandas boarded a flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport, marking the end of a highly successful 13-year diplomatic loan that significantly boosted the zoo's fortunes and captivated the French public.

A Diplomatic Success and Economic Boom 

Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, both 17 years old, were initially sent to France in 2012 as a symbol of goodwill and "Panda Diplomacy"—a practice by the Chinese government of loaning giant pandas to foreign nations to cement friendly relations. Their arrival instantly elevated the status of the Beauval Zoo.

During their tenure, the pandas became an enormous economic and cultural asset. According to the zoo, the panda couple helped attract two million visitors in 2023 alone, generating an impressive revenue of €113 million. Their presence not only provided significant funding for conservation efforts but also fostered a deep connection between the French public and wildlife.

“Their presence was transformative. They brought joy and an incredible focus on biodiversity to millions of our visitors,” said a zoo spokesperson, acknowledging the monumental void the couple will leave behind. 

The Legacy: Paving the Way for a New Generation 

The couple's time in France was marked by several breeding successes, contributing significantly to the global giant panda conservation program.

In 2017, they welcomed a male cub named Yuan Meng.
Four years later, they gave birth to female twins.
Yuan Meng returned to China in 2023, following the standard procedure for all pandas born abroad under the loan agreement—a path recently taken by South Korea's beloved Fubao. Crucially, the twin cubs will remain in France until at least January 2027, ensuring that the Beauval Zoo retains a direct link to the popular panda family for the near future.

China's Reassurance: New Pandas Are on the Way 

The news of the pandas' early return prompted an official statement from the Chinese Embassy in France, which sought to reassure a disheartened French public.

“To our French friends, please be assured,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy stated, “New giant pandas will arrive in the future.”

This promise suggests that while Huan Huan and Yuan Zi are returning home, the successful diplomatic tradition of lending pandas to France will continue. The priority now is to ensure Huan Huan receives the necessary specialized veterinary care in China for her kidney condition. Yuan Zi will accompany his mate, allowing them to remain together in their native habitat.

The pandas’ departure, though necessary for health reasons, symbolizes the end of a cherished chapter in Franco-Chinese relations and leaves millions of French citizens with lasting memories of the charming black and white bears that captured their hearts. The Beauval Zoo and its visitors now await the next generation of panda ambassadors to continue the legacy.