The first giant pandas to be housed at Beauval, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, are soon to return to China
After more than 13 years at Beauval, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, the two giant pandas who have won the hearts of millions of visitors, are soon to leave the ZooParc de Beauval.
They are due to depart for China by the end of November 2025.
Having arrived at Beauval in 2012 as part of a conservation, research and breeding programme, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi have helped to strengthen ties between France and China and to raise public awareness of the protection of their species. Closely monitored by French and Chinese experts, they have received regular care and thorough medical monitoring.
During a routine examination of the female, Huan Huan, kidney failure was diagnosed, a condition commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly animals. Chinese and French experts have maintained close communication throughout, held joint consultations and prescribed medication to manage her condition. To date, Huan Huan continues to have a good appetite and is behaving normally.
In accordance with the cooperation agreement, the panda pair, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, were due to return to China by January 2027 at the latest. Given that they are already 17 years old, will soon be entering old age, and their current state of health is deemed stable enough to withstand a long journey, it has been decided, following consultation with the China Association of Zoological Gardens and the team at the Chengdu breeding centre, to organise their return to China by the end of November 2025.
Their offspring, the twins Huanlili and Yuandudu, born at ZooParc de Beauval in 2021 (now weaned), will remain at ZooParc de Beauval until the end of the cooperation period in January 2027, thereby continuing to raise awareness amongst the French public about the conservation of their species – a public already deeply moved by their birth and their journey at Beauval.
Read the message from Rodolphe Delord, Chief Executive of Beauval, and his explanations regarding this exceptional departure.
Since their arrival in 2012, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi have left a lasting mark on the history of the ZooParc de Beauval. As the first giant pandas to set foot in France, they sparked a wave of emotion, curiosity and wonder that has never waned. Over the years, millions of you have come to watch them, follow their adventures and share in the excitement of their babies’ births… Their presence has sparked passions, inspired vocations and helped raise awareness amongst all of us about the conservation of endangered species.
Come and say goodbye to Huan Huan and Yuan Zi before they leave!
A special initiative will be set up at the ZooParc and shared online to allow the public to send them a message and share one last moment with them:
- A letterbox where you can leave your messages, drawings and memories…
- A digital guestbook, for those who are unable to visit
- A final snack with Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, to be shared with the public
- A big competition for a chance to win an exceptional experience to mark their departure
- Educational activities centred on this fascinating species
