Ta-daaa: the giant panda cubs are called…
Yuandudu and Huanlili!
It’s official!
Yuandudu and Huanlili are the new names for the giant panda cubs born at Beauval on 2 August 2021. They were unveiled today by their godfather and godmother, Kylian Mbappé and Zhang Jiaqi, during the naming ceremony, which took place at ZooParc de Beauval in the presence of French officials and the Chinese Ambassador to France.
As a reminder: Yuandudu, Huanlili 圆嘟嘟、欢黎黎
Inspired by the names of their father, Yuan Zi, and their mother, Huan Huan, these names express the wish for the cubs to grow up healthy and symbolise the deep ties between China and France.
Acclaimed by voters, these two names received 38.22 per cent of the vote. We counted over 122,000 votes! Thank you to all the internet users and Beauval fans who cast their votes between 27 October and 2 November. Remember, you had a choice of five suggestions, and it was the pair Yuandudu and Huanlili who ultimately took the prize! We’ll have to stop talking about Fleur de Coton and Petite Neige…
This Naming Ceremony, held just over 100 days after the pandas’ birth, is a traditional ritual in China. It marks the end of the delicate period of the first few weeks of life for these fragile and dependent animals. Today, as we can see, the twins are in great shape and developing perfectly: almost 6 kilos, over 50 cm! The teams of keepers and vets are, of course, keeping a close eye on them but are very reassured by the babies’ vitality. They are also pleased with the way Huan Huan takes turns looking after each of the twins. Yuandudu and Huanlili spend long periods with their mum, alternating between feeds and moments of cuddling, play or stimulation. It’s always a joy to see them playing together. The little ones also play a lot together, nibbling and bickering!
Kylian Mbappé and Zhang Jiaqi with the team of grooms and vets
But let’s get back to the Naming Ceremony, a deeply moving occasion, in the company of our great champions Kylian Mbappé and Zhang Jiaqi. Here is the story…
The Chinese Highlands, 5.15 pm. The procession, comprising Delphine, Rodolphe and Sophie Delord, Kylian Mbappé and Zhang Jiaqi, along with French and Chinese officials, passes through the illuminated archway and makes its way towards the panda house, where the names are about to be revealed. A throng of French and Chinese journalists is ahead of them, raring to go! All the keepers from the koala and panda sections, along with the vets, are in position in the inner viewing area. The atmosphere is buzzing. After a few minutes, the panda twins arrive in a small mobile enclosure specially designed for the occasion. They are calm and placid (completely unaware of the event unfolding) and open their big eyes. They are greeted with a few rounds of applause, but also with palpable emotion. Indeed, officials, journalists and the people of Beauval all felt a deep sense of emotion at the sight of the twin babies. After a brief welcome speech by Rodolphe Delord, director of the ZooParc, Zhang Jiaqi, the godmother, is invited to reveal the first name: Huanlili! Applause rings out in approval of this choice! In her delicate, girlish voice, she explains the meaning of the name. Then it is Kylian’s turn to pull back the red curtain to reveal the second name: Yuandudu, to thunderous applause! Next came the official photos of the godparents and godchildren, and conversations between Kylian and the keepers, all under the watchful eye of the cameras, delighted to capture these special moments. The atmosphere was warm and friendly. Everyone crowds round the enclosure, trying to catch one last glimpse of the day’s ‘stars’ before they leave.
Reveal of one of the names by patron Zhang Jiaqi
Unveiling of one of the names by patron Kylian Mbappé
Meanwhile, at the Les Maîtres des Airs amphitheatre, the atmosphere is at its peak. The ceremony is being broadcast live on giant screens. On stage, two Beauvaliens are hosting this exceptional event, getting the audience of fans involved and entertaining them! At the foot of the stands, two mascots are delighting the spectators with their wild dance routines… whilst waiting for the procession to arrive… At last, the procession arrives to thunderous applause from the spectators! Without further ado, Rodolphe Delord kicks off the speeches by warmly thanking Kylian Mbappé and Zhang Jiaqi for their presence and their commitment to the conservation of endangered species. He is followed by Kylian, who says he is “delighted by this unique moment” he has just experienced “in the presence of two marvels”. He says he is aware of the “responsibility” he bears as the patron of one of the pandas. Zhang Jiaqi took the floor next and also said she was “delighted to be the godmother of one of the twins” and expressed her delight at “the strong ties between France and China”. Further official speeches followed, and the ceremony concluded to thunderous applause and cheers, bringing this unique and exceptional event to a close.
Kylian Mbappé’s speech
Stay tuned – we’ll be bringing you more news soon!
