Giant pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi arrive at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on Wednesday. Photo: Screenshot from Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding's WeChat account

Giant pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi arrive at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on Wednesday. Photo: Screenshot from Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding’s WeChat account

China-born giant pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi on Wednesday arrived safely in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, after traveling on a chartered flight from France. They were then transferred to the quarantine facility at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where they will undergo at least one month of quarantine and medical observation, according to an official release from the research base.

Huan Huan, a female born in August 2008, and Yuan Zi, a male born in September 2008, began their stay at Beauval Zoo in Saint-Aignan, France, in January 2012, according to the zoo’s website. 

The research base said that to ensure a smooth and safe return, China sent an experienced team of keepers and veterinarians to France ahead of the transfer. They provided on-site care for Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, studied their living habits, assisted French staff with behavioral training, routine examinations and health assessments, and accompanied French veterinarians throughout the journey back to China.

As an important platform for international cooperation on giant panda conservation, the program has facilitated extensive progress in scientific research, personnel training and technical exchange between China and France. The two sides have also co-organized panda-themed art exhibitions and public education programs, creating strong interest in pandas across France, encouraging public attention to wildlife conservation and strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the people of both countries. 

During their stay at Beauval Zoo, the pair produced two litters with a total of three cubs. Huan Huan gave birth to Yuan Meng in August 2017. In August 2021, she delivered a pair of twins and whose names, Huan Lili and Yuan Dudu, were announced that November at a ceremony attended by Chinese Olympic champion Zhang Jiaqi and French football star Kylian Mbappé. The names were chosen to incorporate cultural elements from both Paris and Chengdu.

The release noted that the twin pandas Huan Lili and Yuan Dudu will remain in France until January 2027, when the current phase of the cooperation project concludes.

Global Times