Giant panda Yuan Meng, born in France on August 4, 2017, is embarking on his homecoming trip on July 25, 2023, to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in southwest China's Sichuan Province.
Experts in China and France are working together to ensure his safe transportation to China.
Yuan Meng was the first baby panda to be born in France after his parents arrived at Beauval Zoo in 2012. His name "Yuan Meng" means "the realization of a wish" or "accomplishment of a dream." Brigitte Macron, the first lady of France, was named as his godmother.
The panda is a young adult now and a hot star on the zoo's social media platforms with fans frequently commenting on his activities. French netizens even jokingly express their desire to "kidnap" Yuan Meng and keep him with them.