Giant pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi will return to China in November after living in France for 13 years.

The pair became star attractions at the Beauval Zoo after arriving in 2012 and even made guest appearances during the Paris 2024 Olympic flame ceremony.

However, Huan Huan, the female giant panda, has been diagnosed with kidney dysfunction and requires more suitable care back home. Despite her health issues, she continues to eat and behave normally.

The return of Huan Huan and Yuan Zi not only marks the departure of two beloved animals from the zoo but also signifies the start of a new phase in Franco-Chinese scientific cooperation on giant panda conservation.