TOURS, France: Two pandas at a zoo in central France will return to China in November after the feminine was identified with kidney failure, the park’s director informed AFP on Monday (Sep 22).
Huan Huan and her associate Yuan Zi arrived on the Beauval Zoo in 2012 as a part of China’s “panda diplomacy” programme, which sees the black-and-white bears dispatched throughout the globe as soft-power ambassadors.
The 2 pandas, each 17, had been attributable to keep in France till January 2027 however they’ll return to the Chengdu panda sanctuary, stated zoo director Rodolphe Delord, including that the zoo had been in contact with the Chinese language authorities.
“The feminine has kidney failure, a persistent illness frequent in ageing carnivores. We due to this fact favor to move her to China earlier than her situation worsens,” he informed AFP, including she nonetheless confirmed a very good urge for food and regular behaviour.
Delord stated Huan Huan and Yuan Zi had been anticipated to return to China in November 2025 “to allow them to stay out their retirement in peace”.
The pair produced three cubs whereas in France, the primary pandas to take action within the nation, and have become star sights on the Beauval zoo in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher.
