On the morning of August 2nd local time, a long line of panda enthusiasts from all over France formed at the entrance of Beauval Zoo in central France to celebrate the birthdays of the first giant panda twins born in France, “Huanlili” and “Yuandudu,” who turned three. They are the most beloved “sisters” in all of France, and even Europe.
Beloved “Starlets” Captivate the French
Beauval Zoo is one of the world’s top ten most beautiful zoos and the only zoo in France that houses giant pandas. With over 35,000 animals, the family of four giant pandas is undoubtedly the “crown jewel” of the zoo. A 10-minute walk from the south gate leads to the panda area, marked by the distinctly Chinese architectural style of the “Summit of China.”
In 2012, giant pandas “Huanhuan” and “Yuanzai” arrived at Beauval Zoo from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. In August 2017, their first son, “Yuanmeng,” was born, becoming the first giant panda born in France. On August 2, 2021, “Huanhuan” gave birth to female twins “Huanlili” and “Yuandudu.” The name “Huanlili” combines “Huanhuan” and “Paris,” while “Yuandudu” combines “Yuanzai” and “Chengdu.” Since the arrival of the giant pandas, Beauval Zoo’s visitor numbers have continuously broken records, with 2022 seeing a 43% increase over the previous year, surpassing 2 million visitors. Revenue from panda-themed merchandise has also contributed to the zoo’s annual turnover of 150 million euros.
The twin sisters, “Huanlili” and “Yuandudu,” have captivated many French people with their cuteness and playful nature. Fans have followed them from birth, watching them grow up. Chen Cheng, a representative from the Sino-French Cultural Exchange Center, shared that the center has organized a three-day birthday celebration for the pandas, with an estimated daily footfall of over 20,000.
Several retired French panda enthusiasts have been visiting the pandas for ten consecutive days. Many fans travel from different parts of France, staying nearby. A staff member revealed that dedicated fans visit the pandas at least once a month. Beauval Zoo charges 14 euros (about 110 RMB) for a single ticket and 100 euros for an annual pass. “It’s not cheap for a family visit,” one panda fan noted.
Twins’ Special Connection with the Olympics
“Huanlili” and “Yuandudu” share a unique bond with the Paris Olympics. Their birthdays coincide with the Olympic period. French football star Kylian Mbappe and Chinese Olympic diving champion Zhang Jiaqi named the twins. On July 8, the Paris Olympic torch relay took place at the zoo, witnessed by the pandas. Veronica, a fan who traveled from Bordeaux to celebrate the pandas’ birthdays, witnessed the event and commemorated it with a badge featuring “Panpan,” the mascot holding the Asian Games torch.
Veronica’s favorite panda is “Yuanmeng.” She has been visiting the zoo monthly since Yuanmeng’s birth, watching him grow up. Veronica’s next wish is to visit Chengdu to see “Yuanmeng.” On July 25, 2023, “Yuanmeng” left Beauval Zoo for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, returning to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. “Yuanmeng’s” godmother, French First Lady Brigitte Macron, visited the zoo the day before his departure to bid farewell: “Heartbroken! I will find an opportunity to visit him in China.” Many fans traveled from across France to say goodbye.
The connection between China and France regarding giant pandas dates back over a hundred years to 1869, when French missionary Armand David scientifically documented the species in Sichuan. The loan period for “Huanhuan” and “Yuanzai” was originally ten years, set to expire in 2022, but was extended to 2024 due to the pandemic. On April 9th, after following French President Macron’s visit to China, Beauval Zoo announced the extension of the loan until 2027.