The essentials
Two French-bred pandas return to China December 17; replacement pair arrives early 2027.
Twin pandas Yuandudu and Huanlili will depart France on December 17, 2026, ending their stay at ZooParc de Beauval in Saint-Aignan. The two pandas, bred at the French facility, are returning to China for reproduction purposes as part of ongoing breeding programs.
France will experience a panda-free period of several weeks following their departure. This gap precedes the arrival of a new panda pair expected in early 2027, maintaining the zoo's giant panda presence. The transfer represents a continuation of international wildlife cooperation involving the Chinese giant pandas.
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December departure starts multi-week gap before spring arrival
December 17 marks the departure of Yuandudu and Huanlili from ZooParc de Beauval. The transition creates a several-week interval where France will have no giant pandas on display. Early 2027 arrival of the replacement pair concludes this temporary absence, maintaining continuity in the zoo's wildlife program.
Successful breeding accomplishment enables return for species reproduction
The pandas bred at ZooParc de Beauval are returning to China specifically for reproduction initiatives. Their successful breeding history at the French facility demonstrates the zoo's role in international conservation efforts. The transfer reflects collaborative wildlife management between France and China centered on species propagation.