Khaberni - The giant panda pair Huan Huan and Yuan Qi, stars of the Beauval Zoo in France, will return to China next month to retire.
Zookeeper Delphine Boufro, who has taken care of them since their arrival in 2012, said she cherishes every remaining moment before their departure, which is due to Huan Huan suffering from kidney issues.
Before the pandas enter quarantine prior to the return trip to China, she said, "They are very special animals," adding that she has formed a strong bond with them from the beginning.
She added, "We will take care of them every day, and above all, we will make sure they are alright during this period.. and of course, we will make the most of our time with them before they leave."
Last month, the zoo, located 250 kilometers south of Paris, announced that the pair will leave at the end of November due to kidney health issues Yuan Yuan is suffering from. The zoo said this would be their last chance to travel.
Beijing had loaned Huan Huan and Yuan Qi, both now 17 years old, to France in 2012, where their arrival was celebrated as a sign of warming diplomatic relations. During their time in France, they produced twins who will remain in Beauval.
Boufro said, "I witnessed the mating process, which was a very important moment, the birth of the first panda cub in France." She added, "It's very emotional because you have to know that a panda cub is very small at birth (weighing between) 100 grams and 140 grams."
She continued, "In China, pandas are considered a national treasure, so gifting them to another country is a sign of great trust."
She said, "Chinese ambassadors come here on their first official visit, as does every French president to Beauval to see the pandas. It's a strong symbol of French-Chinese relations."
