French first lady visits 'godchild' panda in China

Brigitte Macron visited Yuan Meng, the panda born in France whom she considers her "godchild", at a research facility in Sichuan province.

On the final day of President Emmanuel Macron's visit to China with the First Lady, Brigitte Macron visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on 5/12. She was reunited with Yuan Meng, her "godchild" panda, more than two years after its return to China.

Yuan Meng was the first panda born in France through artificial insemination. Its name, meaning "dream come true", was chosen by Brigitte herself. Although born in France, Yuan Meng remained the property of the Chinese government and was repatriated to Chengdu in 2023.

French First Lady Brigitte Macron visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on 5/12. Video: Reuters

The French First Lady expressed her surprise at Yuan Meng's current large size, compared to its birth in France in 2017. "When they are born, they are only this tiny", Brigitte said, demonstrating the small size with two fingers.

The 8-year-old male panda calmly munched on bamboo in its enclosure, ignoring calls from the crowd. "This species has a very independent nature", she commented. "They only do what they want".

Yuan Meng's parents, pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, returned to China in November after 13 years living in France. Yuan Meng's two twin sisters, Huanlili and Yuandudu, born in 2021, are expected to remain in France until 1/2027.

Panda Yuan Meng at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on 5/12. Photo: AFP

"After returning from France in 2023, Yuan Meng has fully adapted to its new environment. With the presence of godmother Brigitte Macron, the panda has become a symbol of China-France cultural exchange. This cross-border connection also symbolizes panda conservation cooperation between the two nations for over a decade", stated Chinese state broadcaster CGTN.

"Panda diplomacy" between the two countries continues to strengthen. The China Wildlife Conservation Association confirmed it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to send two new pandas to Beauval Zoo in Paris in 2027, initiating the next 10-year cooperation cycle.

"We have many diverse cooperation programs. Through these initiatives, every day we learn more about pandas and breeding efforts, while also improving veterinary techniques", said Rodolphe Delord, director of Beauval Zoo.