Yuan Meng (圆梦, studbook 1094), the first giant panda ever born in France, left ZooParc de Beauval for China in July 2023 — almost two years before his parents Yuan Zi (园子) and Huan Huan (欢欢).
Beauval Zoo announced the return on May 4, 2023, at first scheduling departure for July 4. On June 27, 2023 the zoo said administrative reasons had pushed the date back, and the move was reset to July 25.
At 09:25 on July 25, 2023, Yuan Meng left Beauval for Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, seen off by Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye, French First Lady Brigitte Macron, the French Secretary of State for Biodiversity, and Beauval director Delord. China and France had completed the handover of his habits, husbandry, behavioural training and health records in advance, and the zoo sent two keepers to accompany him with a supply of his favourite food for the transition.
His plane landed in Chengdu on July 26, 2023, and he began a new life at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, ending nearly six years at Beauval.