Two giant pandas have been officially introduced to the public at the Beauval Zoo in Saint-Aignan, France.
Huan Huan and Yuan Zai arrived at the Beauval Zoo one month ago on loan from China. The couple have already adapted to their new life in France.
They are the only giant pandas in the country , so there was much excitement when the zoo finally opened the doors to the panda enclosure for the public.
"It's one of the best days in the history of the zoo. We opened the pandas today and it's just great to have so many people waiting for them and being so happy to see them," said Delphine Delord, Director of Eduction at Beauval Zoo Parc.
"They're adorable, like two beautiful fluffy toys. So loveable, you want to touch them," said one visitor.
Huan Huan and Yuan Zai came from Chengdu Research Base for Giant Pandas. The staff at the zoo in France have been working closely with their colleagues in China to ensure the pandas adapt well to their new life.
The pair is on a 10-year loan from China in a traditional diplomatic gesture aimed at strengthening ties with other countries.
"We can see the joy on people's faces - the visitors, the children and the parents. It gives us great pleasure that the pandas are bringing so much joy to our friends in France," said Zhu Jing, Chinese embassy official.
Huan Huan and Yuan Zai are already a big hit in France. However, the zoo staff hope the panda will be more than just a tourist attraction and actually educate people and raise awareness about the endangered species.
APTN