The first giant panda born in France, Yuan Meng, will return to his home in Chengdu on Tuesday. He is not only an important product of Sino-French panda cooperation, but also witness to Sino-French friendship.

In 1869, French naturalist and missionary Armand David introduced the unique species, which has existed for 8 million years, to the Western world. In 2012, China and France initiated the international cooperation research project on giant pandas as Huan Huan and Yuan Zi were sent to Beauval Zoo. In 2017, Yuan Meng was born.

Why do pandas born abroad have to return to China? Check out these four facts related to international panda cooperation to learn more!