A dream comes true: France’s first baby panda named in Beauval Zoo ceremony

France’s first baby panda has a name four months after his birth. Chinese dignitaries and French first lady Brigitte Macron chose Yuan Meng, which means “the realisation of a wish” or “accomplishment of a dream”. A naming ceremony held yesterday at the Beauval Zoo south of Paris was an important diplomatic moment, but the young male panda had other priorities. Yuan Meng growled and jumped when zoo director Rodolphe Delord reached over his glass-walled enclosure to offer a pat.

The first lady, who was standing next to Delord, recoiled slightly, but with a smile.