On February 18, a donation ceremony for custom-made toys for the Russian-born giant panda cub “Katyusha” was held at Moscow Zoo. The new toys, a rocking horse and a chair, were specially designed to match “Katyusha’s” body features.
“Katyusha’s” parents, “Ruyi” and “Ding Ding,” arrived in Moscow in April 2019. On August 24, 2023, giant panda “Ding Ding” gave birth to a female cub, the first giant panda born in Russia. In January 2024, after an online vote by the Russian public, the cub was officially named “Katyusha.”
The event was attended by Liu Qinghua, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Russia, Akulova, Director of Moscow Zoo, and Sun Bohui, Chairman of Zhongcheng Tong International Investment Co., Ltd. Moscow Zoo staff, along with local citizens and tourists, witnessed this special moment.
Director Akulova shared that “Ruyi” and “Ding Ding,” as the zoo’s “superstars,” have attracted countless visitors. Since “Katyusha’s” birth, the trio has gained even more popularity. She praised “Ding Ding” as an “exceptional mother” who lovingly cares for “Katyusha.” Now, “Katyusha” is growing and becoming more playful and adorable, resembling her mother in size. She highlighted that this event symbolizes the friendship between Russia and China, as well as the importance of cultural ties between the two nations. She hopes that the healthy and cute “Katyusha” will continue to bring joy and happiness to both countries’ people.
Liu Qinghua, Minister-Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Russia, expressed heartfelt thanks to Moscow Zoo for its hard work in caring for the giant pandas and to Zhongcheng Tong International for the generous donation. She mentioned that during this year’s Chinese New Year, Moscow Zoo organized a series of celebrations, further showcasing the deep friendship between China and Russia. This donation is a vivid example of China’s “panda diplomacy” and demonstrates the positive role played by Chinese-funded enterprises in Russia, like Zhongcheng Tong, in promoting Sino-Russian friendship, ecological protection, cultural exchanges, and strengthening the bond between the two peoples.
Sun Bohui, Chairman of Zhongcheng Tong International, expressed his joy in visiting “Katyusha” and her parents, “Ruyi” and “Ding Ding.” He emphasized that “Katyusha’s” healthy growth is thanks to the careful care provided by Moscow Zoo and the love of the Russian people. As a Chinese-funded enterprise in Russia, Zhongcheng Tong actively fulfills its social responsibility and hopes that this donation will raise public awareness about giant panda conservation and contribute to supporting ecological protection efforts.