A year ago, Moscow Zoo witnessed a historic moment – the public debut of a newborn giant panda. This baby panda was named Katyusha (short for Ekaterina in Russian), and with her adorable appearance and lively personality, she quickly captured the hearts of visitors.
Katyusha is the first giant panda ever born in Moscow and all of Russia, making her birth highly significant, as giant panda births outside China are extremely rare.
Her parents, Ruyi and Dingding, arrived in Moscow from China in 2019 as a symbol of the 70th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations. Today, this happy panda family resides in the “Chinese Animal Pavilion” at Moscow Zoo, where they are beloved by visitors.
Katyusha has attracted significant attention from Chinese tourists. With her energetic and curious nature, she has rapidly gained immense popularity among zoo visitors. She loves exploring her surroundings, playing with toys, and even participating in special educational activities.
Zhang Tian, a Chinese student studying in Moscow, shared his feelings: “I see that Moscow residents and visitors adore Katyusha. They come to the zoo not only to admire her cuteness but also to feel a deeper connection with China. Katyusha has become a symbol of friendship and unity, and I am proud to witness her growth in the capital.”
Moscow Zoo has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to China for its trust and collaboration, allowing the zoo to care for these rare animals. Katyusha has become a source of pride for the zoo and a symbol of future cooperation between Moscow and China. Her growth in Moscow not only brings joy to visitors but also strengthens the ties between the two nations.
Svetlana Vladimirovna Akulova, General Director of Moscow Zoo, stated: “Our Katyusha truly has a ‘Russian personality’ – she is charming, energetic, and full of curiosity. It’s no surprise that she has become a favorite among everyone. Watching her grow from a tiny, pink furball into an independent panda is a delight. Most importantly, we must remember that giant pandas symbolize peace and friendship between our countries and peoples. We are deeply grateful to the Chinese people for their trust, which allows us to care for these beautiful and unique animals.”
Beyond being a symbol of friendship, Katyusha also serves as a reminder of the importance of nature conservation and the protection of endangered species. Her presence at Moscow Zoo has sparked widespread public interest in environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.