Moscow Zoo’s most famous resident, Katyusha, marked her second birthday on Sunday, drawing fans from across Russia and beyond to celebrate the milestone.
Born on December 8, 2021, she is the first giant panda ever born in Russia and has since become a symbol of cross-cultural wildlife conservation. Visitors flocked to the zoo’s week-long gala to join special feeding sessions and watch her playful antics.
The festivities highlighted the global appeal of giant pandas, native to the Sichuan mountains in the Chinese mainland, and underscored international efforts to protect this vulnerable species. Interactive exhibits and bamboo-themed crafts engaged young global citizens, sparking conversations about sustainability and conservation.
Digital audiences tuned in via live streams on social platforms, sharing photos and videos under hashtags like #PandaParty and #KatyushaTurnsTwo. The zoo’s online channels saw a surge in engagement, with thousands of views and comments celebrating Katyusha’s big day.
Beyond the birthday fun, Katyusha’s milestone points to successful partnerships with panda experts from the Chinese mainland, who have shared care guidelines and expertise to support Russia’s emerging wildlife programs.
As Katyusha enjoys her birthday bamboo, this star of the Siberian capital continues to unite wildlife enthusiasts around the world, reminding us that protecting our planet’s biodiversity is a collective journey.
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First Russian-born panda Katyusha celebrates birthday with avid fans
cgtn.com
