The Moscow Zoo is celebrating a remarkable milestone with the public debut of Katyusha, Russia's very first giant panda cub. Born in August of last year to giant pandas Ding Ding and Ru Yi, Katyusha has quickly become a beloved figure across the nation.
Today marks Katyusha's six and a half-month milestone. She now weighs 16.5 kilograms and stretches 100 centimeters in length, showcasing her growth into a robust young panda. Svetlana Akulova, the general director of the Moscow Zoo, shared, \"Katyusha is a big baby now. She came into this open enclosure for the first time, and the whole Russia is watching her.\"
The debut has drawn crowds of excited tourists eager to catch a glimpse of the adorable cub. Many visitors have taken to social media to share their experiences and express their delight.
\"Giant pandas are a symbol of China,\" remarked one tourist, highlighting the cultural significance of these rare animals. Another visitor added, \"They are rare animals.\"
Enthusiastic fans have been following Katyusha's journey online, with over 380,000 participants voting in a name contest to choose her name. The overwhelming support underscores the public's affection for this charming new addition to the Moscow Zoo.
Many are thrilled about the recent move to place Katyusha in the public exhibition area, making her accessible to everyone. \"We came here to see Katyusha. We have known about her for a while, as we have seen a lot of information about her on social media. This is a big event because she is the first giant panda born in Russia,\" a visitor shared.
Katyusha's arrival and growing popularity not only enhance the Moscow Zoo's appeal but also strengthen the cultural and environmental ties between Russia and the Chinese mainland, celebrating the unique bond shared through these magnificent creatures.
Reference(s):
First Russia-born giant panda cub makes public debut at Moscow Zoo
cgtn.com
