Moscow Zoo celebrates 2nd birthday of first giant panda born in Russia

(ECNS) — Moscow Zoo on Sunday celebrated the second birthday of Katyusha, the first giant panda born in Russia.

The event drew diplomats, zoo officials, local residents, and tourists, with performances of dragon and lion dances and a bamboo-and-fruit cake prepared for the panda.

Zoo Director Svetlana Akulova said the celebration capped a week-long program of science lectures, documentary screenings and handicraft workshops. Now weighing 78 kilograms, Katyusha is thriving and serves as a symbol of China-Russia friendship and of joint panda research and protection, she added.

Katyusha was born on Aug. 24, 2023, to pandas Ru Yi and Ding Ding, who arrived in Moscow in April 2019 from Sichuan Province for a 15-year stay. In January 2024, following an online vote by Russian citizens, the cub was officially named Katyusha.

（By Evelyn）