Katusha the Panda Turns One: A Celebration of Friendship andCultural Exchange in Moscow
MOSCOW, August 25, 2024 – A bamboo cake, a carrot birthday card, and a lively dragon dance filled the air with festive cheer at the Moscow Zoo’s Panda House on August 24th. Visitors flocked to the zoo to celebrate the first birthday of Katusha, the first panda cub born inRussia.
Katusha, the offspring of the beloved panda pair Ruyi and Dingding, was welcomed into the world on August 24, 2023. Since then, she has become a nationaltreasure, capturing the hearts of Russians with her playful antics and adorable features.
The zoo, led by Director Svetlana Akulova, pulled out all the stops for Katusha’s special day. A symbolic bamboo cake, decorated withleaves and flowers, was presented to the young panda, who, at one year old, still primarily relies on her mother’s milk. A creative birthday card crafted from carrots was also a highlight.
Katusha is only one year old, so she mainly eats breast milk and occasionally tries otherfoods, explained Akulova. Therefore, the birthday cake is mainly symbolic, made of bamboo and decorated with bamboo leaves and flowers.
Ruyi and Dingding also received their own bamboo cakes, adorned with fruit, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Akulova shared a video on social media showcasing Katusha’s playful exploration of her birthday treats. The young panda, with her characteristic curiosity, was seen inspecting the cake, munching on bamboo, and even curiously observing a bamboo television featuring an image of herself.
Beyond the panda family’s celebratory feast, the zoo organized a week-long cultural eventto commemorate Katusha’s birthday. Visitors were invited to participate in a variety of activities, including lantern painting, calligraphy demonstrations, dragon dances, and panda-themed performances. Children were particularly enthralled by the panda-themed dance, eagerly joining in the fun.
Katusha, theambassador of (Russian-Chinese) cultural exchange, received numerous blessings from the Russian people on her first birthday, wrote Akulova. May Katusha forever symbolize peace and friendship between our two nations.
The celebration of Katusha’s birthday was not just a joyous occasion for the zoo and its visitors butalso a testament to the growing friendship between Russia and China. The presence of these beloved pandas in Moscow has fostered cultural exchange and deepened understanding between the two nations.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, also took to social media to express his delight at Katusha’s milestone. The people’sdarling Katusha is already one year old… When she was born, she weighed only 150 grams, and now she is 38 kilograms. Katusha deftly climbs up and down, imitating her mother Dingding’s every move, he wrote.
Sobyanin also highlighted the immensepopularity of the panda exhibit, revealing that approximately 15,000 people visit the Chinese Animal House at the Moscow Zoo daily to catch a glimpse of Katusha.
Since her birth, Katusha has been a constant presence on social media, with Akulova regularly sharing updates on the young panda’s growth and development. From the appearance of her black vest to her first steps and playful interactions with bamboo, every milestone has been met with enthusiastic engagement from online followers.
Katusha is very special. She is so lively, wrote one online commenter, echoing the sentiments of many who have beencaptivated by the young panda’s charm.
Katusha’s first birthday celebration was a heartwarming reminder of the power of cultural exchange and the enduring appeal of these beloved animals. As she continues to grow and thrive in her new home, Katusha promises to remain a symbol of friendship and goodwill between Russiaand China for years to come.
【来源】http://www.chinanews.com/gj/2024/08-25/10274532.shtml
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