Meet Katyusha: Russia's first locally born giant panda cub

Giant pandas Ru Yi and Ding Ding arrived in Moscow from China as symbols of Sino-Russian friendship in April 2019. History was made when Ding Ding gave birth to Russia's first-ever locally born panda cub on August 24, 2023.

The adorable cub was later named Katyusha through a nationwide online vote. The name not only reflects Russian cultural charm but also pays tribute to the beloved Russian song "Katyusha," a melody cherished by both Chinese and Russian people.

On March 8, 2024, little Katyusha made her public debut at Moscow Zoo, instantly capturing the hearts of visitors and becoming a local star. To celebrate her birthday on August 24, 2024, the zoo prepared a special bamboo cake adorned with bamboo leaves and carrots – a sweet tribute to their most popular resident.

On February 18, 2025, Katyusha received a heartwarming surprise from China: a handcrafted chair and a wooden rocking horse, adding joy and enrichment to her playful daily routine.