Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, February 24 (Xinhua) — On February 21, the Moscow Zoo kicked off a festival celebrating the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year, the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year). The festivities will run until March 1.
At the opening ceremony, Moscow Zoo General Director Svetlana Akulova noted that the large-scale Chinese New Year celebration is becoming a tradition. "As part of the celebration, we've prepared a comprehensive educational program: master classes on Chinese culture, lectures, tours, and a film about our pandas. I'm sure no one will remain indifferent," she said.
On the festival's opening day, visitors dressed as giant pandas were admitted to the zoo for free. Bamboo bears were constantly appearing in the crowd—on the black and white scarves of young girls, on the hats of children with fluffy ears, and one family even painted panda-like glasses on themselves.
"The traditional bear is considered a Russian animal, while pandas are associated worldwide with China. They're similar, both very cute and always loved. We've walked almost the entire zoo, and the ones with the pandas are always the most crowded," shared Svetlana, a Muscovite. Since giant pandas arrived in Moscow, her family has learned a lot about Chinese traditions and culture.
During the Spring Festival, the zoo was transformed: red lanterns lit up the pavilions' eaves, and flags and colorful ribbons fluttered in the tree branches. Pandas Ruyi and Katyusha also felt the festive atmosphere. Against a backdrop of pure white snow, they played with toy horses and feasted on New Year's treats made of bamboo, carrots, and apples. Their cheerful and sweet appearance attracted many visitors.
Since their arrival in Moscow, these amazing animals have become true stars, and it's no surprise. Ruyi and Dingding arrived in Moscow in April 2019, and in August 2023, their daughter Katyusha was born, becoming the first giant panda born in Russia.
As S. Akulova announced on social media in January, a new enclosure complex will be built for Katyusha at the Moscow Zoo. The two-level pavilion, with a total area of over 2,000 square meters, will be themed after the Sichuan forests—the pandas' natural habitat. The ground floor will house several spacious exhibit enclosures.
"She will have her own new pavilion, completely separate, with its own feeding kitchen and room where keepers will make toys for her and work on enrichment. There's a special climate control system, and even a refrigerator for the bamboo. She will live like a princess, a queen," S. Akulova told Xinhua.
Seeing a bamboo bear enjoying a festive "ice cream" made of ice, oranges, and apples, Moscow resident Olga, dressed in a panda costume, couldn't hide her delight. "Pandas are very important to Moscow. It's amazing that even tourists coming from far away know everything about each panda," Olga said, photographing her son Bogdan in front of the enclosure.
"I followed the news about Katyusha back in China, and when I got to Moscow, I absolutely had to visit the zoo. Honestly, I didn't expect such a vibrant New Year's atmosphere here. I'm so glad the pandas are living so well here," shared Wu Nan, a tourist from Shenzhen, southern China.
According to S. Akulova, Chinese culture is very rich. She noted that Moscow has been celebrating Chinese New Year for many years now, and that the number of people willing to participate in the festivities is growing. "A horse always represents something bright, always moving forward. Something that believes in happiness works very hard. I think we'll have to work hard this year for our happy future," she added.
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