Move over, K-pop stars—Moscow Zoo’s newest celeb is a fluffy, bamboo-munching icon! Katyusha, the first giant panda born in Russia, marked her second birthday this week with a week-long celebration 🎂 that drew crowds of adoring fans.
Dubbed the 'Panda Princess' by locals, Katyusha enjoyed a custom ice cake (topped with carrots, her fave) and playful enrichment activities designed by zookeepers. Visitors snapped selfies 📸 with panda-themed backdrops, while kids joined educational workshops about wildlife conservation—proving that pandas really are the ultimate diplomats 🌍.
Born in 2022 to parents on loan from the Chinese mainland, Katyusha has become a symbol of Russia-China cultural ties. 'She’s like our shared emoji of friendship,' laughed one teen attendee, wearing panda ear headbands sold at the zoo’s pop-up shop.
With her growing fanbase, Katyusha might just give TikTok’s #PandaTok trend a run for its money. 🎋✨
