Meet Katyusha: First Russia-Born Panda Cub Steals Hearts at Moscow Zoo

Move over, TikTok stars – there's a new viral sensation in town! The Moscow Zoo just debuted Katyusha, the first giant panda cub ever born in Russia, and she’s already breaking the internet with her fluffy charm.

Born in August 2023 to parents Ding Ding and Ru Yi (loaner pandas from China), Katyusha tipped the scales at 16.5 kg and measured a meter long during her big debut. 'She’s our national pride,' said Moscow Zoo director Svetlana Akulova, as crowds snapped selfies with the black-and-white celebrity.

The cub’s name was chosen by over 380,000 voters in a nationwide contest – proving even Russians can’t resist panda-monium. 'They’re living symbols of China,' one visitor told reporters, while another joked: 'Rare animals? More like rare rockstars.'

Social media played a huge role in Katyusha’s fame, with fans tracking her growth online before her public premiere. With cross-border collaborations this cute, who needs diplomacy?

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First Russia-born giant panda cub makes public debut at Moscow Zoo

cgtn.com