A pair of captive-born arctic wolf cubs has gained weight and made their public debut last Wednesday, 45 days after their birth in a polar wildlife park in Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of Henan in central China.
The opposite-sex twins are the province's first captive-born arctic wolf pair.
"The newly born arctic wolves are covered with black fur and as they grow, the black color fades little by little. Eventually as they enter adulthood, their fur would become white or grayish-white," said Hao Jixiang, one of the wildlife park's animal keepers.
The two cubs are going through their weaning period, when they are fed with meat puree. Once they are completely weaned, they can eat beef, chicken and other meat for protein.
Captive-born arctic wolf twin grow well in Zhengzhou park
China Media Group's (CMG's) Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, which is set to air on Tuesday night to celebrate the moon-themed traditional festival, will stage a warm scene of family reunion and artistic interpretation of major events of the year from the perspective of ordinary people.
The annual gala, also known as "Qiuwan" in Chinese, will spotlight key topics of interest for audiences at home and abroad, including the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China, and significant milestones such as the Chang'e-6 space missions and the Paris Olympics.
The gala was recorded in Shenyang City of northeast China's Liaoning Province, a 2,300-year-old city boasting three world cultural heritage sites and over 1,500 historical and cultural sites. The city is also one of the most well-known industrial cities in China.
Many performances of the gala will incorporate local elements such as Shenyang Guan's Shadow Puppetry, Errenzhuan (a blend of storytelling, singing and dancing between two performers) and 13 landmarks including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, the Liaoning Provincial Museum, the China Industrial Museum, and the Old North Market, to present the audience Shenyang's history and cultural charm, according to Yang Qifang, general planner of the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala.
"Many performances are on very serious topics, such as the return of People's Volunteer Army veterans and the rejuvenation of the old heavy industrial base. We will present them in a very tender way," Yang said, referring to return of remains of Chinese soldiers who fell in action in the 1950-1953 Korean War.
French pianist Richard Clayderman, Hungarian pianist Balazs Havasi and Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen will also join the grand event to share the warm and romantic moments with global audience.
In addition, full moon pictures collected through global social media will also be displayed at the gala, allowing the audience to appreciate the beauty of the moonlight from all over the world.
"The Chinese people have a deep devotion to circle. When the moon becomes a full circle, families reunite, symbolizing a perfect conclusion after a year of anticipation and waiting," Yang said.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, is a cherished occasion for family reunions in China. It falls on Tuesday this year.
CMG's 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala to highlight family reunion, major events
