A seven-month-old Bengal tiger cub at Shanghai Zoo has captured the hearts of zoogoers and internet users with its feathery fur and cheery personality after overcoming a challenging start in life.
Named Hong Tang, meaning brown sugar, the female cub has been charming visitors with her adorably round face, reddish-brown stripes, and endless playful antics.
"I came here just to see her today. When I see this tiger, I feel like I'm looking at a muscle man acting cute," said a zoo visitor.
"She's a hit on the internet. I saw that she has developed a personality, so I wanted to see her in person," said another visitor.
"She's so cute, just like a big kitty-cat. I would love to pet her," another visitor said.
The fluffy cub was born on August 10, 2024. Tragically, she was rejected by her mother, which would have been a death sentence in the wild. Thankfully, zoo staff were miraculously able to nurse her, bringing her into healthy adolescence.
"She has a lively personality and acts cute for you. Every time we enter, she will lie at the door with her little head sticking out and looking at us. She particularly likes to watch the two striped hyenas quarreling next door," said Jiang Wenting, a zookeeper and caretaker for the cub.
Hong Tang's favorite foods are chicken and beef, according to the zookeeper.
"She is fluffy now. She loves chicken and beef. We also provide beef bones for her to bite," said Jiang.
At seven months old, the cub has reached the equivalent of eight or nine human years. Female tigers generally reach maturity at around three years old.
Tiger cub in Shanghai Zoo claws at heartstrings with struggle-to-stardom story
Chinese communities across Canada held memorials on Friday for the victims of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, marking China's national memorial day and calling for vigilance against the resurgence of militarism.
The ceremonies coincided with the 12th National Memorial Day in China, which commemorates the 300,000 victims killed by Japanese troops during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. This year's memorial holds special significance as it also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
At 18:00 local time (10:00 Beijing time) on Friday, attendees across Canada observed a moment of silence to honor the massacre victims and fallen heroes of Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Speakers paid tribute to the victims, denounced provocative remarks by some Japanese politicians regarding China's Taiwan region, and voiced firm opposition to foreign interference in China's internal affairs.
"Some people are trying to revive militarism. They claim that a crisis in the Taiwan Strait would be their business too. I believe this is just the prelude to reviving military aggression. Chinese people at home and abroad must remain on high alert and resolutely fight back against any such rhetoric," said Ma Zaixin, advisor to the Canadian Alliance of Chinese Associations.
As part of the memorial events, attendees also visited a themed photo exhibition titled "Remember History, Cherish Peace," which featured historical images.
"Seeing these photos just now was truly heartbreaking. Our compatriots gave their lives, and yet justice has still not been served for them," said Teresa Wat, member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada.
Canadians honor Nanjing Massacre victims, condemn rising militarism
