Two delightful videos have captured the lively antics of giant panda cubs at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) in southwest China's Sichuan Province.
The first clip, recorded on June 11, shows pandas Rui Rui and Zi Rui playing on a wooden structure. On the ground, a mischievous male cub, Ao Ke, persistently bothers Zi Rui during her nap, slowly coaxing her to plop down and cuddle with him.
The second video from June 27 features female cub Feng Ye playfully balancing on a tree branch. The bear demonstrates impressive climbing skills, managing to stay atop the branch even as it shakes and wobbles.
Zi Rui, Ao Ke, and Feng Ye were all born at the center between July and August 2023.
The CCRCGP is a world-renowned center for the ex-situ conservation of giant pandas. It also serves as a hub for scientific research, public education and eco-tourism. The institution is internationally recognized for its efforts to protect and breed giant pandas, red pandas and other endangered wildlife species native to China.
The center has also established a global platform for promoting international cooperation and exchanges, involving 18 zoos from 16 countries and regions, 39 domestic animal breeding institutions, and more than 10 scientific research institutes.
Carefree panda cubs enjoy boisterous playtime at Chinese research center
Iran is not only ready for talks with the U.S. on the basis of mutual respect, but also fully prepared for war, said Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Monday.
At a press conference in Tehran, Araghchi accused the U.S. and Israel of playing a direct role in recent unrest across Iran. He said the Iranian government has obtained evidence showing that the recent disturbances, including attacking police stations and burning public facilities, were carried out by "terrorists" backed by the U.S. and Israel.
The Iranian government announced a three-day nationwide mourning period from Monday to honor police officers, security personnel, and civilians killed during the disturbances.
According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, at least 111 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in the unrest over the past two weeks. Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures for protesters.
At midday on Monday, Iranians remained largely without internet access, according to on-the-ground reporting by a China Media Group (CM) journalist, who also said domestic phone services have not been disrupted in Iran over the past 24 hours.
Security has been reinforced across Tehran, with police increasing patrols in key locations and blocks.
Despite heightened security measures, traffic conditions in Tehran were reported to be normal.
Iran ready for talks with US based on mutual respect: FM
Iran ready for talks with US based on mutual respect: FM
