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
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
