The Chinese New Year came with extra fluff and fun at the Moscow Zoo.
There are colorful shows, workshops, tea ceremonies, guided tours, and film screenings. The highlight of the celebrations was the presentation of New Year gifts to the giant pandas.
Many visitors dressed in giant panda costumes to enjoy free entry.
"There are panda gloves, panda bags, and a cape. My wife made a hat this morning, and she made one for herself too. And we dressed up our little one," said a visitor.
"My talisman, she's been with me on every trip - she's a panda traveler," said another visitor.
To celebrate the Spring Festival, the Moscow Zoo has been transformed into a festive scene. Everywhere there are red lanterns, dragons and the melodies of Chinese music.
"If there weren't so many Russian people on the street, I would think it was China," said a Chinese student.
It all began with a colorful and vibrant show featuring drummers and, of course, the Fire Horse, the symbol of the new year.
"Horses symbolize and embody the energy of striving toward a set goal, along with boundless potential for speed," said Zhang Wei, minister counselor of the Chinese embassy in Russia.
The central venue for the celebration is near the giant panda enclosures, decorated with New Year trees, flags, and garlands. The "real stars", giant pandas Ding Ding, Ru Yi and Katyusha, also received special holiday gift packages of their own - toys made of hay and fruit cakes made of ice. Judging by pandas' reactions, they clearly enjoyed them.
"It is a great honor for us that the Moscow Zoo has become a bridge of friendship between Russia and China, and we are doing everything possible to care for and protect our wonderful Ru Yi, Ding Ding and the amazing star Katyusha," said Svetlana Akulova, director of the Moscow Zoo.
The zoo's festive program includes dozens of events throughout the week, including an introduction to Chinese clothing and making handicraft decorations.
"We're celebrating Chinese New Year, and right now we're wearing traditional Chinese costumes - just look at how beautiful and stylish they are," said a visitor.
"This is not just any dragon, it's a small household dragon that will bring good luck to the home for an entire year," said Tatyana Veselova, an employee of the zoo.
The zoo is preparing the biggest gift yet for Moscow's most beloved panda, Katyusha, the first giant panda ever born in Russia. Construction has begun on a unique enclosure complex for the cub, a complete ecosystem with a variety of necessary spaces.
"We also congratulate Katyusha. She's such a lovely girl. Congratulations on the New Year. May everything go well for her in our country, and may she enjoy it," said a visitor.
Moscow Zoo celebrates Chinese New Year
Moscow Zoo celebrates Chinese New Year
