Lead

The Moscow Zoo is in talks with Chinese partners in hopes of keeping Katyusha, the first giant panda cub born in Russia, according to the zoo's director Svetlana Akulova. Despite an agreement that all pandas belong to China, Akulova expressed hope that a small chance remains for Katyusha to stay in Moscow. Meanwhile, China has signaled its readiness to continue cooperation with Russia on panda protection, as reported by TASS.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the Russian state news agency, has reported on this story through two separate articles. One article, published July 7, focuses on Akulova's statements during a press briefing. Another, published July 9, covers a written response from China's Foreign Ministry to a TASS inquiry about Katyusha's future.

Key Claims

Moscow Zoo's Push to Keep Katyusha

Akulova told reporters that the zoo is "engaged in ongoing talks" with Chinese colleagues, expressing a wish for Katyusha to remain. She acknowledged the agreement that "all pandas in the world belong to China" and noted the lack of precedent for a cub staying abroad beyond the current terms. Still, she said, "We have asked their permission to at least try <...> and continue negotiations, so that we might have even a small chance that she stays."

Akulova detailed that a new, spacious enclosure is under construction for Katyusha, designed to international standards for a pair of pandas. It will include feeding areas, private rooms, and summer outdoor spaces, and could accommodate two pandas and their potential cubs. Should Katyusha ultimately leave, the enclosure could instead house her parents, Zhui and Ding Ding.

Akulova also noted that Katyusha was raised by her mother and could become a good mother herself, having been fed with her mother's milk for a long time without human interference.

Agreement Terms and Panda Diplomacy

Under current agreements, giant panda cubs born outside China may stay abroad for up to four years, Akulova said. Katyusha was born at the Moscow Zoo in late August 2023. Her parents, Zhui and Ding Ding, were sent to Moscow in 2019 for 15 years under China's "panda diplomacy" program.

China's Response

In a written response to a TASS inquiry, the Office of the Spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Beijing is ready to continue cooperating with Moscow on protecting giant pandas, other endangered species, and biodiversity. The ministry noted that Chinese giant pandas have received a warm welcome in Russia, "helping strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries." It added that China is ready to work with international partners, including Russia, to continue joint efforts to protect endangered species.

Perspectives

Moscow Zoo's Viewpoint

Moscow Zoo Director Svetlana Akulova emphasized the zoo's desire to retain Katyusha, citing her potential as a mother and the new enclosure being built to accommodate her and a future family. She stressed the ongoing negotiations and the hope for a favorable outcome.

China's Viewpoint

The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed a general willingness to continue cooperation with Russia on panda protection, but did not explicitly comment on Katyusha's future. The ministry highlighted the positive reception of pandas in Russia and broader international collaboration on endangered species conservation.