First giant panda cub born in Moscow Zoo

(ECNS) -- Chinese giant panda Ding Ding has given birth to a cub, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Wednesday.

"The first giant panda cub in Russia’s history was born in the Moscow Zoo! This is a unique and very rare event - the result of the coordinated efforts of our specialists and their Chinese colleagues," Sobyanin said in a Telegram post, adding that the birth of the cub is a landmark for Russia and the global environmental community.

The gender of the cub is still unknown, the zoo said. Weighing about 150 grams, the cub was born to male giant panda Ruyi and female Ding Ding. Both Ding Ding and its baby are in good health.

Ru Yi and Ding Ding arrived in Moscow in 2019,  starting their 15-year life in Russia.  Year 2019 marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The Moscow Zoo has made enough preparations for their coming, such as renovating their existing enclosures. The zoo has sent employees to China to learn how to take proper care of the animals.