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Rare Pallas's Cat Kittens Debut at Japanese Zoo
6 Jul
Summary
- Five rare Pallas's cat kittens were born in May.
- The kittens are expected to go on display July 21.
- Pallas's cats are the world's oldest living feline species.
Five kittens of the Pallas's cat species, considered the world's oldest living feline, were born in May at Kobe Animal Kingdom in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. These unique animals, also known as manuls, are characterized by their flat faces and low-set ears, adaptations for their rocky, high-altitude habitats in central Asia.
The zoo has given the kittens names associated with sunlight. They have experienced significant growth since their birth, with weights increasing from around 120-180 grams to over 750 grams by late June. The public can anticipate seeing these captivating felines starting July 21.
Pallas's cats are rare in Japan, with only 26 individuals housed in facilities belonging to the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums as of June. These ancient felines, estimated to have existed for 6 million years, possess long fur and a distinctive grumpy expression. Their high-altitude environment means they lack immunity to common bacteria and viruses found at lower elevations.
