Barnaul Zoo Sends Female Pallas's Cat to St. Petersburg
The Barnaul Zoo «Forest Fairy Tale» is saying goodbye to a female Pallas«s cat — the beautiful Pepa. This was announced on the zoo»s social media.
The zoo stated that the transfer is part of a program to conserve and breed Pallas«s cats.
«We have an important event that is part of a larger effort to preserve rare animal species. Our Pepa, a Pallas»s cat, is heading to a new home — the St. Petersburg Zoo,« shared the staff.
The zoo explained that the Pallas«s cats Chip and Pepa are siblings, so breeding them is undesirable — it would reduce genetic diversity, lead to mutation accumulation, and weaken the kittens» immunity.
«For rare species like the Pallas»s cat, every individual counts, and it«s crucial that each one is as viable as possible,» noted the «Forest Fairy Tale» zoo.
In St. Petersburg, a suitable mate has been found for Pepa, with whom she can form a genetically healthy pair.
«This is our zoo»s contribution to the future of the entire species. We will miss our fluffy favorite with her independent character dearly. But we are confident that at the St. Petersburg Zoo, caring hands and all necessary resources for her important mission await her. Bon voyage, Pepa,« added the zoo staff.
