Pallas's cat Pepe arrives to mate with Shu at Leningrad Zoo

A female Pallas«s cat named Pepe has been brought to the Leningrad Zoo from the Barnaul Zoo. According to the zoo»s Telegram channel, her arrival is part of a program by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) aimed at conserving and breeding rare Pallas«s cats.

The animal handled the journey well. Now, Pepe will undergo a one-month quarantine — a standard procedure for all newcomers. During this time, veterinarians will assess her health, take tests, and help her adapt to the new environment.

After quarantine, the female will be introduced to the public. Apparently, Pepe is the «bride» for the local Pallas«s cat kitten named Shu, whose possible arrival was reported by Fontanka in mid-December.

Pepe is slightly older than Shu. The kitten was born at the Leningrad Zoo on May 24, 2023, and was the first offspring for the pair Sven and Namika. Before him, the last Pallas«s cat cub appeared here in 2007.

Shu is known for his difficult character. «The little one is feisty and hisses at people in a very funny way,» explained zoo staff regarding the choice of name.

Pallas«s cats, which resemble domestic cats but with a more massive body, short legs, and thick fur, inhabit Asia. Their total population is estimated at about 58,000 individuals. The species is listed on the IUCN Red List as of least concern, although it previously had a near-threatened status.

The Leningrad Zoo is one of six in Russia that keep these predators, and the second where offspring have been successfully bred from a pair of Pallas«s cats. Participation in special breeding programs is critically important, as these animals are considered difficult to keep.