KOBE/NAGOYA - The five kittens born earlier this month to a Pallas's cat, a species widely considered to be the world's oldest living feline, at a zoo in western Japan recently made their media debut, showing steady growth and lively interactions with their mother.
According to Kobe Animal Kingdom in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, the five kittens -- four males and one female -- were born on May 12 and were given names inspired by sunlight.
Initially appearing uneasy and anxious during their first appearance in the exhibition area on Thursday, the kittens soon began running around curiously after growing accustomed to their surroundings.
They also displayed characteristic hunting behavior, running atop rocks and jerking their heads.
They are expected to go on public display from July 21, the zoo said.
Also known as manuls, the small felines known for their grumpy expressions, are said to have existed for about 6 million years. They are mostly found in Central Asia.
As of June, there were only 26 Pallas's cats in facilities affiliated with the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
"I hope the kittens will pique people's interest in Pallas's cats and encourage them to learn more about the species," said Tatae Kano, a 29-year-old zookeeper.
At the other end of the life cycle, a jungle cat native to a broad swath of Asia died at a zoo in central Japan on Thursday.
According to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Nagoya, Killy was 9 years old -- roughly equivalent to 50 in human years -- and died of purulent pneumonia.
The zoo said she was alive and eating well the previous evening but was found dead the following morning.
Killy had arrived at the zoo in 2019 from Sri Lanka as part of an animal exchange program. It is the only facility in Japan that keeps the species, and with Killy's death, only two remain.
