Last month, the Novosibirsk Zoo in Siberia made an exciting announcement on VK.com regarding the birth of 16 adorable wild kittens belonging to three female Pallas’ Cats. Although the exact date of their births was not disclosed, Tatyana Pevneva, the head of the International Cooperation Department at Novosibirsk Zoo, revealed that the first female gave birth on June 1, 2020, followed by the second on June 7 and the third on June 11. Interestingly, the litter sizes differed, with one female having three kittens, another with five, and the third having eight. As Pallas’ Cats age, their vibrant blue eyes transform to green and eventually yellow. The zoo is closely observing the progress of the kittens, but their future is yet to be determined.

The enclosure at Novosibirsk Zoo is currently home to two playful kittens belonging to the Pallas’ Cat breed. These adorable felines have been a part of the zoo’s collection since 1995, and are now being sent to various zoos across the world as a part of international and European conservation programs. Their descendants can now be found in countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Great Britain.

Breeding these cats in captivity is quite challenging, and their mortality rate is high, which makes their population extremely vulnerable. In their natural habitat, they’re typically found in rocky deserts and semi-arid areas across Central Asia to Mongolia. However, they’re currently facing the risk of extinction due to habitat degradation and fur hunting activities.

Despite the challenges facing this species, these lively kittens bring a glimmer of hope for their survival and serve as a source of joy for anyone who lays eyes on them.

The Novosibirsk Zoo is home to a mother Pallas’s Cat and two adorable kittens, which have become quite the attraction for visitors. These cats are a rare sight, with only approximately 12,000 remaining in the wild in Russia, according to the WWF. Furthermore, as of the end of 2019, there were only 30 Pallas’s Cats living in captivity in Russian zoos, as stated by Pevneva. Despite being initially hesitant around strangers, including visitors, the kittens occasionally venture out of their shelter before quickly retreating back to safety. Nevertheless, zoo staff has noted that the kittens are gradually becoming more self-assured, increasing the likelihood of visitors catching a glimpse of them. So, if you’re fortunate enough, you might have the opportunity to see these charming little felines during your visit.