Rare Manul cats strengthen Neuwied Zoo – a new eye-catcher!

Rare Manul cats strengthen Neuwied Zoo – a new eye-catcher!

There's a breath of fresh air at Neuwied Zoo: two rare Manul cats have arrived. A male comes from the Košice Zoo in Slovakia, while the female comes from the Berlin Zoo. These shy wild cats, also known as Pallas's cats, are a real eye-catcher - not only because of their characteristic facial expressions, which make them very popular with visitors, but also because of their special physical characteristics, which make them native to the high steppes of Central Asia.

The two newcomers have already settled in well. They explore their new home with curiosity, and the zoo's curator, Florian Bonenkamp, ​​is pleased with the progress. These animals not only play an important role in European conservation breeding programs, but are also a symbol of the biodiversity that needs to be preserved. With a population of around 50,000 individuals in the wild, they are considered endangered, which makes their inclusion in the zoo particularly important.

Way of life and habitat

Like the Manul cats themselves, their lifestyle is complex and adaptable. Originally from rocky steppes and semi-deserts, they live at altitudes of up to 4,000 m. They are solitary creatures and are primarily nocturnal, which makes them skilled hunters. Their main diet consists of pikas, small rodents, hares and ground-nesting birds - a varied menu for these skilled hunters who are very familiar with their surroundings.

With a body size of 60 to 65 cm and a weight of 2.3 to 4.5 kg, they are well adapted to their environment. Their ocher-yellow fur with characteristic black horizontal stripes not only offers perfect camouflage protection in the high mountains, but is also protection from the cold.

Challenges and protection

But despite their adaptability, the Manul also faces numerous threats. The main threats are the loss of their habitats due to urbanization, hunting for their fur and the presence of feral domestic dogs. These factors have contributed to a decline in populations, reinforcing the importance of breeding programs in zoos. According to various sources, the animals are in a precarious situation and their breeding in protected facilities is essential for the continued existence of this beautiful feline species.

Neuwied Zoo is facing these challenges into the future. With the two new Manul cats, the zoo has not only taken a further step towards species conservation, but also offers its visitors the opportunity to experience these fascinating animals in a protected environment. Her return to Neuwied Zoo shows that it takes a good hand to preserve biodiversity while raising public awareness of endangered species.

The Manul cats' daily explorations will undoubtedly attract many visitors and inspire them to support conservation. Although the future is challenging, it also holds hope - especially under the influence of ongoing conservation measures and networking between different zoos. A sign that protecting our natural resources and preserving biodiversity are becoming more important than ever.