Regarding Pallas' Cat "Primula" (Updated 8/18: Regarding the end of Primula's exhibit)
news
January 21, 2026 (updated August 18, 2026)
Updated August 18, 2026: Notice regarding the end of the exhibit for Pallas' Cat 's cat "Primula"
Regarding "Primula," which reopened its exhibit on the first floor Small Mammal House on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the results of an examination conducted on Monday, July 6, have confirmed the possibility that the tumor has metastasized to the lungs.
Currently, there are no significant changes in her general condition or behavior, such as her appetite. However, we will be moving her to a controlled area so that we can focus on more detailed examinations and treatment. Therefore, the exhibit of "Primula" will end on Sunday, August 30th.
Primula, a female Pallas' Cat 's cat that was kept in the Small Mammal House in West Garden of Ueno Zoo, has been removed from public display since January 2, 2026, for treatment purposes and is currently being kept in a management area.
Primula began living with the male Kryon on December 22nd of last year (2025) with the aim of breeding, and everything seemed to be going well. However, on December 29th, she showed signs of discomfort while walking, and an examination the following day revealed a fracture of the left humerus. This fracture was diagnosed as a pathological fracture likely caused by a tumor.
Many tumors that develop in the bone are malignant and can cause severe pain. Therefore, surgery was performed to remove the left forelimb to prevent the tumor from metastasizing and to relieve the pain. Cats can adapt well to living on three legs, so they can live without major problems in captivity. In fact, five days after the surgery, Primula was able to walk well, and an improvement in her quality of life (QOL) is expected as the pain has subsided.
Going forward, we plan to aim for Primula's return to the exhibition while monitoring her health. The male, Kryon, will continue to be on display.
(January 21, 2026)