About Pallas' Cat "Primula"

Primura, a female Pallas' Cat 's cat that had been kept in the Small Mammal House in West Garden of Ueno Zoo, was removed from exhibit on January 2nd for treatment and is now being kept in a management area.

Primura began living with the male Kurion on December 22nd of last year with the aim of breeding, and everything seemed to be going well. However, on December 29th, something strange was noticed in the way she walked, so an examination the following day revealed a fracture in her left humerus. It was diagnosed that the fracture was likely a pathological fracture caused by a tumor.

Many bone tumors are malignant and can cause severe pain. Therefore, surgery was performed to remove the left forelimb to prevent the tumor from metastasizing and relieve the pain. Cats are well adapted to living on three legs, so they can live in captivity without any major problems. In fact, five days after surgery, Primura was able to walk well, and the elimination of pain is expected to improve her quality of life (QOL).

We plan to monitor Primura's condition and aim to return her to the exhibit. The male, Kurion, will continue to be exhibited.

"Primula" being raised in the management area (photographed on January 11, 2026)

(January 21, 2026)