Many of you might not have ever heard of a Pallas’ cat, much less seen one. This is a common remark I hear during my workday at the Polar Bear Plunge habitat here at the San Diego Zoo. Well I’m glad to report, I think those times are over.

When I first started working with the species over 6 years ago, I quickly fell in love. I’ve always considered myself a cat person at heart and Alexandra (as Zoo ” regulars” call her) has definitely dug her claws in. Alexandra used to be paired with a male, Nicholas, as a breeding duo. They got along for the most part. But due to their secretive nature, I never witnessed their interactions, just those big eyes staring back at me from where they were hiding. But three years and 19 kittens later, the decision was made to separate the males and the females. ” Mom,” as I have come to call her, was then housed with three of her daughters. But the kids grew up, Mom’s patience ran thin, and it became a stressful environment. After all, they are solitary by nature.

So Mom moved to the exhibit directly across the path, still in Polar Bear Plunge. Whether it was the new digs or her newfound independence, I’m not sure, but Alexandra has come out of her shell and many now get the chance to experience her winning personality. She still has a nest box filled with her bedding of choice, and you will often she her nestled there. But occasionally you can see her hanging out on her hammock or perched on her seat in front. She is also more comfortable being in the public’s view and with her interactions with me.

I am able to hand-feed her on a regular basis and have started to work training sessions. I would still rather go in with the polar bears before going in with her (only kidding!). But we are definitely building on our trust. Right now is the time of year when she’s at her heaviest. The Pallas’s cat’s metabolism naturally slows, allowing them to store more body fat. This helps with keeping warm as well as compensating for the shortage of meals due to climate. Even though she currently resides in San Diego and is not lacking for a meal, it doesn’t prevent nature from taking its course. Who knows, maybe when spring approaches and she’s not so concerned with calories, she might not be as ” friendly.” But I’m optimistic that the relationship we’ve built is a strong one.

So for all of you who’ve said, ” I’ve never seen the Pallas’s cat,” I urge you to come visit now because she’s liable to prove you wrong. Also keep an eye out for our All About Enrichment weekends. Alexandra made her debut recently and had the crowd smiling. I’ve had the opportunity to really get to know her and the species as a whole. I hope through this blog, I can do the same for you.

Kelly Murphy is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.

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