Moose the Pallas' Cat (2019-2025)
Obituary
Moose passed away in January after spending a life in captivity.
Moose, a 5-year-old Pallas’ cat, died unexpectedly at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in early January. Moose, described in statements by the zoo as “sassy”, was a father of five kittens, two of whom were born just last July. Moose’s other three kittens were born in 2022, also at the Columbus Zoo with female Pallas’ cat, Tiina.
The cause of death was not reported and would be determined after a necropsy is performed, but Moose’s death was noted as unexpected due to his young age.
The Columbus Zoo described Pallas’ cats as “elusive in the wild” and facing challenges from fragmentation of their native habitats in Asia. The International Union of Conservation of Nature lists Pallas’ cats as a “species of least concern” meaning they are still plentiful in the wild, though IUCN notes population decreases and fragmentation as key issues for the species.
Pallas’ cats are small wildcats similar in size to cat species commonly kept as companion animals, though the fluffiness of their fur lends them a larger appearance. Their thick fur helps keep them warm in the colder climates of central Asia and the gray to yellowish coloring helps them blend in with the rocky steppes and stone outcroppings they prefer in the wild.
Pallas’ cats do not belong in captivity and deserve to live in the wild protected from human intervention. If you are interested in protecting animals while traveling and supporting animal-friendly attractions, we encourage you to avoid zoos and aquariums. Instead, visit and support accredited wild animal sanctuaries or Wildlife Heritage Areas to explore options for animal-friendly activities that do not perpetuate captivity.
