Lim Anak Kucing Pallas Makes His First Appearance at the Kobe Zoo

Five Pallas kittens at the Kobe Zoo. (Twitter/@kobe_doubutsu)

JAKARTA - Five kittens born earlier this month from a Pallas cat, a species widely considered to be the world's oldest cat, at a zoo in western Japan recently made their debut in front of the media, showing steady growth and lively interactions with their mother.

According to Kobe Animal Kingdom in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, the five kittens - four males and one female - were born on May 12 and were named after the sun.

Initially appearing agitated and anxious during their first appearance in the exhibition area on Thursday, the kittens immediately began to run around with curiosity after becoming accustomed to their surroundings, Kyodo News reported (17/7).

They also showed typical hunting behavior, running over rocks and moving their heads.

The five kittens are expected to be exhibited to the public starting July 21, the zoo said.

Also known as a manul, this small cat known for its pouty expression is said to have been around for about 6 million years. They are mostly found in Central Asia.

As of June, there were only 26 Pallas cats at facilities affiliated with the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

"I hope these kittens will arouse people's interest in Pallas cats and encourage them to learn more about this species," said zookeeper Tatae Kano.