A manul pilgrimage to Boris in Krasnoyarsk! Part 1.

It would seem, how can 5.5 hours spent with Tsar-Father Boris of Krasnoyarsk be stretched into several parts of a story? But I have already delayed telling it as it is, so let it at least appear in installments. That way, there will be an incentive to finish what I started.
October 18, 2026
The last time I visited Boris was on December 21, 2025. Now I know what he is like in winter—he sat on one favorite shelf for three hours. And now I need to see him during the fattening-up process.
In autumn, the zoo holds several public feedings and even invites visitors to two time slots—11:30 and 16:00—promising the most active manul at that time. Borenka lived up to every expectation.
It is 11:00, and so that manul admirers do not waste time searching or accidentally wander over to the deer, there is a sign right at the entrance!

My heart skips a beat, my mind wonders—has Boris already come out to keep watch for the keeper with the food?

Oh, how gloomy Tsar-Father is.

Boris has taken up his observation post. It snowed in Krasnoyarsk the day before and in the morning, and his enclosure has been lightly dusted. Winter is coming—the fattening-up period is reaching its peak!

The little one was beside himself—where was the keeper with the food? In despair, he had to wander around the enclosure—perhaps a mouse had been left lying around since yesterday.

At exactly 11:30, the feeding began. Small pieces of meat and a quail egg (all the quails surely went to Uncle Timosha) were placed for Boris in different parts of the enclosure. Borya needed to do some hunting. Which he gladly did. It took him almost 25 minutes to find the last piece. The keepers had hidden it in the moss.

The search for meat.

And the piece lying enticingly in the most conspicuous spot resisted Boris for a long time. Even though he had literally sat on that cylinder for ages just 30 minutes earlier. Now he sniffed, but could not see it. There was even despair in his gaze. But this piece could not hold out either. Boris won. 

Licking his lips and washing up after lunch are rules of good manners instilled by Mama Eva. Papa Zhora instilled only the gloomy look.

Boris has had breakfast; for now, we can visit the other animals too. To be continued.