It happened! Part 4. Moscow.
Moscow admiration for Timosha
Moscow is the capital, which means that the Moscow manul Timofey is the country’s main manul! The son of the legendary Zelenogorsk and the no less legendary Lastochka!
Much ink has been spilled over the phrase “Moscow prince,” which is applied to Timosha. Some say it goes against the rules of the Russian language, while others say that for Timosha anything goes! I am one of those for whom Timofey is the Moscow Prince. It is no secret that in Moscow, before Ivan the Terrible (1530–1584), the throne was held by the Grand Princes of Moscow and All Rus’ (after the unification of the principalities). Ivan IV was first crowned as tsar in 1547. And since the time of Peter I and the proclamation of the Russian Empire (1724), the capital was moved to Saint Petersburg, and rulers were crowned as emperors. Why am I saying this? For me, the phrase “Moscow prince” is a reference to patriarchal, old, pre-Petrine Rus’, when there was still no empire. That is why I really like this form of address, and I use it myself when speaking to him — Prince. It feels so cozy)
My first conscious visit to Timofey took place a year ago (August 25). I had exactly two days after returning from vacation. If he had not granted me an audience on the first day, I would have come on the second. But Timofey was very gracious. And he gave me more than two hours of company. Even a light rain did not dampen Timofey’s spirits — he disappeared for a little while, and I walked around the other animals in my raincoat. As soon as the rain stopped, Timosha came out again. It was very unexpected. After all, back then we all thought he was a recluse. Now, of course, thanks to Pavel (https://manulization.ru/manulover/pell/posts), we know that Timoshenka is a very active manul, with his own rituals for every day and every event.
I also got to see the enclosure being cleaned, but they never brought food while I was there:(
The green foliage sets off his gray coat, while the enclosure additionally hides Timofey from visitors. Not everyone can spot him at first glance
And in January of this year, when Moscow was digging itself out from under the snow and there was really, really, reeeally a lot of it, I couldn’t resist and went there. Even though all of Timofey’s paths had been cleared, he still never appeared. My mittens were soaked through by the end of the day, so they weren’t warming me at all, but I stood there for an hour. And at that moment Timoshka was sleeping sweetly in his little house, wrapped in his fur)
Snow-covered enclosure, a manul sculpture at the Moscow Zoo, and the zoo entrance decorations (January 10)
Comments 6
Oh wow, Master Timofey was quite charitable to you and graced you with the opportunity for many incredible photos! 🤩 At least at the first visit... I don't blame him for no emerging in that blizzard though, wow!!! (Though the Christmas decorations look so lovely in the snow!)
Also I enjoyed the history lesson! I didn't realize addressing him as prince could be contentious. 😱 For some reason, I've settled on calling him Master Timofey, just because it feels right, and now I'm glad lest I set off an international incident! 😁😁😁
I also like calling Timofey a prince. It suits him perfectly 😊
The Grand Duke from the Zelikovich family!!! What questions could there possibly be?
Timoshenka is a wonder, even if a little naughty (takes after someone!)
Many thanks to you for the fascinating stories about manul pilgrimages; I read them like books.
mnamosyna (rachael), For me, being called Master is like something out of the Middle Ages — a student addressing an older teacher with respect and in recognition of their achievements in some field. I think it suits Timofey as well — we respect him for his beauty, his grandeur, and for Russian manul admirers, it is also a sign of respect for the country’s chief manul.
l83, Precisely! Someone who is respected and has their affairs and estate in proper order, and Timofey with his daily inspection and patrols embodies that.
Also though intellectually I know there both are currently and have been historically ruling princes, I feel that most native English speakers (probably because our countries are descended from the British Empire) tend to think of a prince as below the king, a ruler in waiting or possibly even someone more distant from the throne. But Timofey is second to no one! So perhaps that is why I like master. 😊
Timoshenka 🥰
Timosha was gracious. This is a sure sign that the little prince has accepted you as one of his own 🤗