Zelenogorsk the Pallas’s cat—a global fluffy star, the main inspiration, and symbol of Manulization!
Zelenogorsk became world famous after our short video, where he demonstrated his ability to put his paws on his tail. Millions of people watched this video! This is how Zelenogorsk became an absolute superstar, and thousands of manulovers appeared worldwide!.
He is about thirteen years years old, born in 2012–2013 in the wild in the Republic of Tuva, Russia, so his parents are unknown.
Our hero first lived in the Zelenogorsk Zoo in the Krasnoyarsk region. Then, in 2014, he moved to the Novosibirsk Zoo.
Here, he gained two names: the well-known Zelenogorsk, in honor of his home zoo, and the lesser-known Green. Read more about the names of Zelenogorsk.
Our fluffy Tuvan native is easily recognized by his incredible charisma and an injury to his left eye, which appeared in 2019 after an illness.
Zelenogorsk was a remarkable manul, embodying Tuvan toughness, strength, and life energy, combined with irresistible charm and stunning charisma! He wasn’t afraid of people, so he often came to the edge of his enclosure to let visitors know that it’s his territory and they’d best keep their distance 😁
In mid-June 2025, Zelenogorsk moved to an off-exhibit enclosure where he lived next door to the manul Karaganda.
Unfortunately Zelenogorsk is not with us anymore. He passed away in the winter of 2025–2026, he was thirteen years old.
Pallas's cats rarely live more than 5 years in the wild. In zoos under human care Pallas's cats live longer. Zelenogorsk lived a long and happy manul-life in comfort and being loved.
Photos of Zelenogorsk the Pallas's cat
Videos of Zelenogorsk the Pallas's cat
Children of Zelenogorsk the Pallas's cat
On April 18, 2025 in Novosibirsk Zoo three pallas's cat kittens were born to the family of Zelenogorsk and Mia
On April 17, 2024 in Novosibirsk Zoo five pallas's cat kittens were born to the family of Zelenogorsk and Eve
On April 12, 2024 in Novosibirsk Zoo Lolo gave birth to seven pallas's cat kittens. The father of the kittens is uncertain for us at the moment, with the potential fathers being Achi or Zelenogorsk
On June 6, 2022 in Novosibirsk Zoo Mia gave birth to six pallas's cat kittens. The father of the kittens is uncertain for us at the moment, with the potential fathers being Zelenogorsk, George, or Earl
On June 11, 2020 in Novosibirsk Zoo eight pallas's cat kittens were born to the family of Zelenogorsk and Lastochka
On June 1, 2020 in Novosibirsk Zoo two pallas's cat kittens were born to the family of Zelenogorsk and Zara
On May 7, 2018 in Novosibirsk Zoo four pallas's cat kittens were born to the family of Zelenogorsk and Lastochka
Zelenogorsk's travel adventures
In 2014 Zelenogorsk moved from Zelenogorsk zoo to Novosibirsk Zoo.
Naming history of Zelenogorsk the Pallas's cat
In Novosibirsk Zoo he was given his name Zelenogorsk (Зеленогорск). He was named Zelenogorsk in honor of his home zoo in Zelenogorsk city. In Russian, Zelenogorsk literally means “Green Mountain.” Fans often call him simply “Gorsk” and “Zel”. He also has a second, though less popular, but more official name – Green.
