Rare Pallas Kitten Gets His Name At Great Plains Zoo
The Great Plains Zoo is excited to announce the name of the Pallas' cat that was born late this summer.
The naming rights were won in a silent online auction. The winner chose the name Tashi.
Tashi has origins in the Tibetan language and is used in many Eastern cultures. For such a short name, its meaning is rather lengthy. It means prosperity, good fortune, and auspiciousness.
The name is given to both male and female members of the Sherpa community and is thought to be full of blessings.
Tashi was born in late July to mom Salkhi and dad Kaz. This cute kitten is the second one for both parents. Salkhi and Kaz came to the Great Plains Zoo on a recommendation from the Pallas' Cat Species Survival Program.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the Pallas' Cat to be a near-threatened species.
Their native habitat is in Central Asia, and they prefer to live in dry, rocky areas. Pallas' cats are reclusive and solitary by nature. The dads are not involved in raising their kittens so Tashi's father Kaz is temporarily living in a behind-the-scenes habitat.
Guests have the best chance of seeing the kitten if they're quiet, calm, and patient near the Pallas' cat exhibit.
For more information see the Great Plains Zoo online, on Facebook, or call 605-215-6392.
Source: Denise DePaolo/Great Plains Zoo
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