Daily Animal news

Best daily news ~ Animals related!

A Puma Rescued From A Contact Zoo Is Unable To Be Released Into The Wild And Is Forced To Live As A Spoiled House Cat

Mariya and Aleksandr Dmitriev share a one-bedroom flat with Lionel Messi, one of soccer’s biggest names. No, not the star, but his namesake, a 90-pound puma. When Messi was just eight months old, the Russian couple saw him at the Saransk Zoo in Penza and knew they wanted to get him.

Credits: l_am_puma

Messi was born at the zoo as one of three cougar cubs. The other two, Suarez and Neymar, were also named after great players to commemorate Moscow’s hosting of four World Cup matches. When he was three months old, the wild cat was sold to the Saransk Zoo due to health issues. The Dmitrievs, enamored with the ailing zoo animal, approached the proprietors and asked if they might purchase him.

Credits: l_am_puma
Credits: l_am_puma

Aleksandr, 38, has long dreamt of owning a huge cat, according to his wife Mariya: “He always fantasized of getting a lynx — never a puma.” It’s difficult to describe, but we think that having a puma as a house cat is a part of our fate.”

Credits: l_am_puma

“We spent three days debating whether it was moral to maintain such an unusual pet and if it was practical to do so. Nothing, however, could stop our unexpected wish,” Mariya, 28, told the Mirror. “So we went to the zoo and began negotiations to purchase Messi,” says the narrator. When they agreed, we were shocked as well.”

Credits: l_am_puma
Credits: l_am_puma

Taking up Messi’s care was difficult in many ways. The cat, in addition to being a wild animal, required special medical treatment and care. “He was pretty frail and wanted a lot of attention,” Mariya explained. Despite the fact that the pair has rehabilitated the cub, he is still barely two-thirds the size of a typical puma.

Credits: l_am_puma

Messi, like any other pet, needs plenty of exercise, which is why his human parents bought him a special coat and harness to take him on walks. “He reminds me of a puppy. We began taking him for a stroll, one step at a time. “Now we walk a lot twice a day, like it should be,” Aleksandr remarked in an interview with RT, adding that the animal hadn’t been that active previously. In this way, it’s not dissimilar to having a dog.”

Credits: l_am_puma
Credits: l_am_puma

This loving giant’s training, unlike that of a puppy, was not simple. The pair attempted unsuccessfully to find a wild animal handler.

Credits: l_am_puma

Finally, they discovered a dog training school where he could enroll, and he now knows approximately ten instructions.

Credits: l_am_puma
Credits: l_am_puma

“His actions persuaded us that he is a complete member of our family and that, except from a few minor misbehaviors, he would not harm us. He’s a kind guy who enjoys making eye contact. Aleksandr says, “He gets along with everyone.”

Credits: l_am_puma

Because having an exotic cat in your home is unusual, the Dmitrievs utilize social media to record their lives with their “housecat” – and people adore it. While the real Messi has over 100 million Instagram followers, the cat Messi has over 500 thousand followers on his @I am puma account and over 170 thousand subscribers on his YouTube channel.

Credits: l_am_puma
Credits: l_am_puma

Because having an exotic cat in your home is unusual, the Dmitrievs utilize social media to record their lives with their “housecat” – and people adore it. While the real Messi has over 100 million Instagram followers, the cat Messi has over 500 thousand followers on his @I am puma account and over 170 thousand subscribers on his YouTube channel.

Credits: l_am_puma

“He’s just a regular cat, but he’s a huge one. Aleksandr remarks, “He has all the behaviors of a cat.”

Credits: l_am_puma

As you might expect, some animal rights and environmental activists disagree to the Dmitrievs having an exotic animal in their house, believing Messi belongs in a wildlife reserve or sanctuary. Others, on the other hand, emphasize the dangers of living among wild animals.

Credits: l_am_puma

However, because he has never lived alone in the wild, the pair feels he would not survive with other animals. “Of course, having such a huge cat at home may be hazardous, but Messi is a special animal,” Mariya told the Mirror.

Credits: l_am_puma
Credits: l_am_puma
Credits: l_am_puma

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *