Live, Laugh, Lev
Last week, Nasu Animal Kingdom released an update on one of Japan’s most beloved manuls. Lev (Лев / レフ), whose name means “Lion” in Russian.
Lev has been recovering from facial swelling, a not uncommon affliction for manuls due to every day injuries — whether from a clumsy bump or an unlucky scratch. Bol, another resident of Nasu, spent months recovering behind the scenes (or, as they say, ‘the backyard’) after a similar issue with facial swelling, only to return to the exhibit in July 2024. But Lev’s case is different. Though his facial swelling has improved, he now requires ongoing treatment. More concerningly, the zoo revealed that his kidney function is declining, a common challenge for aging manuls and felines in general, including domestic cats.
The most ominous part of the update was a quiet decision: The zoo had considered giving the public a chance to see Lev “one last time”. But in the end, they prioritized his well-being and opted to continue his care privately, behind the scenes.
For Lev’s fans in Japan and and around the world, this is heartbreaking news. Lev is not an ordinary manul — he is arguably one of the most famous manuls in Japan, and the world. While many had hoped to see him again, it’s comforting to know that his condition is stable for now, and that he is not in pain. There remains a chance that he could recover enough to return to exhibit — and to face off once again with his enclosure-mate, the prickly Polly — but nothing is certain.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common health issues in aging felines. Unlike an acute illness, CKD is progressive — meaning that while it can be slowed, it cannot be reversed. For cats, kidney disease is tied to low water intake and their naturally concentrated urine. In the wild, manuls and other small felines get most of their hydration from fresh prey rather than drinking water directly. Even in captivity, with access to fresh water and balanced diets, their bodies remain hardwired for low water consumption — a trait that ultimately overworks their kidneys.
Most felines don’t live long enough for CKD to become a problem in the wild. But in captivity, where conditions are ideal and lifespans are extended, kidney disease is almost inevitable. And Lev is quite old by manul standards; these cats rarely live beyond six years old in nature. Lev is approaching 11 years old. For now, his care team will focus on keeping him comfortable and ensuring he maintains a good quality of life for as long as possible.
Lev Lore
Lev’s life has been anything but ordinary. Born in 2014 at Novosibirsk Zoo, he had a rough start — his mother was unable to care for him, for reasons that remain unclear. Instead, Lev was raised by a domestic cat who took him in as her own and provided motherly care. In fact, several other orphaned animals have reportedly been raised by domestic cats at Novosibirsk Zoo.
Around the same time, he suffered an early injury to his left paw, resulting in a limp that never quite faded. The injury gave him a distinct gait, making him one of the most easily identifiable manuls in the world. While it never slowed him down, it may have made him less inclined to jump, leading to one of his famous quirks: the “manul nest”. Instead of perching on high platforms like many of his kin, Lev was sometimes seen curling up in plants, sitting like a bird roosting on eggs, earning him admiration from his fans.
Over the years, Lev became a traveler. After leaving Novosibirsk, he moved to Saitama Children’s Zoo, where he was paired with breeding partner, Shall. Together, they had a lovely litter of five kittens — Grusha (the pear), Iris, Lotus, Oliva, and Primula — affectionately known as the “Floral Five”. Through Primula, Lev became a grandfather to Nar and even a great-grandfather when Nar and Az welcomed kittens at Kobe Animal Kingdom in 2024. His lineage now spans multiple generations across Japan.
Eventually, after several zoo transfers, Lev found his current home at Nasu Animal Kingdom in 2022, where he shared an exhibit space with Bol and Polly, two other Japanese manul superstars. Lev and Bol would take turns on exhibit, giving Polly the chance to choose between them — but she ultimately seemed to favor her longtime mate, Bol, with whom she has two offspring, El and Az.
It was at Nasu Animal Kingdom that I met Lev, in Fall 2024. It was truly a surreal experience, finally meeting the legend, the lion himself! One thing that struck me about meeting Lev was that he was surprisingly gentle and sweet. Even during feeding time — when most manuls are at peak insanity — Lev remained comparatively calm and calculated. Although, I think most manuls would seem gentle and sweet during feeding time, when compared to Polly!
What comes next for Lev?
Lev will remain behind the scenes, where keepers can monitor his condition without the stress of public exhibition. Euthanasia decisions for captive cats with CKD are based on quality of life rather than test results alone. If Lev begins to show signs of discomfort — significant weight loss, loss of appetite, severe lethargy, or pain — his caregivers will make the difficult decision to let him go peacefully. But for now, we can take solace in the fact that Lev is still here, still comfortable, and still receiving the best possible care.
For nearly 11 years, Lev has won over countless fans with his unique left-hook, his nesting habits, and his gentle nature. He has traveled the world, living in five different zoos across his lifetime, accumulating more fans every step of the way. He is, without a doubt, one of the most cherished manuls Japan has ever known. While this news may feel like the closing chapter of Lev’s public life, his story is far from over. His legacy lives on through his offspring, the countless photographs, and the many fans he’s inspired.
And so, we hold onto hope. Whether Lev returns to his exhibit or continues to have peaceful days behind the scenes, he remains in the best hands, receiving the care and love he deserves.
I am very sad that I never got to meet Mr. Lev, but I hope he can enjoy his retirement peacefully and pain free!