Rescue Puma Can’t Be Released Into The Wild, Lives His Best Life As A Spoiled House Cat (New Pics)
From snakes to tarantulas, some people enjoy keeping exotic pets. But have you ever wondered what it’d be like to live with… a puma that thinks it’s a house cat?
Messi the puma cat, named after the famous Argentine footballer, lives with its adoptive parents Aleksandr and Mariya Dmitriev in their apartment in Penza, Russia, since 2016. Messi is living the life that we all daydream about: the life of a spoiled pet cat.
Bored Panda already wrote an article about the puma once, and we love Messi so much, we couldn’t wait to do a follow-up with plenty of new photos for you to enjoy!
More info: Instagram | YouTube
Meet Messi the puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Messi (the big exotic cat, not the talented and celebrated pro footballer) was sold to a petting zoo in Penza when he was just three months old. He was smaller than usual. He had health issues. He couldn’t live in a zoo. Nor could he live in a wildlife sanctuary. And petting zoo staff were thinking of putting the wild cat to sleep. That’s when Aleksandr and Mariya showed up to save the gentle feline.
Messi lives with Aleksandr and Mariya Dmitriev
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
The couple said that when they first saw the wild animal, they thought it was “love at first sight.” So they bought him after some deep thinking about the ethics and logistics of keeping such a big cat at home. After they brought Messi back with them, they nursed it back to health. Aleksandr and Mariya seem happy with their new addition to their family, but the couple’s cat Kira doesn’t get along with Messi. Perhaps, it’s jealous?
Though his owners call him “kitten,” Messi had to be trained like a doggo
Image credits: l_am_puma
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Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Though Messi’s known as their “kitten,” keeping it is more like taking care of a doggo than a catto. For example, it had to be trained at a dog training facility. What’s more, Messi now knows around 10 commands (though we doubt he can score a goal)! The Dmitrievs take their puma on walks (imagine what their neighbors’ reactions are like), feed it raw beef, chicken, and turkey, and wash it in the bathtub.
Messi often goes for walks
Image credits: l_am_puma
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Image credits: l_am_puma
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View this post on Instagram
When Messi became famous on the net, lots of people loved how the Dmitrievs took care of him. However, there were some critics. They urged the couple to send the puma to a wildlife sanctuary. But Aleksandr and Mariya state that Messi couldn’t survive in the wild. It should also be noted that the couple don’t, in fact, encourage anyone to domesticate pumas and other big cats: Messi is an exception because he is exceptionally gentle, calm, and sickly.
This particular puma is incredibly gentle and calm
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Our cuddlesome Messi is known all over the media as a puma. But did you know that pumas are also known by a whole bunch of other names? Including cougars, red tigers, and mountain lions. But a puma isn’t enough for the Dmitrievs—they have plans to adopt a leopard. Because Messi needs a friend. Might we suggest naming it Ronaldo?
I love to see the animals but I feel like no matter how much somebody says "this is not a pet etc, etc", there will definitely be people who would try. That's why I have such mixed feelings about this type story.
Me too, definite mixed feelings. Lovely that Messi seems genuinely happy and well cared for. However, they are in a one bed apartment and want to get another big cat. What about their poor small house cat that is already unhappy because she doesn't get along with Messi? Not exactly fair to that little animal let alone how Messi might react to another. Just because this may be working out okay, doesn't mean that they should take on more.
Load More Replies..."Don't own a big cat. This is an exception." *continues to post several pictures of said big cat in domestically familiar and adorable situations* We already know people are easily influenced and not environmentally conscientious. Have some care with social media!
You're right, and in the end it says that they are thinking of getting a leopard too. These people seem to care more about themselves and the attention than the animals.
Load More Replies...What part of "Rescue Puma Can’t Be Released Into The Wild" do you not understand?
Load More Replies...No no no. These articles are what encourage people to have wild cats as pets. You say he "can't live in the wild" and therefore can't go to a sanctuary? Our sanctuaries aren't the same as living in the wild, and they give the animals the care they need. PLUS the fact that they're planning to also adopt a leopard? Please don't keep small/big wild cats as pets.
Paula, Warawk is talking about gumeracha history, who is calling people who do not agree with his "expertise" idiots. Warawk is right, there are accredited, reputable sanctuaries which accept injured or previously abused wild animals.
Load More Replies..."It should also be noted that the couple don’t, in fact, encourage anyone to domesticate pumas and other big cats" "BUT a puma isn’t enough for the Dmitrievs—they have plans to adopt a leopard." Thanks for the double standards...
They have a bigger place to live now. They build a house. They got second animal Ichel from Circus (my opinion: animals in circus MUST BE BANNED!!! Let's ppl jump through the hoops to entertain other ppl). Ichel was mistreated in circus by other leopards and owners decided to give it to Sasha and Masha right before a new Russian law that prohibits to have dangerous species in private dwellings. The new law is a long list from mammals to insects. They build a separate place for leopard Ichel on their property. The goal is to keep Ichel till she will die naturally from her age otherwise in circus it might be put down. I am puma is a channel on YouTube search for that and check it out.
Load More Replies...And yet again Bored Panda promotes keeping wild animals as pets. If you actually cared for these animals, write about wildlife sanctuaries saving them instead. Because these "articles" make idiots want to have one for themselves. Fact check, before publishing. There are tons of different wildlife sanctuaries with different approaches to what will happen to the animal (if they are to be let free Vs if they will remain at the sanctuary enclosure) but you just took this couples word for that the sanctuary would definitely let the animal free and let her starve to death. Wild animals do not belong here in our homes, stop helping an industry that sells them, because at the moment, that is exactly what you do.
nice try Lingon, I graduated 1st class in biological sciences from imperial college london back in 2005. tell me again about education on the field moron.
Load More Replies...Under normal circumstances he should of course be allowed to live in the wild. But if he is sickly, they would just be putting him out to die. My heart couldn't do that either.
Adorable... until he gets mad, one time. This is how those news stories of "an exotic animal kept as a pet kills a family". And all the commenters are like: "Well you shouldn't have an exotic animal as a pet!".
And it's even worse when you think about how pumas hunt. They ambush their prey, and kill them with a bite to the neck, snapping the spine and cutting the spinal cord. If Messi decides to hunt one of his humans, they're not even going to see it coming.
Load More Replies...Don't let these a******s fool you into thinking they're doing a "good deed" for the puma. The poor cat is turning a profit for them, they would transfer these animals to actual sanctuaries if they actually had the desire to want what is best for them. Wildlife Tourism is extremely popular in Russia (evidence of these kinds of Instagram accounts can be found in The National Geographic (May 2019) https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/dark-truth-behind-wildlife-tourism) and many of them buy wild animals from breeders where it would be illegal in other parts of the world. Considering they're also ready to "adopt" a leopard and they already take the puma around on a leash outside around humans, they are no better than the "petting zoo" that they allegedly saved them from. It's all a con, maybe the Bored Panda authors of these articles should actually do some research on these harmful Instagram accounts before actually publishing them, it just takes a two minute Google search.
Yes, and you can see in the photos how destructive they are indoors; however, this is a better alternative than killing it, if the caretaker has the experience and willingness. Predators usually learn how to hunt from their parents, but they still have basic instincts.
Load More Replies...This isn't a good idea. Here in Vancouver a man owned a "domesticated" tiger. He came home one day to find his girlfriend dead, half eaten! They are not pets
If they ever need a babysitter...err I mean a pumasitter, I would be more than happy to do it for them here in California <3
‼️Wild animals are wild animals. No amount of spoilage of an animal will take that away. Just ask Charla Nash who was mauled and nearly killed in 2014 by Travis the chimpanzee. Nash’s friend. Sandy Herold, raised him from a young chimp. Horrific.
Old news and same old dumb as heck brainless morons mentioning the word wild because they are too r******d to know what wild even means
"Aleksandr and Mariya seem happy with their new addition to their family, but the couple’s cat Kira doesn’t get along with Messi. Perhaps, it’s jealous?" With all that attention the puma is getting of course Kira is jealous. She was there first (I assume). Poor kitty. Why are there no pictures with Kira here?
He is adorable if you can afford to feed him. I have two cats, they are two tiny females but they eat like 5 dobermans.
I have 2 cats as well and they are hungry 24/7. Lucky for me, my cats wont eat me alive if they skip a meal unlike the people with freakin puma in flat.
Load More Replies...Seems to me like they like the social media attention this is all getting- and getting another big cat!??!!! I'm sure a zoo could use Messi for conservation training, I wonder if they have really tried to have the animal homed in a proper wild cat sanctuary.
How do they keep their cat Kira safe when they have to leave Kira and Messi alone?
So they make it out to sound like they were saving it and "it can't survive in the wild" and how they would not reccomend anyone domesticate wild cats.. And then they talk about adopting a second one.. Yeah no.. these morons are not helping anyone but themselves.
Was this animal imported? As the Puma/cougar/mountain lion is native only to the Americas (specifically all of South America and western North America) and doesn't exist in the wild anywhere else. Attached image shows their range. I live in their territory, and I've seen a single mountain lion (as we call them here) take down a full adult deer. 800px-Coug...a3-png.jpg
They paid cash for it as a cub from a breeder that obviously imported it. "According to his wife Mariya, Aleksandr, 38, had always dreamed of owning a big cat, “He always thought about having a lynx – never a puma. It’s hard to explain but we believe that having this puma as a house cat is part of our destiny.” The article also states “We had three days of thinking hard about whether it was moral to keep such an exotic pet, and whether it was common sense to have one. But nothing could fight our sudden wish,” Mariya, 28, told the Mirror. “So we went to the zoo and started negotiations to buy Messi. We were surprised ourselves when they agreed.”
Load More Replies...Pay attention to your regular cat.... or do you just do this for clicks? If you really care about animals, you'll love them all the same. Shame on you. DO NOT get another animal that belongs in the wild.... unfair to them...
Big deal, they gave a Puma a bath. Let's see if they've got enough stones to give my "domestic" Siamese one. Bring first aid kits.
Judging by the comments Idiocracy was not fiction, but faction. Dear me, pray to whatever divinity for the saviour of our planet. the simple truth is, human ignorance, stupidity and vile hate seems to know no bounds. on the other hand, thank godliness that BP (and the social web in general) is nothing more than an imbecile echo chamber for otherwise socially handicapped people. have fun bored pandas.
Their cat Kira does not get along with Messi? Perhaps she's jealous? More likely she is a bit intimidated by him. Maybe she knows more than her humans. It is never good idea to keep a wild predatory animals as pets. Many of them become, well wild, and really dangerous when mature, grow bigger and are not "cute" anymore; then get discarded. Good luck, Messi, you better behave yourself.
For those who are certain it was declawed, I point you to the bathtub photo. He clearly has claws.
Just...No. Those people just wanted a cool pet and use Messi's health as an excuse to keep him. They keep him in a flat...
Why would you walk it around with just a leash and collar, at least use a harness and muzzle
He looks happy. But seeing a declawed puma on a leash ist not leaving me in a happy state of mind. And the message this story sends is abysmal.
Hes not declawed. You can clearly see (retracted) claws when he's wet in the bathtub.
Load More Replies...This is really an exception. Messi was born in captivity - in a zoo and had poor health, small size. He was placed in a contact zoo - what cruelty in my opinion! And his life is now much better than it could be, because his owners are also an exception for Russia - they do love him and treat him like a family member. He is quite trained and socialized. So I do not think that this situation will have a bad end, considering the small size and gentle nature of Messi. https://youtu.be/eLNupazlMG8
Да , я согласна с Вами , что дикие животные это не игрушка, и забавы ради заводить не стоит. Месси действительно исключение, ведь в дикой природе он бы не выжил (либо страдал) т.к. у него отклонения от нормы в весе и заболевания. Александр и Мария для него спасение , они очень его любят, и он любит Па и Ма )) это все видно на видео и стримах)) теперь когда есть большой дом , думаю семье гораздо проще . А на счет Ичель там да , немного другая история: раньше она была в цирке, но после одного случая(как я поняла она пришла на место смерти дресировщика) ее начали гнобить остальные гепарды (отбирали еду и били ). В итоге Ичель подарили Александру и Марие , т.к. знали что они давно мечтали о гепарде. Я думаю это лучше чем бедняжка страдала бы от остальных гепардов... и ей 10 лет. Они потихоньку сдружились с Месси и это уже хорошо. Получается Месси с Сашей , а Ичель больше привязалась к Маше . Насколько я поняла из видео Ичель пока не подпускает очень близко никого, но уже не так боится.
Load More Replies...Messi is truly adorable. Whilst I am glad that the couple saved him, and he seems to be docile, and is adapting nicely to domesticated life, he is still a puma. It was wise of them to train Messi to avoid accidents and mishaps. Good luck and best wishes to them all.
Yes, he's still a puma, the wild predatory animal; accidents and mishaps will happen when he gets older.
Load More Replies...this animal is big enough to hurt you if it turns on you...when the hormones kick in to start making babies, the relationship will change
A small percentage of wild critters are inclined to domestication. Interbreed them together and one is on the way to domesticating a breed. This is how dogs became wedded to humans(Dump Heap Theory). Wolves naturally tame enough to live at early human's garbage dump were more inclined to human companionship. Its how wild critters trained people to accept them.
"But a puma isn’t enough for the Dmitrievs—they have plans to adopt a leopard. Because Messi needs a friend. Might we suggest naming it Ronaldo?" I guess we can expect a new BP article about them
firstly not a leopard but a cheetah. secondly, from January 1, they moved to a large house where there is a special enclosure for Ichel (the name of the cheetah) and in the third Messi made friends with Ichel, conditionally "dividing" the owners. Messi with Sasha, Ichel with Masha
Load More Replies...I have six cats. Their added weight is about 32kg (yeah, some are huge). It makes one small puma. I have a dilemma which is better: six cats or one puma?
Oh, another wild animal, NOT native to Russia, living as a pet? They didn't need to buy him from a petting zoo, IF that's true. Seems to be a thing out there, but it's not cool.
I'm just glad they were able to step in and give that puma a way to finish off it's life with a happy ending!
I did see the first post, pleased to see this update, a beautiful Puma, is well cared for and seems so happy as are the parents, if they want another cat, I am sure they plan on a larger home, I am concerned that other people will want a big cat as well !!!
Maybe they should be introduced to those guys from Dubai who have pet leopards, compare notes!
Pretty cool. Was not too cool when lady who doesn't live next door had staff release half dozen of same to the wild. Some convinced to move, some disappeared and 3 learned to work together. I would think MBARI and aquarium in Monterey kept her too busy to skew wild life population like that. How many square miles does a breeding set require? What were you not thinking when releasing 6 male teen age equivalent mountain lions on your place? Very self serving Juli. Bobcat-5e2...75ce63.jpg
I understand he was sick but I have an adopted mountain dog and he needs a yard and he needs to run at least twice a week. Now he's staying in a 3 story apartment with us, walks 3x a day and goes to the mountain to run around for 3-4 hours every weekend but that's still not enough. And he's an old dog (10yrs old). So sorry, but I can't help but think that puma needs more than a one bedroom apartment and 2 walks a day. Maybe he has more exercise than in a zoo but that's still doesn't convince me he should stay in a flat.
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It is very surprising to read that the Petting zoo staff decided to put the innocent Messi to sleep, just because of his health issues, is that the only solution!!!strange. Couldn''t they do what Aleksandr and Mariya have done. Messi has no chance to live with freedom in Jungle, as written in this article. So the only alternative is to take care of him as a pet, the way he is living now with comfort. God bless the couple and Messi. Regards Uma
They paid cash for the puma as a cub from a petting zoo... they did not just discover him one day and decided to take care of him, they were shopping around for a big cat. "According to his wife Mariya, Aleksandr, 38, had always dreamed of owning a big cat, “He always thought about having a lynx – never a puma. It’s hard to explain but we believe that having this puma as a house cat is part of our destiny.” The article also states “We had three days of thinking hard about whether it was moral to keep such an exotic pet, and whether it was common sense to have one. But nothing could fight our sudden wish,” Mariya, 28, told the Mirror. “So we went to the zoo and started negotiations to buy Messi. We were surprised ourselves when they agreed.” So they literally went to a zoo, saw a puma and put in an offer to buy him.
Load More Replies...This poor animal's upper fangs were already removed. How can such a big cat go back to the wild??!
I wonder how long it can take for this "pet" to completely mess your home?
They live in a big house with an enormous yard area now. Messi is curious about the house cat but videos show that he's nothing but friendly. The cheetah is named Itchl and is another rescue.
I guess Aleksandr might be okay with it, but people might freak out seeing a puma/human baby.
Load More Replies...This is precious! I love it! So glad people are willing to take care of something so...Soo...Complicated to deal with. Ya know?
Hey, how come there were no pictures of Massi sitting in a giant cardboard box?
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Bored Panda....you should be SHUT DOWN!!!!! Looking at the type of ' stories' you exploit........youve taken something SELFLESS and WONDERFUL and made it your LATEST FLY UNDER YOUR TOTALLY LACKING IN KNOWLEDGE......GUNGHO REPORTING!!!!!!!
The couple are so SELFLESS and WONDERFUL that they were deliberately shopping for a big cat, found a puma cub at a zoo and bought him. Yeah, okay.
Load More Replies...Holy Molly, the amount of braindead ignorant "do-good" muricans here is astounding. This particular cougar is handicapped, he has problems with his kidneys and other organs, also he is a dwarf i.e. 60% smaller than normal adult male, therefore he would just DIE in the nature and get bullied/harassed in sanctuary by other animals. The life he was given by Sasha and Masha is ultimately the best life he could ever get in his special case, which is also would become obvious to any of you if you gave a damn about just looking at Messi's channel.
Braindead muricans? Are you speaking about yourself? As you probably are, let me try and explain this to you. 1. There are many countries in the world, not just USA. 2. There are wildlife rescues that tend to the animals and slowly teach them to be wild again, you do not just throw in a new animal into a group. 3. Those that you don't agree with in this thread, most likely have an education. Listen to us instead, if you truly care about animals wellbeing.
Load More Replies...What a beautiful cat. If it is sick & wouldn't survive without all the attention, let it be.
Messi is adorable. I'm so happy that she has a good home and was not euthanized.
Got to love all the "animal lovers" who would prefer that this adorable animal be dead than living with these people who love him 🥴
What a pity ' Bored Panda' has to give only PART of the story!!!! Sasha is part of a PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY that work with and have great knowledge of big cats!!! Sasha has studied the phychology of these wonderful animals and the Only reason they eventually decided to take this MASSIVE decision, was to allow this beautiful animal a good life, it would have been denied. They DIDNT have to share this decision with the world...frankly although I would MISS them.....I wish they would STOP and live in PEACE and not under the often CRUEL UNKNOWLEDGEABLE SCRUTINY that many think they have the RIGHT to offer!!!!!!!!!
This is their own words, they were shopping for a big cat and came across a puma cub at a zoo who agreed to sell it to them. "According to his wife Mariya, Aleksandr, 38, had always dreamed of owning a big cat, “He always thought about having a lynx – never a puma. It’s hard to explain but we believe that having this puma as a house cat is part of our destiny.” The article also states “We had three days of thinking hard about whether it was moral to keep such an exotic pet, and whether it was common sense to have one. But nothing could fight our sudden wish,” Mariya, 28, told the Mirror. “So we went to the zoo and started negotiations to buy Messi. We were surprised ourselves when they agreed.”
Load More Replies...For all of the people who couldn't take the time to read the article who think that Messi belongs in a sanctuary, the article clearly states "Messi (the big catto, not the talented and celebrated pro footballer) was sold to a petting zoo in Penza when he was just three months old. He was smaller than usual. He had health issues. He couldn’t live in a zoo. Nor could he live in a wildlife sanctuary." The article also states "However, there were some critics. They urged the couple to send the puma to a wildlife sanctuary. But Aleksandr and Mariya state that Messi couldn’t survive in the wild. It should also be noted that the couple don’t, in fact, encourage anyone to domesticate pumas and other big cats: Messi is an exception because he is exceptionally gentle, calm, and sickly." Please read the article before you argue your opinion to strangers on the internet.
The accredited, reputable sanctuary is not a wilderness!!! These sanctuaries are made for wild animals like Messi!!!! Luna, please read other comments, when Mariya stated that owning a wild animal was her husbands dream..... etc. They own this wild cat for their selfish reasons, not to save it.
Load More Replies...I love Bored Panda. I gets my mind off all the sad and sensationalized news the on the media over and over again, Bored Panda is a great way to start and finish the day. Big thanks to all contributors and organizers.
Holy moley, thats a big cat, he must be incredibly strong. Good thing he seems unaware of just what he is.
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That's what they said; this wild, sick predatory animal belongs to a accredited, reputable sanctuary.
Load More Replies...unfortunately not... I was reading an article last Sunday about the increasing market for feline cubs all over the world... such a pity...
Load More Replies...I follow this couple on Instagram. I think what they are doing is absolutely wonderful. This cat is an exception because it's small and cannot be released into the wild due to its size and health issues. It gets along with other animals and has never hurt anyone. So I have to disagree with you people thinking this is a bad idea. The fact is is that this cat loves its owners. My son has a house cat that is so mean. I would take Mesci over that nasty cat of my sons any day...
Follow their own, one- sided story on Instragram, but don't belive it, it's self promotion of their selfish motives.
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Omg I have never seen any thing like it in my life it is super cute but kids don't get any ideas ha.
Don't get the obsessive push towards, it is wild animal, not a pet. Sure it is, but so where our pets before they where domesticated. But that is fine, since that is a long while ago. And now it's the time to stop domestication, when we are isolated more then ever from nature? And how about the individual point?Probably most cats like to be in the wild, while some might be fine with that situation.
Why would people downvote this? Yall wouldn't have preferred to have house pumas vs horse cats? Also do some research people cats domesticated themselves! I was saying to bad it wasn't pumas instead!
Load More Replies...I love to see the animals but I feel like no matter how much somebody says "this is not a pet etc, etc", there will definitely be people who would try. That's why I have such mixed feelings about this type story.
Me too, definite mixed feelings. Lovely that Messi seems genuinely happy and well cared for. However, they are in a one bed apartment and want to get another big cat. What about their poor small house cat that is already unhappy because she doesn't get along with Messi? Not exactly fair to that little animal let alone how Messi might react to another. Just because this may be working out okay, doesn't mean that they should take on more.
Load More Replies..."Don't own a big cat. This is an exception." *continues to post several pictures of said big cat in domestically familiar and adorable situations* We already know people are easily influenced and not environmentally conscientious. Have some care with social media!
You're right, and in the end it says that they are thinking of getting a leopard too. These people seem to care more about themselves and the attention than the animals.
Load More Replies...What part of "Rescue Puma Can’t Be Released Into The Wild" do you not understand?
Load More Replies...No no no. These articles are what encourage people to have wild cats as pets. You say he "can't live in the wild" and therefore can't go to a sanctuary? Our sanctuaries aren't the same as living in the wild, and they give the animals the care they need. PLUS the fact that they're planning to also adopt a leopard? Please don't keep small/big wild cats as pets.
Paula, Warawk is talking about gumeracha history, who is calling people who do not agree with his "expertise" idiots. Warawk is right, there are accredited, reputable sanctuaries which accept injured or previously abused wild animals.
Load More Replies..."It should also be noted that the couple don’t, in fact, encourage anyone to domesticate pumas and other big cats" "BUT a puma isn’t enough for the Dmitrievs—they have plans to adopt a leopard." Thanks for the double standards...
They have a bigger place to live now. They build a house. They got second animal Ichel from Circus (my opinion: animals in circus MUST BE BANNED!!! Let's ppl jump through the hoops to entertain other ppl). Ichel was mistreated in circus by other leopards and owners decided to give it to Sasha and Masha right before a new Russian law that prohibits to have dangerous species in private dwellings. The new law is a long list from mammals to insects. They build a separate place for leopard Ichel on their property. The goal is to keep Ichel till she will die naturally from her age otherwise in circus it might be put down. I am puma is a channel on YouTube search for that and check it out.
Load More Replies...And yet again Bored Panda promotes keeping wild animals as pets. If you actually cared for these animals, write about wildlife sanctuaries saving them instead. Because these "articles" make idiots want to have one for themselves. Fact check, before publishing. There are tons of different wildlife sanctuaries with different approaches to what will happen to the animal (if they are to be let free Vs if they will remain at the sanctuary enclosure) but you just took this couples word for that the sanctuary would definitely let the animal free and let her starve to death. Wild animals do not belong here in our homes, stop helping an industry that sells them, because at the moment, that is exactly what you do.
nice try Lingon, I graduated 1st class in biological sciences from imperial college london back in 2005. tell me again about education on the field moron.
Load More Replies...Under normal circumstances he should of course be allowed to live in the wild. But if he is sickly, they would just be putting him out to die. My heart couldn't do that either.
Adorable... until he gets mad, one time. This is how those news stories of "an exotic animal kept as a pet kills a family". And all the commenters are like: "Well you shouldn't have an exotic animal as a pet!".
And it's even worse when you think about how pumas hunt. They ambush their prey, and kill them with a bite to the neck, snapping the spine and cutting the spinal cord. If Messi decides to hunt one of his humans, they're not even going to see it coming.
Load More Replies...Don't let these a******s fool you into thinking they're doing a "good deed" for the puma. The poor cat is turning a profit for them, they would transfer these animals to actual sanctuaries if they actually had the desire to want what is best for them. Wildlife Tourism is extremely popular in Russia (evidence of these kinds of Instagram accounts can be found in The National Geographic (May 2019) https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/dark-truth-behind-wildlife-tourism) and many of them buy wild animals from breeders where it would be illegal in other parts of the world. Considering they're also ready to "adopt" a leopard and they already take the puma around on a leash outside around humans, they are no better than the "petting zoo" that they allegedly saved them from. It's all a con, maybe the Bored Panda authors of these articles should actually do some research on these harmful Instagram accounts before actually publishing them, it just takes a two minute Google search.
Yes, and you can see in the photos how destructive they are indoors; however, this is a better alternative than killing it, if the caretaker has the experience and willingness. Predators usually learn how to hunt from their parents, but they still have basic instincts.
Load More Replies...This isn't a good idea. Here in Vancouver a man owned a "domesticated" tiger. He came home one day to find his girlfriend dead, half eaten! They are not pets
If they ever need a babysitter...err I mean a pumasitter, I would be more than happy to do it for them here in California <3
‼️Wild animals are wild animals. No amount of spoilage of an animal will take that away. Just ask Charla Nash who was mauled and nearly killed in 2014 by Travis the chimpanzee. Nash’s friend. Sandy Herold, raised him from a young chimp. Horrific.
Old news and same old dumb as heck brainless morons mentioning the word wild because they are too r******d to know what wild even means
"Aleksandr and Mariya seem happy with their new addition to their family, but the couple’s cat Kira doesn’t get along with Messi. Perhaps, it’s jealous?" With all that attention the puma is getting of course Kira is jealous. She was there first (I assume). Poor kitty. Why are there no pictures with Kira here?
He is adorable if you can afford to feed him. I have two cats, they are two tiny females but they eat like 5 dobermans.
I have 2 cats as well and they are hungry 24/7. Lucky for me, my cats wont eat me alive if they skip a meal unlike the people with freakin puma in flat.
Load More Replies...Seems to me like they like the social media attention this is all getting- and getting another big cat!??!!! I'm sure a zoo could use Messi for conservation training, I wonder if they have really tried to have the animal homed in a proper wild cat sanctuary.
How do they keep their cat Kira safe when they have to leave Kira and Messi alone?
So they make it out to sound like they were saving it and "it can't survive in the wild" and how they would not reccomend anyone domesticate wild cats.. And then they talk about adopting a second one.. Yeah no.. these morons are not helping anyone but themselves.
Was this animal imported? As the Puma/cougar/mountain lion is native only to the Americas (specifically all of South America and western North America) and doesn't exist in the wild anywhere else. Attached image shows their range. I live in their territory, and I've seen a single mountain lion (as we call them here) take down a full adult deer. 800px-Coug...a3-png.jpg
They paid cash for it as a cub from a breeder that obviously imported it. "According to his wife Mariya, Aleksandr, 38, had always dreamed of owning a big cat, “He always thought about having a lynx – never a puma. It’s hard to explain but we believe that having this puma as a house cat is part of our destiny.” The article also states “We had three days of thinking hard about whether it was moral to keep such an exotic pet, and whether it was common sense to have one. But nothing could fight our sudden wish,” Mariya, 28, told the Mirror. “So we went to the zoo and started negotiations to buy Messi. We were surprised ourselves when they agreed.”
Load More Replies...Pay attention to your regular cat.... or do you just do this for clicks? If you really care about animals, you'll love them all the same. Shame on you. DO NOT get another animal that belongs in the wild.... unfair to them...
Big deal, they gave a Puma a bath. Let's see if they've got enough stones to give my "domestic" Siamese one. Bring first aid kits.
Judging by the comments Idiocracy was not fiction, but faction. Dear me, pray to whatever divinity for the saviour of our planet. the simple truth is, human ignorance, stupidity and vile hate seems to know no bounds. on the other hand, thank godliness that BP (and the social web in general) is nothing more than an imbecile echo chamber for otherwise socially handicapped people. have fun bored pandas.
Their cat Kira does not get along with Messi? Perhaps she's jealous? More likely she is a bit intimidated by him. Maybe she knows more than her humans. It is never good idea to keep a wild predatory animals as pets. Many of them become, well wild, and really dangerous when mature, grow bigger and are not "cute" anymore; then get discarded. Good luck, Messi, you better behave yourself.
For those who are certain it was declawed, I point you to the bathtub photo. He clearly has claws.
Just...No. Those people just wanted a cool pet and use Messi's health as an excuse to keep him. They keep him in a flat...
Why would you walk it around with just a leash and collar, at least use a harness and muzzle
He looks happy. But seeing a declawed puma on a leash ist not leaving me in a happy state of mind. And the message this story sends is abysmal.
Hes not declawed. You can clearly see (retracted) claws when he's wet in the bathtub.
Load More Replies...This is really an exception. Messi was born in captivity - in a zoo and had poor health, small size. He was placed in a contact zoo - what cruelty in my opinion! And his life is now much better than it could be, because his owners are also an exception for Russia - they do love him and treat him like a family member. He is quite trained and socialized. So I do not think that this situation will have a bad end, considering the small size and gentle nature of Messi. https://youtu.be/eLNupazlMG8
Да , я согласна с Вами , что дикие животные это не игрушка, и забавы ради заводить не стоит. Месси действительно исключение, ведь в дикой природе он бы не выжил (либо страдал) т.к. у него отклонения от нормы в весе и заболевания. Александр и Мария для него спасение , они очень его любят, и он любит Па и Ма )) это все видно на видео и стримах)) теперь когда есть большой дом , думаю семье гораздо проще . А на счет Ичель там да , немного другая история: раньше она была в цирке, но после одного случая(как я поняла она пришла на место смерти дресировщика) ее начали гнобить остальные гепарды (отбирали еду и били ). В итоге Ичель подарили Александру и Марие , т.к. знали что они давно мечтали о гепарде. Я думаю это лучше чем бедняжка страдала бы от остальных гепардов... и ей 10 лет. Они потихоньку сдружились с Месси и это уже хорошо. Получается Месси с Сашей , а Ичель больше привязалась к Маше . Насколько я поняла из видео Ичель пока не подпускает очень близко никого, но уже не так боится.
Load More Replies...Messi is truly adorable. Whilst I am glad that the couple saved him, and he seems to be docile, and is adapting nicely to domesticated life, he is still a puma. It was wise of them to train Messi to avoid accidents and mishaps. Good luck and best wishes to them all.
Yes, he's still a puma, the wild predatory animal; accidents and mishaps will happen when he gets older.
Load More Replies...this animal is big enough to hurt you if it turns on you...when the hormones kick in to start making babies, the relationship will change
A small percentage of wild critters are inclined to domestication. Interbreed them together and one is on the way to domesticating a breed. This is how dogs became wedded to humans(Dump Heap Theory). Wolves naturally tame enough to live at early human's garbage dump were more inclined to human companionship. Its how wild critters trained people to accept them.
"But a puma isn’t enough for the Dmitrievs—they have plans to adopt a leopard. Because Messi needs a friend. Might we suggest naming it Ronaldo?" I guess we can expect a new BP article about them
firstly not a leopard but a cheetah. secondly, from January 1, they moved to a large house where there is a special enclosure for Ichel (the name of the cheetah) and in the third Messi made friends with Ichel, conditionally "dividing" the owners. Messi with Sasha, Ichel with Masha
Load More Replies...I have six cats. Their added weight is about 32kg (yeah, some are huge). It makes one small puma. I have a dilemma which is better: six cats or one puma?
Oh, another wild animal, NOT native to Russia, living as a pet? They didn't need to buy him from a petting zoo, IF that's true. Seems to be a thing out there, but it's not cool.
I'm just glad they were able to step in and give that puma a way to finish off it's life with a happy ending!
I did see the first post, pleased to see this update, a beautiful Puma, is well cared for and seems so happy as are the parents, if they want another cat, I am sure they plan on a larger home, I am concerned that other people will want a big cat as well !!!
Maybe they should be introduced to those guys from Dubai who have pet leopards, compare notes!
Pretty cool. Was not too cool when lady who doesn't live next door had staff release half dozen of same to the wild. Some convinced to move, some disappeared and 3 learned to work together. I would think MBARI and aquarium in Monterey kept her too busy to skew wild life population like that. How many square miles does a breeding set require? What were you not thinking when releasing 6 male teen age equivalent mountain lions on your place? Very self serving Juli. Bobcat-5e2...75ce63.jpg
I understand he was sick but I have an adopted mountain dog and he needs a yard and he needs to run at least twice a week. Now he's staying in a 3 story apartment with us, walks 3x a day and goes to the mountain to run around for 3-4 hours every weekend but that's still not enough. And he's an old dog (10yrs old). So sorry, but I can't help but think that puma needs more than a one bedroom apartment and 2 walks a day. Maybe he has more exercise than in a zoo but that's still doesn't convince me he should stay in a flat.
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It is very surprising to read that the Petting zoo staff decided to put the innocent Messi to sleep, just because of his health issues, is that the only solution!!!strange. Couldn''t they do what Aleksandr and Mariya have done. Messi has no chance to live with freedom in Jungle, as written in this article. So the only alternative is to take care of him as a pet, the way he is living now with comfort. God bless the couple and Messi. Regards Uma
They paid cash for the puma as a cub from a petting zoo... they did not just discover him one day and decided to take care of him, they were shopping around for a big cat. "According to his wife Mariya, Aleksandr, 38, had always dreamed of owning a big cat, “He always thought about having a lynx – never a puma. It’s hard to explain but we believe that having this puma as a house cat is part of our destiny.” The article also states “We had three days of thinking hard about whether it was moral to keep such an exotic pet, and whether it was common sense to have one. But nothing could fight our sudden wish,” Mariya, 28, told the Mirror. “So we went to the zoo and started negotiations to buy Messi. We were surprised ourselves when they agreed.” So they literally went to a zoo, saw a puma and put in an offer to buy him.
Load More Replies...This poor animal's upper fangs were already removed. How can such a big cat go back to the wild??!
I wonder how long it can take for this "pet" to completely mess your home?
They live in a big house with an enormous yard area now. Messi is curious about the house cat but videos show that he's nothing but friendly. The cheetah is named Itchl and is another rescue.
I guess Aleksandr might be okay with it, but people might freak out seeing a puma/human baby.
Load More Replies...This is precious! I love it! So glad people are willing to take care of something so...Soo...Complicated to deal with. Ya know?
Hey, how come there were no pictures of Massi sitting in a giant cardboard box?
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Bored Panda....you should be SHUT DOWN!!!!! Looking at the type of ' stories' you exploit........youve taken something SELFLESS and WONDERFUL and made it your LATEST FLY UNDER YOUR TOTALLY LACKING IN KNOWLEDGE......GUNGHO REPORTING!!!!!!!
The couple are so SELFLESS and WONDERFUL that they were deliberately shopping for a big cat, found a puma cub at a zoo and bought him. Yeah, okay.
Load More Replies...Holy Molly, the amount of braindead ignorant "do-good" muricans here is astounding. This particular cougar is handicapped, he has problems with his kidneys and other organs, also he is a dwarf i.e. 60% smaller than normal adult male, therefore he would just DIE in the nature and get bullied/harassed in sanctuary by other animals. The life he was given by Sasha and Masha is ultimately the best life he could ever get in his special case, which is also would become obvious to any of you if you gave a damn about just looking at Messi's channel.
Braindead muricans? Are you speaking about yourself? As you probably are, let me try and explain this to you. 1. There are many countries in the world, not just USA. 2. There are wildlife rescues that tend to the animals and slowly teach them to be wild again, you do not just throw in a new animal into a group. 3. Those that you don't agree with in this thread, most likely have an education. Listen to us instead, if you truly care about animals wellbeing.
Load More Replies...What a beautiful cat. If it is sick & wouldn't survive without all the attention, let it be.
Messi is adorable. I'm so happy that she has a good home and was not euthanized.
Got to love all the "animal lovers" who would prefer that this adorable animal be dead than living with these people who love him 🥴
What a pity ' Bored Panda' has to give only PART of the story!!!! Sasha is part of a PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY that work with and have great knowledge of big cats!!! Sasha has studied the phychology of these wonderful animals and the Only reason they eventually decided to take this MASSIVE decision, was to allow this beautiful animal a good life, it would have been denied. They DIDNT have to share this decision with the world...frankly although I would MISS them.....I wish they would STOP and live in PEACE and not under the often CRUEL UNKNOWLEDGEABLE SCRUTINY that many think they have the RIGHT to offer!!!!!!!!!
This is their own words, they were shopping for a big cat and came across a puma cub at a zoo who agreed to sell it to them. "According to his wife Mariya, Aleksandr, 38, had always dreamed of owning a big cat, “He always thought about having a lynx – never a puma. It’s hard to explain but we believe that having this puma as a house cat is part of our destiny.” The article also states “We had three days of thinking hard about whether it was moral to keep such an exotic pet, and whether it was common sense to have one. But nothing could fight our sudden wish,” Mariya, 28, told the Mirror. “So we went to the zoo and started negotiations to buy Messi. We were surprised ourselves when they agreed.”
Load More Replies...For all of the people who couldn't take the time to read the article who think that Messi belongs in a sanctuary, the article clearly states "Messi (the big catto, not the talented and celebrated pro footballer) was sold to a petting zoo in Penza when he was just three months old. He was smaller than usual. He had health issues. He couldn’t live in a zoo. Nor could he live in a wildlife sanctuary." The article also states "However, there were some critics. They urged the couple to send the puma to a wildlife sanctuary. But Aleksandr and Mariya state that Messi couldn’t survive in the wild. It should also be noted that the couple don’t, in fact, encourage anyone to domesticate pumas and other big cats: Messi is an exception because he is exceptionally gentle, calm, and sickly." Please read the article before you argue your opinion to strangers on the internet.
The accredited, reputable sanctuary is not a wilderness!!! These sanctuaries are made for wild animals like Messi!!!! Luna, please read other comments, when Mariya stated that owning a wild animal was her husbands dream..... etc. They own this wild cat for their selfish reasons, not to save it.
Load More Replies...I love Bored Panda. I gets my mind off all the sad and sensationalized news the on the media over and over again, Bored Panda is a great way to start and finish the day. Big thanks to all contributors and organizers.
Holy moley, thats a big cat, he must be incredibly strong. Good thing he seems unaware of just what he is.
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That's what they said; this wild, sick predatory animal belongs to a accredited, reputable sanctuary.
Load More Replies...unfortunately not... I was reading an article last Sunday about the increasing market for feline cubs all over the world... such a pity...
Load More Replies...I follow this couple on Instagram. I think what they are doing is absolutely wonderful. This cat is an exception because it's small and cannot be released into the wild due to its size and health issues. It gets along with other animals and has never hurt anyone. So I have to disagree with you people thinking this is a bad idea. The fact is is that this cat loves its owners. My son has a house cat that is so mean. I would take Mesci over that nasty cat of my sons any day...
Follow their own, one- sided story on Instragram, but don't belive it, it's self promotion of their selfish motives.
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Omg I have never seen any thing like it in my life it is super cute but kids don't get any ideas ha.
Don't get the obsessive push towards, it is wild animal, not a pet. Sure it is, but so where our pets before they where domesticated. But that is fine, since that is a long while ago. And now it's the time to stop domestication, when we are isolated more then ever from nature? And how about the individual point?Probably most cats like to be in the wild, while some might be fine with that situation.
Why would people downvote this? Yall wouldn't have preferred to have house pumas vs horse cats? Also do some research people cats domesticated themselves! I was saying to bad it wasn't pumas instead!
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