The exhibition “The animal on the palm” takes place in Moscow

Everyone is accustomed to dog and cat shows, but for many years now an unusual exhibition of all kinds of homemade “little things” has been opened in Moscow every year. In order to get to know the tailed trifle (hamsters, mice, rats) better, exotic lovers came up with the animal show “The Animal on the Palm”. Today it is one of the largest exhibitions of small pets in Russia. Successfully launched in May 2005, it acquired the status of an international exhibition.

Initially, the Animal on the Palm project was conceived as an exhibition of small decorative rodents: hamsters, mice, rats, gerbils, degus. In fairness, it must be said that these animals have previously participated in zoo exhibitions, but not as “owners”, but simply for a change and to please the public. The owners of all kinds of fluffy-tailed trifles decided to show that hamsters and mice are also capable of something, and organized an exhibition of small animals. What did you think? A hamster is not a toy for you, but a carrier of dozens of breed qualities determined by specialists, such as, for example, the length and shine of the coat, the color of the cornea of ​​​​the eye, the grooming of the claws, etc.

The exhibition “The Animal on the Palm” immediately became an event, its popularity grew rapidly – both among the participants and among the visitors. Soon, the owners of other animals that do not fit into the format of small rodents began to pay attention to the event. Later, larger species joined the exhibition, such as guinea pigs, which formally no longer fit on the palm of your hand.

Since September 2009, the concept of the exhibition has been changed, it has become not just a show of pets, but a real, thoughtful and very interesting show. Now at the exhibition you can see ornamental rats and mice, hamsters (Syrian and pygmy), Mongolian gerbils, degus, guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits, chinchillas, snails and even leopard geckos. At the exhibition, which took place this weekend, the favorites were traditionally “nibbling” characters: rats, hamsters and mice. Among the “live exhibits” there are rare specimens, for example, a sphinx rat and an American teddy guinea pig.

The number of owners-participants is constantly growing, today more than 300 people show their pets every year, and the number of “live exhibits” has exceeded 1000! Traditionally, residents of many cities and regions of Russia take part in the exhibition. Many people think that girls start squealing with fear at the sight of a mouse. Absolutely wrong! Of the almost three hundred participants in the animal show “The Animal on the Palm”, the majority are the fair sex.

The hosts are preparing special demonstration pedestal pillows for the exhibition, decorating the cages. Fluffy trifles are combed, dressed up. There is no place for fighters and capricious people at the exhibition, but no one will let you squeeze even the most obedient tiny animal, and don’t try! Despite the small size of the participants, everything here is strictly organized: rats and others are brought and shown to the audience in cages, the jury evaluates each animal in terms of exterior and compliance with the standard.

As part of the zoo show, various competitions are held such as “The fattest hamster”, “The most beautiful and comfortable house”, “The most thrifty animal”, “Rat-rope walker”, “Rat agility” and others. The owners also do not stand aside – they arrange photo shoots, make animals from improvised materials, conduct master classes on care, consult with veterinarians and feed manufacturers.

This is how every year mice, rats and others like them have the opportunity to “go out to people”, show themselves and look at others, receive prizes and cups. By the way, unlike cats and dogs, a mouse does not need to have a pedigree, like a count, it is enough to pass medical control. Some of the winners were purchased in ordinary pet stores and, thanks to the efforts of loving owners, made serious competition to well-born rivals. According to some estimates, in Moscow alone, more than 50 thousand different rodents live in apartments – precisely as pets, and not pests!

For lovers of more familiar pets, there is also a cat section at the exhibition.

Mikhail Kovalyov.

Author’s photo