Russia’s most famous raccoon, Tema, arrived in Moscow to take part in a photo shoot for a zoo logbook at Deliveri. Photos and videos from the session circulated on social media, including Instagram, where the platform’s owner, Meta, is controversial and faces bans in Russia. The spectacle drew attention not only to Tema herself but also to the broader trend of animal fashion and the ways zoos and pet-friendly brands intersect with pop culture in large cities.
Theme, the raccoon, explored the idea of mobility—from long walks through bustling streets to quiet moments at home. The collection that accompanied Tema’s appearance spans a wide range of cozy apparel, including sweaters, scarves, hats, jackets, overalls, and more. This wardrobe line illustrates a growing niche where animal clothing extends beyond mere novelty, reflecting evolving attitudes toward pet and animal comfort, urban living, and the aesthetic sensibilities of modern city life. The owner of Tema noted that the household approved purchases were part of a larger catalog, which, surprisingly, already offers a substantial section dedicated to animal wear—ranging from cats and small dogs to raccoons—showing how the market for animal-inspired fashion has diversified in recent years. (Source: Zoo Chronicle, 2024.)
“As people say, life in Moscow can reshape a raccoon’s interests,” the statement continued. After spending a full month in the capital, Tema reportedly developed an interest in fashion and even embraced modeling roles. The creature reportedly placed orders for an entire autumn wardrobe from Deliveri. This development underscores a broader cultural phenomenon: in urban centers, even nonhuman residents become part of a fashion ecosystem that blends practicality with style. The retail ecosystem for animal apparel has grown to accommodate a variety of species, and the presence of Tema in Moscow illustrates how quickly fashion narratives can migrate from human streetwear to animal accessories, sometimes sparking conversations about the boundaries of consumer culture for pets. (Source: Zoo Chronicle, 2024.)
Separately, a notable incident involving a koala at a nursery in Australia drew headlines in September when a single animal caused losses estimated at 370 thousand rubles. Humphrey Herington of East Forest Nursery in Lismore explained that staff had previously noticed missing plants, leading to an early suspicion that escaped goats or local possums were responsible. Instead, it was discovered that a koala had been feeding on the eucalyptus crops over a period of months, highlighting how wildlife can unintentionally impact agricultural operations and how quickly a single animal can alter a farm’s economics. The episode serves as a reminder that rural and urban spaces are increasingly interwoven, with wildlife behavior affecting horticulture and supply chains in ways that communities must anticipate and manage. (Source: Agricultural News Network, 2024.)
In a different part of the world, reports from the United States noted a cheeky incident involving a capuchin monkey. It was said that the animal left its enclosure, ventured outside, and engaged in recreational beer drinking, a reminder of the unpredictable interactions that can occur when animals find opportunities to explore human environments. Such anecdotes, while humorous to some, raise important questions about animal welfare, enclosure design, and the responsibilities of caretakers and observers when wild or semi-domesticated creatures become part of public curiosity. The broader takeaway is a call for stronger standards in animal housing and more thoughtful public education about the needs and natural behaviors of various species. (Source: Animal Welfare Journal, 2023.)