Latest update of this archive: 9 March 2013
For older items, see News Archive January - June 2011
News Archive July - December 2010
News Archive January - June 2010
News Archive 2009
News Archive 2008
News Archive 2006-2007.
Monaco International Circus Festival
Monaco issues a stamp to commemorate the 36th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. The festival itself takes place from 19 to 29 January 2012, but the stamp is issued 19 December 2011. The stamp shows a Lion and is denominated EUR 0.77 (European letter rate). It is sold in sheetlets of 10 stamps.
The lion is also shown in the First Day Postmark.
All products for this issue is currently for sake form OETP's website.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Malaysia's Royal Institution
Pos Malaysia released a set of 3 stamps dedicated to Malaysia's Royal Institution on 12 December 2011. The MYR 0.80 stamp features the royal belt with buckle decorated with the Malaysian Coat of Arms which contains 2 tigers.
The stamps are sold in sheetlets of 20 stamps, and the Coat of Arms can also be found in the upper margin of each sheetlet.
The CoA is also shown in the FDC cachet.
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| Philatelic folder | Post Office Poster |
The issue is presented at Pos Malaysia's website.
Reported by TS Tan
Champions League: Dinamo Zagreb - Olympique Lyonnais
The Croatian Post issued a commemorative postmark for the UEFA Champions' League match between Dinamo Zagreb and Olympique Lyonnais on 7 December 2012. The postmark includes the logo of OL with its Heraldic Lion.
Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Domestic Cat and Heraldic Lion from Luxemburg
This year's Christmas Stamp from Luxemburg is issued 6 December 2011. The stamps shows a family preparing for Christmas together, including the family cat. The stamp is denominated EUR 0.60 - the inland letter rate.
The stamp is presented at the Luxemburg Post's website.
On the same date Luxemburg also issues a set of four stamps dedicated to traditional crafts. One of the semi-postal stamps, denominated EUR 1.10 + 0.10, shows a stonemason at work at a Heraldic Lion.
This stamp is presented here.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Guinea Sphinx Miniature Sheet
Guinea issued a set of miniature sheets to celebrate the World's Ancient Civilisations, and among them is an MS dedicated to Egypt showing a Sphinx on the selvedge. Guniea also issued a Miniature Sheet dedicated to Egyptian art on 30 September 2011.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Croatian Cat Painting
On 1 December 2012 Croatian Post issued a set of stamps dedicated to Modern Croatian Art. One of the stamps shows Marian Trep
e's painting "Woman with Cat" from 1931. The stamp is denominated HRK 4.50 (second step (51-100g) inland letter).
The stamp is presented at the Croatian Post's website.
Reported by Patrick Roberts
Sochi Winter Olympics Mascots on New PSEs
The Russian Post has issued a set of pre-stamped envelopes showing the mascots for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The mascots, a snow leopard, a polar bear and a hare symbolize the gold, silver and bronze medallists of the games. The Snow Leopard (said to be the personal choice of Vladimir Putin), naturally symbolise GOLD.
The PSEs were issued 30 November 2011, and is presented in the Russian Post's online catalogue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Braunschweig Christmas Market
A commemorative postmark for the traditional Christmas Market was in use in Braunschweig 26 November 2011. The postmark shows the Braunschweig Lion.
Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Calcutta Lions Club Golden Jubilee
The Calcutta Lions Club celebrated its 50th Anniversary on 21 December 2011, and the occasion was marked with a commemorative postmark in Calcutta/Kolkata.
Reported by Mahinder Singh
20th Anniversary of the Estonian Armed Forces
The Estonian Armed Forces celebrated their 20th anniversary with a commemorative postmark and a souvenir cover issued by the Estonian Post on 16 November 2011.
The postmark and cover are presented at the Estonian Post's Philatelic web pages.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Antigua and Barbuda Lunar New Year Sheetlet
Antigua and Barbuda issued a sheetlet of 12 XCD 0.65 stamps dedicated to the signs of the lunar zodiac on 15 November 2011.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Tigers for Indian Children's Day
Cambodia: 20th Anniversary of the Return of Monarchy
In 1993 the monarchy was re-established in Cambodia, and to mark the 20th anniverary of the return of HM King Norodom Sihanouk (in 1991 while Cambodia was still a republic), the Cambodian post issued two stamps on 14 November 2011. One of the stamps shows a portrait of the king inside the Royal Arms.
The Royal Arms of Cambodia includes two guardian Lions.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Signs of the Lunar Zodiac from Liechtenstein
Reported by Geir Arveng
"Russia 2011" Postcard
On 7 November 2011 the Russian Post issued a postcard for the "Russia 2011" Philatelic Exhibition to be held in Moscow 15 - 20 November 2011. The Postcard - denominated B (inland postcard rate - RUB 8.50 on issue ) shows the stamp issued on 26 May 2011 with the Irkutsk Coat of Arms in the cachet.
The Postcard is listed pm the Russian Post's Online Philatelic Catalogue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
French Pre-personalized Happiness Stamps
On 3 November 2011 France's La Poste issued a booklet of 24 pre-personalized "happiness stamps". One of the stamps (bottom right on pane 2) shows a cartoonish painting called "Le souper des chats" (Cat's Dinner).
The so-called "Collector" of 24 stamps for inland postage up to 20g (EUR 0.60 on issue) is sold at EUR 19.00 (franking value EUR 14.40) and can be ordered from La Poste's Online Boutique.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Lynx Set from HPT Mostar
HPT Mostar - one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's three postal operators issued a set of four stamps dedicated to the Eurasian Lynx on 1 November 2011.
All four stamps are denominated BAM 3.00. The set is sold in sheetlets of 8 stamps in two blockd of four different designs.
The First Day Postmark also shows a Lynx.
The stamps are presented at HPT Mostar's website.
Reported by TS Tan
29th All Kyushu Junior Stamp Exhibition
The 29th All Kyushu Junior Stamp Exhibition was arranged in Fukuoka City on 22 and 23 October 2011. A commemorative postmark with a butterfly and a cat was in use at the exhibition in Hotel Com in the city centre.
Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Leo - 2011 Pan American Games Mascot
Reported by TS Tan
Cuban Animals
Reported by Geir Arveng
A-Z of UK Landmarks First Day Postmark
Reported by Geir Arveng
Spain's UPAEP Lion Mailbox
Reported by Greg Balagian
350th Anniversary of the University of Lviv
Ukraine celebrates the 350th Anniversary of the University of Lviv with a stamp issue on 11 October 2011.
The stamp shows the Coat of Arms of the university with a Heraldic Lion.
It is denominated UAH 1.50 and is sold in sheetlets of 15 stamps.
The stamp is available from Urposhta's web-shop.
Reported by Greg Balagian
Malaysian Mailboxes
Stamp Week was celebrated in Malaysia in October with a stamp issue showing Malaysian Mailboxes on 10 October 2011. There are all together 10 stamps - 5 gummed stamps and 5 self-adhesive stamps from a booklet. The gummed stamps are denominated MYR 1.00, and one of the stamps show a mailbox from Bukit Fraser in Pahang and the Malaysian Coat of Arms with its Heraldic Tigers.
The stamps are also sold in a Miniature Sheet with all 5 stamps in the set.
The issue is presented at Pos Malaysia's philatelic website.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Geelong Cats Wins AFL Premiers 2011 - New Footy Stamps and Cards
On 4 October 2011 Australia Post issues a Souvenir Stamp Sheet of 5 personalised stamps commemorating the Geelon Cats' victory in this year's AFL (Australian Football League) Premiers. The personalised labels of the AUD 0.60 stamps shows the emblem of the team.
The issue is presented at Australia Post's website, and can also be bought at AUD 10.00 from their online store.
On the same day Australia Post also introduces a new postal item called a "Mini-Maxicard" which is a sports-card size pre-paid postcard valid for wordwide postage. They show the captains of the AFL teams. The Mini-Maxicards are sold with a commemorative cover with a footy stamp of the respective team and a facsimile signature of the captain.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Australian Griffin
Mythical Creatures is the theme for an Australian stamp issue 4 October 2011.
The creatures presented are fairies, trolls, mermaids, unicorns, dragons, and finally the - at least partly - feline representatives: Griffins.
The Griffin is presented on one of five AUD 0.60 stamps (inland letter postage), issued as ordinary gummed stamps in sheets and a Miniature Sheet, as well as in self-adhesive versions in booklets of both 10 and 20 stamps.
As we have seen before with Australian booklets, they are also issued in so called cheque-books of 20 booklets.
Furthermore there's a Presentation Pack, a Prestige Book and a 3D Stamp Pack. We are uncertain whether the latter also means there's a third, 3D-version of the stamp, but we believe that to be the case.
The Griffin is also the motif on the First Day Postmark.
All items are available from Australia Post's online store.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Sri Lankan Stamp for World Children's Day
The Sri Lankan Post issued a stamp for World Children's Day on 1 October 2011. The single stamp, denominated LKR 5.00 show children with a globe decorated with the Sri Lankan flag with its Lion.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Estonian Heads of State (VII)
In its ongoing series of stamps honouring Estonian heads of state, time came to former Prime Minister Heinrich Mark (1911-2004). Mark was Prime Minister in duties of the President of the Republic of Estonia from 1 March 1990, to 6 October 1992, being the last Estonian head of state in exile, as Estonian independence was restored in 1991.
The stamp itself has no cat connections, but the First Day Postmark shows the three Heraldic Lions from the Estonian Coat of Arms.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Guinea: History of Egyptian Art
In a long suite of Miniature Sheets dedicated to the History of Art, Guinea issued on 30 September 2011 two dedicated to Egyptian Art - a four x GNF 10,000 stamp MS and a single stamp MS denominated GNF 40,000. One of the GNF 10,000 stamps shows the Great Sphinx of Giza.
Reported by Greg Balagian
30 September - 2 October 2011:
Ryfylke 2011 Philatelic Exhibition
A commemorative postmark was in use at the Ryfylke 2011 Philatelic Exhibition in Stavanger, Norway from 30 September to 2 October 2011. The postmark shows the logo of the Norwegian Philatelic Society with its Heraldic Lion.
Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Two Cats in Sri Lanka World Tourism Day Issue
Sri Lanka issued a set of stamps dedicated to World Tourism Day. Two of the stamps have cat-related motifs. The LKR 5.00 stamp shows four young girls, with the Sri Lankan flag with its Heraldic Lion in the background. The second one, denominated LKR 35.00, shows a Leopard.
Reported by Greg Balagian and Marci Jarvis
37th Philatelic and Numismatic Days in Massa
The 37th Philatelic and Numismatic Days took place in Massa in Italy on 24 September 2011. The event was marked by a commemorative postmark that also doubled as a celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Italian Unity. The postmark shows the obelisk at Piazza degli Aranci in Massa, with its Lion Statues.
Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Marco Carelli
Tiger Day in Russia
In many Russian cities Tiger Day was celebrated over the weekend 24 - 25 September 2011. Tiger Day is an annual festival celebrated in Russia to promote the protection of the Siberian Tiger (aka. Amur Tiger or Manchurian Tiger).
The festival has its root in Vladivostok and other cities in Primorsky Krai, where it was first celebrated in the year 2000 to rise awareness of the situation for the dwindling population of Siberian Tigers.
The event many places takes the form of a carneval, with people drssing up like Tigers. The festival is also supported by the central government, to the extent that the Russian Post used a commemorative postmark in Moscow 24 September 2011. The postmark is numbered 222-2011, and is presented in the Russian Post's Online Philatelic Catalogue.
The Russian Post also issued a pre-stamped postcard, denominated B (inland postcard rate - RUB 8.50 on issue) for the event. The picture side shows a Siberian Tiger in deep snow and the words "Protecting the Siberian Tiger" in Russian. At the time of witing this card is not yet listed in the Russian Post's Online Philatelic Catalogue, but we expect to be listed soon under catalogue number 2011/2011-202-5.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Caracal from South Africa
The South African Post Office issued a self-adhesive sheetlet of ten stamps dedicated to the Cape Floral Region. One of the ten 'B5'-denominated stamps shows a Caracal. The sheetlet is designed by South African artist Tobie Beele. 'B5' is the rate for medium-sized inland letters (ISO B5 sized envelopes - ZAR 5.00 on issue).
South Africa boasts eight heritage sites of which the Cape Floral Region was the sixth South African site to be inscribed on Unesco’s list of World Heritage Sites. The World Heritage Committee declared the 553 000-hectare Cape Floral Region to be of “outstanding universal significance to humanity”. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden on the slopes of Table Mountain, which fall within the site, is the first botanical garden to be included in one of Unesco’s world heritage sites.
Unfortunately the SAPO philatelic website has not been updated with this stamp issue on the time of writing, but the issue is duly reported in the Everything South Africa blog.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Dutch Circus Centenary
Postnl issued a sheetlet of 10 stamps denominated "1 - Inland" (EUR 0.46 on issue) - to commemorate the centenary of Circus Herman Renz. The sheetlet shows various stylized circus artists and animals, and one of the stamps shows a Lion.
The sheetlet can be ordered from Postnl's CollectClub website.
Reported by Geir Arveng
US Tiger Cub
On 20 September 2011 the USPS issues a semi-postal stamp to support the preservation of vanishing species.
The stamp features an illustration of an Amur Tiger cub created by artist Nancy Stahl. Stahl based both the stamp art and the silhouettes on photographs of wildlife. She has previously created illustrations for several animal stamps, including Dolphin (2009), Dragonfly (2008), and Florida Panther (2007).
Silhouettes of animals representing each fund appear on the bottom of the stamp pane, including a rhinoceros, a tiger, a gorilla, an African elephant, an Asian elephant, and a sea turtle.
The USPS will transfer the net proceeds from the sale of this stamp to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the Multinational Species Conservation Funds. As of 2011, these funds include the African Elephant Conservation Fund, the Asian Elephant Conservation Fund, the Great Ape Conservation Fund, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund, and the Marine Turtle Conservation Fund.
As usual USPS offers First Day Covers with cancellations in both black and white and colour. The Tiger is also featured on both First Day Postmarks.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
16 September - 5 October 2011:
50th Anniversary of Kawasaki "1000 Years" Post Office
In the period 16 September - 5 October 2011 a commemorative postmark showing a stylized cat was in use at Kawasaki's "100 Years" Post Office to mark its 50th anniversary.
Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
20th Anniversary of Armenian Independence
Armenia celebrated 20 years of independence with a AMD 380 stamp issued 13 September 2011. The stamp prominently shows the Armenian coat of arms with several heraldic lions.
The stamp is presented at Haypost's Philatelic Web Pages.
Reported by Geir Arveng
More Italian Unity Postmarks
The celebrations of Italy's 150th Anniversary continues. On 10 September 2011 a commemorative postmark with a Heraldic Lion wil be in use in Casarile. The Lion is a part of the Casarile coat of arms.
The postmark can be ordered by sending letters/postcards franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale Milano 3
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Cassano d’Adda, 24
IT-20139 MILANO, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 1359 ("Bollo 1359")
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days (new policy from 2011) after the last date of use.
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
Jaguar on Rugby WC Stamps from Chad and New Zeeland
Two stamp issues for the Rugby World Cup both shows the emblems of the participating Rugby associations. Both were issued 9 September 2011, and both shows the Jaguar of the Argentinian UAR. (As has been reported on this site before, the Argentinian team is called Los Pumas, espite the fact that their emblem clearly shows a spotted Jaguar).
The first one is a personalised souvenir sheet (issued by NZ Post) from New Zealand, where the Jaguar is on a personalised label.
The second is on a Miniature Sheet from Chad. We were initially not sure on the latter's official status, but we have seen it offered from several reputable dealers in France, so we are giving it the benefit of doubt..........
Reported by Geir Arveng
Kitten among French Computer Postage 'Designs of the Month'
Every month, the French La Poste's online franking system Montimbrenligne introduces a number of new designs. Among the new designs for September s a nice red-tabby kitten playing in the grass. The service allows you to generate and print your own "stamps" choosing from a number of pre-selected designs. See our July news story for other available cat-related designs.
Geir Arveng
Bratislava Biennale
The Bratislava Illustrations Bienniale (BIB) has been a forum for illustrators of children's books since 1967.
Many of the stamps and philatelic souvenirs from the Biennal has featured cats. This year it shows Tracy's Tiger from the 1950s book by American author William Saroyan.
The Tiger is also appearing in the First Day Postmarks, as well as on the FDC and an official Maximum Card.
The stamp and all the philatelic products are available from the Pofis' (Slovakian Philatelic Service's) online shop.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Tosha - the IOM Commonwealth Youth Games Mascot
The Isle of Man is the host for this year's Commonwealth Youth Games in the period 7 - 13 September. On 1 September 2011, the Isle of Man Post Office issued a miniature sheet with eight different GBP 0.38 stamps (rate for standard letters up to 100g to the UK and the Channel Islands). All stamps show the games mascot Tosha - a sporty Manx Cat, naturally.
The name was chosen after Islanders were invited to enter a competition to name the black Manx cat. Tosha was the name suggested by Vicki Skellorn, of Ramsey. The name Tosha was chosen as it means "the first" in Manx Gaelic.
Alongside the MS, there's also a Presentation Pack sold at GBP 3.79, and an FDC priced at GBP 3.74.
All products ar currently for sale from the IOM Post Office's Online Store.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Czech Lynx
The 
umava National Park and Protected Landscape Area lies on the Border between Czechia and the Bavarian Forest National Park in Bavaria, Germany. In 1990 it was decleared a biosphere reserve and part of the UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme.
On 31 August 2011, the Czech Post issues a Miniature Sheet with 4 stamps in different denominations. The CZK 20.00 stamp shows a Eurasian Lynx (if you have a better scan of the stamp, please share). The stamp pays the basic world (i.e. non-European) letter postage.
The stamp issue is presented at the Czech Post's Website.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Sonic the Hedgehog and his Feline Friend Blaze
Sonic the Hedgehog, from Sega's popular series of computer games, animated TV-shows and comic books, is shown on the labels of a new set of Duostamps issued by the Belgian bpost. Duostamps are pre-personalised stamps issued and marketed by bpost and sold at a premium in post shops and post offices.
The bottom label in the 5-stamp set shows Sonic and his feline friend Blaze, a cat princess from another dimension.
The set is available from bpost's online Postshop (no English interface there - the link is to the French version).
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Amur Cat from Japan
On 23 August 2011 Japan Post issues a series of stamps called 'Harmony with Nature'. This first in an anounced series of issues consists of a sheetlet of 2 x 5 stamp designs depicting rare wildlife. The feline representative is rare indeed, both on stamps and in real life.
The Amur Cat's Japanaese habitat is only the island of Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture. We have previously wrongfully reported this as an Iriomote Cat.
The stamps are denominated JPY 80.
If Japanese is your strong suit, the issue is presented on Japan Post's philatelic website.
Reported by TS Tan and Marci Jarvis
Nordic Hunting and Fishing Days
The Nordic Hunting and Fishing Days are organized in the Norwegian town of Elverum 11 - 14 August 2011. The event is celebrated by a commemorative postmark showing a Eurasian Lynx and the word "Lynx" in Latin and the five main Nordic Languages.
The postmark can be ordered by sending postcards or letters franked with Norwegian stamps to:
Posten Norge AS
Elverum postkontor
PO Box 4
NO-2401 ELVERUM, Norway
within 14 August 2011.
Postage rates:
Norway: NOK 9.00 (or 'A-Innland')
Europe: NOK 12.00 (or 'A-Europa')
World: NOK 14.00 (or 'A-Verden')
Reported by Geir Arveng
Amos and Kibali - Lions of Waldzoo Gera
The German private postal operator Citykurier in Gera issued a miniature sheet on 11 August 2011 dedicated to the Waldzoo Gera (Gera Forest Zoo). The 2-stamp MS shows Amos and Kibali - two newly acquired Barbary Lions. The stamps are each denominated EUR 0.49 and the MS sells for EUR 3.00, including 50 Eurocents going to the zoo. EUR 0.49 is the current rate for ordinary letters up to 20g.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Joint Issue Malaysia - Indonesia
Indonesia and Malaysia presented a joint stamp issue on 8 August 2011. On the Malaysian version of the Miniature Sheet you will find the Malaysian Coat of Arms with its Heraldic Tigers.
The CoA is also represented on the FDC cachet as well as on the philatelic folder and promotional poster.
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| Philatelic Folder | Promotional Poster |
The issue is presented at Pos Malaysia's Philatelic Website.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Gibraltar Tiger Stamp and Miniature Sheet
On 31 July 2011 the Gibraltar Post Office issued a set of stamps and a miniature sheet dedicated to endangered animals. The stamps are all denominated GBP 0.42 (letter rate to the UK), and one of the stamps shows a Bengal Tiger. The Tiger is accompanied by an Asian Elephant, a Black Rhinoceros, a Giant Panda, a Polar Bear, and a Sumatran Orangutan.
The stamps are issued in ordinary sheets, as well as in a 6-stamp Miniature Sheet where the Tiger is also shown on the selvedge.
The Tiger is also represented on the First Day Postmark.
There's also an FDC for the MS, and a presentation pack for both the stamps and the MS. The stamps PP shows the Tiger on the cover.
The stamps and other philatelic items can be ordered from Gibraltar Stamps - the Gibraltar Post Office's philatelic website.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
30th Anniversary of the Bibbiena Flag and Music Group
The Bibbiena Flag and Music Group celebrates its 30th Anniversary on 31 July 2011, and the event is marked with a commemorative postmark. The postmarks shows two falg-waving Heraldic Lions in the group's emblem.
The postmark can be ordered by sending letters/postcards franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Arezzo
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Guido Monaco, 34
IT–52100 AREZZO, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 1266 ("Bollo 1266").