Audubon Zoo Provide Home for Rescued Jaguar

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 19, 2021 12:09 pm

A 7 month old jaguar cub settles in at Audubon Zoo after being rescued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service from wildlife trafficking

Photo Credit: Audubon Zoo

Audubon Zoo have provided a new home to a 7-month old jaguar rescued from wildlife trafficking by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The zoo have space to care for two jaguars and as such were approached by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to care for her.

“This rescue effort was an amazing example of how zoos, government agencies, and conservationist work together for the greater good,” said Audubon Zoo’s Curator of Primates Liz Wilson. “She is adjusting well to her new environment, and we cannot wait for our guests to meet her.”

The spots or rosettes which make the jaguar recognizable are unique and guests will be able to notice the difference between the new arrival and Valerio, the resident male.

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“In preparation for the new jaguar, the Zoo has made some modifications to its habitat by adding additional jumping and climbing platforms to increase vertical usage of the space. This will allow our guests to see the jaguars up close with viewing at eye level,” said Wilson.

This young female will become an ambassador for her species at the Jaguar Jungle habitat, supported by the Zemurray Foundation.

Jaguars are decreasing in number in the wild with estimates that just 15,000 remain in the wild. The IUCN consider them near threatened as a result of poaching, human-wildlife conflict and habitat loss.

AZA-accredited zoos such as Audubon Zoo have a long-term commitment to jaguar conservation. Since the mid-1980s they have funded and conducted jaguar-related fieldwork in Central and South America.

Learn more about Jaguars here – Jaguar Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Audubon Zoo on their website – Audubon Zoo