Ocelot Kitten Joins the

Audubon Zoo Family

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: June 12, 2020 3:40 pm

Photo Credit: Audubon Zoo

The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA has welcomed a male ocelot kitten. The kitten was born on May 6th 2020. His mother is known as ‘Milagre’ and the father is known as ‘Joaquin.’

This kitten was born as part of the Species Survival Program which helps to preserve the population of this threatened species. The parents of the kitten arrived at Audubon Zoo from Dallas Zoo during 2017.

Due to some concerns following problems with Milagre’s last pregnancy animal care staff have been monitoring the kitten by weighing him regularly.

Animal care team member Kylie Linke said, “Milagre has been very accepting of us weighing him and always is ready to carry him back into the den when we’re done. He’s gone from around 200g at birth to now weighing more than 700g in just three short weeks!”

At present the kitten is not yet on exhibit. He needs to have all his vaccinations before he is ready for the big wide world and this won’t occur until he’s 8 weeks old.

Linke shared that “He doesn’t have a name yet, but he’s already stolen our hearts!” His name will be announced on social media once it’s decided.

Photo Credit: Audubon Zoo

When he goes back on exhibit “…this kitten will serve as an important ambassador for the animals of Central and South America to the people of New Orleans,” said Ludovico Feoli, Audubon Nature Institute board and Zemurray Foundation board member.

Ocelots came close to extinction when they were targeted for fur hunting during the 20th century. Luckily their numbers have been restored across much of their range in the Southwestern US, Mexico, Central and South America.

Their population in some parts of their range such as Texas is still under threat from habitat disruption and poaching.

Learn more about the Ocelot here – Ocelot | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Audubon Zoo here – Audubon Zoo Website

Video Credit: Audubon Zoo