The Oklahoma City Zoo is celebrating the birth and debut of a jaguar cub. The feline is now venturing outside with her mother in their habitat at Cat Forest.
The cub, a female, was born Aug. 26, 2009 to mom Ixchel (pronounced ick-shell) and dad Tai (pronounced tie). This was the first offspring for both parents, and the first jaguar cub born at the zoo since 1979. The birth marked the eighth jaguar birth in OKC Zoo history.
The cub named Xochiquetzal, nicknamed Xochi (pronounced zoh-she) meaning Ancient Goddess of Fertility, remained inside during her first few formative months, and continued to stay there once colder temperatures arrived. Now that the weather is warming up, cub and mother are being allowed access to the outdoor yard.
“We are very excited about this new addition to our zoo family, the first jaguar birth here in thirty years,” said mammal curator Laura Bottaro. “This rare and beautiful cat is endangered, and we are thrilled to be able to support the Jaguar Species Survival Plan and further the species.”
The zoo works with accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to maintain healthy, genetically diverse and demographically stable populations of threatened or endangered species like jaguars.
The jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas and can weigh up to 340 pounds. Most have a yellowish coat, white underbelly and black spots, although black jaguars are not uncommon. Built for power, this immense cat also exhibits a stealthy grace when slinking through the forest. Primarily solitary animals, jaguars come together for mating and have litters of four or fewer cubs.
The species lives mainly in South and Central America in grasslands, rainforests and even along beaches. The last jaguars in the United States were eliminated around 1900, although as recently as 2009 the cats have been spotted in Arizona.
During inclement weather, the cub may not be available for public viewing.
The zoo also has another new arrival with the addition of a giraffe calf. The new Children’s Zoo opened March 12.
The zoo, located at the crossroads of I-35 and I-44 in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with buildings closing at 4:45 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages three to 11 and seniors ages 65 and older. Children two and under are admitted free.
Information: (405) 424-3344 or okczoo.com.
