SINGAPORE ZOO’S NEW JAGUAR CUB ROARING TO BE SEEN
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by: ming.yang15
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Zoo scores another triumph with breeding jaguars after six-year hiatus
Singapore Zoo is on a roll with the latest addition to the jaguar family following the birth of a cub in July this year. The father and mother of the recent cub is Kahn and Angel respectively and can be spotted at the zoo’s Cat Country. Prior to the recent birth, two cubs Shamu and Shala, male and female, were born in 2003.
“The cub is out of the off-exhibit den and yard, and is well and healthy. Its mother, Angel is quite protective as is usually the case. For the past few months, the cub has been closely monitored to ensure its safety and health. When it reaches three months old and more, the cub would have been weaned and ready to join both parents. Our zookeepers and veterinarians are ecstatic over the recent birth. With the right partner for our animals, we are committed to boosting the population of animal species which are facing ever more threats to their survival in the wild,” said Mr Biswajit Guha, Assistant Director, Zoology, Singapore Zoo.
The father is currently in a separate holding area from its mate and cub. In the wild, a jaguar mother may separate from her partner after mating, and she would then be left to give birth and care for the cub alone.
The jaguar is the third largest cat after the tiger and lion, and the only great cat found in South America. People are often unable to tell the difference between the jaguar, leopard and cheetah and would often mistake one for the other. Unlike the leopard, the jaguar’s rosettes have one or two spots in the centre (of each rosette), while the cheetah has solid round or oval spots.
Over at the Zoo, there are now five jaguars residing at Cat Country.
ABOUT JAGUARS
Compared with other big cats, the jaguar is heavier-built, has shorter legs and more powerful jaws and claws. Black or melanistic jaguars are common, and they also possess spots, which can be seen in direct sunlight. The jaguar depends on its strength and powerful build rather than speed to hunt. Instead of biting the neck or throat of its prey like other cats, the jaguar delivers a single bite to the head, powerful enough to puncture the skull. A jaguar’s powerful jaw allows it to eat armoured creatures seldom eaten by other predators, such as turtles, armadillos and caimans, and such prey make up 30% of its diet. The strength of the jaguar is so great, it can kill small animals with one powerful swing of its paw, crushing its prey’s skull.
ABOUT SINGAPORE ZOO
Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo's world famous "Open Concept” offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Home to over 2,500 specimens from 315 species, 16% of which are threatened, the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes. To better meet the healthcare needs of its animals and working towards its aspiration to become a leading global centre of excellence for veterinary healthcare and research, a purpose-built Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre was set up in March 2006. In 2008, 1.6 million visitors enjoyed the experiential learning experience at the 28-hectare award-winning Zoo. Singapore Zoo is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore. The Zoo is designated a wildlife rescue centre by the governing authority.
About the Author
Ming Yang loves to write about travel & adventures, zoo, animals. To know more about Singapore Zoo, Singapore Zoological Gardens, zoo animals, zoo wildlife and visit www.zoo.com.sg
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