Orson, our black jaguar, recently hit a milestone as he turned 18 years old at his longtime home on the Big Cat Trail at the San Diego Zoo. For Orson it was just another day, except for receiving a special frozen treat, a half of a cow femur bone, and handful of fish frozen into a “blood-sicle” (a mix of water and liquid from thawed meat products).
Within accredited zoos across North America, less than 10 jaguars are older than Orson, which puts him in an exclusive club. Much like housecats, any jaguar in his late teens is considered to be quite old. In rare instances jaguars have lived into their late 20s. In the wild, most jaguars live less than 10 years, as they must work hard for their meals and don’t have a staff of keepers and veterinarians looking after their well-being.
Orson’s longevity is a tribute to all of the keepers, vets, and nutritionists who have looked after him. Care of older animals like Orson can be very challenging. Animals have the innate instinct to mask any illness or injury they may be suffering from, because in the wild the slightest show of weakness may cause a predator or competitor to single them out. This is made even more difficult with a dangerous animal that you can not readily get your hands on to examine. We have trained Orson on several behaviors so we can more easily examine him. He stations on a scale for his weight to be taken, and he holds his mouth open on command for dental inspections. Fortunately, Orson has been amazingly healthy for his age, with just a small flare-up of arthritis in his knee.
On your next visit to the Zoo, make sure to stop by and appreciate Orson, the senior member of our Zoo’s cat collection. If you look closely, you may see a few gray hairs on his underside betraying his age.
Todd Speis is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read his previous post, Jaguar Rotation Continues.
Aww… Happy Birthday to Orson ! Thank you Todd !! =)
Happy birthday Orson!! I had the privilege of seeing Orson during my visit to SDZ in August. He is certainly and beautiful animals. Kudos to all his keepers…
He is a magnificant animal. Thank you for the reminder to look for him next time I am at the Zoo.
Congratulations to Orson!!! You magnificent wonderful and beautiful being!! When your black on black coat glistens in the sunlight as you glide around your enclosure I can’t help but hold my breath at its beauty! Your chuffing makes me wish I could understand your language. Through the years you have become so precious to me and my family and I know so many others. We honor you and wish for you more years of good health as you hold court for your many admirers on this day and all the days to come.
Congratulations to all who care for Orson for your devotion and love–we are all so grateful that you have been such a part of Orson’s life and his good health.
Blessed Be With Love, Judy J
I love visiting the Zoo when I am in San Diego visiting my grandchildren. Oscar has always been on of the animals I most look forward to seeing. What a great job you do at the Zoo! Moving to San Diego next week, Oscar may get tired of seeing me!
I’ll be visiting the zoo this month and will definitely stop by to admire and enjoy Orson. Wish him many more healthy years!
Thank you to all who have looked after him and tended to his needs. He rewards your effort with another birthday milestone. Great job.
Happy birthday, Orson! You’re still a handsome dude.
Thanks for taking such good care of him.
I got to see you several times the last time I was at the zoo. One time was on a daytime tour and the second time was on the zoo overnight and then my sister and her husband and I saw him again the next day. Orson is spectaular with those eyes. I think the whole zoo is giving him the best care they possibly can because they just don’t want to lose Orson.
Happy Birthday Orson and I hope to see you the next time I am at the zoo.
Cynthia Jewell of Florida
Excellent blogging Todd! And Happy Birthday Orson! You are one cool cat!
Happy Birthday, Orson! You are an amazingly handsome feline, the zoo and your fans are blessed by your presence.
Orson is probably my favorite animal to visit at the SD Zoo. So glad he is healthy.
I love Orson, and stop to talk to him when I take my weekly walk. He is very handsome. I can relate to the arthritis in the knee. Does he still exchange places with Ndire (sp?) at Elephant Odyssy?
Happy Birthday Orson!! A Cool Cat indeed!
#12 Meerkat
Orson and Nindiri will have the potential to switch exhibits until a mate is eventually found for Nindiri.
I saw a photo of Rita’s she took of him a few weeks ago and it took my breath away…honestly such a beautiful cat!
Happy Birthday Orson and may you have many more!
He is my favorite of the cats at the zoo. He was so handsome dignified as he prowled around the cage. A couple of times he roared – it was awesome. I think he knows he’s one cool cat!
Happy belated birthday, you big beautiful boy!!!! I’m so happy I got to see you in August; will be back in March to see how you are doing.
He has always been one of my favorite animals at the SD Zoo. He is active in the evenings and it is always impressive to see him pacing – waiting for his evening meal.
A San Diego News Paper had done an article on Orson several years ago naming him the Crown Jewel of the San Diego Zoo, a richly deserved title.