Welcome, little jaguars!
About one year ago I wrote a blog post titled Jaguars: The Next Step. We had just recently introduced the San Diego Zoo’s jaguars with the hope of producing some much-needed cubs. As it turns out, the next step was the first step in a rollercoaster year that included hundreds of hours of behavioral observation, collection of more fecal samples than I care to remember, lots of amazing moments between the cats, and the heartbreak of an unsuccessful litter born in October.
Hold still! Each cub received a quick exam, including a weigh-in.
Over the course of the year we compiled a huge amount of jaguar data, some of which will be shared with other zoos all over the world to improve zoo-based breeding of this endangered cat. We saw our young, small Nindiri grow into an adult female, trading in some of her playful ways for more mature endeavors. We saw Guapo grow into a more confident animal as he figured out just how to get along with our always-spicy Nindiri. It was a year of many firsts for our jaguar friends and their keepers. We also achieved another milestone, something that we haven’t seen in San Diego for more than 20 years.
I have the privilege of announcing that a year’s worth of hard work, patience, and a major cooperative effort by people and jaguar has paid off. On April 26, Nindiri gave birth to two healthy, thriving little cubs, the first surviving jaguar cubs born at the San Diego Zoo since 1989. She quickly proved that she really has what it takes to be a great mother. Nindiri has been extremely attentive, opting to stay in her den box with her cubs nearly 24 hours a day. The few minutes away that she does take involve grabbing a few mouthfuls of food, a quick drink of water, and then back to her duties as mother.
There are some well-deserved privileges to being a jaguar keeper!
Our first official exam took place on their fourth day of life and involved getting a weight and a very quick all-over check by one of our vets. Much to my surprise, their eyes were already open. I hadn’t expected this to happen until they were at least a week old. Both cubs passed their quick exam with flying colors. The exam also gave us an early glimpse into personality. The first cub examined displayed some Nindiri-like attitude, hissing at me as I gently picked it up—a girl! The second cub, a boy, was quiet throughout the exam and seemed much less bothered by our imposition. Cleary cub #2 got his personality from Dad.
In the coming weeks will come the eating of solid foods, learning about our visitors, swimming lessons, figuring out how to get up into trees and—more importantly—just how to get down, and many, many other lessons that a jaguar cub must learn. Nindiri’s duties will continue to change throughout their many stages of life, and she has much to teach. It turns out that with these new cubs we are embarking on a new Next Step. A step toward a new, more maternal Nindiri. A step toward the next generation of jaguars. A step toward the conservation of this amazing species and ultimately a brighter future for the breeding of jaguars in our much-needed breeding programs. This next year will be another year of firsts, and I hope that you will share it with us.
Our new little residents will be off exhibit for a while, but look for them in Elephant Odyssey in the not-too-distant future.
Jacob Shanks is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read his previous post, Zoo Conference: AZA.
First of all, congratulations to everyone at the zoo. I know how much so many people wanted this, and it’s really wonderful that this time everything worked out well. I am really happy for you guys.
I have to admit, I’ve nagged the cat keepers about babies for Nindiri even before Guapo was at the zoo. I guess now it’s time for me to take a break from that, huh?
These babies are beyond adorable, I am almost tempted to ask if I can bring them home with me. And I cannot wait to see them in person.
Moderator’s note: You’ll have to stand in line, Hermine! They ARE adorable, aren’t they? But these wild cubs grow so quickly, so we’ll all watch from a safe distance.
Congratulations to all! They’re beautiful and so precious. Hope to see regular blog and vids of their progress. The cat blogs are great at keeping us informed and up to date…much appreciated. Thanks.
Congratulations to Guapo and Nindiri! They are too cute and I’m excited to see them on exhibit soon.
Once again SDZ have done it again! Is there something special in the water for the birth of all of these amazing, endangered animals?
The cubs are absolutely beautiful and I’m looking forward to more blogs as they grow up… Well done SDZ!!!
(and thanks for the video!!)
Fantastic News! Nindiri and Guapo have done it. Can’t wait to see them on exhibit and try and get a few photos of them. Way to go Jacob and team. Well done.
We are so thrilled to hear about Nindiri’s cubs! She was born at our local zoo and we loved watching her grow before she left to become a San Diego resident. Maybe one day we’ll be able to make the cross country trip – it would be wonderful to see her again.
I love these little ones already! I’m planning a trip down to the zoo soon and was wondering if there was a date of when they might be on exhibit?
Moderator’s note: It’s all up to Nindiri, but she has already brought a cub or two out for guests to admire.
Moderator’s update: They are now on exhibit until 3 p.m. daily!