Orson checks out a colorful popsicle.
This October 21 is a milestone birthday for our black jaguar, Orson. The elder statesman of Big Cat Trail at the San Diego Zoo will hit the ripe old age of 20. In zoos, only about 15 percent of jaguars reach the age of 20; for comparison, about 15 percent of Americans live to the age of 90! Orson may have slowed a little over time and sprouts a few more gray hairs every day, but he is still an impressive sight to see.
Orson came to the San Diego Zoo 15 years ago and in that time has educated, entertained, and amazed literally millions of Zoo visitors. Thousands more have been able to get inches away from him during our behind-the-scenes tours and summer camp programs. Unlike many cats that like to find a distant hidden part of their habitat to watch the world go by, Orson has always preferred to plop himself front and center in his exhibit where all can get an up-close look at him. This has made Orson one of the most popular animals at the Zoo.
On a recent behind-the-scenes tour, a young teenager told me that meeting Orson up close was “a life-changing experience.” Maybe that young lady will study jaguars and develop better conservation techniques to help them, maybe she will invent a renewable fuel source, or maybe she will become a hardcore recycler. Any way, Orson has done his “job,” inspiring people to become passionate about conserving both jaguars and our natural world.
On your next visit to the Zoo make sure to stop by and visit Orson. You may get to hear his roar filling the canyon or see him devouring a beef shank with his massive jaws. Just don’t forget to wish him many happy returns.
Update: On Sunday, October 21, at 11:30 a.m., Orson will receive some special birthday enrichment.
Todd Speis is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read his previous post, The World’s Rarest Cats: Growing Up.
Happy Birthday, dear Orson! You are an amazingly handsome kitty and we are blessed to have you at the San Diego Zoo. I have seen you lounging before an adoring crowd, have heard your roars and have watched you enjoy finding and eating a tasty rabbit…and you were magnificent in each situation.
I pray you break the record for longest lived jaguar…living a healthy and active life!
Love Orson. I always stop to see him. He sometimes talks to his fans. I think he has a little arthritis, like I do. It takes him awhile to get moving when he’s lying in his cave. I can relate.
Happy birthday, Orson. You are a magnificent cat, very handsome with your shiny coat. You also have a winning personality, tempting viewers to come close, but not too close. I have wondered what you are thinking when I’ve looked into your eyes! Wishing you many more healthy birthdays!
Happy birthday, Orson! I’m very glad that you have such a wonderful place to live out your retirement years. I’ve spent many hours gazing into your beautiful golden eyes myself. You’ve got such a personality, and you’re handsome to boot. Wishing you many, many more years!
Orson is an incredible cat and obviously has incredible care takers. Thank you SDZ for keeping him comfortable and happy. Love this cat!!
Happy birthday, Orson, the coolest cat.
Happy 20th Orson! To all the people that get to work with him every day thank you for keeping him healthy. I always visit him when I come to the zoo he is a treasure and so handsome!
Happy birthday big guy! It was great getting to see you and your birthday box of bunny goodness!
My grandson and I were at Nite- time Zoo this summer ….when….Orson started chugging …..We captured his voice on a n i Pod !!! It was a great moment and life=time memory for both of us!
Are there any photos or is there a video of Orson receiving his birthday treat?
Moderator’s note: We didn’t officially take any, but perhaps Zoo visitors posted something on our Facebook or Flickr pages?
Happy Birthday, Orson!! What a magnificient jaguar. I love seeing him every time I come to the zoo. He is a favorite on the nighttime prowl at the Black & White Overnight. As you say, he is always up front and ready for a visit. May he have many more birthdays under the care of the SDZ.
Happy Birthday Orson! His exhibit is always our first and longest stop when we come to the zoo.