Karen responds: I do not know the status of a mate for Nindiri. I don’t know if we’re waiting for the Species Survival Plan to select a mate (based on the genetic value of each cat) or if the mate has been selected and we’re waiting to sort out the details with the sending institution.

As for the water element in the new jaguar exhibit, I like it a lot. It’s longer with a shallower end and less-turbulent water. I think it would be more attractive to a jaguar. Nindiri has fished for live fish in a 50-gallon Rubbermaid tub containing just a few inches of water. The fun with the fish launcher is that she’ll never know when it will be activated, so she’ll have to learn to check the stream as she makes her rounds!

Karen responds: For now, she’s in the bedrooms and in an area where she can be seen through glass. The actual exhibits are not yet completed. There will be two: one on top of the building, visible to the tour buses, and the main exhibit with lots of branches to climb on and a shallower, long water element with a fish launcher, so fish can be released into the pond area. She’ll like fishing! She can also see more animals, like the elephants, so that will be a big change for her.

Moderator’s note: Nindiri has a different set of keepers now that she has been moved to Elephant Odyssey.

Karen responds: She moved on Tuesday, May 19. On the ride between the two areas, she looked out of the crate with interest, sometimes raising herself higher for a better view.

She’s settling in nicely. Her new keepers came to visit her many times while she was still in Cat Canyon prior to the move so she would have familiar faces in her new home.

Thanks,
Taylor

Moderator’s note: Yes, Karen takes care of the Zoo’s snow leopards. She promises to write a post about them soon.

Karen responds: Yes, jaguars do climb trees. And FYI, we have a forked branch in the exhibit, which our jags both like to rest on, watching the world go by.