Thursday, March 3, 2016

Abilene Zoo Welcomes 2 Awesome Young Jaguar Sisters - Great Photos - Nature Provides Efficient Camouflage For Animals

The Abilene, TX. Zoo is all excited over two new arrivals!
Weighing in at around 60 pounds each, these two young jaguar sisters, Luna and Estrella, (means moon and star) at 9 months old are only about half what their adult weight will be.

The nine-month-old sisters recently came to Abilene from the Fort Worth Zoo, where they were born in May. The two cats were introduced to their lair Monday and cautiously have been exploring their new home.

“We expect them to hide a lot during their first couple of weeks, so guests may have to search for them, ” explained Enrichment and Training Coordinator Liz Kellerman. “But don’t worry. Jaguars are active animals, and soon they will be climbing trees and playing in the pool.”

The Abilene Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP), a conservation program that maintains a healthy, self-sustaining population of vulnerable animals to help prevent their extinction. Among the bond projects approved by Abilene voters last year was the upgrading of the zoo’s facilities to incorporate a jaguar breeding program. When Luna and Estrella reach maturity, the SSP program will choose a mate for the females, and the Abilene Zoo will keep one breeding pair.
Jaguars historically are native to the southern United States. Due to habitat alteration, the jaguar can now only be found from the U.S./Mexico border south into Central America.

About the Abilene Zoo: The Abilene Zoo is home to more than 1000 animals of 250 different species. The zoo is open 7 days a week (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admittance is 4 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults, $4.50 for children ages 3-12, $6 for seniors aged 60 and older. Members are admitted free. www.abilenezoo.org. 325-676-6085.

Mission Statement: The Abilene Zoo is a place of learning and adventure, where families make memories, share the joy of discovery and become inspired to preserve wildlife.

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Take a good look at them and notice how well they would blend into a brushy area. Even their eyes tend to blend with their coats and spots. Until they move or make some sound one might not even see them a few feet away, depending on the terrain and brush.

Photos and story are with kind permissions from Abilene Zoo. Special thanks to Kelly Thompson.

Infoeditor