A momentous occasion unfolded at England’s Big Cat Sanctuary on April 6 with the birth of a black female jaguar cub.
While any new animal arrival is cause for excitement, this one is particularly significant as black fur is a rarity among jaguars, constituting just 10% of the population.
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The cub’s mother, Keira, displays the typical color characteristics, while the unique black coloration gene belongs to the cub’s father, Nero.
Currently referred to as “baby,” the sanctuary is conducting a fundraising vote to bestow an official name upon her.
Choices include Inka, Into, or Killari, with individuals invited to donate £5 ($7) to cast their vote. The voting concludes on August 1, with 25% of proceeds donated to jaguar conservation efforts in Costa Rica.
“We are over the moon to welcome this little jaguar girl to our Big Cat Sanctuary family,” expressed curator Bryony Smith. “There was no doubt that she was pregnant; all we could do was wait excitedly for the big day.”
The cub, born at 11:10 in the morning, has been thriving since birth, demonstrating rapid development compared to other giant cat cubs, which is typical for jaguars.
“She was born with her eyes open and walking strongly by two weeks old,” Smith added. This birth is part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme, highlighting the significance of sustaining captive jaguar populations due to the constant threats these animals face in the wild.
“Now she is tearing around the dens and certainly making sure that Keira has her hands full,” shared Smith regarding the cub’s spirited demeanor.
“She has bags of attitude, especially when her mother decides it’s bath time, and is outgoing and very curious.” The sanctuary anticipates that she will be ready to explore her outdoor habitat when the sanctuary opens to the public in August.
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