While most people see dogs as loyal companions, music producer Rafael Villafane, 50, has found an unlikely best friend in his pet jaguar, Maya.
For the past four years, Rafael has cared for the 175-pound big cat, providing her with a diet of 2.5 kg of organic meats like turkey, fish, beef, deer, and wild boar.
He keeps Maya active by taking her on walks and even to public places, including restaurants near his home in Mexico City.
When they’re not out at a park where Maya enjoys swimming in the river, Rafael often heads to his favorite restaurant with her in tow. He ties her leash to a tree near the dining area, just feet from other customers.
The two play together at home, with Rafael wrestling and tumbling with Maya to keep her physically and mentally stimulated.
Despite her power and the potential dangers, Rafael says he doesn’t feel threatened by Maya, even though she has claws and teeth.
“I know she could kill me in a second, but we share a strong bond, and I don’t sense any danger from her,” he explained. Rafael’s affection for Maya began when he saw her as a cub.
Originally, Maya was meant to be released into the wild. She had been given to Rafael by a friend who bought her from a Jaguar breeder.
The plan was to release her into a reserve in Mexico’s Mayan Forest. However, Rafael quickly realized Maya wouldn’t survive in the wild, as captive-born animals often lack survival instincts, including hunting skills.
“A wild jaguar would avoid people, but Maya is used to being around them. She’d probably approach someone, putting her at risk of being poached,” Rafael explained. Maya now lives in a custom-built enclosure at Rafael’s home to ensure her safety.
Her living space, which cost around $50,000 and took almost a year to construct, spans 4,000 square feet.
It includes a sleeping area, a large litter box, and an observation deck where Maya can look out from a height, something jaguars naturally enjoy.
Rafael spent the first three months after receiving Maya by her side for eight hours daily to build trust.
“At first, she would growl when I got too close,” he said, “but sitting with her on the ground showed her that I trust her, and she trusts me in return.” Although Maya has occasionally scratched or bitten Rafael, he says it has never been in aggression.
Their bond is so strong that Rafael considers her his best friend, and he’s confident that Maya feels the same.
Rafael and Maya’s story is one of several featured in the new Animal Planet series Preposterous Pets, airing Thursday, April 3, at 8 p.m.
Read more Wildlife News.
