Jaguars
Panthera onca
Jaguars are the only big cats that inhabit the Americas. Like tigers, they lead a solitary life. They are usually found in jungles but are also adapted to forests and more open spaces. They have traditionally been found in areas where there is water.
It is common to find completely black jaguars. This is due to a phenomenon called melanism, which is an excess of dark pigmentation. If you look closely, you will see that they keep their characteristic spots, but they do not stand out.
They are great hunters because they have the ability to climb, swim and crouch, as well as a very powerful bite.
WEIGHT
96 kg
DIET
Carnivore
ORIGIN
America
GESTATION
110 days
Jaguars that live under the care of Loro Parque
Naya
Female
Gulliver
Male
Interesting facts about jaguars
As a top predator, it is a key player in maintaining the balance of the ecosystems in which it lives.
They are great swimmers and take to the water to avoid the annoying bites of mosquitoes.
Their jaws can crush the bones of their prey.
They thrive in the dark because their eyes have a layer of skin that reflects light back to the retina and improves their perception.
How we help the conservation of jaguars and other big cats
The jaguars under the care of Loro Parque are involved in an EAZA ex situ conservation programme. Therefore, the cubs of Gulliver and Naya have been transferred to centres where they can reproduce and continue to increase the global jaguar community.
In addition, Loro Parque makes large contributions to the Loro Parque Fundación, which collaborates with conservation projects for other big cats such as lions.
