Beastly Beat

Jabo the Jaguar

HER STORY
Jabo the Jaguar was born on December 25, 1991 at the Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin, Texas. She arrived at the Alexandria Zoo with her sister, Topaz (who now is at another zoo), on May 3, 1992. Jabo's favorite spot in her habitat is the log in the front of her exhibit. On most days she can be seen stretched out on her log, basking in the sunlight.

IS JABO A BLACK PANTHER?
Cats in the Panthera animal naming group, including leopards, jaguars, and pumas, have been refered to as "panther" in the past, but there is no such animal. Most jaguars are "tawny" with yellowish to black fur and black spots called rosettes across their body. However, some have black-on-black, or melanistic, coloration. Jabo's rosettes can be seen in her fur when she is in a sunny spot in her habitat.

THESE PAWS WERE MADE FOR STALKING
Built for stealth, the powerful jaguar prowls the dense jungles of South America stalking its prey. Silent and careful, this carnivorous and opportunistic predator is capable of great leaps and quick spurts, but prefers to stalk and ambush its ground-dwelling prey at night, instead of chasing it like cheetahs and lions do. These heavy-built cats have sharp, retractable claws that are important in seizing and holding a prey animal. Powered by their strong legs, jaguars are also capable climbers and swimmers. Jaguars are among the best swimmers of the cat family, which helps extend their diet to include tapirs and fish.

WHERE IN THE ZOO
Jabo's exhibit is located in the South American section of the zoo near the restrooms.

Click here to learn more about jaguars.