Jaguar (
Panthera onca)
Care Manual
2
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Jaguar (Panthera onca) Care Manual
Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
in association with the
AZA Animal Welfare
Committee
Formal Citation:
AZA Jaguar Species Survival Plan (2016). Jaguar Care Manual. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos
and Aquariums.
Original Completion Date:
September 2016
Authors and Significant Contributors:
Stacey Johnson, San Diego Zoo Global, AZA Jaguar SSP
Coordinator
Cheri Asa, PhD, Saint Louis Zoo
William Baker, Jr., formerly Abilene Zoo
Katherine Buffamonte, Philadelphia Zoo
Hollie Colahan, Denver Zoo
Amy Coslik, MS, Fort Worth Zoo
Sharon Deem, PhD, DVM, Saint Louis Zoo
Karen Dunn, formerly Tulsa Zoo
Christopher Law, Philadelphia Zoo
Keith Lovett, Buttonwood
Park Zoo
Daniel Morris, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo
Linda Munson, DVM, University of California-Davis
Scott Silver, PhD, Queens Zoo
Rebecca Spindler, PhD, Taronga Zoo
Ann Ward, MS, Fort Worth Zoo
Reviewers:
Alan Rabinowitz, PhD, CEO, Panthera
David Hall and the Carnivore Team, Chester Zoo,
Douglas Richardson, Head of Living Collections, Highland Wildlife Park, Royal Zoological Society of
Scotland
AZA Staff Editors:
Felicia Spector, Animal Care Manual Editor Consultant
Rebecca Greenberg, Conservation & Science Coordinator
Candice Dorsey, PhD, Vice President, Animal Programs
Debborah Luke, PhD, Senior Vice President, Conservation & Science
Emily Wagner, AZA Conservation Science & Education Intern
Haley Gordon, AZA Conservation & Science Intern
Cover Photo Credits:
Stacey Johnson
Disclaimer:
This manual presents a compilation of knowledge provided by recognized animal experts
based on the current science, practice, and technology of animal management. The manual assembles
basic requirements, best practices, and animal care recommendations to maximize capacity for
excellence in animal care and welfare. The manual should be considered a work in progress, since
practices continue to evolve through advances in scientific knowledge. The use of information within this
manual should be in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning the
care of animals. While some government laws and regulations may be referenced in this manual, these
Jaguar (
Panthera onca)
Care Manual
3
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
are not all-inclusive nor is this manual intended to serve as an evaluation tool for those agencies. The
recommendations included are not meant to be exclusive management approaches, diets, medical
treatments, or procedures, and may require adaptation to meet the specific needs of individual animals
and particular circumstances in each institution. Commercial entities and media
identified are not
necessarily endorsed by AZA. The statements presented throughout the body of the manual do not
represent AZA standards of care unless specifically identified as such in clearly marked sidebar boxes.
Jaguar (
Panthera onca)
Care Manual
4
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 6
Taxonomic Classification
...................................................................................................................... 6
Genus, Species, and Status
................................................................................................................. 6
General Information
............................................................................................................................... 6
Chapter 1. Ambient Environment ............................................................................................................ 15
1.1 Temperature and Humidity
.......................................................................................................... 15
1.2 Light
................................................................................................................................................. 16
1.3 Water and Air Quality
.................................................................................................................... 16
1.4 Sound and Vibration
..................................................................................................................... 17
Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment .......................................................................................... 18
2.1 Space and Complexity
.................................................................................................................. 18
2.2
Safety and Containment
............................................................................................................... 21
Chapter 3. Records ................................................................................................................................... 26
3.1 Definitions
....................................................................................................................................... 26
3.2 Types of Records
.......................................................................................................................... 26
3.3 Permit Considerations
.................................................................................................................. 27
3.4 Identification
................................................................................................................................... 27
Chapter 4. Transport ................................................................................................................................. 29
4.1 Preparations
................................................................................................................................... 29
4.2
Protocols
......................................................................................................................................... 31
Chapter 5. Social Environment ................................................................................................................ 33
5.1 Group Structure and Size
............................................................................................................ 33
5.2 Influence of Others and Conspecifics
........................................................................................ 33
5.3 Introductions and Reintroductions
.............................................................................................. 34
Chapter 6. Nutrition ................................................................................................................................... 35
6.1 Nutritional Requirements
.............................................................................................................. 35
6.2 Diets
................................................................................................................................................ 40
6.3
Nutritional Evaluations
.................................................................................................................. 45
Chapter 7. Veterinary Care ....................................................................................................................... 46
7.1 Veterinary Services
....................................................................................................................... 46
7.2 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations
........................................ 46
7.3 Quarantine
...................................................................................................................................... 47
7.4 Preventive Medicine
...................................................................................................................... 49
7.5 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization
...................................................................................... 52
7.6 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation
.............................................. 52
Chapter 8. Reproduction .......................................................................................................................... 55
8.1 Reproductive
Physiology and Behavior
..................................................................................... 55
8.2 Assisted Reproductive Technology
............................................................................................ 58
8.3 Pregnancy and Parturition
........................................................................................................... 59
8.4 Birthing Facilities
........................................................................................................................... 59
8.5 Assisted Rearing
........................................................................................................................... 61
8.6 Contraception
................................................................................................................................. 62
Chapter 9. Behavior Management ........................................................................................................... 64
9.1 Animal Training
.............................................................................................................................. 64
9.2
Environmental Enrichment
........................................................................................................... 65
