Jaguar (
Panthera onca)
Care Manual
14
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Compared to a leopard, the jaguar is stocky and more powerfully built. The
square jaw and prominent
cheeks, along with robust, muscular limbs give evidence of immense strength. It has been said that the
jaguar is built for power, not speed. While true, this cat also demonstrates surprising stealth and grace in
movement.
The best care for wildlife in zoological institutions stems from understanding the factors that make up
and affect animals in the wild. This sketch of jaguar natural history is intended to introduce zoo managers
to its unique combination of traits and requirements, and to offer literature resources which may further
strengthen their awareness. Particular data from this section may be reiterated
in the relevant chapters of
this manual.
While sharing much in common with other members of the genus
Panthera, the jaguar has a
distinctive background at the species level and exhibits marked individualism in behavior and
temperament. Particular consideration of those factors is more than appropriate for good
care and safety;
consideration of each jaguar’s individual traits is indeed the key means to maximize welfare under zoo
management.
Jaguar (
Panthera onca)
Care Manual
15
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Chapter 1. Ambient Environment
1.1 Temperature and Humidity
Animal collections within AZA-accredited institutions must be
protected or provided accommodation from weather and any
adverse conditions detrimental to their health or welfare (AZA
Accreditation Standard 1.5.7). Animals not normally exposed to
cold weather/water temperatures should be provided heated
enclosures/pool water. Likewise, protection from excessive cold weather/water temperatures should be
provided to those animals normally living in warmer climates/water temperatures.
Hot weather: Animals kept outside should always have access to shade during the warmer months of the
year. Increased
respiration, panting, lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, or constipation may indicate that the
jaguar is suffering from heat stress (AZA Jaguar SSP Management Group and Advisors, personal
communication, 2014).Water features are recommended to be accessible year-round (see also Section
1.3). The use of pools or water features not only provides an opportunity for jaguars to thermoregulate,
but water features are also used quite frequently for enrichment reasons, especially when
live feeder fish
are introduced. The use of misters or sprinklers for cooling is also quite satisfactory, but the option to
remain warm and dry should always be available.
Cold weather: Zoological institutions located in northern climates are urged to consider developing
indoor exhibits in addition to outdoor exhibits or provide supplemental heat for specimens when the
temperature drops below 10 ºC (50 °F). Heating systems used with jaguars need to be carefully
considered due to the aggressive nature of these cats. Heat lamps, Fiberglas
®
pig boards, and other
portable heat sources can and will be destroyed if the animals can gain access to them. Foresight in
planning allows for the use of flexible heating hose embedded in concrete. There
has been some success
adding a warm rock constructed of concrete if the tubing can be adequately protected from the animals.
These systems are increasing in popularity with the improvement in hose reliability and low cost hot water
heater type mini-boilers (D. Morris, personal communication, 2007).
However, provided adequate shelter from wind and acclimated to conditions, jaguars can
tolerate
conditions down to -1.1 ºC (30 ºF). It is always advisable to offer multiple shelters if more
than one animal
is sharing an enclosure. Acclimation of all cats begins by exposing animals to changing temperatures on
a consistent basis. Animals that are given access to warmer or colder temperatures on a daily basis
develop the appropriate hair coat to cope with these temperatures. Heat index, humidity, wind chill, and
whether individual animals are acclimatized affect tolerance of temperature variations, and animal
managers should use judgment in deciding to place jaguars outdoors in cool climates. Providing sections
of varying shelter and sunlight exposure in an exhibit can create temperature zones that permit the
animals to select the most comfortable location. This can be accomplished through a rock or object that
protects the cat from a prevailing wind while offering a sunny exposure. In northern climates, a southern
exposure would be preferred. When kept indoors, specimens should be
protected from temperatures
exceeding 29.4 ºC (85 °F) through the use of circulating fans or air conditioning. Clinical signs associated
with poor ability to handle low temperatures may include huddling/shivering, increased pacing, and/or
constipation (AZA Jaguar SSP Management Group and Advisors, personal communication, 2014).
Humidity: Jaguars can adapt to any humidity as long as adequate shade and drinking water are
available. Shade is critical, and can be provided naturally with trees and bushes. Cats are notoriously
rough on trees. If live trees are selected for placement inside a jaguar exhibit, their ability to tolerate
damage from urine spray, bark removal (through biting as well as clawing) and broken branches is
important. Extreme care should be taken with tree placement, ensuring that the trees are further from
exhibit barriers than the cats’ maximum jump distance, to avoid providing an escape avenue. Exhibits
with covered tops can use commercially available shade cloth to provide patches of shade. One other
technique used successfully is the planting of non-toxic vines to grow on the enclosure mesh. Robust
vines can survive as long as the cats do not have access to the main trunks (AZA
Jaguar SSP
Management Group and Advisors, personal communication, 2014).
Animals may be housed outside during warmer weather with adequate ventilation and with the
opportunity to adapt to increasing humidity levels over time. When managed indoors, specimens can be
AZA Accreditation Standard
(1.5.7) The animals must be protected or
provided accommodation from weather or
other conditions clearly known to be
detrimental to their health or welfare.