We are so excited to announce that our temporary resident jaguars Kumal and Kedera, became grandparents! They are currently holidaying at The Big Cat Sanctuary while our sister charity Paradise Wildlife Park, builds their new bespoke habitat Jaguar Jungle.
Their daughter, Keira, gave birth to a beautiful rare black jaguar at The Big Cat Sanctuary and we could not be proud of these 3 generations of jaguar. Keira was actually born at Paradise Wildlife Park in 2017 and was moved to The Big Cat Sanctuary in 2019 as part of the International Breeding Programme. Here she was paired with the incredible male black jaguar: Neron. The couple immediately stole the hearts of the Sanctuary and the public with their clear love and affection towards each other.
Sanctuary Keepers began to spot signs of pregnancy in Keira around 3-4 weeks before the birth and in just a few months after, Keira became mum to a feisty and playful black jaguar cub. The cub has clearly inherited her father’s melanistic gene, which is a genetic trait that only affects 10% of all wild jaguars. She truly is such a special girl!
Cub is being referred to as ‘baby’ for now as the Sanctuary are leaving it down to their supporters to name this adorable bundle of fluff. For now, cub and Keira will stay in their den as the cub awaits important vaccinations and begins to familiarise herself with the keepers. The Sanctuary remains optimistic that by their August Open Days, the cub will be ready to visit.
Kumal and Kedera are visitor favourites. We are incredibly proud of Kumal and Kedera for starting such a healthy bloodline of captive jaguars. Keira has taken on her mother’s maternal nature as she is often seen grooming, cuddling, and playing about with her cub. However, this lineage is not just crucial for our parks, but also for global conservation efforts. By housing healthy and genetically diverse jaguar species in captivity, we can help ensure the future of their species.
In an ideal world, we would say there would be no need for zoos. However, we live in a world where jaguars’ natural habitat is constantly at threat from negative human impacts, such as mass deforestation, poaching, the illegal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife conflict. Jaguars are classed by the IUCN as ‘Near Threatened. This means that wild jaguars are declining in their natural habitat and near threatened to extinction.
Good sanctuaries, wildlife parks and zoos in the UK and across the world are there to help educate their public about these threats wildlife face in an attempt to inspire a united front to protect our planet’s species. We hope that Kumal, Kedera, Keira, her cub, and all cats at The Big Cat Sanctuary will spark that joy and wonder that is so important for conservation.
Please welcome Kumal and Kedera’s granddaughter into the world and get excited for all cub updates on our social media.
March 22, 2024
The new series kicks off with a double dose of excitement from the iconic San Diego Zoo and its breathtaking Safari Park in the USA. With over 15,000 animal residents, including Komodo dragons, Galapagos tortoises, and polar bears, get ready to come face to face with nature’s wonders. Join brothers – Aaron, Tyler, and Cam – as they embark on a fact-finding mission
The Big Cat Sanctuary is pleased to announce the newest addition to the family, Kuda, a Sri Lankan Rusty Spotted Cat. Kuda is 5 years old and was born on the 30th of April 2018 at Hamerton Zoo Park. He joined us on Tuesday 13th February after a smooth 3-hour journey from Hamerton.
The London Beach Country Hotel Spa and Golf Club have partnered with The Big Cat Sanctuary for many years and they offer benefits of an excellent charity scheme. The way it works is you are able to enjoy Sunday lunch, cream teas, lunches, dinners and even a round of golf and the full value of the food including the green fees for golf ate donated to The Big Cat Sanctuary as the charity of your choice.
