Contact: Gina Stiles  §  904.757.4463, ext. 210 § cell: 655.3632  §  stilesg@jacksonvillezoo.org

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Oldest Male Jaguar Euthanized Due to Failing Health

October 7, 2009 – Jacksonville, FL – An elderly 16-year-old male jaguar at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens was humanely euthanized Monday morning after failing to respond to treatment for a disease of his central nervous system that first showed up in mid-August. Initially there was some improvement, but two weeks ago his condition deteriorated, in spite of intensive care. Quality of life concerns led to the decision for euthanasia.  A necropsy (animal autopsy) was performed for a complete diagnosis at the microscopic level.

Bruno first arrived at the Jacksonville Zoo on July 9, 1998, from Venezuela, where he had been captured for killing cattle. He was one of 50 jaguars in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s managed, breeding Species Survival Plan population. Being wild caught, unrelated to all zoo jaguars, and with no offspring, Bruno was the most valuable male in the captive population. Extensive efforts to breed him over the years were unsuccessful due to his disinterest in mating. As a result, in collaboration with the White Oak Conservation Center, the Zoo staff went to great lengths to artificially capture his genetics. An assessment found him to be reproductively normal and semen was collected for artificial insemination  and in vitro fertilization procedures. Although none of these efforts had the desired outcome, important data was collected and is the basis for future research that will contribute to the conservation of the species.

“We are all very saddened by the loss of this much loved animal,” said Director of Animal Programs, Delfi Messinger, “but due to the terminal nature of his condition, it was the appropriate course of action to take. However, this story has a silver lining, in that Bruno could still father offspring due to his stored, frozen semen.”

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment.  From the beginning in 1914, with an animal collection that consisted of only one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has become one of the top zoos in the nation, now with more than 1,400 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  It is open year-round, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95.  The Zoo is open until 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays from March to Labor Day.  For more information, go to jacksonvillezoo.org.

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