A pair of jaguars recently took up residence in Chester Zoo. Called Remi and Bonita, the senior animals have joined the zoo’s growing ranks of big cats; it has recently also welcomed lions, cheetahs and snow leopards.
The two jaguars are a mother and son, and have dwelled together since Remi was born. Bonita is 16 while Remi is 11 years old, which for their species, makes them senior. The pair came to Chester as part of a European conservation plan that aims to safeguard big cats like jaguars for the future and support their welfare in the world.
Remi and Bonita will now live together in a built-for-purpose habitat that has been specially designed for older carnivores. Chester Zoo’s expert team will supply them with bespoke, lifelong care to answer their evolving needs while supporting the animals’ wellbeing.
Throughout their life together, Bonita has serves as a devoted mother to her son. As a result, the zoo commented that keeping the family together was a priority. They added that in 2019, Remi recovered from an aggressive and rare cancer that makes his good health today remarkable. Keepers said that the mother and son are now settling into their new home well and receiving excellent care.
Today, jaguars are classed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Near Threatened. While they are present in both South and Central America, the areas they inhabit are shrinking quickly due to expanding agriculture, illegal hunting and deforestation.
Big cat fans can now see Remi and Bonita in their habitat seven days a week at Chester Zoo, located just outside the city.