Jaguars Born in Nicaraguan Zoo

A pair of jaguars were born in early January in the National Zoo of Nicaragua. Although there are several cat species in the Central American country the jaguar is the largest. The newborns are born blind and gain sight after about 2 weeks. In these photos they are about 3 weeks old so they are already getting their bearings. After 3 months they are strong enough to go without Mommy’s milk.

Jaguars are shorter and stockier than many cat species. This makes them good climbers. They are muscular with thick heads, strong jaws and limbs. They also have a load roar. Their spots are beautifully filled, black-framed circles which help provide jungle camouflage. Being from rainforests and swamps they are not afraid to swim like some cats. In the Central American forests they have lots of fun prey to chase after such as capybaras, peccaries, tapirs, birds, turtles (they can bite through some turtle shells) and alligators.