A few weeks after their birth, the two young felines are growing up right before our eyes. Visitors can now watch them interact with their parents, Mato and Catalina, in their enclosure at the Bordeaux Pessac Zoo.
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Jaguars at the Bordeaux Zoo
Baya and Jengo are successfully taking their first steps in development. More confident in their movements, they are exploring their environment with curiosity and enjoying playful moments.
Another special thing: their dad Mato is actively involved in their education. The caretakers regularly observe " play, learning, and bonding moments " between the male and his two little ones, a behavior rarely seen among large felines. The two jaguars were named thanks to a public vote.
An important birth for conservation
Beyond the emotions it brings, this birth represents a real challenge for the preservation of the jaguar (Panthera onca), the largest feline in America, which is currently threatened by habitat destruction and poaching.
It is part of the European EEP program, coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), which works to preserve the genetic diversity of the species in captivity.
For the zoo teams, watching Baya and Jengo grow up is "a huge satisfaction." It's also a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close with one of the most fascinating and endangered species in the world.