Cat Forest is home for new female jaguar, Zia.
Guests visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden will have an opportunity to meet its newest animal family member, Zia, a six-year-old female jaguar. Zia arrived at the OKC Zoo from the Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Zia can be seen in the Zoo’s Cat Forest and is viewable on a rotational habitat schedule with male jaguar, Tai and male Sumatran tiger, Ramah. Depending on the day, guests will have an opportunity to see one of these big cats. The recommendation for Zia to be relocated to the OKC Zoo came from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for jaguars. AZA’s SSP programs are cooperatively managed programs to oversee species populations within AZA accredited zoos and aquariums.
Adult jaguars can reach lengths up to 6 feet and weigh as much as 250 pounds. Jaguars are found through Mexico and most of South America and are the largest cat in the Western Hemisphere and third largest overall, with only tigers and lions larger. Once located throughout the US and Mexico, commercial hunting and severe habitat loss caused a significant loss in the cat’s population numbers. Jaguars are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as near threatened, meaning their population is continuing to decrease. Jaguars are known for their beautiful spotted coats and stalking abilities. Their coat makes for impressive camouflage abilities to blend in with the shade of trees. Jaguars have dominated the rituals and tales of people who live in the New World. They are considered a symbol of royalty, intelligence and beauty and are often depicted in ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula.
The OKC Zoo proudly cares for six species of big cats including Sumatran tigers, African lions, mountain lions, cheetahs, jaguars and clouded leopards as well as 5 small cat species – caracal, serval, fishing cat, bobcat and ocelot. Learn more about the Zoo’s cat family when you attend our carnivore caretaker chat. This is the “purr”fect opportunity to meet our animal experts and ask questions about our big and small cat species. These chats occur daily at 10 a.m. at Lion Overlook and are included with general Zoo admission.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Connect to wildlife and tons of fun as you experience the all new BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise at the OKC Zoo. Sponsored by Devon, BRICKLIVE features 45+ life-sized animal statues made with almost two million toy bricks! BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. now through October 30, 2022. Purchase advance tickets for general Zoo admission and BRICKLIVE at www.okczoo.org/tickets. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.