Elderly Jaguars Settle Into New Retirement Home

Quick Smiles:

• A mother-and-son jaguar duo are enjoying a purpose-built retirement home at Chester Zoo.
• Bonita, 16, and Remi, 11, are spending their golden years together after Remi’s inspiring cancer survival.
• Experts from across Europe collaborated to ensure the pair’s happy and safe move.

Bonita, a 16-year-old jaguar, and her son Remi, age 11, have begun a new chapter together in a dedicated retirement home at Chester Zoo in England.

Wild jaguars rarely reach Bonita’s age, and Remi’s journey is remarkable after his recovery from a serious cancer diagnosis.

The duo has stayed side-by-side since Remi was born, and thanks to months of planning, they will continue to stay together in their new enclosure.

“Bonita and Remi are truly special animals, and we’re delighted to be able to provide them with a new retirement home here,” said Dave Hall, Chester Zoo’s Team Manager of Carnivores.

“Bonita has been a devoted mother to Remi throughout his life, so ensuring they stayed together was a real priority for everyone involved.”

“Remi’s journey has also been a remarkable one. In 2019, a lump was removed from his head following a diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma, a very aggressive malignant cancer, which makes his continued good health today all the more extraordinary.”

“Our teams have worked closely with colleagues from across the UK and Europe to make sure every detail of their move and ongoing care has been fully considered—from transport to the set-up of their new habitat.”

“It’s fantastic to see them already settling in and exploring their new surroundings side-by-side,” shared Hall in a statement from the zoo.

Jaguars are the largest cat in Latin America and are considered “Near Threatened” by conservationists.

Efforts to protect jaguars continue, with increasing numbers in Mexico and expanded rainforest protections in Belize offering hope for the species.

If you loved this heartwarming update, share it with animal enthusiasts who enjoy uplifting stories!

Source