Captured jaguars likely to be returned to the wild

Mar 16, 2016 News

Two jaguars which were recently captured by residents in Essequibo are now housed at the Zoological Park, Vlissengen Road.
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, yesterday visited the Zoological Park to check on the condition of the animals. He noted that the animals were still traumatized after having been captured and brought from the interior to an urban setting. It will be some time before they adjust to their new environment.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (right), inspecting one of the cages

One of the jaguars now housed at the Zoological Park.

“We’re exploring the possibility of having the Jacksonville Zoo in Florida send some experts to give some treatment and also even the possibility of relocating them to some other part of Guyana at a later stage.”
The minister said that it was commendable that the villagers on the Essequibo Coast did not kill the animals.
Residents have complained that the jaguars were responsible for several attacks on cattle and other animals.
Jaguars (Panthera onca) are protected by law. They vary in colour, are excellent swimmers and are the top savannah and forest predators. Jaguars stalk their targets and hunt both in the day and in the night, preying on monkeys, cattle, dogs, fish and capybara.