Jaguar (
Panthera onca)
Care Manual
16
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
AZA Accreditation Standard
(1.5.9) The institution must have a regular
program of monitoring
water quality for
fish, marine mammals, and other aquatic
animals. A written record must be
maintained to document long-term water
quality results and chemical additions
kept comfortable through the use of circulating fans or air conditioning. Indoor exhibits should maintain a
relative humidity of 30
–
50%; this will prevent excessive condensation on glass surfaces which interferes
with effective viewing of specimens on display.
Jaguars (like most felids) can acclimate to a wide range of environmental variables, except the most
extreme, if given time to do so. Problems tend to arise when jaguars are suddenly presented with a large
change in conditions (AZA Jaguar SSP Management Group
and Advisors, personal communication,
2014).
AZA institutions with exhibits which rely on climate control
must have critical life-support systems for the animal collection and
emergency backup systems available. Warning mechanisms and
backup systems must be tested periodically (AZA
Accreditation
Standard 10.2.1).
1.2 Light
Careful consideration should be given to the spectral, intensity,
and duration of light needs for all animals in the care of AZA-
accredited zoos and aquariums. Due to their size, most large felids
are housed in outdoor exhibits that utilize ambient lighting. Because jaguars jump
and climb well, it is
recommended to install cage-strength mesh barriers to prevent skylights from having to function as
primary containment. Light levels should be appropriate to provide unrestricted viewing of the animals by
the staff at all times, due to safety considerations, especially during night house operations. Most large
felids adapt well to normal light cycles and usually do not present negative behaviors. Fluorescent lighting
is acceptable, and it is commonly used as an artificial light source indoors. Full spectrum UV bulbs have
been suggested to diminish aggression in some large felids held in indoor enclosures (W. Baker, personal
communication, 2007).
Photoperiod has not been recognized as being critical to jaguar reproduction. Institutions using
natural skylights have not reported any problems with using
the natural photoperiod, regardless of
latitude.
1.3 Water and Air Quality
AZA-accredited institutions must have a regular program of
monitoring water quality for collections of aquatic animals, and a
written record must document long-term water quality results and
chemical additions (
AZA Accreditation Standard 1.5.9). Monitoring
selected water quality parameters provides confirmation of the
correct operation of filtration and disinfection of the water supply
available for the collection. Additionally, high quality water
enhances animal health programs instituted for aquatic collections.
Air quality: While the number of air changes per hour of non-recirculated air will be dependent on the
number of animals housed and the size
and volume of an enclosure, an expected rate of air exchange is
28.3 L (1.0 ft
3
) for non-recirculated air/minute/929 cm
2
(ft
2
) of floor space. Indoor exhibits should have a
negative air pressure of 10 to 15 air changes per hour. Proper ventilation should be considered an
integral facet of exhibit design to promote cooling, control odors, and reduce the risk of disease
transmission among specimens. Glass barriers and separate ventilation systems between exhibit and
public areas should be effective in controlling potential disease transmission and problematic odors.
Water Quality: Water features that do not incorporate filtration systems are recommended to be drained
and sanitized on a regular schedule or as needed. All water systems should be
clean and capable of
being a drinking water source for the cat. It is not uncommon for jaguars to defecate in the water. A
second, easily flushable drinking source should always be available (AZA Jaguar SSP Management
Group and Advisors, personal communication, 2014).
AZA Accreditation Standard
(10.2.1) Critical life-support systems for
the animals, including but not limited to
plumbing, heating, cooling, aeration, and
filtration, must be equipped with a
warning
mechanism, and emergency
backup systems must be available.
Warning mechanisms and emergency
backup systems must be tested
periodically.
Jaguar (
Panthera onca)
Care Manual
17
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
1.4 Sound and Vibration
Consideration should be given to controlling sounds and vibrations that can be heard by animals in
the care of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Although the effects of sounds and vibrations have not
been scientifically researched in relation to
managing jaguars in zoos, it has been observed that loud
noises and unusual activity such as nearby construction, machinery, or large vehicles may act as
stressors. Even the voices and activity of unfamiliar personnel in off-exhibit or night house
areas may
visibly disturb jaguars. This may be seen as loss of appetite, aggression, or refusal to shift. Observations
of self-trauma, stereotypic pacing, and/or vacant staring also are often indicators of environmental stress.
Good communication between animal care staff and other zoo divisions can ensure that any unusual or
loud noises are timed or monitored by appropriate staff, and their effects lessoned. Stability and routine
should be considered positive environmental modifiers (J. Becker, personal communication, 2014).
Zoo visitor density and intensity have been shown to impact jaguar behavior negatively (Sellinger &
Ha, 2005). This is an area warranting further research to more clearly define both causes and effects as
well as to identify differences between individual personalities.