International Day of the Jaguar – June 11th

Jaguars are the third-largest big cats, after tigers and lions. Males weigh up to 120 kg and females up to 100 kg —about half the size of a lion but over twice as heavy as a cheetah. Despite their power, they stand under a meter tall, making them compact and muscular.

They’re easily recognized by their tan or orange coats with black rosettes—unique spots with a central black dot, unlike any other big cat. Jaguars are strong swimmers and often hunt in water, even diving to catch prey.

Females usually have two cubs, born blind and helpless. Cubs stay with their mother for about two years to learn survival skills.

Jaguars are solitary, ambush predators who prefer dense rainforests and wetlands. About half live in Brazil, with others found across Mexico and Central and South America. They can roam over six miles a day and maintain territories up to 54 square miles.