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Sep 10, 2010 | 5:31AM | 63°F | |
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Nov 06, 2009IT'S A GIRL!.....AND A GIRL! 
November 6, 2009Contact: Audra Levy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE(812) 436-4962 Charlotte Roesner (812) 435-6143 ext. 409 It’s a Girl… and a Girl! Jaguar Cubs Born at AMAZONIA, Forest of Riches (EVANSVILLE, IN)- The City of Evansville and Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden are pleased to announce the birth of two female jaguar cubs. The cubs were born on September 22, 2009, to Cuxtal (Kush-tall) and Beliza (Ba-lee-zah), the Zoo’s male and female jaguars at AMAZONIA, Forest of Riches. “When AMAZONIA opened its doors a little over one year ago, we had high hopes for the exhibit and for the breeding program. We’ve experienced record attendance at the Zoo thanks to AMAZONIA, and now we are thrilled with the birth of these two jaguar cubs,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “It’s quite amazing when you stop to think how rare jaguars are at zoos that we could have 2 adults and 2 cubs right here in Evansville. It is truly a great accomplishment and a reason for our Zoo staff to be extremely proud.” The cubs will not go on exhibit for another two weeks at AMAZONIA, but there will be a way to monitor their progress 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live streaming video from inside the jaguar den will be available at meskerjagcam.com, presented by Woods and Woods, LLP. Two “jagcams” will provide a window into the cats’ world any time, day or night. The Zoo will also hold an online naming contest for the cubs which will begin when they go on display. “This is a significant addition to the Zoo & Botanic Garden, as well as a success story for zoo conservation. AMAZONIA is not only exemplary for our profession but also a roaring success for the animals and our visitors! This is truly a ‘Wow Factor’ to be working with the cubs and will be incredibly rewarding to watch our visitors experience their growth,” said Amos Morris, Executive Director, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. “We use successful births as a benchmark of great care. AMAZONIA is the result of what a dedicated staff can achieve with the right resources.” The birth of the cubs highlights the success of the Zoo’s breeding program. As of 2007, there were only about 44 jaguars in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program, making the jaguar exhibit at AMAZONIA a truly special and unique attraction the whole family will enjoy throughout the year. Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is one of only 19 zoos in the country participating in the AZA SSP Program. The mission of an AZA SSP Program is to manage and conserve a select and typically threatened or endangered species population outside of their natural habitat with the required cooperation of AZA accredited institutions. The program exemplifies animal conservation at its best in zoos and out in the field. The goal is to have a self-sustaining captive animal population so zoos may contribute to conservation education through exhibiting and preserving rare and endangered species. “AMAZONIA, Forest of Riches, an immersive South American Rainforest exhibit, opened at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden on August 4, 2008. The exhibit has proven to be a successful tool in teaching the public about conservation and biodiversity as well as drawing a record number of Zoo visitors. AMAZONIA was also designed to serve as a breeding facility for jaguars. ### |
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