The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England, has recently announced the birth of a remarkable new member to its feline family—a rare black female jaguar cub, born on April 6th. The cub’s arrival has added a touch of enchantment to this conservation haven.

A Rare and Precious Arrival

This captivating black jaguar cub is the offspring of Keira and Nero, two resident jaguars at the sanctuary. Keira, the cub’s mother, was born at the Paradise Wildlife Park in 2017 before joining The Big Cat Sanctuary two years later. The sanctuary’s decision to pair Keira with the male jaguar, Nero, for breeding has led to this precious addition, marking their first cub together.

The birth of this jaguar cub is a cause for celebration not just within the sanctuary but also among conservationists worldwide. The IUCN Red List classifies jaguars as “near threatened” due to ongoing threats from human activities. Programs like the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme, responsible for the birth of this cub, play a crucial role in maintaining genetic diversity within the jaguar population.

The Melanistic Marvel

One of the most exceptional aspects of this cub is her distinctive black coat—a result of carrying Nero’s black coloration gene, a trait known as “melanism.” Melanism is a rare genetic occurrence found in only about 10% of the wild jaguar population. The sanctuary reports that the cub is not only healthy but also bursting with energy and vitality.

“This gorgeous little girl was born at 11:10 am and has gone from strength to strength since,” said Briony Smith, a curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary. “I cannot believe how quickly she is developing compared to other big cat cubs, and this seems to be normal for jaguars. She was born with her eyes open and walking strongly by 2 weeks old.”

Help Name the Cub

As of now, the cub doesn’t have a name, and The Big Cat Sanctuary is turning to the public for suggestions. They have presented three name options: Killari, Inka, and Inti. To cast a vote and propose a name for the cub, a donation of £5 is required, with the proceeds directed toward jaguar conservation efforts in Costa Rica.

Those who participate in the naming process will have the opportunity to enter a raffle, where the lucky winner will receive a VIP tour of the English sanctuary, the chance to place a nameplate on the cub’s enclosure, and a weekend rental of a Jaguar I-Pace car. Voting is open until August 1st.

Awaiting the Public Debut

While the cub remains behind the scenes, bonding with her mother, the sanctuary has plans for her grand public debut. They hope to introduce her to her outdoor habitat when the sanctuary reopens to the general public in August.

The arrival of this rare and enchanting black jaguar cub at The Big Cat Sanctuary is not only a testament to the beauty of these majestic animals but also a significant step in their conservation. It’s a reminder that every birth in captivity brings hope for the preservation of these magnificent creatures in the wild.