It may seem odd to have a welcome party five months after someone has arrived somewhere, but the Chattanooga Zoo is giving the city a chance to do just that by hosting a late housewarming party for its two newest residents.
Brothers Phil and Gene, 18-month-old Argentinean jaguars, arrived in the city from Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Fla., in November. Saturday, they’ll finally leave quarantine to take up residence in the zoo’s new $200,000 interpretive center annex to the Corcovado Jungle.
“They’re so strong and vital,” said Darde Long, the zoo’s executive director. “It’s really been a joy having them. We can’t wait to get them out for the public to see them.”
Events will include live musical entertainment, crafts and a table where guests can make enrichment items that will be used in helping exercise the zoo’s inhabitants.
In addition to the big cats, the new indoor interpretive center will house a number of other Central and South American species formerly displayed in the previously outdoor Corcovado Jungle, including tamarins (both pied and cottontop), Mexican beaded lizards and kinkajous.
The zoo has long counted jaguars among its charges. The enclosure’s previous inhabitant’s, Sasha and Pasha, died of natural causes in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Since Gene and Phil are brothers and were raised together, they’ll also be able to be displayed together, Long said.
Although both cats are probably as long as they’ll ever be, they’ve still got three to four years of bulking up before they reach full weight, Long said.
Having young jaguars on display has been revitalizing.
“These guys are younger and more inquisitive and more apt to challenge the exhibit,” she said. “It sharpens all of us on the awareness of how intelligent and powerful these guys are.”
IF YOU GO
* What: Unveiling of the zoo’s new jaguar interpretive center.
* When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
* Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 1254 E. Third St.
* Admission: $6 adults, $4 ages 65 and older, $3 ages 3-15, free 2 and younger.
* Phone: 697-1322.
* Web site: www.chattzoo.org.
FAST FACTS ABOUT JAGUARS
* In some South American cultures, the Jaguar God of the Night was thought to be the lord of the underworld.
* The word “jaguar” is derived from the American Indian word “yaguar” (“one who leaps”).
* The average life span of a jaguar in the wild is 12 to 15 years.
Source: www.NationalGeographic.com