Rare Black Jaguar Rescued

Born in captivity in Mexico 15 years ago, Lucky Boy was sent to a Belizean resort that was later abandoned in Punta Gorda, the owners leaving their mascot behind with no food nor water. The once mighty animal was soon to be dead, when he was finally found and rescued by Belize Forest Department. That was July 2012 and Lucky Boy has been pampered at the Belize Zoo ever since. Here are some words from Sharon Matola, founder of the Belize Zoo, about Lucky Boy's stunning recovery.

"When we received our emaciated rescued black jaguar in mid July, it was doubtful that the boy could be saved. The great team of Belize Forest Department officials removed him from the abandoned resort and brought him safely to the Zoo, but he was so fragile and hurting. However, the overall opinion from all at the zoo simply stated: “Let’s give this animal our 100 percent!”

Special food was brought in from the USA.”High end” food, like beef liver and beef meat, was purchased in Belize, and a strict protocol on how to feed him was followed. This feeding regime, TBZ feels, contributed to the success of his remarkable comeback. Our consulting vet from Cornell University, Dr. George Kolias, who has had 30 plus years working with big cats, emailed us daily about the condition of our beloved Lucky Boy. And we are so very fortunate to have his input. A big “Paws Up” to you, Dr. Kolias !

Lucky Boy gradually responded to his caregivers. After some behavior training, our boy quit pacing then he learned that fence biting was indeed a big “no-no”. Lucky Boy seemed to happily accept his new home, slowly beginning to trust the folks who visited him daily. Lucky Boy’s comeback was indeed very remarkable. Diet was, of course, critical. However, the personal attention this animal received played a very major role in his outstanding recovery.

What more needs to be said? A look at the picture says it all. Big thank you to Belize Forest Department, to Dr. George Kolias, and HUGE thank you to The Belize Zoo staff for providing excellent care to such a special animal.

Lucky Boy is not just an ambassador for his species, but a reminder of the wonderful words from Mahatma Ghandi : “The Greatness of a Nation and its moral progress can be judged in the way its animals are treated”