Paradise Wildlife Park and The Big Cat Sanctuary come together today to celebrate a very special birthday, Kumal our beautiful Jaguar who is turning 9 today and is celebrating whilst currently on holiday with his partner Kedera at our sister site as their new habitat Jaguar Jungle is being finished here at Paradise.
Kumal was born at Beauval on the 24th of March 2013 and arrived at Paradise on the 19th November 2013. Kumal is a very laid-back boy who enjoys spending his time draped over a log snoozing and spending quality time with Kedera. They can often be seen cuddling up and grooming each other, although when Kedera is feeling feisty Kumal knows to leave her be as she is the boss when it comes to their relationship. Kumal is very clever and a quick learner. He gets very excitable and enthusiastic when it comes to training sessions with his keepers. He can be fussy when it comes to food and prefers rabbit and chicken over red meat. He enjoys playing with enrichment including boomer balls, hessian sacks and boxes. He also loves investigating new smells and will show his appreciation of scent enrichment by rubbing and rolling in it, the stronger the perfume the better!
Kumal and Kedera are part of the International Breeding Programme, a world-wide governing body aimed at protecting and conserving the health and genetic pools of endangered species. The genetic diversity and the continuation of stable blood lines have become a large understanding in conservation needs, with the programme acting as a network amongst zoos and wildlife parks to ensure species protection. The birth of their daughter Keira in 2017 and then their granddaughter Inka in 2021 was a huge milestone for the breeding programme to help stabilise the genetic protection of Jaguars. With Jaguars classed as ‘near threatened’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, we hope that this aid to the breeding programme can help to continue the strong bloodlines that will act as a safety net for Jaguars in the wild.
We hope to welcome Kumal back to Paradise very soon in his newest home Jaguar Jungle where you will be able to get up close and see him enjoying all his new areas. For now you can visit Kumal on selected dates at our sister site The Big Cat Sanctuary. Visit their website for more details.
Please join us in wishing Kumal a very purrfect 4th Birthday!
