Chester Zoo has introduced two special new residents: a mother-and-son jaguar pair who have moved into a bespoke retirement home designed for big cats. The arrival of Bonita, aged 16, and her 11-year-old son Remi marks a significant moment for the zoo's specialist carnivore team, who will provide tailored, lifelong care for the ageing duo.
A New Home for a Remarkable Pair
The move is the result of months of meticulous planning with experts from Europe's jaguar conservation programme. Every detail, from transport to the long-term setup of their new habitat, was carefully considered. Bonita and Remi have lived together since Remi's birth, and keeping them united was a paramount concern for the zoo's staff.
Dave Hall, Team Manager of Carnivores at Chester Zoo, expressed the team's delight. "Bonita and Remi are truly special animals, and we're delighted to be able to provide them with a new retirement home here at Chester Zoo," he said. "Bonita has been a devoted mother to Remi throughout his life, so ensuring they stayed together was a real priority for everyone involved."
Remi's survival story adds to the pair's significance. In 2019, he underwent surgery to remove a lump diagnosed as hemangiosarcoma, a very aggressive malignant cancer. His continued good health today is described as extraordinary by the team caring for him.
Providing Specialist Care in Later Years
In the wild, jaguars typically live for around 12 years, meaning both Bonita and Remi are considered senior animals requiring increased support. The zoo's keepers are well-prepared to offer this tailored care for Bonita in her later years while ensuring Remi continues to thrive beside his mother.
"Our teams have worked closely with colleagues from across the UK and Europe to make sure every detail of their move and ongoing care has been fully considered," Hall added. "It's fantastic to see them already settling in and exploring their new surroundings side-by-side. Here at Chester, Bonita and Remi will receive the very highest standard of care."
Ambassadors for a Threatened Species
Beyond their retirement, the striking jaguars will play a crucial ambassadorial role. Jaguars are listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their story will help the zoo educate visitors about the severe pressures wild jaguars face, primarily from habitat loss and human conflict.
Paul Bamford, the zoo's regional field programme senior manager for Latin America, outlined the challenges. "Jaguar territories are increasingly fragmented as more land is taken up for agriculture," he explained. "This leads to more human-wildlife conflict between carnivores and farmers in rural areas."
He highlighted that industrial agriculture, driven by global demand for commodities like soy, palm oil, and livestock, accounts for almost 70% of deforestation in Latin America. "These supply chains stretch across the globe, including to the UK," Bamford noted. The zoo is actively working in countries like Bolivia and Brazil to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable supply chains, aiming to break the link between everyday products and habitat destruction.
By providing a sanctuary for Bonita and Remi, Chester Zoo hopes to inspire public support for conservation efforts protecting the vital forest habitats jaguars depend on for survival.
