Milwaukee County Zoo announces arrival of jaguar; get to know Filly
Filly
MILWAUKEE COUNTY - The Milwaukee County Zoo announced the arrival of Filly, a jaguar transferred from the Belize Zoo. Filly arrived at the zoo on Thursday, Jan. 23 after leaving Belize on Jan. 22.
Zoo transfer
What we know:
She traveled via plane from Belize to the U.S. port in Miami before taking ground transport straight to Milwaukee.
According to a press release, Filly is estimated to be between six and seven years old and arrived at the Belize Zoo in 2019 after being rescued as part of the Human Jaguar Conflict Program.
Filly's history
The backstory:
A press release said Filly was identified as a conflict jaguar- a jaguar who has been reported to be preying on livestock. They are nearly always jaguars who are older, injured or sick and unable to compete successfully with healthy jaguars for food and territory. In an attempt to reduce the number of jaguar killings, the Belize Zoo, in collaboration with the Belize Forest Department, began a program in 2003 to intervene on behalf of jaguars who were verified to be repeated livestock predators.
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After assessment and authorization, the cats are humanely trapped and safely transferred to the Belize Zoo. The Milwaukee County Zoo was determined to be a good option for Filly.
What they're saying:
"We are thrilled to collaborate once again with our partners at the Belize Zoo to bring Filly to Milwaukee," Amos Morris, Milwaukee County Zoo executive director said. "We are proud to support the conservation efforts of the Belize Zoo and their commitment to the Jaguar Species Survival Plan. By bringing Filly to Milwaukee, we are also focused on the welfare and wellbeing of our male, Frankie. This also opens additional space for the Belize Zoo to continue to act as a haven for wild jaguars in need from human animal conflict."
Quarantine period
What's next:
Upon arrival at the Milwaukee County Zoo, Filly enters a quarantine period at the Animal Health Center before being moved to her habitat in Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country.
The zoo is excited to introduce her to guests at a later date.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the Milwaukee County Zoo.