International Jaguar Day: A Reminder Why These Big Cats Need Protection

International Jaguar Day is giving Belizeans a closer look at the rescued jaguars living at the Belize Zoo and the work being done to keep the species safe.

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center marked the day by spotlighting its role as the country’s only authorised jaguar rescue facility. The zoo said it has cared for more than 25 jaguars since 2003. It said these cats include problem jaguars that cannot return to the wild and now serve as ambassadors for conservation.

The zoo posted, “Jaguars play a key role in their ecosystems by controlling prey populations and maintaining balance in their habitats. The Belize Zoo is proud to lead the way in providing expert care and advancing knowledge about these magnificent cats.”

This month the zoo introduced Belizeans to three of its resident jaguars. Edgar Hill is a favourite on daytime visits and night tours. Ben was once a dominant male in the Cockscomb Basin who arrived at the zoo weak and injured after hunting livestock. The third jaguar is Hero. He arrived as a cub after being confiscated in Toledo and now supports research behind the scenes.

The urgency to protect Belize’s jaguars is growing. In September, Belize’s most patriotic month, a female jaguar was shot dead in Independence Village, with one of its canines removed. Authorities buried the carcass and warned that jaguars are fully protected under Belizean law.

Just a month before that incident, police and the Forest Department seized a jaguar pelt in Belize City and charged Lidear Lino, who tried to sell it online.

These incidents show how poaching and human conflict continue to threaten the country’s iconic big cats. The zoo hopes the stories of these rescued animals encourage stronger protection of wild spaces.