The Akron Zoo jaguar cubs, born at the zoo on March 3, are now on exhibit everyday starting at 10 a.m. The cubs will be on exhibit for at least a couple of hours each day with their mother Naom. The public naming contest has also concluded and the cubs’ names will be Nakita, Bella and LeBron.
The zoo held a public naming contest over the past month and public could vote for at least a dollar, for their favorite name, at the zoo. The top vote getter was Bella, which means beautiful, followed by LeBron and Nakita, which means unconquerable. The contest raised $170 for jaguar conservation.
The cubs, one boy and two girls, currently weigh 16-22 pounds. The cubs will remain at the Akron Zoo for several more months. When the cubs reach about a year old, the Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP) will make recommendations to relocate the cubs to another accredited zoo. The jaguar SSP is a captive breeding program sponsored by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Jaguars are listed as an endangered species by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. There are currently about 100 jaguars in the United States at AZA accredited facilities. Jaguars are one of over 24 SSP’s in which the Akron Zoo participates.
The Akron Zoo, which is home to over 700 animals from around the world, is open 361 days a year. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, $6 for children (2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information call (330) 375-2550 or visit the zoo’s website at www.akronzoo.org
The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.
Akron, Ohio —
